10 Best Things to Do in Almaty

Looking for what to do in Almaty? Nestled at the very base of the awe-inspiring Tian Shan mountains, Kazakhstan’s cultural and historic capital is a city of breathtaking contrasts and unexpected harmony. Here, the crisp, snow-capped peaks of Central Asia’s mightiest mountain range serve as a permanent, dramatic backdrop to a dynamic, modern cityscape of wide leafy boulevards, innovative architecture, and verdant parks. Almaty offers a captivating mix of dramatic nature and sophisticated urban life, where echoes of its Soviet past, deep-rooted Kazakh traditions, and a forward-looking cosmopolitan energy coexist. With its alluring blend of Central Asian soul, Russian influence, and a distinctly modern Kazakh identity, Almaty stands as one of the most fascinating and visually stunning destinations in the entire region.

From exhilarating escapes into glacial alpine realms and serene strolls through iconic, colour-drenched cathedrals to vibrant explorations of bustling bazaars and world-class museums, here are the 10 best things to do in Almaty. This guide is designed to help you plan the perfect trip, one that captures the profound natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant contemporary spirit of this remarkable city at the crossroads of continents.

1. Soak in the Views from Kok Tobe Hill

Kok Tobe, meaning “Green Hill,” is the city’s premier vantage point and a beloved recreational destination for both visitors and locals. Rising 1,100 meters above sea level on the southeastern edge of Almaty, its slopes offer an unbeatable panoramic perspective. To reach the summit, you can take the iconic Kok Tobe cable car—a scenic ride that lifts you gently over residential neighbourhoods and apple orchards—or opt for a winding drive up the hillside. At the top, the sprawling city grid unfolds beneath you, framed perfectly by the majestic, snow-dusted peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau range of the Tian Shan.

Beyond the view, Kok Tobe features pleasant walking paths, cafes with terraces, souvenir shops, and a small amusement park. The whimsical bronze statue of The Beatles is a popular photo spot, a testament to the band’s enduring global appeal. While enjoyable by day, the hill truly comes into its own at sunset, as the fading light paints the mountain ridges in hues of gold and purple, and the city below begins to sparkle with a million lights. It’s the perfect introduction to Almaty’s enchanting geography.

2. Witness the Turquoise Majesty of Big Almaty Lake

Just a 30-kilometre drive south from the city centre lies one of Kazakhstan’s most breathtaking natural wonders: Big Almaty Lake. This stunning alpine reservoir, cradled in a glacial cirque at an altitude of 2,511 meters, is a sight of almost surreal beauty. Fed by meltwater from the surrounding peaks, the lake’s colour oscillates between a deep cerulean blue and a mesmerizing milky turquoise, depending on the season, mineral content, and angle of the sun. The stark, rugged slopes of the Tian Shan rise sharply from its shores, creating a scene of raw, powerful tranquillity.

The lake is part of the Ile-Alatau National Park, and the road to it offers spectacular viewpoints. While swimming is prohibited (it’s a drinking water reservoir for the city), visitors come for the crisp mountain air, exceptional hiking on nearby trails, and unparalleled photography opportunities. The journey itself, climbing through a dramatic mountain gorge, is an unforgettable part of the experience, offering a immediate and profound escape into nature’s grandeur.

3. Find Peace and History in Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral

Panfilov Park is the historic and spiritual green heart of Almaty, a serene sanctuary named in honour of the 28 Panfilov soldiers who famously defended Moscow during World War II. Their immense, sombre memorial stands in the park. However, the park’s undisputed centrepiece is the Ascension Cathedral, better known as Zenkov Cathedral. This magnificent structure is a masterpiece of Tsarist-era architecture and a marvel of engineering: built entirely of wood in 1907, without a single nail, it is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world.

Surviving a powerful earthquake in 1911, the cathedral’s resilience is as impressive as its beauty. Its vibrant, candy-coloured exterior and ornate, icon-filled interior glowing with candlelight offer a deeply atmospheric visit. The park around it, with its tall trees, flower beds, and benches, is a favourite gathering place for Almaty residents. On weekends, the atmosphere is particularly lively, filled with families, couples, and the sounds of street musicians, creating a beautiful blend of reverence and everyday life.

4. Dive into the Senses at the Green Bazaar

For a true taste of Central Asian life, no visit to Almaty is complete without exploring the Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar). This sprawling, cacophonous, and wonderfully aromatic market is the city’s culinary and social hub. Step inside to be immersed in a vibrant sensory overload. Mountains of dried fruits and nuts—apricots, raisins, walnuts—compete for attention with pyramids of colourful spices. Counters groan under the weight of traditional Kazakh cheeses like kurt (dried salty cheese balls) and irimsik, alongside stalls selling fresh meat, horsemeat sausages (kazy), and every conceivable fruit and vegetable.

Vendors are typically friendly and often offer samples, encouraging you to taste before you buy. The upper floor is dedicated to household goods and textiles. After exploring, head to the small eateries surrounding the market to sample authentic street food: steaming bowls of laghman (hand-pulled noodles with meat and vegetables), juicy manti (dumplings), or delicious shashlik (kebabs). The Green Bazaar is not just a place to shop; it’s a living, breathing cultural experience.

5. Unravel the Nation’s Story at the Central State Museum

Housed in a striking blue-domed building, the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan is the country’s largest and most important museum, offering an essential deep dive into the nation’s epic history. Its vast collections are spread over several floors, taking you on a chronological journey from antiquity to the modern day. Exhibits begin with impressive archaeological finds from the Bronze Age, including the famed “Golden Man,” an Scythian warrior’s burial costume adorned with thousands of gold pieces.

