2. Kok-Tobe Hill

Kok-Tobe Hill is the place to be if heights and a bird's eye perspective of the city appeal to you. The location provides an exhilarating cable car trip that transports you from the mountains' centre to the lovely vineyards below.

In addition, there are businesses, eateries, a playground for kids, and a zoo. With your loved ones, this is the ideal destination for a day excursion.

Visitors can use a cable car that leaves the city centre to get to the summit of Kok Tobe. The journey on the cable car, which is an attraction in and of itself, provides breathtaking views of the city and the Alps.

Other popular activities on the hill include climbing and trekking which is one of the best things to do in Almaty. There are various routes that go up to the hill's summit, and the woodlands in the area are a wonderful location to unwind and take in the view.

• Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Opening Hours: 24*7
• Famous For: The amazing and marvellous cable car and the amazing trekking destination it offers.

3. First President’s Park

Do you appreciate the local culture and the natural beauty? If the answer is yes, then you should add it to your bucket list. There are many things you may enjoy here with your near and dear ones for a playful evening, from taking a leisurely stroll to watching entertaining concerts at the amphitheater.

The park is situated in the southern part of downtown and is encompassed by the most breathtaking scenery, which further increases the appeal of this location.

A big lake with a fountain, a music theatre, a botanical garden, and a number of sculptures and monuments are just a few of the park's attractions. The Avenue of the Presidents, a pathway adorned with busts of all the presidents of Kazakhstan, is one of the park's most striking attractions.

• Location: Bostandyk District, Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Opening Hours: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
• Famous For: Its beautiful scenery and amazing relaxing spot.

4. Chukotka Bar

Chukotka is a well-known location because it provides an amazing view of Almaty's nightlife. The majority of the DJs and rock bands who perform here are some of the most well-known and foster an upbeat atmosphere.

Let your hair down and enjoy the music's rhythms while sipping on some delicious beverages. And don't worry about the crowd; it's just as trendy and exciting as this club.

It’s not just about concerts and DJ Nights but the food offered by Chukotka Bar is literally finger-licking. It offers a variety of scrumptious and delicious food with class-one alcohol that adds up to the fun and enjoyment. 

Location: Gogol St 40, Almaty 050021, Kazakhstan

Opening Hours: 6:00 pm - 1:00 am

Famous For: The tasty food items and the amazing concerts and other activities that are held here.

5. Central Mosque

Although there are many mosques in Kazakhstan, this one located in Almaty begs to be seen, regardless of whether you are a first-time visitor or not. One of the greatest things to do in Almaty while on vacation for a soul-satisfying experience is to visit this lovely mosque. All you need to do is make sure you are appropriately covered your head, arms, and legs.

The mosque's interior is embellished with elaborate calligraphy and tilework. The prayer room is roomy and has a central mihrab, or prayer niche, that points towards Mecca.

A major religious and cultural hub of Almaty, the Central Mosque holds regular prayer sessions in addition to other activities and religious celebrations. It invites tourists who want to learn more about Islam and the mosque's history and is available to visitors outside of prayer hours.

Location: Pushkin St 20, Almaty 050002, Kazakhstan

Opening Hours: 5:00 am - 10:00 pm

Famous For: Its religious holiness and beautiful tilework and calligraphy. 

6. Medeu

In the highlands above the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan, there is a well-known tourist attraction and sports complex called Medeu. It is well-known for its picturesque vistas, nearby hiking trails, and outdoor ice skating rink, which is among the tallest in the world.

The Medeu ice rink was constructed in 1972 and is located 1,691 metres above sea level. It is accessible to tourists from late fall to early spring and is the biggest high-altitude skating rink in the whole globe. The rink has played home to several international tournaments and is a well-liked place for ice hockey and figure skating athletes to practise.

Ice skating at Medeu is unquestionably one of the top winter activities in Almaty, making it a must-do if you're travelling during the colder months. One of the most well-known skating rinks in the world, it is situated in the mountains just outside the city and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty in addition to the soul-stirring experience.

• Location: Gornaya St 465, Almaty 050020, Kazakhstan
• Opening Hours: 24*7
• Famous For: Hosting various international competitions and tournaments and being one of the premium ice skating destinations. 

7. Big Almaty Lake

One of the most popular hangout areas for tourists is the Great Almaty Lake, particularly for a picnic. This lake, also known as Bao, is situated in the Tien Shan mountains and provides a significant amount of the city's citizens' drinking water.

Swimming and simply walking near the water are absolutely forbidden for this reason. Yet even so, it still offers a comfortable setting for a large gathering of family members to relax and enjoy the weather.

