Top 9 Must-See Attractions in Uzbekistan

Fringed by the mighty Tian Shan mountains, Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and former capital, serves as an excellent starting point for any journey through this expansive Central Asian nation. While Kazakhstan is justifiably renowned for its abundance of outdoor activities, the vibrancy of its most bustling metropolis, characterized by an eclectic mix of architecture and a lively arts scene, should not be overlooked.

Individuals who appreciate art, music, gastronomy, and more will discover ample activities to engage in, whether for a weekend or beyond.

1. Picnic, Dress Up, and Ride a Ferris Wheel at the Top of Kök-Töbe

Kök-Töbe (the Green Hill) ascends prominently above the city, making it a prime location for recreation amidst breathtaking views of the urban landscape and snow-capped mountains. At its summit, you will find an amusement park alongside numerous vendors offering Kazakh handicrafts and various souvenirs. Capture a photo in traditional attire, experience live music on summer evenings, and enjoy picnics on pleasant days. Although the atmosphere may feel somewhat tourist-centric, it undeniably provides a delightful experience. Moreover, it is not just frequented by tourists; the hill is immensely popular among locals as well. A notable aspect of any visit here is the cable-car journey, which costs 5000 tenge ($10.40) for a round trip.

2. Eat Like a Kazakh by Digging into a Plate of Horsemeat

While Almaty may not rival southern Shymkent as a hub for traditional cuisine, it boasts the most diverse food scene in the country, along with numerous establishments worthy of exploring national dishes. The most prevalent type of restaurant in Almaty features shashlik, skewered meat grilled to perfection. For a unique dining experience where you can savor beshbarmak, the renowned Kazakh specialty of horsemeat complemented by flat noodles, consider visiting Abay on Kök-Töbe or Sandyq, an upscale chain.

3. Check Out Central Asia’s Liveliest Club Scene

Interested in experiencing the nightlife alongside Central Asia’s socialites? Almaty is the place to be. Red Room is celebrated for its electrifying DJ performances, while the younger demographic gravitates towards the aptly named The Club. For those wishing to continue the festivities until dawn, Gogol Night Club hosts after parties that extend until 8am on Saturdays.

4. Get Lashed with Oak Leaves at Arasan Baths

After a day of exploration in the city, a hiking or skiing trip to nearby Shymbulak, or to simply initiate your adventure in Kazakhstan, head to the Arasan Baths. Located in the city center, this striking bathhouse, dating from the ’70s, marries traditional Central Asian bathhouse features with high-Soviet Modernist aesthetics.

Prepare to spend around two hours navigating through a Finnish sauna, Russian banya, as well as Moroccan and Turkish hammams (steam rooms). Consider extending your stay by arranging a massage or traditional veniki (whipping with oak leaves). Entrance fees start at 1500–2000 tenge (US$3–4) per hour, with additional charges for enhancements like massages or rentals of towels and sandals.

5. Consider Russian and Soviet History at Panfilov Park

Located in the heart of the city, Panfilov Park stands as Almaty’s most frequented green space. Established in the 19th century, the graceful park is laid out around the enchanting yellow Ascension (or Zenkov) Cathedral, which sits at its core. Today, many of the park’s monuments – including the monument to Ivan Panfilov, for whom the park is named; an eternal flame honoring fallen heroes; and various Soviet-era tanks and artillery – visually convey the narrative of Soviet military heritage.

6. Enjoy a Dose of Culture at Top-Notch Museums

Immerse yourself in Kazakh history at the Central State Museum – featuring prehistoric artifacts, traditional carved balbal columns, and exquisite gold decorations. While not all exhibition texts may be available in English, numerous distinctive items articulate their significance without words. The Kazakhstan Museum of Arts boasts the world’s largest collection of Kazakh art, particularly a captivating array of works by Soviet-realist painter Abylkhan Kasteev (1904–73). The Tselinny Contemporary Arts Center, set to reopen in January 2025 following renovations, is the place to discover fresh and innovative Kazakh artists.

