Free tour

Almaty: the highlights of the city center

5.00

Excellent (4 ratings)

Almaty

Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Aiguerim

Registered on 14 November 2024

Hello! My name is Aiguerim, and I am a certified guide in Almaty. I’ve been living in Almaty for 16 years, and I really love this city! I think Almaty is very special—it is the place with a rich historical and cultural background that is a blend of nomadic, imperial, Soviet, and national heritages. But at the same time, it is modern and dynamic! I welcome you to my walking tour, where I will be glad to introduce you to the highlights of this wonderful city at the foot of the mountains!

Free booking and cancellation

Pay-what-you-wish tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Hello, travelers from all around the world!

Welcome to Kazakhstan and its “Southern capital” at the foot of the mountains – wonderful Almaty! It is not only the largest city in Kazakhstan but also a city full of history and remarkable places!

To begin with, in 2016, we celebrated the 1000th anniversary of Almaty. How is that possible if it was founded during the Russian Empire period as a military fortress? On my tour, I will introduce you to the history of Kazakhstan and Almaty (and answer the question :), and will show you some of the main highlights of the city center!

Some of the places we will visit:

- The Monument of Independence in Republic Square

- The Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral)

- The Memorial of Glory

- The Eternal Flame

- The Alley of Presidents

- The Green Bazaar

- The Officers’ House

- And more! :)

We will also cover questions like:

- Why did the capital move to Astana?
- Who was the Golden Man?
- Why is Almaty called “the city of apples”?

- When did Kazakhs become an Asian race?
- Why is there a part of a Russian cruiser in Almaty?
- What is the real name of the Green Bazaar and why is it called “Green”?

= The duration of the tour is around 3-3.5 hours, depending on traffic =

During the tour, I will be glad to help you and give you some advice on your stay in Almaty from a local’s point of view – feel free to ask me! :)

I look forward to meeting you on the tour!

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Satpaev St, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

I will be behind the monument of Independence in Republic square, between 2 picture walls, will be holding a red apple🍎 (unfortunately, it's forbiden to hold any posters at the monument of Independence, so can't have a guruwalk poster..)

Outside visit

Republic Square

We will see there: - The Monument of Independence and its symbols - Bas-reliefs ("picture walls") depicting the most important events in the history of Kazakhstan - The City Government (the Akimat)

Outside visit

Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen

Then we will go to Panfilov Park. We can get there by bus or subway. We will cover the following: - The Ascension Cathedral (you can go inside; it's free, but women are required to cover head — a scarf is okay) - The Memorial of Glory - The Eternal Flame - The Alley of Presidents - The Officers’ House - The Great Patriotic War (a part of WWII) in the history of Almaty - Who Panfilov was and the heroic act of his division - The Museum of National Instruments, etc.

Free entry

Green Bazaar

Next, we will visit the Green Bazaar – a colourful local market that was established around 150 years ago. It is a 10-15 minute walk from Panfilov Park. It is a vibrant place that provides a good insight into local cuisine and culture. There, you will be able to not only see but also try some Kazakh desserts, buy nuts, dried fruits, famous Almaty aport apples, and many other things!

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).