Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata) is the largest city in Kazakhstan and its former capital. Although it no longer holds the status of capital, Almaty continues to serve as the country’s cultural, commercial, and political center. Often referred to as Kazakhstan’s “Southern Capital,” it attracts a steady stream of visitors each year.
Known as the city of fountains – with over a hundred across its neighborhoods – Almaty also boasts numerous ski resorts and remains the only city in Kazakhstan with a subway system. Highlights include the beautifully preserved wooden tower built in 1908 that now houses the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, the colorful Ascension Cathedral, and the lively Green Bazaar with its distinctly Central Asian character. Just outside the city, the famous Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon, lies 240 kilometers away.
This guide brings together the top things to do in Almaty and its surroundings, featuring carefully selected sites that capture the spirit of the city and the natural beauty beyond it.
Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)
Zenkov Cathedral is one of the most distinctive buildings in Almaty. Built entirely of wood without nails, this five-domed church combines bold engineering with ornate Ukrainian Baroque design. Located in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, it’s known for its vibrant interior, including colorful frescoes and a hand-painted iconostasis. It stands out among the most remarkable sites to discover in Almaty.
Museum of Folk Musical Instruments Named After Ykhlas
Housed in one of Almaty’s most charming wooden buildings, the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments named after Ykhlas is a standout for both architecture and content. Built in 1908 by engineer Andrei Zenkov, the same architect behind the nearby Ascension Cathedral, the structure is a striking example of Old Russian wooden architecture.
The museum, founded in 1981, features nine halls showcasing traditional instruments and the musical heritage of Turkic peoples. Each room plays region-specific music to match its exhibit, creating an immersive experience. A 120-seat concert hall also hosts regular performances of traditional music.
Located in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, the museum pairs well with a visit to the Ascension Cathedral and other nearby landmarks. For those interested in music, history, or architecture, visiting the museum is one of the most enriching things to do in Almaty.
Memorial of Glory in the Park Named After 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
The Park named after 28 Panfilov Guardsmen is home to several notable landmarks, including the Ascension Cathedral, the House of Officers, and the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments. Its most solemn and impressive site, however, is the Memorial of Glory, unveiled on May 8, 1975, to mark the 30th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.
The monument is divided into three symbolic parts. At the center stands a dramatic relief of the Panfilov heroes representing 15 Soviet republics. To the left, a sculpture honors the youth who contributed to the rise of Soviet power in Kazakhstan. On the right, the Trumpeters of Glory evoke themes of life, remembrance, and victory. For those interested in history and remembrance, this is one of the most meaningful things to do in Almaty.
Green Bazaar
The Green Bazaar, or Green Market, is one of Almaty’s oldest and most atmospheric marketplaces. Trade has taken place here since 1868. The current building, completed in 1975, was designed in the Soviet constructivist style and was considered highly advanced for its time, with engineering adapted to the region’s seismic conditions.
Visitors come for the authentic feel of a Central Asian bazaar, where they can browse local produce, spices, sweets, and souvenirs while chatting with vendors and getting a glimpse of daily life in Kazakhstan. For those wondering what to do in Almaty beyond museums and parks, exploring the Green Bazaar offers a colorful and immersive experience.
State Museum of Arts Named After A. Kasteev
Founded in 1976 and named in 1984 after Abilkhan Kasteev, the founder of Kazakhstan’s national school of painting, this museum is the country’s largest fine arts institution and a major cultural and research center.
With a collection of over 23,000 works – including painting, sculpture, graphics, and applied arts from Kazakhstan, Russia, Europe, America, and the East – it offers a rich and varied experience. If you're looking for culture-focused things to do in Almaty, the Kasteev Museum is an ideal place to start.
Kok Tobe Park, TV Tower, and Beatles Monument
Kok Tobe Park, perched at 1,100 meters above sea level, offers sweeping views of Almaty from its mountain-top location. Overlooking the city is the 371-meter TV tower - one of the tallest in the world and a glowing landmark visible from almost anywhere at night. The park itself is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, with a Ferris wheel, small zoo, amusement rides, cafes, restaurants, and several panoramic viewing platforms.
Highlights include the popular Beatles monument, the Alma Fountain shaped like an apple (the symbol of Almaty) and a contemporary art gallery. A photo with the Beatles statue is practically a must and will likely spark interest when sharing your trip with friends. You can reach Kok Tobe by car, minibus, or via a scenic cable car ride from the city center. Combining nature, culture, and recreation, a visit to Kok Tobe is among the most enjoyable things to do in Almaty.
Medeo Sports Complex
The Medeo Sports Complex is the world’s largest high-mountain skating rink, set at 1,691 meters above sea level just 15 kilometers from Almaty. Spanning 10,500 square meters, the rink is a popular venue for hockey, figure skating, and speed skating, and regularly hosts public events and flash mobs.
Medeo is also connected by cable car to the Chimbulak ski resort, making it an accessible destination year-round. Whether for sport, scenery, or fresh mountain air, visiting Medeo is one of the most popular things to do in Almaty.
Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake lies about 20 kilometers from the city and is one of the most scenic natural spots in the region. Formed by an earthquake, the lake reaches a depth of 30-40 meters and stretches along a 3-kilometer shoreline.
The lake is fed by glacial waters and is known for its shifting colors, which range from turquoise to deep blue depending on the light and weather. Though access to the shore is restricted due to its function as a reservoir, there are platforms and walking paths that offer panoramic views and clean mountain air. Surrounded by towering peaks, Big Almaty Lake stands out among the most peaceful places to visit near Almaty for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon, located about 200 km from Almaty, is the centerpiece of Charyn National Park and one of the most breathtaking natural landmarks in Kazakhstan. Stretching 154 kilometers along the Naryn River, its sedimentary rock formations are estimated to be around 12 million years old. Often compared to the Grand Canyon in the U.S., Charyn impresses with its dramatic landscapes and vivid colors.
The canyon is home to several natural wonders, including the Valley of Castles, the Turang Grove, and the rare Ash Grove – one of only two groves of Sogdian ash trees in the world, the other being in North America. The park also features a tourist complex with cafes, gazebos, and bungalows – ideal for resting after a full day of exploring. With its geological richness and striking scenery, Charyn Canyon is one of the most unforgettable places to visit near Almaty.
Singing Dune in Altyn-Emel National Park
Singing Dune is one of Kazakhstan’s most unusual natural wonders, located 182 kilometers from Almaty in Altyn-Emel National Park. Stretching 1.5 kilometers and rising up to 120 meters high, the dune produces a low, humming sound – often compared to organ music – when dry sand slides under the right conditions.
The sound doesn’t occur constantly, but can sometimes be triggered by climbing to the top and jumping onto the driest slope. Even if the dune is silent, the park features other highlights: the Bes-Shatyr burial mounds, the white chalk Aktau Mountains, groves, gorges, and scenic trails. Hearing the dune’s haunting “music” is a surreal experience - one that stands out among the most unusual things to do when visiting Almaty and its surroundings.
No overview of the best things to do in Almaty would be complete without mentioning a few more places that are also well worth a visit.
If you enjoy nature and long walks, consider visiting the Botanical Garden, the Central Park of Culture and Leisure, or the Park of the First President.
Those interested in museums will find much to explore at the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of the History of Almaty, the Military History Museum, and the Central Museum of Railway Transport.
Be sure to also stop by the Almaty Central Mosque, the Nedelka Fountain, and Republic Square.
For shopping, head to Arbat Street, Dostyk Plaza, Esentai Mall, or Mega Alma-Ata - some of the city’s most popular retail destinations.