Almaty City Tour: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Nature

You will visit Almaty’s bustling Green Bazar, where the vibrant colors, rich scents, and lively sounds of local markets will get you to know a bit more about Kazakh life. From fresh produce to intricate handicrafts, the bazaar offers a mix of sights and smells that capture the essence of the city. Fresh local fruits, dried nuts, chocolate, milk and meat products are some of the authentic items to try here.

Located just next to the Green bazar, there is a famous Rakhat chocolate factory. The fragrant smell of chocolate spreads throughout the entire area. There is a nice shop where you can buy fresh products from the factory, including classic “Kazakhstan” chocolate, often used as a souvenir.

Marvel at the stunning Zenkov Ascension Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden structures in the world of its time. Its traditional christian orthodox design and rich history will impress you as you explore its interiors, showcasing culture and architecture in all its splendor.

Stroll through 28 Panfilov Park, a beautiful green space dedicated to the brave soldiers of the Panfilov Division who fought during WWII. Visit the War Memorial, where you'll learn about Kazakhstan’s important role.

Relax and unwind in the serene Central Park, a beloved green space for both locals and tourists. Enjoy a leisurely walk, rent a paddleboat on the lake, or simply take in the beauty of nature in the heart of the city.

Stroll down Arbat Walking Street, a charming pedestrian-only area lined with cafes, shops, and street performers. It's the perfect place to soak in the lively atmosphere of Almaty.

(This site is Optional). Take a ride up to Kok Tobe Park, where panoramic views of the city against the backdrop of the majestic Tien Shan mountains will take your breath away. Whether you're sipping coffee at a mountaintop café or enjoying the picturesque landscapes, this is the perfect spot for stunning photos and taking some time to relax. The park offers different activities, especially for kids. You will find an amusement park, rope park, small zoo, etc. Koktobe is also a great place to buy souvenirs, there are several souvenir shops with a good variety and decent prices.

(This site is optional). You can choose this option and add a visit to famous Shymbulak and Medeu during the city tour. Both of these sites are located up in the high mountains around Almaty, allowing you to reach the highest altitude of 3200 meters in a relatively short time. Modern cable cars will take you to several stations of Shymbulak resort. Where you will get to see snowy peaks, ice glaciers and coniferous forests covering the slopes. The resort has many cafes and restaurants. You will also see the Medeu skating rink from the top.

World famous Medeu skating rink is located at the altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. It attracts thousands of skaters during winter and becomes a host of many festivals/events during warm season. Medeu is located on the way to Shymbulak resort. We will see this Almaty landmark from the cable car or a top viewpoint if you choose this option.