Shymkent (Chimkent): Things to Do in Kazakhstan's 3rd City

Shymkent — still written Chimkent on older maps and tickets — is Kazakhstan's third-largest city and the best base in the south of the country. Over 2,200 years of history sit under it: it began as a caravanserai on the Silk Road between Samarkand and Taraz, and today it pairs millennia-old bazaars with tree-lined boulevards, a rebuilt ancient citadel and easy access to Turkestan.

Unlike the Soviet-influenced northern cities, Shymkent retains a distinctly Central Asian atmosphere. The city's name, meaning "green city," reflects its abundance of parks and gardens, while its proximity to Uzbekistan (15km) infuses it with cross-border cultural richness. As the regional capital of Turkestan Region, Shymkent serves as the perfect base for exploring southern Kazakhstan's historical treasures.

Things to Do in Shymkent

Shymkent is a city you walk rather than tick off. A first-time visit needs about two days: one for the historic core and Independence Park, one for the bazaars and a half-day trip out to Sayram. If you only have an afternoon, do Independence Park and the Upper Bazaar, in that order, and eat late.

Half a day: Independence Park → Arbat pedestrian street → dinner on the Arbat
One day: add the Upper Bazaar in the morning and the Regional History Museum after lunch
Two days: add ancient Sayram (10km) or a full-day run to Turkestan and the Yasawi Mausoleum
With children: Ken Baba Park and the Dendropark, best in the cool of the evening

Ancient Shymkent and the Citadel

The reconstructed citadel mound on the edge of the old town is where the city actually started. Excavations have traced occupation back to the first centuries BCE, when the site guarded the road between Sayram and the Syr Darya valley. The mound was levelled and rebuilt several times — most destructively during the Russian assault of 1864 — and what stands today is a modern restoration over the original earthworks, with the old-town street grid, a small museum and the best free view over central Shymkent. Go in the last hour of daylight, when the brickwork turns orange and the park below fills up.

Top Attractions

Independence Park (Park Nezavisimosti)

The city's crown jewel, this massive park features the iconic Independence Monument, singing fountains, and the "Walk of Fame" honoring notable Kazakhs. The park transforms into a social hub in the evenings, with families picnicking and street performers entertaining crowds. Don't miss the panoramic city views from the monument's viewing platform.

Hours: 24/7 (monument: 9am-9pm) | Entry: Free (monument: 500 KZT)

Shymkent Plaza & Mega Planet

Modern shopping and entertainment complexes that showcase the city's rapid development. Shymkent Plaza houses international brands, a food court with local and international cuisine, and Central Asia's largest IMAX theater. Perfect for escaping summer heat or winter cold.

Hours: 10am-10pm daily | Location: Respublika Avenue

Regional History Museum

Housed in a striking Soviet-era building, the museum chronicles South Kazakhstan's history from ancient petroglyphs to independence. Highlights include Silk Road artifacts, traditional yurt displays, and exhibits on the region's role in the Great Patriotic War.

Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-6pm | Entry: 500 KZT | Address: Kazybek Bi Street 9

Arbat Pedestrian Street

Shymkent's answer to Moscow's famous Arbat, this lively pedestrian avenue features cafes, souvenir shops, street art, and regular cultural performances. The street comes alive after sunset with locals strolling, dining al fresco, and enjoying live music.

Best time: Evening (6pm-11pm) | Location: Connects Ordabasy Square to Opera House

Abay Park & Philharmonic Hall

A cultural oasis featuring manicured gardens, Soviet-era sculptures, and the grand Philharmonic Hall hosting classical concerts and traditional performances. The park's shaded paths provide relief from summer temperatures that can exceed 40°C.

Concert tickets: 1,000-3,000 KZT | Schedule: Check at venue

Ken Baba Park & Dendropark

Spanning 54 hectares, this green sanctuary includes a zoo, amusement rides, and the Dendropark arboretum with over 500 plant species. The park's lake offers paddle boats in summer, while the zoo houses Central Asian species including snow leopards.

Hours: 9am-8pm | Entry: Park free, Zoo 500 KZT

Markets & Shopping

Upper Bazaar (Verkhny Bazaar)

One of Central Asia's oldest continuously operating markets, dating back to the Silk Road era. This sprawling bazaar offers everything from spices and dried fruits to traditional crafts and livestock. The food section serves authentic local dishes at rock-bottom prices. Arrive early for the best selection and to witness the animated haggling culture.

Hours: 6am-6pm daily | Best days: Thursday-Sunday

Samal Bazaar

A more modern covered market focusing on clothing, electronics, and household goods. Popular with locals for its competitive prices and vast selection. The adjacent food market offers fresh produce and regional specialties.

