Things to do in Almaty

Best Things to do in Almaty

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Almaty? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 268 activities in Almaty, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 290, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Almaty in February and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Almaty

Almaty is a city where mountains and modern life sit side by side and snow-capped peaks frame the skyline, while tree-lined boulevards and lively cafés give it a cosmopolitan feel. You can spend mornings walking through parks, afternoons in bustling bazaars, and evenings with the glow of city lights against the backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains.

Some of the most loved Almaty tourist attractions include the Green Bazaar, Kok Tobe Hill, and Big Almaty Lake and each one shows a different layer of the city, from everyday market life to quiet mountain trails.

The balance is what makes it memorable. Whether you’re planning quiet hikes, museum visits, or searching for unique things to do in Almaty, the city gives you variety without ever feeling rushed.

Unique Experiences

Experience the Nomadic Lifestyle at 'The Huns' Ethno-village

Step into an ethno village where you’ll see traditions come alive, then spend time at the Akbulak ski resort. It’s one of the things to do in Almaty that gives you culture and mountain scenery in a single trip.

• Where: Ethno Village Hunns and Akbulak Ski Resort
• Pricing: It starts from INR 10,800 per person
• Timing: Around 6 hours; starts at 9:30 AM
• When to Visit: November to March for skiing or June to September for cultural activities

Horseback Riding Tour in Almaty

Ride through open valleys and hills, soaking in mountain views on horseback. It’s one of the more unusual Almaty tourist attractions, perfect if you want a slower connection with nature.

• Where: Almaty countryside trails
• Pricing: It starts from INR 10,400 per person
• Timing: About 1 day and 3 hours; tour starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: May to October for pleasant riding weather

Almaty Walking Food Tour

Explore the city through flavours, from traditional Kazakh bites to market tastings. It’s one of the tastiest things to do in Almaty and blends sightseeing with food in the best way.

• Where: Central Almaty
• Pricing: It starts from INR 17,000 per person
• Timing: Slots available at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM (3 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: Year-round, though evenings in summer add to the lively street vibe

Top Attractions

Kok Tobe Hill

You can ride up to Kok Tobe Hill for sweeping views of the city backed by mountains. At the top, you’ll find walking paths, small cafés, and plenty of quiet corners to simply enjoy the scenery. It’s one of the classic things to do in Almaty that never feels rushed.

• Where: Southeast edge of the city
• Pricing: It starts from INR 400 per person for entry (cable car extra)
• Timing: Daily, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• When to Visit: Evenings year-round for sunset views and relaxed walks

Big Almaty Lake

Nestled high in the mountains, Big Almaty Lake is one of the most photographed Almaty tourist attractions and the turquoise water surrounded by snow-tipped peaks makes it perfect for a peaceful half-day escape from the city. Adding this stop to your list of things to do in Almaty connects you with the region’s natural beauty.

• Where: 28 km south of Almaty city centre
• Pricing: It starts from INR 500 per person
• Timing: Accessible daily, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• When to Visit: May to October for clear skies and safer mountain roads

Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)

This striking wooden cathedral inside Panfilov Park is one of the top cultural stops. Built without nails, it’s colourful, historic, and one of the most unique activities in the city. Visiting here adds a spiritual and architectural touch to your list of things to do in Almaty.

• Where: Panfilov Park, central Almaty
• Pricing: Free entry
• Timing: Daily, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• When to Visit: Mornings for a quieter visit or evenings when the park comes alive

Medeu Ice Rink

High in the Tian Shan mountains, Medeu Ice Rink is famous for its fresh air and backdrop of snowy peaks. Whether you skate or just watch, it’s one of the most fun things to do in Almaty in September and also among the most popular winter highlights.

• Where: Medeu Valley, about 15 km from Almaty
• Pricing: It starts from INR 700 per person
• Timing: Daily, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (seasonal timings may vary)
• When to Visit: December to February for Almaty things to do in winter, or September for mild outdoor weather

Sightseeing Tours

Original Almaty City Tour

See the highlights of Almaty in one go such as parks, squares, museums, and leafy boulevards. It’s one of the most balanced things to do in Almaty, giving you a strong feel for the city in half a day.

