Almaty is the largest metropolis in the country of Kazakhstan and is known for its view of the gorgeous and snowcapped Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, various landmarks, super-green Panfilov Park and the Zenkov Cathedral.
Zenkov Cathedral (also known as the Ascension Cathedral) is a tsar-era Russian Orthodox church characterized by its unique architecture and vivid yellow hue. Fun fact: The entire stricture is made of wood but without any nails. At 56me tall, it clocks in at the second tallest wooden building in the world.
Panfilov Park (or you may hear it called the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen) sits in the middle of the city and is known for honoring the Great Patriotic War soldiers who passed away while fighting against the Germans outside of Moscow. It’s graced by an eternal flame that burns in front of a gigantic, black monument.
The Central State Museum is a must-visit museum for tourists, history freaks and the like. Brimming with Kazakh artifacts, info on nomadic cultures and the Bronze Age, this museum will not disappoint. Almaty is also home to the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, the Kazakhstan Museum of Arts and a powerful WWII memorial.
For visitors looking to shop and feel like a local, Green Market (also known as the Zelyony Bazaar) is the place to go. The Green Market boasts two bustling levels, packed with stalls of various foods, drinks, and local cuisine. If you’re feeling adventurous, The Green Market is the place to visit to try horsemeat, fermented horse or camel milk (called kymyz and shubat, respectively), fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice and Laghman noodles. You can also pick up various meats, cheese, vegetables, salads, teas, bread and much more.