Almaty Uncovered: Locals Reveal Must-Visit Spots and Hidden Gems

Almaty is a city filled with history, warmth and a variety of unique places. For each resident this city is special, and each corner of it evokes their own feelings and associations. TCA spoke to Almaty residents of different ages and professions about which places they consider their favorites.   Damir, 19, student programmer: “I don't have a specific favorite place in Almaty, but there is one associated with my childhood memories - the Green Bazaar. As a child, I often went there with my mother to buy fresh produce, and every trip to the market was a real adventure for me. I used to look with interest at the showcases with fruits and spices, enjoying the unique atmosphere of the place. The Green Bazaar is not just a market, but a living museum filled with aromas and sounds that I associate with my childhood.” [caption id="attachment_23549" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Shymbulak; image: Kalabaha1969[/caption] Serikzhan, 22, English teacher “My favorite place in Almaty is Shymbulak. In both winter and summer, there’s a lot to do here: skiing, hiking in the mountains, parties and events. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can just walk along the trails and enjoy the views. Shymbulak isn’t just a ski resort, but a source of many warm memories, as my family and I used to come here often, even on weekdays after school.”   Amir, 27, designer and SMM specialist: “My favorite place in Almaty is a small burger shop called Kuropatka. There are always a few people there. It's not a place of high cuisine, but the prices are very affordable and the burgers are incredibly tasty. However, it's not even about the food, it's about the memories. It was the starting point of my adventures with friends who have now left Kazakhstan. Years later, our favorite meeting place remains unchanged, preserving a piece of the past.” [caption id="attachment_23548" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Botanical Gardens, Almaty; image: Dianakz[/caption] Raihan, 41, interior designer: “Almaty is my favorite city. I adore it for its green parks, quiet squares and for its unique seasons - be it crisp snow in the winter or rustling leaves in the fall. Every morning I savor the mountain views and watch sunsets drenched in a multitude of hues. This city is also known for its old Soviet modernist architecture, and the fountains in the summer lend a welcome coolness. For me, Almaty is a city of endless festivals, performances and creative meetings.” [caption id="attachment_23550" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Tamgaly-Tas; image: Mheidegger[/caption] Myktybek, 19, targetologist “Tamgaly-Tas is one of the most interesting places in the vicinity of Almaty. It’s a place with unusual rocks on which you can see ancient inscriptions, petroglyphs, and images of Buddha. The historical and cultural value of this place is huge. It connects us with ancient times and gives us a feeling of something eternal. Walking among these rocks is like traveling back in time, where every stone has its own story to...