Almaty is a destination vibrating with energy. It is a city where the rigid Soviet past fades into ultra-modern, “hip” cafes and restaurants along the pedestrian streets of Panfilov and Zhibek Zholy. Here, modern lifestyle goes hand in hand with nature. Feel the pulse of the city by sipping specialty coffee in the morning and tasting traditional kumis (fermented mare’s milk) in the afternoon, listen to the sounds of the dombra (traditional string instrument) in the streets, and surrender to the authenticity of an Asian metropolis with a European flair, embracing an endless love for the mountains and freedom.
Almaty
The Lush "City of Apples" Beneath the Watchful Eye of the Tien Shan
Almaty, the former capital and undisputed cultural heart of Kazakhstan, is a place where nomadic tradition meets modern cosmopolitanism. Known as the birthplace of the apple (its name translates to “the city of apples”), Almaty is literally immersed in greenery. With its wide, tree-lined avenues, forest-like parks, and the snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains rising imposingly like a natural wall south of the city, Almaty is filled with surprises. Wander through its vast public squares, discover the charming blend of Soviet monumental architecture and modern glass skyscrapers, and embrace the warm hospitality of locals who seamlessly combine an urban lifestyle with a deep-rooted love for nature and the mountains.
Highlights
Kok Tobe Hill
The city's most famous viewpoint. You can reach the top (at 1,100 meters) via the aerial cable car starting near the city center. There you will find the iconic TV Tower, parks, cafes, a monument dedicated to the Beatles (!), and, above all, an unobstructed, panoramic view of all of Almaty and the surrounding mountains, ideal at sunset.
Big Almaty Lake
A stunning wonder of nature at an altitude of 2,511 meters, very close to the city. The lake's waters change color depending on the season (from light green to deep turquoise) and are surrounded by three imposing mountain peaks. Because it supplies the city's drinking water, swimming is prohibited, but the landscape is every photographer's ultimate dream.
Panfilov Park - Zenkov Cathedral
A historic park in the city center. At its heart stands Ascension Cathedral, an architectural marvel built entirely of wood, without a single nail, painted in yellow and green colors. In the same park you will find the Soviet Monument of Glory, dedicated to those who fell in World War II, with the eternal flame.
Medeu Ice Rink - Shymbulak Ski Resort
Just 30 minutes from the center, in an alpine gorge, lies Medeu, the highest Olympic-sized ice rink in the world (at 1,691 meters). You can take the cable car that takes you even higher, to 3,200 meters, to the ultra-modern Shymbulak ski resort, which is also ideal for mountain hiking in the summer.
Green Bazaar
A visit here is absolutely essential to feel the pulse and flavors of Central Asia. In this huge, bustling market you will find stalls filled with fresh and dried fruits (apples, of course), nuts, spices, traditional cheeses, and meats (including horse meat, which is a staple in the local diet).
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IDEAL DESTINATION
A Melody of Nature, Coffee, and Nomadic Heritage
Gastronomic journey in Almaty
Kazakh cuisine is hearty, historically rooted in the nomadic lifestyle, which means plenty of meat and doughs. You must definitely try Beshbarmak (the national dish of boiled meat—often horse or lamb—served over flat noodles), Baursak (fluffy pieces of fried dough served with every meal), and Kazy (traditional horse meat sausage). Restaurants like Navat offer authentic experiences. Pair your meal with black tea (hospitality here begins and ends with tea) or, for the more adventurous, with Shubat (camel’s milk).
The Best Time to Visit Almaty
Spring (May) and autumn (September–October) are the ideal seasons, featuring pleasant temperatures for walking. Autumn is particularly enchanting, as the city’s countless trees are dressed in golden-red colors. Summers are warm, but the nearby mountains offer cool relief, while winters are very cold and snowy, making the city a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
Getting Around Almaty
Transportation to and from the Airport
Almaty International Airport (ALA) is located about 15 kilometers from the city center. The safest, most economical, and convenient way to reach the city is to download the *Yandex Go* app (the local equivalent of Uber) and book a taxi. This way, you will know the exact cost in advance (around €4–€6) and avoid negotiating with taxi drivers at the airport.
Public Transportation
Almaty features an excellent, clean, and modern metro system (a single line with 11 stations), with beautifully designed stations reminiscent of museums. It is ideal for main trips around the city center. There is also an extensive network of buses and trolleybuses. However, taxis booked via the Yandex Go app are so inexpensive and reliable that most travelers prefer them for convenient transit day and night.
Questions / Answers
Q&A
Greek citizens (and EU citizens) do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, a passport with a validity of at least 6 months is required.
Almaty is a modern city with very low rates of violent crime. Walking around is safe even at night.
The national currency is the Tenge (KZT). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is useful to have a little cash on hand for the markets.
Yes, it is very affordable. Accommodation, local transportation (taxis/metro), and dining are noticeably cheaper compared to European capitals.
A day trip to the impressive Charyn Canyon (Asia’s “Grand Canyon”) and the fairytale alpine lakes Kolsai and Kaindy (with the sunken forest) is an absolute must.
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