Kazakhstan’s biggest city, Almaty, has recently hosted several international events, including concerts by Jennifer Lopez and the Backstreet Boys, and it is preparing to host the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Kairat on Sept. 30. Although international tourists may come specifically for such events, Almaty also offers strong tourism potential even if you are short on time.
Medeu and Shymbulak
The most «basic» locations for tourists to enjoy, and the easiest way to access mountain landscapes, are Medeu and Shymbulak. Medeu is located within the city boundaries and can be reached by bus No. 12. Once at Medeu, facing the world’s largest high-mountain skating rink of the same name, you have several options — stay in the Medeu area or head higher via the Health Stairs with 842 steps. It may sound demanding, but the views are worth the trek.
From Medeu, you can also take the gondola lift to Shymbulak, Almaty’s famous ski resort. The ski season has not opened yet, but the nature and landscapes are worth admiring even without skiing, especially when the weather is good. Note that the resort has announced maintenance on several parts of the gondola lift, so not every point above the Shymbulak base area may be available during your stay. Nevertheless, there are still restaurants, walking paths and entertainment options to enjoy at the start of Shymbulak, located 2,260 meters above sea level.
A one-way ticket from Medeu to Shymbulak costs approximately $7.34.
Kok-Tobe
Another landmark popular with tourists is Kok-Tobe, a 1,100-meter-high hill famous for its television tower, which is illuminated in the evenings and lit thematically on special occasions. Attractions include a small theme park with a Ferris wheel, offering even better views of the city and mountains, as well as the Fast Coaster ride. The park on the hill also features a zoo and popular entertainment booths such as shooting galleries and, of course, souvenir shops.
The most convenient way to get there is the gondola lift. The station is located near the Republic Palace, with Abay metro station being the closest stop. A round-trip ticket costs approximately $15 for adults.
Green Bazaar
One of Almaty’s oldest public markets, located in the city center, offers visitors an authentic Eastern bazaar atmosphere with aisles of fruit, sweets, meat and spices. The market also features a range of goods not available in regular shops and is perfect for photography.
Almaty Terraincure
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy a 4.5-kilometer stroll along the Small Almaty River, which was recently modernized and equipped with benches and a beginner-friendly hiking promenade. On your way up, you will come across various cafés, making the walk even more enjoyable.
Central State Museum
For cultural and educational experiences, visit the Central State Museum — Kazakhstan’s largest museum. Its exhibitions cover historic artifacts from the Bronze Age to modern times, offering visitors a deeper acquaintance with Kazakh and nomadic cultural heritage.
Almaty Museum of Arts
The recently established Museum of Contemporary Arts features works by renowned artists such as Richard Serra, Anselm Kiefer, Bill Viola and Yayoi Kusama. The museum serves as an open platform for exhibitions and projects, fostering contemporary art in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. It broadens access for diverse audiences and encourages dialogue.
Admission for adults is $4.
Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture
The center occupies the renovated building of the former Soviet-era Tselinny cinema, preserving key modernist architectural features including the original sgraffito. Within the venue, the large auditorium and flexible gallery spaces now host cultural activities such as exhibitions, performances, film screenings and workshops. Ticket prices vary by event.
