15. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Welcome To Almaty, Kazakhstan
Welcome to Almaty, Kazakhstan – a vibrant city at the foot of the majestic Tian Shan mountains. Often misunderstood and frequently underestimated, Almaty offers a unique blend of rich culture, captivating history, and breathtaking natural beauty. While many associate Kazakhstan with its vast, cold steppes, Almaty defies this stereotype with its surprisingly mild climate and a warm, welcoming populace eager to share their heritage.
This guide is designed to help you navigate Almaty, providing essential insights for travelers seeking an authentic Central Asian adventure. From its bustling train stations to its serene landscapes, discover why Almaty is a destination poised to capture your imagination, offering unparalleled experiences for those who venture off the beaten path.
Why Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan, stands as a testament to resilience and cultural richness, offering an experience unlike any other. Beyond the common misconception of a perpetually cold climate – I was there in the winter and it was very cold, the city enjoys distinct seasons. The people of Almaty are as curious about the world as visitors are about them, often leading to spontaneous and heartwarming interactions, you can see that in the photos I share below. This was the best part of my trip.
Despite English not being widely spoken and most signage being in the local language, Kazakh, the sheer depth of cultural immersion and the genuine warmth of its inhabitants make Almaty an incredibly rewarding destination. This section delves into the compelling reasons why Almaty should be on every discerning traveler’s itinerary, highlighting its unique appeal for those seeking genuine cultural exchange and discovery.
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Almaty 2 Station
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Young man handing out fliers
Where is Almaty, Kazakhstan? Locating Central Asia’s Cultural Hub
Almaty, Kazakhstan, holds a significant geographical position as the second-largest city in this vast Central Asian nation. Strategically located just north of the border with Kyrgyzstan and to the west of China, Almaty serves as a crucial cultural and economic center in the region. Its proximity to these neighboring countries makes it an accessible gateway for exploring the diverse landscapes and rich histories of Central Asia. Understanding Almaty’s location is key to appreciating its unique blend of influences and its role as a historical Silk Road city.
How To Get Here
By Train
There is train service within Kazakhstan. Also, there is train service from Moscow. And service from Europe with a combination of trains. Seat61.com gives great explanation about how to tackle train travel to/from this part of the world.
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Almaty 2 Train
By Plane
Almaty has its own airport, the home of Air Astana. The airport is a few miles out of the city and accessible by taxi or pre-arranged transportation.
The following airlines has service to Almaty (ALA):
AJet (VF), Air Arabia (G9), Air Arabia Abu Dhabi (3L), Air Asia X (D7), Air Astana (KC), Air Cairo (SM), Air China (CA), Asiana Airlines (OZ), Avia Traffic Company (YK). Azerbaijan Airlines (J2), CanJet Airlines (C6), China Eastern Airlines (MU), China Southern Airlines (CZ), Eastar Jet (ZE), FlyArystan (FS), FlyDubai (FZ), Flynas (XY), Hunnu Air (MR), Loong Air (GJ), IndiGo Airlines (6E), Jazeera Airways (J9), Lufthansa German Airlines – Star Alliance (LH), Neos Air (NO), Pegasus Airlines (PC), Qazaq Air (IQ), SCAT Airlines (DV), Qatar Airways (QR), Somon Air (SZ), SalamAir (OV), Tez Jet Airlines (K9), Turkish Airlines – Star Alliance (TK), United Airlines – Star Alliance (UA), Uzbekistan Airways (HY), WizzAir Abu Dhabi (5W),
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Almaty Airport (ALA)
By Bus
There is a combination of trains and a once a week bus service from say London. Check Rome2rio.com for combinations.
By Car
If you are already in the region you can take the drive. Just use a service like Google Maps for directions.
Where To Stay
Many great places to stay in Almaty. Check below for a place to stay.
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Almaty Hotel Interior
Where To Eat
The main food to eat here is horse meat. It does take about 40 minutes to prepare so ensure you have a bit of extra time if you want to try it.
There are also street food all over the place. I had a good time having some corn on the cob.
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Boiled Corn
Burger King is a big thing here.
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Burger King
There are also many different kinds of beer as well, so if you are a beer drinker this will definitely work for you.
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Russian Beer
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Local Food
==>> You can find a list of restaurants from TripAdvisor here.
What To Do
One great things to do is to ride the Metro and just admire them. They are very beautiful and grand!
Plus if you walk around you can enjoy the city’s architecture.
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Architecture
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Meeting locals in the train station
Shopping is actually quite good in Almaty. Lots of malls and bazaars.
Almaty, Kazakhstan – Shopping
Almaty – A Destination Awaiting Discovery
If Almaty, Kazakhstan isn’t on your radar yet, it should be. This Central Asian city is full of surprises—from breathtaking mountain views and lush parks to a culture that’s both rich and refreshingly genuine.
Whether you’re strolling through bustling markets, sipping local tea, or soaking in the dramatic scenery of the nearby Tian Shan mountains, Almaty rewards the curious traveler at every turn. The food? Underrated and absolutely worth the trip. The people? Warm and welcoming.
This isn’t your average destination—it’s one of those places that sticks with you. So if you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten path that still has all the makings of a memorable adventure, Almaty might just be calling your name.
FAQ
Q: Where is Almaty, Kazakhstan located?
A: Almaty is the second-largest city in Kazakhstan, located just north of the border with Kyrgyzstan and west of the border with China, serving as a cultural and economic hub in Central Asia.
Q: What are the main ways to get to Almaty?
A: Travelers can reach Almaty by train (domestic and international services), plane (via Almaty International Airport – ALA), bus (regional connections), or by car if already in the Central Asian region.
Q: What are some must-try foods in Almaty?
A: While horse meat (kazy or zhaya) is a traditional dish, Almaty also offers a vibrant street food scene and diverse international cuisines. Local beers are also popular.
Q: What are the top attractions to visit in Almaty?
A: Key attractions include the Almaty Metro system (known for its architecture), various architectural wonders throughout the city, and diverse shopping experiences ranging from modern malls to traditional bazaars like the Green Bazaar.
Q: Is English widely spoken in Almaty?
A: English is not widely spoken in Almaty, and most signs are in the local language. However, the warmth of the local people often facilitates communication and cultural exchange.
Author Information
Author: Kerwin McKenzie
About the Author: Kerwin is an ex-airline employee who provides travel information for airline staff, their families and friends as well as aviation professionals. He’s flown 204 airlines and visited 109 UN countries which equates to 145 territories and regions.
Additional Information