Almaty, the former capital and the largest city of Kazakhstan is known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant city life. From cozy cafes to extraordinary museums, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Almaty with your loved ones. Here are the top 10 must-visit places in Almaty:
1. The Medeu Cable Car
The Medeu cable car, spanning 4.5 kilometers, connects the iconic Medeu sports complex to the popular Shymbulak ski resort. The cable car journey offers breathtaking views of the Medeu Gorge, with its snow-capped mountains and pristine natural surroundings. In just 15 minutes, visitors are transported to the ski slopes, reaching an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters, where the snow remains year-round.
2. Kazakhstan Museum Of Arts
One of the best places to visit in Almaty is the Kazakhstan Museum Of Arts. This place has the best art collection in the whole country. From Kazakh to Russian art along with a room that has all the modern Kazakh handicrafts, this place offers a good glimpse of the city’s culture and history. Whether you are a history buff or an ordinary explorer, you’d be pleased to visit this museum.
3. First Presidents Park
First Presidents Park is an urban park located in Almaty at the intersection of Navoi Street and Al-Farabi Avenue in the Bostandyk district. The park was opened in July 2010 and was named after the first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. The park is located in the southern part of the city and is surrounded by the most mesmerizing views, which further adds to the reasons for visiting this place.
4. Shymbulak Ski Resort
Shumbulak also known as Chimbulak is a ski resort near Almaty. It is the largest ski resort in Central Asia. It is located in the upper part of the Medeu Valley in the Zailiisky Alatau mountain range at an elevation of 2200 meters above sea level. The resort area is about 25 kilometers south of Almaty city by Medeo Road. It is popular for its mild climate large quantity of sunny days and the great amount of snow through the winter.
5. Kok Tobe Hill
Kok Tobe Hill offers you breathtaking panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit destination. You can take a scenic cable car ride from the city center, gliding over the historic parts of the city and lush gardens below. At the summit, you’ll be greeted by the iconic 372-meter-high TV Tower, visible from far away.
6. Central Mosque
While there’s no dearth of mosques in Kazakhstan, this one in Almaty calls out for a visit irrespective of whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or not. Visiting this beautiful mosque is one of the best things to do in Almaty on your holiday for a soul-satisfying experience. All you have to make sure is to dress up in decent attire with your head, arms, and legs properly covered.
7. Ascension Cathedral
The Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, is a stunning architectural landmark nestled in the heart of Almaty’s Panfilov Park. This five-domed wooden cathedral stands 56 meters tall and is considered one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The cathedral’s design is unique, with intricate detailing and colorful domes that resemble the grand architecture of St. Petersburg.
8. Big Almaty Lake
The Big Almaty Lake is one of the top hangout spots for locals, especially for a picnic. Also known as Bao, this lake is situated in the Tien Shan mountains and serves as a major source of drinking water for the city’s residents. Due to this very reason, swimming or even going near the water is strictly prohibited. However, despite that, it still makes up for a cozy place to hang out with your loved ones in a huge group and soak in the sunshine.
9. Sunkar International Ski Jumping Complex
Sunkar International Complex is a ski jumping venue in the southern part of Almaty. This Ski Jumping complex in Almaty sits at an altitude of 900m above sea level. The complex was built in 2010 replacing an old Goreny Gigant ski jumping complex as Almaty and Astana hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games. The very uniqueness of the Sunkar International Ski Jumping Complex is that it is located in a place where there is almost no wind.
10. Green Bazaar
The Green Bazaar (also called Zelyony Bazaar) is one of the most famous markets in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience authentic Kazakh culture, taste local delicacies, and shop for unique souvenirs. This traditional market, also known as Zelyony Bazaar, stands as a beloved landmark in the heart of Almaty. At the Green Bazaar, stalls sell a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, meats, dairy products, nuts, dried fruits, and traditional Kazakh delicacies.
