Almaty Travel Guide: When To Go, Where To Stay & More

I’ve spent more than a week in Almaty and it’s easily my favourite city in Central Asia. Safe, friendly, cosmopolitan, and with epic mountains right on the doorstep, it’s a seriously underrated destination.

But, there isn’t a huge amount of information available (in English) about visiting Kazakhstan, which can make planning a trip a little tricky. That’s why I wrote this.

This practical Almaty travel guide covers everything you need to know before visiting. How to get there, the best time to go, where to stay, and essential local tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Need help planning your next trip? Hire me as your Personal Travel Planner!

Where is Almaty?

Almaty is located in southeastern Kazakhstan. Just north of the border with Kyrgyzstan, about 200 kilometres east of Bishkek, at the foot of the spectacular Tian Shan mountains.

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and was its capital until 1997.  For centuries, it was one of the most important trading cities on the ancient Silk Road.

Today, Almaty is still Kazakhstan’s main cultural and commercial hub and the financial capital of Central Asia.

Best Time to Visit Almaty

Almaty is a year-round destination, although its winters are long and can be extremely harsh.

The city is at its most pleasant during the summertime – June to September – when daytime temperatures tend to be between 20-30°C.

These months are the best for exploring the city on foot, as well as hiking in the surrounding mountains.

Spring (May and October) can also be a nice time to visit, with daytime temperatures often between 10-20°C, although you’ll need to wrap up warm in the evenings.  April receives the most rainfall.

The ski season in Shymbulak runs from November until May, though the best snow conditions usually occur between December and February. 

Be prepared for cold temperatures, often below -10°C, and a bitter wind chill.

Also, bear in mind that many of the best day trips from Almaty are much more difficult (though usually not impossible) during the winter months.

The roads can become extremely treacherous. And certain places (like Big Almaty Lake) might become off-limits entirely in the depths of winter.

How to Get to Almaty

Almaty International Airport is about 15 kilometres northeast of the city centre.

Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, is based at Almaty airport and often offers very competitive fares.

If coming from Europe, you can usually also pick up cheap fares with Pegasus Airlines and/or Belavia.  Recently, Wizz Air also started flying to Almaty (!), via Abu Dhabi.

Several other major international airlines also fly here, including Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Emirates, Aeroflot, and Air India.

Always check a price comparison site (like Skyscanner) for the best deals.

From the airport, it’s easy to get to the city centre, either using local busses (which depart frequently from just outside the terminal – follow the signs) or the ride-hailing app Yandex Go. 

Alternatively, if you’re coming from Kyrgyzstan, buses and marshrutkas run frequently between Bishkek and Almaty (Sayran bus terminal).   

The journey is usually pretty hassle-free and typically takes about 4 hours (depending on whether there are queues at the border).

Visas

Many nationalities (including citizens of the UK, EU, US, and Australia) can visit Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without needing a visa.

Keep the little card you receive from the immigration authorities, as you might be asked for this when you depart.

** If you do need a visa to visit Kazakhstan, I recommend using iVisa.com.  Their online visa processing service is quick, secure, and easy to use. **

Language

The two main languages spoken in Almaty are Kazakh (a Turkic language) and Russian.

Both languages use the Cyrillic alphabet.  I’d recommend familiarising yourself with this before your visit.

It’ll make reading signs – and generally getting around – so much easier!  See here for a helpful cheat sheet.

English is not widely spoken as a rule, although younger people are more likely to speak some English, as are staff in hotels and hostels. 

Either way, with a combination of friendly smiles, gestures, and Google Translate, you’ll be fine.

You may also find that people who are studying English ask to practise speaking with you once they realise that you’re an English speaker.  This is a great way to make new friends in the city. 🙂

Money

The currency of Kazakhstan is the tenge (KZT).  There are many ATMs around town, as well as currency exchange offices/kiosks.

While Almaty is one of the more expensive cities in Central Asia, it’s far cheaper than most of Europe/North America.

Public transport is super cheap (sub-$1 per ride), and taxis (although more) probably still won’t break the bank.

Those travelling on a tight budget can get a large meal in a cheap restaurant for around £4 ($5), and a bed in a hostel dorm for about the same.

Meals in smarter restaurants are likely to set you back between £15-20 ($20-30) per person.  Mid-range hotels are typically around £50 ($70) per night.

Getting Around Almaty

Although it’s a large city, many of the best places to visit in Almaty are within walking distance of each other. 

