Where to Stay in Almaty
as a Tourist
Almaty, like any other city, has its districts and areas, each with its own pros and cons. The best area to stay in Almaty will depend on whether you’re coming for a short trip or planning to stay longer.
Before we dive into the neighborhoods, it’s important to mention that Almaty is a mountain city. This means there’s a noticeable elevation difference within the city, from around 600 meters above sea level in the lower parts to about 1000 meters in the higher areas. Some suburbs of Almaty go up to 1500 meters. The mountains are mostly located to the south of the city. Historically, the higher (southern) areas have been more prestigious and expensive. But that doesn’t always mean “higher = better”. These areas have limited road access, so you might end up spending a lot of your holiday stuck in traffic.
Before we dive into the neighborhoods, it’s important to mention that Almaty is a mountain city. This means there’s a noticeable elevation difference within the city, from around 600 meters above sea level in the lower parts to about 1000 meters in the higher areas. Some suburbs of Almaty go up to 1500 meters. The mountains are mostly located to the south of the city. Historically, the higher (southern) areas have been more prestigious and expensive. But that doesn’t always mean “higher = better”. These areas have limited road access, so you might end up spending a lot of your holiday stuck in traffic.
Almaty is not a very big city, but heavy traffic during peak hours and underdeveloped public transport can make getting around time-consuming. If your stay is short, you probably don’t want to spend hours in traffic.
Let’s explore the best areas in Almaty for tourists to help you find what suits you best. In this article, we won’t rely much on official district names for a few reasons: they’re too broad, not very helpful for navigation, and even locals rarely use them in everyday life.
Let’s explore the best areas in Almaty for tourists to help you find what suits you best. In this article, we won’t rely much on official district names for a few reasons: they’re too broad, not very helpful for navigation, and even locals rarely use them in everyday life.
Golden Square
Best Area to Stay in Almaty City Center
This is a popular unofficial name for the historical center of Almaty, roughly bordered by Zenkov, Gogol, Satpayev, and Zheltoksan streets. On the map, it might not look like the geographical center of the city, as Almaty has mostly expanded westward over the past few decades.
Most of the buildings here were built during or before Soviet times and later renovated. It’s the most relaxed, pedestrian-friendly area in Almaty, full of cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and walking streets. Buildings are usually low-rise, and there are lots of trees and greenery.
Staying here means you can get to many places without needing a taxi. There are plenty of hotels in Almaty, Airbnbs, and short-term rentals in the area. While living in Almaty, we spent most of our time here before moving to a village — celebrating holidays, having family days out, and eating at local spots.
It might be a bit more expensive, but it can save you money on taxis and time on travel. This area works well for both short and longer stays, especially if you enjoy relaxed city walks or plan to join guided tours with city pick-ups.
It’s not the best option if you plan to rent a car, though — parking is very limited. Make sure your Airbnb or hotel provides a guaranteed parking spot.
In recent years, realtors and Airbnb hosts started using the term “Golden Square” for much wider areas to justify higher prices — don’t fall for this marketing trick.
Most of the buildings here were built during or before Soviet times and later renovated. It’s the most relaxed, pedestrian-friendly area in Almaty, full of cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and walking streets. Buildings are usually low-rise, and there are lots of trees and greenery.
Staying here means you can get to many places without needing a taxi. There are plenty of hotels in Almaty, Airbnbs, and short-term rentals in the area. While living in Almaty, we spent most of our time here before moving to a village — celebrating holidays, having family days out, and eating at local spots.
It might be a bit more expensive, but it can save you money on taxis and time on travel. This area works well for both short and longer stays, especially if you enjoy relaxed city walks or plan to join guided tours with city pick-ups.
It’s not the best option if you plan to rent a car, though — parking is very limited. Make sure your Airbnb or hotel provides a guaranteed parking spot.
In recent years, realtors and Airbnb hosts started using the term “Golden Square” for much wider areas to justify higher prices — don’t fall for this marketing trick.
Golden Square
Bordered by Zenkov, Gogol, Satpayev, and Zheltoksan streets
Samal and Around Dostyk Street
For a More Modern Stay
Located just south (uphill) of the Golden Square, this area is much newer. Most development here started after the 1990s during the period of Independent Kazakhstan.
