Green Bazaar
A vibrant, multi-level local market in Almaty offering fresh produce, unique souvenirs, and authentic culinary experiences at affordable prices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel
Green Bazaar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, multi-level local market in Almaty offering fresh produce, unique souvenirs, and authentic culinary experiences at affordable prices.
"Highly recommend this authentic market! The prices are very local and affordable. "
💰 Bargain for the Best Price
Don't be afraid to haggle, especially for souvenirs. It's part of the local shopping culture! :moneywithwings:
📱 Use a Translation App
Many vendors don't speak English, but a translation app makes communication easy and fun. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Local Produce Paradise
Ground floor
Discover an incredible array of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dried goods. Taste unique local flavors and find seasonal delights.
Authentic Souvenir Hunting
Surrounding streets and lower levels
Beyond typical tourist trinkets, find traditional hats, textiles, local crafts, and unique edible souvenirs like honeycomb and fruit candy.
Hidden Culinary Gems
Upper floors and within the market
Enjoy delicious local cuisine at the meat restaurant, or grab a coffee at the excellent cafe nestled among the market's columns.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Explore Beyond the Main Floor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips on saving money in Almaty as a foreigner
💰 Bargain for the Best Price
Don't be afraid to haggle, especially for souvenirs. It's part of the local shopping culture! :moneywithwings:
📱 Use a Translation App
Many vendors don't speak English, but a translation app makes communication easy and fun. :iphone:
🥵 Beat the Heat
The market can get very hot, especially in enclosed areas. Dress in light layers. :sweat_drops:
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Venture beyond the main entrance to discover hidden shops and local eateries. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Bargain for the Best Price
Don't be afraid to haggle, especially for souvenirs. It's part of the local shopping culture! :moneywithwings:
📱 Use a Translation App
Many vendors don't speak English, but a translation app makes communication easy and fun. :iphone:
🥵 Beat the Heat
The market can get very hot, especially in enclosed areas. Dress in light layers. :sweat_drops:
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Venture beyond the main entrance to discover hidden shops and local eateries. :walking:
🍎 Taste Local Delicacies
Try unique items like honeycomb, fruit candy sheets, and local dried fruits. :apple:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Green Bazaar for its authentic local atmosphere and affordability, offering a genuine glimpse into daily life in Almaty. While the first floor is visually appealing, the true local experience and best prices are found deeper within and on surrounding streets. Some find the heat and language barrier challenging, but the friendly vendors and unique finds make it a highly recommended destination.
"This is a great location. The first floor (assuming you enter from the main entrance) is the cleanest and most photogenic part. However, as you walk further through the halls and corridors, you’ll first reach the jewelry section. Then, if you take the stairs down, you’ll find the real bazaar on the ground floor, where locals tend to shop due to slightly lower prices.
Similar to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, if you’re willing to explore beyond the main market building, you’ll find many shops scattered along the surrounding streets. From textiles to seeds, almost everything can be found here. You can walk among the locals — the quality is generally low, but so are the prices.
At the main entrance, you’ll notice stairs leading to the upper floors. Surprisingly, a coffee shop, a meat restaurant, and a fish restaurant have been set up among the structural columns. The coffee shop is excellent and definitely worth a visit. The meat restaurant is usually packed with locals — it seems to be very good, although I didn’t get the chance to try it.
This is definitely a spot that should be experienced."
gökhan Narin
"I loved this market because it’s not a touristy spot with high prices. It feels very local, and most stall owners don’t speak English, but they’re so friendly and use Google Translate or calculators to show prices. I bought honeycomb, honey, apple vinegar, candy sheets, candy rolls made from compressed fruit, and dried raspberries—such unique items! The prices are very local and affordable. I regret not buying more and wish I had more time to spend here. Highly recommend this authentic market!"
Sabrina C
"You may find souvenirs, fruits and local delicacies here. They sell all sort of meat, too. Worth if you speak local or Russian for bargaining, as English is barely used. But some of the sellers can speak basic English."
