Best things to do in Almaty

Almaty Essentials

Almaty combines its Soviet past with natural beauty. Visit the wooden Ascension Cathedral in Panfilov Park or the Golden Warrior monument on Republic Square. The city's landscape is defined by the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, home to the high-altitude Medeu skating rink and Big Almaty Lake. Urban life centers on the Arbat promenade and the bustling Zelenyy (Green) Bazar, where traditional Central Asian commerce thrives. The 371-meter television tower on Kok Tobe hill dominates the skyline.

Arbat, promenade

A pedestrian boulevard on Zhibek Zholy Avenue featuring street performers, local artists, and fountains. The area is lined with shops and restaurants housed in Soviet-era architecture.

Ascension Cathedral

The Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, is a Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Zelenyy (Green) Bazar

A historic multi-level market offering local produce, traditional Kazakh meats, dried fruits, and spices. It has served as a primary commercial center for the city since the late 19th century.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Almaty Television Tower

The Almaty Television Tower, or simply Almaty Tower, formally the Koktobe TV Tower is a 371.5-metre-high steel television tower built…

SkySex / CC BY-SA 3.0

Central Park

Central Recreation Park, commonly known as Gorky Central Park of Culture and Recreation is an urban park located in the Medeu District of…

Ken and Nyetta / CC BY 2.0

Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan

The Golden Warrior Monument stands on Republic Square in the former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty.

Medeu

A high-altitude outdoor speed skating rink located 1,691 meters above sea level. The site also functions as the base station for the cable car leading to the Shymbulak mountain resort.

Anton Yefimov / CC BY 3.0

Big Almaty Lake

A natural alpine reservoir situated at 2,511 meters above sea level in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. The lake is known for its shifting colors and provides a primary source of drinking water for the city.