SILK WAY CITY
Read moreOne of Almaty's most modern shopping centers, inaugurated just before the pandemic. You'll find a host of stores, as well as restaurants, a cinema and an Internet café, and the eternal telephone department in the basement. For fast-fashion addicts, it's paradise, with all stores supplied by neighboring China: Waikiki, Pull & Bear, Jack & Jones are all here. A stroll through the center is a good option for spying on the lifestyle and consumption of Kazakhstan's emerging middle class.
MELOMAN
Read moreAbove all, it's one of Almaty's biggest bookshops, with entire shelves mainly in Kazakh and Russian. If you don't read either, you'll find a small section of books translated into English, mainly biographies of national celebrities. Almaty is also the main address for browsing for Kazakh films and music, often unavailable elsewhere. A little Ali Baba's cave for enthusiasts! The store is open 24/7, and two other locations have opened in the city.