Where to Take the Best Photos in Almaty? Our 10 Must-See Spots

Almaty in Kazakhstan is a young city with beautiful mountains and unique architecture. Almaty was the capital of Kazakhstan for 70 years. It is the largest city in Kazakhstan and is known for its natural beauty and modern architecture. Almaty has a lot of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick only ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten locations for stunning photos while you are there.

In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Kok Tobe Hill

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In Almaty, Kok-Tobe Hill, commonly known as Kok-Tube, is a well-liked tourist destination and a popular location for photography. Situated on the southeast side of Almaty, the little mountain rises 200 meters above the city's relative height and is 1130 meters above sea level. The attractions at Kok-Tobe, which translates to "Blue Hill," include a small amusement park, numerous monuments, a wide variety of viewing platforms, and the Almaty TV Tower. In addition to a road for vehicles and pedestrians, there is a cable car that leads to the summit.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  The famous Almaty contrast of snowcapped peaks meeting the city skyline.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon to catch the golden light before sunset.
• Photography tip 📷
  Frame the cityscape with the mountains in the background for a stunning wide shot.

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2. Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)

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Ascension Cathedral, a unique architectural structure of Zenkov Cathedral, is situated in Almaty's verdant Panfilov Park. One of the city's primary attractions is the historical monument. The church's construction in the early 20th century was started by the Bishop of Tashkent and Turkestan. The top architects and engineers of the day were given the task. The project was authorized in 1903, and the cathedral was built between 1904 and 1907.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  One of the world’s tallest wooden buildings, and brightly photogenic.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning light highlights its colorful facade.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture symmetrical shots from the front, and don’t miss detail close-ups.

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3. Big Almaty Lake

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One of the greatest locations for photographers, which is located 28.5 kilometers south of Almaty and 2,511 meters above sea level in a valley of the Bolshaya Almatinka River. Encircled by breathtaking peaks on all sides, it rests in a hollow that resembles a shining mirror. From the northern end of the dam, three prominent peaks rise above the lake.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Icy blue water, silent peaks, and natural beauty.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Spring to early fall, when snow has melted and roads are open.
• Photography tip 📷
  Wide-angle shots work best—get there early for reflections in still water.

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4.  Central Mosque of Almaty

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Almaty Central Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Almaty and Kazakhstan, is another quaint location. The original Tatar mosque, which was constructed in 1890 and burned down in 1987, was replaced with the new mosque. The mosque is a rectangular, domed structure with a minaret that runs east-west. The mosque can accommodate roughly 3,000 people in total, and the main dome's drum is decorated with a color mosaic.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Islamic architecture with Central Asian elegance and scale.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Early morning or after prayer times for a quieter view.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from a low angle to emphasize the height and symmetry of the domes.

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5. Panfilov Park

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Located in east-central Almaty, Kazakhstan, the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park is an urban park close to the Ascension Cathedral. Originally known as Starokladbischensky Park, it was established in the 1970s on the site of a Cossack village cemetery. A mixed deciduous grove of perpetual oaks, elms, aspens, maples, poplars, pines, and firs encircles the 18-hectare park, which is separated by straight walkways and alleyways.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A blend of Soviet history, quiet paths, and community.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Afternoon, when light filters through the trees.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot through the branches for layered, moody compositions.

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6. Shymbulak Ski Resort

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Another quaint location, the biggest ski resort in Central Asia, is Shymbulak Ski Resort. At 2,200 meters above sea level, it is situated in the upper portion of the Medeu Valley within the Zailiisky Alatau mountain range. By the Medeo road, the resort area is roughly 25 kilometers south of Almaty city. It is well-liked because of its pleasant weather, plenty of bright days, and heavy snowfall throughout the winter.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Mountain air, cable cars, and scenery straight out of a fantasy film.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Winter for snow scenes, summer for hiking shots.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use elevation to your advantage with big sky and deep valley shots.

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7. Medeu Ice Rink

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The renowned "Medeu" ice skating rink was established in 1949. Located at an elevation and named after the settlement, Volost Medeu Pusurmanova Republic of Kazakhstan's architectural masterpiece is one of the biggest high-altitude winter sports complexes, with a total rink surface of 10,500 square meters. 1600 spotlights are shining on the ice arena.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Cold air, mountain silence, and Olympic history.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Winter mornings for a quiet, snowy scene.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the rink with the peaks in the background for contrast.

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8. Republic Square

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Another beautiful spot, the Republic Square, is the center of Almaty. The city's largest square, at 580 meters in length and 210 meters in width, is nearly the size of two stadiums. It hosts official and sporting events, parades, and national celebrations. The square's name has changed, structures have been built, parks, fountains, and pools have been added, yet it has always been there.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Bold shapes, historic symbolism, and wide, cinematic views.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset, when shadows stretch and light warms the stone.
• Photography tip 📷
  Experiment with leading lines and symmetry from the center.

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9. Arbat Street

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In Almaty, Kazakhstan, Arbat is a pedestrian area. It is situated between Abylai Khan Avenue and Nazarbayev Street on Jibek Joly Street. Arbat was the first neighborhood in Almaty to be designated as a pedestrian zone, having been established in the late 1980s. There are numerous shops in the area, including TsUM, the Silk Way mall, and kiosks.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Modern flair meets old-world charm in the city’s creative core.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Evening, when the lights and street life pick up.
• Photography tip 📷
  Look for character: old men playing chess, glowing neon signs, painted benches.

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10.  Nurly Tau Business Center

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Adjacent to the President of the Republic's house is the multipurpose Nurly Tau Business Center. Every element of the complex, including the administrative hubs, sports and entertainment facilities, clubs, dining options, movie theaters, and much more, was designed with the comfort of the people who work and live there in mind.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Steel and glass set against untamed nature—a bold visual.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning or after rain, when reflections shine.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use the glass for reflections of sky and mountains, and get creative with angles

Final Thoughts

These are the best photography spots you will never miss in Almaty. But there is really much more to see and enjoy, as the city has endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Almaty.

Ready to go explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, because you’re going to take a lot of photos.

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