Almaty Travel Guide: Kazahstan’s Green, European-Feeling City

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, completely surprised me – in the best way possible. While I did not exactly know what I expected, deep down I imagined another large post-Soviet City, but my first impressions made me question everything I thought I knew. Instead of feeling like I was in Central Asia, it felt more like wandering the streets of Madrid or a smaller, greener version of Vienna. It was so European, I could hardly believe it. Wide tree lined boulevards, endless chic cafes, and wide open green spaces gave an immediate sense of order and calm – a refreshing contrast to the energy of typically large cities. Sunset over Almaty Although Almaty was a confirmed destination from the get-go since I had booked my flight home from this city, my arrival there was quite spontaneous. Whilst in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, I overheard some travellers mention their long bus ride from Almaty, and it got me thinking. The weather was looking grim for the next few days. The yurt stay by Issyk Kul Lake was not looking quite as attractive as it was when I first booked it, so whilst in the taxi to the local bus station, I changed my mind and decided to go to Almaty instead – which departed in le...