Best Things to Do in Almaty, Kazakhstan (+ Itinerary Ideas)

I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I arrived in Almaty. In fact, I hadn’t even planned on visiting Kazakhstan. However, my trip to Kyrgyzstan didn’t quite go to plan, so I found myself booking a last-minute trip to Almaty with virtually no research and no idea what there was to do. For context, I booked my flight to Almaty while sitting at the airport in Bishkek!

As it turns out, Almaty has plenty to offer. From its cafe culture and bustling markets to the incredible mountain scenery right on its doorstep, there’s much more to this city than first meets the eye.

It’s actually become one of my all-time favourite cities, and that’s saying a lot. I’m actually happy my trip to Central Asia played out the way it did, as Almaty is a wonderful city and I’m very glad I got to visit it.

In this guide, I’ve shared my favourite things to do in Almaty, including the places I highly recommend visiting and some of the best day trips from the city. I’ve also included some practical tips to help you plan your visit… hopefully with a little more preparation than I had! You’ll also find some suggested itineraries for Almaty.

Best things to do in Almaty (that I’d Recommend)

Ride the cable car to Kok Tobe

For some of the best views of Almaty, take the cable car up to Kok Tobe. This hilltop attraction sits above the city and offers panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains.

The cable car departs from Dostyk Avenue, near the Kazakhstan Hotel, and takes you up to Kok Tobe Park. Once at the top, you’ll find several attractions, including a Ferris wheel, restaurants, viewing platforms and even a monument dedicated to The Beatles.

I’d recommend visiting on a clear day, ideally around sunset, when you can watch the city light up below you as the sun sets.

I did this on my first day in Almaty and really enjoyed it (despite my fear of cable cars).

As of November 2026, a return ticket costs 10,000 KZT ($23 USD) for adults, or 6,000 KZT ($14 USD) for a one-way ticket. So it’s quite expensive, especially if you’re travelling on a budget, but I personally think it’s worth it. Once you’re up there, you’re under no obligation to spend any more money.

If you don’t fancy the cable car or want to save some money, you can also take a shuttle bus up to Kok Tobe. This costs 4,000 KZT ($9 USD) return from Dostyk Avenue.

Go on a walking tour

I don’t think Almaty is a place where a walking tour is essential, but it can be a great way to get orientated, learn about Almaty’s history and get some recommendations from your guide.

There are several walking tours available in Almaty, including tours that explore the main sights and others that focus on the city’s food scene. If you’re visiting Almaty for the first time, I’d recommend doing one at the beginning of your trip.

Walking Almaty is one of the most popular walking tour operators in the city, offering a range of tours. However, they are on the pricier side.

Personally, I love Guru Walk. The website puts you in touch with locals in your destination and they have lots of different types of tour on offer. It’s a great way to support locals.

Try the different cuisines

One of the things I loved about Almaty was the variety of food on offer. I had assumed it would have been all Central Asian themed, but thanks to Almaty’s diverse cultural influences, you’ll find everything from traditional Kazakh dishes to Lebanese, Indian, Korean and Georgian cuisine.

Some traditional dishes to look out for include beshbarmak, Kazakhstan’s national dish made with meat and noodles, baursak (fried dough) and manty (steamed dumplings).

As a vegetarian, I found Central Asian food as a whole to be quite meat-heavy, so it was nice to be in a city where they had plenty of options for vegetarians.

One of my favourite restaurants in the city was Harissa. It’s a middle-eastern restaurant and has excellent vegetarian options, including falafel and chickpea-based dishes.

I also HIGHLY recommend Dawat Bar & Grill – it’s an Indian restaurant and is an excellent choice for vegetarian food in Almaty.

Visit Panfilov Park and admire Ascension Cathedral

One of the most popular places to visit in Almaty is Panfilov Park, known as the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen.

Panfilov Park is dedicated to soldiers who fought during the Second World War. One of its main attractions is the impressive Glory Memorial and Eternal Flame, which remember those who lost their lives.

It’s also home to the colourful Ascension Cathedral, one of Almaty’s most recognisable buildings. The cathedral is still an active place of worship, but visitors can normally go inside free of charge. Even if you’re not particularly interested in religious buildings, it’s worth stopping by to admire the architecture.

