Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Almaty

MONTE ALMATY

Here’s a list of the top 5 must-see places in Almaty for first-time visitors — with practical tips on weather, seasons, tickets, and insider advice from locals.

Almaty is a vibrant city at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains, where nature, culture, and cuisine come together. In one day, you can reach a mountain peak at 3,200 m, visit a modern art museum, stroll through historical landmarks, and finish your day watching the sunset over the city.

Medeu and Shymbulak

📍 Why VisitMedeu is the highest ice-skating rink in the world, located at an altitude of 1,691 m. Just above it lies the Shymbulak ski resort, connected by a scenic cable car.
You can:

Skate in winter or enjoy the viewpoints in summer
Ride the cable car through the mountain valleys
Reach the 3,200 m station and breathe in crystal-clear alpine air
Winter: Ice skating rink is open, ski slopes operate, cable car runs daily.
Spring & Autumn: Beautiful views with green slopes and snowy peaks — ideal for photos and hikes.
Summer: It gets cold at the top, even on hot days in the city. Always bring a warm jacket and check the weather forecast before you go.

👉 The cable car may close temporarily due to strong winds or maintenance, especially in shoulder seasons. Check the schedule in advance on site👉 https://tickets.shymbulak.com

Almaty Art Museum

In 2025, a new contemporary art museum opened in Almaty, and it has already become one of the city’s main cultural attractions. The building, with its futuristic architecture, is located on Nazarbayev Avenue and blends beautifully into the cityscape at the foot of the mountains.
Why Visit

This is a world-class museum, comparable to those in major European capitals, and it’s easy to explore on your own.
The space is designed to be engaging for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors, even without any prior knowledge of art.
Most exhibition halls offer descriptions in Kazakh, Russian, and English, making it accessible to international tourists.
🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 – 20:00; closed on Mondays.
📍 Address: 28 Al-Farabi Street (entrance from Nazarbayev Avenue).
🌐 Online tickets: https://www.almaty.art/visit-and-tickets

Panfilov Park & Ascension Cathedral

🏞 Panfilov Park (Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen) is one of the oldest parks in Almaty, dedicated to WWII heroes.
Its centerpiece is the Ascension Cathedral, built entirely without nails — using wooden pegs and brackets. Remarkably, it survived the 1911 earthquake intact.
The park features:

🔥 Eternal Flame memorial
🪖 Monuments to the Panfilov Guardsmen
🕰 WWII-themed installations

📍 Located right in the city center, it’s a perfect stop after visiting the museum or before heading to the bazaar. From here, you can also take a leisurely walk along Panfilov Street — a lively pedestrian area that leads directly to the Opera and Ballet Theatre. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of cafés, restaurants, and bars, making it a great place to relax and enjoy local or international cuisine.

Green Bazaar

🧀 What to Buy & How to Shop SmartJust a 5-minute walk from Panfilov Park is the Green Bazaar, the city’s culinary heart. Here you can find:

🥩 Kazy — traditional Kazakh horse meat sausage
Local meat and dairy products
Dried fruits, nuts, spices, souvenirs, and more

💡 Local Tip: Don’t buy at the first stall you see — walk around and compare prices. Often, products on the second floor are more expensive than those on the first. Bargaining is acceptable.

Kok Tobe

🌇 Kok Tobe is a popular hilltop viewpoint and recreation area overlooking Almaty.
The best time to visit is in the evening on a clear day, to:

Watch a breathtaking sunset over the mountains
Enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city
Take stunning golden-hour photos
🎡 Things to Do
Ride the cable car from the city center (near the Palace of the Republic)
Go on the Ferris wheel for 360° views
Visit the mini-zoo and amusement area
Have dinner or coffee at cafés with scenic terraces

🎟 Entrance fee: around 1,000 ₸ per adult (prices may change). Cable car tickets are sold separately.

Discover Mountains with Monte Almaty

top places in Almaty

Almaty will charm you with its mountain scenery, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. The city itself is full of fascinating places, but to truly experience the real beauty of the mountains, the best option is to book an private guided tour with Monte. Local guides will take you off the beaten path to breathtaking viewpoints, alpine lakes, and scenic trails that most tourists never get to see.
For the best experience, plan your visits according to the weather and time of day, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t hesitate to explore — even the most famous attractions reveal new sides in different seasons.

Monday, October 6

Top 5 Places to Visit in Almaty — Medeu, Shymbulak, Kok Tobe, Green Bazaar and More

Top 5 must-visit places: Medeu & Shymbulak, the new Art Museum, Panfilov Park, the Green Bazaar, and Kok Tobe. Get practical tips on seasons, weather, ticket links, and local advice — all in one guide.

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