What to Do in Almaty to Stay in Your Memory

Active Recreation

Skiing

Almaty, located in the foothills of the Zailiysky Alatau, is a great spot for skiing and snowboarding. Just outside the city, Medeu boasts the world's largest outdoor skating rink, while Shymbulak ski resort offers world-class slopes. These year-round attractions are easily accessible by bus or cable car from the city centre.

Skating

Winter sports at Shymbulak ski resort. Almaty offers excellent ice skating opportunities. It's one of the highest rinks in the world, known for its clear ice and beautiful scenery, perfect for both casual skating and professional training. Another popular place is the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace. This indoor rink is open year-round and hosts various skating events and public sessions. It's ideal for families and beginners, providing a safe environment.

Horse riding

Almaty offers excellent horseback riding opportunities. In summary, Almaty offers diverse horseback riding venues, from well-equipped hippodromes to convenient local stables, catering to all skill levels and preferences. Continue reading.

Extreme Recreation

Autogyro

Almaty offers exciting opportunities for autogyro flying. Another notable place is the Boraldai Airfield, offering autogyro flights and training sessions. It's ideal for families and individuals seeking a safe flying experience.

Snowmobiling

Almaty offers exciting opportunities for snowmobiling. Several smaller resorts around the city also offer casual snowmobile rides, perfect for exploring the winter scenery without traveling far from the city center.

In summary, Almaty provides diverse snowmobiling venues, from major resorts to local spots, catering to all skill levels and preferences.

Buggy

Almaty, at the base of stunning mountains, offers exciting buggy rides.Another option is the southeast of the city, near mountain resorts. These routes feature diverse landscapes, from sandy dunes to rocky terrain, providing a true adventure. Rides here can include visits to natural attractions like waterfalls and unique geological features.

Shooting

Almaty, surrounded by scenic mountains, offers thrilling shotgun shooting experiences. These locations provide diverse settings for shooting, from open fields to rugged terrain, enhancing the adventure. Some ranges also offer additional activities, like guided shooting tours and scenic views.

For a more relaxed experience, local companies provide organized shooting packages.

Paragliding

Almaty, surrounded by stunning mountains, offers exhilarating paragliding experiences. These sites cater to all skill levels, from first-time flyers to experienced paragliders.

Another exciting option is the locations further out, where you can soar over diverse terrains, including lush valleys and rugged hills. These sites provide a unique adventure and often include options for guided flights and scenic routes.

Airplane Riding

Almaty, with its breathtaking mountain backdrop, offers thrilling airplane flight experiences. These flights often include options for guided tours and custom routes. For a more relaxed experience, local companies provide organized flight packages.

Cultural and Historical Recreation

Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral

At the heart of Almaty lies Panfilov Park, home to the stunning Zenkov Cathedral. This colorful wooden building stands as one of the world's few wooden cathedrals built without nails, showcasing remarkable architectural achievement. The park also honors World War II heroes and provides a peaceful retreat in the city center.

National Museum of Kazakhstan

Visit the Central State Museum to explore Kazakhstan's rich history. Another highlight is the museum’s diverse exhibitions, which showcase Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage, including traditional clothing, historical documents, and art. heir historical significance.

Almaty Botanical Garden

Almaty, with its breathtaking mountain backdrop, offers thrilling airplane flight experiences. These flights cater to all levels of experience, from first-time fliers to aviation enthusiasts. These flights often include options for guided tours and custom routes.

Gastronomic Recreation

Sandyq Restaurant

Traditional cooking classes. Local cafes and restaurants Sandyq Restaurant in Almaty offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on contemporary and traditional cuisine. It appeals to both casual diners and food enthusiasts.

ABAY Restaurant

ABAY Restaurant in Almaty offers a refined dining experience with a focus on Kazakh and international cuisine. Located in a central area of the city, the restaurant presents a diverse menu that highlights traditional dishes alongside modern favorites, catering to a wide range of tastes.

Almaty Green Bazar

Do you want to experience the traditional Kazakh culture to the fullest? Then you should visit the Green Bazaar. You can enjoy fresh fruits, local delicacies, and traditional products while experiencing authentic shopping culture in Central Asia.

