Looking for things to do in Almaty? We’ve put together 25 places worth visiting — from parks and museums to mountain views and Kazakh restaurants. With 2026 prices, opening hours, and links to maps. At the end — our editor’s pick if you’re short on time.
City walks
28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park & Ascension Cathedral
One of the city’s oldest parks, founded in 1872. Shaded alleys, a quiet vibe — a good place to start a walk through the center.
In the park:
- The Memorial of Glory with the Eternal Flame, dedicated to Soviet soldiers of WWII
- Ascension Cathedral — a 54-meter-tall wooden church built from Tien Shan spruce (1904–1907)
- The cathedral survived the 1911 earthquake, losing only its cross and windows
Cost: free.
Nearby: Ykhlas Folk Instruments Museum (across from the park), Arasan banyas (across the street).
28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park and the Ascension Cathedral 
On the map: Google Maps · 2GIS · Yandex
Arbat and Panfilov Street
Two pedestrian streets perpendicular to each other. Panfilov Street is “Almaty’s Arbat” with cafes, street musicians, and national souvenirs. Zhibek Zholy is a classic pedestrian zone with shops.
On the map: Google Maps · 2GIS · Yandex
Green Bazaar
Almaty’s central market, two floors. Downstairs — meat and dairy, upstairs — dried fruit, spices, souvenirs. Vendors offer samples of qurt, kazy, dried fruit. You can walk through in 30–60 minutes.
Hours: Tue–Sat 09:00–19:00, Sun 09:00–18:00, Monday closed.
On the map: Google Maps · 2GIS · Yandex
Republic Square
The city’s main square (founded in the 1970s) with open space, fountains, and a 28-meter Independence Monument. A winged snow leopard sits on top, the base has bas-reliefs with Kazakhstan’s history and a handprint of the first president.
Nearby: Central State Museum (the largest in the region), City Hall (Akimat).
On the map: Google Maps · 2GIS · Yandex
Murals and street art
Dozens of murals on facades around the city — the result of the ARTBAT FEST festival (since 2010). The works reflect the city’s cultural code: national identity, ecology, urbanization, references to Kazakhstan’s history.
You can see: a portrait of Abai in neon, Kazakh batyrs and folk epic scenes, ecological and futuristic themes. The large works on 4–5 story buildings are visible from far away.
Murals and street art around Almaty 
Want to actually understand the murals — their language and meaning? Our street art tour takes 2.5 hours and walks you through the styles and techniques with a muralist.
Graffiti wall on Ospanova Street
The longest legal graffiti wall in Central Asia — 420 meters, about 1,200 sq m. Created in 2023 as part of the “First Layer” project with city support. Dozens of artists painted the wall along the pedestrian zone between Dostyk Avenue and the Esentai River. It’s a living wall: the work is regularly updated.
Graffiti wall on Ospanova Street — 420 meters of street art 
Tulebayev Street
One of the greenest streets in the center, 3 km from Abai Avenue to Mametova Street. The alley of Tien Shan spruce — the only place in the city where they took root. The “Zhetysu” fountain, memorial plaques on every building. The final scene of a film with Viktor Tsoi was shot here.
Along the street: three house museums (Kunaev, Auezov, Mukanov-Musrepov), Arasan banyas, lots of cafes.
A good route for a 1.5–2 hour walk, easily combined with Panfilov Park.
Tulebayev Street — alley of Tien Shan spruce in central Almaty 
Metro
11 stations, one line. Each has its own design: Kazakh ornaments, space themes, references to the Silk Road. You can ride the entire line in 20–25 minutes.
Fare: 120 KZT.
Almaty metro stations — Kazakh ornaments and author's design 
You can learn more about the architecture and history of each station on our metro tour.
Parks and green areas
First President’s Park
A well-kept park in the southwestern part of the city with themed gardens: a Japanese garden with a pond, the “Zhety Kazyna” ethno-garden, a topiary garden with green sculptures. A viewpoint with a panorama of the Zailiysky Alatau. The singing fountain runs in summer.
Heads up: the park has been undergoing its first major renovation in phases since February 2026. The southern part may be temporarily closed — check before visiting.
Entry: free. Hours: 05:00–23:00 (winter 09:00–22:00).
First President's Park — Japanese garden and viewpoint 
Central Park (Gorky Park)
A classic city park: rides, a boat lake, alleys. Pedal boats for rent in summer.
Entry: free. Rides: 400–1,600 KZT. Hours: 11:00–21:00, rides — March to October.
Botanical Garden
103 hectares of greenery in the city. Closer to the entrance — manicured flowerbeds and alleys, more like a garden. Further in — wilder, parkland feel. Beautiful in spring and summer: blooms, fresh air.
Pairs well with the terrenkurs: one of the trails to the foothills starts nearby.
Entry: ~930 KZT adult (2026, with new 16% VAT).
