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Almaty travel guide

Kazakhstan

Basics

CountryKazakhstan

Time zoneAsia/Almaty

CurrencyKZT

Official language(s)Kazakh

It's safer and more convenient to use app-based taxi services rather than local taxi services.

Places to visit

Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

A major museum in Almaty showcasing Kazakhstan’s history, ethnography, and archaeology.

Location44 Kazybek Bi St, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Nearest stationAbay

HoursTue–Sun 09:30–17:30

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipCombine it with other central Almaty sights; allow enough time because the collection is extensive.

Medeu High-Mountain Skating Rink

A famous high-altitude skating rink in the foothills near Almaty, popular both in winter and as a scenic stop.

Location465 Gornaya St, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Nearest stationMedeu

HoursSeasonal hours

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipCome for skating in winter or the views from the stairways in warmer months.

Ascension Cathedral

An iconic wooden Orthodox cathedral in Almaty known for its distinctive architecture.

Location40 Gogol St, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Nearest stationPark of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen

HoursUsually daily 07:00–19:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit in daylight for the best exterior photos.

First President's Park

A large southern Almaty city park with wide lawns, walking paths, and landscaped flowerbeds.

LocationAl-Farabi Ave, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Nearest stationBauyrzhan Momyshuly

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit on a pleasant afternoon for a relaxed walk and good photos.

Kok-Tobe Park

A hilltop park with panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains, popular for its cable car and scenery.

LocationGornaya St 548, Almaty

Nearest stationAbay

HoursDaily 10:00-00:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipSunset and night views are especially beautiful, so a late-afternoon visit is recommended.

Green Bazaar

Almaty’s best-known market, great for browsing and buying dried fruits, nuts, spices, and local snacks.

LocationZenkova St 73, Almaty

Nearest stationZhibek Zholy

HoursDaily 08:00-18:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipSampling is common, so try a little before you buy to avoid surprises.

Zenkov Cathedral

One of the most beautiful temples in Kazakhstan.

HoursDaily 09:00 - 18:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipBe mindful when taking photos inside the temple.

Panfilov Park

A beautiful park located in the heart of the city.

HoursDaily 06:00 - 22:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGreat for a stroll or a picnic.

Kazakhstan National Museum

A museum showcasing the history and culture of Kazakhstan.

HoursDaily 10:00 - 18:00

Admission300 KZT

Travel tipIt's a good idea to check the exhibitions in advance.

Food to try

Nauryzbai

A popular restaurant for Kazakh traditional cuisine, good for trying beshbarmak and kumis.

LocationAlmaty, Kazakhstan

Nearest stationAuezov Theatre

HoursDaily 11:00-23:00

AdmissionMain dishes about 3,000-8,000 KZT

Travel tipIf it’s your first time with local food, ordering a set menu helps you sample several dishes at once.

Events

Nauryz Festival

A major celebration of the Kazakh traditional New Year, with performances, folk activities, and traditional food.

WhenAround March each year

LocationAlmaty, Kazakhstan

Nearest stationZhibek Zholy

HoursVaries by event schedule

AdmissionMostly free

Travel tipBring a light jacket since the weather can change, and expect crowded venues.

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

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