My DIY Almaty Walking Tour (The Route I’d Actually Do Again)

During my sabbatical break in 2024, I traveled to Almaty and had an amazing time outside the city. I was out chasing landscapes: the dramatic views of Charyn Canyon, the surreal sunken forest of Kaindy Lake, and the alpine beauty of Kolsai Lakes. I even squeezed in a hike around Shymbulak and slowed things down with a proper reset at Arasan Wellness & Spa Complex.

But looking back, I realized I never really wrote about the city itself. So this time, I’m sharing my DIY Almaty walking tour, based on the exact route I’d happily do again.

City Overview: Almaty

Although Almaty is no longer the capital, it remains the country’s largest city and is often called the “Southern Capital.” It’s still the financial and cultural hub of Kazakhstan.

The city itself is a mix of modern cafés, Soviet-era buildings, and leafy streets, all with the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains quietly sitting in the background. It’s hard not to like it.

In some ways, it reminded me of Bishkek, but with a bit more energy and personality.

It’s also one of those cities that’s easy to explore on foot. The grid layout makes it simple to navigate, and if you don’t mind walking, you can cover quite a lot in a day without needing transport.

My Almaty Walking Tour Route (Stops, Clusters & Highlights)

Technically, I didn’t explore Almaty in one full day. I visited most of these places in clusters based on their proximity.

But if I were to do it again (which I honestly would), this is the exact route I’d follow.

Stop 1-3: Markets & Local Life

Whenever I travel to a new destination, I like starting in the part of the city that feels the most alive.

It’s also where I usually look for souvenirs early in the trip. Food, sweets, and small things I can come back for later. I’ve learned the hard way that leaving it for the last day almost always ends in rushed decisions… or overpriced airport purchases.

Green Bazaar

So naturally, the first stop is the bustling Green Bazaar.

Inside, you’ll find dried fruits, fresh produce, local snacks, and rows of what looks like the Kazakh version of kimchi. It’s not as overwhelming as Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, but it is similarly neat and lively.

Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great glimpse into what people here actually eat and buy.

Lotte Rakhat Factory (quick stop)

Just a short walk away, you’ll find a shop from one of Kazakhstan’s most well-known chocolate brands.

I initially thought I could visit the factory itself (I didn’t research that part well enough), but it turns out it’s more of a retail stop. Still, it’s a good place to pick up local sweets—either for yourself or as souvenirs.

Central Mosque (optional detour)

A few minutes away from the bazaar, this is one of the largest mosques in the city.

I didn’t go inside, but even from the outside, the golden domes are hard to miss. The area also feels noticeably calmer compared to the market, which makes it a nice contrast if you have time for a short detour.

Stop 4-&: Panfilov Park & City Landmarks

From the market area, I suggest walking towards the calmest parts of Almaty. This is where the pace slows down a bit. You could use some reflection, meditation, and a bit of a history class.

Panfilov Park

Starting with the most peaceful places in the city, the Panfilov Park.

It’s wide, green, and filled with locals just going about their day. Some are walking, sitting, or just enjoying the space. You cannot miss this space at all. If anything, this is where you even slow down a bit. No need to rush, and buy that ice cream!

Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)

Right inside the park, you’ll find this bright, almost unreal-looking cathedral with its colorful towers.

It’s easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in Almaty, and it shows in every postcard, fridge magnet, or any piece of souvenir. What makes it even more interesting is that it was built entirely out of wood—without nails—which makes it even harder to believe when you see it up close.

It’s open to the public and free to enter, but even just seeing it from the outside is already worth the stop.

Memorial of Glory & Eternal Flame

On the other side of the park, you will find the Memorial of Glory & Eternal Flame. The Memorial of Glory is a war memorial dedicated to soldiers who fought during World War II, with the Eternal Flame at its center symbolizing remembrance.

It feels noticeably more solemn here compared to the rest of the park. You’ll often see people pausing quietly here, which says a lot about its significance.

Museum of Musical Instruments (optional)

Right next to the memorial, you’ll notice a striking wooden building, which I later found out is the Museum of Musical Instruments.

I didn’t go inside during my visit, but I am really intrigued by their extensive collection of national musical instruments. If you’re interested in traditional music and cultural artifacts, this could be worth adding to your route. Otherwise, it’s just as easy to admire from the outside and continue your walk.

Stop 8-10: Arbat & City Streets

From the park, start walking toward the more lively side of Almaty.

This is where the city starts to feel more social. It's less about landmarks, more about small moments, people-watching, and just being outside.

Arbat Street

Taking its name from Arbat Street in Moscow, this pedestrian zone is filled with street performers, small stalls, cafés, and people just hanging out.

If you need a break at this point, this is the place to do it. Grab a coffee, sit for a while, and watch the city move.

