15 Best Things to Do in Almaty & Kazakhstan

Live Some Amazing Experiences in a Super Alive City Almaty

Almaty is an emerging tourist destination not just in Kazakhstan but in entire Central Asia. Once the capital city of Kazakhstan, Almaty happens to be a modern city with the most urban infrastructure matching any European City. So, if you are planning to visit Almaty you may have questions in mind about what is there in Almaty for you. Hang on; we are bringing you the best things to do in Almaty that you can enjoy when you go on an Almaty Tour. You will get to know about various experiences to enjoy in Almaty through this post to make your holiday more memorable.

1. Explore Popular Tourist Destinations in Almaty

Almaty is a beautiful city in Kazakhstan. The city has several popular tourist sites. The popular ones are Kok Tobe Tower - A local recreational point Charyn Canyon - A unique rock formation and stunning display of nature’s magic, Central Mosque - Probably the largest and most beautiful mosque in the country, Zenkov Cathedral - A century-old unique cathedral made of wood completely by Opera House - A cool place for entertainment Dolphinarium Nemo - A great show where the performers are cute dolphins who will steal your heart. Therefore, you have plenty of things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

2. Taste the Delicious Foods of the City

When on an Almaty tour you must taste the local delicious food items. You can try out meat dishes that occupy a huge space in the national cuisine. In all the major restaurants in Almaty, you will also get Russian and European cuisine on the menu. Tea is a very common drink in Almaty and there are tea selling points everywhere in the city. Some of the popular restaurants to eat delicious food are Gosti – which specializes in Russian cuisine, Kishalk – which offers traditional and authentic Central Asian cuisine and Tandoor – an Indian Restaurant. Enjoying delicious food in itself is one of the best things to do in Almaty.

3. Let Yourself Free in Adventure

If you love fast-paced action-packed experiences in Almaty, you are at the right place. You have many adventure-related things to do in Almaty. The list includes paragliding, skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, hot air balloon adventure, golfing, and more. Adventure is also available at big Almaty Lake and one of the world’s highest ice rinks Medeo. Hiking up to big Almaty Lake is a cool experience.

4. Be on Top at Medeu and Shymbulak

Almaty is a city wherein you get the buzz of a modern city and as you move a little outside of Almaty, you can be on the peak of a mountain. Medeu and Shymbulak are the two must on the top of the mountain places worth visiting. Medeu is located in Medeu Valley on the Southeastern skirts of Almaty. Medeu is a great place for skating especially during winter. It is one of the best things to do in Kazakhstan. Similarly, Shymbulak, a ski resort near Almaty is the largest ski resort in entire Central Asia. Located in the Medeu Valley only, Shymbulak ski resort is a highly popular travel destination for anybody on an Almaty Tour.

5. Spend Some Time inside Some of the Museums in Almaty

If you are a museum lover, Almaty will delight you as there are several museums in the city. Just buy a ticket and get inside a museum or two of your choice. Where should you be? The National History Museum is the place where you can see how Kazakhstan evolved in history. At the Kasteyev Museum of Fine Arts, you can witness a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and folk art from different eras in Kazakhstan. Exploring this museum is one of the best things to do in Almaty. Another museum in Almaty city worth visiting is the Central State Museum of the Kazakh Republic which happens to be the largest museum in Almaty and also one of the largest museums in entire Central Asia. Other museums worth visiting in Almaty include the Muthar Auezov Literature Memorial House, the State Museum of National Musical Instruments, and the Military History Museum.

6. Go for a Night Out and Chill at a Bar or Pub

Almaty offers a great nightlife experience to locals and foreign visitors. Nightlife lovers have plenty of high standards and budget pubs and bars in Almaty. Chukotka is one of the most famous places to be here. You can dance hard to the music played by the rock bands and DJs after midnight as well. Amazing drinks offered here will energize you for sure. Enjoying the nightlife is one of the most delightful things to do in Almaty. Sova Espresso, Shakespeare Pub, Soho Almaty Club, and Pivnitsa are other pubs and bars in Almaty to experience great music, food, and drink.

7. Shop Hard at Local Bazaars and International Malls

Local markets in Almaty are worth visiting. Go to the Zelyony Bazaar or Green Bazaar where fruits, clothing, toys, and locally handmade items are sold in a wide variety. You can bargain hard to get an item cheap. Beautifully designed carpets buyers can go to Bukhara carpets and buy some of the best carpets to add beauty to their homes. If you are looking for branded items then go to Esentai Mall for luxury shopping. There are more than 160 stores of international luxurious brands available here. And if you don’t want to spend much then go to Mega Center where you get goods of the highest quality but at lower prices.

