Medeu Skating Rink
KZT 1,800–3,000 + KZT 1,000 skate rental
≈ $4–6 USD
2–3 hoursGoogle Maps
The world's highest Olympic-size rink (1,691 m). Walking around the rink and the mudflow dam viewpoint is free ~ you only pay to skate.
Kazakhstan's biggest city sits right under the Tian Shan mountains, so half of its best sights are alpine day-outs. Entry fees are refreshingly cheap ~ the cable cars and day trips are where the money goes.
Bring $45–60
This covers every paid entry below; add $30–50 per person for a Big Almaty Lake or Charyn Canyon day tour.
Shymbulak Ski Resort
KZT 8,000–10,000 gondola round trip
≈ $15–19 USD
Half dayGoogle Maps
Ride the gondola up from Medeu even in summer ~ the Talgar Pass views are worth it. Winter ski passes start around KZT 18,000/day.
Kok Tobe Hill
KZT 6,000–8,000 cable car round trip
≈ $12–15 USD
2–3 hoursGoogle Maps
Go 1 hour before sunset for golden city views. Park entry itself is free once you're up; rides and the mini-zoo cost extra.
Ascension (Zenkov) Cathedral
Free
30–60 minGoogle Maps
One of the world's tallest wooden buildings, built without a single nail (so the legend goes). It sits in Panfilov Park ~ combine both in one walk.
Big Almaty Lake
KZT 200–1,000 eco-fee · tour/taxi KZT 15,000–25,000
≈ $2 entry · $30–50 transport USD
Half dayGoogle Maps
The turquoise color peaks June–September. It's a border-zone area ~ bring your passport, and note swimming is prohibited (it's a drinking-water reservoir).
Charyn Canyon
KZT 730–1,500 entry · day tour KZT 15,000–25,000
≈ $1.50–3 entry · $30–50 tour USD
Full day (200 km from Almaty)Google Maps
Kazakhstan's 'Grand Canyon'. The Valley of Castles walk is an easy 2–3 km. Shared day tours are the cheapest way out here ~ book a day ahead.
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)
Free entry
1–2 hoursGoogle Maps
Try kurt (salty cheese balls), fresh horse-milk kumis, and mountains of dried fruit. Bring small cash ~ cards are rare and haggling is expected.
Central State Museum
KZT 500–1,000
≈ $1–2 USD
1–2 hoursGoogle Maps
The quickest crash course in Kazakh history ~ from Saka gold to the Soviet era. A replica of the famous Golden Man armor lives here.
Prices are approximate (as of 2026), based on our visits and official rates, and can change with seasons and exchange rates. Always double-check official websites before you go.
Photos are free-license images from Wikimedia Commons ~ tap the credit on any photo for its author and license.