Kazakhstan was not a popular tourist destination a decade ago. But of late, its natural landscapes, history, and culture of the place have been attracting tourists and travelers from all over the world. One of the most popular cities in Kazakhstan is Almaty. Once the capital of the country, Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan. It is also one of the most expensive cities in Central Asia. But that does not mean that your trip to Almaty needs to be an expensive affair. It is possible to visit this amazing city on a budget. Here we share some tips to experience Almaty budget travel.
Best Time to Visit Almaty for Budget Travelers
The tourist season in Almaty is in summer, as the weather is pleasant with the temperature varying between 10-degree C to 30-degree C. The city is not only crowded with tourists during this season, but you will also find the place to be really expensive. If you want to travel on a budget, the shoulder seasons, i.e., spring and autumn are great times to visit. The weather is cooler but not as extreme as winter. As not many tourists visit the city during these seasons, everything from flight tickets to accommodation is cheaper during this time. The winter season is also a good time for budget travelers who do not mind the minus degree temperatures and the snowfall.
Affordable Accommodation in Almaty
Where to stay is one of the most important questions people ask when on a holiday. Almaty has some of the best luxurious hotels and resorts that are quite expensive. But the city also offers numerous affordable options. The best option for backpackers and solo travelers is staying at a hostel in Almaty. There are around 57 hostels in Almaty. The average price of a dorm room in the city is anywhere between $3-$12. Hostels come with a common kitchen where you can prepare simple meals. If you want a bit more privacy, you can book a private room in a hostel, which will cost around $15-$30. Apart from hostels, Almaty also has cheap hotels that start from $20 per night. You can also get an apartment if you are staying for long, which will cost you anywhere between $15-$50, per night. Moreover, couch surfing is also available in the city, helping you to save some money from your holiday budget.
Low-Cost Dining Options in Almaty
When you are on a budget, having three meals a day in upscale restaurants would not be pocket friendly. But you do not have to worry, as Almaty offers several low-cost dining options. One of the best options for this is Navat, where you will get to try traditional Kazakh dishes at an affordable price. Another no-frill place where you can enjoy Kazakh cuisine is Kaganat, which is like a canteen-style cafe that serves Kazakh cuisine. The best thing about this place is that it is open 24/7. Some other places where you can eat without spending too much money are Traktir Medved, Rumi, Nedelka, Kishlak, and more.
If you are staying in a hostel or an apartment and have access to a kitchen, you can save money by making your own meals. You can get the produce from the local markets to make your own food. One of the most popular markets is The Green Bazaar. It is a farmer’s market where you can buy fresh fruits, native apples, meat, vegetables, spices, nuts, and more. You will also find hawker streets and food stalls in several parts of the city.
Free or Inexpensive Attractions in Almaty
Spending money on sightseeing is inevitable. Almaty has plenty of attractions and many of them require you to shell out an entry fee. On the other hand, there are several low-cost places to visit in Almaty. One of the must-do things in Almaty is visiting the Big Almaty Lake. Flanked by the gigantic mountains and the Tuen Shan firs, this sparkling lake is awe-inducing. Hiking on the Big Almaty Peak is also one of the free activities in Almaty. You can also go cycling here.
Almaty also has several parks and other attractions that you can visit for free or at a low cost. One of the best Almaty affordable attractions is First President’s Park, where you can view beautiful gardens and sculptures and learn about the history of the place. The gorgeous Zenkov Cathedral is another place you can visit for free here.
Almaty is home to numerous museums. Exploring these museums is one of the cheap things to do in Almaty. Central State Museum of Kazakhstan is one of the best museums to visit in the city, and you can gain entry with a ticket costing $1. Almaty Botanical Garden, Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, and Kok-Tobe Hills are some other places to visit in Almaty on a budget.
Public Transportation in Almaty
Traveling around Almaty is quite easy and inexpensive as the city has a robust public transportation system. The city is well-connected with buses and trams, and these are quite affordable options too. The basic price is around 20 cents. But the fastest way of traveling around the city is through the metro. The Almaty metro has a single line, but it takes you to almost all the parts of the city. Moreover, there is a metro train every 10 minutes. A metro ticket costs around 25 cents.
If you are looking for a more relaxed traveling experience, you can also hire a taxi. While taxis are not as cheap as trains and metros, they are also quite affordable. You can use apps like Uber and Yandex to book a taxi from anywhere around the city. Another one of the Almaty public transport tips is to hail a cab on the road itself. However, in this case, agree on the fare before you begin your journey. In case you are up for some adventure, you can rent a bike to get around the city. It is also a good idea to explore the city on foot.
Apart from all this, you can also join one of the free walking tours that happen in the city. These walking tours are conducted by local tour guides who will take you to the important landmarks in the city while giving you information about the place. While you do not have to pay any money for these tours, you can tip the guide at the end. You can also look out for Almaty holiday packages, which include accommodation, sightseeing, and food at one price.
If you are someone who has pushed Almaty off your bucket list thinking of the expenses, do change your plans. This is because it is possible to visit Almaty on a budget. You just need to know the right places to stay, eat, and visit.