8. Feel Relaxed at Arasan Baths

After getting exhausted from sightseeing and shopping you can have a relaxed time at Arasan Baths. It is one of the most peaceful experiences in Almaty. Arsan baths are one of the relaxing things to do in Kazakhstan. When you think of experiences in Almaty, coming to Arasan Baths should be on your list. This is one of the cool things to do in Almaty for you. This is located near Panfilov Park - a popular tourist site in Almaty. Spend some time and experience some classic and modern treatments for getting de-stressed and feeling rejuvenated. Arasan Bath is not just a spa kind but this is also a wellness center.

9. Do Business Meetings in Almaty

If you think that Almaty is only popular for leisure travelers, then you get it wrong. There are many things to do in Almaty for those coming on a holiday trip but in recent years Almaty has also become a favorite destination for MICE purposes. Almaty always had a tradition of exhibitions and conferences and with full-grown infrastructure international companies are also betting on Almaty for business meetings and conferences. Almaty International Airport – the largest in the country provides direct and indirect connectivity to all the major cities in the world. Local transportation through rail, bus, and private taxis is also good. There are international hotels such as InterContinental and Plaza Hotel present in the city offering space, facilities, and services required to arrange meetings and conferences. There are budget hotels also that provide you with everything at lower prices. You have already seen that many tourist destinations in Almaty keep visitors engaged and delighted.

10. Witness Falconry - Hundreds of Years Old Traditional Game of the Region

This is truly unique. Seeing the game of Falconry is one of the cool experiences in Almaty. Falconry has gained a form of increasingly famous sport in Kazakhstan. Tourists also love to witness the sport. Falconry is a sport of hunting with birds of prey like an eagle. It is one of the best things to do in Almaty. Falconry has a long history in the region. Kazak people have hunted with eagles for centuries. This old practice is being revived as a competitive sport in the country. This tradition of falconry is getting a lot of attention lately. You can go to an eagle hunting museum in the small town of Nura, two hours east of Almaty.

11. Admire Soviet Architecture and Art

Almaty is a perfect place for everyone who loves traditional architecture and art. The incredible architecture of Almaty’s building is something you have never seen before. Admiring this Soviet architecture is one of the most interesting things to do in Almaty. The wonderful architectural style in Almaty dates back to the mid-20th century. You will find buildings adorned with art, vibrant hues, and design everywhere you look. To admire this Soviet architecture, you must see Hotel Kazakhstan, Arman Cinema, Auezov Theatre, Palace of the Republic, Hotel Alma-ata, and more.

12. Marvel at Beautiful Cathedrals

Almaty is rich in everything, be it history, architecture, art, or traditions. Almaty’s most impressive landmarks are its beautiful cathedrals. Adorned with the hues of art, architecture, and color, the churches in Almaty captivate everyone’s attention. You must take time to admire the unprecedented art and beauty of Almaty’s cathedral in Almaty. It is one of the best things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan. One of the iconic cathedrals in Almaty is Zenkov Cathedral. Nothing can match the vibrance of this awe-inspiring church. It has the most extraordinary structures. From its colorful exterior to its artistic interiors, Zenkov is a must-see attraction in Almaty.

13. Explore the Archeological Sites & Landmarks

Almaty is an ancient city filled with many archeological sites and landmarks. These sites are worth exploring for every history buff. From Baiken Mosque to St. Sophia Cathedral, Almaty Central Mosque, Zenkov’s Cathedral, St. Nicholas Cathedral, and more, you can explore these sites in Almaty. Traversing these sites and landmarks is one of the best things to do in Almaty. This city in Kazakhstan hides many treasures and hidden marvels. These incredible sites often go unnoticed as Almaty’s diverse landscapes approach travelers. If you are in Almaty for a leisure holiday, don’t forget to explore these amazing places.

14. Ride in Metro

One of the top things to do in Almaty is to ride in the metro and admire the incredible artistic metro stations. Metro lines in Almaty are not as grand as in other neighboring countries. But they are still worth seeing on an Almaty city tour. Many metro stations in Almaty are adorned with folk patterns, motives, murals, and traditional art. You can use the metro for easy transit throughout the city. It is the best way to admire the art of Kazakhstan on the wall of the Almaty metro station.

15. Know About Nomadic Traditions

Nomadic Culture is one of the most prominent in Kazakhstan. Most of the people in Kazakhstan still follow a nomadic lifestyle. This nomadic culture can be reflected through Kazakh clothes, yurt, music, and crafts. If you want to learn more about Nomadic culture, you can visit Ethno Hunn Village in Almaty. It is the best place to learn about nomadic customs, traditions, and culture. It is one of the most captivating things to do in Almaty, where you can see and observe how locals embrace the nomadic lifestyle.

Explore: Delicious Kazakh Food

Read About: Best Shopping Destinations in Almaty