Almaty, Kazakhstan-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Almaty’s History and Culture

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the Green Market (Zeleny Bazaar). This bustling marketplace is a great place to try local food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the sights and sounds of Kazakh culture.
    • Address: Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Tips: Be prepared to haggle and don’t be afraid to try new foods!
  • 10:00 AM: Head to the Central State Museum. This museum showcases Kazakhstan’s history and culture from ancient times to the present day.
    • Address: 54/1, Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Tickets: 500 KZT (~ $2 USD)
    • Tips: Allow at least 2 hours to explore the museum.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at The Cafe Restaurant. This cozy cafe serves delicious Kazakh and European cuisine.
    • Address: 19, Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Prices: Meals from 5,000 KZT (~ $20 USD)
    • Tips: Try their beshbarmak (noodle dish) or shashlik (skewered meat).
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Almaty Tower. This 181-meter-tall tower offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
    • Address: 1, Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Tickets: 500 KZT (~ $2 USD)
    • Tips: Be prepared for crowds and long lines.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Kazakh Restaurant. This traditional restaurant serves authentic Kazakh dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: 13, Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Prices: Meals from 10,000 KZT (~ $40 USD)
    • Tips: Try their kuyrdak (boiled meat dish) or kuurdak (grilled meat).
  • 9:00 PM: End your day with a stroll along the Panfilov Park. This beautiful park is home to several monuments and statues, including the famous Panfilov Monument.
    • Address: 1, Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Tips: Take in the sights and sounds of the city at night.

Day 2: Explore Almaty’s Natural Beauty

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the National Botanical Garden. This beautiful garden features over 10,000 plant species from around the world.
    • Address: 64, Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Tickets: 1,000 KZT (~ $4 USD)
    • Tips: Allow at least 2 hours to explore the gardens.
  • 11:00 AM: Take a break for lunch at The Gzhel Restaurant. This restaurant serves delicious Kazakh and European cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: 14, Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Prices: Meals from 5,000 KZT (~ $20 USD)
    • Tips: Try their shashlik (skewered meat) or beshbarmak (noodle dish).

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the Medeo Gorge. This beautiful gorge features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a large ice rink.
    • Address: Medeo Gorge, Almaty
    • Tickets: 500 KZT (~ $2 USD)
    • Tips: Be prepared for crowds and long lines.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Astana Restaurant. This modern restaurant serves delicious Kazakh and European cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: 15, Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Prices: Meals from 10,000 KZT (~ $40 USD)
    • Tips: Try their kuyrdak (boiled meat dish) or kuurdak (grilled meat).
  • 9:00 PM: End your day with a stroll along the Park of the Republic. This beautiful park features several monuments and statues, including the famous Friendship Monument.
    • Address: 1, Dostyk St, Almaty
    • Tips: Take in the sights and sounds of the city at night.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Astana: A modern hotel located in the heart of Almaty. Prices start from 30,000 KZT (~ $120 USD) per night.
    • Address: 15, Dostyk St, Almaty
  • Hotel Kazakhstan: A traditional hotel located near the Green Market. Prices start from 25,000 KZT (~ $100 USD) per night.
    • Address: 54/1, Dostyk St, Almaty

Transportation

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Almaty and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Prices start from 500 KZT (~ $2 USD).
  • Public Transportation: Almaty has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and marshrutkas (minivans). Fares start from 100 KZT (~ $0.40 USD).

Tips

  • Currency: The official currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT).
  • Language: Kazakh and Russian are the official languages, but many people speak English.
  • Weather: Almaty has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.

Other Things to Know

  • Healthcare: Medical care in Kazakhstan is generally good, but it’s still important to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
  • Safety: Almaty is considered a safe city, but as with any place, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
  • Respect Local Customs: Kazakhstan is an Islamic country, so dress modestly and respect local customs.