I spent about 45 minutes wandering around the park. It’s a great way to get a feel for the city and see how the locals live. There were lots of families making the most of the space.

Ride the Almaty Metro

Like some other famous Central Asian cities, Almaty’s metro is an attraction in its own right.

Opened in 2011, the metro is still quite modern, but several of its stations feature impressive architecture and vibrant artwork inspired by Kazakhstan’s history and culture.

One station worth visiting is Zhibek Zholy, which features decorations representing the ancient Silk Road.

It’s also a cheap and convenient way to travel around the city, so chances are you’ll end up using it anyway.

You only need to pay to enter once and can get on and off at each station to take photos. And don’t worry, you won’t be the only person doing it.

Explore the Green Bazaar

To experience local life in Almaty, I recommend visiting the Green Bazaar, one of the city’s best-known markets.

Inside, there are stalls selling pretty much any type of food you could wish for. I saw endless stalls filled with fruits, vegetables and spices, as well as sweets and local cuisine.

I sometimes get a bit overwhelmed in these types of places, but it was actually on the calmer side compared to some of the markets I have visited. It’s a great place to wander around and get to experience a more local side to the city.

It’s also within walking distance of Panfilov Park, so you can easily combine the two. It’s open every day except Monday, although check this before you go in case it has changed.

Indulge in the cafe culture

One thing that surprised me about Almaty was its cafe culture. As I wandered through Almaty, there really was no shortage of colourful cafes serving up delicious pastries and some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. It almost gave me Buenos Aires vibes (Almaty really was full of surprises).

It would be impossible for me to list EVERY cafe worth visiting in Almaty, but some of my favourites were: Jump-in-Goat (they also do great food), Ichi Coffee, Voronka, and Flask Coffee.

For my fellow vegans or dairy-free people – I had no issue finding dairy free milk. It was mostly almond, oat or rice milk.

Visit the Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking to escape the busy streets of Almaty for a few hours, head to the city’s Botanical Gardens.

The gardens are home to thousands of different plants, with plenty of walking paths, trees and open spaces to explore. It’s a nice place to spend a couple of hours, especially on a sunny day.

I’ll be honest, these aren’t the most impressive botanical gardens I’ve ever visited, but I still enjoyed wandering around. It’s a peaceful spot and a nice change from the busy city centre.

The Botanical Gardens are a little further out from the main attractions, so you’ll probably need to take a taxi or public transport to get there. It was easier for me to visit as I was staying in a hostel near here on my first night. However, I wouldn’t say it’s worth going out of your way to visit if you’re on a tight schedule.

Wander the vibrant Arbat Almaty

Another area worth exploring in Almaty is Arbat, a pedestrian street in the city centre. The street is lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, and you’ll often find local artists and street performers here too. This is another area of the city that reminded me of my time in Buenos Aires.

I don’t think you need to go here with a plan, it’s just a great place to wander. I actually came across school children performing a flash mob when I visited. It’s full of surprises.

I’d recommend combining a visit to Arbat with the nearby Green Bazaar and Panfilov Park. They’re all within walking distance of each other, so it’s an easy way to spend a few hours exploring this part of Almaty.

Arbat comes to life in the evening, so it’s best to visit then.

Visit a museum

If you enjoy museums, Almaty has several notable museums you might want to add to your itinerary.

One of the most popular is the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, which is one of the largest museums in Central Asia. Here, you’ll find exhibits covering everything about Kazakhstan, including its traditions and culture.

If you’re more interested in art, there’s also the A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts, which is home to an impressive collection of Kazakh and international artwork. I didn’t make it here, but the reviews seem positive.

Another museum worth considering is the Almaty Museum of Arts, which opened in September 2025 (after I had visited). This modern museum is dedicated to contemporary art from Kazakhstan and beyond. It’s one of the newest cultural attractions in Almaty and looks well worth visiting if you’re interested in art.

Visiting a museum is also a great option if you find yourself in Almaty on a rainy day.