Almaty Botanical Garden — alleys and flowerbeds 
Lake Sayran
Artificial reservoir with a promenade, bike paths, sports areas. Popular with locals, tourists rarely make it here. A good spot for a morning run or a sunset walk.
Note: swimming is prohibited. The promenade went through a major renovation (12 billion KZT). The recreation area is mostly open, but some sections may still be under construction.
Entry: free.
Museums
Almaty Museum of Arts
The first private museum of this scale in Central Asia, opened in fall 2025 (Nurlan Smagulov foundation).
Architecture of world class (Chapman Taylor bureau). The building itself is an art object at the corner of Al-Farabi and Nazarbayev.
Collection: Richard Serra, Yayoi Kusama, Alicja Kwade in dialogue with Central Asian artists. European-gallery level. There’s also a great bookshop and cafe inside.
Price: 2,000 KZT adult, 500 KZT reduced (2026). Hours: 11:00–20:00, Monday closed. Website: almaty.art
Almaty Museum of Arts — modern architecture and exhibitions 
Ykhlas Folk Instruments Museum
A wooden mansion from 1908 (the former Officers’ Assembly Hall) — one of the last examples of Verny-era architecture. Located across from Panfilov Park.
Collection: Kazakh instruments — narqobyz, zhetygen, adyrna. Many display cases have multimedia: press a button and hear how each instrument sounds. Pairs perfectly with a walk through the park and the Ascension Cathedral.
Price: 1,000 KZT adult, 500 KZT students, 250 KZT schoolchildren/seniors. Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–19:00, Monday closed.
Ykhlas Folk Instruments Museum — wooden mansion from 1908 
Kasteyev State Museum of Arts
The country’s main art museum — Kazakhstan’s “miniature Hermitage.” The best painting collection in Kazakhstan.
What’s interesting: the Abylkhan Kasteyev hall — his paintings document nomadic life and Kazakhstan’s history (the famous “Turksib”); applied arts — felt, jewelry, tuskiizy carpets; halls of Russian avant-garde.
Price: 500 KZT adult, 200 KZT schoolchildren, 300 KZT seniors. Every 3rd Sunday of the month — free entry.
Hours: 10:00–18:00, Monday closed. Reopened after renovation on January 20, 2026 with climate control and updated exhibitions. Website: gmirk.kz
Kasteyev State Museum of Arts — Kazakh painting and applied arts 
Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The big blue building on Republic Square. The largest museum in the region — from the Bronze Age to independence.
Why go: the “Golden Man” (replica) — the main symbol of Kazakhstan; paleontology (dinosaur skeletons, archaeology); ethnography (a full-size yurt, khans’ costumes).
The “Gold Collection” hall is paid separately (1,500 KZT). For foreigners, the 5,000 KZT ticket includes access to all halls.
Price: 1,500 KZT adult, 300 KZT schoolchildren, 700 KZT students/seniors. For foreigners — 5,000 KZT (all halls, no guide). Gold Collection — additional 1,500 KZT. Hours: daily 09:00–18:00. Website: csmrk.kz
Central State Museum — the Golden Man and Kazakh ethnography 
D.A. Kunaev House Museum
The memorial apartment of Dinmukhamed Kunaev — the leader of the Kazakh SSR, who was widely respected. Fully preserved interior of the 70s–80s: personal library, collection of lighters, gifts from world leaders. A rare chance to see how the Soviet elite actually lived — modest and intelligent.
Price: 500–800 KZT adult, 300 KZT students, 200 KZT schoolchildren/seniors (2026). Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–19:00, Monday closed. Address: Tulebayev Street.
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Kunaev House Museum — Soviet-era interior on Tulebayev Street .webp)
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Mountains and views
Medeu and Shymbulak
A gorge 16 km from the center. To get there: 20-minute taxi or bus #12.
Medeu: climb the health stairs from the dam — opens up a panorama of the gorge. The skating rink is closed for renovation until autumn 2027.
Shymbulak: cable car from the “Cable Car Medeu” stop (not the final “Medeu” stop). Lift up to 3,200 m. From the cabin you can see the gorge, Tien Shan spruce, mountain slopes. There are cafes and restaurants at the top with a panorama. Summer is 10–15 degrees cooler than in the city.
Heads up: if there are clouds on the mountains — visibility at the top will be zero.
Cable car: one way 4,000/2,000 KZT, round trip 10,000/5,000 KZT, 360° route (incl. cable car #4) — 12,000/6,000 KZT (adult/child). Website: shymbulak.com.
Medeu and Shymbulak — mountain gorge and cable car 
Kok-Tobe
A hill with a view of the city. To get up: cable car from Abai Avenue in 10–15 minutes, by car, bus, or on foot.
At the top: viewpoint with a panorama, Beatles monument, restaurants, rides. Better to go closer to sunset — the city gets lit up.
