City: Kazakhstan
Top Things to do in Kazakhstan
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan (Kazakh: Қазақстан, translit. Qazaqstan, IPA: [qɑzɑqˈstɑn] ( listen); Russian: Казахстан, IPA: [kəzɐxˈstan]), officially the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazakh: Қазақстан Республикасы, translit. Qazaqstan Respýblıkasy; Russian: Республика Казахстан, tr. Respublika Kazakhstan), is the world's largest landlocked country, and the ninth largest in the world, with an area of 2,724,900 square kilometres (1,052,100 sq mi). Kazakhstan is the dominant nation of Central Asia economically, generating 60% of the region's GDP, primarily through its oil/gas industry. It also has vast mineral resources. Some argue that Kazakhstan may be considered a European country because Kazakhstan's Western region is on the European continent and meets the Council of Europe's criteria for European inclusion.
Restaurants in Kazakhstan
1. Charyn Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By Almatyboy
If you are visiting Almaty, take a day to visit the spectacular Charyn Gorge. About a two hour drive East of Almaty towards China to the Charyn national park,the area is surrounded by fantastic mountainous scenery. The walk down the gorge to the river is spectacular. Take plenty of water and sun screen as it is exposed and even in September it was hot. You can hire a guide in Almaty who will tell you everything you need to know about the region. Our party was three adults and Kanat, our guide. He was wonderful, cooking shashlyk for us and making our trip memorable. Very reasonably priced too. Also took us to Big Almaty Lake on a separate trip. A brilliant day.
2. Eastern-Kazakhstan Regional Architecture and Ethnographic Museum Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
3. Altyn-Emel National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By M8844AKsamg
It was two incredible days on tour to Altyn emel national park. Be prepared for the long driving. On the first day we drove 500 km, but it's worth it! Spectacular view of Aktau mountains I've never seen before. Landscape remind me the planets from the Star wars movie. If you traveling around Central Asia you must visit this place!
4. The State Theatre of Opera and Ballet Astana Opera
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By _Batyrkhan1 - Moscow, Russia
The architecture of theatre is fantastic. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The artists of theatre are great professional. But there is something wrong with dress code.
5. The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Built in the 14th century by Tamerlane to commemorate the Sufi leader, the building is a national symbol.
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
After visiting the Otrar Ruins and its nearby Arystan Bab Mausoleum, our guide drove 60 km north to this excellent site. We walked a long paved lane of Koranic Verses to a rose garden viewpoint of this beautiful Timurid Architecture. After paying 500 Kzt each, we entered the large hall featuring a huge 2 Ton bronze cauldron (returned from Russia's Hermitage), a front with historic candle holders, and original doors. No photography policy was being vigorously enforced but broken by many visitors. Very worthwhile site to include camel rides, drinking fresh camel's milk, and touring an underground mosque.
6. Ascension Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 873 reviews
Reviewed By ptyduke8 - Pinecrest, United States
This was high on my list of must sees in Almaty. It did not disappoint. The colors on the outside are just perfect. It is so incredible that this wooden church was built without a single nail and survived a powerful earthquake a few years after completion. The inside was lovely, but I felt it was not appropriate to take photos with people in the midst of their prayers and rituals. I have included photos from all four sides.
7. Kok-Tobe Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,387 reviews
Reviewed By EditorsChoice2014 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Take the cable car ride up. Enjoy the many attractions that include the 'upside down house', ferris wheel, bungee jumping, luge, car rides for kids, escape room, mini zoo, house of pets, bumper cars, and many more!! All well maintained and relatively well-priced. When hungry, there are several restaurants to select from including a casual burger place, a grilled food restaurant, a japanese restaurant and a kazakh restaurant. Food at Abay restaurant is excellent and the view of the city from the restaurant is breathtaking.
8. City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Akili3625
Not just for fitness. The flower gardens and maze-like sidewalks are very nice for escaping the doldrums of the city. This open air park is beautiful in its expanse and placement just outside of the downtown area. If you need to get out and run, this is the best location in Nur-Sultan. One of the best fitness related parks I have been to.
9. Gorky Central Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By JesSal4 - Italy, null
This is a very nice park. There are a lot of entertainment especially for the kids. It is a perfect place where to spend some hours.
10. Big Almaty Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 781 reviews
Reviewed By 57mackiel - Ottawa, Canada
This is a gorgeous lake that is not so easy to get to unless you take a Yandex or have a friend with a car. High up in a winding road, you can see our gorgeous water supply for the city of Almaty! It is gorgeous, but do not go in it or drink from it. There are guards and since this is the local drinking water, you cannot take a boat, fish or touch the water. The ice freezes over the top in the winter months and it thaws out around the end of April. A beautiful site not to be missed. Usually there is also a man with a falcon up there too for you to take photos with.