Relax in a traditional bathhouse

For something a little different, you could visit one of Almaty’s traditional bathhouses.

One of the most popular is Arasan Baths, a historic bathhouse complex in the city centre. Here, you’ll find Russian baths, Finnish saunas and Turkish-style baths and swimming pools. Annoyingly, on the one day I had free in Almaty, it was closed for maintenance.

Arasan Baths is located close to Panfilov Park, so it’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. You can find more information, including the latest prices, on the official website.

Note: You’re not allowed to wear swim wear in the traditional baths, but they are separated by gender.

Best day and overnight trips from Almaty

Surrounded by mountains, Almaty has some wonderful scenery on its doorstep. So, while it’s a lovely city, one of the best things to do in Almaty is to actually leave it and do one of the day or overnight trips to experience a different side to Kazakhstan.

I spent most of my days in Almaty on day trips, and it was a wonderful way to explore the mountains.

Hike to Big Almaty Lake

One of my favourite things I did while in Kazakhstan was the Big Almaty Lake hike (BAO). The best part – you don’t even need to book a day trip, the hike starts right on the outskirts of Almaty.

I’ve already written a whole guide on hiking to Big Almaty Lake, so I won’t say too much here. However, this moderate hike gives you some fantastic views of the mountains, and it’s a great way to get out of the city without joining a tour (although tours are available).

The hike takes between 4 to 6 hours depending on your speed, and it’s around 11 miles (18 km) return depending on the route you take.

Explore the beautiful scenery at Issyk Lake

One of the best day trips from Almaty is to the beautiful turquoise waters of Issyk Lake. Surrounded by forests and mountains, it’s one of the most scenic spots in the area and it’s a great way to escape the city for the day.

The lake is around 75 km from Almaty, and it takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to get there by car. From the car park, the hike is between 20 and 30 minutes with a gentle uphill climb, so it’s great for those who want to see the amazing scenery without too much hiking. There are also taxis that can drive you to the lake area.

Once there, you can wander along the lakeshore, take in the views and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The colour of the water can change depending on both the weather and the time of year, so just be aware that it might not be as blue for you.

The best way to visit Issyk Lake is by joining a day tour from Almaty (unless you have your own car). I used KazGuidedTours for my day trip and can’t recommend them enough. The tour also included a stop at the Turgen (Bear) waterfall.

Another option is this day tour which includes all of the above, as well as a stop at the Golden Man museum.

Visit the famous Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes

If you’ve seen images advertising trips to Almaty, it probably includes a photo from Kolsai or Kaindy Lake. These two lakes are absolutely STUNNING, and can be visited as part of a day trip, or overnight trip, from Almaty.

Located about 300 km from Almaty, the lakes sit in the Tian Shan mountains, close to the border with Kyrgyzstan. Despite being relatively close to each other, the lakes are actually quite different.

Kolsai Lakes actually consists of three alpine lakes, surrounded by forests and towering mountains. The lower lake is the easiest to visit and is famous for its beautiful turquoise-green water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike to the second lake, although most day tours won’t have the time for this.

Kaindy Lake is famous for its underwater forest. In 1911, an earthquake caused a landslide that blocked the river and flooded the valley, leaving the spruce trees submerged underwater. Today, the tree trunks still stick out of the water, creating quite a spectacular sight.

Reaching Kaindy Lake requires about a 40 to 60 minute walk each way. There are horses available to ride there and back, but I did not think they were well cared for, and I saw locals hitting them. So I’d highly recommend walking.

Both lakes can get very busy so it’s not exactly a peaceful escape, but they’re well-worth adding to your Almaty itinerary.

I actually did the trip as part of an overnight trip that also visited Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon and Moon Canyon. You can visit the lakes as a day trip, but it’ll be quite long and rushed.

I really enjoyed the overnight trip, especially as we got to spend the night in a traditional yurt in the middle of the desert. It was one of my favourite experiences in Central Asia, and I’d highly recommend it if you have the time.

You can also do a day trip that visits all three attractions (including Charyn Canyon) in one day. However, this is a very rushed trip, and you don’t get to spend much time in each location.