The Great Almaty Lake is well-known for its crystal-clear, emerald-green water, which it receives from meltwater from nearby mountains' glaciers. The lake is a well-liked location for outdoor activities including hiking, picnics, and fishing. It is about a kilometer long.

Visiting Almaty Lake with friends, family or loved ones is definitely one of the best things to do in Almaty.

• Location: Ili-Alatau National Park, Almaty 050065, Kazakhstan
• Opening Hours: 24*7
• Famous For: Its crystal clear water which is green in color and for being a great excursion site.

8. Zhibek Zholy Pedestrian Street

The name Zhibek Zholy, which translates to "Silk Road" in Kazakh, was given to the city in honor of the historic trade route that historically ran through it. After being refurbished in 2007, the Boulevard has gained popularity as a destination for dining and shopping.

The architecture of Zhibek Zholy, which combines ancient and modern design elements, is one of its attractions. Several of the old, former Soviet-era structures on the street have been restored and transformed into stores and dining establishments.

There will undoubtedly come a time when you want to explore Almaty, Kazakhstan, at your own leisure because there are so many activities to do there. The Zhibek Zholy Pedestrian Street is a fantastic area to wander, day or night because it provides a perfect experience just like that.

This street is bustling all day long because of the quaint cafés, engaging street performers, and several artisan stores that line it. Exploring this street is one of the best things to do in Almaty for sure.

• Location: Zhibek-Zholy Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Opening Hours: 24*7
• Famous For: Its architecture of fusion style and the varieties of shops and activities that are present.

9. Huns Ethno Village

A cultural site called Huns Ethno Village is around 25 kilometres north-east of Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Huns, a tribe that lived in the area and over a thousand years ago, were nomadic, and the settlement is intended to depict their traditional way of life.

A number of elaborately adorned yurts, or traditional Kazakh tents, can be seen around the area. The yurts may be explored by those who are interested in learning more about Hun everyday life, including their cuisine, crafts, and music.

Visit the Huns Ethno village if you want to learn more about the nomadic past of the Kazakh people. Among other activities, the historic mountain community is well-known for horseback riding. The area is teeming with various old Soviet-style hubs and Kazakh yurts and offers stunning mountain vistas. The locals will be more than ready to show you the Kazakh people's traditions and customs.

• Location: Talgar district, Kazakhstan
• Opening Hours: 24*7
• Famous For: For its traditional activities and customs particularly horseback riding and eagle hunting.

10. Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

This museum, which is situated in Panfilov Park, is the definition of astounding and magnificent. You may hear a superb array of traditional Kazakh instruments here, including wooden harps and bagpipes, in addition to seeing some of the most famous musical instruments. Also, the fact that you may enroll in a class to study an instrument adds to the museum's uniqueness.

Over 1,000 musical instruments, the majority of which are specific to the area and were manufactured by regional craftspeople, are in the museum's collection.

The museum's exhibitions on the development and history of Kazakh music, as well as the significance of music in Kazakh culture and society, are in addition to its collection of musical instruments.

• Location: Zenkov St, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
• Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
• Famous For: Its historic value and significance plus its vast and marvelous collection of folk musical instruments.

Conclusion - Best Things to do in Almaty

You wouldn't regret doing any of these Almaty activities for even a moment because they are all so fascinating and charming at the same time. Not only Almaty, but Kazakhstan also boasts a lot of other stunning cities that are waiting for you with locations and experiences you've never had before. 

Having said that, there's no denying that organising your next trip to Kazakhstan will enable you to see some of the country's most interesting quirky locations. 

There are a tonne of attractions, dining options, and things to do in Almaty for tourists visiting the area.

Almaty is unquestionably worth a trip on any schedule for Kazakhstan, whether you only have a couple of days or a whole week to explore.

FAQ - Best Things to do in Almaty

1.What are the must-visit attractions in Almaty?

Panfilov Park, Ascension Cathedral, Kok-Tobe, Central Mosque,  First President Park, Zhibek Zholy Pedestrian Street, Medeu, Shymbulak, Big Almaty Lake, Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, Huns Ethno Village, and Chukotka Bar are the must visit attractions in Almaty.

2.What are some of the best outdoor activities in Almaty?

Almaty is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Some of the best options include hiking in the Tien Shan Mountains, skiing at Shymbulak Ski Resort, and exploring the beautiful Big Almaty Lake.

3.What are some traditional Kazakh dishes to try in Almaty?

Some traditional Kazakh dishes to try in Almaty include beshbarmak, kuyrdak, Bred, samosa, Chorba, and plov. Don't forget to try the national drink, kumis, a fermented mare's milk.

4.Is Almaty a safe city for tourists?

Almaty is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe. It's also recommended to avoid any political demonstrations or protests.