7. Haggle for Groceries at the Green Market

A visit to the bazaar is imperative when in Central Asia, and Almaty’s most prominent and aesthetically pleasing is the bustling Green Market. Here, you can purchase your groceries, unearth herbs sourced from the Kazakh mountains, stock up on Chinese teas, and much more. Dried fruits and nuts from neighboring Uzbekistan are also plentiful.

Be sure to visit the dairy section, where you’ll encounter stalls offering kurut, the salty cheese that sustains shepherds on horseback as they traverse the expansive steppe. (It is rumored that this delicacy pairs well with local vodka.)

Planning tip: Do not hesitate to negotiate prices at the bazaar; it is customary.

8. Take to the Slopes of Shymbulak…

The magnificent Tian Shan mountains tower over Almaty, positioning the ski resort of Shymbulak a mere 20-minute journey from the city center. Winter patrons can navigate around 20km (12.5 miles) of slopes, utilizing eight lifts to ascend the mountain. Equipment rentals for both skis and apparel are available on-site.

The resort also serves as an excellent summer retreat, with numerous hiking trails, various mountain dining options, and horseback riding excursions.

Planning tip: Bus number 12 departs every half hour from the city center to the Medeu ice rink. From there, you can easily catch the lift to the resort.

9. …or Take to the Ice at Medeu

Strap on your ice skates and glide across the world’s highest skating rink. Once a critical training hub for ice skaters due to its advantageous altitude, the Medeu skating rink is conveniently located just a brief journey from the city.

Notably, over 200 speed records have been established on this ice, attributed in part to the advantageous crisp and cold air. The rink remains open year-round; summer skating costs 1500 tenge (US$3) per hour, while winter skating is priced at 2400 tenge (US$5) per hour. Skate rentals are usually around 1000 tenge (US$2).

Detour: Nearby is the renowned 842-step “Health Ladder,” which offers a stunning view of the mountains from its summit.

10. Attend a Concert in a Soviet-Era Palace

Constructed in the ‘70s, the grand Palace of the Republic serves as Almaty’s primary concert hall, offering an excellent venue for Kazakh folk and classical music performances. Originally designed to accommodate party meetings and union rallies, it now hosts a variety of conferences and gatherings. During the summer, outdoor festivals, such as the Spirit of Tengri, extend from the palace into the adjacent square.

Alternatively, seek tickets for a performance at the Zhambyl Kazakh State Philharmonic, a location that provides a more intimate and classic ambiance.

Local tip: The Museum of Folk Musical Instruments located off Panfilov Square occasionally hosts traditional music concerts as well.

11. Catch an Uyghur-Language Performance

If you prefer your theatrical arts accompanied by engaging staging, do not miss a performance at the Uighur Theatre. The lineup varies from contemporary plays and musicals to classic dramas, all performed in the Uyghur language. While complete comprehension may not be possible, you are guaranteed a memorable experience.

Planning tip: The Uyghur community has been a significant minority in Almaty since the 1800s. On Yassawi St in the Druzhba neighborhood, you will find numerous establishments offering Uighur lagman, a rich dish featuring noodles, meat, and vegetables.

12. Admire All the Street Art

Architecturally, Almaty unveils numerous surprises—including towering domes, Soviet-era apartment complexes, and shining skyscrapers. Many buildings are adorned with exceptional street art, which deserves attention, particularly in the Golden Quarter, the heart of the scene. While large-scale murals were prevalent in Soviet urban planning, a new wave of artists has revitalized this tradition over the past 15 years. Common themes include designs that incorporate nomadic imagery and Central Asian fauna, with occasional subversive elements manifesting as cryptic messages in ancient glyphs.

Planning tip: Walking Almaty offers excellent street art tours, which can be seen as a worthy investment.

This article was first published on Feb 25, 2020, and updated on Oct 7, 2024.