Explore the incredible Charyn Canyon

Another place I highly recommend visiting from Almaty is Charyn Canyon. Located around 200 km east of the city, this spectacular canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA, although it’s on a much smaller scale.

As I mentioned above, you can visit this as part of an overnight tour alongside Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, but you can also do a day tour just to the Charyn Canyon area.

One of the most popular parts of Charyn Canyon is the Valley of Castles, where towering red and orange rock formations have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. You can actually walk down into the canyon and follow a trail through the impressive rock formations.

I absolutely LOVED this walk. It was completely different to anywhere else I’d visited in Central Asia, and certainly had Grand Canyon vibes.

The main walking trail is around 3 km each way and takes you through the canyon towards the Charyn River. It’s not a particularly difficult walk, but there’s very little shade, so make sure you have plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting during the summer. You can take a jeep back to the start so you only need to walk one way (and in theory, can take a jeep both ways if you wish).

Don’t miss walking along the ridge of the Canyon either. It has some amazing views!

Explore the mountains at Shymbulak and Medeu

For an easy day trip from Almaty without joining a tour, consider a trip to Shymbulak and Medeu, two great places just outside Almaty.

Medeu is famous for its enormous outdoor ice-skating rink, which sits at an altitude of 1,691 metres. It’s one of the highest ice-skating rinks in the world, surrounded by some incredible mountain scenery. Even if you’re not interested in ice skating, it’s worth visiting for the views alone.

From Medeu, you can take a cable car further into the mountains to Shymbulak, one of the most popular ski resorts in Central Asia. Sitting at an altitude of around 2,260 metres, the resort is surrounded by peaks and offers some spectacular views.

I visited in September and while there were some early bits of snow, it was still great to have a walk around and explore some of the hiking trails.

How to get to Shymbulak and Medeu from Almaty

The good news is that you don’t need to book an expensive tour to visit either of these places. You can take bus number 12 from Dostyk Avenue directly to Medeu, or use Yandex Go to get there. I used the bus to get there and then got a Yandex Go back for ease.

From Medeu, you can take the cable car up to Shymbulak. As of November 2026, a return cable car ticket costs 12,000 KZT (around $27 USD). You can easily visit both places in half a day, although I’d allow longer if you want to do some hiking.

You can check the official Shymbulak website for the latest cable car prices and opening times.

The Kazakh ethno-village tour

To experience traditional Kazakh life, consider a visit to the Kazakh ethno-village.

There are several experiences on offer, but one option is to join a guided tour where you can learn about the traditional nomadic way of life, visit a Kazakh yurt and watch traditional performances. Some tours also include activities such as making baursak (a type of fried bread), archery and a traditional Kazakh lunch.

I actually decided to skip this experience as I wanted to spend more time exploring the mountains. However, if you’re interested in learning more about Kazakh culture, it’s worth considering.

Although I skipped this activity myself, this tour comes highly recommended.

Explore Altyn-Emel National Park

Another incredible place to visit from Almaty is Altyn-Emel National Park. Located around 250 km from the city, this enormous national park is home to some of Kazakhstan’s most unusual landscapes.

One of the main attractions is the Singing Dune, an enormous sand dune that makes a low humming sound when the sand moves in certain conditions. You can even climb to the top for some fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.

The park is also home to the Aktau Mountains, which are famous for their unusual rock formations and layers of white, pink and red rock.

I was GUTTED I didn’t get to visit here. I just couldn’t fit it into my itinerary. However, a few people I met had managed to visit and all spoke very, very highly of it. It’s certainly at the top of my list for if I ever go back.

You can visit independently with a car, although you’ll need a permit to enter the national park. Alternatively, there are guided tours available from Almaty.

How many days do you need in Almaty?

I spent one week in Almaty and honestly… it wasn’t enough time. It meant I had to skip a couple of things I really wanted to do.

By the time you’ve spent a day exploring the city, done a couple of the popular day tours, and visited somewhere like Big Almaty Lake, you won’t have much time left. So, if you’re keen to explore Almaty and the surrounding mountains properly, especially if you enjoy hiking, I’d recommend spending around 10 days in Almaty.

