Learn all about Almaty Kazakhstan, including the best time to visit, where to eat, places to see and top things to do in Almaty city and the best places to visit from Almaty.
Almaty, Kazakhstan is often the starting point of a Central Asia trip. The former Kazakhstan capital and largest city in the country is a place that has so much to offer.
Surrounded by stunning scenery and nature, the city’s fascinating architecture and delicious food scene are great reasons to travel to Almaty. This Almaty city travel guide will provide you with so many travel tips and amazing reasons to visit this wonderful city.
Tip: See my Kazakhstan Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Kazakhstan!
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Plan your trip to Almaty
Where to stay
- Best budget pick: Evergreen Hostel
- Best guesthouse choice: Guest House on Sadovaya
- Top high-end hotel: Kazzhol Park Hotel
Top experiences in and near Almaty
Plan your trip to Kazakhstan
A brief history of Almaty
Destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century, the modern city of Almaty, (formerly Alma-Ata) was founded in 1854 when the Russian military built a fortification on the site of the ancient city.
Sitting at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains, Almaty gained its name ‘father of apples’ from the surrounding forests of apple trees.
The city is located in the southeast of Kazakhstan, bordering Kyrgyzstan and China. With a population of nearly 1.8 million people, it’s the country’s largest city. In 1995, Almaty had its title of Kazakhstan’s capital revoked and it was transferred to the city of Nur-Sultan (previously known as Astana).
The city has a long-standing relationship with industry and during World War II, Russia moved around 30 of its factories to Almaty along with some of their schools. Today it can still be described as the industrial, historical, and scientific center of Central Asia.
Due to its location, Almaty became a center of trade, agriculture, and craft as settlements within ‘Greater Almaty’ became part of the trade routes along the Silk Road.
Almaty is a diverse and cultural city housing many different nationalities who have claimed the city as their home. However, in the early 20th century the Kazakh people underwent a genocide whilst under Soviet rule and millions of Kazakh people lost their lives. It’s only since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, that the Kazakh people are once again the ethnic majority in Almaty.
Today, large numbers of green spaces and parks, large squares, memorials, and magnificent Russian architecture all combine as evidence of the city’s Soviet history.
What language is spoken in Almaty?
Russian is the main language spoken in Almaty. A small part of the city’s population also speaks Kazakh (a Turkic language).
If you are planning to visit Almaty, I’d definitely recommend learning a few basic phrases and words in Russian. Or alternatively, take a Russian Phrasebook with you as English is not very widely spoken.
You can also download the Russian language pack on the Google translation app onto your phone that will help you to translate words. Basic English is sometimes spoken in hostels and some hotels but don’t depend too much on it.
Is Almaty worth visiting?
You may be wondering why to visit Almaty and through this travel guide, I’m to give you so many reasons why you should!
Although Nur-Sultan (Astana) was made Kazakhstan’s capital city, Almaty remains to be a bustling and vibrant cultural hub.
There are many great cafes and shopping centers for the new Kazakh generation that help make Almaty not only a destination that’s fantastic for solo travelers but also a lovely place for families to visit. Its laid-back cafe culture and friendly Kazakh locals will help win over all who travel here.
There are also many parks in Almaty, nearly one on every corner and once you’ve had your fix of nature within the city, the scenic places and natural spots to visit outside of the city are massively abundant too.
You can see some beautiful and interesting examples of Soviet mosaics scattered throughout Almaty if you know where to find them. Although the historical influence of Soviet rule still exists, Almaty is now described as rather cosmopolitan.
Life in Almaty is a mashup of modern, luxury apartment buildings that now sit next to old Soviet flats giving Almaty a very unique charm, the meeting of history and the modern world.
From surreal desert landscapes to high mountain lakes and life in a yurt camp, this 10-day Best of Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan journey takes you straight into the heart of Central Asia!
What is Almaty Kazakhstan known for?
The city first came to be recognized as one of the many stops along the famous Silk Road with many merchants and people passing through for trade. It’s also known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, because of the city’s close proximity to three of the major attractions in Kazakhstan – the Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, and Altyn-Emel National Park.
