Photo: Original photograph by Edgarpo01 Edited by Tiouraren / CC BY-SA 3.0
Almaty
Last reviewed on 2 November 2026
Kazakhstan's largest city, at the foot of the Tien Shan
Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city: a leafy grid of about 2.4 million people running uphill to the Trans-Ili Alatau, where peaks of over 4,000 metres begin almost where the bus routes end. It stopped being the capital in 1997 but remains the country's centre for food, art and going out.
Most travellers use it as a base. Shymbulak is under an hour away, Big Almaty Lake is now a full day on foot because its road is closed, while Charyn Canyon, the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy take a long day or an overnight trip. The city itself now deserves at least two days: two major art venues opened in September 2025 and the national art museum reopened in January 2026.
Almaty Location
Almaty lies in the far south-east of Kazakhstan, at the foot of the northern wall of the Tien Shan and close to the Kyrgyz border. Streets slope gently uphill to the south, so if you can see the mountains, you know which way you are facing.
Top Things to Do in Almaty
City Centre
Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral
The Ascension (Zenkov) Cathedral, completed in 1907 and about 56 metres tall, is one of the world's tallest wooden buildings and survived the great earthquake of 1911. You will often hear that it was built without nails, but that is an overstatement: it relies mainly on timber joints, with some metal fixings. The park around it also holds the Memorial of Glory and its Eternal Flame.
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)
The best single place to taste Kazakh food: kazy, kurt, kumys and shubat, plus fruit, nuts, spices and Korean salads, and stallholders who will usually offer a sample. It is close to Zhibek Zholy metro station. Bring cash, as most stalls do not take foreign cards.
Kok-Tobe Hill
A hilltop park at about 1,100 metres with views over the city, restaurants, rides and a bronze Beatles monument. The cable car from Dostyk Avenue takes about six minutes and now costs 10,000₸ return for an adult. A minibus up the road from Omarova Street is much cheaper, about 3,000₸ return, and the park itself is free. The cable car starts at 13:00 on Tuesdays and 10:00 on other days, and it is best at sunset. Check the price board, as fares rise most years.
Central State Museum
The largest museum in Almaty, covering Kazakhstan from prehistory to the present, with strong sections on nomadic life. A visitor in May 2026 reported that a good part of the building was under restoration, so expect some galleries to be closed. For the country's biggest collection, go to the National Museum in Astana.
Almaty Museum of Arts
Opened on 12 September 2025 at the corner of Nazarbayev and Al-Farabi avenues, this privately founded museum designed by Chapman Taylor is dedicated to modern and contemporary art from Central Asia. Exhibitions change, so check what is on and buy tickets at almaty.art.
Kasteev Museum and Tselinny
The Abilkhan Kasteev State Museum of Arts, the classic collection of Kazakh art, reopened in January 2026 after a major modernisation. Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, in a transformed Soviet cinema on Masanchi Street, opened in September 2025 with exhibitions, a library and a cafe. It has only been open three days a week, so check before going.
Arasan Baths
A large Soviet-era bathhouse near Panfilov Park, and the classic way to recover from a day in the mountains. You simply walk in. Entry is priced by time and sources quote roughly 2,500–5,000₸, with massage and treatments extra.
Arbat and Soviet Almaty
The Arbat, the pedestrian stretch of Zhibek Zholy, is the easy place to stroll, with street performers in warm weather. For the city's Soviet modernism, head to Republic Square and the Hotel Kazakhstan tower on Dostyk Avenue.
Mountain Adventures
Medeu: Closed for Reconstruction
You cannot skate at Medeu at the moment. The famous 1,691-metre outdoor rink, long billed as the world's highest, closed after its last season in March 2025 for a rebuild planned to finish in late 2027, and one report suggests it could run to the end of 2028. The valley is still worth a stop on the way to Shymbulak, but expect fencing and limited parking at the site. The 842-step stairway to the dam may also be affected.
Shymbulak Ski Resort
Kazakhstan's largest ski resort, reached by gondola from Medeu, with a base at 2,260 metres and lifts to about 3,200 metres. The ski season usually runs from December to March, and in summer the lifts carry walkers up to the ridge. Check our Shymbulak guide and the resort's own site for current lift times.
