Exploring Almaty, the Heart of Kazakhstan

Looking for a refreshing destination in Central Asia? Almaty, often called the heart of Kazakhstan, is a popular city known for its mountain scenery, rich culture, modern lifestyle and blend of Eastern and Western influences. Travellers who require a visa should obtain a Kazakhstan eVisa before travelling.

This guide covers the top places to visit in Almaty, local food to try and useful tips for planning a self-guided trip.

About Almaty

Almaty has a history dating back thousands of years and was once an important settlement along the Silk Road. In the 19th century, the Russian Empire established a military fort called Verny, which later developed into a major city. It became the capital of Soviet Kazakhstan in 1927 and remained the country's capital until 1997.

Although Astana is now the capital, Almaty continues to be Kazakhstan’s largest city and an important centre for culture, business and education

Almaty City Location

Almaty lies in southeastern Kazakhstan, in a scenic valley near the Alatau mountain range. The city covers around 682 square kilometres and has an estimated population of 2.35 million people as of April 2026.

It remains an important centre for finance, science, culture, history and industry in Kazakhstan. For travellers, the city offers mountain views, local heritage sites and a modern urban lifestyle.

Popular Tourist Spots in Almaty

The places below highlight some of Almaty’s best-known attractions, from scenic outdoor spots to cultural landmarks and entertainment areas.

Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is one of the most popular natural attractions near the city. Located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, it is known for its clear turquoise water, surrounding peaks and peaceful setting. Visitors can go for a short hike, enjoy the views or spend time relaxing near the lake.

Panfilov Park

Panfilov Park is one of the oldest parks in Almaty and is often visited by travellers exploring the city independently. It is named after General Ivan Panfilov and the Panfilov Guardsmen, who are remembered for their role in the defence of Moscow during World War II.

The park covers 18 hectares with shaded walking paths lined by old oak trees and greenery. It also contains the Memorial of 28 Guardsmen, which honours the Panfilov Guardsmen who fought during World War II.

Zenkov Cathedral

Zenkov Cathedral is located inside Panfilov Park and is one of Almaty’s notable landmarks. Constructed in 1907, the cathedral was built primarily of wood and assembled without the use of iron nails and assembled without iron nails.

The building survived the 1911 earthquake with only minor damage and still stands today. It is often described as one of the tallest wooden structures in the world and among the oldest wooden buildings still in use.

Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

The Central State Museum is a well-known attraction in Almaty, with old artefacts, traditional Kazakh costumes and displays reflecting the history of the nomadic lifestyle in Kazakhstan. Its collections cover various historical periods and subjects, covering ancient civilisations, the nomadic era, the Silk Road period and modern Kazakhstan. It is among the biggest museums in Central Asia.

Kök-Töbe

Kok Tobe is a hilltop park in Almaty, known for its panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Visitors can go to the top to enjoy the scenery and spend time at its cafés, walking areas and entertainment spots.

The park is also home to the Beatles monument, making it a popular stop for travellers exploring the city.

Food to Try in Almaty

Food in Almaty reflects Kazakh traditions along with Russian and Central Asian influences. Some popular dishes to try include:

Beshbarmak

Beshbarmak is a traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat, flat noodles and onion broth. Its name means “five fingers,” referring to the traditional way of eating it by hand. It is commonly served during family gatherings, celebrations and special occasions in Kazakhstan.

Kymyz

Kymyz is a traditional Kazakh drink made from fermented mare’s milk. It has been part of nomadic life in Kazakhstan for centuries and is closely linked to horse culture. The drink is known for its slightly sour taste and is often served as a symbol of hospitality.

Plov

Plov is a popular rice dish served in Kazakhstan, made with meat, carrots and spices. It is known for its rich flavour and filling portions.

The dish is usually cooked in a large, heavy pot, where the meat, rice and spices are prepared together. This allows the rice to absorb the flavour of the meat and seasoning.

Manti

Manti are large steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions. In Kazakhstan, they are usually made with thin dough and stuffed with lamb or beef, black pepper, cumin and finely chopped onions. They are steamed until soft and juicy.

How to Travel Around Almaty

Buses & Trolleybuses:

Buses and trolleybuses are useful for getting around Almaty. The city has around 150 bus routes and 9 trolleybus lines. Travellers can use the CityBus app on iOS and Android to check live updates.

Buses usually operate daily from 6:00 to 22:00, with services every 10 to 15 minutes. Trolleybuses are more frequent, usually running every 5 to 8 minutes.

Metro

Almaty Metro is the youngest subway system in the CIS region. It has one line with 9 active stations and runs from 6:00 AM to midnight, with trains usually arriving every 8 to 15 minutes.

Travellers can pay by ONAY card, Visa, MasterCard or cash, although cash payments may cost more.

Almaty Travel Tips

Visit from June to September for warm weather and easy sightseeing.
Late spring and early autumn are also good, but carry a light jacket or umbrella.
Use Kazakhstani Tenge for payments.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shopping centres.
Keep some cash for small shops, taxis and local markets.
A daily budget of around 50 to 70 USD can cover food, transport, entry fees and basic accommodation.

Content Disclaimer: This travel information is for general guidance only. Attraction access, transport schedules, weather conditions, prices and activities in Almaty may change without notice. Travellers should check official local sources before planning or visiting.

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