Smart travelers know Almaty’s best tours cover both city life and natural wonders. You’ll find five outstanding options worth your time and money.
I’m most impressed by the private full-day city tour that combines urban landmarks with spectacular glacier views – perfect for fitting everything into one efficient day. The 2-hour Original City Tour works great for quick orientation, while the Issyk Lake combo lets you escape the city bustle.
The Charyn Canyon excursion offers stunning landscapes, and history buffs will appreciate the architecture walking tour through old Almaty. Each tour includes reliable transportation and guides who know their stuff (most speak good English).
Let’s explore these top tours in detail:
Key Points
- The Private Full Day Almaty City Tour is the most highly-rated option, offering a rundown of the city’s highlights with knowledgeable guides and flexible booking.
- The Almaty Original City Tour provides a concise 2-hour overview of Almaty’s historical and cultural landmarks, with convenient pickup and positive reviews from travelers.
- The Almaty City & Issyk Lake Tour combines the city tour with a visit to the scenic Issyk Lake, providing a well-rounded experience and optional add-ons like local cuisine and wine tasting.
- The Charyn Canyon + Almaty City Tour offers a unique combination of exploring the Charyn Canyon and experiencing Almaty’s top sights, catering to travelers seeking a more diverse itinerary.
- The Guided Walking City Tour in Almaty provides a budget-friendly option for a 3-hour exploration of the city’s historic landmarks, although some reviews note a focus on architecture over expected sights.
Private Full Day Almaty City Tour
Exploring Almaty’s diverse landmarks and attractions, the Private Full Day Almaty City Tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Kazakhstan’s vibrant cultural hub.
At $200 per person, this highly-rated 5-star tour provides a full-day immersion, including lunch, entrance fees, and transportation.
With 100% recommendation from travelers, the tour covers highlights like the Shymbulak glacier and Kok Tobe, celebrated for their stunning natural beauty.
Knowledgeable guides, like Alina, lead the way, ensuring an enriching experience.
Conveniently, the tour offers flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seeking a deeper dive into Almaty, this private tour delivers a well-rounded exploration of the city.
Read our full review: Private Full Day Almaty City Tour Review
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Almaty Original City Tour
The Almaty Original City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Kazakhstan’s vibrant cultural hub.
With a 4.9/5 rating and 100% recommendation from travelers, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an immersive experience in Almaty.
Led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, the tour includes a delectable lunch, coffee or tea, and a seamless meeting and pickup at the Zhambyl Kazakh State Philharmonic.
Highlights include historical context, architectural marvels, and cultural insights, all within a compact 2-hour duration.
Praised for its organization and punctuality, the Almaty Original City Tour provides an efficient and enriching introduction to the city, making it an excellent choice for both quick overviews and deeper historical dives.
Read our full review: Almaty Original City Tour Review
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Almaty City & Issyk Lake Tour With Local Cuisine and Wine Tasting
Offering a more comprehensive perspective on Almaty, the Almaty City & Issyk Lake Tour with Local Cuisine and Wine Tasting provides travelers with a well-rounded experience.
This highly-rated tour, with a 96% recommendation rate, takes visitors on a journey through the city’s highlights and the stunning Issyk Lake. Travelers can enjoy comfortable transportation, national park entrance fees, and a delicious Kazakh lunch.
While the wine tasting is an optional add-on, it’s noted as a tour highlight. The knowledgeable guides receive positive feedback, though some feel the city portion could be more in-depth.
Read our full review: Almaty City & Issyk Lake Tour With Local Cuisine and Wine Tasting Review
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Almaty City Tour
Situated at the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains, Almaty’s Almaty City Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive introduction to the cultural and natural landmarks that define this vibrant Kazakh city.
The private, half-day guided tour takes travelers to must-see sites like the Central Mosque, Kok-Tobe Hill, and the Medeo skating arena.
With a focus on first-time visitors, the tour avoids the risks of getting lost or navigating public transportation. Priced at $137.49 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, all fees and taxes, and a customizable itinerary.
While most travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, some note room for improvement in storytelling and engagement.
Read our full review: Almaty City Tour Review
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Almaty City & Shymbulak Tour With Local Cuisine and Wine Tasting
Visitors looking to expand their Almaty experience can join the Almaty City & Shymbulak Tour with Local Cuisine and Wine Tasting.
This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city, including a visit to the Shymbulak ski resort. Along the way, travelers can savor local Kazakh dishes and sample wines at a tasting session.
The tour is priced from $40 per person and includes transportation, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide. While the cable car tickets and wine tasting are additional costs, the overall experience is highly recommended based on positive customer reviews.
The tour is accessible to most travelers, though it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Read our full review: Almaty City & Shymbulak Tour With Local Cuisine and Wine Tasting Review
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Charyn Canyon + Almaty City Tour in 1 Day
This comprehensive one-day tour combines the stunning natural wonder of Charyn Canyon with an exploration of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s vibrant former capital.
