Everything you need to know to explore the city — and feel right at home.
Your guide to
Before you arrive
A few things to
know first
know first
Almaty is a city that rewards exploration — walkable neighbourhoods full of cafés and greenery, dramatic mountain scenery just 30 minutes from the centre, and a food scene that blends Central Asian tradition with cosmopolitan flair. This guide has everything you need to make the most of your time here.
Finding businesses: In Kazakhstan, most restaurants, tour guides, and local shops operate primarily through Instagram rather than traditional websites. When you want to check hours, menus, or make a reservation, Instagram and the 2GIS app are your best starting points. To book, look for a WhatsApp link on their profile — that's how most businesses prefer to communicate.
Payment: Most places in Almaty accept cards and Apple Pay, so you rarely need cash. If you do need local currency (Tenge), exchange booths are widely available and will trade US Dollars and Euros.
Essential
Apps to download
Download these before you land — they'll make navigating the city significantly easier.
Yandex
The go-to app for taxis and food delivery. Affordable, reliable, and works just like Uber. Essential for getting around the city.
2GIS
Far more accurate than Google Maps for Central Asia. Works offline. Use it to find restaurants, plan routes, and discover local spots.
WhatsApp
Everyone uses it here — not just friends, but restaurants, hotels, and tour guides. You'll need it to make reservations and ask questions.
MobiMatter
The most affordable and reliable option for an eSIM. Set it up before you travel to get data connectivity from the moment you land.
Neighbourhoods
Where to stay
If you want to make the most of the city on foot, there's really one neighbourhood to aim for: the Golden Square.
The Golden Square
This is the informal name for Almaty’s historic heart, roughly bounded by Zenkov, Gogol, Satpayev, and Zheltoqsan streets. It’s the most peaceful and walkable part of the city — lined with low-rise buildings, generous tree cover, and an easy mix of cafés, restaurants, parks, and pedestrian streets. Staying here means you can reach most attractions, restaurants, and meeting points without needing a taxi.
Rush hour warning: Almaty is notorious for traffic jams, especially during morning and evening peak hours. If you’re staying in the Golden Square, you’ll be well-placed to simply walk — which is often faster anyway.
For a more detailed breakdown of neighbourhoods and specific accommodation zones, this guide covers all the options.
Accommodation
Hotels we recommend
A hand-picked selection of good-value hotels in the city, mostly 4-star. All are well-located and offer a comfortable base for exploring.
Staying in the mountains
For a completely different experience, consider staying in one of the eco-hotels in the mountains south of the city. You'll wake up to mountain air and dramatic scenery, while still being close enough to visit the city.
Getting around
Transport & taxis
Taxis are the most convenient way to get around, and are remarkably affordable by Western standards. Download the Yandex app before you arrive — it works just like Uber and is the standard way locals book rides. Avoid hailing taxis on the street; the app is safer and gives you a fixed price upfront.
The Metro is a pleasant surprise — relatively new, clean, and each station has been designed by a different architect, giving each its own distinct character. Worth riding at least once just to see them.
Buses are affordable but routes can be tricky to navigate. Use the 2GIS app to plan your journey — though for most trips, a Yandex taxi will be simpler and barely costs more.
The Metro is a pleasant surprise — relatively new, clean, and each station has been designed by a different architect, giving each its own distinct character. Worth riding at least once just to see them.
Buses are affordable but routes can be tricky to navigate. Use the 2GIS app to plan your journey — though for most trips, a Yandex taxi will be simpler and barely costs more.
Getting to Medeo: You can reach the famous Medeo ice rink easily by Yandex taxi from the city centre — around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Getting to Koktobe — take the cable car! Skip the taxi for this one. The cable car is the most scenic and fun way to arrive, with sweeping views over the city as you ascend. The 6-minute ride over rooftops and treetops is an experience in itself. The lower station is near the Palace of the Republic on Dostyk Avenue.
📍 Koktobe cable car lower station
📍 Koktobe cable car lower station
Getting to Shymbulak — take the gondola! Take a Yandex taxi to Medeo, then board the gondola from there up to Shymbulak. The gondola ride — 4.5 km through dramatic alpine scenery — is one of the trip highlights. Don't skip it by taking a taxi all the way up.
📍 Medeo gondola station
📍 Medeo gondola station
Places to see
Almaty's highlights
Almaty manages to feel both thoroughly urban and breathtakingly close to nature. The Tian Shan mountain range forms a dramatic backdrop to the south — visible from almost anywhere in the city on a clear day. Here’s what not to miss.
- Koktobe HillA forested hill rising above the city, best reached by cable car from the city centre. The 6-minute ride over rooftops and treetops is an experience in itself, with sweeping views of Almaty below. At the summit: panoramic viewpoints, the iconic Beatles statue, cafés, a zipline, and a small amusement park. Best visited at sunset when the city lights begin to glow.
