Almaty Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Almaty

Nursultan Nazarbayev, the former (and the first) President of Kazakhstan, once remarked: "Almaty is the pearl of Kazakhstan, the most beautiful city in Central Asia." Indeed, the country's largest metropolis, Almaty is like a butterfly that has emerged from its cocoon, spreading its wings and soaring towards the sky at the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains.

The name Almaty is rooted in the ancient settlement Almatau whose name translates as “Apple Mountain”. Derived from the Kazakh word "alma" for apple, it was reportedly due to the apple trees that once grew in abundance in the area.

The settlement emerged during the Bronze Age, circa 1000 BC, and eventually became an important center for trade and commerce, thanks to its location on the Silk Road. In the mid-19th century, the Russians established here a fort called Verniy (which means “Loyal”) that soon developed into a town named Almatinsk.

During the Soviet era and shortly after, Almaty served as the capital of Kazakhstan and developed into a modern industrial and cultural hub. Even after the country's capital moved to Astana, in 1997, Almaty remains an important city and popular tourist destination where "you can feel the heartbeat of Kazakhstan, hear the echoes of its past, and see the promise of its future."

The most notable local attractions include popular gathering spots like Astana Square and Panfilov Park. The latter is home to yet another prominent landmark, the Zenkov (or Ascension) Cathedral, a tsarist-era Russian Orthodox church. Also worthy of checking out are the Green Bazaar, a traditional market for fresh produce, and the pedestrianized Arbat thoroughfare lined with multiple shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Today's Almaty is a mix of ancient traditions and modern innovations coexisting harmoniously – “a city that inspires creativity and celebrates diversity, and where every street corner tells a different story." You can hear these stories and appreciate the cultural richness of Almaty yourself when out on a self-guided walk powered by the GPSmyCity app.