Cable car: 6,000/3,000 KZT one way, 10,000/5,000 KZT round trip. Tuesdays from 13:00, other days from 10:00. Website: koktobe.com.
Kok-Tobe — viewpoint with a panorama of Almaty. Photo: Dima 
Terrenkurs
Almaty’s terrenkurs are “health trails” for walking (from German Terrain — terrain, Kur — cure). Specially marked routes along the mountain rivers.
You can walk them two ways: bottom-up or top-down. The second is easier and more pleasant — you start where the air is cleaner and descend toward the city.
Historic terrenkur (along the Malaya Almatinka). The main and most popular one, built in 1974. From the “Arman” cinema up to the foothills, 4.5 km. Elevation from 876 to 1,058 m. Cafes and restaurants along the route.
Historic terrenkur along the Malaya Almatinka 
New terrenkur (along the Esentai). Opened in 2022, 7.5 km. Longer than the historic one and wilder in the upper section — connects the embankment to the foothills. A more secluded route.
New terrenkur along the Esentai 
Banyas and spa
Arasan
Almaty’s main banya complex — “arasan” in Kazakh means “warm spring.” Marble hammams, ceramic mosaics, Finnish saunas, Russian steam room, special heated floors.
Lots of locals visit. Plan for at least 3 hours. Located across the street from Panfilov Park.
Hours: daily 06:00–23:30. Average bill: ~7,000 KZT. Exact prices on Instagram @arasanspacomplex. Website: arasan-spa.kz.
Restaurants and Kazakh cuisine
Qazaq Auyl
An atmospheric complex in the mountains on the road to Medeu with a beautiful view. Focus on traditional Kazakh cuisine in a contemporary style.
What to try: beshbarmak, plov, kazy, dishes from the kazan and the grill. Average bill: from 5,000 KZT (2026).
Navat
A chain of popular chaikhanas with a cozy oriental interior. Uyghur, Kazakh, and Central Asian cuisine. Convenient for large groups.
What to try: lagman, plov, manty, beshbarmak, samsa. Wide tea and dessert selection. Average bill: from 3,000 KZT (2026).
SYDYK
Kazakh cuisine with a focus on classics and dairy products. A calm spot to get acquainted with traditional food.
What to try: beshbarmak, kuyrdak, syrne, baursak, kumys and shubat, camel meat dishes. Average bill: 4,000–6,000 KZT (2026).
Editor’s picks
Articles about Almaty usually recommend the basics: Arbat, Panfilov Street, Republic Square, Green Bazaar. We’ve included those too — but here’s our pick of places we think are genuinely worth your time.
Important: when you walk through central Almaty — through the “golden quad” — it can feel like the city isn’t all that interesting. The architecture isn’t old, there are no obvious landmarks. But that impression is misleading. A lot of things just don’t catch the eye without context.
If you want to actually understand the city, take a tour. Without a guide, you’ll likely miss interesting details.
What’s actually worth seeing:
- Murals and street art. Dozens of large works on facades. With a tour, the meanings and stories behind each piece come to life.
- Ospanova graffiti wall. 420 meters of legal street art, a living wall, constantly updated.
- Medeu. Be sure to climb the health stairs and check out the view from the dam.
- Terrenkurs. Just a trail, but it’s part of Almaty’s culture. People come here to run, walk, meet up. The air is cleaner closer to the mountains. Better to walk top-down.
- Kok-Tobe. View of the city from above, especially nice at sunset.
- Botanical Garden. If you have to pick one park — this one. Beautiful panorama from the central entrance.
On parks in general: if you have time — go for a walk. But if time is tight — parks aren’t where to spend it at the expense of other locations.
Practical: transport and tips
Transport
Easy to get around the city — taxis, buses, metro. Buses go to mountain locations too, but taxis are usually more convenient.
Important: Almaty has traffic jams. Inside the center it’s often faster to walk.
- Taxi: from 1,000 KZT, Yandex Go.
- Buses: 120 KZT, cashless only — Onay card, Onay app, Kaspi/Halyk Bank QR. Cash isn’t accepted.
- Metro: 120 KZT, fast, no traffic. Pay with bank card.
- Car rental: from 15,000 KZT/day.
Tips
Payment. Cash is accepted everywhere, cards — not always. Kaspi QR is more common (you’ll need a local card). At markets and small shops it might be Kaspi or cash only. Russian cards don’t work.
Connection and navigation. 2GIS, Yandex Maps, Google Maps — all work. 2GIS shows public transport routes and works offline.
Local SIM. To get a Kazakh SIM or card, you need an IIN (individual identification number). You can get one at a CON (Public Service Center) — takes a few hours.
Walking. Almaty is on a slope: mountains to the south, steppe to the north. If you’re walking south — you’re climbing. Plan accordingly.
