Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital and largest city, is a stunning blend of Soviet-era architecture, modern urban life, and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, it offers everything from bustling bazaars to serene alpine lakes. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a culture lover, or just looking to explore, Almaty has something for everyone.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the city’s must-see attractions and hidden gems, along with tips on the best times to visit and how to get around.
🏞️ Must-See Attractions in Almaty
1. Big Almaty Lake (BAO)
📍 Location: 28 km south of Almaty
💡 Best time to visit: May-October (winter access is limited)
This stunning turquoise lake sits at an altitude of 2,511 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. A favorite among photographers and hikers, it’s part of the Ile-Alatau National Park. We can arrange you a car or a tour to get there, as public transport doesn’t go all the way and hiking one way up to the mountain may take 3-4 hours. As an alternative transportation some tourists book e-bikes but as tour operators we put your safety and comfort on first place and do not recommend this option as there are many risks of emergencies as e-bikes renting doesn’t require driving license you may run into inexperienced drivers or cause an accident on the way (which happens a lot often than you might think).
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the clearest reflections..
2. Kok-Tobe Hill & the Almaty Tower
📍 Location: Accessible by cable car or road
💡 Best time to visit: Sunset for panoramic views
Kok-Tobe is Almaty’s most famous viewpoint, offering a sweeping panorama of the city. Ride the cable car from downtown, visit the mini-zoo, take a photo with the Beatles statue, and enjoy a drink at the hilltop café. Don’t miss the Almaty TV Tower (though you can’t enter, it’s a great photo spot).ate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga.
3. Medeu Skating Rink & Shymbulak Ski Resort
📍 Location: 15 km from the city
💡 Best time to visit: Winter for skiing, summer for hiking
- Medeu is the world’s highest Olympic-sized ice rink, open in winter for skating and in summer for events.
- Shymbulak, just a cable car ride up, is Central Asia’s best ski resort, with slopes for all levels.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t ski, take the gondola for incredible mountain views.
4. Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)
📍 Location: Panfilov Park, downtown Almaty
💡 Best time to visit: Daytime for photos, evenings for a peaceful stroll
This colorful wooden Russian Orthodox church is one of the few surviving tsarist-era buildings in Almaty. Surrounded by Panfilov Park, it’s a great spot to relax and admire the architecture.
5. Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)
📍 Location: Near Gogol & Pushkin streets
💡 Best time to visit: Morning for the freshest produce
For an authentic local experience, dive into Almaty’s main market. Try fresh fruits, nuts, horse meat (kazy), and fermented milk (kumys). Bargaining is common, so don’t hesitate to negotiate!
🔍 Hidden Gems in Almaty
1. First President’s Park
📍 Location: Alatau district
💡 Best for: A quiet escape with mountain views
This beautifully landscaped park is less touristy than Kok-Tobe but offers equally stunning views of the mountains. Perfect for a picnic or a peaceful walk.
2. Arasan Baths
📍 Location: Near Abay Metro Station
💡 Best for: A traditional Central Asian spa experience
A Soviet-era banya (bathhouse) with Turkish, Russian, and Finnish saunas. A great way to relax after hiking. Note: Separate sections for men and women.
3. Museum of Folk Instruments
📍 Location: In Panfilov Park
💡 Best for: Music & culture lovers
A small but fascinating museum showcasing traditional Kazakh instruments like the dombra and kobyz. The building itself is a work of art.
4. Almaty Metro Stations
📍 Best stations: Abay, Almaly, Baikonur
💡 Why visit? Soviet-era architecture & unique designs
Almaty’s metro is not just for transport—it’s an underground art gallery. Each station has intricate mosaics and designs reflecting Kazakh culture.
5. Furmanov Peak Hike
📍 Trail starts near Kok-Tobe
💡 Best for: Easy hiking with city views
A short but rewarding hike (about 2-3 hours round trip) offering spectacular views over Almaty. Great for those who want nature without going too far.
Final Thoughts
Almaty is a city where urban life meets wild nature, offering both famous landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. Whether you’re exploring the bustling Green Bazaar, relaxing in Arasan Baths, or hiking to Big Almaty Lake, you’ll find endless adventures.
Have you been to Almaty? What was your favorite spot? Share in the comments!
