Almaty is the rarest gem you can find in Central Asia and also one of the largest cities in Kazakhstan. People flock to the “Southern Capital” of the country because it has a certain exotic vibe. Like other regions of Kazakhstan, you can also find a powerful mix of different cultures here.
Some travelers believe that Almaty is the best city to visit because of its warm atmosphere compared to all other places in the post-Soviet space in Central Asia. The unique combination of buildings, roads, and green areas will definitely give you a feeling of relaxation in Almaty. Also, the city is more laid-back compared to other places because people usually walk slowly rather than rushing around the streets.
History
Alma-Ata is one of the first settlements to be established in Central Asia, long before the country came into existence. In fact, people already lived here in the Bronze Age, but the settlement was only recognized after the 13th century due to its strategic importance in the silk trade. It was during this time that Alma-Ata became an ancient city and the gateway of Asia to Europe.
Unfortunately, you won’t find any remnants of this past today, because the appearance of Almaty has been heavily influenced by Soviet culture. The buildings are designed in such a way that they are small model blocks, which really shows the great influence of the former USSR on this part of the world. Almaty is considered the birthplace of apples, as the name of the city comes from an old word meaning “father of apples”.
People
The locals of Almaty are very warm and friendly. Foreigners will definitely feel at home the moment they come here because everyone is welcoming and does not hesitate to offer help if needed. One of the distinctive cultural features of this city compared to other cities in Kazakhstan is that people are obsessed with coffee. They are so passionate about this drink that they are willing to sell it at a lower price to allow every resident of the city to enjoy their own cup. Local cafes also offer great food! Some of the best coffee places to visit when in Almaty are Marrone Rosso, Urban Coffee, Treveler's Coffee, and Nedelka.
Sightseeings
Here are some of the recommended places you can go to when you visit Almaty:
- Zenkov Cathedral is the tallest wooden cathedral in the world.
- The Heroes of War Monument is a Soviet memorial dedicated to the heroic efforts of the USSR troops during World War II. If you are an art enthusiast, you will definitely enjoy the details of this masterpiece.
- Charyn Canyon - A picturesque view of the city buildings. The canyon in the Charyn River is located to the east of the city, which is often compared to the Grand Canyon of the United States for its equally impressive beauty.
- Big Almaty Lake is a natural reservoir of tectonic origin, which is located 15 km south of Almaty. One of the greatest features of this lake is that the color of the water changes from turquoise to green at any time of the year. The Tien Shah Observatory is also located near this place.
Other practical information about Alma-Ata:
Be sure to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Although there are plenty of places to stay in Almaty, only a few hotels have the best deals. ATMs are located everywhere if you need money. A good exchange rate can be found on Dostyk Avenue. When you arrive in the city, be sure to walk 5 minutes until you find a bus stop, as there is no transportation that leaves from the airport terminal other than taxis.
