Shymkent is more than just a point on the map — it is a living legend where the ancient traditions of the Great Silk Road blend with the dynamic rhythm of a modern metropolis. Officially recognized as one of the oldest cities in the country, Shymkent is rightfully considered the cultural and gastronomic capital of Kazakhstan. Here, hospitality is not a rule of etiquette but a way of life, and every guest feels as if they have returned home.
This southern metropolis has a unique magnetism. People come here for warmth — not only because the sun shines more than 300 days a year, but also because of the warmth of its people, cozy shady parks, and the aroma of freshly baked samsa filling the streets from early morning. Modern Shymkent is rapidly evolving, featuring high-tech pedestrian zones, unique mosques, and open-air museums.
Must-see places in Shymkent:
The Ancient Citadel and the Old City
The only preserved historical core in the country. Research has confirmed the city’s age — over 2,200 years. Today, an open-air ethnographic museum stands on the excavation site, where visitors can walk along 25-meter-high fortress walls, see ancient tandoor ovens, water reservoirs, and residential quarters from the 16th–17th centuries.
The Koshkar-Ata River and Arbat
Two main pedestrian arteries of the city. The Koshkar-Ata embankment offers a cool promenade along crystal-clear spring waters with designated swimming areas. A few kilometers away lies Arbat — the evening heart of Shymkent, featuring floating light angels, fountains, and a granite map of the country.
The Baidibek Bi Monument and Altyn Eye
A 23-meter-tall copper statue of Baidibek Bi stands on the city’s highest hill, symbolically embracing the metropolis. Nearby is an amusement park with the 50-meter Shymkent Altyn Eye Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views of the modern Shymkent City district.
Green Parks: Dendro Sayabaq and Shym City
Shymkent is the greenest city in the south. The 117-hectare Dendropark impresses with its lake of swans and rare plant species from around the world. The new Shym City Park, opened in 2024, represents modern urban design with an artificial lake, a large amphitheater, a skate park, and over 5,000 newly planted trees.
Seitjan Kari Yeszhanuly Mosque
A new symbol of spirituality, opened in 2024. This snow-white marble mosque surpasses Europe’s largest mosques in size. It is not only a place of worship but also a cultural center featuring a Museum of Islam, wedding halls, and educational spaces.
Altyn Orda Ethno Gallery
A living crafts space created by the Beisbekov family. Visitors can purchase handmade silver jewelry and carpets, observe the crafting process in workshops, and take part in applied arts masterclasses.
