Almaty , Kazakhstan

Guided Walking City Tour in Almaty

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

You will have a unique tour with a professional guide, who will be with a sense of humor and you will have fun.
We will look at the city through the decades and sometimes even through the centuries;
We will get to know Almaty as a small provincial town at the Asian borders of the Russian Empire, as rapidly developing capital of the Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan and as an independent state of modern times.
We will see the house in the shape of a string-bag and the “Stalin cake house”
We will find out how did they were solving the problem of running water in the 20th century and where did they get the local sea shells to face the houses in the 1960s being thousands of kilometers away from any sea.
We will speak about the nature catastrophes of the region and how did the city survived it different times.

Available options

A City Tour in Almaty

Pickup included

What's included

The proffessional guide services

Detailed itinerary

We will start our walk at the train station “Zhibek Zholy” (ticket is included), the metro system is new and very special, each station has its own story to tell, and “Zhibek Zoly” logically takes us to very ancient times of the history of this land - the times of The Grate Silk way which the decoration of the station describes in quite bright artistic way.

We will reach the pedestrian Panfilov street with lots of pretty cafes and restaurants and find a house of the most unusual architectural style for the conservative USSR times – the building of central telegraph that truly looks like a shopping net. Right from there we will get the view of the Kazakh opera and ballet theater that represents an outstanding combination of Asian motives and European classicism.

We will get to Kunaev street and passing few more examples of Stalin architecture and living areas of 1940-60s we will walk by the so called Gymnasium block where the buildings of the pre revolution high schools survived founded by the royal Russian government.

Our way continues to the oldest park of Almaty – the park of 28 Panfilovcev where we will get to see the oldest cathedral in the city that survived the most devastation earthquake of 1911, the wooden old Russian style officer club building and the ambitious monument to the victory in the 2d World War put up in soviet times.

Upon your wish we may continue our walk towards the Green bazar – the local farmers market or go back to the original point of our tour passing on the way the Arasan bath house – quite significant complex of traditional baths constricted in 1980s.

What's not included

Bottled water

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.0

4 reviews

5★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Next to the train station Zhibek Zholy

Important notes

We are meeting next to the train station Zhibek Zholy, but one day before the tour we will send you a tel number of your guide

About Almaty

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a vibrant blend of modern urban life and stunning natural beauty. Known for its apple orchards, scenic mountain backdrop, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique travel experience with its bustling markets, Soviet-era architecture, and nearby outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Kok Tobe Hill

Kok Tobe Hill offers panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, featuring a TV tower, a small amusement park, and a restaurant.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours Free to enter, fees for attractions

Zenkov Cathedral

Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, is a wooden Russian Orthodox church located in Panfilov Park. It's one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and a notable example of Russian architecture.

Historical/Religious 30-60 minutes Free

Green Bazaar

Green Bazaar is a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and local crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and sample traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Medeu Skating Rink

Medeu Skating Rink is a popular destination for ice skating and ice hockey. Located in the mountains, it offers stunning views and a unique sporting experience.

Sports/Adventure 2-3 hours Entrance and rental fees vary

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Ile Alatau National Park. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint Half-day to full-day trip Free to enter, fees for parking and guided tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beshbarmak

A traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) and noodles, served with a broth.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Lagman

A hearty noodle soup with chunks of meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and no meat.

Shashlik

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb, chicken, or beef.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Baursaks

Deep-fried dough balls, often served as a snack or breakfast item.

Snack Vegetarian, can be vegan if made with vegetable oil.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Snowboarding Ice skating Spa treatments Tea house visits Park picnics

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Almaty for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Kazakh, Russian
Widely spoken: Russian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Time Zone

ALMT (Almaty Time, GMT+6)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Almaty is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Violent crime is rare, but travelers should exercise caution at night and in poorly lit areas. Political protests and demonstrations can occur, so it's best to avoid large gatherings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Almaty International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Almaty-2 Railway Station

By bus

Sayarnaya Bus Station, Sairam Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Almaty. They are affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Kok Tobe Saryarka Zhetysu

Day trips

Charyn Canyon

200 km (124 miles) • Full-day trip

Charyn Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located about 200 km east of Almaty. Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan,' it offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a unique desert landscape.

Kolsai Lakes

300 km (186 miles) • Overnight trip

The Kolsai Lakes are a series of three stunning alpine lakes located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park. They offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a serene mountain setting.

Issyk Glacier

60 km (37 miles) • Half-day to full-day trip

Issyk Glacier is a unique glacier located about 60 km east of Almaty. It's one of the few glaciers in the world that can be reached by car, making it a popular destination for day trips.

Festivals

Almaty Apple Festival • September Almaty International Film Festival • September Almaty Jazz Fest • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Visit the Green Bazaar for an authentic taste of local life and to sample traditional Kazakh cuisine
Take the cable car up to Kok Tobe Hill for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
Explore the nearby mountains and lakes for a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences
Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, lagman, and shashlik at local restaurants and markets