Priced from $260 per person, it offers a private experience with free cancellation and convenient pickup options.
Highlights include bottled water, a provided lunch, and accessibility for most travelers, though it’s not suitable for young children or those with certain medical conditions.
Reviewers have rated this tour 5.0 out of 5, praising its value and the opportunity to see both natural and urban attractions in a single day.
With a Lowest Price Guarantee and a Reserve Now, Pay Later option, this tour provides an excellent way to experience the best of Almaty.
Read our full review: Charyn Canyon + Almaty City Tour in 1 Day Review
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City Tour in Almaty
Exploring the vibrant city of Almaty, Kazakhstan, the City Tour offers a comprehensive experience for visitors. Operated by apple_kztours, the tour covers the city’s landmarks, including the ice rink on the outskirts.
Led by the praised guide Darkhan, the tour provides insightful descriptions of the sights and a willingness to tailor the experience to participants’ needs. Highlights include Soviet architecture, the city’s development, and local market experiences.
With private transportation, bottled water, and infant seats available, the tour caters to various needs. Priced at $170 per group of up to 6 people, the City Tour in Almaty promises excellent value and a memorable exploration of this dynamic Kazakh city.
Read our full review: City Tour in Almaty Review
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Almaty City Walking Tour
The Almaty City Walking Tour allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of Kazakhstan’s largest city.
This 2.5-hour guided tour takes groups of up to 15 travelers to explore the city’s significant landmarks, including the Central Mosque, Republic Square, and Ascension Cathedral.
Participants can also browse the Arbat Shopping Street and Zeleny Bazaar, offering opportunities to purchase local souvenirs.
The tour concludes at the Arasan Wellness & SPA, providing a chance to reflect on the experience.
With a rating of 4.3 from 4 reviews and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this walking tour offers a comprehensive and flexible way to discover Almaty.
Read our full review: Almaty City Walking Tour Review
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Guided Walking City Tour in Almaty
Almaty’s Guided Walking City Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Kazakhstan’s vibrant capital. The tour, priced from $60 per person, takes guests on a 3-hour journey through the city’s historic landmarks and architectural gems.
Starting at the Zhibek Zholy train station, the tour is led by a professional guide and includes bottled water. With pickup options available, the tour is accessible to all, including wheelchair users and those with strollers.
While reviews are mixed, with some noting a focus on architecture rather than the expected sights, the tour provides a convenient way to discover Almaty’s rich history and culture. Cancelations are free up to 24 hours before the tour.
Read our full review: Guided Walking City Tour in Almaty Review
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Big Almaty Lake and City Private Tour
Situated just outside the bustling streets of Almaty, the Big Almaty Lake and City Private Tour offers visitors a chance to escape the urban hustle and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds Kazakhstan’s vibrant capital.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, this private tour is operated by Abdi Travel and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, bottled water, and any meal.
Pickup is available from your hotel, and the tour starts at 8:00 am. With confirmation received at booking, no serious medical conditions required, and most travelers able to participate, this tour provides an exclusive experience for your group to explore the stunning Big Almaty Lake and the city of Almaty.
Read our full review: Big Almaty Lake and City Private Tour Review
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1 Day Tour: Almaty City Tour & Local Wine Tasting
Explore Almaty’s vibrant cultural heritage and indulge in the local wine scene on this comprehensive 1 Day Tour. Priced from $219 per person, this highly-rated tour promises an immersive experience, including a guided city tour, a visit to a local winery for wine tasting, and a delicious lunch.
With pickup from any hotel in Almaty, the tour starts at 10:00 am and is accessible to travelers of all abilities. Enjoy the convenience of an air-conditioned vehicle and the expertise of an English-speaking guide.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility for your Almaty adventure.
Read our full review: 1 Day Tour: Almaty City Tour & Local Wine Tasting Review
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Full Day City Tour of Almaty in Medeu, Shymbulak and Koktobe
This full-day city tour takes travelers on an immersive exploration of Almaty’s natural wonders and cultural highlights.
The tour visits Medeu, Shymbulak, and Koktobe, with a price starting from $108 per person. The tour includes lunch, admission fees, and transfers, making it a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the city.
Participants should bring necessary items like ID, comfortable clothing, and cash. The tour offers free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.
However, it’s not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: Full Day City Tour of Almaty in Medeu, Shymbulak and Koktobe Review
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Recap
Almaty offers a variety of city tours that showcase its vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes. From private tours to group excursions, visitors can explore the city’s historic landmarks, venture to nearby lakes and mountains, and savor local cuisine and wine. These tours provide a comprehensive way to experience the best of Almaty’s attractions and activities.