Almaty Travel Guide

Shopping in Almaty

Discover 5 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Almaty, Kazakhstan. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.

5 shops & markets Wikivoyage community
  1. Ramstore Atrium Supermarket Trade Center

    International retrail store chain. - 9 cashdesk with electronic scales; - Accept Moneycards as: Visa, Master Card, Euro Card, American Express, China Union Pay, Altyn. - More units: Samal Shopping center, Address: Furmanov str., 226 (Phone:+8 727 330-5501, Fax:+8 727 258-7570, Open: 9:00-24:00); - Tastak Supermarket, Address : Almaty, Tole Bi str., 229, (Phones:+8 727 2414008, Fax: 8 727 2414015, Open: 09:00-23:00). - Aynabulak Supermarket, Address: Almaty, micro-district Aynabulak, 98 B. (Phones: +8 727 299-4009, 2994069, Fax : +8 727 2994009, Open: 09:00-23:00). - Atakent Supermarket, Address: Almaty, Temiryazev str., 42. (Phones:+8 727 275-6833, +8 727 275-6835, 275-6838, Fax:+8 727 275-7289, Open: 09:00-23:00). - Mega Supermarket, Address: Almaty, Rozibakiyev str., 247 А. (Phones: +8 727 232-2612, +8 727 232-2614, +8 727 271-9740, Fax:+8 727 232-2613, Open: 09:00-23:00). - Hyper Aport Hypermarket, Address : Moll А’port, Karasay district (200 m from the Market Altyn-Orda, Six km west of the City Center. Phone:+8 727 312-15-61, Fax:+8 727 312-1563, Open: 09:00-23:00). - Mango Supermarket, Address: Almaty, st. Sholohova/Seyfullina 29. (Phone:+8 727 313-7522, 313-7520, Fax:+8 727 313-7522, Open: 09:00-23:00). - Globus Supermarket, Address: Almaty, st. Abaya/Auezova 109 b. (Phone:+8 727 356-7564, Fax :+8 727 356-7562, Open: 09:00-23:00. - Almagul Supermarket, Address: Almaty, microdistrict Almagul 18a. (Phone:+8 727 396-2507. Fax :+8 727 396-2508, Open: 09:00-23:00). - Hyper Altyn Taraz Hypermarket /Рамстор Алтын Тараз/, Address: Str. Abylai Han 3 Moll - Altin-Taraz , Желтоқсан көшесі (Near to Astan - 2 Station). Phone:+8 727 244-6102, Fax :+8 727 244-6106, Open: 09:00-23:00).- Sputnik Supermarket, mkr-n Mamyr-1, 8a Moll Sputnik. (Phone:+8 727 244-7519, Open: 09:00-23:00). - Shemyakina Supermarket, Address: Shemyakina str. 121, (Phone:+8 727 303-4048, Open: 09:00-23:00). - Timiryazeva Supermarket, Address: Almaty, Str. Timiryazeva 37, (Phones: +8 727 248-4631, 248-4633, 248-4635, Open: 09:00-23:00).

    Ul. Raiymbek Nauryzbai Batyr (Райымбек даңғылы) Open: 09:00-23:00 Website
  2. Green Market

    Fresh vegetables, dairy products, and meat, as well as a number of non-food household items. Fruit and vegetables are on the lower level. On the upper level you will find dried fruits, nuts, spices, honey and plants, as well as cheese and meat. The meat section includes horse sausages and is a bit challenging to the nose, so vegetarians beware. The prices increase seasonally, and unless you come from Tokyo or London, you will find it quite expensive, as opposed to your typical Asian market shopping experience. Wallet in your front pocket, lest the pickpockets relieve you of your hard-earned money.

    Zenkov Street
  3. Arbat

    Almaty's artist's row on a tree-lined pedestrian street. "Arbat" is a nickname of the street. On the same street you can visit the big mall - TsUM (in Russian - ЦУМ - Центральный Универсальный Магазин). At the east end of this pedestrian street there is the Silk Way Mall. Here you can find Wi-Fi Internet access at Cafemax on the second level (KZT500 for 100 minutes) and a selection of upscale shops. Most of these shops are imitations of Western chain stores such as Zara. They also imitate Western prices.

  4. Tsum Shopping Center

    Every post-Soviet town has this department store. It's filled with hundreds of identical little counters selling electronic goods on the first floor, and souvenirs and clothes can be found on the second. There is a good selection of souvenirs. One Saturday a month, there is an ad hoc market on Ablai Khan across from the Tsum. Craftsmen from all over come and sell their wares. It's worth checking out.

    Abylai Khan Avenue
  5. Barakholka

    Cheap shopping at a large vendor-style market, find name brands (knock-offs) for cheap. You can find virtually anything there, and if the price isn't right, you can easily haggle with the merchants. You want to find a USD300 winter coat for about USD45? It's possible. Be wary of pick-pocketing.

Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.

Shopping Guide for Almaty: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs

Shopping in Almaty is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Almaty's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.

This guide covers 5 shopping spots in Almaty sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.

Types of Shopping in Almaty

Almaty's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Almaty often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Almaty sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.

Shopping Tips for Travelers in Almaty

  • Visit markets early. The best stalls at Almaty's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
  • Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Almaty prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
  • Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Almaty close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
  • Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Almaty, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
  • Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Almaty.
  • Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Almaty light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.

Best Souvenirs to Buy in Almaty

The most meaningful souvenirs from Almaty are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.

Shopping Neighborhoods in Almaty

Like most cities, Almaty's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.

Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Almaty

Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Almaty — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.

Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Almaty

Where to shop in Almaty?

Almaty has 5 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Almaty.

What souvenirs to buy in Almaty?

The best souvenirs from Almaty are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.

Are there any markets in Almaty?

Yes, Almaty has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.

What are the best specialty shops in Almaty?

Almaty has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.

How do I find shopping companions in Almaty?

Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Almaty. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.

Is it safe to shop in Almaty as a solo traveler?

Shopping in Almaty is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Almaty.

Explore Almaty with fellow travelers

Download Nomax — It's Free