Kazakhstan

Reasons to visit Almaty, Kazakhstan – one of my fave cities

Last Updated on 01/07/2024 by kami

Of all the countries in Central Asia, Kazakhstan was the one that least interested me, simply because I had no idea what to expect from it.

While I had some basic knowledge about all the other -Stans, Kazakhstan was terra incognita for me, the only thing I could think of there was the endless steppe.

I didn’t plan to visit it properly, I was only supposed to shortly stop there on my way to the neighbor Kyrgyzstan. But the moment I arrived in Almaty – a former capital and the largest city in Kazakhstan – I knew I’m gonna enjoy it there.

Eventually, I’ve spent 5 days visiting Almaty, much longer than I usually stay in one place during my travels and I was so sad when I was leaving for Bishkek.

There aren’t any spectacular things to see and do in Almaty but the city just feels right, at least for me.

Here is a couple of reasons why you should visit Almaty, Kazakhstan and why I loved it there so much!

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty, Kazakhstan – the easiest introduction to Central Asia

Not only Kazakhstan is the biggest country in Central Asia but Almaty airport is the biggest one in the country.

Most European major airlines fly there, Air Astana – the national airline of Kazakhstan and one of the best in Asia – has a hub in Almaty too.

That gives you plenty of opportunities to get to the country and finding a good deal isn’t so difficult.

I, for example, flew with Turkish Airlines (Prague-Almaty, Bishkek-Prague) for some 300€ but saw tickets for half of this price too!

By train you can directly travel to Almaty from Russia, China, Uzbekistan and numerous destinations in Kazakhstan.

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is some 5 hours by minibus away (and those depart every half an hour or so, once the bus is full).

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty, Kazakhstan was one of the most European cities outside of Europe I’ve been to. Everything there just felt kind of normal to me.

If you traveled to some post-Soviet cities before (like Tbilisi, Yerevan or Chisinau) you will find Almaty much easier to deal with – it’s not so chaotic, drivers let you cross the street, bus stops are clearly marked and the city is easy to navigate.

But at the same time, Almaty has this exotic vibe you might expect in Central Asia, just at the very light level.

I can’t think of a better starting point of any journey in the region!

When you visit Almaty you will get familiar with the reality of Central Asia, limit the culture shock and prepare yourself for the rest of your trip in the area.

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Welcoming people of Almaty

Everywhere I went to in Almaty people were extremely friendly and willing to help.

I didn’t even have to ask, they’ve seen I’m a tourist and on numerous occasions they approached me, asking if I need help, directions or advice.

On the bus stops people made sure I took the right bus, the drivers made sure I arrived when I wanted to, even when I took the wrong entrance to the metro station (because the ATM was there) I was stopped by the young guy who was concerned I was lost.

In every cafe, restaurant or shop people were really friendly and welcoming and everywhere I felt really taken care of.

The most epic situation was at the train station when I wanted to exchange my free train ticket from work for the actual ticket to Astana and accidentally I caused mini-riots there.

Lovely women working there didn’t really know how to deal with my ticket, I blocked one of the three working ticket offices for 3.5 hours yet they didn’t chase me away.

Patiently they tried to figure out how to issue me the ticket, they abandoned their lunch break, called to the headquarters, at some point invited me for the tea to their office.

Eventually, I had to buy the ticket anyway (I was ready to do that half an hour through the whole issue but didn’t know how to tell that seeing how involved they were) and they still kept apologizing they couldn’t help me.

On the contrary in Astana I didn’t encounter any nice situation with people, they all seemed cold and didn’t smile at all.

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty and enjoy its laid-back vibe

I found Almaty to be a super laid-back city.

People didn’t seem to rush, even on the main streets (with the exception of the area around the Green Market but these are always a whole different universe).

There were numerous green spaces to chill out and the view of the mountains just south of Almaty gave a refreshing feeling.

Even if it’s the biggest city of Kazakhstan it didn’t overwhelm me, not even once.

My favorite thing to do in Almaty was to walk around, taking random streets lined with trees and just enjoy the place and its atmosphere.

