At the southern edge of the Eurasian continent on the slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountain range, Almaty occupies a strategic position in Kazakhstan. It is the region’s largest city and a significant cultural and financial center. That’s why you will find many Almaty tourist attractions to experience the best of this city.
Almaty boasts beautiful scenery, diverse history and culture, and friendly people. It is now a cosmopolitan city and still has elements of Kazakh ethnicity. The suggested city is a starting point for some of the unique natural attractions in Central Asia, which will be attractive for tourists as both fans of city guide tours and active travel.
So, in this blog, you will discover all the best places to visit in Almaty before planning your travel and making the most of it.
Table of Content
- Why Travel to Almaty?
- Kok- Tobe Hills
- Big Almaty Lake
- Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)
- Medeu Skating Rink
- Central State Museum of Kazakhstan
- Almaty Tower
- First President’s Park
- Shymbulak Ski Resort
- Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
- Almaty Botanical Garden
Let’s get started.
Why Travel to Almaty?
Almaty is known as the “City of Apples” because of its historical agriculture-made orchards. It is also filled with more than sufficient offerings to feast on that will suit the preferences of all vacationers.
Tourists can marvel at mountain views or other beautiful parks, shop in colorful markets, or explore modern museums. Almaty has the best places to visit, and you will find diverse cuisine, vibrant evening life, and a welcoming population; the remarkable sights do not pale compared to other attractions in Almaty.
List of Top 10 Places to Visit in Almaty
1. Kok- Tobe Hills
Kok-Tobe Hill in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is one of the top places to visit in Almaty. It offers lovely views of the city and the Tian Shan mountains from 1,100 meters above sea level, on hand through a thrilling cable car experience. This colorful destination features a fun park, comfy cafes, and the sector’s first Beatles monument, blending natural splendor with cultural attraction.
- Location- Dostyk Avenue, 104A, Almaty
- Ticket Price- 3000 KZT one way and 5000 KZT two ways
- Timings– 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Tuesday- 3:00 PM to 12:00 PM
Activities to do
- Explore Kok Tobe Hill Park
- Visit the Mini Zoo
- Ride the Kok Tobe Cable Car
- Indulge in Local Cuisine
2. Big Almaty Lake
Almaty in Kazakhstan is the home city of Big Almaty Lake, situated in the Tian Shan Mountains. It’s considered one of the best places to visit in Almaty with family, where you can walk around it and enjoy its crystal-clear turquoise water and picturesque mountain backdrop. Located at an elevation of 2,511 meters, this lake has fantastic hiking trails and a quiet rest away from the city. This herbal wonder is an ought-to-go for its scenic splendor and tranquil atmosphere.
- Location- Trans-Ili Alatau mountains
- Timings- Open 24/7
Activities to do
- Scenic Hike
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Learn About the Ecosystem
3. Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)
Regarding the top 10 places to visit in Almaty, you can’t miss Zenkov Cathedral Wooden Orthodox Church, which was constructed in 1907 and has a full-color outer painting that is beautifully painted from the inside.
It’s a fantastic structure, and no nails were used due to its wooden frame, which still stands after the 1911 earthquake. Located in Panfilov Park, this beautiful architectural icon symbolizes excellent hospitality.
- Location- Gogol Street 40B, Panfilov Park, Almaty
- Ticket Price: Free for travelers
- Timings- 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday- 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Activities to do
- Explore the Exterior
- Reflect at the Main Altar
- Visit the Bell Tower
- Marvel at the Iconostasis
4. Medeu Skating Rink
Medeu Skating Rink of Almaty, Kazakhstan, holds the record in terms of altitude by standing at a height of 1691 meters above sea level, and that too with perfect clear ice. Located in the Medeu Valley, it assures scenic views of the mountains and has been a venue for numerous international figure skating championships. This incredible location is ideal for all figure skaters – professional and amateur audiences wishing to have a highly challenging and distinct session.
- Location- Gornaya St., 465 Medeu Valley, Almaty
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Ticket Price: 1000 KZT (Children), 1,500 KZT (Adults), Free for Children under 6
Activities to do
- Ice Skating
- Ice Hockey games
- Skating lessons
- Watch skating competitions
5. Central State Museum of Kazakhstan
The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan is inside Almaty and is undoubtedly one of Central Asia’s largest and oldest museums. One of the best Almaty tourist attractions, it features an extensive collection of items and artworks reflecting Kazakhstan’s records and cultural development.
Some archaeological, ethnographic, and other items reveal such gadgets as ancient pottery or sculptures, conventional nearby costumes, ancient documents, and many others. This museum covers a wide range of historical and cultural issues that are vital for a Kazakhstani character, and it affords uniquely enticing access to learning about all these records.
- Location- Samal-1, 44, Almaty
- Ticket Price- Adult: 500KZT, Student: 300KZT, Pensioner: 300KZT, Children: 200KZT, foreign citizens: 500KZT
- Timings- 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday close
Activities to do
- Explore Ancient Fossils
- Learn Kazakh History
- View Art Collection
- Attend Lectures and Workshops
- Guided Tours
- Explore the Museum Library
6. Almaty Tower
The Almaty Tower, with a height of 371 meters, forms part of a series of unique constructions. Located 5 meters above Kok-Tobe Hill, it is a first-rate attraction offering a perfect vantage to view Almaty and the lovely quantity of the Tian Shan Mountain variety.