With its mild climate, Almaty is the genetic birthplace for many varieties of apples. Scientists have tracked here from all over the world to visit Almaty and learn and research the origins of the domestic apple. The word ‘Almaty’ translates to ‘father of apples’.
Is Almaty safe?
Is Almaty safe for tourists? Yes, in general, Almaty city is considered to be a safe city and it is unlikely that you would encounter many problems whilst visiting this vibrant city. There are small occurrences of theft and robbery similar to any other city, although it’s a rarity in Almaty.
Corruption exists in Kazakhstan and some websites will lead you to believe that government officials and fake policemen will try to scam you out of money by fining you for no apparent reason. This is a rarity these days and more so than not, you will be greeted by friendly locals who are willing to help.
You may be randomly stopped for a document check though so keep your documents on you when out and about.
It’s also wise to be aware of taxi drivers who may try to overcharge you for your fare and if you can, agree on a price with the driver before you leave. Or better still , use the Go Yandex app especially if you happen to be travelling alone.
Solo female travel in Almaty is also considered to be safe (I never encountered any problems!) and the multicultural nature of Almaty means that although many people are practicing Muslims, most people have a fairly liberal attitude in regards to what a female tourist should wear. It’s important though to dress appropriately in places of worship.
When is the best time to visit Almaty in Kazakhstan
The best time to visit Almaty is between late spring and early Autumn (June-September). The parks are lush, green and leafy and cafe and restaurant terraces are open so that you can take in the beauty of the city, whilst enjoying lunch outside.
In summer, the weather is perfect for exploring areas outside of Almaty for trekking and hiking to waterfalls, lakes and mountains.
However, in winter, Almaty’s weather can be temperamental and if you choose to visit during the winter months, be prepared for some low temperatures such as -20°C!
One benefit of visiting Almaty in the winter is that flights are much cheaper compared to the busier, warmer months and that you can go skiing in Shymbulak, one of Kazakhstan’s biggest ski resorts!
How to get to Almaty, Kazakhstan
There are a few different ways to get to Almaty, Kazakhstan. It’s common for visitors to fly into Almaty International airport from other world destinations. But if you happen to be travelling around neighbouring Central Asian countries such as China, Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan then it’s possible to arrive in Almaty overland.
How to get from the International airport to Almaty
There are several airline companies that offer reasonably priced tickets to and from Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Almaty International Airport is located quite close to the city center. You can take either a bus or a taxi into the city from the airport. It’s great if you have the Go Yandex app already downloaded on your phone as you can pre-book an official taxi.
There are many unofficial taxis working at the airport who may take advantage of a solo traveler who doesn’t know about regular taxi rates.
Many people will be shouting ‘taxi, taxi’ out the front of the airport and for the majority, they are not official taxi drivers. Instead, keep your eyes open for someone wearing a bright yellow vest, as these vest indicate the official taxi drivers and they will be standing near the police stand.
The fare will cost you around $7 (3000 KZT) or alternatively you can use the Yandex app and the taxi fare will cost you just under $4 (1500 KZT). You can pay in cash or with credit card but let the driver know before you leave the airport how you’d like to pay as they will charge you for the fare via card there at the airport.
If you opt for the bus, the #92 leaves from the airport and will take you to the Sayakhat bus station in the city centre. The bus fare will cost you less than a dollar, 150 KZT, and takes roughly half an hour to get to the station. Buses run every 15 minutes between 06:00 and 21:00.
How to get from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Almaty
You can travel between Bishkek and Almaty by taxi or marshrutka (minibus). You can catch a marshrutka at the Western Bus Station in Bishkek where you’ll have to wait for the marshrutka to fill with other travelers before you can leave but it will cost you less than $10 for the 5-hour journey.
Read for more details: How to get from Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) to Almaty (Kazakhstan).
How to get from Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Almaty
You can take a bus or a train from Tashkent to Almaty. The most comfortable mode of transport would be the train which has three different class options.
The train runs three times each week and leaves from the Almaty-2 train station in Almaty. You can travel the entire 16 hour journey in a reclining chair for roughly $10.
