While Kazakhstan might not be a place you would have fancied to visit one day in your life, it’s gorgeous and quaint city of Almaty should definitely be. Once a capital of the country, the city continues to flaunt its vibrant charm and attract a zillion number of tourists even today. From cozy cafes to extraordinary museums, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Almaty with your loved ones. In fact, even if you plan to go solo, believe us, the city and its locals will welcome you with utmost warmth and surprise you with perfect experiences.
13 Best Things To Do In Almaty
Here’s a handy list of the most amazing things to do in Almaty for a holiday experience like never before. Take notes for an impeccable and a hassle-free experience!
1. Visit Kazakhstan Museum Of Arts
One of the best places to visit in Almaty is the Kazakhstan Museum Of Arts. This place has the best art collection in the whole country. From Kazakh to Russian art along with a room that has all the modern Kazakh handicrafts, this place offers a good glimpse of the city’s culture and history. Whether you are a history buff or an ordinary explorer, you’d be pleased to visit this museum.
Location: Satpaev St 50а, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Monday)
Must Read: 8 Chic Restaurants In Almaty To Savor Lavish Meals When Holidaying In Kazakhstan!
2. Climb Kok-Tobe Hill
If heights and a bird’s eye view of the city is what tickles your fancy then the Kok-Tobe Hill is where you need to be. The place offers a thrilling cable car ride that takes you from the midst of the mountains with the beautiful vineyards below. Besides, there are shops, restaurants, a children’s playground and a zoo as well. This is a perfect place to visit for a full day trip with your loved ones.
Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Timings: NA
Suggested Read: Top 6 Places To Visit In Kazakhstan In December For A Chill-Thrill Holiday!
3. Explore First President’s Park
Are you an admirer of the natural beauty and the local culture? If yes, then this place is meant for you. From enjoying a calm walk to attending fun concerts at the amphitheatre, there’s a lot that you can do here with your loved ones for a fun-filled evening. The park is located in the southern part of the city and is surrounded by the most mesmerizing views, which further adds on to the reasons for visiting this place.
Location: Bostandyk District, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Timings: NA
Suggested Read: 10 Best Museums In Kazakhstan To Know More About This Gorgeous Land’s Vibrant Culture!
4. Dine At Chukotka Bar
Offering an impeccable insight into the nightlife of Almaty, Chukotka is a famous place to be. Most of the rock bands and DJs who perform here are one of the most known and create an energetic atmosphere. You can let your hair down and enjoy the rhythms of the music over some amazing drinks. And as far as the crowd is concerned, fret not because it’s as hip and happening as this club.
Location: Gogol St 40, Almaty 050021, Kazakhstan
Timings: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM from Monday to Wednesday, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 AM from Thursday to Saturday
Suggested Read: Christmas In Kazakhstan 2021: A Handy Guide For Celebrating The Joyous Vibes Around!
5. De-Stress At Arasan Baths
Whether you have read about the Soviet society or not, one thing that you probably would have an idea about is their love for spa and wellness places. The famous Arasan Baths located near Panfilov Park are a result of exactly that. You can head here for a luxurious and relaxing time to de-stress and rejuvenate yourself after a tiring sightseeing tour.
Location: Тулебаева, д.78 (уг.ул., Айтеке Би), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Timings: 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Suggested Read: Winter In Kazakhstan: Enjoy An Enthralling Vacation In This Vibrant Country
6. Pray At Central Mosque
While there’s no dearth of mosques in Kazakhstan, this one in Almaty calls out for a visit irrespective of whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or not. Visiting this beautiful mosque is one of the best things to do in Almaty on your holiday for a soul-satisfying experience. All you have to make sure is to dress up in a decent attire with your head, arms, and legs properly covered.
Location: Pushkin St 20, Almaty 050002, Kazakhstan
Timings: NA
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kazakhstan: Traverse Through The Mesmerising Mountain Peaks!
7. Ice Skating
Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Almaty in winter, ice skating at Medeu is an experience you ought to have during your trip if you’re visiting in the colder season. Located in the mountains, a bit outside of the city, this is one of the famous skating rinks in the world that offer spellbinding views of nature’s bounty around apart from the soul-stirring experience.