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Mix of architecture in Almaty

The first settlement in the area of Almaty, Kazakhstan was founded in the Bronze Age, however, the city was first mentioned in the 13th century when it was one of the stops on the Silk Route. You won’t find many remnants of the great past in Almaty though.

The majority of the architecture is a great example of the Soviet past and if you like Socialist realism style you’re in for a treat.

In the former USSR this style is much richer than in Central Europe, e.g. there’re small patterns on the blocks that make the place so much more beautiful.

In Almaty, it’s not difficult to spot these details and even the most random concrete structure can look special.

Among these, I’ve also found some true gems of brutalism as well as some old and pretty wooden houses.

But the most beautiful building you will see in Almaty is the Zenkov Cathedral – second tallest wooden building in the world.

It was finished at the beginning of 20th century and looks like from a fairy tale with colorful rich ornaments.

Don’t forget about Almaty metro too, it might be new but built in the grand Soviet style, with marble floors and beautiful Kazakh ornaments.

Almaty Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Cafe culture in Almaty

It was the most surprising thing about Almaty and the one I enjoyed the most there. The city has an exceptional cafe culture!

Every afternoon I tried to visit a different cafe, I even had a “cafes day” on Sunday where I spent most of the time writing in few places and every single one I visited in Almaty was amazing!

Not to mention they were all really affordable!

Usually for a coffee and cake I paid around 5-6€, much cheaper than in similar places in Poland.

Every cafe had also some decent food options.

As always Foursquare was a great help with finding the best spots!

My favorite cafes in Almaty were Nedelka, Urban Coffee, United Coffee, and Traveler’s Coffee while Coffeeroom and Marrone Rosso weren’t really my kind of places.

Just like in Yerevan, I dare to say that Almaty, Kazakhstan might be a perfect destination for freelancers, with affordable prices and good wifi in the cafes!

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Speaking of food – Almaty has a very diverse food scene and even being a vegetarian isn’t a problem there.

While the local non-meat options might be tricky to find there’re top world’s cuisines to choose from anyway!

I had Georgian, Indian and Italian food in Almaty as well as bought so many local goodies at the Green Market! And again everything was at very reasonable prices!

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Quirkiness in Almaty

I like unusual places and tracking down quirky and alternative spots is always big fun for me!

In Almaty I didn’t have to look too hard for them, quirkiness was everywhere around!

Weird sculptures, interesting architecture, Soviet circus, a big smiling face or painted carpet with typical Kazakh patterns on the pavement, metro stations turned into small galleries, love locks, bird feeders and uncountable small, weird details here and there… Almaty was all about quirkiness for me!

My top 3 weird things there were:

  • Ticket machines in buses (sadly they are gone now).

    I’ve never seen something like that before and I don’t even know how to describe them properly!

    It consists of two machines connected with wires. A big one is a massive case with no screen, just a couple of diodes – that’s where you insert the coins (can be all at once!) and where you collect the ticket.

    Another part looks like candy disposer in the shops and that’s where you collect your change if you inserted more than the fare (it was 80 tenge for a ride, 0.20€!).

    Sometimes the machine is broken and doesn’t give you the ticket, then you still insert money there and the driver gives you a piece of paper that is your ticket!

  • The Soviet Monument to World War 2 heroes! A masterpiece of Soviet propaganda! I loved every single detail of it!
  • Apples! Did you know that Almaty is the supposed to be the birthplace of apples? Even the old name of the city, Alma-Ata, means the father of apples!

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty is a perfect base to explore the incredible nature around!

First of all – don’t make my mistake and don’t visit Almaty in November!

While I loved the city I couldn’t experience all it had to offer to the fullest!

One of the reasons why you have to visit Almaty for more than just a day or two is the huge variety of trips around!

A friend recommended me an Ecotourism Information Center that offers good and affordable tours and their offer really was impressive but most of the tours run from April/May till October.

The only one that was likely to take place was Charyn Canyon but it was canceled too due to the lack of people (the price was 13€ for the whole day!).

Even if I didn’t really use this company they were really easy to deal with (and spoke good English!) so I can recommend them.

And I know I will visit Almaty again in future to go to the following places around:

  • Charyn Canyon
  • Big Almaty Lake
  • Kolsai Lakes

Fortunately, when visiting Almaty there’s no need to go away from the city to experience the amazing nature!