The museum thoroughly explores the history of the Great Silk Road, the era of the Kazakh Khanate, and traditional nomadic culture, displaying exquisite carpets, jewellery, weapons, and traditional yurts. A significant portion is also dedicated to the Soviet period and Kazakhstan’s path to independence in 1991. While not all descriptions are in English, the sheer scale and quality of the artifacts provide a powerful, visual narrative of a nation with a deep, complex, and fascinating past.

6. Ascend to the Alpine Realm of Shymbulak Ski Resort

Located in the picturesque Medeu Valley just a short drive from downtown, Shymbulak is Central Asia’s premier mountain resort. In winter, it transforms into a world-class skiing and snowboarding destination, with reliable powder, modern lifts, and runs suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. The real magic of Shymbulak, however, is its year-round appeal. A multi-stage cable car system carries visitors from the valley floor up through ever-more-dramatic landscapes.

The final leg ascends to the Talgar Pass at an altitude of 3,163 meters, where you are rewarded with a truly breathtaking 360-degree panorama of jagged, snow-covered peaks stretching to the horizon. In summer, these slopes become a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, with wildflowers carpeting the meadows. Whether you come for adrenaline-fueled sports or simply for the majestic alpine scenery, Shymbulak provides an unforgettable mountain escape.

7. Glide Across History at the Medeu Ice Rink

Just below Shymbulak lies the legendary Medeu outdoor speed skating rink. Sitting at 1,691 meters above sea level, it’s one of the highest Olympic-sized rinks in the world. Built in 1972, it was a premier training ground for Soviet athletes and the site of numerous world records, thanks to the thin, fast ice at high altitude. Today, it’s open to the public for recreational skating throughout the winter season.

Skating here is a unique and exhilarating experience. With the sheer, rocky walls of the valley rising around you and the crisp mountain air filling your lungs, you glide across a piece of sporting history. The rink complex also serves as the main transportation hub for the Shymbulak cable cars, making it a bustling centre of activity. Even if you don’t skate, visiting Medeu to feel the impressive scale of the arena against its dramatic natural backdrop is well worth the trip.

8. Stroll, Shop, and Savour on Almaty’s Arbat

Inspired by its famous namesake in Moscow, Almaty’s own Arbat (Zhibek Zholy Street) is a charming pedestrian thoroughfare in the city centre. Lined with elegant 19th and early 20th-century buildings, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and some of the best people-watching in the city. The street is a lively canvas of urban life: artists sketch portraits, vendors sell handicrafts and souvenirs, and street musicians fill the air with music.

Numerous cafes with outdoor terraces invite you to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by. Be sure to try local snacks from the kiosks, such as fresh, hot samsa (savory pastry filled with meat and onions) or baursak (fried dough puffs). In the evening, the Arbat takes on a romantic, illuminated ambiance, making it a favourite spot for an after-dinner wander. It encapsulates Almaty’s blend of European-style civic culture and Central Asian vitality.

9. Hear the Sound of the Steppes at the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

Tucked away in Panfilov Park in a beautiful wooden building reminiscent of a Russian fairy-tale cottage, this charming museum is dedicated to the soulful musical heritage of Kazakhstan. The collection features over 1,000 traditional instruments gathered from across the country and Central Asia. The star exhibits are the two-stringed lute, the dombra, the nation’s quintessential instrument, and the ancient, two-stringed bow instrument, the kobyz, whose music was historically used by spiritual healers.

You’ll also discover the shankobyz (jaw harp), various wind instruments like the sybyzgy, and elaborate percussion. What brings the collection to life are the knowledgeable guides, who often provide live demonstrations, letting you hear the haunting, evocative sounds that have narrated the joys and sorrows of nomadic life for centuries. It’s a small but profoundly insightful museum that connects you to the intangible cultural heart of Kazakhstan.

10. Indulge in Almaty’s Thriving Food, Café & Nightlife Scene

Almaty’s culinary landscape is a delicious reflection of its cultural diversity. The foundation is hearty, flavourful Kazakh cuisine: don’t miss the national dish, beshbarmak (“five fingers”), featuring boiled meat and noodles; fragrant plov (rice pilaf); or delicious kuyrdak (fried offal). Russian influences bring blini, pelmeni, and a great love for coffee. The city is also famed for its abundance of fresh, natural produce from the surrounding foothills and the apples that gave Almaty its original name, Alma-Ata (“Father of Apples”).

Beyond traditional fare, Almaty boasts a sophisticated and trendy café culture, with countless stylish coffee shops perfect for lingering. As evening falls, the city offers a dynamic nightlife. Rooftop bars provide stunning views of the illuminated mountains, wine bars showcase Kazakh and international vintages, and clubs pulse with everything from electronic music to live traditional folk-rock fusion. Neighborhoods around Dostyk Avenue and the city centre are the epicenters of this vibrant after-dark energy, offering endless opportunities to dine, drink, and dance.

In conclusion, Almaty is a city that surprises and captivates at every turn. It masterfully balances the awe-inspiring power of nature with urban sophistication, deep historical consciousness with a vibrant modern pulse. These ten experiences offer a pathway to engage with all its facets—from the silent, towering peaks to the bustling, flavour-filled markets—ensuring your journey to Kazakhstan’s cultural capital is nothing short of extraordinary.