
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
1. The Big Apple Discotheque
A retro-futuristic nightclub located in a decommissioned Soviet nuclear bunker.
- Nuclear Bunker Location: Offers an unique experience of dancing in a former nuclear shelter.
- Retro-Futuristic Ambience: Combines the aesthetics of the past and future with a distinctly Soviet twist.
- Underground Location: The club is hidden underground, offering a sense of secrecy and exclusivity.
2. Panorama Almaty
A giant head sculpture overlooking the city, serving as a tourist attraction.
- Giant Head Sculpture: Stands at an impressive height and is a unique feature in Almaty's skyline.
- Panoramic Viewpoint: Offers a bird's eye view of the city, perfect for photography.
- Night Light Show: Illuminates at night with a dynamic light show, adding to its allure.
3. The Dining Room in the Sky
A restaurant located on the 43rd floor of a skyscraper with a revolving dining room.
- Revolving Dining Room: Allows diners to enjoy a rotating 360-degree view of the city.
- High Altitude Dining: Provides an unique dining experience at such a great height.
- Panoramic City View: Offers stunning views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains.
4. Zoo Station
An abandoned zoo turned into an urban exploration site.
- Urban Exploration: Provides a unique opportunity for adventurous urban exploring.
- Abandoned Zoo: Offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the remnants of a once-thriving zoo.
- Nature and Wildlife: The remnants of wildlife still present add to its unique charm.
5. The Monkey Hill
A hill with hundreds of wild monkeys roaming freely.
- Wild Monkeys: Offers the opportunity to interact with and observe wild monkeys.
- Urban Wildlife: A rare example of wildlife living in an urban environment.
- Hiking Trail: The hill also offers a scenic hiking trail with panoramic city views.
6. The Tree of Peace
A giant metal tree sculpture dedicated to peace and unity.
- Symbol of Peace: Represents the global call for peace and unity.
- Sculptural Masterpiece: Designed by a renowned Kazakh sculptor, offering a unique aesthetic experience.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Surrounded by a peaceful park, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
7. The Dung Beetle Stadium
A stadium built to host dung beetle racing competitions.
- Dung Beetle Racing: Offers a unique, quirky sporting event unlike any other.
- Eco-friendly Event: Promotes the importance of these insects in the ecosystem.
- Kazakh Tradition: A traditional Kazakh pastime, showcasing local culture and heritage.
8. The Ghost Ship of Almaty
An abandoned ship rusting in the heart of the city.
- Abandoned Ship: Offers an eerie, otherworldly experience.
- Urban Exploration: Provides a unique opportunity for urban exploring.
- Historical Artifact: Serves as a reminder of Almaty's maritime past.
9. The House of the Future
A futuristic-looking house built in the 1970s.
- Futuristic Architecture: Showcases unique, futuristic design elements.
- Soviet Era Time Capsule: Offers a glimpse into the Soviet era's vision of the future.
- Photography Spot: Serves as a popular spot for architectural photography.
10. The Floating Bridge
A bridge that appears to float on water during certain times.
- Floating Effect: Creates an illusion of floating on water.
- Unique Design: Offers a unique design element that's different from traditional bridges.
- Scenic Walkway: Provides a scenic walkway with panoramic city views.
11. The Cat Mosque
A mosque decorated with cat motifs.
- Cat Motifs: Features intricate and abundant cat-themed designs.
- Mosque Architecture: Showcases traditional Islamic architecture with a feline twist.
- Religious and Cultural Significance: Offers an insight into Kazakh culture and its unique interpretations of Islam.
12. The Alley of Envy
A street where residents decorate their homes with green items to ward off envy.
- Green Decorations: Homes are adorned with green items like plants, ceramics, and paintings.
- Local Superstition: Reflects a local superstition aimed at warding off envy and bad luck.
- Photography Spot: Serves as a unique, colorful photography spot.
13. The Golden Eagle Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of golden eagles.
- Golden Eagle Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of this endangered species.
- Eagle Exhibitions: Offers exhibitions and demonstrations about these majestic birds.
- Nature and Wildlife: Provides a close encounter with the magnificent golden eagles.
14. The Almaty Underground Museum
An underground museum located in an old Soviet bunker.
- Underground Location: Located deep underground, offering a unique experience.
- Soviet Era History: Offers insights into the Soviet era and its Cold War history.
- Artifacts and Exhibits: Showcases a wide range of artifacts and exhibits related to Almaty's history.
15. The House with Chimeras
A house covered in concrete chimeras, depicting various mythical creatures.
- Concrete Chimeras: Features intricate and diverse concrete sculptures of mythical creatures.
- Unique Architecture: Offers a unique, eye-catching architectural style.
- Local Artistry: Showcases the skills and imagination of a local artist.