A city that makes you fall in love at first sight:
Shymbulak and Medeu — the pride of Kazakhstan, with snow even in summer
Big Almaty Gorge — breathtaking natural scenery
A culinary paradise — from beshbarmak to fine dining
A green oasis with unique architecture
Cozy cafes, welcoming people, and a special atmosphere
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The British publication The Telegraph has dubbed Almaty the “pearl of Central Asia,” while CNN Travel has included it in its list of the most attractive destinations for 2025. This comes as no surprise: the city—where modern skyscrapers stand alongside the snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau and the metropolitan pace slows to a leisurely European rhythm—leaves an unforgettable impression. Nearly half a million tourists visited Almaty in the first quarter of 2025 alone, and this is just the beginning.
HOW TO GET THERE AND GET AROUND
Almaty International Airport receives flights from all over the world. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the airport from the city center by bus or taxi. Getting around the city is convenient via the metro; its stations—featuring a modern take on national style with marble columns and mosaic panels—are considered among the most beautiful in the world, and the fare is very low. Buses are air-conditioned and use dedicated lanes, allowing them to avoid rush-hour traffic. To visit the mountains, you can take city bus No. 12, a taxi (a 30-minute ride), or a rental car.
DAYS 1–2 — ALMATY CITY
Start at the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park, home to the Ascension Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world, built without a single nail. Nearby is the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, housed in a wooden tower, where you can hear the sounds of the dombra and kobyz.
Immerse yourself in history at the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan—its collection contains over 300,000 exhibits, and its crown jewel is an exact replica of the “Golden Man.”
Stroll along the pedestrianized Zhibek Zholy Street (the local Arbat)—street musicians play here, and in the evening, the lights come on, creating a unique atmosphere. At the corner of Tulebayev and Kabanbay Batyr Streets, find the monument to Viktor Tsoi—a pilgrimage site for fans of his music.
On the second day, ascend Kok-Tobe by cable car—from an altitude of 1,100 meters, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city and the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan. There’s a café and observation deck at the summit, and in the evening, the city lights create a magical atmosphere.
DAY 3-5 — ALMATY NATURE
The Medeu high-altitude skating rink is the city’s calling card. Situated at an altitude of 1,691 meters, it is the highest skating rink in the world. Even on a weekday, it is crowded, and the mountain views are breathtaking. From here, you can take a cable car to the Shymbulak ski resort (up to 3,180 meters) – there is perpetual snow here even in the summer heat.
The Big Almaty Lake (BAL) is a true pearl of the Northern Tien Shan at an altitude of 2,511 meters. The water changes color from milky turquoise to deep ultramarine depending on the light. It’s best to arrive at dawn to see the lake at its most vibrant and avoid the crowds. Important: the lake is located in a border zone, so bring your passport.
For a day trip, head to the Charyn Canyon (190–220 km from Almaty)—often called the Grand Canyon’s little brother. The bizarre cliffs of the Valley of Castles look like an alien landscape. The weather here is comfortable in May and September, and in the height of summer, temperatures can reach 40°C.
BUDGET FOR 5 DAYS
Accommodation ranges from $10–30 per night in a hostel or budget hotel, up to $120 and up in the city center. Meals range from $15–25 per person per day; local cafes and baursak restaurants offer tasty and affordable meals. Entrance to national parks requires an environmental fee of approximately $3–6 per person. Cable cars to Kok-Tobe and Shymbulak start at $10. Total costs range from $250 to $500 per person, excluding airfare.
PRACTICAL TIPS
The best time to visit is May–June and September–October: comfortable weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful scenery. It’s always cooler in the mountains than in the city, so bring warm clothes. Comfortable shoes and plenty of water are essential for trekking, as there are almost no springs along the routes. Cafes and restaurants prefer cash, so keep tenge on hand. And most importantly, take your time: Almaty is made for enjoying the moment, sipping coffee, and gazing up at the peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains!
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