Welcome to Almaty! Start your trip by checking-in to a family-friendly hotel. Use Kayak to find the best hotel deals. After settling in, head to Panfilov Park in the morning. This beautiful park offers a peaceful oasis with playgrounds for kids and a colorful array of flowers. In the afternoon, visit the Central State Museum to learn about Kazakhstan's rich history. For the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Kazakh cuisine.
Panfilov Park: Free admission, 2 hours
Central State Museum: 1000 KZT (approximately $2.50) per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Cafe Namaste, a cozy restaurant known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. A meal here costs around 700 KZT per person.
For lunch, visit Urban Kitchen, a trendy spot offering a variety of healthy and flavorful dishes, including salads, wraps, and sandwiches. You can expect to spend around 2000 KZT per person for a meal.
For dinner, head to Adai Kazan, a traditional Kazakh restaurant that serves mouthwatering Kazakh cuisine. From hearty meat dishes to flavorful soups, a meal here costs around 3000 KZT per person.
Saturday, August 26: Family Adventure at Medeu and Shymbulak
Start your day by visiting Medeu, a high-altitude ice skating rink surrounded by picturesque mountains. Enjoy skating or watch professional athletes practice. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to Shymbulak Ski Resort, where you can enjoy stunning views and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking or horseback riding. Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at a restaurant in Shymbulak.
Medeu: 2000 KZT (approximately $5) per person for ice skating, 2-3 hours
Shymbulak Ski Resort: 4000 KZT (approximately $10) per person for cable car ride, additional charges may apply for activities, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Mugg & Bean is a popular breakfast spot located in Almaty. It offers a variety of breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 KZT per person.
Lunch: Hane Sushi is a fantastic sushi restaurant located in Almaty. It offers a wide selection of fresh sushi and sashimi dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 3000 KZT per person.
Dinner: Sultan's Restaurant is a delightful restaurant that specializes in traditional Kazakh cuisine. It offers dishes such as beshbarmak and plov. Average cost for a meal is about 5000 KZT per person.
Sunday, August 27: Almaty Zoo and Botanical Garden
Start your morning with a visit to Almaty Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals from different continents. Explore the zoo and learn about the conservation efforts in place. In the afternoon, head to Almaty Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with beautiful gardens and exotic plants. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. For the evening, consider a visit to Green Bazaar, an iconic local market, to experience the vibrant atmosphere and try local snacks.
Almaty Zoo: 600 KZT (approximately $1.50) per person, 2-3 hours
Green Bazaar: Free admission, cost varies for snacks and souvenirs, 1-2 hours
Monday, August 28: Charyn Canyon Exploration
Embark on a day trip to Charyn Canyon, a natural wonder located just a few hours away from Almaty. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes, deep canyons, and unique rock formations. Enjoy a picnic amidst the stunning surroundings or opt for a guided hiking tour. Make sure to capture some memorable family photos against the backdrop of this incredible natural beauty. Head back to Almaty in the late afternoon.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at BreadLab, a cozy bakery that offers a wide selection of freshly baked goods, including pastries, breads, and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 KZT per person.
For lunch, head to Sultan Saray, a traditional Kazakh restaurant that serves delicious dishes like beshbarmak and manty. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great place for a family lunch. Average cost for a meal is about 4000 KZT per person.
End your day with dinner at Mad Murphy's, a family-friendly Irish pub with a wide range of dishes on the menu, including burgers, pizzas, and traditional Irish fare. The lively atmosphere and live music make it a fun spot for the whole family. Average cost for a meal is about 5000 KZT per person.
Tuesday, August 29: Almaty Central Park and Kok Tobe
In the morning, visit Almaty Central Park, a popular recreational area with a lake, amusement rides, and beautiful gardens. Take a boat ride on the lake, rent bicycles, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll. For lunch, try some local street food from the food stalls within the park. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to Kok Tobe, the highest point in the city. Enjoy panoramic views of Almaty, explore the mini-zoo, and visit the famous TV tower. Have dinner at one of the restaurants on Kok Tobe.
Almaty Central Park: Free admission, costs vary for boat rides and bike rentals, 3-4 hours
Kok Tobe: 3000 KZT (approximately $7.50) per person for cable car ride, additional charges may apply for mini-zoo and other attractions, 2-3 hours
Wednesday, August 30: Family Day at Almaty Water Park
Spend your last day in Almaty at the Almaty Water Park, a perfect place for family fun and relaxation. Enjoy thrilling water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Have a picnic in the designated picnic areas or grab a meal from the park's cafes. End your trip with a refreshing dip in the pools. In the evening, pack your belongings and bid farewell to Almaty.
Almaty Water Park: 4000 KZT (approximately $10) per person, 4-6 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Almaty, make sure to visit Big Almaty Lake, located in the mountains just outside the city. This stunning lake offers breathtaking views and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. Another local favorite is the Almaty Zoo Night Show, where you can witness the zoo's inhabitants in a different light, with special performances and activities. These off the beaten path attractions and local favorites provide unique experiences for families visiting Almaty.