The city of Almaty (Alma-Ata) is Kazakhstan’s top destination and is quickly gaining fame among travellers. As the largest city in the country and the ninth largest on the entire planet, there is no shortage of things to do and places to explore in the former capital. Almaty’s strategic location makes it one of the most climatically balanced locations in Central Asia and therefore is perfect all year round. There are a lot of amazing places to choose from in the vibrant city. Here's a list to help you decide where to go in Almaty during your stay for an unforgettable vacation.
Medeu Skating Rink and Ski Resort
Medeu is considered the highest outdoor skating rink with an impressive altitude of 1,691 meters. It is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Stretching about 10.5 thousand square meters of ice, there is enough room for a large number of people to enjoy figure skating, speed skating, and even hockey for an extremely fun day. During the winter time, why not enjoy a bit of skiing in Shymbulak Ski Resort located in the upper part of the Medeu valley. There are three ski lifts at the resort with the highest being 3200 meters above sea level.
Kok-Tube Hill
Located in the southeast edge of the city, Kok-Tube Hill provides a breath-taking panoramic view of the entire city including the majestic mountains and vineyards below. You can reach the top of the hill by enjoying a fun 6-minute cable car ride. While the view is spectacular, the hill also offers a variety of activities such as shops, restaurants, a small zoo, a rollercoaster, playing areas for kids, and much more. You’ll also find life-sized statues of the four Beatles for memorable photos, the work of acclaimed sculpturer Edward Kazaryan.
Panfilov Park
This attractive landscape is located in the centre of Almaty and is a popular local destination to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The main attraction of the park is the monolithic war memorial dedicated to 28 heroes of the Panfilov Division, who lost their lives fighting off Nazis in 1941 during WWII. The memorial place consists of two huge black statues characterizing the soldiers. Don’t miss visiting the colourful Zenkov Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox Church located inside the park, to admire the fascinating architecture and beautiful decorative frescoes. This stunning church is built from only wood, including the nails!
Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
For music lovers, this museum is a must visit. The building is another striking wooden design by the same architect who built the Zenkov Cathedral. This museum displays all the rare and unique folk instruments relating to the Kazakh culture. You can admire the large collection of traditional Kazakh instruments such as the wooden harps and horns, the bagpipes, the two-stringed dombra, and the kobyz. You can also attend live performances by ethno-folk group Turan or even sign up for classes to learn how to play. This place definitely makes for a fun and enjoyable experience.
Green Market
This huge two-level local market is a delight to discover. Offering a true flavour of Central Asia, you can find everything from nuts, fruits, smoked fish, and spices to ready-made Korean salads, vegetables, herbs, and fresh meat. Check out the small cafes in the market for a bowl of delicious laghman (long, stout noodles) and plov (fried rice with vegetable or meat).
By Amal Ahmed