Read for more details: How to travel by train in Kazakhstan.
How to get from Urumqi, China to Almaty
It’s possible to make the journey from Urumqi in China to Almaty via train. There are two weekly trains (K9795) departing on a Monday and a Saturday, that will take you to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The journey time is roughly 30 hours, alternatively you can take a sleeper bus from Urumqi to Almaty that will take a day to travel and cost you around $70.
How to get around Almaty
The layout of Almaty is like a grid. It’s quite simple to navigate your way around the city however strangely, you won’t come across an official city ‘centre’.
Many of the sights and places of interest are scattered across the city and you have to travel in order to find them. The majority of locals drive and rely on their cars as a main mode of transport around the city.
Getting around Almaty by bus
There are 88 bus routes in Almaty and tickets cost between 80 and 150 KZT depending on what route you take.
The larger buses are far more spacious and greener than the smaller marshrutka style buses that tend to operate on a lot of the routes. Due to the large number of routes, it can sometimes be tricky to navigate which bus to take.
You can check the citybus.kz website for information or alternatively you can download the maps.me or 2Gis apps that will tell you exactly which bus number to take.
If you plan on using the bus a lot when in Almaty it may be worth buying an Onay Card. This card can be used for the metro as well as the bus. Find out more information here.
Almaty Metro
The construction of the metro in Almaty started in 1988 and didn’t finish until 2011 when it officially opened. The stations have been beautifully built and each one has a different character complete with its own unique Kazakh designs and symbols.
The metro is a great way to explore Almaty. Not only is it cheap and efficient but a lot of the well known sights are only a short distance walking from a metro station.
Taxis in Almaty
Taxis are more expensive than the metro or taking a bus, but they are still relatively affordable. Any car can be a taxi in Almaty, there are official and unofficial taxis.
I’d recommend downloading the Go Yandex app onto your phone which will allow you to book only the official taxis. It’s really fast and easy and you don’t need to go to the hassle of trying to negotiate a price, so there is less chance of being overcharged.
Walking around Almaty
Almaty is such a leafy, green city that walking through some of the neighbourhoods and exploring the parks and monuments on foot can be a lovely experience.
Bear in mind that a lot of the sights are spaced out across the city, so if you plan on seeing a lot in a short time then walking might not be your best option. It’s all dependent on how you like to spend your days and how long you have to visit Almaty.
Cycling around Almaty
You can now rent a bicycle in Almaty and cycle around the city. There are 50 automated bike stations across the city where you can pick up a bicycle, travel around and then return the bike to another station.
It’s a cheap and easy way to see the sights and although cycling might not be the norm in some parts of the city, it’s a nice way to get around. Two to three hours rental will only cost you around $1.
12 Places to see and things to do in Almaty City
Almaty City Map
Top Tip: This Almaty city tour covers most important historical, cultural, & traditional places of Almaty!
1. Kök-Töbe and Kök-Töbe Cable Car
Kök-Töbe (‘Blue Hill’) is a 1100m hill that sits on the city’s southeast edge and offers a wonderful view not only of the city but also of the surrounding Tien Shan mountains. This is one of the most popular things to do in Almaty for families as there’s a zoo and a small amusement park at the top.
At the top sits a 372m high TV tower that can be seen from far and wide as well as a selection of attractions which can be accessed via a smooth cable car ride.
You can take this cable car from beside the Palace of the Republic up to Kök-Töbe hill and it will only take you a short six minutes to glide high above Almaty to the top of the hill.
If heights aren’t your thing, you can also walk up the hill or take the number 95 or 99 bus to their terminus and take a marshrutka from there to the top of the hill. You will be charged an admission fee if you choose to travel to the top.
2. Panfilov Park, War Memorial and Zenkov Cathedral
Panfilov Park is one of Almaty’s most popular lush and green spaces. Take some time to stroll around this special park that was named after the 28 soldiers from Almaty who fell whilst fighting in WWII. A memorial statue sits in the park that was dedicated to all of the Kazakh soldiers who died in both the first and second world wars.
