Nature at your doorstep

Almaty boasts a unique feature – its proximity to the mountains. It is unparalleled in the world, with the ability to reach real mountains in mere minutes. For instance, from Hotel Kazakhstan, one of the central hotels in Almaty, you can reach Kok-Tobe mountain in just 5-6 minutes via cable car. At Kok-Tobe Mountain, visitors can explore a park, complete with attractions, a mini-zoo, and stunning views of the city. Adjacent to the park stands the iconic Kok-Tobe TV Tower, one of the tallest TV towers in the world.

The mountains surrounding Almaty are part of the northernmost Tien Shan range, known as the Ile Alatau. The name Alatau translates to "motley mountains," reflecting the diverse vegetation found in the area. The Ile Alatau Mountains feature coniferous forests of blue Tien Shan spruce, birch groves, mixed forests, and beautiful mountain meadows known as jailau. Above the forests lie glaciers, whose meltwater feeds the rivers of Almaty – Bolshaya and Malaya Almatinka, as well as the Esentai River. Interestingly, glacial water is also a part of the Almaty water supply system.

South of Almaty's center lies the Ile-Alatau National Park, offering quick access to pristine wilderness. Within city limits, visitors can ascend snow-capped mountain peaks, such as Tourist Peak, Molodezhny Peak, Titov Peak, Turan Peak, and Boukreev Peak. For more information on the mountain peaks of Almaty, check out our dedicated article.

The journey to the high-mountain Medeu Skating Rink is a quick 20-minute ride by public transport from the city center. Medeu offers a unique experience where visitors can enjoy skating not only in winter but also in summer. Additionally, visitors can challenge themselves by climbing the mudflow protection dam, which has 842 steps. From the skating rink, a scenic road leads to the Butakov Waterfalls, providing a peaceful retreat for Almaty residents seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nearby, the Kimasar Gorge boasts swings perched at an impressive altitude of 2,600 meters (8500 ft) above sea level. It’s a popular spot for photoshoots.

Just a short distance from the Medeu Skating Rink, nestled higher in the mountains, is the Shymbulak Ski Resort. This resort is a must-visit not only for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts but for all visitors to Almaty. Accessible via a cable car, the resort offers breathtaking views of the spruce-covered mountains. Shymbulak is comprised of three levels, with the highest situated at the Talgar Pass, reaching an elevation of 3,200 meters (10500 ft). There, you’ll find yourself amidst alpine meadows and eternal snow. From this point, visitors can hike to the Tuyuksu Glacier, Manshuk Mametova Lake, and the Bogdanovich Glacier. Near the lowest level of Shymbulak, the Gorelnik Gorge features waterfalls and hot springs, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Located to the south of the city center, the Big Almaty Gorge offers a gateway to a plethora of breathtaking sights. Just a stone's throw away, you can find the Big Almaty Lake, the Alma-Arasan Gorge, the Ayusai Waterfalls, the Shukur Gorge, and the Cosmostation. The journey to the Big Almaty Peak begins here, a summit so grand it can be admired even from the streets of Almaty. The Big Almaty Gorge also serves as the starting point for the trail leading to the Kok Jailau Plateau, a beloved hiking route among adventurers. Additionally, within the gorge lies the Sunkar Raptor Center, offering visitors the chance to witness live falconry displays.

However, Almaty is not solely defined by its mountains. Heading north, within just half an hour, you will find yourself immersed in the vast Kazakh steppe, characterized by gentle hills adorned with feather grass and blooming poppies. Further along, you will encounter a semi-desert landscape. This diverse array of natural landscapes can be explored in a single day, showcasing the remarkable beauty and variety that Almaty has to offer.

Scenic strolls in Almaty

If you're seeking relaxation away from the city bustle but don't have time for mountain hikes, Almaty's parks offer ideal respites. Gorky Central Park is a prime example. Here, you can unwind by boating on the lake, enjoying amusement rides, or visiting the water park. Adjacent to the park lies Almaty Zoo, home to a diverse array of wildlife including a polar bear, Amur tiger, Himalayan bear, Amur leopard, Asian elephant, numerous monkey species, birds, and reptiles.

