Africa
Americas
Asia
Europe
Oceania
Holidays to Europe (100 available)
Albania(2)
Austria(11)
Baltic States(2)
Belgium(1)
Croatia(6)
Cyprus(1)
Czech Republic(9)
Denmark(2)
England(7)
Finland(2)
France(16)
Germany(8)
Greece(12)
Hungary(8)
Iceland(6)
Ireland(8)
Italy(17)
Montenegro(1)
Netherlands(1)
Northern Ireland(2)
Norway(4)
Portugal(15)
Scotland(4)
Slovakia(2)
Spain(15)
Sweden(1)
Switzerland(3)
Call us toll-free now. 24/7
Book with an expert:
1-888-488-0592
What to see in Kazakhstan
Almaty
- Vacations to Kazakhstan
- Points of Interest
Tourist attractions Almaty
Known throughout Kazakhstan as the ‘southern capital’, the cosmopolitan city of Almaty served as the country’s capital until 1997, when it was transferred to Nur-Sultan. Despite losing its status as the capital city, a trip to Almaty is sure to show you that it is in fact here, where the true essence of Kazakhstan can be found. It is the country’s largest city and is considered the cultural centre with an almost European feel to some parts of the city.
Almaty is situated in southern Kazakhstan, in the foothills of the Trans Ili Alatau Mountains and has a history that stretches back as far as the Bronze Age, when the first communities settled in the region. Due to the city’s prominence during the era of Soviet rule, you’ll find a noticeable Russian influence if you travel to Almaty; Russian is the most widely spoken language in this part of the country and there are large communities of both Russians and Ukrainians.
In recent years, tourists and travellers have been increasingly attracted to this unique city due to its diverse nature and beautiful location, nestled between snow-capped mountains with plenty of skiing and hiking routes to cater for lovers of the great outdoors. You’ll find buildings ranging from traditional wooden churches to Soviet-era housing and modern glass skyscrapers in Almaty as well as countless coffee houses, restaurants serving cuisines from around the world and a surprisingly lively nightlife scene. Like elsewhere in Kazakhstan, the city endures severe winters, so the best time to visit Almaty is during the spring or summer when the city and it’s surroundings are transformed by abundant green foliage.
Highlights of Almaty
A city as eclectic as Almaty is sure to be home to a dazzling array of sights for all travellers to enjoy. The best place to start if you want to experience true, everyday Kazakh culture and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city, is the Green Bazaar, set across two-levels and selling an impressive selection of Central Asian produce.
From piles of fruits, nuts, spices, sweets, vegetables and herbs to an entire aisle of horse-meat products, a visit to Almaty’s Green Bazaar is sure to surprise and delight you. If you’re looking to get to know the country and its history better, head to the Central State Museum, where you can trace the country’s story and admire the wide array of precious artefacts that are on display. A tour of Almaty would not be complete without a wander through Panfilov Park, which is home to the colourful Zenkov Cathedral, adorned with a bright orange facade and patterned domes.
This Russian Orthodox cathedral bears a slight resemblance to St. Basil’s in Moscow and is one of the only relics of tsarist-era Kazakhstan remaining in the city. What is perhaps most impressive about the structure is that was built entirely from wood, even the nails that hold it together! If you’ve somehow exhausted the city sights, take the futuristic aerial tramway to Kok Tobe, or ‘Blue Mountain’, home to a zoo, restaurants and amusement rides. Skiiers cannot miss out on the nearby ski resort of Shymbulak, which is covered with a thick layer of snow between November to May.
We don't have any trips to Almaty at the moment.
Subscribe to our newsletter to not miss any trips
YOU ALSO LIKE
Tourist attractions kazakhstan
Points of interests
Other Points of interests
- Trips to Ajloun Castle
- Trips to Amman
- Trips to Aqaba
- Trips to Ashdod
- Trips to Beirut
- Trips to Beit She'an
- Trips to Bishkek
- Trips to Bukhara
- Trips to Caesarea
- Trips to Dana Nature Reserve
- Trips to Dead Sea
- Trips to Dead Sea
- Trips to Galilee
- Trips to Garni
- Trips to Haifa
- Trips to Isfahan
- Trips to Jerash
- Trips to Jericho
- Trips to Jerusalem
- Trips to Karakol
- Trips to Khiva
- Trips to Khor-Virap
- Trips to Lake Sevan
- Trips to Little Petra
- Trips to Mount Nebo
- Trips to Muscat
- Trips to Nizwa
- Trips to Noravank
- Trips to Pasargada
- Trips to Persepolis
- Trips to Petra
- Trips to Ras al Hadd
- Trips to Red Sea
- Trips to Safed
- Trips to Samarkand
- Trips to Shiraz
- Trips to Tashkent
- Trips to Tehran
- Trips to Tel Aviv
- Trips to Temple Mount
- Trips to Vagharshapat
- Trips to Wadi Rum
- Trips to Wahiba Sands
- Trips to Yadz
- Trips to Yerevan
Countries Nearby
- Armenia Trips
- Bhutan Trips
- Cambodia Trips
- China Trips
- Hong Kong Trips
- India Trips
- Indonesia Trips
- Israel Trips
- Japan Trips
- Jordan Trips
- Kazakhstan Trips
- Kyrgyzstan Trips
- Laos Trips
- Lebanon Trips
- Malaysia Trips
- Maldives Trips
- Mongolia Trips
- Myanmar Trips
- Nepal Trips
- Oman Trips
- Philippines Trips
- Saudi Arabia Trips
- Singapore Trips
- South Korea Trips
- Sri Lanka Trips
- Taiwan Trips
- Thailand Trips
- Tibet Trips
- Turkey Trips
- United Arab Emirates Trips
- Uzbekistan Trips
- Vietnam Trips
Trip Styles
Susbscribe to our newsletter and join Exoticca GO
The best travel deals
Exclusive promotions
Expert travel tips