Zenkov Cathedral, a spectacular wooden Russian Orthodox Church, sits in the middle of Panfilov Park. Designed in 1904, it’s claimed that this building is the second tallest wooden building in the world.
One of the few Orthodox churches to survive the Soviet Union, this building was constructed remarkably with wooden nails and has survived several earthquakes. Restored after the dissolution of Soviet Rule in 1995, its candy colored exterior and decorative murals pack a colorful punch in Panfilov Park.
3. Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
Situated in Panfilov Park, inside a beautiful wooden building designed by the same architect who made the Zenkov Cathedral, you’ll find the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments.
This place is a must for any budding musician or anyone interested in traditional Kazakh music and instruments, think horns, bagpipes, wooden harps and stringed instruments such as the dombra and kobyz. Turkish, Kyrgyz and Uzbek folk instruments are also on display here.
Admission price 350 tenge / less than $1
Open Sunday to Tuesday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
4. Arasan Baths
A visit to the Arasan Baths, that sit very close to Panfilov Park, will offer you the ultimate spa experience whilst staying in Almaty.
This enormous modernist building is the size of a city block giving you some idea of the Kazakh’s love for spa and wellness places. Not only is this luxury spa extremely affordable, the combination of traditional oriental architecture along with modernist forms is something of a spectacle in itself.
Head here after a long day of walking around the city to de-stress and relax.
Price: 1500-2000 tenge/ under $5 per hour
Opening hours: 8am – 12pm.
5. Abai Opera House
The beautiful Abai Opera House, built in 1934 is one of the oldest buildings in Almaty.
It was named after the Kazakh Poet Abai Kunanbayev who was also a musician and a philosopher. Abai captured and preserved ancient Kazakh folklore through his words and poems.
Why not treat yourself and indulge in a ticket and go and see one of the Opera Houses’ many ballet performances, classical music concerts or operas. You can check out the website for their latest schedule of performances.
Open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
6. Kazakhstan Museum of Arts
The Kazakhstan Museum of Arts is well worth a visit when in Almaty. Not only does it have the best art collection in all of Kazakhstan, its 23,000 works are made up from a mixture of works from Kazakh, Western Europe and Russia. It also has an entire room dedicated to traditional Kazakh handicrafts.
Many of the exhibits’ explanations are also displayed in English making it a perfect place to learn about the city’s history and culture.
Adults admission price – 500 tenge/ $1 approx
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Satpaev St 50а, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
7. Central Mosque
Built on the site of a previous mosque in 1999, the Central mosque is the largest in the city and one of the largest in the country. With space for over 3000 worshippers, the spectacular domes of the minarets are covered in real gold with the main dome sitting at an impressive 36 metres high.
If you’re looking for a peaceful space to sit and contemplate life, make sure you pay this beautiful marble plated building a visit. It’s important to note that if you wish to enter, you must make sure that your arms, legs and head are all covered.
Opening 5.00am to 10.00pm
Pushkin St 16, Almaty 050016, Kazakhstan
8. Green Bazaar
The Green Bazaar is one of the most famous markets in Central Asia. It covers a large area, split over two storeys and offers up a real taste of traditional central Asian food shopping as well as many other products for sale.
You’ll find vendors selling nuts, dried fruit, meats, fish, spices, cured foods, fermented foods, medicinal herbs, dairy products and so much more.
You can also find a few restaurants serving up some of the best laghman (noodle broth) and beshbarmak (the Kazakh national dish) around.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 8.00am – 6.00pm
9. Gorki Park
Gorki Park is one of many lush, green spaces in Almaty city. This one in particular is a popular place for families because not only is it full of blooms during spring, there is also an entertainment park.
Funfair rides, a water park, a cinema, lakes as well as cafes, beer and food stalls are all on offer for visitors to the park.
If you’re big on food, Gorki Park is one of the best places to try shashlik (grilled meat skewer kebabs), you just need to follow your nose.
10. Central State Museum
The Central State Museum houses several collections that will teach you all about Kazakhstan’s rich history. Not only is it one of the largest museums in Central Asia, the building itself is very impressive and worth a visit even if you don’t choose to go inside.