Right in the center, there’s Kök Töbe, a nice hill with lovely views over the city.

Unfortunately, in November the cable car to get there was under repair so I had to skip the trip there (next time!).

But a short bus away (no.12 from in front of Hotel Kazakhstan) can take you to Medeu – the highest Olympic sized ice stadium in the world where almost 200 world records were made!

Not only it’s an interesting spot, but it’s also a starting point of the hike (or cable-car ride) to Chimbulak – a ski resort with breathtaking views.

I was determined to hike there but the weather started to change for worse and it became too slippery so I’ve decided to return. Still, views that I could see were pretty amazing!

Almaty Kazakhstan

Almaty Kazakhstan

Almaty Kazakhstan

Almaty Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

You can learn about Kazakh culture when visiting Almaty

Just outside Almaty, you can find Hunn village – the etno center showing the culture and traditions of Kazakh. It is such a fascinating place that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Almaty!

You can learn there all about the history, culture and traditions of Kazakh people, see how the kumiss is done, watch the horse games and witness the incredible bond between the eagle and his owner.


Pictures in Hunn Village, as well as pictures of metro and from Chymbulak, were taken during my trip to Almaty in December 2019, when I was testing the new mirrorless Nikon Z50 camera. It’s a perfect camera for travelers – easy to use, handy and takes amazing pictures! If you are looking for the new camera – I can definitely recommend it!

Almaty Kazakhstan

Almaty Kazakhstan

Almaty Kazakhstan

Almaty Kazakhstan

Almaty Kazakhstan

Almaty – one of my fave cities!

I’m really picky when it comes to naming a destination “my favorite place”. In my top 10 list I have maybe 7 cities and that’s all.

After I had a chance to visit Almaty and get to know it a little bit I can with no doubts include it in this very elite list I have!

It’s still not close to being Prague, Yerevan or Sarajevo for me but it has a very solid position in my heart.

And just like with the other cities, I can’t really say why I enjoyed it so much. It was a combination of many things, listed above, and the fact that I just felt right there.

I even dare to say I can imagine living there for a while (which of course will never happen as I like my life in Poland too much).

When, after 3 days in Astana, I returned to Almaty I felt like coming back home.

Silly, I know, but I was just happy to be there again. Being in this city brought a smile to my face, just like that.

On my last day in Almaty, I woke up to the most perfect winter wonderland.

The sun was shining, the city was covered in snow and it was even more beautiful than before! I couldn’t say “good-bye” to Almaty, it was only a “see you”!

Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan


Visit Almaty – practical information

  • I stayed in Alma Cinema Hostel, recommended to me by a friend.

    Unfortunately, when I check recently they are no longer operating which is a huge shame! But there are still lots of options to choose from!

    Click here to check the best deals on the best accommodation in Almaty!

  • When arriving at the airport the taxi drivers might tell you there’re no buses running to the city.

    It is kind of true as there’s no connection from the terminal itself but you can walk some 5 minutes and you will find a bus stop.

    From there bus no.92 will take you to the center: Raiymbek Ave, Almaty 2 train station and Abay Ave.

    If you don’t feel like dealing with taxi drivers and confusing public transport in the new city you can prebook the airport transfer – click here for details!

    From the Almaty 2 train station, the trolleybus no.5 will take you to Abay Ave., the Raiymbek batyr metro station is around 10 minutes walking from the train station.

    If you come by minibus from Bishkek you will arrive at Sairan bus station from where you can take trolleybus no. to Abay Ave.

  • There are numerous ATMs around and I had no problem with taking the money from them.

    I also had US dollars with me (that’s the most convenient currency when traveling in Central Asia and the exchange rate is really good) and exchanged it a couple of times in various locations: at the airport, on Dostyk Ave close to Satpaev and on Gogol Str. Everywhere, including the airport, the rate was similar and pretty good.

  • As always the best source of information about restaurants and cafes was Foursquare
  • I spent hours reading about registration procedure and I’m happy to report that if you come from the country that doesn’t need a visa or can go through a simplified visa procedure (Poland qualifies here) and if you arrived in Kazakhstan by airplane and got 2 stamps at the border control (or if you managed to get 2 stamps at the land crossing, it’s not so easy apparently) you don’t need to register.

