20 Best and Fun Things To Do In Almaty

Traveloka MY
31 Dec 2024 - 6 min read

Almaty is the biggest city in Kazakhstan, and it's a really cool place to visit! Imagine a city with beautiful mountains as a backdrop – that's Almaty! You can take a cable car up Kok-Tobe Hill for amazing views of the city and the mountains. There's an amusement park there too, with fun rides and things to do.

Almaty has lots of parks where you can relax and have fun. Panfilov Park is a peaceful park with a really cool wooden church. You can also visit the Green Bazaar, a big market where you can find all sorts of things like food, clothes, and souvenirs. If you like museums, Almaty has some interesting ones. You can learn about Kazakhstan's history at the Central State Museum or see traditional musical instruments at the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. There's even a museum where you can learn all about how chocolate is made! Do you like being outside? You can go hiking in the mountains, skiing at a nearby resort, or even ice skating at a huge outdoor rink. If it's hot, you can go swimming in a lake or relax in the water.

Almaty is also a great place to try new things. You can try traditional Kazakh food, like beshbarmak and plov. They also have special tea with milk and salt. If you like beer, you can visit a local brewery and try some of their beers. And if you want to see something really amazing, you can take a day trip to Charyn Canyon. It's a big canyon with amazing rock formations, kind of like the Grand Canyon in the USA! Almaty is a friendly city with lots to see and do. You'll have a great time exploring this exciting place!

20 Things to Do in Almaty

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a fascinating blend of modern and traditional, nestled in the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains. Here are 20 things you can do in this dynamic city:

1. Enjoy the beauty of Ascend Kok-Tobe Hill

Take a scenic cable car ride up Kok-Tobe Hill for breathtaking views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. At the top, you'll find an amusement park with fun rides, a charming park with walking paths, and the iconic TV tower. Don't miss the giant apple monument and the chance to take memorable photos with the city as your backdrop. It's a great place to spend a few hours enjoying the fresh air and the panoramic vistas.

2. Stroll through Panfilov Park

This centrally located park is a peaceful oasis in the city, perfect for a relaxing walk. Admire the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral, a stunning wooden church built without any nails. The park also houses the impressive 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Memorial and the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments. Take a moment to sit on a bench and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

3. Explore the Green Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Green Bazaar, a traditional market where locals come to shop for fresh produce, meats, and spices. Wander through the stalls overflowing with colorful fruits and vegetables, and try some delicious street food like Samsa (baked pastries filled with meat) or Kurt (dried salty cheese balls). It's a feast for the senses and a great place to experience everyday life in Almaty.

4. Wander down Zhibek Zholy

This pedestrianized street, also known as Arbat, is the heart of Almaty's shopping and entertainment district. Browse the shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts, or enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes. Street performers and artists often entertain passersby, adding to the lively atmosphere. It's a great place to people-watch and soak up the city's energy.

5. Marvel at the Almaty Metro

Take a ride on Almaty's metro system and be amazed by the ornate decorations in the stations. Each station has a unique theme, showcasing Kazakh history, culture, and art through intricate mosaics, sculptures, and stained glass windows. It's a truly impressive display of artistry and a must-see for any visitor to Almaty.

6. Visit the Central State Museum

This museum is like a time machine taking you through Kazakhstan's history. You'll see cool old stuff like clothes, tools, and art from long ago. It's a great way to learn about how people lived in Kazakhstan in the past and how the country became what it is today.

7. Discover the Arasan Baths

The Arasan Baths are a special place where you can have a relaxing and unique experience. It's like a sauna, where you can sit in hot rooms to sweat out toxins and then jump into a cold pool! This is how Kazakh people have been taking baths and socializing for a long time. It's a fun way to try something new and feel refreshed.

8. Attend a performance at the Abai Opera House

If you like music or dancing, you should go see a show at the Abai Opera House. It's a fancy building with a big stage where they perform famous plays and ballets. You can dress up and enjoy a night of beautiful music and talented performers. It's a special treat for a night out in Almaty!

9. Explore the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments

Ever seen a Dombra or a Kobyz? At this museum, you can see and learn about all sorts of interesting musical instruments from Kazakhstan. They have really old ones and newer ones, and you can even hear what they sound like. It's a fun place to discover the unique sounds of Kazakh music.

10. Visit the Central Mosque

The Central Mosque is a beautiful building where people go to pray. It has shiny blue domes and tall towers, and it's one of the biggest mosques in Central Asia. You can go inside and see the beautiful decorations and learn about Islam, an important religion in Kazakhstan. Remember to dress respectfully when you visit.

11. Hike in the Ile-Alatau National Park

Put on your hiking boots and explore the amazing Ile-Alatau National Park! You'll see beautiful mountains, green meadows with wildflowers, and maybe even some wild animals like birds and deer. There are trails for everyone, from easy walks to challenging climbs, so you can enjoy nature at your own pace.

12. Ski or snowboard at Shymbulak

If you love winter sports, Shymbulak is the place to be! This ski resort has slopes for all levels, from beginners to experts. You can rent skis and snowboards, take lessons, and have fun in the snow. Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains while you're there!

13. Go ice skating at Medeu

Medeu is a huge outdoor ice skating rink high up in the mountains. It's so big that it's famous around the world! You can rent skates and glide around the ice while enjoying the fresh air and amazing views. It's a fun activity for families and friends.

14. Relax by Big Almaty Lake

Thi s lake is like a hidden gem! It's a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by mountains. You can take a picnic and relax by the shore, enjoy the peaceful views, and take some amazing photos. It's a great escape from the city and a perfect place to enjoy nature.

15. Go for a swim at Kapchagai Lake

When it's hot outside, Kapchagai Lake is the place to cool off! This big lake is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the water. You can also try fun water sports like jet skiing or boating. It's a popular spot for families to spend a summer day.

16. Try traditional Kazakh cuisine

Kazakh food is yummy! You should try some of their special dishes like beshbarmak, which is like noodles with meat, and plov, which is a rice dish with meat and vegetables. They also have tasty fried bread called baursaki.

17. Enjoy a cup of Kazakh tea

In Kazakhstan, people love to drink tea. It's a little different because they often add milk and sometimes even salt! Try a cup and see if you like it.

18. Visit a local brewery

Do you like trying different kinds of beer? Almaty has some cool places where they make their own beer. You can go on a tour and even try some of the beer they make.

19. Indulge in some chocolate at Rakhat Chocolate Factory

If you have a sweet tooth, you have to visit the Rakhat Chocolate Factory. They make delicious chocolate there, and you can try all sorts of different kinds. You can even see how they make the chocolate!

20. Take a day trip to Charyn Canyon

Want to see something amazing? Take a trip to Charyn Canyon. It's like a smaller version of the Grand Canyon, with really cool rocks and cliffs. You can walk around and explore this amazing natural wonder.

So, are you ready to experience the wonders of Almaty? From exploring its rich history and culture to enjoying its stunning natural beauty. Planning your trip is easy with Traveloka! You can find the best deals on flights, hotels, and even fun activities all in one place. Just visit the Traveloka website or app, search for Almaty, and start planning your adventure today. Traveloka makes it simple to compare prices, read reviews, and book everything you need for a fantastic trip. Start packing your bags and get ready to discover the beauty of Almaty! With Traveloka, your dream trip to Kazakhstan is just a few clicks away.

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In This Article

• 20 Things to Do in Almaty
• 1. Enjoy the beauty of Ascend Kok-Tobe Hill
• 2. Stroll through Panfilov Park
• 3. Explore the Green Bazaar
• 4. Wander down Zhibek Zholy
• 5. Marvel at the Almaty Metro
• 6. Visit the Central State Museum
• 7. Discover the Arasan Baths
• 8. Attend a performance at the Abai Opera House
• 9. Explore the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
• 10. Visit the Central Mosque
• 11. Hike in the Ile-Alatau National Park
• 12. Ski or snowboard at Shymbulak
• 13. Go ice skating at Medeu
• 14. Relax by Big Almaty Lake
• 15. Go for a swim at Kapchagai Lake
• 16. Try traditional Kazakh cuisine
• 17. Enjoy a cup of Kazakh tea
• 18. Visit a local brewery
• 19. Indulge in some chocolate at Rakhat Chocolate Factory
• 20. Take a day trip to Charyn Canyon

Flights Featured in This Article

Thu, 3 Jul 2025
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Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
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Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
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Mon, 14 Jul 2025
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Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
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