Things to Do in Shymkent

November 5, 2026

The Old Town and the Bazaar

Shymkent is Kazakhstan’s third-largest city and a good base for southern Kazakhstan. Start at Shymqala, the open-air museum on the old settlement mound. Local archaeologists date settlement here back about 2,200 years, and excavations reached about 14 m deep, turning up ceramics from the late 3rd and early 2nd century BC. The complex has a Citadel hall, a Forge hall, a catacomb exhibition, an observation deck and restored quarters. Foreign adults have been quoted about 1,000 KZT, residents 500 KZT. Parts of the site are tired and some areas may be closed, so ask at the ticket desk what is open. Allow two to three hours.

The Upper Bazaar sits beside Ordabasy Square. Come in the morning for spices, dried fruit, nuts, tandyr bread and fresh produce. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket, because pickpockets work the crowds. Koktem is the market for fresh fruit and vegetables, and Ayna bazaar lies outside town.

Animals and Parks

The zoo stands at Baidibek Bi Avenue 113/1. A 2022 visitor report gave adult tickets at 600 KZT, children aged 6 to 17 at 300 KZT and under sixes free. Lions, Siberian tigers, an Amur leopard, hippos, giraffes, zebras and camels are among the animals people mention. Feeding is not allowed. Next door, Jailaukol Park has a lake with boats and catamarans and the Altyn Eye Ferris wheel.

The Asanbay Askarov dendrological park covers more than 100 hectares in the north of the city. Entry has been reported at about 100 KZT, with free entry for pensioners, veterans and schoolchildren. Visitors often see roe deer, peacocks and pheasants. Shade matters here from June to August.

Shrines and Memorials

Sayram, now part of eastern Shymkent, holds the Ibrahim Ata and Karashash Ana mausolea, traditionally the tombs of the parents of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. These are active pilgrimage places. Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes where asked. City bus 71 runs to the Konechnaya stop, a short walk from Ibrahim Ata.

The Museum of Victims of Political Repression and the nearby Kasiret memorial record the 1930s repressions in the south. Visit quietly and allow time to read.

Eating and Evenings

Shashlik, plov, samsa and beshbarmak are the staples. Zheti Tandyr on Ayteke Bi Street, Aladdin for Uzbek dishes and Abdulla Samsa on Gagarin Street are listed in guides, and Madlen and BarVilla suit a sit-down dinner. After dark, walk the Arbat on Beibitshilik Avenue, which is lit up and lined with cafes.

Getting Around and Practicalities

Buses cost about 100 KZT, and Yandex Go and inDrive work for taxis. Carry some tenge, since cards are accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants but bazaars and minibuses prefer cash. Summer highs reach the mid 30s C and can pass 40 C, so keep outdoor sightseeing to mornings and evenings and carry water. April, May, September and October are the easiest months. UK citizens can enter visa free for up to 30 days; check the FCDO entry requirements and the QazETA step for your passport.

For ideas beyond the city, see the Welcome.kz guide to Shymkent sights . Bookable city tours appear on GetYourGuide .