The city is not just streets, buildings and business centres. It needs spaces where one can pause, breathe out, be close to nature, meet loved ones or simply spend time away from the daily bustle. For Almaty, surrounded by mountains and rich in green areas, such places are especially important. Parks, public gardens, embankments, health trails and other recreational spaces shape the quality of urban life, offer a chance to recover and feel a connection with the city. That is precisely why it matters to preserve, develop and make accessible the places Almaty residents want to return to again and again.
TOP 6 most popular leisure spots for Almaty residents.
Terrenkur
the Malaya Almatinka river valley, the river flows above Dostyk Avenue, in the upper part of the city, landscaped embankment
A popular leisure spot for city dwellers, particularly residents of the upper part of the city and tourists.
What's there:
- 01A walking health trail — a route of approximately 4.5–5 km, alongside greenery and the river.
- 02Pond — it has been cleaned and landscaped, with beautiful spots for photographs around it.
- 03White rotunda with a golden dome — one of the most beautiful photo locations.
- 04Wooden bridge — a photo spot.
- 05Open-air amphitheatre and a stage by the water — events and film screenings on a big screen can be held there.
- 063 tennis and 4 chess tables.
- 07Workout zones with exercise equipment.
- 082 modern children's playgrounds.
- 09Plenty of benches, greenery, flowers and lighting.
- 10Cafés and coffee shops — there are many along the promenade.
- 11Toilets and rest areas.
FLOW PARK
across the road from the Park of the First President, at the intersection of Al-Farabi Avenue and Dulat Street
Area — approximately 6.6 hectares
A relatively new leisure spot for young people and families with children.
What's there:
- 01Large skatepark
- 02Pump track
- 031.3 km running track
- 04Outdoor exercise equipment
- 05Sports grounds
- 06Children's play areas
- 07Large recreational zone with landscaping
- 08Pedestrian paths
- 09Spots for quiet relaxation
Sayran Lake
from Abay Avenue to Tole Bi Avenue
An artificial reservoir in the bed of the Bolshaya Almatinka River. Very beautiful views of the water and the mountains, especially towards evening. A recreation spot for residents of the densely populated Tastak district.
What's there:
- 01A new promenade embankment of around 2.5 km — you can walk around a substantial part of the lake.
- 02A sandy beach with sun loungers and changing cabins.
- 03A pontoon pedestrian bridge across part of the lake — a very popular spot for strolling and taking beautiful photographs.
- 04A sculpture well known in the city, depicting the rescue of a dog by a group of young men.
- 05Lotuses and special pergolas by the water.
- 06A skatepark and roller park.
- 07A bike park.
- 08Football and volleyball pitches.
- 09A parkour area and exercise equipment.
- 10A large children's playground.
- 11A separate dog-walking area.
- 12Food courts and relaxation areas.
- 135 public toilets.
- 14New landscaping: thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted.
- 15New lighting and video surveillance.
Mahatma Gandhi Park/Square
a large green area within the block bounded by Zhambyl — Zharokov — Shevchenko — Gagarin streets
Established in the early 1970s. A recreation spot for the city's older generation, though it is also loved by young families with children.
What's there:
- 01Shady avenues and plenty of greenery.
- 02A 2.2 km running track.
- 03A covered area with exercise equipment.
- 04A beach volleyball court.
- 05Table tennis tables.
- 06Gazebos for chess and board games.
- 07A children's playground.
- 08A large enclosure for dog walking and training, around 800 m².
- 09Relaxation areas, benches and pergolas.
- 10Drinking fountains.
- 11A monument to Mahatma Gandhi, installed in 2003.
Photo: Talgatbek AsanovRepublic Square
the section of Satpayev Street from Dostyk Avenue to Zheltoksan Street
The project was developed by the British company LDA Design. It immediately became a favourite spot for city residents with children.
What’s there:
- 01233 large trees and more than 63,000 shrubs.
- 028 ornamental ponds.
- 03Restored and new fountain complexes.
- 04Children’s playgrounds.
- 052 amphitheatres.
- 06Cycle paths.
- 07New walking routes.
- 08More than 500 items of urban furniture — benches, armchairs, tables, bicycle racks, etc.
- 09A new public transport stop.
- 10Signal-controlled pedestrian crossings across Satpayev.
- 11Barrier-free environment.
Photo: Talgatbek AsanovArbat — Zhibek Zholy
the Panfilov — Arbat (Zhibek Zholy) pedestrian axis
This is one of the most successful examples of transforming ordinary central streets into a public space in Almaty.
What’s there:
Arbat is the pedestrian section of Zhibek Zholy Avenue. Its main value is its urban atmosphere: street musicians, artists, small events, cafés, shops, fountains and places to relax.
Arbat is especially lively in the evening and at weekends. It is one of the most recognisable places for a stroll in Almaty.
Panfilov is a quieter and more “architectural” route. The pedestrian section runs from the Abai State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre to Arbat, connecting two important urban spaces. After reconstruction in 2017, new fountains, planting, benches, and children’s and sports areas appeared here.
What’s there:
- 01The Abai State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.
- 02The Almaty Hotel.
- 03The famous “Avoska” building.
- 04Monuments and art objects.
- 05Cafés and restaurants.
- 06Street artists and musicians.
- 07Fountains.
- 08A fragment of the old 1930s cobbled pavement.
A favourite spot for creative young people and tourists.
Newsletter
A letter from the HD editors
Once a week, we send the best stories, events, and cultural discoveries from Central Asia.