Almaty, Kazakhstan-3-day-itinerary

Almaty, Kazakhstan 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration

  • Morning: Start at the iconic Astana Square, surrounded by majestic buildings and monuments. Visit the nearby Kazakhstan Hotel, a historic landmark with stunning views of the city.
  • Lunch: Head to Gosti Restaurant for traditional Kazakh cuisine, including beshbarmak (noodle dish) and shashlik (skewers).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Central State Museum, featuring exhibits on Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and natural environment.
  • Evening: Take a stroll along Dostyk Avenue, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy dinner at Assel Restaurant, serving modern Kazakh cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Kazzhol or Rahat Palace Hotel, both centrally located and offering comfortable rooms.

Day 2: Nature Escapes

  • Morning: Drive to Medeo Gorge (30 minutes), a scenic valley with stunning mountain views. Take a leisurely hike or ride the chairlift for panoramic vistas.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic in the gorge or head back to Almaty for lunch at Café de Paris, offering French-Kazakh fusion cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kök-Töbe Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Take a ride on the Kök-Töbe Cable Car for a panoramic view.
  • Evening: Relax with a traditional Kazakh massage at Spa Oasis or enjoy a cocktail at Bar 31, offering stunning city views.

Day 3: Markets and Museums

  • Morning: Explore the bustling Green Market, where you can find fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
  • Lunch: Try some street food at the market or head to Tiflis Restaurant for Georgian cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the A. Kasteev Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing Kazakh art and cultural exhibits.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Line Brew Pub, offering craft beer and international cuisine.

Things to Know

  • Language: Kazakh (official), Russian, English widely spoken
  • Currency: Kazakhstani tenge (KZT)
  • Weather: Continental climate with cold winters and hot summers
  • Culture: Respect local customs, dress modestly, and remove shoes when entering homes or mosques

Transportation

  • Taxi: Taxis are plentiful, but agree on the fare beforehand
  • Bus: An affordable option, but routes may be limited
  • Walking: Almaty is a walkable city, with many attractions within proximity
  • Rent a Car: Available at the airport or in the city, ideal for exploring surrounding areas

Tips

  • Haggling is common at markets, so be prepared to negotiate prices
  • Try traditional Kazakh dishes and drinks, such as kumis (fermented horse milk)
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Learn some basic Kazakh phrases, such as “Salem” (hello) and “Rahmet” (thank you)

Other Things of Interest

  • Almaty Opera and Ballet Theatre: Catch a performance at this stunning building
  • Zenkov Cathedral: A beautiful Russian Orthodox cathedral with impressive architecture
  • Turgen Gorge: A scenic valley with hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots (1.5 hours from Almaty)

Enjoy your trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan!