Almaty might just be Central Asia’s most underrated city. With snow-capped mountains on one side, Soviet monuments on the other, and steaming bowls of laghman somewhere in between, this Kazakh gem completely surprised me. I spent two weeks here — not on a whirlwind tour, but with enough time to sink into the rhythms of the city, try the food, visit the museums, and fumble my way through unexpected adventures. What follows is my personal Almaty travel guide — a mix of highlights, practical tips, and a few rainy-night noodles in bed.

I had never been to Central Asia before. I remember how I felt boarding the plane: nervous, excited, and totally unsure of what I was getting into. That rare feeling of stepping into a part of the world that feels completely unfamiliar.

What to Know Before Visiting Almaty

Getting from the Airport (and Why You Need Yandex)

My arrival in Almaty was, in a word, chaotic. It was the middle of the night, and quickly discovered that Uber and Bolt don’t work here. Yandex is the go-to app, but before I could download it, I was roped in by a pushy but well-meaning taxi driver.

I explained I had no cash. “No problem,” he said. “We stop ATM.” We stopped at multiple ATMs — none of which accepted any of my cards. At this point, we were somewhere between the airport and the city in complete darkness. Slightly panicked but grateful he stayed kind throughout, I finally handed him a few leftover Euros I had in my wallet, which he happily accepted.

Accommodation Tips

I stayed in an Airbnb just outside the city center, tucked inside one of the city’s towering concrete apartment blocks. I arrived late at night with no idea which entrance was mine. A young local noticed I looked completely lost and kindly pointed me in the right direction. That simple gesture set the tone for what would become a recurring theme during my stay: understated warmth in unexpected moments.

The apartment itself was modern and spotless, but if you want to walk to cafés or restaurants, I recommend staying closer to the center. The city is bigger than it looks on the map.

Language & Money

Many people don’t speak English, but the ones who do often speak it very well and are excited to practice. Still, it helps to learn a few words in Russian or Kazakh.

A frustrating but important note: my bank cards never worked at any ATM in Kazakhstan. I couldn’t use Western Union either. Luckily, my partner’s card worked fine, and most places accepted card payments. But come prepared with backups.

Practical Travel Tips for Almaty

Just a few essentials to make your arrival smoother than mine — and to avoid that “where am I and what do I do now” moment.

Currency: Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). At the time of writing, 1 USD is roughly 532 KZT. Most places accept cards, but it’s smart to carry some cash for smaller shops. ATMs can be hit or miss with foreign cards — as I learned the hard way.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to early June) is beautiful with blooming apple trees and mild weather. Autumn (September to early November) offers golden foliage and fewer tourists. Winter is ski season — ideal if you’re heading to Shymbulak. Summers can be hot and dusty in the city.

SIM Cards & Internet: Local SIMs are easy to find — look for Beeline or Tele2, either at the airport or once you’re in the city. Personally, I used an eSIM from Airalo, which worked perfectly for maps, Yandex Go, and work calls. If your phone supports eSIMs, it’s a seamless option. Otherwise, a local SIM is a budget-friendly alternative that’s widely used.

Power Plugs: Kazakhstan uses the European standard — Type C and F plugs with 220V. If you’ve traveled in Europe, your adapters will work here.

Tipping Culture: Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up is appreciated. In nicer restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common.

Getting Around: Use Yandex Go for taxis — it’s the local equivalent of Uber. There’s also a metro system and marshrutkas (minibuses), but taxis are very affordable and easier if you don’t speak Russian.

Best Things to Do in Almaty

Kasteyev State Museum of Arts

One floor explores nomadic Kazakh culture through jewelry, rugs, tools, and traditional clothing. Another focuses on modern Kazakh art: expressive paintings and sculptures capturing scenes from different eras. There’s also a strong Russian art section featuring busts of Lenin, St. Petersburg cityscapes, and Soviet iconography. The park behind the museum is a lovely place to sit afterwards. Entry was around 500 KZT (less than $1).

Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Housed in a dramatic building, this museum blends natural history (dinosaurs, geology, early humans) with Kazakh political history, independence, and the Soviet era. Some sections felt dated, but it’s still worth a visit to understand the country’s complex narrative.