The displays take you from the Bronze Age right through the Second World War up to the current day, with many interesting artefacts to see. At the entrance there is a large Golden Man (a symbol of Kazakhstan) relating to a 3rd century warrior whose remains were uncovered in the late 1960’s and were entirely gold-clad.
Open 9.30am – 6.00pm Wednesday to Monday
Admission Price – 500 tenge/$1 approx , tour in English 1000 tenge/$2 approx
11. Republic Square
Republic Square, known as both Independence Square or New Square was created under Soviet rule and on a clear day will provide you with a panoramic view of the mountains.
This square has a lot of special significance in relating the history of Kazakhstan’s journey for independence. It has been host to a number of prolific events such parades, demonstrations, festivals and celebrations.
It is also surrounded by several architectural landmarks such as the Independence Monument, Presidential Palace and the ‘Dawn of Freedom’ monument dedicated to those who lost their lives in the uprising in 1986.
12. Zhibek Zholy
The pedestrianised street of Zhibek Zholy is a wonderful place to explore and stroll to soak up some cafe culture and watch entertaining street performers.
Located in the lower, northern part of Almaty, it can be compared to Moscow’s Arbat street. Artisan shops and inviting, inexpensive cafes and a few interesting art stands all help to create a cultural hub and a buzz during both day and night. This tree lined street is a popular hang out for locals and offers a great atmosphere for visitors too.
7 Things to do around Almaty – Best day trips from Almaty
If you’re a lover of the outdoors and thrive in nature, then Almaty is for you. There are so many sights and places to visit near Almaty as the city is located close to some of Kazakhstan’s best and most beautiful national parks.
Hiking in Almaty: The 5 best hikes in the mountains near Almaty
1. Big Almaty Lake
Number one on your list of places to visit near Almaty should be the Big Almaty Lake (Bao). Not only is it less than an hour‘s drive from Almaty, it’s also right in the middle of the Ili Alatau mountains!
Its famous turquoise colour draws in many visitors from around the world and is a great example of something to do whilst in Almaty.
Perfect for a picnic and a popular spot for locals, this lake is not only an attraction but also is a major source of drinking water for the residents of Almaty. Because of this, swimming is strictly prohibited and it’s definitely not worth chancing a dip to then face a fine, something that you could face even for being too close to the water and not actually in it.
That being said, it’s a beautiful place for soaking up some sunshine and enjoying the spectacular views.
The lake is very close to the border with Kyrgyzstan and border guards might ask for your passport when hiking in the area so make sure you bring it with you.
You can take a shared taxi or alternatively the number 28 bus leaves every 30 minutes from Presidents Park and that will take you as far as the entrance to the Ili-Alatau National Park and from there you can take a taxi or a minibus the rest of the way. Alternatively you could hitchhike or go on an organized day trip from Almaty:
2. Shymbulak Ski Resort, Medeu Ice Rink, Butakovka Waterfall and Furmanov Peak
If you are planning on visiting Almaty during winter, then the Shymbulak ski resort should definitely be high on your list for things to see near Almaty.
The largest ski resort in Central Asia, the ice skating rink in Medeu is also a brilliant place to visit if you’re a lover of winter sports.
Read more in The Beginner’s Guide to Skiing in Shymbulak, Almaty
Summer is also a great time for visiting as there are many interesting routes for hiking. Two trails in particular are good, ranging between 4-7 hours that will either take you to the Butakovka Waterfall or the Furmanov Peak.
These trail options are great for the option of a hike in the mountains that isn’t far from Almaty.
To get to the ice rink, you can take the number 12 bus that leaves every 30 mins from across the street from the Kazakhstan Hotel. From there you can then take a cable car or a minivan to the Ski Resort.
Read more about this hikes in Hiking in the Almaty Mountains: 5 best hiking trails
3. Charyn Canyon
The Charyn Canyon is another epic place of beauty to visit whilst in Almaty. Over the course of 12 millions years and a combination of the elements, the canyon was formed along with the many sculptural sandstone shapes that vary from deep orange to brown.