For a more tranquil experience, the First President's Park provides a serene atmosphere. Wander along its verdant alleys, appreciate the landscape design, relax in the Japanese garden, or ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views. Each September, the park hosts the AlmaFest apple festival.

The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen occupies a significant place in the hearts of Almaty residents. At its center stands the Ascension Cathedral, notable as one of the tallest wooden buildings globally. The park also houses the Memorial of Glory, erected to mark the 30th anniversary of victory in World War II. Both the park and cathedral are part of the Almaty Historical and Architectural Reserve, featuring several 19th and early 20th-century buildings nearby. Exploring these historic streets promises a delightful journey through Almaty's rich past.

Not far from the park, you'll find the popular pedestrian streets of Panfilov and Zhibek Zholy, with the latter also known as Almaty Arbat. Similar to its Moscow counterpart, this lively avenue hosts musicians, artists selling their paintings, and even features a memorial wall dedicated to Viktor Tsoi on the arch of one of its buildings. Interestingly, this isn't the only tribute to the punk-rock singer. On Tulebayev Street, there stands a monument portraying Viktor Tsoi as the iconic character from the film "The Needle."

Tulebayev Street itself is steeped in legend and history. It was once home to many notable figures, including singer Batyrkhan Shukenov, writer Mukhtar Auezov, and even Dinmukhamed Kunayev, the first secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR. Walking along Tulebayev Street is a pleasant experience, as it’s lined with Tien Shan spruce trees and adorned with elegant fountains.

Another popular destination for walking enthusiasts is the promenade along the Malaya Almatinka River. This trail, known locally as the Terraincure, is favored by joggers and those seeking a healthier lifestyle. Its proximity to water and trees provides a refreshing coolness, making it a sanctuary on hot summer days. In 2022, Almaty introduced a new Terraincure along the Esentai River, running above Al-Farabi Avenue.

The main botanical garden of Kazakhstan offers more than just a pleasant stroll – it's a veritable plant exhibition. Visitors can marvel at 13 rare species of wild tulips, hundreds of varieties of peonies and asters, tropical plants, conifers, palms, and much more. Adjacent to the botanical garden is the Atakent Center for Business Cooperation, featuring exhibition pavilions, recreational areas, children's and sports grounds, cafes, and restaurants.

For those seeking a more natural park experience resembling a forest, the Baum Grove is an ideal choice.

Families with children should not miss the Fantasy World Amusement Park. Close by, the Almaty Circus offers entertainment shows. Almaty also boasts two other amusement parks: Alem Park and Family Park. The latter lies adjacent to an intriguing "monument cemetery." Here, monuments to significant figures from the Soviet era, now obsolete, find their final resting place.

Two other small yet notable parks include Mahatma Gandhi Park and Saken Seifullin Park. Saken Seifullin Park is conveniently situated near the Almaty-1 railway station. Therefore, if you have a couple of hours during a stopover in Almaty, you can easily explore this serene green space.

Exploring the history and culture of Almaty

For a deep dive into the history of both the city and the nation, there's no better place than a museum. The centerpiece of Almaty's cultural scene is arguably the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan. Here, visitors can explore archaeological treasures, paleontological discoveries, artifacts from nomadic tribes, traditional clothing of Kazakhstan's diverse peoples, World War II memorabilia, and much more.

While strolling through the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, don't miss the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments. Beyond its fascinating exhibits, the museum itself is a marvel of Russian wooden architecture. Nearby, the Military History Museum showcases a collection ranging from Soviet-era military equipment to modern weaponry.

For a comprehensive exploration of Almaty's rich history, the Museum of Almaty offers a journey through various epochs, from ancient times to the present. It also comprises the Boraldai mounds – Scythian and Wusun burial sites located on the city's northern outskirts.

