Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and cultural and commercial capital, set at 700-900 m on the northern slope of the Trans-Ili Alatau, with snow-capped peaks rising directly behind the city. It combines Soviet-era parks, Orthodox and Muslim landmarks, a thriving cafe and restaurant scene, and the best access in the country to ski slopes, high lakes, canyons and petroglyph sites.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Kazakh felt items (shyrdak rugs)
Hand-made felt rugs and wall hangings.
Where: Souvenir stalls on Arbat and at Green Bazaar
Dombra
Traditional two-string lute, from decorative to playable.
Where: Souvenir shops on Arbat
Kurt and dried fruit
Dried cheese balls, apricots and nuts.
Where: Green Bazaar, 53 Zhibek Zholy Avenue
Chapan coats and embroidered goods
Traditional quilted coats and embroidery.
Where: Souvenir stalls on Arbat
Aport apples
Large aromatic apples from the Almaty foothills, in season in autumn.
Where: Green Bazaar
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)
Dried fruit, nuts, spices, kazy sausage, kumys, honey and Korean salads
Where: Zhetysu District, central Almaty
Hours: Tue-Sun about 09:00-19:00; closed Mondays per several guides, confirm on arrival
Barakholka
Clothing, household goods and souvenirs at the lowest prices in the city
Where: North-west Almaty
Hours: Tue-Sun about 09:00-17:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Arbat (Zhibek Zholy)
Pedestrian street with shops, cafes and souvenir stalls.
Esentai / Al-Farabi
Luxury malls and hotels on Al-Farabi Avenue.
Dostyk Avenue
Malls and boutiques along the avenue and Samal.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Esentai Mall
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-22:00 (Louis Vuitton store hours there)
Dostyk Plaza
Hours: Daily about 10:00-22:00
MEGA Alma-Ata
Hours: Malls in Almaty generally open about 10:00-22:00; confirm on arrival
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is accepted at Barakholka and some souvenir stalls, but not in supermarkets and malls
Compare two stalls and ask the price per kilogram before the vendor weighs goods
Offer a little under the first quoted price at stalls without price tags and settle calmly
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Greet vendors with a handshake or nod before asking prices, Cash is preferred at bazaars; carry small notes