Almaty is known for being a major cultural and commercial center of Kazakhstan. It is famous for its picturesque setting with a backdrop of the snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau mountains, its leafy avenues, modern architecture, vibrant cafés and restaurants, and as a gateway to the region's natural wonders, including ski resorts and lakes. Of historical relevance, Almaty was the former capital of Kazakhstan until 1997.
The best time to visit Almaty depends on the activities you're interested in. For skiing and winter sports, December to February is ideal. For warm weather and outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing, late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) are the best times. The summer months (July and August) can be quite hot, while the late fall and early winter (October to November) can be unpredictable with the first snowfalls.
Popular tourist attractions in Almaty include Kok-Tobe Hill with its panoramic city views and amusement park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, the Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park with the brightly colored Zenkov Cathedral, and the Almaty Tower. Just outside of the city, the Medeu skating rink and Shymbulak ski resort are also popular, as is the Big Almaty Lake known for its stunning scenery.
Visa requirements for Almaty, Kazakhstan, vary depending on your country of citizenship. Many countries have visa-free agreements for short stays, while others require a visa, which should be obtained prior to arrival. It's important to check the most recent visa requirements and travel advisories from the Kazakhstan embassy or a consulate relevant to your nationality before planning your trip.
In Almaty, you should try local Kazakh delicacies such as beshbarmak (a traditional dish of boiled meat with pasta sheets and onion sauce), kazy (horse meat sausage), and manty (large dumplings filled with meat or pumpkin). Kazakh cuisine often features hearty dishes with lamb, beef, and horse meat, as well as various dairy products. Don't miss trying the local breads like lepyoshka, and for a sweet treat, sample some baursaks (fried dough balls).
Almaty is generally considered safe for tourists with usual precautions advised in any large city. Take care to protect your personal belongings from theft, particularly in crowded places, avoid walking alone at night in unlit or less frequented areas, and use official taxis or recommended transport services. It's also advisable to stay informed of local news and any travel advisories issued by your country.
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Almaty. Visitors should opt for bottled or filtered water, as the tap water may contain bacteria and mineral content that can cause stomach upset for those not accustomed to it. It's also wise to use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
In Almaty, and throughout Kazakhstan, the electrical outlets are typically the two-pronged European standard Type C and Type F. The standard voltage is 220V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Travelers from countries with different electrical standards may need adapters or converters for their electronic devices.
English is not widely spoken by the general population in Almaty, with Russian and Kazakh being the predominant languages. However, English may be spoken by staff at major hotels and in tourist areas, and among the younger generation and business professionals. It's advisable to learn basic Russian phrases or to have a translation app handy when visiting.
The currency in Almaty, as in all of Kazakhstan, is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and various exchange offices throughout the city. ATM machines are widely available and credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is often preferred in smaller establishments and markets.
