"Privyet, and Welcome to Alma Ata!" Almaty by DirtyRudy

Almaty Travel Guide: 377 reviews and 722 photos

Next Stop: Almaty

Kazakhstan was my second stop on my trip around the world, and has been a country that I've always wanted to visit. Although I wasn't able to visit the countryside of Kazakhstan, I was at least able to get a taste of Almaty. My impression of Almaty:

1. Very well-developed, first-world city
2. Delicious cuisine
3. Fashionable

In the Mountains

Daily Conversations

Almaty sits right at the base of the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains. For some odd reason, it feels very secure with the mountains there, as if they were placed there to guard the city. Plus, you'll always know your direction because the mountains are to the South!

Unfortunately, Almaty is neither ancient nor exotic. Established in the mid-1800's, it used to be a fort and a place for the exiled; now it's a major business center where investments are spawling.

Still, even as Kazakhstan makes the transition from a nomadic society to Russia's communism to capitalism, many old traditions remain.

Ain't it Bazaar?

Meat Market

Even as high-fashion takes root in Almaty, nothing beats shopping like good old bazaars. At the Green Bazaar, you can get all kinds of meats! For the night-time meat markets, Almaty offers a plethora of night clubs. Just watch out for the ex-pats hitting on all the Kazakh girls!

Last visit to Almaty: Nov 2004
Intro Updated Nov 28, 2004
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Reviews (8)

Spit Warnings Or Dangers (2)

I know this isn't just exclusive to Kazakhstan, but I noticed a lot of people spitting on the ground. If you don't watch... more travel advice

The Infamout Old Man and his Dombra! - Almaty

The Old Man of the Museum of Musical... Warnings Or Dangers (2)

As I was walking through the halls of the Museum of Musical Instruments, an old man suddenly came out to greet me. I... more travel advice

Museum of Musical Instruments in Almaty - Almaty

Museum of Musical Instruments Things to Do (3)

Small museum full of old Kazakh instruments and other instruments from around the world. Most of the Kazakh instruments... more travel advice

Zelyony (Green) Bazaar Things to Do (3)

The Zelyony Bazaar is supposed to be a kind of traditional bazaar in Almaty. At first, I thought it was just a bunch of... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Almaty Hotel in a Central Location

Restaurants (2)
See All Belly Dancing & Genuine Kazakh Food!

Comments (7)

jadedmuse Oct 6, 2007 at 4:29 PM Report Abuse

Talk about off the beaten path. Fun tips. Camel or pork? Only your waiter knows for sure.
ellielou Nov 1, 2006 at 5:26 PM Report Abuse

interesting tips, although it so does not look like my kind of town....but may have to be there in order to get to Uzbekistan......
Kazakh_nomad Feb 19, 2006 at 9:50 PM Report Abuse

Your travel pages are so funny. Glad you liked Almaty. Good luck in your world wide trip!
janetanne Feb 1, 2006 at 1:32 AM Report Abuse

Humour will take you far in this world. Keep smiling and seeing things for the fun that they are!:):)
kikiree Feb 16, 2005 at 3:02 AM Report Abuse

Almaty looks fun. Let's go there again with me!~
togzhan Jan 29, 2005 at 8:58 AM Report Abuse

Sorry, should have warned you about the old bully from the music museum. He sold his tapes to ALL the foreign friends of mine (even when i was there with them!). He must have a world-wide circle of fans by now:)
rsleisk Dec 2, 2004 at 8:50 AM Report Abuse

Looks like you had a good time in Almaty my friend. I missed out on that Zherujyk restaurant when I was there. Can't wait to see more tips and photos!