Entertainment in Almaty: things to do and places to go

Things to do and places to go — open any day, plus events with dates — updated every day.

Kok-Tobe

A hill-park with an observation deck, TV tower, and attractions that serves as Almaty's main panoramic viewpoint.

Panfilov Park 28

Almaty's main historical park spanning about 18 hectares, featuring the Monument to Glory and an Eternal Flame.

Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral)

A striking wooden cathedral and one of the tallest wooden churches in the world, featuring distinctive golden walls and blue cupolas.

Green Bazaar

The oldest covered market in Almaty, one of the city's iconic symbols.

Respublika Square / Independence Monument

The main city square featuring the Independence Monument stele and the Golden Man sculpture.

Arbat (Zhibek Zholy Street)

Almaty's main pedestrian street and local version of Moscow's famous Arbat, beloved for its European-style atmosphere and leisure strolls.

Botanical Garden

Kazakhstan's premier botanical garden featuring plant collections from around the world.

Gorky Park (Central Park of Culture and Recreation)

The oldest and largest amusement park in Almaty.

Terrenkur

An asphalt health trail along the Malaya Almatinka River.

Almaty Zoo

Kazakhstan's oldest zoo — 21 hectares with over 380 animal species.

Sunkkar Falcon Breeding Center

Kazakhstan's only raptor breeding facility specializing in the breeding of falcons for falconry.

Hawaii-Miami Water Park

A year-round indoor water park with spa facilities featuring Central Asia's largest wave pool.

Evrikum Contact Mini-Zoo

A contact zoo located inside a shopping mall where you can pet and feed various animals.

Metro RC Karting

An indoor two-level karting track—the only one of its kind in the CIS countries.

Furmanov Peak

A popular day hiking route to a 3,053-meter summit without requiring specialized mountaineering equipment.

Bukreev Peak

A 3,010-meter mountain named in honor of alpinist Anatoly Bukreev.

Kumbel Peak

One of the most recognizable peaks above Almaty, standing at approximately 3200 meters.

Bolshoy Talgar Pass

A mountain pass at 3,163 meters offering panoramic views and accessible via cable car.

Mynzhylki

A vast alpine plateau meaning "a thousand horses" in Kazakh, situated at high altitude in the mountains near Almaty.

Tuyuksu Glacier

One of the most studied glaciers in the world, under scientific observation since 1956.

Kimasar Gorge

A forested gorge with a waterfall and viewpoint featuring a swing — a popular first mountain hike.

Panorama Peak

A subsidiary summit adjoining Furmanov Peak with an even broader panoramic view.

Ayusay Gorge

The 'Bear Gorge' featuring a cascade of three waterfalls and its own visitor center.

Old Japanese Road

Remnants of a road built by Japanese prisoners of war during World War II.

Mokhnatka Mountain

A forested peak standing at approximately 2280 meters with views of Shymbulak and the city.

Turgen Gorge and Kairak Waterfall

A large forested gorge with several waterfalls, the highest of which is Kairak at approximately 55 meters.

Prokhidnoe Gorge and Terra Meadow

One of the closest genuine mountain gorges to the city, featuring an open meadow with views over Almaty.

Ak-Bulak

A ski resort nestled in a pine forest that stretches right up to the slopes.

Oi-Qaragai "Forest Fairy Tale"

A year-round mountain resort featuring one of Asia's largest zipline systems.

Tyan-Shan Astronomical Observatory

An active astronomical observatory open for tourist tours by prior arrangement.

Tamgaly-Tas

Buddhist images and mantras carved into rock cliffs above the Ili River.

Trout Farm in Talgar

A trout farm on a mountain river offering fishing with the opportunity to cook your catch on-site.

Assy-Turgen Observatory

A newer observatory with the largest telescope in Central Asia, located on a high-altitude plateau east of Almaty.

Gorelnik

Free hydrogen sulfide and radon thermal springs in the Ile-Alatau National Park.

Alma-Arasan

More than 16 thermal hydrogen sulfide and radon springs with equipped pools.

Altyn-Arai Equestrian Sports Complex

A modern riding club featuring trails for all skill levels and professional instruction.

Tabagan

A year-round sports resort offering skiing and snowboarding in winter and a full range of outdoor activities in summer.

Ushkonyr Plateau

A plateau featuring one of the region's main paradromes with reliable thermal currents and excellent flying conditions.

GORA Glamping

A glamping retreat featuring 10 well-appointed bell tents with views of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains.

Entertainment in Almaty

Almaty Open: Complete Tournament Program

FIA Central Asia Drifting Cup 2026