If you’re not a big hiker or just want to see a few of the highlights, I’d suggest around 5 days in Almaty.

For backpackers looking to slow it down or find a base for a bit, Almaty is a FANTASTIC option. There are modern cafes with reliable internet, the cost isn’t too bad, and there’s enough to keep you occupied on the days you want to explore.

How to Spend 3, 5 or 7 Days in Almaty

Planning your Almaty itinerary can be slightly tricky as there are so many incredible day trips to choose from, and some involve quite a lot of travelling.

So, to try and help you, I’ve put each of the activities I’ve recommended in this post with how long to allow for. This way, you can build your itinerary depending on how many days you have and what you want to see.

Personally, I’d give yourself at least one full day in Almaty to explore the city, including highlights like Panfilov Park and Kok Tobe. In terms of day trips, my personal favourites were the Big Almaty Lake Hike and my overnight trip to Charyn Canyon and Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes.

Activity	How long to allow
Walking tour of main city including Kok Tobe	1 day
Big Almaty Lake	1 day if hiking
Day to explore museums and hidden gems in Almaty	1 day
Issyk Lake	1 day
Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes	At least 1 full day, and 2 if including Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon	At least 1 day, and 2 if including the lakes
Shymbulak and Medeu	1/2 – 1 full day
Kazakh ethno-village	1 day
Altyn-Emel National Park	2 days

Also, here are a few suggestions for how to spend your days in Almaty.

3 days in Almaty:

• Day 1: Explore Almaty, including Panfilov Park, the Green Bazaar, Kok Tobe and experience the city’s fantastic café scene.
• Day 2: Visit Shymbulak and Medeu, with time to explore some of the mountain trails. Alternatively, hike to Big Almaty Lake.
• Day 3: Take a day trip to Charyn Canyon, or if you have the time, do a full day trip to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes. This is a very long day trip, so be prepared for an early start and a lot of time spent on a bus.

5 days in Almaty:

With five days, you can explore more of the surrounding area without rushing quite as much.

• Day 1: Explore Almaty’s main attractions.
• Day 2: Visit Shymbulak and Medeu.
• Day 3: Hike to Big Almaty Lake.
• Days 4 and 5: Join an overnight trip to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake.

7 days in Almaty:

If you have a full week, I’d follow the five-day itinerary above and add a day trip to Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall. This would also leave you with another day to explore more of Almaty, visit a museum or simply relax in one of the city’s many cafés and soak it all in.

Of course, these are just suggestions, and you can mix and match the activities depending on what interests you most.

Personally, I think Almaty is somewhere that deserves more time than people might initially expect. If you have 10 days or even longer, you can explore the surrounding region in more depth, including places such as Altyn-Emel National Park.

How to get around Almaty

One of the best ways to explore a new city is on foot, but Almaty is quite a big city, so you may need to use the public transport system or the Central Asian version of Uber – Yandex.

Metro

Almaty has a reliable metro system, although there’s currently only one line with 11 stations. It’s a convenient way to travel around central Almaty, particularly if you want to avoid the traffic. Exploring the metro is almost an activity in itself, with many of the stations featuring unique architecture and decorations.

The metro is also incredibly affordable, with a single journey costing just 120 KZT (around $0.20).

You can pay using the ONAY! app, which allows you to generate a QR code to scan at the ticket barriers. You simply create an account, add some money and generate a QR code to scan at the ticket barriers.

You do need to go through security to enter the metro, including placing your bag through a scanner. I found the staff were really friendly and happy to point me in the right direction.

Bus

Almaty also has a fantastic bus network. I know using a bus in a new city can be a bit intimidating, but using the bus in Almaty is very easy.

I’d suggest downloading the ONAY! app. You can use it to pay for your bus journeys, check routes and track buses in real time. A single journey currently costs 120 KZT.

I’d also recommend downloading 2GIS. It’s very similar to Google Maps but is particularly popular in Kazakhstan. It can also be great for helping you plan your journey.

Yandex

Another easy way to get around Almaty is by using Yandex Go, Kazakhstan’s equivalent of Uber. It’s one of the must-download apps BEFORE you arrive in the country, as it can take a while to set up.

