Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is a natural hub for exploring both urban life and stunning mountain scenery. Its streets are filled with colorful markets, historic sites, and lively neighborhoods, making it a perfect playground for city tours. What sets Almaty apart from other cities is its unique blend of cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes just outside the city limits. For example, the Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe takes you from bustling markets to snow-capped mountains, showcasing the city’s diverse appeal.
We love how many of these tours include authentic local experiences, like tasting Kazakh delicacies at Green Bazaar or riding a cable car over the city. Whether you prefer a gentle walk through historic districts or an adrenaline-fueled mountain adventure, Almaty offers a range of options. This guide highlights the best city tours, including walking explorations, cultural deep-dives, and mountain excursions, helping you pick a trip that matches your interests and pace.
Quick Overview
This list of Almaty city tours covers everything from half-day walks to full-day mountain excursions. Expect options like city highlights walking tours that explore historic landmarks and local markets, as well as scenic mountain visits with breathtaking views. Several tours include cultural insights, visits to iconic sites like the Zenkov Cathedral or Panfilov Park, and delicious food tastings. There’s even an immersive full-day experience with museum tickets and Kazakh cuisine (full-day city tour). Keep reading to find the perfect match for your trip!
1. Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe
At number 1, this tour offers a fantastic mix of nature and city sights. For just $49 per person, you’ll visit the Medeo ice rink, the Green Bazaar, and the scenic Kok Tobe hill. It’s perfect if you want a taste of both Almaty’s cultural landmarks and its stunning mountain backdrop in one day. The cable car ride from Medeu to Shymbulak is a highlight that offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, and the challenge of climbing the Health Staircase makes it a memorable experience. With a 4.6-star rating from 72 reviews, it’s clear travelers appreciate the well-organized itinerary and scenic stops.
Bottom line: This tour is an excellent value for those seeking a balanced mix of urban exploration and mountain scenery without breaking the bank.
2. Almaty: City Highlights Walking Tour with Chocolate Shop
Number 2 on our list is a delightful guided walking experience for just $20 per person. This tour dives into Almaty’s rich history, taking you through Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the lively Zeleniy Bazaar. The highlight for many is visiting the Rakhat Lotte Chocolate Souvenir Shop, where you can sample delicious local chocolates (see details here). The tour’s highly positive 4.8 rating from 34 reviews reflects its popularity among travelers who want an authentic taste of city life.
This walking tour is ideal if you like a compact, history-rich experience with some sweet local treats. It’s perfect for those who want to soak in the city’s atmosphere without the fatigue of a long day.
Bottom line: Affordable, engaging, and perfect for history and food lovers who want to explore Almaty on foot.
3. Almaty: City Tour with Mountain Visit
Number 3 offers a comprehensive half-day tour that combines city sights with a mountain escape. For $150 per group, you’ll visit landmarks like the State Museum and Ascension Cathedral while also enjoying a drive into the mountains. This tour includes a mountain visit, allowing you to appreciate Almaty’s natural environment alongside its cultural sites. The small group size helps ensure personalized attention and detailed explanations.
It appeals to travelers who want a balanced approach—seeing the highlights of Almaty while also experiencing its scenic surroundings. The reviews rave about the knowledgeable guides and the flexible itinerary, making it a practical choice for a half-day adventure.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a quick cultural fix with a touch of mountain scenery.
4. Almaty: City Tour
Number 4 is a classic choice, offering a full glimpse into Almaty’s urban charm for $66 per person. This tour includes visits to the Green Bazaar, Arbat street, and the stunning Saint Ascension Cathedral. It also offers opportunities for local food tastings and shopping for souvenirs. With a 4.9-star rating from 17 reviews, it’s clear this tour delivers on quality and value.
What sets it apart is the focus on local lifestyle, from markets to street art, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want a thorough overview of Almaty’s vibrant neighborhoods. Guides are attentive, and the experience is tailored to give you a well-rounded flavor of city life.
Bottom line: An excellent all-around tour for travelers seeking a full day of exploring Almaty’s cultural and culinary scene.
5. Almaty: Full Day City Tour with Lunch and Museum Tickets
Number 5 offers a premium experience at $166 per person, perfect for those interested in a deep dive into Kazakh culture. This full-day tour includes visits to significant museums, traditional Kazakh cuisine at a local restaurant, and key sights like Panfilov Park. It’s highly rated with a perfect 5-star review from 2 travelers, indicating a personalized and well-organized experience.
The tour’s strength lies in its comprehensive nature, combining cultural education with tastings and sightseeing. It’s best suited for travelers who want an immersive experience with plenty of historical context and cultural insights.
Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs and cultural explorers ready for a full day of learning and sampling Kazakh traditions.
6. Almaty in a Day: Mountains and City Highlights
Number 6 is a full-day adventure for $168 per person, blending mountain scenery and city highlights. The tour covers the Big Almaty Gorge, Ayusai Waterfall, and panoramic views from Kok Tobe. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive day that balances outdoor activity with cultural landmarks.
What makes this tour special is its focus on both the natural and urban sides of Almaty. It appeals to active travelers who appreciate hiking, waterfalls, and mountain vistas, with enough time to explore the city’s key sites in between.
