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Expat Exchange - Discovering the Best of Almaty 2024
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Panfilova Street in Almaty, Kazakhstan


Discovering the Best of Almaty

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Living it Up in Almaty: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.

Welcome to Almaty! If you're planning to move to Almaty, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Almaty has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Almaty.

Almaty is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for tourists and locals alike. The city is home to a number of historical sites, museums, parks, and other attractions. One of the most popular sites is the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, which houses a large collection of artifacts from the country’s history. The Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments is also a popular destination, as it showcases traditional instruments from the region. The Central Mosque of Almaty is another popular attraction, as it is the largest mosque in Central Asia.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in Almaty is vibrant and diverse. Some of the most popular restaurants include the upscale Italian eatery La Bottega, the traditional Kazakh restaurant Beshbarmak, and the modern Asian fusion restaurant Sushiya. For a more casual dining experience, there are plenty of cafes and fast food restaurants to choose from. As for nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, such as the popular Sky Bar, the trendy Club X, and the classic Jazz Club.

When it comes to recreational activities, Almaty has plenty to offer. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities in the winter months, and there are several ski resorts in the area, such as Shymbulak and Medeu. In the summer months, hiking and mountain biking are popular activities, and there are several trails in the area, such as the Almaty Nature Park and the Big Almaty Lake. For those looking for a more relaxed activity, there are plenty of parks and gardens to explore, such as the Panfilov Park and the Botanical Garden.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Almaty: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Almaty International Women's Group despite the name it is open to both men and women. They have a guide, lots of activities and meet every Wednesday in the Ankara Intercontinental Hotel, 10.30 to 12.00 Otherwise expat bars Mad Murphy's Dostyk Avenue very well known," said one expat living in Almaty.

"Expats in Almaty often join clubs and activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. There are also many international clubs and organizations that expats can join, such as the American Women's Club, the British Business Club, and the International Women's Club. Expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, such as expat forums and language exchange groups," wrote a member in Almaty.

William RussellWilliam Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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"I belong to the marries group and really don't know any single people here so I can't judge. The married lot socialise with each other, dinner's parties, trips to the mountains and places of interest. There always seems plenty going on. Many of the employed people spend a lot of time travelling within the country, its 2000KM to the capital Astana from Almaty and 3,000 to the Caspian. So they tend to want quiet weekends," commented an expat living in Almaty.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Almaty is generally quite pleasant. The city is modern and cosmopolitan, with plenty of amenities and attractions to keep expats and digital nomads entertained. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also well-connected, with a reliable public transportation system and easy access to the rest of the country. The people of Almaty are friendly and welcoming, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to settle in and make friends," said an expat in Almaty.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Panfilova Street in Almaty, Kazakhstan

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

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