If your friends or acquaintances are in Almaty for the first time and you want to show them all the brightest things, this guide is for you. We’ve gathered 12 locations that guests of the southern capital should see.
Almaty Museum of Arts
Where: Al-Farabi Ave., 28
Time for visiting: two hours
The new cultural heart of the city. Exhibitions, art projects, lectures, and master classes for children and adults are held here. The museum’s foundation is the collection of Nurlan Smagulov, featuring more than 700 works of Kazakhstani and Central Asian art. Today it’s not only a center of creativity but also one of the most popular places among Almaty residents — people come here for inspiration and atmospheric photos.
Tselinny
Where: Masanchi St., 59
Time for visiting: two hours
A center of contemporary culture in Almaty, where exhibitions, performances, lectures, and screenings take place. Founded in the building of a former cinema, it has become a space for dialogue between artists and audiences, uniting art and the pressing themes of the region.
Botanical Garden
Where: Timiryazev St., 36k2
Time for visiting: two hours
A place where it’s pleasant to spend time regardless of the season. You can admire the plants, watch the swans, and enjoy the tranquility.
Republic Square
Where: Republic Square, 2
Time for visiting: one hour
An excellent option for a walk — the square features many cozy spots, a large playground, and benches for rest. Flowers and stylish urban design add a special charm.
Terrenkur
Where: starting point — Dostyk Ave., 104A
Time for visiting: two to three hours
Walk under the sound of running water, have coffee in a stylish café with a beautiful view, go for a run, exercise outdoors, or stroll with your dog — all of this can be done here. It becomes especially atmospheric and beautiful in autumn.
State Museum of Arts named after Kasteev
Where: Koktem-3 District, 22/1
Time for visiting: two hours
You can wander the museum halls endlessly, each time noticing new details and meanings in the artworks. Here are paintings and other exhibits by Kazakhstani and foreign artists, along with exclusive temporary exhibitions.
Green Bazaar
Where: Zhibek Zholy Ave., 53
Time for visiting: one and a half hours
A colorful and atmospheric place worth visiting for anyone coming to the city for the first time. You can try ripe fruits, find souvenirs, and experience a special aesthetic that cannot be compared to anything else.
Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
Where: Panfilov St., 28
Time for visiting: two hours
A great option for a leisurely walk with friends or family. You can feed pigeons, admire the breathtaking Ascension Cathedral both outside and inside, see numerous monuments, and dive deeper into the city’s history.
Almaty Theatre
Where: Al-Farabi Ave., 30
Time for visiting: from one and a half to four hours
A theatre that has won the hearts of many residents and guests of the city with its vivid performances, stage happenings, and aesthetics.
Medeu
Where: Kerei and Janibek Khanov St., 465
Time for visiting: four to five hours
Everyone should try their strength and climb the “stairway of health,” consisting of 842 steps. From each landing, more and more picturesque mountain views open up before you.
Kok-Tobe
Where: starting point — Dostyk Ave., 104B
Time for visiting: two to three hours
A park located right on a mountain. Take the funicular to enjoy panoramic views of the city, ride attractions, and feed animals in the mini-zoo.
Arbat
Where: starting point — Abylai Khan Ave., 62
Time for visiting: one and a half to three hours
A creative atmosphere reigns here — lots of cafés and street musicians. Craft fairs are often held where you can buy jewelry, dishes, clothing, and many handmade items.