Things to Do in Almaty

About Almaty

Almaty sits below the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, a city where Soviet blocks stand next to glass towers and tree-lined streets run straight to the bazaars. Fresh nan and grilled shashlyk—the smells hit you first. The rhythm here is distinct: commuters pass elderly men playing chess in parks, while traditional teahouses operate beside cafés that serve apples from the orchards that made this region famous. The mountains turn pink at dusk. That is when the city shows what it is—nomadic roots, cosmopolitan ambitions, and enough Silk Road history to fill every street corner. The Kazakh welcome is real. You won't stay a stranger long. This place doesn't just show you Kazakhstan—it pulls you in.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Go or InDrive for reliable, safe transport around the city. The bus system uses contactless cards available at stations. For mountain excursions to Medeu or Shymbulak, take bus #12 from Dostyk Plaza or arrange hotel transfers.

Money: The Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) is the only accepted currency. Use ATMs at banks rather than standalone machines for better rates. Credit cards work in hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for bazaars, taxis, and small vendors.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or rural areas. Accept offered tea—it's a sign of hospitality. Avoid public displays of affection and respect elder greetings with both hands.

Food Safety: Stick to busy restaurants and food stalls with high turnover. Green Bazaar is safe for fresh produce and nuts. Try traditional dishes like beshbarmak and plov at recommended restaurants. Bottled water is advisable, though tap water in central areas is generally safe.

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) offers perfect weather with temperatures of 15-25°C, blooming apple orchards, and 40-60mm monthly rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and hiking. Expect peak season pricing with 20-25% higher accommodation rates. Summer (June-August) brings warm weather (20-30°C) and minimal rainfall (30-40mm), perfect for mountain activities at Medeu and Shymbulak, though prices remain elevated. The Apple Festival occurs in late August, celebrating the region's fruit heritage. Autumn (September-November) delivers impressive weather with 10-20°C temperatures and crisp, clear mountain views. This shoulder season offers 15-20% savings on hotels while maintaining excellent conditions for outdoor activities. Winter (December-March) transforms Almaty into a winter wonderland with temperatures from -10 to 5°C and 20-30mm precipitation, mostly snow. Ski season at Shymbulak runs December-March, while accommodation drops 30-40% in the city. Nauryz (March 21-23) marks the Persian New Year with lively celebrations. Budget travelers should visit November-February excluding holidays, while photographers will love autumn's golden aspens and spring's blossoming orchards. Summer suits families and outdoor ensoiasts despite premium pricing.