Here for example a lot of caffeine shops and even Starbucks, but local MacDonald is something named different.

Almaty has a vibe that’s hard to explain unless you've lived here. It’s a mix of old and new, mountains and city, chaos and calm. You can walk through the streets and feel the Soviet legacy in the architecture, but then glance at the modern coffee shops and boutiques that are popping up everywhere.

What makes Almaty unique is how effortlessly it blends cultures. In one afternoon, you can have a cup of strong Kazakh tea, taste some Central Asian street food, and hear Russian spoken on every corner. But it’s not just about culture — it’s the mountains

They’re always there, on the horizon, reminding you that nature is never far. Almaty’s streets may be bustling, but the quiet escape to the mountains is only a 30-minute drive away. People here live in a rhythm that's balanced — they know how to work hard, but also take time to breathe, to appreciate the view.