Big Almaty Lake
A turquoise reservoir at 2,511 metres, ringed by peaks of over 4,000 metres. It is part of the city's water supply, so swimming is banned and the views are from the road and slopes above. The road is closed to vehicles, so allow 6–7 hours for the walk from the barrier and back. See the full guide.
The Best Lakes and Mountains Near Almaty
The closest lake is now a full day on foot, and the most famous ones need an overnight trip. Sort your plans by how far each place really is:
| Place | Distance | Getting there | How long to allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shymbulak | 25km | 40 minutes | Half a day |
| Big Almaty Lake | 28km | Taxi to the barrier, then a 6–7km walk | Full day |
| Charyn Canyon | 200km | About 3 hours | Long day |
| Altyn-Emel | 250km | About 4 hours | Long day or overnight |
| Kolsai Lakes | About 280km | 4–5 hours to Saty | At least one night |
| Lake Kaindy | About 290km | 5–6 hours | One night, with Kolsai |
Our guide to day trips from Almaty explains how these routes combine, and which ones are honestly possible in a day. There is no scheduled transport to most of them, so you will need a tour, a driver or a hire car.
How to Get from Almaty Airport to the City
A taxi app is the easiest way into town: about 2,000–4,000₸ with Yandex Go or inDrive, with the price shown before you book. Ignore the drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall.
- Terminals: Almaty International (ALA) has two terminals. International flights use Terminal 2, which opened in June 2024, while domestic flights use Terminal 1, so check yours before heading back.
- Official taxi desk: usually around 4,000–6,000₸, which is useful if your phone is not set up yet.
- City bus: routes including 79, 86 and 92 link the airport with the city for about 120₸. Allow 45–60 minutes. Buses are paid electronically, so you need an Onay card or QR payment set up first, and reports differ on whether you can buy a card at the airport.
Getting Around Almaty: Metro, Onay and Apps
Almaty has one metro line with 11 stations, and for most central trips you will mix it with taxi apps. A ride costs 120₸ and trains run from about 06:20 to midnight, every 5–10 minutes in the daytime.
- Metro: a single 13.4km line from Raiymbek Batyr to Baurzhan Momyshuly. Zhibek Zholy is the stop for the Green Bazaar and the Arbat. Kalkaman, the next westward extension, is expected at the end of 2026 but had not opened at the time of our last review.
- Onay card: the transport card for the metro, buses and trolleybuses, sold and topped up at metro stations and kiosks. Buses have stopped taking cash, so get one early if you plan to use them. Buying a physical card is more reliable than the app on a foreign phone.
- Buses: 120₸, and a dense network that goes almost everywhere. Bus 12 runs up to Medeu; check it in 2GIS, as works there may change the stop.
- Taxi apps: Yandex Go and inDrive. A short hop costs about 800–1,500₸ and a cross-town ride up to about 2,500₸.
- Maps: 2GIS is the best map for routes and shows entrances to buildings. Install it before you arrive, along with the apps in our phone and internet guide.
For the bigger picture, including trains and intercity buses, see our Kazakhstan transport guide.
Does Almaty Use Cash or Cards?
Almaty runs mostly on cards and phones, but you should still carry some cash. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards work in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, malls and most shops, and Apple Pay and Google Pay generally work on contactless terminals.
- Where you need cash: market stalls, small kiosks, and some park and rural entry points outside the city
- Kaspi QR: the local QR payment many small sellers prefer. It is hard to use without a Kazakh bank account, so offer a card or cash instead.
- ATMs: Halyk Bank, Kaspi Bank and Bank CenterCredit machines generally accept foreign cards
See our money guide for exchange rates, fees and tipping.
Where to Stay and Eat in Almaty
Where to Stay
- Golden Square: the old-town centre around Panfilov Park, walkable and close to the metro. The best choice for a first visit.
- Dostyk and Al-Farabi avenues: upscale hotels, malls and restaurants, and handy for the road to the mountains
- Medeu district and the foothills: quieter, with mountain views, but you will rely on taxis
- Prices: roughly 2,500–5,500₸ for a hostel dorm bed and 13,000–20,000₸ for a 3-star double. See our accommodation guide.
