10 Awesome Things to Do in Almaty for First-Timers

10 Best Things to Do in Almaty

1. Admire the Beauty of Zenkov's Cathedral

We are starting off with Zenkov's Cathedral, probably one of the most impressive structures, if not the most impressive in the entire city. It is certainly one of my favorite attractions thanks to its colorful exterior and elaborate designs that stand out from the rest of Almaty's greyish, Brutalist-style buildings.

Located right in the center of Almaty, the cathedral is considered the largest of its kind in the country. It was constructed between 1904 and 1907 using only wood, without the use of any nails and it is one of the few remaining wooden buildings of its kind in the world.

The cathedral was initially part of the Russian Orthodox Church as it was built when Kazakhstan was part of the Russian Empire in the early 20th Century and served as a place of worship for the growing Russian community in Almaty.

The architectural style of the Zenkov Cathedral is predominantly Russian Orthodox, with Byzantine influences. It features beautiful ornate details, colorful domes, and intricate woodwork, unlike any other Orthodox cathedrals I've seen before. Its colorful exterior really lightens up the entire city for me.

The interior of the church is also beautifully decorated with religious paintings and icons as well as an impressive golden iconostasis located right under its massive dome. You can feel just how sacred the place is the moment you walk inside the church. It is breathtaking!

The cathedral is also surrounded by a park with plenty of trees and park benches where you can sit and enjoy the cathedral's stunning exterior. During the day, you will often find many young artists with their canvas, painting the church on it, and honing their skills.

It is such a nice peaceful area which makes for a great place to escape the bustling Almaty. The cathedral is open from 7 AM to 7 PM every day and it is free to enter. Definitely one of the best things to do in Almaty so be sure to check it out.

2. Check Out the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Monument

Not too far from Zenkov's Cathedral, you will also find the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Monument, an impressive brutalist-style monument commemorating the heroic actions of a group of soldiers from the 316th Rifle Division during World War II.

The 28 Panfilov Guardsmen were Soviet soldiers who fought against German forces during the Battle of Moscow in 1941. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they displayed incredible bravery and resilience, defending their positions and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. The soldiers became a symbol of courage and determination in the face of adversity of the people of Kazakhstan.

The monument, which was unveiled in 1975, consists of a bronze statue of soldiers standing on a granite pedestal. It depicts a group of soldiers representing the unity and bravery of the soldiers, with each figure uniquely posed and expressing different emotions, a perfect tribute to all the soldiers who fought for freedom.

Located right next to the monument, you will also find an impressive wooden structure of the Museum of Musical Instruments, a museum featuring Kazakh folk instruments & other musical instruments from this region, which is another great place to check out before we continue our journey.

3. Stroll Around the Green Bazaar

Located just north of Zenkov's Cathedral, you will find the Green Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the city that is always bustling with people and shopkeepers selling all kinds of products from electronics to fresh produce like raw meat and vegetables.

Here, you can find a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. It's a great place to experience the sights, smells, and flavors of local produce, and you can often find seasonal and regional specialties to try out like local sweets and the famous Almaty apples.

Even if you are not into shopping, the Green Bazaar will offer you a chance to really be immersed in the local culture. You can witness the lively interactions between vendors and customers, and perhaps even get to try some local street food or traditional snacks that are often offered by shopkeepers trying to woo customers.

The vivid atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else in the city and if you enjoy being immersed in the local culture and interacting with the people, this is a great place to be. The bazaar is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day except on Mondays.

4. Visit Almaty Central Mosque

Not too far from the Green Bazaar, you will also find Almaty Central Mosque, a huge mosque built in white marble, with gilded golden domes, ceramic calligraphy, and a minaret that towers over the city.

Despite its elegant and modern exterior, the mosque features a combination of traditional Islamic elements and contemporary design elements, creating a unique aesthetic that will remind you that you are in a Muslim-majority country.

If you want to get inside, be sure to dress appropriately with pants covering your knees and shirts covering your shoulders. For women, also carry a scarf to cover your hair. They do not provide any of that to tourists, unfortunately.