Art enthusiasts will find the A. Kasteyev Museum of Fine Arts captivating. It showcases masterpieces by Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, V. Vereshchagin, I. Aivazovsky, I. Shishkin, I. Levitan, I. Repin, among others. The museum is named after Abylkhan Kasteyev, the first Kazakh artist.

The Gylym Ordasy Museum houses a remarkable collection of antiquities, encompassing the Museum of Nature, Museum of Archaeology, Museum of Rare Books, and Museum of the History of Kazakhstan Science.

Among Almaty's most popular museums is the Museum and Apartment of D.A. Kunayev. It showcases a unique assortment of lighters and miniature books collected over many years by the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR. Visitors can explore Dinmukhamed Kunayev's personal belongings and gifts from world leaders.

Additionally, Almaty boasts several smaller yet equally fascinating museums, including the Museum of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, the Geology Museum, the Central Museum of Railway Transport, and the museum at the Kazakhfilm Studio, which exhibits a camera used by a world-renowned filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein and props from Kazakhstani films.

Almaty's vibrant theater scene is integral to its status as a cultural capital. The city offers theaters catering to every taste, from classic to avant-garde productions. Reflecting its multicultural essence, Almaty hosts several national theaters. While we won't detail each one, here are the largest and most significant theaters in the city:

• Abay Opera and Ballet Theater
• Kazakh State Academic Theater named after M. Auezov
• Kazakh Theater for Young Audiences named after G. Musrepov
• Lermontov Russian Drama Theater
• German Drama Theater
• Uyghur Theater of Musical Comedy
• Korean Theater of Musical Comedy
• ARTiSHOK Theater
• Almaty Theatre
• State Puppet Theater
• Russian Theater for Young Audiences named after N. Sats
• Zhas Sakhna Theater
• Total Theater

In addition to classical art, Almaty boasts a thriving contemporary art scene. Each summer, the city hosts the International Festival of Contemporary Art, ArtBatFest, drawing talented artists, actors, and performers not only from Kazakhstan and neighboring countries but also from Europe. Beyond this annual event, the city's cultural calendar brims with diverse art happenings throughout the year. Almaty also embraces street art enthusiastically, with many buildings adorned by street artists.

Almaty’s sports scene

While Medeu Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort are the most iconic sports venues in the city, Almaty offers many other attractions for sports fans.

For football and other sports, head to Central Stadium, Halyk Arena, and Almaty Arena, the latter two doubling as venues for both sports events and music concerts.

Equestrian enthusiasts can enjoy races at Almaty Racecourse, open from May to October.

For ski jumping and Nordic combined, visit the Sunkar International Ski Jumping Complex, renowned not only for sports but also for hosting festivals and concerts, all against a backdrop of stunning city views.

Golf aficionados will appreciate Jailau Golf Resort. It features multiple courses, 18 holes, three putting greens, a spa center, a boutique hotel, a fitness club, and five artificial lakes with fountains.

Dostyk Sports Complex and Baluan Sholak Arena also host a variety of sports competitions.

Exploring Almaty's culinary diversity

In Almaty, culinary tourism holds a special allure. As a multinational and multicultural city, it blends culinary traditions from numerous cultures. Here, you can savor not only traditional Kazakh dishes but also explore Uyghur, Chinese, Korean, Uzbek, Russian, Dungan, Turkish, Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Georgian cuisines, each offering distinct and unforgettable flavors. The intertwining of these diverse culinary influences gives rise to unique dishes found nowhere else, ensuring a truly exceptional gastronomic experience. To learn more about the topic read our article "What cuisines to try in Kazakhstan?"

Discovering shopping venues

Almaty offers a diverse array of shopping experiences, catering to every taste and budget. From luxury boutiques to bustling bazaars, the city boasts a variety of venues to explore.