The app works in a similar way to Uber. Simply enter your destination, check the fare and book your ride. You can normally pay by card or cash.

Taxis are relatively affordable in Almaty, making Yandex Go a convenient option if you’re travelling further across the city or don’t want to navigate public transport. I used them quite frequently.

Best time to visit Almaty

The best time to visit Almaty is during spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October). This way, you can explore the city and surrounding areas without dealing with the intense summer heat.

Technically, Almaty can be visited all year round. However, winters can be very cold, and snow makes many of the mountain hiking trails inaccessible. On the plus side, it’s a fantastic time to visit if you enjoy skiing or other winter activities if that’s your vibe.

Summer is also a great time to visit, especially if you’re planning to hike in the mountains. However, be warned, it can get VERY hot in Almaty during July and August, so you might want to aim for spring or autumn instead.

If hiking is your main priority, I’d recommend visiting in June or September, when the higher mountain trails are generally more accessible, and it’s not too hot.

I visited in September and it was PERFECT. The days were warm but not too warm, and all of the hikes I wanted to do were still accessible. Of course, every year is different, and the closer to winter you go, the bigger the risk of snow in the mountains.

Where to stay in Almaty

Due to the last-minute planning of my trip (I literally booked a flight right before I flew), my accommodation was a bit chaotic. There was also a big football match happening, so accommodation was pretty booked up. The bad news is this meant I had to move three times while in Almaty, the good news is I got to try out three different areas of the city.

Almaty itself is quite a big city, and it’s not the most walkable. Personally, I think one of the better areas to stay in Almaty is in the area surrounding Republic Square and Golden Square. This area is close to many of the main attractions, and you’ll be able to walk to restaurants, the metro and shops.

There’s also plenty of accommodation options here. I stayed in LES Mini that offers budget rooms with private or shared bathrooms. It’s in a great location and while very basic, it’s clean and has everything you need.

Other accommodation options in this area include Golden Square Hostel for budget travellers, or Park Hotel Almaty for something a little more comfortable. If you’re looking for a hotel right in the heart of Golden Square, Almaty Hotel is another option worth considering.

Another good area to consider is around Panfilov Park and Arbat Street. This is also a central part of Almaty, with plenty of restaurants, cafés and attractions within walking distance.

I would try to avoid going too far west of here. I stayed much further west at Wow Hostel for the first night and although the area felt very safe and clean, there weren’t many restaurants and I had to take either a taxi or the metro to get anywhere.

The other option is to look at Airbnb. This is where I spent most of my time in Almaty. It was one of the cheapest Airbnb’s I’ve ever stayed in.

Is Almaty safe for solo travellers?

Yes! Almaty is generally safe for solo travellers, and I felt perfectly safe as a solo female traveller.

As with any city anywhere in the world, of course there are always risks. But Central Asia as a whole, and particularly Almaty, is one of the areas I’ve felt safest while travelling. You can read my guide to backpacking Central Asia here where I cover this more, as well as my solo female travel guide for Uzbekistan.

Of all the countries I’ve visited in Central Asia, I’d say Kazakhstan is the best for newbie solo travellers. It’s very easy to navigate and arguably has the most home comforts. Having said that, there are still some big cultural differences, and I didn’t meet many other backpackers, so it might feel a little daunting if you’re nervous about travelling alone.

Of course, it’s still important to take the usual precautions. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, avoid walking alone late at night and use well-known taxi services such as Yandex Go.

Is Almaty expensive?

Almaty is one of the more expensive cities in Central Asia, and I found Kazakhstan to be more expensive than the neighbouring Kyrgyzstan.

Having said that, it’s still cheaper than most European prices, so depending on where you’re travelling from, you might not find it too bad.

For context, the hostel I stayed in was around $10 per night, the single room with a shared bathroom was $25, and my Airbnb was about $90 for four nights (Prices in 2025).

I also found the food to be reasonably priced, paying around $10-$15 for a meal (depending on where you ate of course). The supermarkets were also on the cheaper side.

You can definitely visit Almaty on a budget, but I’d try to budget at least $30 a day for a shared dorm room, food to cook at home and any public transport.