Astana Square & Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU Park Area)

Not too far from Arbat, you’ll naturally pass through this area.

There’s nothing particularly overwhelming here, and I didn’t spend much time during my first visit. But looking back, I think I missed the point.

This is the kind of place where you slow down a bit and just observe everyday city life. Observe students, people passing through, and others just sitting around. If I were to do it again, I’d probably linger a little longer.

Stop 11-14: Abay Avenue & Open Spaces

From the busier streets, continue walking toward the wider, more open parts of the city.

Central State Museum (optional extension)

A bit further out from the square, you’ll find the Central State Museum.

Similar to the National History Museum in Bishkek, it’s large and filled with collections that dive into the country’s history and culture.

I wasn’t much of a museum person before, but visiting both museums like this changed that for me. If you’re curious, it’s worth adding. Otherwise, it’s easy to skip and keep the walk light.

Abay Square & Palace of the Republic

Abay Square is open and spacious, right in the heart of the city.

Nearby, you’ll also find the cable car station going up to Kok Tobe Hill, along with the well-known Hotel Kazakhstan.

Behind the square, the Palace of the Republic adds that slightly monumental, Soviet-era feel.

It was quite busy when I visited. There was an event happening, so I didn’t stay long. But it’s one of those places I’d like to come back to on a quieter day and just take it in properly.

Kok Tobe Hill (optional extension)

If you still have energy (and time), I’d recommend ending the day here. I saved the best for last!

You can either take a taxi or ride the cable car up. At the top, you’ll get a full view of the city with the mountains behind it, which honestly ties everything together.

If you’re looking for a sunset spot, this is one of the best places to be.

If you're interested, I wrote a full guide to Kok Tobe Hill in Almaty:
👉 Continue reading: Kok Tobe Hill in Almaty: How to Visit on a Budget & What to Expect

💡 Tips From My Experience

• Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll walk more than you expect
• Don’t overplan stops – Some of the best moments are between them
• Bring cash – Especially for the bazaar
• Start earlier – The city feels calmer in the morning

Almaty Walking Tour Itinerary

As a slow traveler, I usually follow the highlights mentioned above at my own pace. Sometimes, even spreading them across a couple of days.

But if you prefer to see everything in one go, here’s a simple one-day route you can follow (best to do during spring or autumn when the weather is more comfortable):

• 9:00 AM – Start at Green Bazaar
• 10:00 AM – Quick stop at Rakhat Factory
• 11:00 AM – Optional detour to Central Mosque
• 12:00 PM – Walk to Panfilov Park
• 12:30 PM – Explore Zenkov Cathedral
• 1:00 PM – Stop by Memorial of Glory
• 1:30 PM – Optional stop inside the Museum of Musical Instruments
• 2:00 PM – Head to Arbat Street (coffee or late lunch)
• 3:30 PM - Pass by Astana Square & walk through Kazakh-British Technical University area
• 5:00 PM – Optional visit to Central State Museum
• 6:00 PM – Walk along Abai Avenue toward Abay Square & Palace of the Republic
• 7:00 PM - Optional sunset at Kok Tobe Hill

This itinerary is just a guide. Feel free to skip stops, stay longer where you like, or spread it out over a couple of days if you prefer a slower pace.

Final Thoughts on My DIY Almaty Walking Tour

From my experience, there’s really no such thing as a “perfect” walking tour.

It’s meant to be taken slowly. Less about ticking off landmarks, more about enjoying everything in between. And that’s exactly how this route in Almaty came together.

It’s a mix of everything: religious sites, Soviet-era architecture, small pieces of history, local markets, and the everyday rhythm of the city. It covers the main highlights, but more importantly, it captures what Almaty feels like. Something green, spacious, a little Soviet, a little modern, and always with the mountains quietly in the background.

At the end of the day, this isn’t meant to be followed perfectly. It’s flexible, a bit unstructured, and leaves plenty of room for spontaneous stops and small discoveries along the way.

If you do try this route, use it as a guide—but don’t be afraid to make it your own.

👉 Prefer a guided experience?
If you’d rather explore with a local guide, here are a few tours worth checking out:

💡 Planning a trip to Kazakhstan? Here are some useful resources for you:

• Travel Story: Alone but Not Lonely: My Solo Travel through the Great Steppe of Kazakhstan
• Budget Accommodation: Wanderlust Hostel in Almaty
• Hiking Suggestion: A Morning Hike in Small Almaty Gorge in Shymbulak
• Sightseeing: Charyn Canyon National Park & Tour to Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lakes
• Experience(s): Banya Experience in Arasan Wellness & Spa Complex
• Border Crossing: Almaty to Bishkek by Public Bus (Ak-Zhol Border)