How to Spend 3 Days in Almaty | Central Asia Inspiration, Almaty, Kazakhstan

When I told friends in Malta I was going to Kazakhstan, most raised their eyebrows. “What’s even there?” they asked. I wasn’t entirely sure myself-but that was part of the appeal. As someone used to limestone streets, coastal views and compact towns, Almaty promised something completely different: broad boulevards, towering mountains, and a glimpse into a region I’d only ever read about.

I landed in Almaty late at night. The airport was calm, and the air was cool and fresh-a welcome change from the May humidity back home. My taxi zipped along wide, empty roads, passing rows of tall trees under the dim glow of streetlights. The first impression was one of space and stillness.

In the morning, I woke early and set off to explore the city on foot. Almaty was greener than I expected-tree-lined avenues, quiet parks, and the ever-present silhouette of the mountains in the distance. I walked to Panfilov Park, where locals were enjoying the warm sunshine. In the centre stood the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral, a wooden Orthodox church painted in soft yellow and blue. It looked like something from a storybook and felt completely at odds with its Soviet-era surroundings. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).