    Otherwise, you have 5 days after arriving in Kazakhstan to register with the Migration Police – if you fail to do so you might be in some serious trouble.

    I was pretty nervous if this really is true as I didn’t register after all but when I was leaving to Kyrgyzstan the only concern of the border control was if I need a visa to Kyrgyzstan as they couldn’t find it in my passport (we don’t need one).

    As of 2017 citizens of numerous countries can enter Kazakhstan visa free!

  • Insurance – I never travel without the insurance as you never know what might happen on the road and better safe than sorry (I’ve learnt my lesson).

    I can recommend SafetyWing that offer the insurance dedicated to travelers just like you and me.

    Click here to get the insurance policy for Kazakhstan here.


For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

  • If you don’t want to miss new posts and news from me click here to sign to my newsletter! You can also follow me on Bloglovin!
  • Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
  • I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Kazakhstan too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. If you like what you are reading and seeing here and would like to support me and my blog please consider using those links. It would be like getting me a virtual drink that you don’t have to pay for! Thanks!

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69 Comments

  • Reply
    Anastasia Sofia
    09/03/2016 at 14:47

    Fab post, I’m hoping to visit this summer so at the moment I’m loving reading any and all posts about Central Asia as there still isn’t that much content knocking about. I’m so excited to hear you found it to be friendly and laid back, I tend to love places with those friendly chill vibes. Very excited!

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 12:45

      Thanks! I really hope you will make it there this summer and I’m sure you will enjoy Central Asia big time! It is a little bit demanding when it comes to traveling but overall it’s a wonderful place and still so undiscovered! If you have any questions feel free to ask!

    • Reply
      Shibani Medhi
      05/09/2023 at 18:07

      Thank you for this detailed post. I was planning to go to Almaty from India and this really helped!

      • Reply
        kami
        11/09/2023 at 12:27

        I’m glad you found it useful. Enjoy your trip!

  • Reply
    balkanyrudej
    09/03/2016 at 19:14

    Ok, architecture in Almaty is a little bit crazy, but for me more important and interesting are mountains. You wrote, that there are some organised trips to some mountains atractions. But is it also possible to have trekking on your own? Do they have some marked paths?

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 12:52

      A friend of mine has been trekking in mountains near Almaty and apparently there’re marked paths. I was interested in organized tours only because I don’t feel brave enough to go hiking on my own in November, otherwise I’d have probably tried that as well!

  • Reply
    Hamak Life
    09/03/2016 at 19:49

    After reading your article and looking at the pics I must say I got quite tempted to go there! The ticket machine is crazy indeed! But obviously that’s not the only reason the place is so intriguing ;) The architecture – what a mixture of the styles, the mountains – amazing and the nice surprise with the food :)

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 12:52

      I hope you will get there one day, Almaty has so much to offer!

  • Reply
    Nick @ concrete and kitsch
    09/03/2016 at 21:06

    Thanks for this, Kami! It will be really useful to plan for our trip there this September!

    What was travel from Almaty to Bishkek like on minibus? Easy? No issues on the border? I feel like I’ve read several accounts of being left at the border of KG and KZ, and want to know about your experience with that trip.

    • Reply
      Kathi
      09/03/2016 at 23:31

      Sorry for butting in here but the more information the better, right? ;) I didn’t have trouble travelling from Almaty to Bishkek on a minibus. Our driver did come look for me and my friends since it took us much longer getting a stamp, due to being more inexperienced with these queues and the officers being much slower handling our foreign passports. I felt that if it had taken us much longer he might have left without us. I guess it’s good to know this might happen so you can try and move quickly through the whole process. And in case you are being left, there are always busses you can take that only travel from their side of the border to Almaty/Bishkek. Travelling from Bishkek to Almaty we didn’t have a lot of time so simply took a taxi from the inner city to the border which only cost us about 3-4 Euros each.

