City: Almaty
Top Things to do in Almaty
10 Things to Do in Almaty That You Shouldn't Miss
Almaty /ˈælməti/ (Kazakh: Алматы, Almaty [ɑlmɑˈtə]; Russian: Алматы), formerly known as Alma-Ata /ˌælmə.əˈtɑː/ (Russian: Алма-Ата) and Verny (Russian: Верный Vernyy), is the largest city in Kazakhstan, with a population of 1,797,431 people, about 8% of the country's total population. It served as capital of the Kazakh state in its various forms from 1929 to 1997, under the influence of the then Soviet Union and its appointees. Alma-Ata was the host city for a 1978 international conference on Primary Health Care where the Alma Ata Declaration was adopted, marking a paradigm shift in global public health. In 1997, the government relocated the capital to Astana in the north of the country, which is about 12 hours away by train.
Restaurants in Almaty
1. Kolsai Lakes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By globtravel2017 - Astana, Kazakhstan
Get ready for a heavenly experience away from the city and away from mobile range :) The terrain is mountain so be ready for long difficult walks. Get climbing shoes or ride horses.Six hours ride from Almaty.
2. Big Almaty Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Reviewed By johncY5607GX
I was in Almaty for a week on a holiday cum business visit.... one of the warmer days, I decided to go to Big Almaty Lake with a friend... I had seen some pics online before my visit and I was really looking forward to this visit...
I was staying in the city centre and took over an hour to reach the lake... drive through the city was ok with the usual hush hush around... after a long drive, there is a sudden calm and slight chill in the air... beautiful scenery around u... it’s a sign that u r not too far from the Big Almaty Lake...
Last 15 mins of the drive was amazing and u wish to get ur head outside the window like a puppy...
I visited this place on the morning of 3rd October... and it was really chilly at the lake although city temperature was about 10 degrees but it felt like 1 degree here... Make sure to carry warm clothes especially to cover ur head, feet and hands... Make sure to visit early morning before 12 as later it can get little crowded there... as there is a limited space to park..
On the day of my visit, we could go till the lake as there was no snow and had plenty of opportunity to click pictures... and trust me it’s a beautiful sight..
I had couple of friends visiting 3 days later and it had started to snow there and they could not step outside the parking area as it was pretty slippery and risky... although the sight was beautiful...
Surely recommend a visit here...
3. Medeu Skating Rink and Ski resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
Medeu Alpine Sports Complex is located in picturesque canyon Ile Alatau on 1691 metres high above the sea level. The highest ice skating rink in the world. • Working schedule: whole year • Activities in winter: ice skating • Activities in summer: skating, bicycles, skateboarding, streetball and volleyball. • Ice field area: 10 500 sq.m • Average temperature: summer time +20 C, winter -10 C •
4. Almaty Metro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Reviewed By global-traveller48 - London, United Kingdom
Like the Tashkent, Moscow and St Petersburg Metros, this one also has magnificent and uncrowded stations, all of which have a different theme. Incredibly cheap (c10p) and so you could spend time visiting a number of stations.
Unlike the Tashkent one, there are no restrictions on photos
5. Ascension Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 711 reviews
Reviewed By wvzjxq - SFO
This church dominates the old section of town and is pretty much the only nice building around. It’s not big, so you can’t spend hours wandering around, but you get to see a rich collection of icons decorated with some impressive jewelry. The outside is covered with scaffolding, and looks to be a long renovation.
6. Park Named After Panfilov’s 28 Guardsmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
Reviewed By Geminican - San Jose
If you understand and know the Kazakhstan history, then the park and statues would make more sense to you. It's got communist flavor in its design. One of the most popular park and statues in Almaty.
7. Kok-Tobe Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By CasieMartin - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
I came here when it was -28. Such a beautiful area to walk around and see the view of the city. There is a little cafe up the top to escape the cold if need be.
The ride was perfect timing and you go right over the city so the ride and view is great.
8. First President's Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By Rongret - Canyon Lake, Texas
Very nice entry into a beautiful park that you can spend time in. Bathrooms available an you can spend a few hours walking on beautiful flower lined trails.
9. Almaty Central Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By Marywhotravels - Washington DC, District of Columbia
I was tremendously impressed with Almaty's Central Park. We came here just to find a spot to have a picnic, and found so much more. This would be an especially good place to bring kids, because, at least in the summertime, it is teeming with activities for them. We were there at the end of June, on a warm, sunny Sunday, and the park was quite bustling. There's lots of rides, hands-on activities for kids, paddle boats, bikes, cafes, beer Gardens, a dolphin show, a zoo, and a water park! Tickets for everything all seemed very reasonable. We were sorry that we didn't have more time to enjoy it all!
10. Museum of Folk Music Instruments named after Yihlasa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By WMBandit - Shanghai, China
Right next to the heroes monument and a stone throw away from the church ( location is very central), this museum is not often visited- perhaps it was my timing. A great little stroll around the display rooms and you come to understand the importance of music and the various musical instruments on display. It would be good if they can have everything translated into English....if only I knew how to speak Russian:(
I like how the green roof blends in well with the surrounding trees.
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