Almaty: City Highlights Walking Tour with Chocolate Shop

Almaty , Kazakhstan

Almaty: City Highlights Walking Tour with Chocolate Shop

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About this experience

Step into the rich history and vibrant culture of our city on this unforgettable walking tour! Over the course of 2-3 hours, we'll visit places with historical and cultural significance such as:
Zenkov Cathedral – Marvel at one of the world’s tallest wooden churches, an architectural masterpiece set in a beautiful park.
Green Bazaar – Experience the sights, scents, and flavors of this lively market.
Rakhat Chocolate Shop – Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to this beloved confectionery.
Arbat Street – Stroll down this famous pedestrian avenue, alive with street artists, musicians, and cozy cafes.
We also offer Wine Tasting (15$) at the local winery and Tasting Local Food (20$) experiences for additional price!
Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply love exploring new places, this tour offers something for everyone. Join us for a journey through time, culture, and flavor—book your spot today!

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Almaty: City Highlights Walking Tour with Chocolate Shop

What's included

Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

Arbat Street in Almaty is a lively and vibrant pedestrian-friendly area that blends the charm of Central Asia with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It's a must-visit for tourists who want to experience the heart of the city, offering a delightful mix of shopping, culture, and local life. The street is lined with a variety of shops, cafes, and street vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, and traditional Kazakh souvenirs, making it an excellent spot for souvenir shopping or just exploring. It's also a central point for various cultural events, especially during summer, when outdoor concerts and festivals are common.
Overall, Arbat Street is a perfect blend of urban culture, history, and relaxation—ideal for anyone looking to soak in the vibe of Almaty.

Panfilov Park in Almaty is a serene and historically rich green space, making it one of the city's most beloved spots for both locals and tourists. Named after the Panfilov Division, a legendary group of soldiers who fought in World War II, the park is a peaceful place to relax, reflect, and enjoy nature, all while surrounded by the stories of Kazakhstan's past.
One of the most iconic landmarks within Panfilov Park is the Zenkov Cathedral, a striking Russian Orthodox cathedral built entirely from wood—despite the region’s seismic activity. Its vibrant colors and unique architecture make it an impressive sight, and it’s a must-see for any visitor. The cathedral is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset when the light creates stunning reflections against its golden domes.

The Green Bazaar (also known as Zelyony Bazaar) in Almaty is a vibrant and bustling market that offers a true taste of local life and culture. It's one of the most iconic and lively spots in the city, providing tourists with an authentic glimpse into Kazakhstan’s culinary and traditional customs.

Located in the heart of Almaty, the Green Bazaar is a maze of colorful stalls selling a wide array of goods—from fresh fruits and vegetables to spices, dried fruits, nuts, meats, dairy, and traditional Kazakh products like kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) and baursaks (fried dough pastries).
In the butter and dairy section, you can try a variety of homemade dairy products like cheese, sour cream, and fermented horsemilk and other delicacies for additional price.

Shopping at a local official Rakhat Chocolate Shop in Almaty is a sweet experience and a must-do for anyone with a sweet tooth or those interested in tasting some of Kazakhstan's finest chocolate. Rakhat is one of the most iconic and well-loved chocolate brands in the country, and visiting one of their official shops allows tourists to dive into the world of high-quality local confectionery.
For tourists, shopping at a Rakhat Chocolate Shop is a chance to sample some iconic Kazakh flavors—such as "Kazakhskiy" chocolate bars, which feature ingredients like honey, nuts, and dried fruits. These products give you a deeper connection to the region’s culinary tastes and traditions.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.8

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Our meeting point is in front of Lumiera Cinema at Zhibek Zholy Street. If you're finding troubles with how to get there we can give some recommendations on how to get there via WhatsApp.

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