Ruth Haines
Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital until 1997, is a bustling city with a rich history and culture. The best way to reach Almaty is by air, with the Almaty International Airport located about 15 km northeast of the city centre. The airport serves as a gateway to the city, offering breathtaking views of the Tian Shan mountain range. For those with a longer layover, there are plenty of attractions to explore near the airport, such as the unique Airport Village, the Aviator's Palace of Culture, and the Green Bazaar, a vibrant market offering a glimpse into local life. With its grand mosques, wide streets, and surrounding natural parks, Almaty provides a blend of city exploration and outdoor adventures, making it a captivating destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences in Central Asia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Location | 15 km (9 miles) northeast of the city centre |
| Transport Options | Taxi, bus, train |
| Nearby Attractions | Green Bazaar, Ascension Cathedral, and Kök Töbe |
| Notable Buildings | Palace of Culture, Central Mosque |
| Food Options | International cuisine (Italian and Turkish) |
| Activities | Skiing, trekking, bike rental |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the nearby village, including the war memorial and the cottage district
- Visit the Aviator's Palace of Culture, a clubhouse built during the Soviet Union
- Take in the view of the Tian Shan mountain range
- Travel to the city centre to experience the local cuisine and nightlife
- Visit the Green Bazaar, a bustling market with fresh produce and traditional crafts
Explore the nearby village, including the war memorial and the cottage district
If you're looking for things to do near Almaty Airport, a great option is to explore the nearby village, known as "Airport Village". The village is just across the parking lot from the airport terminal, and it boasts beautiful architecture, cafes, and things to see.
One notable feature of Airport Village is the old airport building, constructed in 1936 in the "National Style" that was popular in Kazakhstan at the time. The building is adorned with intricate details, such as an ornamental ribbon running under the carved wooden brackets of the eaves and Islamic stars between the windows.
As you walk down the village's main street, Mailina, you'll come across the Aviator's Palace of Culture, a clubhouse built during the Soviet Union era to promote communist culture. The building features subtle hints of flight, such as birds hidden in the tympana above the windows.
Another important site in Airport Village is the war memorial, which honours the aviators who perished. The memorial square is surrounded by twelve blocks of polished black stone, representing the twelve hero cities of the Soviet Union. Beyond the memorial square, you'll find the village's cottage district, known as the chastny sektor. This area stands in contrast to the Soviet apartment buildings found elsewhere in Almaty, with small, one-story homes made of wood, reeds, and clay.
If you're looking to explore beyond Airport Village, you can head to the nearby cottage district of Roscha, where you'll find quiet creeks and wooden homes. Or, you can visit Malaya Stanitsa, a historic neighbourhood with a gorgeous cathedral, a century-old bazaar, and oak-lined streets lined with wood cottages.
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Visit the Aviator's Palace of Culture, a clubhouse built during the Soviet Union
If you're looking for things to do near Almaty Airport, one suggestion is to visit the Aviators Palace of Culture, a clubhouse built during the Soviet Union. This stunningly detailed and fantastically preserved building is located in the nearby Airport Village, where most of the airport workers lived. The palace, also known as a "Palace of Culture", was constructed to promote wholesome communist culture through film screenings, discussions, and other events.
As you explore the palace, keep an eye out for subtle hints of flight, such as birds hidden in the tympana above the windows or an eagle (or perhaps a pigeon) perched on the pediment. The creepily lined-up cherub heads along the entablature may represent the young aviators who guided the Soviet Union's space endeavours and spread socialism to the stars. The palace is a testament to the Soviet-era architecture and serves as a unique attraction for those interested in history and culture.
To get to the village, you can take a taxi or bus from the airport. Wander down Mailina Street, where you'll find rows of pink two-storied apartment buildings constructed in 1955 and 1956 for the airport's top officials. As you head south, you'll discover about a dozen other structures from the Stalinist years, with some dating back to the 1930s. Explore the creaky wooden sheds built decades ago and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere under the tall poplars and oaks.
The Aviators Palace of Culture is a hidden gem, even to locals, as many rush by on their way home from vacation. The village itself has a war memorial, honouring the aviators who perished, and a chastny sektor, or cottage district, with small, quaint homes made of wood, reeds, and clay. So, when you find yourself with a layover in Almaty or simply want to explore the area, consider visiting the Aviators Palace of Culture and immersing yourself in the unique history and architecture of the Soviet era.
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Take in the view of the Tian Shan mountain range
Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital, is a bustling city with a European feel. It is surrounded by stunning natural parks and the Tian Shan mountain range, which plays an important role in the lives of the residents. The view of the Tian Shan's snowy peaks is the first thing that greets visitors at the airport.
The Tian Shan mountain range, also known as the Tengri Tagh or Tengir-Too, meaning the "Mountains of God/Heaven", is a sacred and vast mountain system in Central Asia. The range stretches about 1,500 miles (2,500 km) from west-southwest to east-northeast and straddles the borders of China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The mountains are bounded by the Junggar (Dzungarian) Basin in northwestern China and the southern Kazakhstan plains to the north and the Tarim (Talimu) Basin to the southeast.