The Valley of Castles is the most famous part of the Charyn Canyon and when arriving, you’ll be asked for your passport, and documents (if you’re driving), so remember to pack them. The entrance fee is 730 KZT, just over $2 (June 2022).
Whilst it is a bit further away than other sights, it’s still well worth the trip of just less than a three hour car journey. Although it’s not completely straightforward to get to, the experience will not disappoint!
Your best options from Almaty are hiring a car, taking a shared taxi or going an organized tour. Read more in The Complete Travel Guide to Charyn Canyon.
Here’s a guided day tour from Almaty to Charyn Canyon that I recommend:
4. Issyk Lake (Essik Lake)
Lake Issyk is another stunning alpine lake in close vicinity to Almaty. The turquoise water and beautiful scenery is only around a two hour drive from the city.
The lake is fed by waters from nearby glaciers and surrounded by native flora and forests. A popular spot for locals as well as tourists, you can either take a marshrutka from Sairan Bus Station in Almaty to Esik and then find a taxi to the lake or rent a car to travel from Almaty to Lake Issyk.
You can also get there via an organized day tour:
5. Kolsai Lakes and the sunken forest at Kaindy Lake
The Kolsai Lakes are truly worth a visit from Almaty. These 3 alpine lakes, turquoise blue from glacial water, are in the Tien Shan mountains. Not only are they spectacular to see, the road and the journey itself to the lakes is one of great beauty.
The stunning pine forests and mountain views together with the crystal clear waters will provide you with a wonderful, picturesque scene. Once you arrive in Saty, you can hike to the 3 lakes from there.
It’s important to know that you must bring your passport if you intend to visit. A photocopy will not be accepted and tourists may be sent back if they do not have theirs to present at the police checkpoint just before Saty.
The sunken forest at Lake Kaindy is a sight to behold. In 1911, after the damming of the Kaindy river, glacial water flowed down into the valley and pooled together to create Lake Kaindy.
A spruce forest sat where the lake formed and now only the skeletons of the trees remain, ghostly and bare appearing to rise from the water.
Just as with the Charyn Canyon, the Kolsai Lakes are a bit of a journey to get to. Your best options from Almaty are hiring a car, or taking a shared taxi. Read more about it in The Complete Travel Guide to Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy.
The easiest way to get there is by going on a 2-day tour to Lake Kaindy, combined with a visit to the Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon.
6. Turgen Gorge
70km east, an hour and a half’s drive from Almaty, is the Turgen gorge, an alpine valley with so much to explore. Glaciers and mountain peaks, wildflower meadows and ancient forests all await you here.
If you plan on doing some hiking in Turgen, be aware that the trails are not marked. If white water rafting appeals to you, the Turgen river offers you a great chance to try some here with an organized tour.
To reach Turgen from Almaty, you can take a bus from the Sayakhat station to Esik and from there, you can then take a taxi to Batan. Or alternatively, hitchhiking is also an option from the park entrance for the final 20km to Batan.
7. Altyn-Emel National Park
The Altyn Emel National Park is an expanse of land that is not only home to a group of Kulan – rare wild donkeys but also exquisite landscapes, forests, mountains, ancient burial mounds and petroglyphs.
260km from Almaty, this national park is one of the best places to experience the wilds of Kazakhstan. To travel here from Almaty, you could book an organised tour or hire a car to explore this area.
<Things to do in Almaty at night
Almaty has a wonderful nightlife. Along with an array of nightclubs, bars and restaurants, there are also art galleries and art houses that are open until around midnight. Even once the sun has set, there are still many things to do in Almaty.
The art houses in Almaty have lounges separate from the main galleries for relaxing and studying various art works.
Make sure if you decide to venture out to explore the Almaty nightlife that you have a taxi organized to take you back to your accommodation as sometimes it can be tricky to find available transportation later into the evening.
Where to eat – The best restaurants in Almaty
Almaty city has a great choice of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from. International specialities are available in many eateries across the city and the culinary scene is very diverse. Many of the cafes open up in the evenings as a bar and restaurant, offering you even more choice from early morning to late night.
