Things to do in Almaty
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Almaty City Tour: Markets, Mountains & Cultural LandmarksA private guided tour of Almaty that moves through the city's markets, parks and Orthodox cathedral, then climbs into the surrounding mountains by cable car. The itinerary is flexible—you can swap stops or add a visit to Shymbulak ski resort and the Medeu skating rink at 1,691 meters altitude. A live guide in English or Russian, private transportation, bottled water and all fees are included; lunch is your choice.Is it for me?Book the standard city tour if you have a free afternoon and want to see Almaty's markets, parks and cathedral without committing to a full day in the mountains. Add Shymbulak and Medeu if you want to climb into the peaks by cable car and see the city from 3,200 meters—the route takes longer but stays private and guided the whole way.
Almaty walking tour: Zenkov Cathedral, bazaar and chocolateA 3-hour walking tour of Almaty led by a local guide in English or Russian, visiting Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, the Green Bazaar, Arbat Street and a Rakhat Chocolate Shop. The guide handles the route and the stops; you walk at a steady pace through the city's cultural landmarks and street life. Wine tasting and local food tastings are available for an additional fee.Is it for me?The tour moves at a steady walking pace for 3 hours through city streets and parks, so it suits anyone comfortable on foot for that stretch. If you prefer a shorter route or a slower pace, look for a half-day option or a private guide who can adjust the stops to your rhythm.
Guided Walking City Tour in Almaty: Soviet & Modern ArchitectureA guided walking tour of Almaty led by a professional English or Spanish-speaking guide, covering three hours of the city's architectural and social history from the Silk Road era through modern times. The tour includes metro entry at Zhibek Zholy station and visits the 28 Panfilovcev park, Panfilov pedestrian street, and Stalin-era residential blocks; you can extend it to the Green Bazaar market or the Arasan bathhouse complex. Suitable for all fitness levels, with wheelchair-accessible routes and public transit nearby.Is it for me?Book this if you want to understand Almaty's transformation across three political eras—the guide connects Soviet architecture, earthquake resilience, and infrastructure solutions into a coherent narrative rather than isolated landmarks.
5-hour Private City Tour Almaty: Kok Tobe and Zenkov CathedralA 5-hour private city tour of Almaty with a guide, air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup, covering Kok Tobe mountain, Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilovets' Park, and the Green Bazaar. The tour traces the city's multicultural history, including the 1941–45 war memorial and the cathedral's survival of the 1911 earthquake. Private transport means the pace and stops stay yours; the guide handles navigation and context.Is it for me?Book this tour if you're traveling as a couple or small group and want to move through Almaty's history—from mountain views to Orthodox architecture to war memorials—without navigating the city yourself or coordinating multiple taxis. The private vehicle and guide pace the day around what interests you, and pickup from your hotel removes the first-morning logistics.
Charyn Canyon & Kaindy Lake tour from Almaty: 14-hour day tripA 14-hour guided tour from Almaty takes you to three natural sites southeast of the city: Charyn Canyon with its distinctive red rock formations, Kaindy Lake reached by a 2km walk from the parking area, and Lower Kolsai Lake in Kolsai Lakes National Park. The tour includes park entrance fees, an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup, a hearty lunch at Saty village, and a live guide in English or Arabic. Boating and horse-riding are available as optional add-ons at checkout.Is it for me?Book this if you're ready for a full day of driving (5:00 AM pickup, 10 PM return) to visit three landscapes; choose the horse option at Kaindy Lake if you want to skip the 2 km walk, or walk if you prefer to save on costs.
Almaty: Tanbaly Petroglyphs Day Trip & UNESCO SiteYou're driven from your Almaty hotel to Tanbaly's six petroglyph groups, a UNESCO site spanning Bronze Age to medieval carvings. The 3-hour journey includes entry fees, water and air-conditioned transport. You walk through canyons and hills observing ancient rock art across multiple time periods, then return to your hotel by evening.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see ancient rock art spanning thousands of years without arranging your own transport or navigating the site alone — the fixed itinerary and included pickup handle both, leaving you to focus on the petroglyphs themselves.
Falconry Farm Almaty: Ancient hunting techniques in Alma-Arasan gorgeYou’ll ride up into Alma-Arasan gorge for lunch at a local restaurant before exploring Sunkar Falcon Farm with your guide. Watch eagles soar during the live falcon show and try horse riding on-site if you’re feeling brave. It’s a day full of small surprises, fresh air, and real moments you’ll remember long after heading back to Almaty.