The Tian Shan range includes several notable peaks, such as Jengish Chokusu (Victory Peak), which is the highest peak in the range at 7,439 meters (24,406 feet) and is shared by Kyrgyzstan and China. The second-highest peak is Khan Tengri (King Heaven), which translates to "Lord of the Spirits". It straddles the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan-China tripoint and, at 7,010 meters (23,000 feet), is the highest point in Kazakhstan.
The Tian Shan range also encompasses the Bogda Shan in the east, the Kyrgyz Ala Range in the north, and the Talas Alatau Range in the west. These outer mountain chains have a significant elevation difference from the plains at their base, resulting in deep gorges and vast fan-shaped deposits of silt and mud at the mountain's base. The city of Almaty is located on the fertile land formed by these processes.
To take in the view of the Tian Shan mountain range from Almaty, one can visit Shymbulak, a suburban ski resort just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. The Shymbulak cable car will quickly take you to an altitude of more than 2,200 meters, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding area. The cable car operates year-round, providing access to mountain sights, trekking opportunities, and restaurants with stunning views.
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Travel to the city centre to experience the local cuisine and nightlife
Once you've landed at Almaty Airport, you'll be greeted by the stunning sight of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains. To get to the city centre and experience the local cuisine and nightlife, you can take a bus or taxi. The city centre is only a 15-minute drive from the airport, depending on traffic.
Almaty has a diverse food scene, with a mix of international and local cuisine. For those craving Italian, there is an upmarket restaurant in the city centre with an aeronautical theme. If you're seeking traditional Kazakh cuisine, head to Navat Restaurant, which serves a range of Central Asian dishes like Plov and Manti. The restaurant is open from 10 am to midnight every day and is beautifully decorated with Central Asian-style decor and furniture. Another great option for local food is Tarkhun Restaurant, which offers both traditional and fusion Kazakh cuisine. Tarkhun is open from 10 am to 1 am and features several cosy seating areas. For fine dining and traditional music, try SANDYQ, where you can sample delicacies like horsemeat.
If you're looking for a healthier option, Traveller's Coffee offers non-dairy milk and healthy Western dishes. They have several locations across the city, with both indoor and outdoor seating. For a quick breakfast and delicious pastries, Nedelka is a great choice.
When the sun sets, Almaty's nightlife comes alive. Known as the "party capital of Asia", the city offers a variety of bars and clubs to choose from. For a wild night out, head to Red Room for DJ sets or The Club, which is popular with the younger crowd. If you want to dance until dawn, Gogol Night Club hosts after-parties until 8 am on Saturdays. For a more relaxed evening, the city's terraces and cafes are packed with locals enjoying drinks and conversation.
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Visit the Green Bazaar, a bustling market with fresh produce and traditional crafts
If you're looking for a lively, authentic taste of local culture during your time in Almaty, the Green Bazaar is a must-visit. This bustling market, located in the heart of the city on Zenkova Street, is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or private car from the Almaty International Airport. With a journey time of around 30 minutes, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant trading hub, offering a unique insight into the local way of life.
The Green Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Beyond the main building, a diverse range of enterprises cater to the constant stream of locals and tourists alike. From hairdressers and cobblers to fortune tellers and street food vendors, the bazaar and its surroundings pulse with entrepreneurial energy. It's a place where you can interact with locals, bargain for goods, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of Central Asian commerce.
As a traditionally nomadic region, meat and dairy products are central to the bazaar's offerings. Kazy (horse meat sausage), kurdyuk (salted or smoked sheep butt lard), and fermented milk drinks like kymys and shubat are among the unique delicacies on offer. For those seeking a more familiar dining experience, restaurants around the bazaar floor serve traditional Central Asian dishes such as manty, lagman, and plov.
The bazaar also extends beyond the realm of food. You'll discover a miniature Uyghur district across the street, offering a range of halal shopping options. Be cautious of street food vendors offering suspiciously low-priced kebabs, and be aware that some areas of the bazaar, such as the basement, offer lower prices than the top floor.
When visiting the Green Bazaar, it's important to remember that you are in a busy, crowded market. Keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, especially when using public transportation to get there. Additionally, be mindful that the parking options nearby may be limited, so consider arriving by taxi or be prepared to walk a bit from your parking spot.
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Frequently asked questions
The most convenient way to reach the city centre is by air, with the airport located about 15km (9 miles) northeast of the city. You can take a taxi or public transport, such as Bus 79 or Bus 86, to the centre.
If you have a layover of five or more hours, you can grab a map from the tourist information booth and head to the city centre. Visit attractions such as the Green Bazaar, a bustling market with local delicacies and crafts, the Ascension Cathedral, and Kök Töbe.
The airport itself offers a stunning view of the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan mountain range. Nearby, you can explore the Airport Village, which includes the quaint cottage district of the village and the beautifully preserved Aviator's Palace of Culture.
While there aren't many restaurant options specifically near the airport, you can find a variety of dining options in the city centre. These include international cuisines such as Italian and Turkish, as well as traditional Kazakh dishes.
Almaty, surrounded by natural parks and the Tian Shan mountains, offers a mix of European and Central Asian cultures. You can explore the city's wide streets, greenery, and Soviet-era architecture. The city also has a vibrant cafe and bar culture, with terraces packed with locals.
