Almaty City Guide
Discover Kazakhstan's cultural capital and largest city. From stunning mountain views to vibrant bazaars, Almaty offers the perfect blend of modern urban life and traditional Kazakh culture.
2.2M
Population
Almaty Quick Facts
Location
Southeast Kazakhstan
Near Kyrgyzstan border, at foot of Tian Shan mountains
Climate
Continental
Hot summers, cold winters, beautiful spring and autumn
Languages
Kazakh, Russian
English widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Kazakhstani Tenge
Credit cards accepted, ATMs widely available
Top Attractions in Almaty
Kok-Tobe Hill
Panoramic views of the city and mountains. Cable car ride, amusement park, and the famous Apple Monument.
Big Almaty Lake
Stunning alpine lake with turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Perfect for photography and hiking.
Charyn Canyon
Kazakhstan's Grand Canyon with dramatic red rock formations. Day trip from Almaty for hiking and exploration.
Green Bazaar
Traditional market with local produce, spices, dried fruits, and handicrafts. Experience authentic Kazakh culture.
Central State Museum
Kazakhstan's largest museum showcasing the country's history, culture, and archaeological treasures.
Panfilov Park
Beautiful city park with the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, war memorial, and peaceful walking paths.
Food & Culture in Almaty
Must-Try Foods
- Beshbarmak - Traditional horse meat dish with noodles
- Plov - Central Asian rice pilaf with meat and vegetables
- Manti - Large steamed dumplings with meat filling
- Lagman - Hand-pulled noodle soup with vegetables
- Baursaki - Traditional fried bread, perfect with tea
- Kumys - Fermented mare's milk, traditional drink
Cultural Experiences
- Tea Culture - Visit traditional tea houses
- Handicraft Markets - Buy traditional carpets and crafts
- Folk Performances - Traditional music and dance shows
- Bathhouse Experience - Traditional Russian banya
- Nomadic Heritage - Learn about Kazakh traditions
- Apple Heritage - Almaty means "father of apples"
Practical Information
Getting There
- Almaty International Airport (ALA)
- Direct flights from major cities
- Airport bus and taxi services
- Train connections available
Getting Around
- Metro system (under construction)
- Bus and trolleybus network
- Taxi and ride-sharing apps
- Car rental available
Accommodation
- Luxury hotels in city center
- Budget hostels and guesthouses
- Apartment rentals available
- Book in advance during peak season
Safety Tips
- Generally safe for tourists
- Keep valuables secure
- Use registered taxis
- Emergency number: 112
Ready to Explore Almaty?
Start your Kazakhstan adventure in the cultural capital. Apply for your eVisa today and discover the beauty of Almaty!