📍 Cable car lower station01 - Medeo Ice RinkOne of the highest-altitude ice skating rinks in the world, set in a dramatic mountain valley at 1,691 metres. Even if you’re not skating, the journey up is worth it for the mountain scenery. A large dam nearby offers a great walk, and the air is noticeably fresher than in the city. Also the starting point for the gondola up to Shymbulak.02
- Shymbulak Ski ResortFrom Medeo, a 4.5 km gondola carries you up to Shymbulak at 2,200 metres — and further to 3,200 metres at the Talgar pass. In summer it becomes a hiking and mountain biking destination. The gondola ride through dramatic alpine scenery is not to be missed, and the restaurants at the top have views that are hard to beat anywhere in the region.
📍 Medeo gondola station03 - Zenkov CathedralOne of the most beautiful buildings in Central Asia — a Russian Orthodox cathedral built entirely from wood in 1907, without a single nail. It sits in the middle of Panfilov Park, painted in vivid pastels and framed by ancient trees. Entry is free, and the interior is just as striking as the exterior.04
- Panfilov Park & 28 Guardsmen MemorialA large, shaded park in the heart of the Golden Square, home to Zenkov Cathedral and a moving WWII memorial with an eternal flame. The tree-lined paths are particularly beautiful in spring and autumn, and the park is a favourite spot for locals to relax on weekends.05
- Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar)Almaty’s most famous market — a covered bazaar overflowing with spices, dried fruits, nuts, cheeses, honey, and fresh produce. Come hungry, accept samples freely offered by vendors, and pick up local specialities like kurt (dried cheese balls) and chak-chak (honey-fried dough) to take home.06
- First President ParkA beautifully landscaped park in the south of the city, popular with families and joggers. Particularly pleasant in the morning or evening. Quieter and more local-feeling than the more tourist-oriented spots. Lovely fountains and tree-lined promenades make it ideal for a relaxed afternoon.07
Food & drink
Where to eat
Almaty has a genuinely excellent and surprisingly diverse dining scene — from traditional Kazakh cuisine to Georgian, Greek, Italian, and contemporary Central Asian fusion. The city’s café culture is strong and great coffee is easy to find.
We've put together a Google Maps list of every restaurant we recommend in Almaty — saved pins, neighbourhoods, and what each is best for. Open this before you go out to eat.
Browsing tip: For any restaurant you find, check their Instagram page first — that’s where you’ll find current menus, opening hours, and reservation details. Most take bookings via WhatsApp.
Some personal favourites to get you started:
Daredzhani
GEORGIAN · CITY CENTRE
Warm, rustic Georgian dining — khinkali dumplings, rich stews, fresh-baked bread. A personal favourite. Always busy, booking recommended.
Warm, rustic Georgian dining — khinkali dumplings, rich stews, fresh-baked bread. A personal favourite. Always busy, booking recommended.
Aroma
ALL-DAY · CITY CENTRE
The go-to spot for a leisurely brunch. Beautiful interiors and consistently good food throughout the day.
The go-to spot for a leisurely brunch. Beautiful interiors and consistently good food throughout the day.
Teatralka
EUROPEAN · CITY CENTRE
A cosy terrace restaurant that occasionally hosts live music. Perfect for a relaxed evening in a lovely setting.
A cosy terrace restaurant that occasionally hosts live music. Perfect for a relaxed evening in a lovely setting.
Spiros
GREEK · CITY CENTRE
Reliably good Greek cuisine in the heart of the city. Fresh ingredients, classic dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Reliably good Greek cuisine in the heart of the city. Fresh ingredients, classic dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Cafeteria
CASUAL · CITY CENTRE
A beloved local spot with a relaxed vibe, great coffee, and an eclectic menu. Popular with Almaty's creative crowd.
A beloved local spot with a relaxed vibe, great coffee, and an eclectic menu. Popular with Almaty's creative crowd.
Ogonek
RUSSIAN · CITY CENTRE
A local classic with a nostalgic feel. Hearty, comforting food in a convivial setting.
A local classic with a nostalgic feel. Hearty, comforting food in a convivial setting.
Auyl
KAZAKH · NEAR MEDEO
Contemporary takes on traditional Kazakh cuisine, set in a beautiful mountain location. Unique and truly memorable.
Contemporary takes on traditional Kazakh cuisine, set in a beautiful mountain location. Unique and truly memorable.
Rifugio Del Monte
ITALIAN · SHYMBULAK
An Italian restaurant in the mountains with extraordinary views. Worth the journey for the setting alone — the food is excellent too.
An Italian restaurant in the mountains with extraordinary views. Worth the journey for the setting alone — the food is excellent too.
Retail therapy
Where to shop
Almaty offers a great mix of shopping experiences — from high-end international malls to vibrant bazaars overflowing with Kazakh crafts, spices, and souvenirs. Something for every taste and budget.