1. Dastarkhan
Dastarkhan is a cafeteria/ buffet style eatery and serves up a brilliant selection of affordable and great quality food such as soups, laghman, plov, bliny and salads, and the interior is spaciously laid out too.
If you want to try many different delicacies in one place, this is the place to come. Expect long lunchtime queues during the week.
2. Mar’ina Roshcha
Mar’ina Roshcha is a must visit in Almaty’s culinary scene. The owners chose to decorate the place inspired by the bohemian style of a Russian country mansion and the menu also reflects this.
For any avid fans of Russian culture and memorabilia from the 19th century, this is the place to come. Expect black tea from a traditional samovar (black teapot) and a menu of pelmeni (dumplings), draniki (potato fritters) and stroganoff.
3. Kishlak
Kishlak is an inviting restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and a traditional Central Asian menu. Each of the dining rooms represent three different traditional Kazakhstan households.
The rooms have all been decorated with unique motifs from the area and the menu offers a taste of Kazakh, Uzbek and Uygur dishes.
Where to stay in Almaty
The famous Kazakh hospitality is present in all hostels and hotels. People are friendly and there are many to choose from that will suit any budget. Cleanliness and noise are important factors to think about when looking for a place to stay in Almaty. I have included some great hostel and hotel recommendations below.
The best budget accommodation in Almaty
- Evergreen Hostel
Evergreen Hostel offers accommodation along with a shared lounge and kitchen, and free WiFi. The rooms all come with a shared bathroom and shower.
The staff behind the 24 hour front desk will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have during your stay here and organize your airport transfer. This is a great, clean and relaxed hostel that offers a reasonable nightly rate.
Check the rates and availability for the Evergreen Hostel here.
- Wanderlust Hostel
Located on a quiet street, the Wanderlust Hostel has a homely vibe with friendly staff.
Close walking distance to the city centre as well as the Almaty Central Mosque, the Wanderlust Hostel has its own terrace as well as free WiFi throughout. A sociable hostel with a tour desk and luggage storage for guests.
Check out the rates and availability for Wanderlust Hostel here.
- Art Hostel
The Art Hostel is not only affordable but is well organized and clean with friendly staff who make you feel comfortable and at home during your stay.
It has a shared lounge and kitchen and a great location for taking the metro or a bus. The kitchen is well equipped for guests and the lounge is welcoming and social for people to chat with other guests.
Check out rates and availability for the Art Hostel here.
The best mid-range Guesthouses and hotels in Almaty
Here are some great mid-range hotels in Almaty that I would recommend:
The best high-end hotels in almaty
If you’re looking for some luxury in a high-end hotel, I would recommend:
Almaty is a wonderful destination to visit for anyone who loves nature and spending time outdoors. There are so many things to do in Almaty as well as an array of day trips to stunning sights nearby. With its hospitable and welcoming locals and it’s diverse culinary scene, this city has so many reasons for you to fall in love with it.
I hope that this Almaty city travel guide has offered you some good recommendations on what to do whilst in Almaty and that you have a brilliant time there!
I’m always happy to hear about your experiences and if you came across a special place or experience that you think should be added to this list, please let me and other readers know in the comments below or contact me!
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More KAZAKHSTAN TRAVEL Resources:
- The Travel Guide to Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know before you go
- The 26 most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kazakhstan
- Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan: 15 useful safety tips
- Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty
- The 5 best and most beautiful hikes in the mountains near Almaty
- Charyn Canyon Travel Guide
- Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy Travel Guide
- Sayram Ugam National Park Travel Guide
- Turkestan Travel Guide: discover the spiritual center of Kazakhstan
- Visiting the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan
- Trekking in Kazakhstan: 5-day hiking itinerary in the Northern Tian Shan Mountains
- A beginner’s guide to skiing in Shymbulak, Almaty
I am from the Philippines, my husband and would like to visit Kazakhstan.
How do we get our visa to travel to Kazakhstan ?
Thanks
Hi Dolores, as Philippine passport holders, you and your husband can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for 30 days 🙂
Best wishes,
Cynthia