12 Instagrammable places in Almaty

Almaty, in modern times, is considered tourism. Most importantly, the "pearl of Kazakhstan" has all the necessary cultural, historical, geographical and climatic conditions for this. In Almaty, for many years, impressive work on the development of the tourism business has been carried out. So shortly, the city is likely to leave the category of "exotic" and become known to the general public travellers around the world.

Where is Almaty?

Located in the south-eastern part of Kazakhstan, Almaty is a relatively young city, founded almost from scratch in 1854. Initially, this place was only a fortress. Still, the development of industry and railway communications helped the city to become the capital of Kazakhstan for a long 70 years - from 1928 to 1998. Almaty is the largest megalopolis, as well as the leading industrial, scientific and cultural centre of its state. This city is located at the foot of a mountain range at an altitude of 700 meters, the city has become a haven for many fans of winter sports, beautiful species lovers and untouched wildlife. The abundance of greenery, ancient national buildings and wide boulevards have turned Kazakh city into an Instagrammable place for tourism and numerous photoshoots. That is why we decided to share information with you and tell you where the most Instagrammable places in Almaty have found their home.

1. Park of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Located in the Bostandyk district of Almaty, the park is named after the First President of the country Nursultan Nazarbayev. Perhaps it is the most Instagrammable place in the city in terms of tourism.  The area of the park was 73 hectares, and construction, begun in 2001, is still ongoing. In the framework of the action "Beijing 2008" in Almaty, in honour of participating in the Olympic Torch Relay, more than 100 rare spruce trees were planted. After three years, in 2011, the park of the First President became the "home" for other hundred Tian Shan spruce trees. In the centre of the park, you can find a huge fountain and a monumental sculpture of Nursultan Nazarbayev timed to the 20th anniversary of the independence of Kazakhstan.

2. Esentai Tower, the tallest building in Kazakhstan

It is the highest building in the city, located on Al-Farabi Avenue. Esentai Tower was built in the period from 2006 to 2008, and its height is almost 170 meters (36 floors). Business centres are located on the first floors, and the top floors are occupied by offices and the famous Kazakhstan luxury hotel - "Ritz Carlton". Going up the high-speed elevator, you can take the most liked Instagram photo from a bird's-eye view - the windows of the tower are huge, and the whole city is open like on the palm of your hand.

3. Holy Ascension Cathedral, the main Orthodox temple

It is the main Orthodox temple in Almaty and the second most important in all of Kazakhstan. The temple was built almost 150 years ago, in the early 70s of the 19th century, and made entirely of wood - blue Tian Shan spruce. Its vault is "crowned" by five domes, and the highest point reaches a height of 56 meters. Holy Ascension Cathedral was able to survive a major earthquake in "turbulent" 1911 when other stone structures were destroyed to the ground. The sights of Almaty can never be mentioned without this monument of religion and culture - the embodiment of the power of faith, which can not be shaken by the passage of time. The temple functions in full force: services are conducted daily, the entrance is free.

4. The sports complex and the Medeo rink

"Medeo" is the central place of Almaty for all fans and admirers of winter sports. The sports complex found its home at an altitude of almost 1,700 meters above sea level in the southwestern part of the city. Local and international tournaments in hockey, alpine skiing, figure skating, biathlon, etc., are regularly held here. The area of ice cover is almost 11,000 m². There are several cafes and restaurants with national hot food and drinks on the complex's territory. Also, comfortable closets, sports equipment rent, skate sharpening and other services are available for tourists. The skating rink "Medeo" is open daily. The cost of a ticket for adults is about 900 tenge or about 150-160 rubles at the current rate. For children under seven years of age, admission is free.

5. Almaty Zoo, the oldest zoological parks

It is the largest zoo in Almaty and one of the oldest in the whole Kazakhstan - founded in 1937, the zoo was able to increase its area by three times in almost 100 years (currently 21.5 hectares). The number of its "inhabitants" during this period has increased by a hundred times! Among the animals, you can find here: Mammals of prey: lynxes, leopards, cougars, tigers, lions, panthers, jaguars, Himalayan bears, etc.; Smoky: rhinoceroses, zebras, African elephants, giraffes, hippopotami; Apes: gibbons, chimpanzees, macaques, monkeys, red lemurs, etc.; Primates: rhinos, zebras, African elephants, giraffes, hippos; Exotic birds: caviar, ostrich "Emu", rare species of swans, cranes and ducks; And also an aquarium and terrarium, with representatives of aquatic marine fauna from all over the planet. Almaty Zoo - a natural reserve, which belongs to the specially protected areas of Kazakhstan - more than 30 species of animals are listed in the Red Book. The zoo operates daily in winter and summer, except Tuesday of each week (sanitary day). The cost of a ticket for adults is 800 tenge or approximately 2 USD at the current rate. For children under seven years of age, admission is free.