That said, it is still an impressive place to visit especially if you want to see a modern take on Islamic architecture that is quite unique to this part of the world. The mosque is open from 5 AM to 10 PM every day and there is no entrance fee to enter.

5. Take the Gondola Up to Kok Tobe Hill

If you are looking for the best sunset spot in the city, you are going to love Kok Tobe Hill, a prominent hill located not too far from Almaty that offers an incredible view of the city from above as well as its surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Situated at an elevation of about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet), Kok Tobe is connected to Almaty via a cable car and you can catch one from Kok Tobe Hill Gondola Station right from the city center which makes it so much easier to get to without a car.

The roundtrip ticket for the gondola is around 5,000 KZT which is reasonable. The facility is well-maintained and even though there are a lot of people queuing at sunset, it didn't take long for me to get on one and be at the top in no time.

At the summit of Kok Tobe, you'll find a variety of attractions and amenities. One of the highlights is the Almaty TV Tower, which stands at a height of 372 meters (1,220 feet) and you can get on to its observational deck for an even more epic view of Almaty and its surroundings.

Even without going up the TV Tower, you will still be able to enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the city and the surrounding mountains from the gondola station at the top.

Up there, you will also find an amusement park equipped with a Ferris Wheel, a spinning carnival ride, and even a tiny zoo full of different kinds of animals like deer, llamas, and many types of colorful birds you can admire up close.

There is also a restaurant at the top where you can dine while you enjoy the incredible sunset view over Almaty in style. I really do think that this place is the best sunset spot in the city and if you are looking for a place to spend your time during the golden hour in Almaty, Kok Tobe Hill is the best place to be. Make sure to align your visit to the top of Kok Tobe Hill accordingly if you want to witness the sunset. It's one of the best things to do in Almaty so be sure to check it out while you are here.

6. Learn the History of Kazakhstan at The Central State Museum

If you are interested in the history of Kazakhstan and how the Kazakh people came to be, the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a great place to dive deeper into the unique identity of the once-nomadic people of the steppe.

The museum was established in 1931 and is housed in this massive building that showcases the diverse history of the country with its unique mix of neoclassical and Soviet modernist architectural styles.

The museum's collection encompasses a wide range of artifacts and exhibits that highlight the rich history, culture, and heritage of Kazakhstan from different periods starting from the prehistoric all the way to modern-day Kazakhstan. I definitely did not expect to see prehistoric fossils or mammoth skeletons here!

The museum also houses collections related to ethnography, history, fine arts, applied arts, and more featuring ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, archaeological findings, historical documents, artworks, and items of cultural significance that you can observe up close.

You will be able to explore the unique culture of the country all in one go. They even have a fully decorated yurt inside allowing you to experience the nomadic past of Kazakhstan all the way to its space program in collaboration with Russia.

The history of Kazakhstan is truly impressive and there is no better place to learn about it than here. The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day and the entrance fee is 500 KZT per person.

7. Check Out the Golden Warrior Monument

Not too far from the State Museum, you will find the Golden Warrior Monument, a soaring obelisk honoring Kazakhstan's independence featuring a golden warrior atop a winged leopard, representing freedom, progress, and the aspirations of the Kazakh people.

It was unveiled on December 1, 1996, to mark the fifth anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence, which occurred on December 16, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Although the monument is nothing special, what I like about it is its spacious area that allows me to see the beautiful snow-capped mountains that surround the city as well as the 2 distinct Brutalist skyscrapers that flanked the monument on both sides.

It is also a great place to rest from the heat of the day at one of the many benches located under the trees right by the fountains, really helping cool you down before you continue exploring the city, so be sure to drop by and check out the Golden Warrior Monument.

8. Visit Big Almaty Lake

One of the most popular places the locals like to escape the bustling Almaty when they want peace and nature is Big Almaty Lake, a picturesque alpine lake located in the Ile-Alatau National Park, approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of the city center.

The lake is known for its stunning natural beauty, with crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests. It is situated at an altitude of about 2,511 meters (8,238 feet) above sea level and spans an area of approximately 1.6 square kilometers (0.6 square miles) which makes for a great place to enjoy a little alpine climate in peace without spending overnight somewhere remote.