Zenkov Cathedral & Park

This pastel-painted Orthodox cathedral is one of Almaty’s most photogenic buildings. I popped inside to admire the icons, then sat in the surrounding park. The energy was relaxed and local: kids playing, couples walking, friends chatting on benches. A peaceful place to pause and take it all in.

Walk Around the City

One of my favorite activities was just walking. Almaty is full of architectural contrasts: leafy boulevards with old European-style buildings, brutalist concrete blocks, and massive monuments scattered throughout. The mix feels unique — a blend of past and present that gives the city real texture and depth.

Opera & Ballet at the Abay Opera House

I had really hoped to see a ballet at the Abay Opera House, but the ticket prices were surprisingly high, so I gave it a pass this time. I can’t speak to the performances themselves, but if you’re curious and the timing works, it could be a memorable experience. The building alone is worth a glance if you’re nearby.

Apple Blossoms in Spring

One of the things I really wanted to do while in Almaty was take a proper day trip to the wild apple orchards that bloom in spring. Almaty is believed to be the birthplace of the apple, and in April, the trees blanket the lower foothills in delicate pink blossoms. I ended up running out of time, but even catching a glimpse of them from the car on the way back from Shymbulak felt special. If you’re visiting in spring, it’s something you might want to carve out a day for.

Skiing at Shymbulak (Even in April)

Shymbulak ski resort is just a short drive from the city, and the cable car ride alone is worth it. We visited in mid-April, when the snow was already slushy but the sun made up for it. You don’t need to ski to enjoy it — the views from the top, paired with a glass of wine on the terrace, were peak Almaty.

My Favorite Food Moments in Almaty

Let me start with laghman, a Uyghur noodle dish that quickly became my go-to comfort order. One rainy night, I ordered it as delivery — and from that moment on, it became a regular fixture in my Almaty evenings. Rich broth, chewy hand-pulled noodles, tender beef — it was everything you want from a cozy, satisfying meal.

We also had a memorable dinner at Daredzhani Kunayeva, a Russian restaurant where we tried caviar, cow tongue, and filet mignon. There was a loud live band inside, so we opted for the terrace, which turned out to be the perfect setting.

If you’re heading up to Shymbulak, the dome-shaped restaurant Syn32 at Talgar Pass (3,200 m) is a stunning spot for lunch, drinks, or coffee. We ended up lingering there for hours — first over lunch, then coffee — because the sun was so strong we could sit out in T-shirts, even with snow all around. You don’t need to ski to enjoy it either — just take the lifts all the way up and soak in the mountain views from the terrace.

Where to Stay in Almaty

I stayed a bit outside the center in this Airbnb, which had amazing mountain views. If you’re curious, here’s the link — though next time, I’d stay more centrally for easier access to cafés and sights. Below is a curated selection of hotels for every budget, all within walking or quick taxi distance of Almaty’s best spots.

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty

If you’re in the mood to splurge, The Ritz-Carlton offers panoramic mountain views, marble bathrooms, and a rooftop bar. It’s located above the Esentai Mall and has that polished, international feel without losing a sense of place.

Mid-range: Resident Hotel Abay (from ~$135/night)

Located near Abay metro station and close to key landmarks, this modern hotel gets top marks for cleanliness, friendly staff, and quiet comfort. Ideal for a first-time stay.

Budget: Renion City Hotel (from ~$74/night)

A clean, comfortable option near the Panfilov park and Arbat Street. Rooms are simple but well-maintained, with a solid breakfast and walkable access to the heart of the city — a great pick for travelers on a budget.

Final Thoughts

Almaty surprised me. It was raw and elegant, chaotic and kind. It challenged my expectations in the best ways. From caviar dinners to rain-soaked bowls of laghman, from Soviet museums to snowy ski lifts — it gave me a version of travel I hadn’t felt in a long time: one that felt refreshingly unfamiliar in all the right ways.

It ended up being my favorite city in Kazakhstan (I also visited Shymkent and Astana), and one I’d absolutely return to.