About Shymkent
Shymkent is one of Kazakhstan's major cities, home to around 1,200,000 people.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Shymkent
1
Shymkent hillfort Shym-Qala
2
Museum of Turkestan Region
3
Art museum
4
Private Carpet Museum
5
Shymkent Zoo
6
Old mosque in Old town
7
Park Ken-Baba
8
Abay Park
Budget travel
Free things to do in Shymkent
Old mosque in Old town
Park Ken-Baba
Abay Park
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Shymkent hillfort Shym-Qala
- Visit Museum of Turkestan Region
- Visit Art museum
- Eat at Жеті тандыр restaurant
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Private Carpet Museum
- Visit Shymkent Zoo
- Visit Old mosque in Old town
- Eat at Heaven resto-bar
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Park Ken-Baba
- Visit Abay Park
- Visit Russian Drama theatre
- Eat at Душевная кухня restaurant
Where to eat
Жеті тандыр restaurant
Heaven resto-bar
Душевная кухня restaurant
Aladin restaurant
Abdulla samsa
Madina cafe
Where to stay
- Hotel Nurotau
- Hotel Ordabasy
Shopping
- Shymkent Plaza Mall
- Mega Planet Mall
- Soviet Central Shop
- Shymkent City Mal
Nightlife
- Koshkar-Ata spring
- Puer
- Amber bar and beer
- Jaman Bar
- Sigma bar
Museums & culture
- Museum of Turkestan Region
- Art museum
- Private Carpet Museum
- Old mosque in Old town
In pictures
Shymkent gallery
Keep exploring
