Almaty City Tour Culture and History in One Journey

Almaty , Kazakhstan

Almaty City Tour Culture and History in One Journey

Active

8h - 10h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

City tour in Almaty
Discover Almaty: Tour of the City's Most Iconic Attractions
Join us on an exciting tour of Almaty, covering the brightest and most famous landmarks of the city! Our excursion will begin at 9:00 AM and last until 6:00 PM, with comfortable transportation and an experienced driver who will pick you up directly from your hotel. During the tour, you will visit unique natural and cultural locations in Almaty, learning fascinating facts about each place. You will visit such locations as Shymbulak, Kok-Tobe, the 28 Panfilov Heroes Park, the Independence Monument, and the Green Bazaar.
9:00 a.m. pick you up from the hotel
10:00 arrival at «Shymbulak»
10:30-12:30 tour of «Shymbulak»
12:30-13:30 lunch time lunch at your own expense
14:00 arrival at the Monument of independence, excursion
15:00 arrival at the park «28 Panfilov park», excursion
15:40 arrival at the «Green bazar», excursion
17:00 arrival at «Kok tobe park», excursion
18:30 transfer to the hotel

Available options

Almaty City Tour Culture and History in One Journey

Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

What you'll see

Discover Almaty: Tour of the City's Most Iconic Attractions
Join us on an exciting tour of Almaty, covering the brightest and most famous landmarks of the city! Our excursion will begin at 9:00 AM and last until 6:00 PM, with comfortable transportation and an experienced driver who will pick you up directly from your hotel. During the tour, you will visit unique natural and cultural locations in Almaty, learning fascinating facts about each place. You will visit such locations as Shymbulak, Kok-Tobe, the 28 Panfilov Heroes Park, the Independence Monument, and the Green Bazaar.
9:00 a.m. pick you up from the hotel
10:00 arrival at «Shymbulak»
10:30-12:30 tour of «Shymbulak»
12:30-13:30 lunch time lunch at your own expense
14:00 arrival at the Monument of independence, excursion
15:00 arrival at the park «28 Panfilov park», excursion
15:40 arrival at the «Green bazar», excursion
17:00 arrival at «Kok tobe park», excursion
18:30 transfer to the hotel
What to Expect?
Itinerary:
Almaty City Tour: Exploring the Best Attractions
Join us for an unforgettable full-day tour of Almaty, covering the city's most iconic landmarks! We will pick you up directly from your hotel, and throughout the day, you’ll explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Almaty with the comfort of our transportation and expert guides.
9:00 AM - Pick-up from Hotel
We’ll begin the day with a convenient pick-up from your hotel. Our driver will meet you in the lobby, and you’ll be on your way to the first location.
10:00 AM - Arrival at Shymbulak
After the morning drive, we’ll arrive at the Shymbulak ski resort, located 2200 meters above sea level. This resort offers breathtaking views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Tour of Shymbulak
We’ll take you on a guided tour of Shymbulak, sharing its history and importance as one of Kazakhstan’s most popular winter resorts. You’ll enjoy the stunning mountain landscapes and fresh air.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
Time for lunch! We’ll stop at a local café or restaurant where you can have lunch at your own expense. We’ll recommend the best places for traditional Kazakh dishes or international cuisine.
2:00 PM - Arrival at the Independence Monument
After lunch, we’ll head to the Independence Monument, a symbol of Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. We’ll take a short tour and tell you about the significance of this iconic landmark.
3:00 PM - Arrival at 28 Panfilov Heroes Park
Next, we’ll visit the 28 Panfilov Heroes Park, dedicated to the soldiers of the 28th Panfilov Division. We’ll explore the Green Cathedral and other monuments, learning about the bravery of these heroes.
3:40 PM - Arrival at the Green Bazaar
Our next stop is the Green Bazaar. You’ll experience the lively atmosphere of this traditional Kazakh market. We’ll guide you through the market, share insights into local products and delicacies, and give you time for shopping.
5:00 PM - Arrival at Kok-Tobe Park
We’ll end the day at Kok-Tobe Park. Take the cable car to the top for panoramic views of the city and the mountains. In the park, you’ll also visit the monument to the famous poet Abai Kunanbayev and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this scenic spot.
6:30 PM - Transfer to Hotel
After an exciting day, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel, giving you plenty of time to relax and reflect on all the amazing experiences.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the most iconic places in Almaty and learn more about the city's rich culture and history!

What's not included

Lunch

Restroom on board

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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