Location: Gornaya St 465, Almaty 050020, Kazakhstan
Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (closed on Monday)
Suggested Read: Explore The Breathtaking Wildlife In Kazakhstan At Its Enchanting Zoos & National Parks
8. Take A Photo At Big Almaty Lake
The Big Almaty Lake is one of the top hangout spots for locals, especially for a picnic. Also known as Bao, this lake is situated in the Tien Shan mountains and serves as a major source of drinking water to the city’s residents. Due to this very reason, swimming or even going near the water is strictly prohibited. However despite that, it still makes up for a cozy place to hang out with your loved ones in a huge group and soak in the sunshine.
Location: Ili-Alatau National Park, Almaty 050065, Kazakhstan
Timings: NA
9. Stroll In Zhibek Zholy Pedestrian Street
With so many things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan, there will surely be a point when you’d want to explore the city at your own pace. Offering a perfect experience exactly like that, the Zhibek Zholy Pedestrian Street is a perfect place to stroll at whether it’s day or evening. Dotted with cozy cafes, entertaining street performers, and a number of artisan shops, this street brims with life throughout the day. In short, there’s plenty for you to explore.
Location: Zhibek-Zholy Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Timings: NA
Suggested Read: Shopping In Kazakhstan: 12 Malls In The Country Which Will Melt Every Shopaholic’s Heart
10. Learn Music At Kazakh Museum Of Folk Musical Instruments
Located at the Panfilov Park, this museum in an epitome of everything that defines mind-boggling and splendid. Not just witnessing the most iconic musical instruments, but you can also hear a fine collection of traditional Kazakh instruments here such as wooden harps and bagpipes. Besides, what really makes this museum extraordinary is that you can take a class to learn an instrument too.
Location: Zenkov St, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed on Monday)
11. Take A Ski Lift At Shymbulak Ski Resort
There are 3 ski lifts at Shymbulak Ski Resort. The highest one goes upto 3200 metres above the sea level. If you’re planning to ski in the day and are confused about where to stay at in the night, there’s a hotel at the resort that you could crash in. Located in the upper part of Medeu Valley, the resort receives a vast amount of snow through winters from November to May.
Location: Gornaya St 640В, Almaty 050020, Kazakhstan
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
12. Relive Nomadic Past At Huns Ethno Village
If you seek to learn about the nomadic history of ethnic Kazakhs, make a beeline for Huns Ethno village. The ancient mountainous village is famous for horseback riding, among other adventures. The place offers spectacular views of the mountains and is bustling with several traditional Soviet-looking hubs and Kazakh yurts. The locals will be more than happy to demonstrate the traditions and customs of the Kazakhs to you.
Location: Talgar district, Kazakhstan
13. Celebrate Falcon Hunting Festival
Falcon Hunting Festival in Kazakhstan encapsulates the emotions and passions of Kazakh hunters. A hunter derives immense pleasure from the tandem of a hunting bird and a dog. The Sunkar nursery, which operates near Almaty in the Alma-Arasan gorge, works with almost every kind of hunting bird. Eagle hunting was practiced in the central and northern regions of Kazakhstan.
How To Get There
Air Astana has resumed daily operations, and with the launch of 2 additional flights starting 2nd September 2019, they will now be operating 11 times a week offering even more onward connections. You can now make the most of this special offer by Air Astana and plan your trip to the biggest metropolitan city of Kazakhstan. Transit passengers can also visit Nur – Sultan and Almaty hassle – free in their journey with Kazakhstan’s 72-hour transit visa-free regime. You can now also apply for an e-visa before traveling to Kazakhstan. The process is very simple!
Further Read: What Makes Summer In Kazakhstan A Great Time To Take A Trip To The Exotic Land
All of these things to do in Almaty are so mind-boggling and enchanting at the same time that you wouldn’t regret even for a second. Not just Almaty, but Kazakhstan has a number of other gorgeous cities too that await you with never-seen-before-like places and experiences. With that said, it’s no doubt that planning your next trip to Kazakhstan will help you explore some of the coolest offbeat destinations.
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A writer by hobby and an ardent traveler by heart has what encouraged me to pen down my experiences in every way possible and to also take up this profession as a writer. Getting to know about different places all around the world and putting down my own thoughts on paper with my own touch of creativity is what keeps me going!