This surprising architectural landmark is one of the tallest free-standing towers globally. It has a viewing platform and a rotating dining area for unique dining. These geographic characteristics and prominence make it a must-visit attraction to enjoy beautiful perspectives and seize critical photograph opportunities.
- Location- Kob-tobe Hills
- Timings- 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Friday to Sunday
Activities to do
- Learn About the Tower’s History
- Visit the Gift Shop
- Learn About the Architecture
- Enjoy Sunset or Night Views
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7. First President’s Park
First President’s Park in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a serene urban oasis celebrating the kingdom’s history and tradition. Spanning 73 hectares, it showcases lush gardens, sculptures, and a presidential house, providing panoramic perspectives of the town and the mountains. Visitors can discover its walking paths and cultural fame and revel in recreational sports, making it a peaceful retreat for locals and tourists alike.
- Location- Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty
- Ticket Price- Free
- Timings– 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Activities to do
- Admire Kazakhstan Sculpture
- Stroll amidst greenery
- Relax by water features
- Picnic and capture memories
8. Shymbulak Ski Resort
Just outside Almaty, Kazakhstan is Shymbulak Ski Resort, famous for having some of the best skiing stretches in the Zailiysky Alatau Mountain Range. The slopes maintained with snow from December to April are matched by contemporary amenities, including multiple ski lifts and difficulty levels. The lodge’s picturesque setting and proximity to Almaty make it a perfect winter place to visit in Almaty with family.
- Location- Medeu Valley
- Ticket Price: One-day ski pass (Weekdays): Adults: 6,500KZT, Children under 10: 3,000KZT. One-day ski pass (Weekends): Adults: 9,500KZT, Children under 10: 3,500KZT
- Timings– Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Weekends: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Nighttime skiing and snowboarding, Available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 7:00
Activities to do
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Ice Skating
- Paragliding
- Hiking and Climbing
- Heliskiing
- Mountain Cuisine
9. Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
The Museum of Folk Musical Instruments in Almaty showcases a rich collection of conventional Kazakh devices, providing insights into the US musical background. Located in an ancient building, it houses a range of instruments, from stringed instruments like the dombra to wind devices, including Synergy and Kobyz. Visitors can experience guided tours and low-stay performances, making it a cultural gem for song lovers exploring Kazakhstan’s diverse musical traditions.
- Location- Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Almaty
- Timings- 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Tuesday close
Activities to do
- Explore the collection
- Garden performance, especially in summers
- Shop for souvenirs
- Listen to different instruments
10. Almaty Botanical Garden
Almaty Botanical Garden, located in the south of Kazakhstan, at the foot of the Tian-Shan mountains, hosts one of the most diverse Central Asia and world plant collections. It extends over one hundred hectares and includes meadow-mountainous territories, rose gardens, and a greenhouse with cacti.
The prominent sites include the Japanese Garden, which is educational and offers a stunning experience to its guests. It is suitable for lovers of nature and individuals with a passion for botany, and it provides visitors with sections that can be explored.
- Location- Timiryazev Street, Almaty
- Timings- 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (entry and ticket office close by 6:00 PM)
Activities to do
- Explore Japanese gardens
- Pensive Strolls
- Wildlife spotting
- Photography sessions
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Conclusion
Almaty is a city that can be described as simultaneously ancient and very modern, with many interesting sights that suit anybody. Whether you are an adventurer on the lookout for opportunities to bask in the natural beauty of the Kazakh steppes, a historian eager to explore the roots of the glorious Silk Road cities, or a world-weary urbanite eager to leave the concrete jungle, Almaty tourist attractions will surely arouse your attention. So, start referring to the above attractions and plan your trip to unbelievable Almaty.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Almaty FAQs
How to get around Almaty?
There are several modes of transportation you can explore in Almaty. Book a taxi from ride-hailing apps to quickly reach any destination. Explorers can even take the Almaty subway to get a selected choice of areas. Moreover, you can take city buses to make your Almaty travel all the more cost-effective.
What are the reasons to travel to Almaty with family?
If you want to explore Almaty in the company of your family, then there are manifold reasons to do so:
• Almaty has a wide range of ski resorts available for travelers.
• Almaty offers you a fantastic influence from Central Asia to European-style cities.
• For nature lovers, the Almaty mountains offer breathtaking views and opportunities to experience manifold adventure activities.
• Almaty is the best place to enjoy nightlife. The city features plenty of clubs, illuminated streets, and several activities for night travelers.
What are some of the best things to buy in Almaty?
Almaty is an ideal place for shopaholics to lay their hands on the city’s unique offerings. You can buy the following set of things:
• Shubat (Traditional Kazakh beverage)
• Kazakh Carpets
• Medovik (Traditional Dessert)
• Chak-chack (Traditional Dessert)
