Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and serves as its cultural and economic hub. Known for its leafy avenues and picturesque scenery, Almaty blends Soviet-era architecture with modern developments, creating a unique urban landscape.

The city offers a plethora of attractions, from vibrant bazaars and historical landmarks to serene parks and lively entertainment spots. In winter, Almaty transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering visitors a magical experience against the backdrop of its majestic mountains.

Day 1: Arrival and City Center Exploration

Morning: Arrival in Almaty

• Transportation:
  • Take a taxi or use a ride-sharing app (Yandex) from Almaty International Airport (ALA) to your accommodation in the city center. The ride takes about 30-40 minutes and costs around 4,000-5,000 KZT.
• Accommodation:
  • Stay in the Almaly District for easy access to major attractions.

Late Morning: Zenkov Cathedral and Panfilov Park

• Zenkov Cathedral:
  • Visit this stunning wooden cathedral located in Panfilov Park. It’s one of the few buildings that survived the 1911 earthquake. Entry is free.

• Panfilov Park:
  • Stroll through the park, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and see the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame dedicated to the soldiers of World War II.

Afternoon: Green Bazaar

• Lunch:
  • Head to the Green Bazaar for a taste of local cuisine. You can find a variety of traditional Kazakh dishes like Beshbarmak and Kazy.
• Green Bazaar:
  • Explore the bustling market, where you can buy fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts, and souvenirs.

Evening: Republic Square and Kok-Tobe Hill

• Republic Square:
  • Visit the square, which is a significant landmark in Almaty, and see the Independence Monument.
• Kok-Tobe Hill:
  • Take a cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill for stunning panoramic views of the city. Enjoy dinner at the hilltop restaurant and explore the small amusement park. A round-trip cable car ticket costs around 3,000 KZT.

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Morning: Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort

• Medeu Ice Skating Rink:
  • Take a bus or taxi to Medeu, the world’s highest ice skating rink. Skate rental and entry cost around 2,000 KZT.
• Zenkov Cathedral:
  • From Medeu, take the cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort for skiing or snowboarding. If you’re not into skiing, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain views and have a coffee at one of the cafes.

Afternoon: Big Almaty Lake

• Big Almaty Lake:
  • Hire a taxi to visit this stunning alpine lake located about 30 km from the city. The lake’s turquoise waters are a sight to behold, especially against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The round trip can cost around 10,000-15,000 KZT.

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

• Return to the city:
  • Head back to Almaty and enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the local restaurants in the city center. Try traditional Kazakh dishes or opt for international cuisine.

Day 3: Cultural and Historical Exploration

Morning: Central State Museum and Presidential Palace

• Central State Museum:
  • Explore one of the largest museums in Central Asia, which houses artifacts from Kazakhstan’s history and culture. Entry fee is around 500 KZT.
• Presidential Palace:
  • Although you can’t enter the palace, you can admire the architecture and take photos from the outside.

Afternoon: Arbat Street and Abay Opera House

• Arbat Street:
  • Visit this pedestrian street for shopping, street performances, and art. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs and enjoy local street food.
• Lunch:
  • Have lunch at a nearby café or restaurant along Arbat Street.
• Abay Opera House:
  • If you’re a fan of the arts, check the schedule and catch a performance at the Abay Opera House. The building itself is an architectural gem.

Evening: Farewell Dinner and Nightlife

• Dinner:
  • Choose a nice restaurant for your farewell dinner. Some popular options include local eateries serving Kazakh cuisine or upscale restaurants offering a fusion of flavors.
• Nightlife:
  • If you’re up for it, explore Almaty’s nightlife. Visit a local bar or club to experience the city’s vibrant scene.

Budget Tips

• Public Transportation:
  • Use buses and metro for cheap and efficient travel within the city. A single ride costs around 80 KZT.
• Eating Out:
  • Street food and local markets offer affordable dining options. Meals at mid-range restaurants cost around 2,000-5,000 KZT.
• Accommodation:
  • Budget hotels and hostels in the city center offer good value for money, with prices ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 KZT per night.