Health Recreation

Royal Tulip Almaty Spa

The Royal Tulip Almaty Spa offers a luxurious wellness experience in the heart of the city. Located within the Royal Tulip Hotel. For a more tailored visit, local guides can recommend specific treatments and services based on your preferences.

Arasan Bathhouse

The Arasan Bathhouse in Almaty offers a traditional wellness experience with a focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Located in the city, this historic bathhouse features various sauna and steam room options, along with therapeutic treatments designed to refresh and revitalize guests.

Sanatorium "Tau-Samal"

Sanatorium "Tau-Samal" in Almaty provides a comprehensive wellness experience focused on health and relaxation. Nestled in a picturesque setting, the sanatorium offers a range of therapeutic treatments, including hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and spa services, designed to promote well-being and recovery.

Shopping

Baraholka Bazaar

The flea market in Almaty, known as "Barakholka," offers a bustling shopping experience with a wide variety of goods. Located on the outskirts of the city, this sprawling market features everything from clothing and electronics to antiques and local crafts, catering to both bargain hunters and curious visitors.

Dostyk Plaza

Dostyk Plaza in Almaty offers a modern shopping and entertainment experience. Located in the city center, this upscale mall features a wide range of stores, from high-end fashion boutiques to popular retail chains, catering to diverse shopping preferences.

Another highlight is the array of dining options and entertainment facilities, including restaurants, cafes, and a cinema, providing a complete leisure experience.

Esentai Mall

Esentai Mall in Almaty offers a premium shopping and entertainment experience. Esentai Mall’s sleek design and elegant ambiance create a sophisticated environment for visitors.

For a more personalized visit, local guides can recommend specific shops, dining venues, and activities based on your preferences, ensuring you fully appreciate the refined atmosphere and extensive offerings of Esentai Mall.

What to Do in Almaty - Your Ultimate Guide to Kazakhstan's

Are you interested in exploring a city where the ancient Silk Road meets modern urban culture? If so, Almaty is the perfect destination for you to visit in Kazakhstan.

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan. As a result, you can find numerous things to do in Almaty as well. But before you visit, it is important to plan your trip accordingly. It will help you to get the most out of your explorations in the Almaty City.

What is the Best Time to Visit Almaty?

Almaty offers unique experiences throughout the year. Summer (June-August) brings perfect weather for city exploration and mountain hiking. On the other hand, winter (December-February) transforms the region into a world-class winter sports destination. You just need to keep your preferences in mind and visit this year-round open destination in Kazakh.

How to Get Around Almaty

Wonder how to get to Almaty? It’s quite easy. The city is well-connected through its international airport, with convenient transport links to the city center. Within Almaty, you'll find an efficient metro system, buses, and taxis. The cable car provides both transportation and spectacular views of the cityscape.

Must-Do Day Trips from Almaty

Cultural Excursions

Experience traditional Kazakh musical instruments at the Museum of Arts
Tour the Palace of the Republic for Soviet architectural grandeur

Visit the Big Almaty Lake

This is one of the most picturesque lakes that you can visit in your life. A day trip to the Big Almaty Lake can offer amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The snowcapped peaks are definitely an eye pleaser.

Walking Tours

Discover Almaty's Attractions through Guided Walking Tours, Exploring:

Historic downtown architecture
Soviet-era monuments
Modern art galleries
Local cafes and restaurants

Adventure Activities

Mountain biking in the surrounding hills
Hiking nearby peaks
Ice skating at Medeu

Cultural Experiences

Folk music performances
Local craft workshops
Tea ceremonies

How to Plan Your Visit to this Attraction?

Transportation Tips

Use the efficient metro system for city center travel
Take advantage of the cable car for mountain access
Consider guided tours for day trips
Book official taxis through your hotel

Accommodation

Stay in the city centre for easy access to main attractions or choose mountain-view hotels for spectacular scenery. Almaty offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses.

Local Insights

Try kumis (fermented mare's milk) for an authentic Kazakh experience
Visit the Green Bazaar early in the morning for the freshest products
Get an Almaty CityPASS for combined attraction savings
Book Medeu and Shymbulak activities in advance during peak season

Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or urban exploration, Almaty offers countless things to do and see. From its stunning natural surroundings to its rich cultural heritage, Kazakhstan's former capital promises an unforgettable Central Asian adventure.

Go ahead and book your adventure today!

Full List of What to Do in Almaty