      • Reply
        Nick @ concrete and kitsch
        14/03/2016 at 04:41

        Thanks for your response, Kathi! Much obliged! :)

        • Reply
          kami
          22/03/2016 at 12:57

          just like Kathi I didn’t have any problems. I was the last one leaving the border, I felt it took me ages (but also we were there at the calmer time, around 3pm) yet still had to wait some 15 minutes for the bus. In that time I was asked numerous times if I need a taxi to Bishkek and there were mini buses waiting to be filled in as well. And even if it took me longer at the border I still had no problems with crossing, I was just a nice oddity for guards

  • Reply
    kori
    09/03/2016 at 21:41

    Thanks for the post that I’ve been waiting. We plan to visit this city next year. Before your description I expected sth totally different and now I think this city won’t meet my expectation.we will see.

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 12:57

      I hope I surprised you in a positive way and you will enjoy Almaty as much as I did!

  • Reply
    Kinga
    10/03/2016 at 08:59

    I was kind of waiting for this post since I saw tons of snow on your fan page while Poland was just soooo grey. :-)
    I like the sentence about incidentally causing some riots. :D Good that the people didn’t get angry and they actually tried to help you. Coffee in this big “jar-mug” looks pretty cool!

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 13:00

      thanks :) cafes in Almaty were just the best! :)

  • Reply
    Romantic Vagabonds
    10/03/2016 at 10:38

    Nice, looks like you had an excellent time…Good going! It’s really great post. Very easy to read and peaked are interest. Anyway I’m just wanted to ask you – do you speak Russian? If not, then how difficult was it getting around? We planning to visit, and know just a smattering, definitely not enough to converse. Thank you :)

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 13:02

      Thanks! My Russian is really terrible, I can communicate in the basic way and somehow get around with that. I always keep promising myself I will learn more before another trip to the East and then again end up speaking a mix of Polish and Czech with a lot of hand waving! ;)

  • Reply
    Diana
    11/03/2016 at 15:31

    I’m not a big fan of Soviet Union architecture but it is very opulent and still very enjoyable. Love the emerging vibrant culture specially the coffee shops! Looks like it is worth a visit.

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 13:04

      It definitely is worth a visit! Such a nice surprise it was! :)

  • Reply
    Megan
    12/03/2016 at 11:02

    ohhhh how i miss this city! for all of the reasons mentioned above and more! i only spent 7 or 8 days there, but i could easily live there for a year or so. it is just a cool place!

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 13:08

      it so is!!! It doesn’t happen to me very often but I could easily picture myself living there too!

    • Reply
      Anita
      01/09/2019 at 13:21

      Nice post. I love your enthusiasm and insight. Heading to Almaty in 2 weeks.

      • Reply
        kami
        15/09/2019 at 15:28

        thank you! I hope you will enjoy Almaty as much as I did :)

  • Reply
    Mark Bennetts
    13/03/2016 at 09:17

    Thanks for this post, it will come in very useful. There seems to be plenty of interesting architecture (read Socialist realism) to keep me happy for a few days. Medeu and Chimbulak look like they are worth visiting. I think we are going to visit Astana and also head across to Turkistan when we start our travels there.

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 13:12

      You should definitely go to Astana too! It’s so different and also interesting but not nearly as cool as Almaty. I was considering going to Turkistan as well but left it for the next time. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Kazakhstan, such a great country it is!

  • Reply
    TuJarek
    13/03/2016 at 13:33

    It seems to be very interesting place. Architecture is a little scary ;) I have never been in this part of world. I think that is good place to start with it :)

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 13:13

      it’s not scary, it’s beautiful! :) I think Almaty is the easiest starting point to explore Central Asia, it still feels pretty European and not so overwhelming :)

  • Reply
    Lucia
    14/03/2016 at 11:06

    You have a very good sense of observation! And I really liked your photos. It’s amazing how parts of Romania look exactly like in these photos.

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 13:14

      Thank you! I guess most of the places that used to be under the Soviet rule (either as a part of USSR or just dependent countries) look very much the same!

  • Reply
    Charlotte
    17/03/2016 at 14:33

    Just discovered your blog, and I’m so happy I did. Really inspiring for a new travel blogger like myself! I will definitely be following your travels from now on ;)

    • Reply
      kami
      22/03/2016 at 13:17

      Thank you!

