Shopping · Almaty · Kazakhstan
Shopping in Almaty
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Batyrbek.kz, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Almaty is the shopping capital of Central Asia, from the Green Bazaar's food stalls to large malls such as Esentai, Dostyk Plaza and Mega. Kazakh crafts — felt, silver jewellery and dombras — are sold on the Arbat and in museum shops. Best souvenirs: Felt crafts, Dombra and Rakhat chocolate.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Felt crafts
Where to shop
Zhibek Zholy and TsUM
The pedestrian Arbat with souvenir shops and the Soviet-era TsUM department store.
Esentai Mall
Luxury brands and designer stores on Al-Farabi Avenue.
Dostyk Plaza and Mega
Large malls with international chains, food courts and cinemas.
Markets
Green Bazaar
The central market for meat, dairy, dried fruit, nuts, spices and souvenirs.
Barakholka
A sprawling clothing and goods market on the city's north-western outskirts, best for bargain hunters.
What to buy
Felt crafts
Felted rugs, slippers and decorations with traditional Kazakh patterns.
Dombra
The two-stringed Kazakh lute, in sizes from toy to concert instrument.
Rakhat chocolate
Chocolate from Almaty's historic Rakhat factory, sold everywhere in the city.
Dried fruit and nuts
Apricots, raisins, walnuts and almonds sold by weight at the Green Bazaar.
Silver jewellery
Rings and bracelets with Kazakh ornament from craft shops and museum stores.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Market · Panfilov Park and Zhibek Zholy
Green Bazaar
Almaty's central market, the Zelyony Bazar, fills a large hall with stalls of horse-meat sausage, dried fruit, nuts, honey, Korean salads and bowls of kurt cheese, with vendors offering tastings.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- Free
- Photo spot
Street · Panfilov Park and Zhibek Zholy
Zhibek Zholy (the Arbat)
The pedestrian section of Zhibek Zholy, named after the Silk Road, is lined with souvenir shops, cafés, street musicians and painters, and leads past the TsUM department store towards the Green Bazaar.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- After dark
- Food
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Baursak, Kurt, Kumis and Kazakh tea. Kazakh restaurants and bakeries; a bowl often arrives with the tea. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Square | $$$ | Leafy, upscale grid of the old centre between Abay, Dostyk and Al-Farabi avenues |
| Panfilov Park and Zhibek Zholy | $$ | Historic core around the cathedral, the Green Bazaar and the pedestrian Arbat |
| Al-Farabi and Esentai | $$$$ | Business district of glass towers, the Esentai Mall and luxury hotels |
| Abay and Republic Square | $$ | Monumental Soviet and post-independence centre around Republic Square |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in KZT. Restaurants often include a service charge; if not, about 10% is customary for good service. Taxi fares through apps do not need tips, and rounding up is enough elsewhere.
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere in the city, but carry cash for markets and villages.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in November; the busiest months are July.
- March: Nauryz — spring new year festival with yurts and food in public squares (around 21–23 March)
Staying near the shops
$$ · Best for first-timers, budget, culture and shopping
Panfilov Park and Zhibek Zholy
Historic core around the cathedral, the Green Bazaar and the pedestrian Arbat
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Almaty?
Felt crafts, Dombra, Rakhat chocolate and Dried fruit and nuts.
+Where is the best shopping in Almaty?
Zhibek Zholy and TsUM: The pedestrian Arbat with souvenir shops and the Soviet-era TsUM department store.
+What are the best markets in Almaty?
Green Bazaar and Barakholka.