7 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Almaty - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

The Last Wild Apple Forests

Granny Smiths and Fujis can both be traced back to Kazakhstan, where apples still grow wild.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Big Almaty Lake

A brilliant turquoise lake in the mountains.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Ascension Cathedral

In Kazakhstan, a colorful cathedral with many lives once survived the most powerful earthquake in the region.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Beatles Statue of Almaty

Beatlemania is still going strong ...at least in Kazakhstan.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Zelionyj Bazaar

This sprawling market is a one-stop shop for traditional Kazakh foods, from mare’s milk to sheep’s head.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Medeu

This Soviet-era athletic and recreation facility is the highest ice skating rink in the world.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Statue of Panfilov's 28 Guardsmen

This Soviet statue is based on a piece of propaganda that's been elevated to national myth.

Are we missing something unusual in Almaty?

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

The Last Wild Apple Forests

Granny Smiths and Fujis can both be traced back to Kazakhstan, where apples still grow wild.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Zelionyj Bazaar

This sprawling market is a one-stop shop for traditional Kazakh foods, from mare’s milk to sheep’s head.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Silk Road Cities of Central Asia

Explore Almaty, Kazakhstan

Launch Map

Almaty Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Almaty.

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Almaty Activity

raivari wants to go to Big Almaty Lake

raivari wants to go to The Last Wild Apple Forests

jpwest28 has been to Big Almaty Lake

welliam wants to go to Big Almaty Lake

Satsu wants to go to Big Almaty Lake