Alma-Ata is the second capital of Kazakhstan. It was built during the Soviet era, so the sights of Alma-Ata are mostly Soviet architecture. Huge parks with shady alleys, the old center, the subway and many other facilities that were built before the country’s independence are still of interest and benefit both tourists and residents of the city. Don’t know what to see in Alma-Ata? Especially for you, we have compiled a list of popular places in this city, which includes the most interesting sights.
The main sights of Alma-Ata
Photos and names of the sights of Alma-Ata are unusual. The Kok-Tobe Mountain, whose name translates from Kazakh as “Green Hill”, is striking in its beauty. It is located near the city, and a television tower is located on it, which is the tallest building in Alma-Ata due to this location.
Symbols of Alma-Ata
The Kok-Tobe Rock and the tower are the main symbols of the second capital of Kazakhstan. To enjoy the magnificent view from the top, you can climb to the observation deck by cable car, which originates almost from the city center. In just six minutes of climbing, you will see Alma-Ata from various angles. After climbing the cliff, visit the “Kok-Tobe Park”, where you can:
- see the monument to the legendary band “The Beatles”;
Monument to the band “The Beatles” in the park “Kok-Tobe” Ken and Nyetta
- throw coins into the “Fountain of Desires”; relax in a cafe or restaurant, of which there are a lot;
Cafe on the street in Alma Ata tjabeljan
- visit the climbing wall; visit the art gallery.
Independence Monument in Alma Ata tjabeljan
Monument of Independence
The historical development of Alma-Ata and the country as a whole is symbolized by the Monument of Independence, towering on the central square. He represents the “golden man” standing on a winged leopard and controlling it. This composition symbolizes the firmness of will and the indestructibility of power.
Kok-Tobe TV Tower in Alma-Ata Nomosb Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Alma-Ata!
The Palace of the Republic
In addition to the Kok-Tobe TV tower, visible from all points of the city, among the religious buildings of Alma-Ata, the Palace of the Republic, capable of accommodating 3,000 people, can be noted. Exhibitions and important conferences are constantly held here, as well as concerts by world stars.
The Palace of the Republic in Alma Ata tjabeljan
Other interesting places of Alma-Ata
Not far from the Palace of the Republic there are such famous buildings of the city as the Kazakhstan Hotel and the Arman cinema. The first institution is a hallmark not only of Alma-Ata, but also of the whole republic, since the 102-meter high building of the USSR times is a symbol of the country.
Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral in Alma-Ata Stomac
An interesting place in the city, located in the park named after 28 Panfilov Guards, is the Russian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral, which was previously called the Turkestan Cathedral. The building is built of wood and has no equal in its beauty in the whole world. The exterior of the cathedral is impressive in its colorfulness, and especially 5 unusual colored domes with crosses. The interior of the building is also magnificent: manuscripts on the walls, an iconostasis with paintings and other iconic decorative elements that have been preserved since the beginning of the 20th century.
Official website: https://cathedral.kz
The Central Mosque in Alma Ata is a Marathon
In Alma-Ata, the main place of worship is the Central Mosque. It has an unusual appearance: a structure made in white, decorated with blue domes that symbolize harmony and simplicity. The courtyard of the mosque is equipped with a cozy park with alleys, benches and flower lawns, so it is comfortable to relax here. The building itself is one of the largest in the republic, it can accommodate up to 7,000 people.
Official website: https://azan.kz
The Central State Museum in Alma Ata Tisoiso
The city is famous for the Central State Museum, which is the largest in Kazakhstan. Here you can see the three hundred thousandth exhibition of exhibits of the republic’s heritage, presented by:
- national clothes; yurt; objects of nomadic tribes;
Household items – exhibits of the museum in Alma-Ata Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
- armor and weapons of warriors; embroidered items; jewelry.
Official website: https://csmrk.kz
Museums of Alma-Ata
The history of Alma-Ata can also be studied in the museum of the city. Although it has been opened recently, it has already collected a considerable number of historical objects: from the time of the Bronze Age to the present day. Among the interesting exhibitions, the following stand out:
- An art museum with an art gallery of works by Russian and Kazakh authors; A Natural museum with an exhibition dedicated to the flora and fauna of the republic; A Geological Museum with a unique collection of minerals.