Historically, this has been a more expensive area, with larger apartments, luxury stays, and upscale restaurants and shops. Over time, as many business centers moved here, it became a kind of Downtown Almaty. It can be very busy during weekdays.
Here, you’ll find big shopping malls, gourmet food shops, beauty salons, and also parks, alleys, and museums. This area is great for those who prefer a more modern, high-end neighborhood in Almaty.
Historically, this has been a more expensive area, with larger apartments, luxury stays, and upscale restaurants and shops. Over time, as many business centers moved here, it became a kind of Downtown Almaty. It can be very busy during weekdays.
Here, you’ll find big shopping malls, gourmet food shops, beauty salons, and also parks, alleys, and museums. This area is great for those who prefer a more modern, high-end neighborhood in Almaty.
Samal and Around Dostyk Street
Eastern Part of the City
Best for Nature Trips and Road Travel
This area mostly consists of private houses. It could be a good choice if you’re renting a car in Almaty or staying long-term with a big family. It is also not far from the city center and the Terenkur River promenade.
For sightseeing, you’ll usually need to take a taxi. However, if you plan to leave the city often — for hiking, visiting national parks, or exploring nearby attractions like the Turgen Gorge, Issyk Lake, or Charyn Canyon — this area is strategically convenient. It's close to the main highways heading east and southeast (towards Talgar, Issyk, and beyond).
For sightseeing, you’ll usually need to take a taxi. However, if you plan to leave the city often — for hiking, visiting national parks, or exploring nearby attractions like the Turgen Gorge, Issyk Lake, or Charyn Canyon — this area is strategically convenient. It's close to the main highways heading east and southeast (towards Talgar, Issyk, and beyond).
Eastern Part of the City
West of the Golden Square
Budget-Friendly Family Option
This area is mostly a residential “sleeping district” — a place where many locals live, but not where most tourists usually stay. It has everything needed for long-term living in Almaty: supermarkets, schools, clinics, beauty salons, and shopping centers. Rent prices in Almaty here are generally more affordable than in central areas.
While it’s farther from the main tourist attractions, it can still be a good choice if you're planning a longer stay or traveling with kids. The area has plenty of children’s entertainment, like indoor play centers, amusement areas in malls, and parks with playgrounds. It's quieter, less crowded, and gives you a feel of local Almaty life.
While it’s farther from the main tourist attractions, it can still be a good choice if you're planning a longer stay or traveling with kids. The area has plenty of children’s entertainment, like indoor play centers, amusement areas in malls, and parks with playgrounds. It's quieter, less crowded, and gives you a feel of local Almaty life.
West of the Golden Square
Northern Lower Part of the City
Cheap but Less Comfortable
Prices here can be lower, but this area has fewer attractions and more air pollution, especially in winter during the heating season. Smog in Almaty is a city-wide issue, but the lower (northern) you go, the worse the air quality becomes.
If you're on a tight budget and plan to spend most of your time outside the city, it may still be worth considering, but it’s not ideal for those looking for a comfortable tourist experience.
If you're on a tight budget and plan to spend most of your time outside the city, it may still be worth considering, but it’s not ideal for those looking for a comfortable tourist experience.
Northern Lower Part of the City
Personal Note
I’ve lived in Almaty for 33 years, traveled extensively both in Kazakhstan and abroad, and for the past two years I’ve worked closely with tourists visiting Almaty from all over the world. These recommendations are based not only on personal experience, but also on helping others discover what works best — depending on trip length, interests, and travel style. I hope it helps you make the most of your time in this unique city.
Malika Hakim
Co-founder SSTC
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Almaty?
In Conclusion:
Your choice of area depends on your itinerary, trip length, and interests:
- For a short stay in Almaty, choose the Golden Square and the nearby streets
- For mountain lovers: look south of the center, around Dostyk or Navoi streets, above Al-Farabi Avenue
- If you rent a car and plan to explore nature around Almaty, check out the eastern part of the city or the Talgar area. Check our stays in the Talgar area here.