The Green Bazaar is Almaty’s oldest market, built in 1875. It’s a place where the authentic oriental spirit comes alive—colorful stalls, the aroma of spices, the bustle of trade, and friendly vendors. Locals have been shopping here for over a century, and visitors can experience the true essence of Almaty’s daily life!

Fruits and Vegetables: Seasonal delights like juicy watermelons, melons, pomegranates, and apples. Almaty is famous for its fruit & this is where you’ll find the best varieties.

Spices and Dried Fruits: Piles of walnuts, almonds, raisins, apricots, and prunes, alongside local spices like cumin, barberry, and unique blends for traditional dishes like beshbarmak and plov.

Dairy Products: Homemade kumys (fermented mare’s milk), shubat (camel's milk) ayran, katyk, and kurt—traditional drinks and other products made from horse and camel milk.

Meat and Sausages: Fresh lamb, beef, and horse meat, as well as Kazakh sausages like kazy, shuzhuk, and zhal.

Baked Goods: Freshly baked lepeshka (flatbread), baursaki (fried dough), and samsa—all made right at the market.

Sweets: Chak-chak, halva, and rahat lokum—traditional Kazakh & Central Asian treats.

Tea and Coffee: Local varieties of green and black tea, as well as Kazakh milk tea with spices.

Souvenirs: Lots of boutiques with Kazakhstan symbols: magnets, keychains, handmade ceramics etc.

After a bus ride (or a quick taxi trip), we’ll arrive at one of Almaty’s most colorful and authentic flea markets, located close to the city border. Unlike the Green Bazaar, Zhetysu is a treasure trove of vintage Soviet-era items, retro memorabilia from the 90s and 2000s, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs that reflect Kazakhstan’s rich history and culture.

What Awaits You at Zhetysu Market? The market is mostly about old used items.

Soviet Antiques & Retro Finds: Vinyl records, old cameras, and vintage books from the USSR. Household items like teapots, kitchenware, and decorative plates with Soviet symbols. Military memorabilia, including badges, medals, and uniforms.

90s & 2000s Nostalgia: Retro toys, cassette tapes, and video games from the post-Soviet era. Clothing and accessories—think denim jackets, retro sunglasses, and quirky fashion items.

Handmade & Local Crafts: Hand-knitted socks, embroidered textiles, and felt products (like small shyrdaks).

Jewelry and accessories made by local artisans, often with traditional Kazakh motifs.

Unique Souvenirs: Old postcards, coins, and stamps—perfect for collectors.

Soviet-era posters, maps, and propaganda art for history enthusiasts.

Unusual items like antique samovars, vintage watches, or retro furniture (if you’re lucky!).

After the market exploration, we return back to the Green Bazaar area from where we started our excursion. We can use bus or taxi - you are free to choose transportation method.