6. Kok Tobe Amusement Park

It is located at the foot of the mountain at an altitude of over 1,100 meters; the park has received modern infrastructure, landscaped alleys and terraces, numerous attractions and restaurants. Almaty's highest building, the Kok Tobe TV Tower, is located here. But the park's main attraction is rightfully considered to be its cableway to the mountain range. The route, which is more than one and a half kilometres long, takes only 6 minutes and will not leave anyone indifferent - the views, opened during the ascent are not just "breathtaking" - they are perfect for creating stunning photographs against the background of nature. Perhaps in the park Kok Tobe, you will find the most Instagrammable places in Almaty. However, everyone has his or her taste. Kok Tobe Park is open around the clock; admission is free. The cost of climbing or descending by cable car (one way) is 1000 tenge or about 2.3 USD.

7. Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan

A team of talented architects headed by Sh. Valikhanov was able to recreate the idea of the first president N. Nazarbayev in reality - the Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan was erected on the Republic Square in 1996, and work on it was carried out for five long years. Many years of hard work did not go unnoticed - the sculpture became the most Instagrammable place in the city, and commemorative anniversary coins with the image of the monument were issued. The height of the architectural masterpiece was 28 meters. National symbols of the state: Baiterek and the Golden Man are engraved on the monument.

8. The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

It is the largest museum in Kazakhstan and one of the most significant in the whole of Central Asia. It was Founded in 1931, initially located on the territory of the Holy Ascension Cathedral, which we discussed above. Later, in 1985, the entire exposition was moved to a separate building where it is now. On the territory of the museum, you can find more than 200 thousand unique exhibits that tell about the culture and history of the Kazakh people since the 15th century. The exhibition consists of 5 halls, a separate "Museum of Anthropology" and "Open Fund" with expositions of gold and jewellery. The Central State Museum is located in the Medeu district of Almaty. The cost of a ticket for adults starts from 450 tenges, approximately 78 rubles.

9. Beatles Statue of Almaty

The Liverpool Four, cast in bronze, was immortalized in 2007 in the park Kok Tobe, which itself is an essential landmark of Almaty. The monument is made in the form of a bench, on which John Lenon, who plays forever "froze", and behind him the rest of the legendary rock band: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison. On the territory of the park, you can often hear the immortal hits played by the Beatles. If you are still wondering: "What to see in Almaty?", you should find the sculpture, which is entirely unique. The monument is located against the background of the Instagrammable places in the city, so it is perfect for the most liked Instagram photo of your Instagram. In the evening, the sculpture is illuminated.

10. Sairan, man-made lake in Almaty

It is a lake of artificial origin, and once in the 60s of last century, this place was in full swing mining of sand and gravel. In 1970, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Great Leader of the proletariat B. I. Lenin, it was decided to flood the pit, and the educated reservoir was named "Sairan", which means "Joy". The lake is located in the heart of the southern capital, in the neighbourhood of Tastak. It is a popular holiday destination for Almaty residents and all city guests, with a well-developed infrastructure: two well-equipped beaches, sports fields, piers, boat and catamaran rentals, cafes and bars on the coast.

11. Visit Glory Memorial on your trip to Almaty

The Republic of Kazakhstan, which was part of the Soviet Union until 1990, was actively and directly involved in the fight against the Nazi invaders. In 1975, in honour of the 30th anniversary of the Great Victory in the park, "28 Heroes of Panfilov" was erected a memorial "Memorial of Glory", and opposite it - "Eternal Flame". The pedestal is made of polished black stone, which reflects the heroes of the monument - Soviet soldiers of the Great Patriotic War - as in a mirror.  The memorial makes a powerful impression, where its special atmosphere reigns. The sights of Almaty can never be mentioned without this historical monument.

12. Zhibek Zholy Street, the centre of Almaty

Until 1917, Zhibek Zholy Street was called "Torgovaya". Before the revolution, there were merchants and noblemen's houses, various fairs and exhibitions. Even though more than 100 years had already passed, the street was able to preserve the spirit of that time. On weekends, artisans gathered in the street and exhibited their products for sale. By the way, Zhibek Zholy is the first place in Almaty, which was laid with stone. The street "Zhibek Zholy" is tacitly called "Moskovsky Arbat" - a place only for hiking, where you can meet hundreds of tourists and travellers, as well as artists, musicians, bards and other creative people. Life always "boils" on the street, not stopping for a minute...

What time is the best time to visit Almaty?

We have answered the questions: "Where is Almaty?" and "What to see in Almaty?", now it is time to talk about the trip. Late spring or early autumn is considered the best time to visit the former capital of Kazakhstan. From May to June and from late August to early October, the temperature is pleasantly warm, and rains are rare and short-lived. The summer period is usually boiling, with temperatures often rising above 30 degrees Celsius. Note that due to visa requirements for Kazakhstan, sometimes it can take 30 days to get your visa, so apply for it early to guarantee your trip. Winter should not be an obstacle for visiting Almaty, especially if you are interested in winter sports. Due to its location at the foot of the ridges "Tien Shan", the city has access to the ski slopes near the mountain "Shimbulak", as well as a large ice rink "Medeu". However, it would help if you remembered that the infrastructure is not as well developed as, for example, in the Alps.