Almaty vs. Astana: Which City to Visit on Your Kazakhstan Trip?
Short answer: Choose Almaty for mountains, markets, and easy day trips; choose Astana for futuristic architecture, grand museums, and a polished capital vibe. If time allows, do both—fly 1.5 h between them.
Landscape: Almaty sits under the Tian Shan; lifts to Medeu/Shymbulak, lakes and canyons nearby. Astana is steppe-flat; drama comes from buildings (Baiterek, EXPO Sphere).
Best seasons: Almaty — Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct for hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing. Astana — May–Sep (winters are beautiful but harsh/windy).
Airports: ALA (Almaty) vs NQZ (Astana). Nonstops connect both; trains run ~12–14 h.
Top experiences
Almaty
City: Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar, Kok-Tobe views.
Nature: Big Almaty Lake (1 h), Charyn Canyon / Kolsai–Kaindy day trips, Shymbulak gondolas.
Who it fits: hikers, photographers, families wanting short scenic outings.
Astana
Icons: Baiterek Tower, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, National Museum, EXPO/Nur Alem.
City walks: Nurly Zhol boulevard, riverfront, night lights.
Who it fits: architecture lovers, city-break travelers, winter cityscapes fans.
Book Tours in Almaty and Kazakhstan
Check current prices, available dates, photos, and tour programs in our booking widget.
Ride-hailing (Yandex Go/Bolt) is cheap in both. Cards are widely accepted; carry small tenge for markets and park gates.
Both cities are generally safe; watch for petty theft in crowds; in mountains pack layers and sturdy shoes.
2–4 day sample splits
2 days Almaty: Day 1 city loop + Kok-Tobe sunset; Day 2 Medeu–Shymbulak or Big Almaty Lake.
1 day Astana: Museum + Baiterek + EXPO evening lights.
4 days total: 2–3 Almaty (add Charyn Canyon), 1–2 Astana.
Decision guide (Almaty or Astana better?)
Want nature-first with minimal logistics? Almaty.
Prefer iconic modern architecture and big museums? Astana.
Traveling in deep winter and not skiing? Astana (city sights), or Almaty for Medeu skating.
Need varied photos in a short time? Almaty wins with mountains + city in one frame.
Bottom line: For most first-timers, start with Almaty (bigger experience diversity per day), then add Astana if your schedule allows. If you would like to see available tours please check here Almaty Tours