  • Reply
    Michał
    11/04/2016 at 13:35

    Great relation. Very nice photos. I found your blog today morning but have much to read now :) Great blog, congratulation! :)

    • Reply
      kami
      13/04/2016 at 09:17

      Thank you!

  • Reply
    Joshua Cummings
    03/06/2016 at 11:09

    Hmm, i may have to put almaty on my travel list! i’ve been curious about visiting the sfans before but wouldnt have thought to visit almaty. Thanks for your blog!

    • Reply
      kami
      03/06/2016 at 22:18

      Almaty is a great city and so surprising! Probably a must visit destination in Kazakhstan! And the mountains around are just stunning!

  • Reply
    Erica
    06/06/2016 at 14:07

    Hi there! I just discovered your blog and have been especially enjoying your posts about Eastern Europe and Central Asia. I lived in Almaty for a year and enjoyed it so much. It looks like you spent a lot of time near the apartment I lived in (close to Panfilov Park). It was so much fun to look through your photos and re-live all my favorite places :) It’s hard to make people understand what’s so great about Almaty, but you did a nice job capturing the small details of the soviet architecture, the everyday scenes from the Green Bazaar, and the cozy little cafes all over the place that make the city really special. I’ll definitely be following your travels from now on!

    • Reply
      kami
      21/06/2016 at 21:39

      Thank you! Lucky you to spend so much time in Almaty, I really enjoyed the city and would love to return there whenever I have a chance!

  • Reply
    Aude
    14/06/2016 at 20:18

    Excellent post about Almaty… where I lived 3 years. Beautiful pics !

    • Reply
      kami
      21/06/2016 at 21:39

      thank you! I’m a little bit jealous that you had a chance to spend so much time in Almaty!

  • Reply
    Gabriele
    17/06/2016 at 20:12

    I would visit Almaty in the second half of August , I would like to know if at this time if I go out in the night for clubbing there are people in the city , or are empty because people move to holiday resorts.

    Thanks.

    • Reply
      kami
      21/06/2016 at 21:43

      Hi Gabriele. Honestly I can’t answer your question as I was there in November. But Aude who commented above you has lived there for a longer time and has a blog so why don’t you contact her? I’m sure she will be a better source of information than me!

  • Reply
    April Yap
    02/09/2016 at 02:15

    oooh Amazing place a lot of adventure!!! now Im planning for this trip.

    • Reply
      kami
      05/09/2016 at 12:44

      I’m sure you’d enjoy it there!

  • Reply
    Henry
    17/11/2016 at 04:37

    Great post. I’m here now and found this super helpful!

    • Reply
      kami
      17/11/2016 at 06:33

      Thanks! Hope you’re having a good time there!

  • Reply
    Abhijit
    26/11/2016 at 10:02

    Thanks Kami for a wonderful description, looking forward to visit Almati. Can you suggest best time to visit.

    • Reply
      kami
      03/12/2016 at 20:59

      Thanks! Definitely don’t go there in November ;) I think September should be really good!

  • Reply
    Dameli
    19/01/2017 at 11:28

    Oh thank you, dear Kami, so pleasant to read this and understand that you felt thst charming little thing about my city ? I was very pleased, thank you very very much. There are so many things that I could tell you about the city! I’m planning tours with my mother in Almaty and just found out your blog ☺

    • Reply
      kami
      28/01/2017 at 22:09

      Good luck with your tours! I’m sure they would be a great help for travelers trying to get to know Almaty!

  • Reply
    Co zobaczyć w Kazachstanie - okolice Ałmaty
    19/02/2017 at 13:13

    […] Głównym ośrodkiem południowo wschodniej części Kazachstanu jest Ałmaty. To największe miasto, a w latach 1991-98 także stolica, która straciła nieco pozycję na rzecz mocno dofinansowanej i rozbudowywanej w nowoczesnym stylu Astany. Nadal pozostaje jednak głównym ośrodkiem naukowym, kulturalnym oraz przemysłowym. Część obywateli szybko się tu bogaci, o czym świadczy między innymi duża liczba naprawdę drogich samochodów przemierzających ulice. I o ile rozwarstwienie społeczne jest w Kazachstanie bardzo duże i bieda stanowi tu wciąż duży problem, tak tutejsze ośrodki miejskie mogą bez kompleksów rywalizować z europejskimi. Jeśli chcecie poznać miasto bliżej odsyłam Was do anglojęzycznego tekstu koleżanki Kami » […]

