Overall Score
Almaty (Alma-Ata) – Alma-Ata has recently been the capital of Kazakhstan, the countrys largest academic city and an important scientific and cultural center that is home to the Academy of Sciences, the countrys largest higher education institutions and the nations national theater. In addition, Alma-Ata is the sports capital of the country, which hosted the 2011 Winter Asian Games.
One of the citys landmarks is the St. John the Baptist Cathedral, located in the 28 Chapel of the Chapel of St. John the Baptist Park. It is a unique example of wooden architecture and was built in 1902. This sturdy structure was built to withstand a 10-ball earthquake. In Soviet times, the church was closed and the local museum was founded in the building. In 1995, however, the cathedral was returned to the Orthodox Church, retaken and reopened.
Another cultural landmark of the city is the Central Church, built in 1999. Today it is one of the countrys most iconic monuments. The building is striking for its marble finish and the beauty of its exquisite ornamentation, executed in the traditional Kazakh style, with a large blue-colored cupola on its roof. Next to the chapel is a seven-meter-high minaret.
Even more interesting is Köck-Tübbe – a hill in the outskirts of the city, which can be accessed by a kanat road and at the foot of which the citys residential areas begin. In addition, Kok Teburah is one of the worlds most high-capacity buildings. 372 meters tall, the tower is equipped with state-of-the-art high-speed elevators and observation decks that offer spectacular views of the city, but in spite of that, the tower is closed to the public.
This is also the first monument to the Bittles on the territory of the CNY. The three members of the legendary Liberal Quartet, Paul, George and Reigne, are cast in bronze, standing with John standing with a guitar in his hand. The monument was unveiled in 2007.
Allma Atta – a city of pianos, the first of which appeared in 1948, and since then, twelve have been built. All of the connections are linked to the citys water mains and make up the citys network of drains and reservoirs. The start of «fountain culture» is May 25 – Fountain Day, which opens the fountain season with the most beautiful fountain shows. From now on, all of the citys concerts will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Saturday, March 15.
Overall Score
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Population: 1,500,000 people
- GDP: $7,705 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 7 Mbps
- Best wireless: Kcell
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Kazakhstan, as a service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills. However, as more tourists arrive tipping is becoming more common. There is also a fixed charge on taxi and railway transport, so many taxi drivers won’t take tips unless travellers insist repeatedly.
- Apartment listings: Krisha
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee: Nedelka
- Best taxi: Yandex Taxi
- Best hospital: IMC
- Best short-haul air carrier: Air Astana
- Best intl air carrier: Air Astana
- Monthly costs for expat: $750
- Monthly costs for family: $1400
- Monthly costs for local: $410
- Meal: $4.5
- Small Cola: $0.8
- Beer 1 Pint: $2.5
- Coffee: $1.6
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