Lakes, Bazaars, and Hilltops: The Perfect Almaty Weekend 🇰🇿

Almaty, or the City of Apples, is the largest city in Kazakhstan and the former capital. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Almaty blends modern city life with breathtaking natural beauty. With its prime location in Central Asia, it has become easier than ever to visit this wonderful city. Here are my recommendations for a weekend in Almaty: 1️⃣ Zenkov Cathedral Built in 1907 during the Russian Empire, Zenkov Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in downtown Almaty. The colorful building is surrounded by Panfilov Park, a popular green space for locals and tourists alike. After exploring the interior of the cathedral it’s the perfect spot to people-watch or have a picnic. 2️⃣ Green Bazaar The Green Bazaar is a traditional Central Asian market full of the hustle and bustle of local life. It mainly caters to locals, with friendly vendors selling fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. You’ll also find souvenirs, textiles, and plenty of photography opportunities. 3️⃣ Kok-Tobe Hill A short cable car ride will take you 200 meters above Almaty to a fun and lively recreation area. After soaking up the views of the city below, enjoy some thrills on the fairground rides or hunt down the Beatles Monument. 4️⃣ Almaty Metro Despite its small size (one line), the Almaty Metro one of the most beautifully decorated metro systems in the world. For around 80 Kazakhstani Tenge (about $0.20), you can ride the entire line stopping at each station to take photos. The most beautiful stations are Abay, Almaly, and Baikonur. 5️⃣ Lake Issyk Travel about one hour outside of Almaty to the stunning alpine Lake Issyk. The turquoise waters are surrounded by spruce forests where you can hike along the shore, have a picnic, or spot wildlife. Several tour companies offer day trips from Almaty to Lake Issyk, and I can recommend ‘Kazakhstan Guided Tours’. 🏨 Where to Stay: I love hotels with incredible views, so I chose the Reikartz Sky Hotel near downtown Almaty. Rooms are quiet, spacious, and affordable. The buffet breakfast is served on the rooftop, offering incredible mountain views. 🥟 Where to Eat: 🥩 Navat 🥟 Darejani 🍝 Nedelka ☕️ Jump-in-Goat Coffee #localguides #historicallandmarks #kazakhstan #almaty #trip #tripmoments #travel #explore #asia