Exploring Almaty in 5 Days

Day 1: City Center Discovery

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Navat

Start your day with a delicious traditional Kazakh breakfast at Navat, offering a variety of local dishes like Baursaki and Kazy.
Navat is located in the city center, easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Panfilov Park

Explore the beautiful Panfilov Park, home to the Zenkov Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst lush greenery.
Panfilov Park is a short walk from Navat, allowing for a pleasant morning walk.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dastarkhan

Indulge in a flavorful lunch at Dastarkhan, known for its authentic Kazakh cuisine such as Beshbarmak and Shorpo.
Dastarkhan is a short taxi ride away from Panfilov Park, offering a cozy ambiance.
$15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Green Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Green Bazaar, where you can shop for local fruits, nuts, and souvenirs.
Green Bazaar is within walking distance from Dastarkhan, making it a convenient afternoon stop.
$5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Kok Tobe Hill

Take a cable car ride to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and enjoy the amusement park and souvenir shops at the top.
You can reach the cable car station by a short taxi ride from Green Bazaar.
$20, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Belvedere

Enjoy a delightful dinner with a view at Belvedere, offering a mix of European and Kazakh dishes amidst a cozy setting.
Belvedere is located at the top of Kok Tobe Hill, providing a scenic dining experience.
$30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature Day at Medeu & Shymbulak

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Paul Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Paul Cafe, known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee.
Paul Cafe is located near the city center and offers a cozy ambiance to begin your day.
$12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Visit the famous Medeu Ice Skating Rink, known for its picturesque setting amidst the mountains and enjoy the scenic views.
You can take a taxi or a bus from the city center to reach Medeu within 30 minutes.
$8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tau Dastarkhan

Savor a delicious lunch at Tau Dastarkhan, offering a mix of traditional Kazakh and international cuisine with a view of the mountains.
Tau Dastarkhan is located near Medeu and provides a serene dining experience.
$18, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Skiing at Shymbulak Ski Resort

Head to Shymbulak Ski Resort for an afternoon of skiing or snowboarding amidst the stunning Tien Shan mountains.
You can take a taxi or a shuttle from Medeu to reach Shymbulak within 20 minutes.
$40, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shymbulak Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Shymbulak Restaurant, offering a range of international dishes with a view of the slopes and mountains.
Shymbulak Restaurant is located within the ski resort, providing a convenient dining option after your ski session.
$25, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Exploration in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Aksai Shashlyk

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Aksai Shashlyk, known for its delicious shashlik skewers and traditional Kazakh breakfast options.
Aksai Shashlyk is located in the city center, offering a cozy setting for a morning meal.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Explore the rich history and culture of Kazakhstan at the Central State Museum, housing a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibitions.
The museum is a short walk from Aksai Shashlyk, allowing for a cultural morning exploration.
$5, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Rumi

Indulge in a fusion of Middle Eastern and Kazakh cuisine at Rumi, offering a unique dining experience with flavorful dishes.
Rumi is located near the museum, providing a convenient lunch option after your visit.
$20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Arbat Street

Stroll along the vibrant Arbat Street, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers, offering a glimpse into local life and culture.
Arbat Street is a short walk from Rumi, making it a perfect afternoon walk to explore the city's vibe.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Almaty Central Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture of the Almaty Central Mosque and learn about Islamic culture and traditions in Kazakhstan.
The mosque is a walking distance from Arbat Street, allowing for a peaceful visit in the late afternoon.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Adai

Enjoy a cultural dining experience at Adai, known for its traditional Kazakh dishes and warm hospitality in a cozy setting.
Adai is located near the mosque, offering a convenient dinner option to end your cultural exploration day.
$15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Outdoor Adventure at Big Almaty Lake

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sunny Bistro

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Sunny Bistro, offering a range of healthy and fresh options to energize your outdoor adventure.
Sunny Bistro is located in the city center, providing a cozy spot to begin your day.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Big Almaty Lake

Embark on a scenic drive to Big Almaty Lake, a mesmerizing alpine reservoir surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine nature.
You can hire a taxi or join a guided tour to reach Big Almaty Lake, approximately an hour away from the city.
$30, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at the Lake

Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the crystal-clear waters of Big Almaty Lake, surrounded by the tranquility of the mountains and fresh air.
There are designated picnic spots around the lake, offering a serene setting for a relaxing lunch.
$10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike to Observatory

Embark on a scenic hike to the nearby observatory for panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, capturing breathtaking landscapes.
The hiking trail starts near the lake and offers a moderate trek with rewarding views.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dastarkhan

Relish a flavorsome dinner at Dastarkhan, offering a mix of traditional Kazakh and European dishes in a cozy mountain setting.
Dastarkhan is a short drive from Big Almaty Lake, providing a convenient dining option after your outdoor adventure.
$25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Shopping and Relaxation Day

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:30AM

Breakfast at Paulig Cafe

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Paulig Cafe, known for its freshly brewed coffee and a variety of breakfast options.
Paulig Cafe is centrally located, offering a cozy ambiance to kickstart your shopping day.
$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shop at Mega Park

Explore the Mega Park shopping center, housing a wide range of local and international brands, as well as cafes and entertainment options.
Mega Park is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation, providing a full day of shopping and leisure activities.
Variable, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Zheti Qazyna

Indulge in a flavorful lunch at Zheti Qazyna, offering a taste of traditional Kazakh cuisine in a modern setting.
Zheti Qazyna is located within Mega Park, providing a convenient dining option during your shopping spree.
$20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Arasan Baths

Unwind and relax at the Arasan Baths, featuring various thermal pools, saunas, and spa treatments for a rejuvenating experience.
Arasan Baths is a short taxi ride from Mega Park, offering a tranquil retreat after a day of shopping.
$30, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Mad Murphy's

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Mad Murphy's, a cozy Irish pub offering a mix of pub grub and international dishes with a lively atmosphere.
Mad Murphy's is located in the city center, providing a vibrant dining experience to end your shopping and relaxation day.
$25, 1.5 hours
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