Almaty Kazakhstan
Travel Guide
Central Asia is not typically a place I think of going to enjoy ‘city life’. At worst, places like Tashkent leave negative impressions. At best I walk out with fond memories of Ashgabat or Bishkek less because of the cities themselves and more because of the people I meet there.
Given all this, this, I’ve been surprised twice now just how livable Almaty feels. Though no longer the capital of Kazakhstan (which honor was accorded to the newly-planned-showpiece-city up north, Astana), the city is full of culture and beauty and luxury and fun, not to mention the great coffee culture in Almaty.
There are, of course, the obvious highlights. Old Russian Orthodox cathedrals and super-Soviet statuary rank high on this list.
More than that, though, small surprises like the long line of weddings waiting to take pictures with the eternal flame or self-same cathedral.
Why, they even finally have a Metro! It may have taken over 20 years to open, but it exists! Now ask me why we went out of our way to ride it while in town, and I’ve got no answer for you.
Even having been staying just across the Kyrgyz border in Bishkek, itself an easy but not spectacular city, walking through Almaty was somehow refreshing. Perhaps because of the simple change of scenery, perhaps the good company and excellent hosts; maybe I’m just romanticizing here.
Any given city isn’t just to be measured by its ‘sights’ though, you know? Its also about wandering across little surprise street markets, and all the glorious goat head that entails.
Or the sensory experience of a place.
The sound of the streets, for example.
The feeling of warm sun in a green park when you really just don’t want to walk any further.
As far as Central Asian cities go, though, in my experience Almaty is towards the top.
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If you’re having trouble finding a place to stay in town, check out Almaty Backpackers. There are proper dorms and a kitchen for guests for much cheaper than the hotels in town. Its nice to see proper hostels starting to pop up in Central Asia!
Man I’ve been stalking some of your Central Asia stuff and it’s really giving me my fix. A few years ago I was thinking of moving to the region (was looking at English teaching jobs in Almaty actually), but eventually ended up drifting off to Latin America… it’s so cool because there are so few travel bloggers over in Central Asia, I think you’re one of the few!
Have you ever seen the documentary “Meet the Stans” by Simon Reeve? You probably won’t learn much new at this point, but it was one of the original inspirers of my interest in the region 🙂 Check it out some time!
I haven’t seen it, though I’ve heard of it before. Good reminder to put it on my list of movies to acquire when I’m back on better internet. I’m glad you enjoyed the read, but, the obvious question is: what’s stopping you from a visit?! It’s still here and still awesome!