The city centre is well laid out (Soviet planning), green, and pleasant to explore on foot.

City buses travel all over the city on regular routes and can get you to wherever you want to go (including up to Medeu).  Google Maps is (usually) able to tell you which number bus to take.

Tickets cost 150 KZT ($0.35) per ride if purchased from the driver, or 80 KZT ($0.20) with an Onay card (see below).

Almaty also has a shiny new underground metro, although this only has one line and nine stations at present (it’s currently being extended).

While nowhere near as grand or impressive as the Moscow metro, some of the stations are attractively decorated.  Tickets are cheap, only 80 KZT ($0.20) per ride.

If you’re planning to use Almaty’s public transport network more than a couple of times, it’s worth picking up an Onay card.

This costs 400 KZT ($0.95), is sold at kiosks and metro stations, includes one free ride, and can be used to pay for both the metro and city buses.

You can top up the card either at a kiosk, online, or using the Onay app.  (See here for more info.)

Taxis in Almaty are more expensive than public transport, though still very cheap.

If you don’t speak Russian/Kazakh, the easiest option is to use the Yandex Go app (i.e. Russian Uber) to request a ride.

Alternatively, just stand on the side of the road with your arm out – somebody will quickly stop and ask where you want to go.

Be sure to negotiate the price in advance.  (Don’t pay more than 1,000 KZT for a journey of less than 3 km, or 2,500 KZT for less than 10 km).

Where to Stay in Almaty

Almaty has a decent range of accommodation for all budgets.

Budget Hostels

If you’re looking to meet and join forces with other travellers (e.g. to share the cost of a tour, or hire a car, etc.), hostels can be a good option.

These usually have both dorms and private rooms and are typically cheaper than staying in a hotel.

Almaty Backpackers (on Elebekov Street) is a great budget-friendly hostel where you’ll likely meet a mix of foreign travellers and Kazakhs visiting the city.

The staff are helpful and can arrange tours of Almaty and the surrounding area.

Sky Hostel (on Kurmangazy Street, near Baikonur metro station) is another good budget option.

Mid-Range Hotels

The iconic Kazakhstan Hotel is probably the most famous hotel in the country.  Built in 1977, this 26-storey building on Dostyk Avenue is a well-known landmark in Almaty.

The hotel has comfortable rooms, spa facilities, a good bar, and a restaurant on the top floor with fantastic views over the city.

It’s also well located, within easy walking distance from Republic Square, and on the number 12 bus route (which goes directly to Medeu).

Another great option is the Ambassador Hotel on Zheltoksan Street. 

Slightly cheaper than the Kazakhstan Hotel and with larger rooms (though fewer facilities), this comfortable hotel is excellent value for money.

Kazzhol Park Hotel Almaty on Nauryzbai Batyr Street is also very highly-reviewed.

Luxury Hotels in Almaty

There aren’t too many truly high-end hotels in Almaty, but there are a few.

The Ritz-Carlton is probably the best hotel in the city.  This luxurious 5-star hotel has an indoor pool, spa, hammam, and fitness centre.

There’s also an amazing 30th-floor bar and restaurant serving high-quality Kazakh and international cuisine.

If you’re happy to be located a few kilometres out of the city centre, check out the Swissôtel Wellness Resort Alatau Almaty.

Airbnb

Airbnb is starting to become more popular in Kazakhstan.

There’s an ever-increasing range of properties in Almaty, many of which are modern, well-equipped and good value.

This is a good one, though check what’s available on the dates you’ll be in town.

Why Visit Almaty?

Almaty has a very European feel, with its leafy green streets, outdoor restaurants, and vibrant cafe culture.  But there’s also something unmistakably different about the place.

Travelling here feels exciting and adventurous but at the same time easy and hassle-free.

The city (like the majority of Kazakhstan) has modern, efficient infrastructure, and a wealth of attractions to suit all interests (and budgets).

People are slowly starting to twig how great this place is though, so now is a perfect time to visit – before everybody else gets the memo.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Almaty is one of those cities that surprises you in all the right ways. It’s easy-going, full of character, and perfectly blends city life with mountain adventure.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or using it as a base to explore the rest of Kazakhstan, Almaty’s mix of culture, history, and nature makes it a brilliant place to spend time.

Once you’ve sorted the logistics, check out my guide to the best things to do in Almaty to start planning your itinerary.

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