Malls & Modern Shopping
Esentai Mall
Almaty’s premier luxury mall — Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and 100+ high-end brands. Also has a top-floor food hall, art gallery, and the Ritz-Carlton. The most glamorous shopping in Central Asia.
Dostyk Plaza
A well-liked central mall blending international brands (Zara, H&M, Mango) with Kazakh labels, plus good dining options and a cinema. Convenient, well-located in the Golden Square area.
MEGA Alma-Ata
One of the city’s largest malls — fashion, electronics, food court, cinema, and ice rink all under one roof. Great for families and a true local favourite.
TSUM Department Store
A Soviet-era landmark, recently renovated. The upper floors are a great spot for authentic Kazakh souvenirs and traditional garments at reasonable prices. Worth a browse.
Markets & Local Finds
Green Bazaar
Already featured in our sightseeing section — but also the best place for edible souvenirs: local honey, dried fruits, nuts, spices, and traditional sweets to take home.
Zhibek Zholy (Arbat Street)
A lively pedestrian street with cafés, boutiques, street vendors, and occasional live performances. A nice mix of local fashion, souvenirs, and Kazakh handicrafts in an open-air setting.
What to take home
Look out for: felt products (shyrdak rugs and slippers), traditional Kazakh jewellery, handmade carpets, silk scarves, kurt (dried salty cheese balls), chak-chak (honey pastry), and locally produced honey. TSUM and Green Bazaar are the best starting points for authentic finds.
Bargaining: Fixed prices apply in malls. At bazaars and street stalls, polite haggling is perfectly normal — a smile goes a long way. Carrying some cash is useful at smaller market stalls.
Beyond the city
Day trips & tours
The region around Almaty is spectacular — within a few hours of the city you'll find some of the most dramatic natural scenery in all of Central Asia. These are the highlights not to miss if you have time to explore further.
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Charyn Canyon
Often called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia, Charyn is one of Kazakhstan's most jaw-dropping natural wonders. The Valley of Castles features towering red and yellow rock formations sculpted into fortress-like pillars. About 200km from Almaty (roughly 3–4 hours drive), typically done as a full-day trip with a tour operator.
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Kolsai Lakes & Kaindy Lake
A cascade of three impossibly turquoise alpine lakes nestled in coniferous forests, about 4 hours from Almaty. Nearby Kaindy Lake is even more surreal — formed by a 1911 earthquake that flooded a valley, leaving spruce trees rising eerily from the still water. Typically done as a 2-day trip with an overnight stay in the village of Saty.
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Big Almaty Lake
A stunning glacial lake just 30 km from the city centre, sitting at 2,511 metres above sea level. The water shifts between vivid turquoise and deep blue. A popular shorter day trip that can be combined with a hike in the Ile-Alatau National Park. A permit is required to enter the zone — your tour guide will arrange this.
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Huns Ethno Village — Nomad Culture
Located 35−40km from Almaty in the scenic Talgar gorge, this living open-air village recreates ancient Kazakh nomadic life. Highlights include: being welcomed by warriors in traditional Saka-period armour, learning about yurt construction, trying archery and horseback riding, watching a spectacular trick-riding horse show, and enjoying a traditional Kazakh meal. An immersive half- or full-day experience with genuine cultural depth — great for all ages.
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Altyn-Emel National Park & the Singing Dune
About 250km from Almaty, Altyn-Emel is home to one of Kazakhstan's most extraordinary natural phenomena: a 150-metre sand dune that hums and rumbles in the wind like a low-frequency musical instrument. The park also features the Aktau Mountains with their multicoloured, Martian-looking rock layers. A longer day trip or overnight adventure for those with extra time.
Tour operators
These operators offer guided day trips and longer excursions to all of the above destinations. The Join Me KZ private tour list is a great starting point for researching what's possible near Almaty.
Extending your trip
If you’d like to see more of Kazakhstan beyond Almaty, two destinations stand out:
Mangystau (Western Kazakhstan) is an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else — towering chalk cliffs at Bozzhyra, the Valley of Stone Balls, ancient underground mosques carved into rock, and vast desert stretching to the Caspian Sea. It requires a short domestic flight to Aktau and is best explored with a local guide, but it’s one of the most visually extraordinary places in the entire country.
Mangystau (Western Kazakhstan) is an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else — towering chalk cliffs at Bozzhyra, the Valley of Stone Balls, ancient underground mosques carved into rock, and vast desert stretching to the Caspian Sea. It requires a short domestic flight to Aktau and is best explored with a local guide, but it’s one of the most visually extraordinary places in the entire country.
Astana is Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital in the north — a gleaming, ambitious city that emerged from the steppe in just three decades. The Baiterek Tower, Khan Shatyr entertainment dome, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation are architectural spectacles unlike anything in Central Asia. Accessible by a short domestic flight, or a scenic overnight train across the open steppe.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you in Almaty