Bottom line: A good pick for travelers who want to see the mountains and city without rushing.
7. Almaty: City Highlights and Local Market Tour Green Bazaar
Number 7 offers an engaging city tour for $108 per person, emphasizing local markets and historic sites. Visiting Panfilov’s Park, the Green Bazaar, and the Central Mosque, this tour provides a deep dive into Almaty’s everyday life.
The tour’s reviews are strong, with a 5/5 rating from just 1 review, highlighting its authentic feel. It’s ideal for travelers who want to understand local customs and pick up souvenirs directly from vendors.
Bottom line: Great for those interested in the local vibe, markets, and cultural landmarks.
$108 per person
8. Tamgaly Tas and City of Nomads: One Day Trip
Number 8 is a fascinating historical journey for $193 per person, including rock paintings from the 10th and 17th centuries and a visit to a medieval fortress. It takes you outside the city to explore the Tamgaly gorge and the City of Nomads film set.
This tour stands out for its historical and archaeological focus, appealing to those interested in Kazakhstan’s ancient art and nomadic traditions. The reviews praise its well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to see remarkable petroglyphs.
Bottom line: Ideal for history enthusiasts keen on Kazakhstan’s ancient cultures and scenic desert landscapes.
$193 per person
9. Almaty’s Adventure: City & Mountain Tour in One Day
Number 9 provides a full-day blend of city exploration and mountain escapes for $144 per person. Visit Panfilov Park, Ascension Cathedral, and then venture into the mountains for views at Medeo and Shymbulak.
The tour is praised for its variety, combining cultural landmarks with outdoor adventure. It suits active travelers who want a balanced day tackling city streets and mountain trails. Reviews mention the “stunning mountain scenery” and “informative guides,” making it a popular choice for a complete Almaty experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting an active day mixing city sights with mountain panoramas.
10. From Almaty: Tamgaly Tas and City of Nomads Day Tour
Number 10 is a full-day tour for $140, focusing on Kazakhstan’s ancient art and nomadic culture. It visits Tamgaly’s petroglyphs and the City of Nomads film set, along with scenic stops at the Ili river.
The emphasis on history and natural beauty makes it ideal for culturally curious travelers. The reviews highlight its engaging guides and the chance to walk among remarkable petroglyphs.
Bottom line: suited for travelers interested in Kazakhstan’s past and scenic landscapes away from the city bustle.
11. All In: Private City tour + Shymbulak ski-resort
Number 11 is a luxury private tour for $141 per person, combining city sights with a trip to the Shymbulak ski resort. It offers a personalized experience with visits to mountains, Republic Square, and other landmarks.
This tour’s focus on customization and exclusivity makes it ideal for travelers seeking a tailored experience, especially during winter when Shymbulak offers skiing and snowboarding. The flexibility is a major plus.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a private, flexible itinerary with a mix of city and mountain activities.
$141 per person
12. Big Almaty Lake, Shymbulak, Almaty City Center Private Tour
Number 12 is a premium private tour costing $399 per group up to six people. It covers Big Almaty Lake, Shymbulak, Koktobe Hill, and the Green Bazaar.
The tour is perfect for small groups or families wanting a luxurious full-day experience with personalized attention. The highlights include riding the cable car at Shymbulak and enjoying panoramic views from Koktobe.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and a comprehensive exploration of Almaty and its mountains.
$399 per group up to 6
13. Almaty: City Tour Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake, Charyn Canyon
Last but not least, this VIP Jeep tour costs $649 per group up to five and offers a luxury adventure across some of Kazakhstan’s most stunning natural landmarks. It includes visits to Kolsai Lakes, the sunken forest of Kaindy, and the Charyn Canyon.
What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of drone photography and overnight options in yurts or guesthouses. It’s aimed at adventure travelers who want to see Kazakhstan’s natural wonders in style. The reviews praise the personalized attention and the photo opportunities.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers looking for a premium outdoor experience with a touch of luxury and adventure.
$649 per group up to 5
How to Choose the Perfect Almaty City Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you want a quick, budget-friendly overview, the City Highlights Walking Tour with Chocolate is ideal. For those eager to combine city sights with mountain scenery, the City Tour with Mountain Visit or Almaty: City & Mountain Tour fit the bill. If you’re after a luxury experience or want to explore natural wonders, the private tours or the Charyn Canyon Jeep trip are excellent choices.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like summer and winter. Think about how much time you have — a half-day walk or a full-day mountain tour — and pick a tour that fits your pace and curiosity.
Final Thoughts
Almaty offers a surprising variety of city and mountain tours that cater to different interests and budgets. Whether you want to walk through historic streets, explore lush mountain gorges, or combine both in one day, there’s an option for you. The Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe remains a favorite for its value and scenic stops, while the Big Almaty Lake, Shymbulak, Almaty City Center Private Tour offers a luxurious full-day experience.
For adventure seekers, the Charyn Canyon VIP Jeep Tour combines stunning landscapes with comfort. Meanwhile, cultural explorers will enjoy the City Highlights walking tour, with its focus on local life and history.
Whatever your style, booking your preferred tour early ensures you won’t miss out on discovering all that Almaty has to offer. Happy exploring!