At the top end, Esentai Mall stands out as the city's most luxurious shopping destination, featuring flagship stores of Dolce&Gabbana, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Dior, and more. For more affordable options, Dostyk Plaza, Mega Center Alma-Ata, Mega Park, Grand Park, Aport Mall East, and Promenade are popular choices.

A highlight of Aport Mall East is the recently opened SanRemo Resort&SPA, offering a vast array of attractions including a wave pool, themed saunas, a "Slow River" ride, spray zones, fish peeling aquariums, waterside restaurants, and more.

In addition to malls, Almaty's markets blend eastern exoticism with modern convenience. The Green Bazaar is a favorite among tourists, offering national products, fresh fruits, vegetables, and local specialties like Almaty aport apples.

If you run out of Kazakhstani tenge while shopping, currency exchange offices and banks are conveniently located throughout the city.

Religious landmarks

Almaty is home to a diverse array of religious buildings, reflecting the city's multicultural fabric. With a predominantly Muslim population, the city boasts over 200 mosques. The Central Mosque of Almaty, built in 1999, is the most prominent. The Baiken Mosque, with its striking golden domes, is one of the city's most beautiful religious structures. Other notable mosques include the Abay Kunanbayev Mosque, Orbita Mosque, Nur-Mubarak Mosque, and Kunaev Mosque.

For Orthodox Christians, the Ascension Cathedral is perhaps the most significant. Located in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, this stunning wooden structure is often mistakenly said to have been built without a single nail. While metal fasteners were used, it still remains a beautiful and important place of worship. Other notable Orthodox churches include St. Nicholas Cathedral, Pokrovsko-Vsekhsvyatsky Church, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

Additionally, Almaty is home to the Central Synagogue of Kazakhstan, serving the Jewish community, and the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity, the city's main Catholic cathedral.

Monuments and fountains

Almaty is home to an abundance of monuments, too numerous to detail in a single article. Here, we highlight some of the most notable ones:

• Monument to the Beatles. Located in Kok-Tobe Park, this monument is accompanied by the band's music through loudspeakers.
• Monument to Abai Kunanbayev. Positioned in front of the Palace of the Republic, this monument honors Kazakhstan's most prominent poet and writer.
• Independence Monument. Situated on Republic Square, this monument features a sculpture of the Golden Man, a symbol of Kazakhstan.
• Monument to Manshuk Mametova and Aliya Moldagulova. Located on Astana Square, this monument pays homage to two courageous Kazakh women who were heroes during World War II.
• Memorial of Glory comprises two bas-reliefs, a central monument, and the Eternal Flame, commemorating the triumph in World War II.
• Monument to Viktor Tsoi. Celebrating the iconic Russian rock singer and actor, who co-founded the band Kino.
• Memorial to Denis Ten. Commemorating the Kazakhstani figure skater Denis Ten, a bronze medalist at the 2014 Winter Olympics, tragically killed at the site by car thieves.
• Monument to Yuri Gagarin. One of the city's newest and most intriguing additions, depicting the first human to journey into outer space, Yuri Gagarin, seated on a bench in a spacesuit.
• Monument to Abylai Khan. It stands in front of the Almaty-2 railway station and greets those arriving in Almaty by train. The monument depicts the ruler of the Kazakh Khanate. 

Almaty can get quite hot in the summer, making it especially pleasant to relax in a tranquil park near a fountain. Here is a list of the best fountains in the city:

• Jetysu Fountain
• Tengrian Calendar Fountain
• Nedelka Fountain
• Steam Fountain (85a/1 Dostyk Avenue)
• Thousand Streams Fountain on Astana Square
• Alma Fountain in Kok-Tobe Park

Almaty is a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As you explore the city, you'll witness the seamless intertwining of traditions and innovations, experience the warmth of its residents, and admire the city's stunning beauty. No matter the season, Almaty warmly welcomes guests and promises unforgettable experiences.

For tips on getting around the city, be sure to read our article "Useful information about Almaty."