  • Reply
    Kaelyn
    12/09/2017 at 10:57

    Hi! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts about Kazakhstan. I am currently playing professional soccer here all the way from the United States. I recently started a blog and would love to know what you think. :)

    • Reply
      kami
      05/10/2017 at 11:12

      I will definitely take a look! Hope Kazakhstan treats you well! Have a great time there!

  • Reply
    Sush
    19/06/2018 at 15:08

    Hi Kami,

    It’s wonderful to go through your blog. I am planning to visit Almaty on November for 4 days.
    7th November around 6 PM I would land there and planning to take back my flight either on 11th November morning or on 12th November morning.

    Can you please briefly suggest me where are the places I should try to visit and where should I plan to stay?

    Looking forward to hear back from you.

    Thanks – Sush

    • Reply
      kami
      21/06/2018 at 11:36

      Hi Sush, thank you for your comment! Why don’t you ask my Facebook group about travelling in former USSR, there are some Almaty experts that would definitely help you with some recommendations! Here’s the link: https://facebook.com/groups/121053081614593/
      You should definitely go for the day to Medeu and Shymbulak. In Almaty you will find all the important things in the center, more or less between the train station and a bit north of Abay. It’s a great city, I’m sure you will enjoy it!

  • Reply
    Amy
    28/06/2018 at 05:23

    Really helpful post! Right now I am reading your blog sitting in the garden of Alma Cinema Hostel, can really recommend it! Almaty is a beautiful city!

    • Reply
      kami
      01/07/2018 at 08:45

      I’m glad you found the post helpful and I’m really happy you enjoy Almaty! Have a great time there!

  • Reply
    Dr Sushil
    19/03/2019 at 03:50

    Hello Kami,
    Enjoyed every bit of information u shared about Almaty.
    Thanks
    Dr Sushil

    • Reply
      kami
      05/04/2019 at 14:39

      I’m glad you liked it! All the best!

  • Reply
    Ricardo Ribeiro
    23/03/2019 at 20:52

    Just wanted to thank you this great article. I am considering returning to Europe from Almaty and the text has loads of interesting and useful info.

    • Reply
      kami
      05/04/2019 at 14:47

      I’m glad you liked it. Almaty is such a great city really!

  • Reply
    Vinod Kumar
    24/06/2019 at 07:05

    My friend, you share very good post to Almaty Kazakhstan. its very good info to make holiday to Kazakhstan. you post very good photos with interesting places. i am so happy to read this article. i want to visit this beautiful place. thanks & keep updating…..

    • Reply
      kami
      26/06/2019 at 02:11

      thank you.

  • Reply
    Katie
    10/07/2019 at 19:54

    Thanks so much for this article! Going there in 2 months for my semester abroad and now I’m looking forward to that even more :)

    • Reply
      kami
      20/07/2019 at 12:30

      I think you will enjoy it. There is so much to do and see in and around Almaty!

      • Reply
        Surekha Srivastava
        18/06/2024 at 14:38

        What goodies or things as memo of the place shd. be bought from Almaty as we intend to visit it in the end of July this year

        • Reply
          kami
          03/07/2024 at 17:54

          there’re some nice felted souvenirs or jewelry, you can also take home some local food

  • Reply
    Mads Bech Madsen
    12/07/2024 at 15:18

    Thanks Kami, for this great and very informative site.
    Been searching for something like this. The daugther is traveling to Kimep Uni/Almaty for a 4,5 months stay. This is a 5. semester from Copenhagen Uni.
    As a father one always thinks the daugther is so very young. But at the age at 22 she has now traveled in 31 country., which is a lot more than the father :).
    Again, thank you – I will read every bit :)
    all the best / Mads

    • Reply
      kami
      29/07/2024 at 14:18

      Thank you for your nice comment. Good luck to your daughter, I’m sure she will enjoy Almaty!

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