Almaty

Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and its cultural, commercial, and financial capital. Nestled at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, it was the national capital until 1997. The city is known for its tree-lined streets, Soviet-era architecture, thriving café culture, and spectacular mountain backdrop. With its blend of Central Asian traditions and modern urban life, Almaty is the gateway to Kazakhstan's natural wonders.

By Plane

Almaty International Airport (ALA) is the busiest airport in Kazakhstan, with flights from major international hubs. Express bus 79 runs to the city centre (150 KZT). Taxi to centre approximately 5,000 KZT.

By Train

Almaty-1 and Almaty-2 stations connect to Astana (Tulpar-Talgo, 12 hours), Shymkent, and other cities. Book via railways.kz.

By Car / Road

Highways connect Almaty to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Astana, and Karaganda. Sayran and Sairan bus stations serve regional routes.

Almaty has an excellent bus network and an expanding metro system (one line, 11 stations). Yandex Taxi and Bolt operate. Trams on some routes.

• Zenkov Cathedral — colourful wooden Russian Orthodox cathedral in Panfilov Park, survivor of the 1911 earthquake

• Panfilov Park — memorial park with the cathedral and Eternal Flame

• Green Bazaar — the city's largest covered market, a feast for the senses

• Kok-Tobe Hill — cable car ride to a hilltop park with panoramic city views

• Central State Museum — comprehensive exhibits on Kazakh history and culture

• Arbat (Zhibek Zholy) — pedestrian street with street performers and cafés

• Republic Square — Independence Monument and government buildings

• Shymbulak ski resort — world-class skiing 20 minutes from the city, cable car from Medeo

• Day trip to Big Almaty Lake — turquoise alpine lake in the Tian Shan

• Hiking in Ile-Alatau National Park — trailheads within 30 minutes of the city

• Skiing at Shymbulak — November-April season

• Ice skating at Medeo — the world's highest Olympic skating rink

• Wine tasting — visit Almaty region wineries

• Turkish baths (hamam) — traditional bathhouses in the old city

• Café and coffee culture — Almaty has a thriving specialty coffee scene

• Navid — the best beshbarmak in the city, yurt-themed interior
• Green Bazaar food court — budget-friendly samsa, manti, laghman
• Tandoor Grill — premium Indian-Uzbek fusion
• Vlad's Place — Georgian food, extremely popular, reserve ahead
• Café Rosaceae — trendy brunch spot with excellent coffee

• Tian Shan mountain water — piped from glaciers; tap water is safe
• Kumis — fermented mare's milk, available at Green Bazaar
• Craft beer — Brower Bier und Kaffee, BrewStone

• Budget: Hostel Zhibek Zholy — 3,000-6,000 KZT
• Mid-range: Hotel Kazakhstan Almaty — 15,000-25,000 KZT
• Upscale: Ritz-Carlton Almaty — 50,000-80,000 KZT
• Unique: Qazaq Auyl guesthouse — traditional Kazakh yurt stay near the city

• Green Bazaar — fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts, spices, Kazakh handicrafts
• MEGA Alma-Ata — large shopping mall with international brands
• Esentai Mall — luxury brands and high-end boutiques
• Souvenir shops — felt slippers, Saka-warrior figurines, Kazakh musical instruments (dombra)

• Charyn Canyon (200 km) — Valley of Castles
• Kolsai Lakes (300 km) — alpine lakes
• Altyn-Emel National Park (250 km) — Singing Dune
• Ile-Alatau National Park (20 km) — hiking and skiing
• Astana (1,200 km, 2-hour flight) — national capital