Getting There

By Air

Shymkent International Airport (CIT) receives direct flights from:

Domestic: Almaty (1.5 hours, 6 daily), Astana (2 hours, 4 daily), Aktau, Atyrau
International: Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, Tashkent, Bishkek
Airport transfer: Bus #2 (200 KZT), taxi (2,000-3,000 KZT to center)

By Train

Shymkent Railway Station connects to:

Almaty: 12-14 hours overnight (from 4,500 KZT platzkart)
Astana: 16-18 hours (from 6,000 KZT)
Turkestan: 2.5 hours (1,500 KZT)
Tashkent: 4 hours (requires visa for Uzbekistan)

By Bus/Marshrutka

Turkestan: 2 hours (1,000 KZT, hourly departures)
Taraz: 3 hours (2,000 KZT)
Almaty: 10-12 hours (3,500 KZT)
Tashkent: 2 hours (border crossing at Zhibek Zholy)

Getting Around

City buses: Extensive network, 90-150 KZT per ride, pay conductor on board
Marshrutkas: Faster than buses, 100-200 KZT, hail anywhere along route
Taxi apps: Yandex Taxi, inDrive (500-1,500 KZT for most city trips)
Walking: City center is compact and walkable, but summer heat can be intense

Where to Stay

Upscale

Rixos Khadisha Shymkent: 5-star luxury, rooftop pool, spa (from $120)
Ramada by Wyndham: International standard, central location (from $80)

Mid-Range

Megapolis Hotel: Modern, near Independence Park (from $50)
Tourist Hotel: Renovated Soviet-era, good value (from $40)

Budget

Altair Hotel: Clean, basic, central (from $25)
Hostel Shymkent: Dorms and private rooms (from $10)

Where to Eat

Traditional

Alasha: Upscale Kazakh cuisine in yurt-styled rooms
Kok Saray: Traditional dishes, live music evenings
Upper Bazaar food court: Authentic local food, very cheap

Regional Specialties

Shymkent tandir samsa: Clay oven-baked meat pastries
Nokot: Chickpea snacks unique to the region
Uzbek influence: Exceptional plov and manti due to proximity to Uzbekistan

International

Pinta Pub: Czech brewery, European food
Coffeeshop Company: Austrian coffee chain, reliable WiFi

Day Trips from Shymkent

Turkestan (160km, 2 hours)

Home to the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Kazakhstan's most important pilgrimage site. The massive turquoise-domed structure, built by Timur in the 14th century, rivals Samarkand's architecture. The new Keruen-Saray complex adds museums, hotels, and a flying theater experience.

Transport: Buses every hour (1,000 KZT) or organized tour (8,000 KZT)

Otrar (Otyrar)

Ancient city ruins where Genghis Khan's envoys were killed, triggering the Mongol invasion of Central Asia. The archaeological site includes city walls, palace foundations, and a museum. Nearby is Arystan Bab Mausoleum, teacher of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

Transport: Organized tour recommended (10,000 KZT including guide)

Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve

Kazakhstan's oldest nature reserve (1926), protecting Western Tien Shan biodiversity. Home to snow leopards, bears, and over 1,400 plant species. Offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and village homestays.

Transport: Marshrutka to Zhabagly village (2 hours), then local arrangement

Taraz (200km, 3 hours)

The other great Silk Road city of the south, and Kazakhstan's oldest continuously inhabited one. The draw is the 12th-century Aisha Bibi mausoleum outside town, whose carved terracotta facade has no equal in Central Asia, plus the Karakhan mausoleum in the centre. Long for a day trip from Shymkent, but a natural overnight stop if you are continuing east towards Almaty. See our guide to Taraz and the Aisha Bibi mausoleum.

Transport: Bus 3 hours (2,000 KZT), or train

Sayram (10km)

Ancient settlement claiming to be 3,000 years old, birthplace of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Features numerous mausoleums, sacred springs, and the bustling Sayram bazaar. Easy half-day trip.

Transport: Marshrutka #105 (150 KZT, 30 minutes)

Practical Tips

Climate: Continental extremes - very hot summers (up to 45°C) and cold winters (-15°C)
Best time: April-May and September-October for comfortable weather
Language: More Kazakh-speaking than northern cities; Russian widely understood
Money: ATMs common in center; many places still cash-only
Safety: Generally safe, but use registered taxis at night
Cultural note: More conservative than Almaty; dress modestly at religious sites
Border proximity: Great base for visiting Uzbekistan (Tashkent 120km, Samarkand 370km)

Quick Facts

Former names: Chimkent (Soviet era), Sayram (ancient)
Time zone: UTC+6 (same as Astana, 1 hour ahead of Almaty)
Area code: +7 7252
Sister cities: Izmir (Turkey), Stevenage (UK)
Economy: Lead smelting, oil refining, pharmaceuticals, food processing
Universities: South Kazakhstan University, Shymkent University