• Where: Central Almaty
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,900 per person
• Timing: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (1 to 2 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: March to June and September for clear skies and comfortable walking weather

5 hours Private City Tour inclusive Kok Tobe

From leafy boulevards to Kok Tobe’s hilltop views, this private tour gives you Almaty’s key sights at a relaxed pace. It’s one of the activities that mixes history, culture, and stunning panoramas.

• Where: Almaty, including Kok Tobe Hill
• Pricing: It starts from INR 8,700 per person
• Timing: Starts at 1 (5 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: April to June or September to October for mild weather and open skies

Day Trips

Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon Tour

Spend a full day exploring turquoise lakes and dramatic canyons. It’s easily one of the most breathtaking things to do in Almaty, with landscapes that feel unreal.

• Where: Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn Canyon
• Pricing: It starts from INR 12,300 per person
• Timing: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM (14 hours total)
• When to Visit: May to October for accessible trails and open viewpoints

Turgen Gorge, Museum and Ostrich Farm

This trip takes you into the Turgen Gorge for waterfalls, then onto a museum and even an ostrich farm. It’s one of the more varied Almaty tourist attractions, mixing nature with quirky stops.

• Where: Turgen Gorge and surrounding sites
• Pricing: It starts from INR 8,700 per person
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (8 hours total)
• When to Visit: May to September for full waterfall flow and outdoor comfort

Express Tour to Issyk Lake, Assy Plateau & Turgen Gorge

Cover Issyk Lake, the Assy Plateau, and Turgen Gorge in one packed day. It’s one of the things to do in Almaty in September that gives you a mix of mountain air, alpine water, and history.

• Where: Issyk Lake, Assy Plateau, Turgen Gorge
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,900 per person
• Timing: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (12 hours total)
• When to Visit: June to September, when plateaus are green and lakes reflect the sky

Getting Around

Moving around Almaty feels straightforward once you know the local choices. Each option adds its own rhythm to your list of things to do in Almaty, whether you’re staying in the city or heading out to the mountains.

• Walking: Central streets like Panfilov Park and Green Bazaar are best explored on foot amd some of the most rewarding Almaty tourist attractions reveal themselves when you slow down and wander.
• Cycling: A relaxed way to cover shorter distances. If you’re after light activities that let you see the city at your own pace, cycling through wide boulevards works well.
• Taxis: Simple to use for hopping between sites, especially if you’ve packed your day with different things to do in Almaty across the city and outskirts.
• Buses and metro: They connect most of the major stops, from markets to museums. Public transport is budget-friendly and gives you a glimpse of local life.
• Private cars: Handy if you want to combine city sights with mountain trips like Big Almaty Lake. This lets you string together more things to do in Almaty without worrying about connections.
• Cable cars and shuttles: These are perfect if you’re planning visits to Kok Tobe or Medeu, both favourites among Almaty tourist attractions.

Traveller Tips

A trip here is smoother when you keep a few city-specific tips in mind. They’ll help you enjoy more of the best things to do in Almaty without missing a beat.

• Start early for the mountains: Places like Big Almaty Lake and Medeu feel calmer in the morning. If you’re noting down Almaty things to do in winter, starting early also means clearer roads and easier access.
• Carry cash for local spots: Small cafés, markets, and stalls often prefer it. Some of the most authentic things to do in Almaty involve picking up snacks or souvenirs in places where cards don’t work.
• Pack layers: Weather shifts quickly between the city and higher altitudes. If you’re looking for things to do in Almaty in September, light jackets work for the cooler evenings while still keeping you comfortable in the day.
• Keep time for parks and boulevards: Walking through leafy streets or Panfilov Park in the evenings is one of the underrated things to do in Almaty at night. Locals gather, music drifts in the background, and it gives you a true sense of daily life.
• Try local food slowly: Instead of rushing from one restaurant to another, plan meals into your itinerary. Sampling lagman or beshbarmak is as much a part of your things to do in Almaty list as the monuments.