The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking if you are into that as well as a great place for picnics or simply taking in the serene atmosphere of the lake.

Unfortunately, getting there without a tour is almost impossible due to landslides unless you don't mind walking along the road for 4 hours, one way to get to the lake.

If you want to visit Big Lake Almaty without having to walk the whole way, the only way you can do it is to go with this small tour group where they made a little arrangement with the park to provide a jeep transfer to and from the lake back to the entrance without having to walk, cutting the travel time to merely 15 minutes one way, allowing you to spend an hour, taking in the view there.

It is the best and most convenient way to get to the lake and so if you have a day to spare, be sure to go on the tour I recommended. They do not run every day (unless you want to organize a private tour), so be sure to check out the available date and align your visit accordingly.

9. Enjoy a Walk Around First President Park

Located a little bit further from Almaty's city center, you will also find First President Park, a vast park area full of colorful flowers and trees, with an incredible view of the mountains around Almaty.

The walk is especially nice in the evening when the weather is a little cooler and the view of the mountains is a bit clear, allowing you to really appreciate the incredible nature of Almaty.

To get there, you are going to have to get a taxi which can easily be done with YandexGo or Uber apps that allow you to hail taxis and pay them with credit cards.

If you also go with the Big Almaty Lake tour I recommended above, you will also be stopping here for a little stroll before you continue the rest of your itinerary. The park is open from 7 AM to 11 PM every day and there is no entrance fee to enter.

10. Visit Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake as a Day Trip

Last but not least, if you have only a day to spare in Almaty but want to see all the most famous tourist attractions in Southern Kazakhstan without spending overnight, I highly recommend you go on the Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake day trip.

With the recommended day trip, you will be starting your journey as early as 7:30 AM and you will be visiting all the highlights of Southern Kazakhstan all in a 14-hour epic day trip without having to worry about the logistics or spend overnight somewhere. It is perfect if you do not have a lot of time in Kazakhstan.

The tour will take you to all the cool photo spots like the Black and Yellow Canyons before taking you deep into the mountain of Southern Kazakhstan and visiting the incredible Kaindy Lake.

Kaindy Lake is probably one of the most unique lakes you will see here with its crazy blue water and dead tree trunks formed as the result of a major limestone landslide triggered by an earthquake in 1911.

After an hour hiking around the lake, you will then be visiting Kolsai Lake, which is another impressive lake with an option for you to do some hiking trails, boating, or horseback riding, all of which are great ways to see this beautiful alpine lake.

Last but not least, you will be visiting Charyn Canyon, a stunning natural landmark often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia" with plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints you can tackle.

Formed by the erosion of the Charyn River over millions of years, the canyon stretches for approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) and reaches depths of up to 300 meters (984 feet). It features a variety of unique geological formations, including towering cliffs, deep gorges, and intricate rock formations shaped by wind and water which makes for a great place to stroll around.

After spending 14 hours on the road, you will then be dropped back in Almaty, which completes the entire trip. It is a long day but you will be seeing all the highlights of Southern Kazakhstan in one go without having to spend overnight.

Unfortunately, the shared group tour doesn't run every day so be sure to check the schedule here and align your visit accordingly. If you don't mind spending overnight, which I highly recommend as you will have more time to enjoy each spot while also being able to spend a night at a local homestay, you might be interested in this overnight tour instead so be sure to check that out.

11. Bonus: Visit Almaty During the Spirit of Tengri Music Festival

Here is a bonus tip for you. If you are able to align your visit on the weekend when the Spirit of Tengri, one of the most popular music festivals, takes place, you are going to be in for an awesome treat.

The "Spirit of Tengri" is a musical and cultural project that celebrates the rich heritage and traditions of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia, particularly the ancient Turkic and Mongolic cultures.

The event aims to showcase the traditional music, instruments, and performances of these cultures while also incorporating contemporary elements. It serves as a platform to promote and preserve the diverse musical traditions of Central Asia and to foster cultural exchange and understanding.

