Almaty Named a Must-Visit City for 2025
CNN Travel has recognized Almaty as one of the most exciting travel destinations for 2025. In its ranking, the publication dubs Almaty “The Capital of Cool,” highlighting the city's unique blend of rich culture, vibrant gastronomy, and breathtaking nature.
A City That Has It All
Almaty seamlessly combines nightlife, art, cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains, it serves as the perfect gateway for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
CNN Travel spotlights key attractions, including the Abylkhan Kasteyev Museum of Arts, the Ascension Cathedral, and the Tselinny Center for Contemporary Culture, which is set to move into a new space in 2025. Even the city’s subway offers a visual treat – its stations are renowned for their design.
One of the most intriguing mentions is Kazakhstan’s most secretive museum – an unnamed collection hidden in the basement of the French House store on Nazarbayev (formerly Furmanov) Avenue. This museum houses an eclectic mix of ancient torture devices, Soviet-era artifacts, and exquisite jewelry.
A Culinary Journey
Almaty is also celebrated as the birthplace of Neo Nomad cuisine, which fuses traditional nomadic ingredients with modern culinary techniques. CNN Travel recommends experiencing this trend at Auyl, Tör, and Tarih.
For fresh produce and authentic local flavors, the Green Bazaar remains the city’s go-to market and a must-visit for food lovers.
With its dynamic energy and growing global appeal, Almaty is solidifying its status as one of the most vibrant and promising cities in Central Asia. Planning a visit? Check out our articles: A Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Almaty and Useful Information About Almaty.
Recommended tours:
All offers-1_420x650_4ab.jpg "Almaty Highlights: City Tour")
Embark on a captivating 3-hour tour where you'll explore Almaty's prominent attractions. Visit the Museum of Almaty, marvel at the exquisite Ascension Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of trade at the Green Bazaar.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Almaty Highlights: Mountain Tour")
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes just a stone's throw away from the center of Almaty! Explore the awe-inspiring wonders nestled in the Ile-Alatau Mountains and ascend to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Ultimate Almaty Day Tour")
A fantastic option for a day-long adventure that involves discovering Almaty's most fascinating landmarks. This excursion allows you to explore the best attractions of Almaty and also takes you to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level, providing a delightful experience amidst the breathtaking mountain landscapes.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Bogdanovich Glacier Trekking Tour")
On request
Embark on a trek to the Bogdanovich Glacier, the closest glacier to the city of Almaty. Enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks from the glacier's observation point.
On request
Embark on a trek to Alma-Arasan Gorge (Prohodnoye Gorge), one of the most easily accessible and picturesque places near Almaty. The trail follows the river, involving several crossings over wooden and iron bridges.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Boukreev Peak Trekking Tour")
On request
An easy circular trekking route leading to Boukreev Peak in the Ile Alatau Mountains. Spanning 17 kilometers and designed for a one-day adventure, this trail begins at the Almatau tourist base in the Kotyrbulak gorge.
On request
This route unveils the diverse contrasts and beauties of the Ile Alatau Mountains. Highlights include a visit to the Shymbulak Ski Resort, lunch in a traditional Kazakh yurt, crossing a glacier, witnessing the stunning Big Almaty Lake, and the unique opportunity to swim in a pond created by the Shukur Waterfall.