Where to Eat
- Kazakh food: Navat and Sandyq are the names most often recommended for beshbarmak and other national dishes
- Uyghur and Uzbek restaurants: the places to go for lagman and plov
- Street food: samsa at about 200–400₸, and shashlik from grills
- Prices: a sit-down lunch is around 2,000–4,000₸ and a cappuccino 1,100–1,400₸
- Eater named Almaty among its Where to Eat 2026 destinations. Restaurants change quickly, so check recent reviews on 2GIS.
How Many Days Do You Need in Almaty?
Two or three days in the city works for most people, plus extra nights for the lakes further east. Here is how to use them.
One day
- Morning: Panfilov Park and the Zenkov Cathedral, then the Green Bazaar
- Afternoon: the Arbat and Kasteev Museum or Almaty Museum of Arts
- Evening: Kok-Tobe for sunset
Two days
Add a mountain day: ride the gondola at Shymbulak on a clear morning, before the afternoon cloud builds, or give the whole day to the walk up to Big Almaty Lake.
Three days
Either stay in town for the museums, Tselinny and the Arasan Baths, or make the long day trip to Charyn Canyon. With four or five days, take a night in Saty for the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy. Our Kazakhstan itineraries set out longer routes.
When to Visit Almaty
May, June and September are the best months: warm, green or golden, with the mountains open.
- Spring (April–May): blossom in the city, but snow lingers on high trails
- Summer (June–August): July averages around 30°C, so head up to the mountains in the heat of the day
- Autumn (September–October): clear air, golden foliage and the apple harvest
- Winter (December–March): skiing at Shymbulak, with January days around 0°C and nights near -10°C. Air quality in the city can be poor, and the mountains are the way to escape it.
See our full guide to the best time to visit Kazakhstan.
Is Almaty a Good City Break?
Yes: it is the best city break in Kazakhstan for most people, with museums, markets, restaurants and mountains all within easy reach. Choose Astana instead if you are mainly interested in modern architecture and politics. The two pair well on one trip, as they are 1.5 hours apart by air. Before booking, check our visa guide and safety advice.
Almaty Quick Facts
The Basics
- Population: about 2.4 million (2026)
- Capital until: December 1997
- Old name: Alma-Ata
- Airport: Almaty International (ALA)
- Time zone: UTC+5
- Currency: tenge (₸)
Local Tips
- Learn a few Russian or Kazakh phrases; people appreciate it
- Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring layers
- Book ski equipment ahead in peak season
- Go to the mountains early, especially at weekends
Almaty: Questions Travellers Ask
Does Almaty use cash or cards?
Both. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards work in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, malls and most shops, and Apple Pay and Google Pay generally work on contactless terminals. Keep some tenge for markets and small kiosks.
How many days do you need in Almaty?
Two or three days covers the city and a mountain day at Shymbulak or, if you are happy to walk, Big Almaty Lake. Add at least one night in Saty if you want to see the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy.
Is Almaty the capital of Kazakhstan?
No. Almaty was the capital until December 1997, when the government moved to Astana. It is still the country's largest city, with about 2.4 million people.
How do I get from Almaty airport to the city?
A taxi app is the easiest way, at about 2,000 to 4,000 tenge. City buses including 79, 86 and 92 cost about 120 tenge and take 45 to 60 minutes, but you need an Onay card or QR payment, as fares are electronic.
How much is the Almaty metro?
A ride costs 120 tenge, paid with an Onay card sold at stations and kiosks. The metro has one line and 11 stations, and it runs from about 06:20 to midnight.
What are the best lakes and mountains near Almaty?
Shymbulak is the closest, a half-day trip. Big Almaty Lake is close too, but its road is closed to vehicles, so it takes a full day on foot. Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy are about 280 to 290km east and need at least one night, while Charyn Canyon is a long day trip.
Is the Medeu ice rink open?
No. Medeu closed after its last season in March 2025 for a full reconstruction, planned to finish in late 2027. One report suggests it could run to the end of 2028, so check before planning around it.
Was Zenkov Cathedral really built without nails?
Not entirely. The cathedral, completed in 1907, relies mainly on timber joints, but metal fixings were also used. It is one of the world's tallest wooden buildings and survived the 1911 earthquake.