At the event, you will be able to witness local bands performing some really unique performances that blend traditional sounds with modern arrangements, creating a fusion of styles and genres.

People of the city will come out in droves every evening during that weekend and dance their nights away. It's something you won't see every day and something you definitely do not expect to see in Kazakhstan. It will really open your eyes to the amazingly diverse culture of this country in a way that no tourist attraction can do so if you really want to see what the Kazakh people are like, be sure to align your visit with the Spirit of Tengri event.

The event happens around June in Almaty. You can check the exact date from their official website before planning the trip. The event is free for everyone and it takes place at the square right in front of Kok Tobe Hill gondola station.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Almaty

1. Try Local Cuisine at Navat Restaurant

If you are looking for a nice restaurant to try out some of the best Central Asian cuisine like Plov and Manti, you can't go wrong with Navat Restaurant, one of my favorite restaurants in Almaty.

The restaurant is extremely well decorated with Central Asian style decors and furniture and they serve a wide range of Central Asian cuisine as well as other fusion food you can try. Although they didn't have menus in English when I was there, their picture menus made it easy to choose what to eat.

If you want a proper Kazakh cuisine treat in Almaty, Navat Restaurant is the best place to be and you are going to love it. The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 12 AM every day.

2. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee at Vanilla Cafe

For a nice cozy cafe that serves delicious pastries and bakeries as well as coffee in Almaty, I have to give it to Vanilla Cafe, a lovely quiet spot in Almaty where I often frequent every morning for a nice cup of joe and a croissant before I begin my day of exploration.

The whole cafe is open air with many seatings both inside and outside of the cafe. They have a counter full of pastries and bakeries you can choose from which makes it much easier to order something especially if you do not speak the language.

During the weekends, the place gets very lively with people coming out enjoying brunch and hanging out with one another, socializing. It is the type of atmosphere that reminds me of European cafe culture and I love it. The cafe is open from 7:30 AM to 11 PM every day. If you love coffee and croissants, be sure to check them out!

Looking for more places to eat and drink? Check out:10 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Almaty

Further Reading for Central Asia

Are you looking to dive deeper into Central Asia? Here are a selection of travel guides and itineraries for traveling in Central Asia:

• Looking for a complete one-month itinerary and a travel guide for Central Asia? One Month Itinerary For Central Asia
• For a complete itinerary to Kazakhstan, check out: 10-Day Backpacking Kazakhstan Itinerary.
• If you are staying in Almaty for a while and want to explore the city's culinary delights, be sure to check out our 10 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Almaty.
• Want to get off the beaten path in Kazakhstan? Shymkent is an awesome place to visit. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Shymkent.
• Want to visit Turkestan in Kazakhstan? Check out our Complete Travel Guide to Turkestan.
• If you want to witness the city of the future in Central Asia, Astana is definitely the place you want to be. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Astana.
• A great country to start your journey in Central Asia is Kyrgyzstan since it is the easiest country to enter the region. Here's a complete 3-week itinerary travel guide to Kyrgyzstan.
• Bishkek, the capital city, is a great place to use as a base for you to obtain all tourist visas for the surrounding countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and the city has a ton to offer. Here are the 10 things to do in Bishkek.
• Kyrgyzstan is known for its mountains, and one of the best treks you can do is the Ala Kul trek. Here's a travel guide for trekking the Ala Kul trail and how you can do it in 2 days.
• The Pamir Highway is one of the best road trips you can do in your life, and it begins in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, and ends in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Here's a complete guide on how to plan your Pamir Highway road trip.
• If Kyrgyzstan is known for its mountains, then Uzbekistan is known for its culture and architecture. With several ancient Silk Road cities, there is a ton to see in Uzbekistan. Here's a 2-week itinerary and a travel guide in Uzbekistan.
• Last but not least, one of the hardest countries to visit in Central Asia is Turkmenistan, and you will require a lot of planning before you can visit. Here's a complete travel guide with a one-week itinerary for Turkmenistan.
• You can watch all my travel videos from Central Asia here: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.
• Looking for more travel guides for Central Asia? You can find more on my Central Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides, please visit our All Destination Travel Guide page.