Almaty City Guide — Attractions, Food & Tips

Almaty City GuideA vibrant former capital nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains, where Soviet grandeur meets Central Asian bazaars, alpine meadows are a cable car ride away, and the world's apples trace their origin.Key Facts

Country: Kazakhstan

Currency: KZT (Kazakhstani Tenge)

Language: Kazakh / Russian

Time Zone: UTC+5

Best Time to Visit: May–June & September–October

Top Places to Visit

Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar) — A sprawling covered market bursting with dried fruits, nuts, spices, horse meat, fresh dairy, and the colours and aromas of Central Asia. A sensory overload and essential Almaty experience.

Medeu — At 1,691 metres above sea level, this open-air speed skating rink is the highest in the world. The surrounding mountain valley is stunning year-round, with hiking trails and a dam above.

Big Almaty Lake — A breathtaking turquoise alpine lake at 2,510 metres, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine wilderness. The water colour changes with the seasons from deep blue to vivid turquoise.

Zenkov Cathedral — A magnificent wooden Russian Orthodox cathedral built in 1907 entirely without nails, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. It survived a devastating earthquake in 1911.

Shymbulak Ski Resort — A modern ski resort at 2,260 metres reached by cable car via Medeu. In winter, ski groomed runs with mountain views. In summer, hike alpine meadows and ride the gondola for panoramic vistas.

Local Food

Beshbarmak — The national dish of Kazakhstan — 'five fingers' — flat noodle sheets topped with boiled horse or lamb meat, served in a rich onion broth. Traditionally eaten with the hands at celebrations.

Samsa — Flaky baked pastry triangles filled with spiced lamb, onion, and cumin. Baked in a tandoor oven until golden and crispy. Found at every bazaar and bakery across the city.

Lagman — Hand-pulled noodles in a hearty broth with lamb, tomatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs. A Central Asian staple with Uyghur origins, ubiquitous in Almaty's restaurants and cafes.

Baursak — Puffy, golden fried bread balls — the Kazakh staple served with every meal. Slightly sweet and pillowy, they are used to scoop up meat, dipped in honey, or eaten plain alongside tea.

Back to PlanTrip