Helme Athrah Jaafar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Green Bazaar is centrally located in Almaty, making it easily accessible. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to the market. Public buses also frequent the area, with stops nearby. Check local transit apps for the most convenient routes from your location.
Parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity due to the market's popularity. It's often easier to use public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
From the city center, a short taxi or bus ride will get you to the Green Bazaar. Walking is also an option if you're staying nearby, allowing you to soak in the city's atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Green Bazaar is free. It's a public market, so you can wander through the stalls and explore without purchasing a ticket.
The Green Bazaar is typically open daily from morning until early evening. Hours can vary slightly, but it's generally best to visit between 9 AM and 7 PM to experience the full vibrancy.
The bazaar can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak shopping hours. Weekday mornings tend to be less busy, offering a more relaxed experience.
While some larger stalls or shops might accept cards, it's highly recommended to carry cash, especially for smaller vendors and for bargaining. ATMs are available nearby.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Goods
You can find a variety of souvenirs, including traditional Kazakh hats, textiles, handmade crafts, local honey, dried fruits, and unique edible treats.
Yes, bargaining is a common practice, especially for souvenirs and non-food items. Be polite and friendly when negotiating prices.
Locals often shop here for fresh produce, meats, dairy, and dried goods. For visitors, unique items like honeycomb, fruit candy sheets, and local spices are highly recommended.
Absolutely! The Green Bazaar is renowned for its wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, and local delicacies. It's a fantastic place to experience the local flavors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options within the market. You can find a popular meat restaurant, a fish restaurant, and a cozy coffee shop, often frequented by locals.
The restaurants typically serve traditional Kazakh cuisine, with a focus on meat dishes. The coffee shop offers a pleasant break with good coffee.
Food prices at the market's eateries are generally considered affordable and offer good value, especially compared to restaurants in tourist areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, especially in the cleaner, more photogenic areas on the first floor. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their goods.
The first floor, with its well-arranged stalls of produce and goods, offers great photo opportunities. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere throughout the market also make for excellent shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for crowds and heat, so keep an eye on younger children. Bringing a stroller might be challenging on the lower levels due to uneven surfaces, but manageable on the main floor. Consider visiting during less crowded weekday mornings for a more relaxed family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Don't shy away from bargaining for souvenirs, and be sure to explore the lower levels and surrounding streets for the best deals. Eating at the local eateries within the market also offers a cost-effective way to experience authentic Kazakh cuisine.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For more candid shots, explore the bustling lower levels where local life unfolds. Remember to be respectful and ask permission before photographing individuals. The interplay of light and shadow within the market's architecture can also create dramatic photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Bazaar's Layers
However, for a truly authentic local shopping experience and often better prices, head downstairs to the ground floor or explore the surrounding streets. This is where locals do their daily shopping for everything from meat and vegetables to household goods. While it might be less polished, the atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and real.
Don't overlook the upper floors either. Surprisingly, these levels house a coffee shop, a meat restaurant, and a fish restaurant, offering unique dining experiences amidst the market's structure. These spots are great for a break and to sample local flavors.
A Culinary Adventure
For a more substantial meal, the meat restaurant on the upper floors is a popular choice among locals, indicating its quality and authenticity. While English may not be widely spoken, the experience of ordering and enjoying a hearty local dish is well worth it. The coffee shop also provides a pleasant respite for those wanting a quick caffeine fix.
Remember that many vendors may not speak English, but they are often friendly and willing to use calculators or translation apps to communicate prices. This interaction is part of the charm of experiencing the bazaar's culinary offerings.
Shopping for Treasures
Bargaining is an expected part of the shopping experience here, especially for non-food items. Approach vendors with a friendly attitude, and don't be afraid to negotiate politely to get the best price. Having a translation app can be very helpful for this.
When exploring, keep an eye out for items that reflect local culture and traditions. The quality can vary, but the prices are generally very affordable, making it a rewarding place to hunt for a special memento of your trip to Almaty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit