Places / Asia / Kazakhstan
Almaty
Not been yet
At a glance
- Country
- Kazakhstan
- Region
- Almaty
- Population
- 2.2 million
- Best time to go
- May to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Almaty International (ALA)
- Coordinates
- 43.22°N, 76.85°E
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and its former capital, laid out on a gentle slope beneath the snowy peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau. Tree-lined avenues, apple orchards and a busy café culture make it feel greener and more relaxed than many Central Asian cities.
The mountains are the main event. Within an hour you can be skating, skiing or hiking, and some of the region's best landscapes lie a few hours east.
Things to see
-
Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0 Zenkov Cathedral
A colourful wooden Orthodox cathedral in Panfilov Park, built without nails and still standing after a major earthquake.
-
Photo: Rem.photographer, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kok Tobe
Ride the cable car up the hill for city views, a small amusement park and the mountains behind.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0 Green Bazaar
A huge market hall of dried fruit, nuts, horse-meat sausage and Korean salads.
-
Photo: МаратД, CC BY-SA 4.0 Big Almaty Lake
A turquoise reservoir high in the mountains south of the city, best on a clear morning.
-
Photo: Dauren Nabijan, CC0 Central State Museum
Kazakhstan's history from the Saka gold warriors to independence, with good ethnographic displays.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
-
Photo: Girdi at English Wikipedia, Public domain Medeu and Shymbulak
Skate on the famous high-altitude outdoor rink, then take the gondola up to the Shymbulak ski resort.
Find tours -
Photo: Bgag, CC0 Day trip to Charyn Canyon
Red rock formations along the Charyn River, around three hours east, often combined with the Kolsai Lakes.
Find tours -
Photo: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0 Café culture
Spend an afternoon in the coffee shops and bars around Panfilov Street and the central squares.
Where to stay
Golden Square
The central grid between the main avenues, walkable to parks, restaurants and the Metro.
Hotels in Golden SquareMedeu foothills
Hotels on the way to the mountains, good for skiers and hikers.
Hotels in Medeu foothillsAround Arbat
Busy and convenient near the pedestrian Zhibek Zholy street and the bazaar.
Hotels in Around Arbat
Getting around
Almaty has a small Metro line and lots of buses, but ride-hailing taxis are cheap and easy. Remember that "up" means south towards the mountains.
The airport is around 30 minutes from the centre by taxi, depending on traffic.
When to go
Late spring and early autumn are warm and clear, ideal for hiking. Summers are hot, and winter brings snow, skiing and occasional smog in the city.
Plan your trip to Almaty
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.