Official website: https://www.gmirk.kz
The archaeological site in Alma-Ata M.prinke
During excavations in Kazakhstan, many important and valuable objects were found, including bones of ancient animals, fossils and disappeared minerals. All this can be viewed in the museums of Alma-Ata today, so the tour of the exhibitions will be informative and unforgettable.
Giraffes at the zoo in Alma Ata Aiganym Kairbekova
Where to go with a child in Alma-Ata
It is interesting to visit the Alma-Ata Zoo. On its rather large area there are sections with a variety of animals and an aquarium. Many of the species presented are in the Red Book. To relax in silence in nature, you can visit the “Park of the First President”, the territory is decorated with the largest fountain in the city.
Official website: http://almatyzoo.kz/
City fountain in the Park of the First President in Alma Ata Andrey.moiseyev
It will be interesting for children and adults to watch the bright circus performances. In the city, the circus building is decorated with a hyperbolic dome, erected in 1972 and recognized as an example of civic architecture. The key number at the circus arena is an equestrian performance with the participation of Zhaidarbek Kunguzhinov. Basically, the artists taking part in the performances are gymnasts, equilibrists, riders who have been awarded various prizes and won first places at many festivals and competitions.
Official website: https://circusalmaty.kz
The Green bazaar in Alma-Ata Spacekid
You can go to the huge colorful markets of Alma-Ata for memorable gifts. One of the most visited places by tourists is the Green Bazaar.
Winter attractions in Alma-Ata and outdoor activities
The ice rink of the Medeo sports complex in Alma Ata Vmenkov
Interesting photos of the sights of Alma-Ata are also presented in winter. So, it is definitely worth visiting the Medeo alpine sports facility, which is the largest in the world, at this time of the year. It is located in the eponymous tract of the Trans-Ili Alatau near Alma-Ata at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level. During the free period from competitions, which is from October to April, tourists and Almaty residents like to skate in the Medeo complex. On the outskirts of the city there are ski resorts where skiers, snowboarders, and ski freestylers like to spend time. Such favorite places include:
- Cimbulak – trails for beginners and experienced skiers are offered here, as well as downhill routes. During the summer, the ski resort organizes a camp for children, a rope park and guided hikes in the mountains; Tabagan is a sports and wellness complex operating all year round, where in summer you can ride mountain bikes, skate, play tennis and volleyball, visit saunas and massage rooms, and in winter there is a ski resort; Ak-Bulak – operates throughout the year. Here you can go skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.
Official website: https://medeu.com.kz
Beach on the shore of Kapchagai Lake Torekhan Sarmanov
Eco-tourism in Alma-Ata
After getting acquainted with all the interesting places, be sure to take a photo of the sights of Alma-Ata. Ecological tourists like to travel here, as there are numerous tourist routes near Almaty. Those who like to walk should visit the Ile-Alatau Nature Park. It has a large size and occupies over 200,000 hectares. More than 1000 different plants can be seen in the reserve, and the number of different animal species exceeds 1,500. Most of the animals and birds inhabiting the Ile-Alatau Nature Park are in the Red Book. The Almaty Nature Reserve with its lush coniferous and deciduous forest vegetation is no less attractive.
Official website: https://www.ile-alatau.kz
A great place for walking is the Kolsai Lakes Park. The name of this attraction indicates that there are beautiful alpine lakes on its territory. Tourists are given the opportunity to climb the mountains and admire numerous unique and interesting places along the way. There are also popular horseback rides in the foothills.
Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan Yuri Ivankov
Those who like to go down mountain reservoirs can go to the Ili River. It begins in the rocks of the Tien Shan, flowing into Lake Balkhash. The Altyn-Amel National Park is also located here.
All the sights in Alma-Ata are striking in their beauty and diversity. In the city and its surroundings, you can have a great rest according to your taste and financial capabilities. After visiting Alma-Ata, be sure to visit Astana! We have prepared for you an overview of the best sights of Astana so that you can be inspired to travel further around Kazakhstan.
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