Shymkent has very much sights for tourists and it’s residents. The third largest city of Kazakhstan don’t have to be hide behind of Astana and Almaty. Shymkent has it’s own sights tourist’s can visit. And even around Shymkent are also amazing places to see.
Shymkent Zoo
The Shymkent Zoo in the north of Shymkent is a nice place for kids. Here you can see regional animals – but also species from all over the world. Especially the new Safari Park with Africa’s animals makes the Zoo to one of the best Zoos in Kazakhstan.
Independence Park
The Independence Park is one of the newest parks of Shymkent. The flowers during summer are fabulous and the small pavilions with blue roofs gives you a nice place to rest and protect you from the strong sun. Its also nice to watch the two monuments. The “Arch of Independence” and the Monument of the “Opening of a Yurt”.
Sayram and it’s mausoleums
The 3000 years old historical city Sayram (historical name: Isfījāb) is a suburb of Shymkent. It’s famous for it’s many beautiful mausoleums and very Kazakh people make pilgrimages to this town. Some people call it the Mekkah of Kazakhstan.
Abay Park
The Abay Park is located in the hearth of Shymkent. It’s a calm place and offers also interesting places like the “Museum of Modern Arts”, the “Khakim Abay Museum” and the huge “World War 2 memorial”.
Museum of Modern Arts
The Museum of Modern Arts is located close to the north entrance of Abay Park. It has very much collections of local artists of South Kazakhstan with modern, portraits, architectural, historical and landscape pictures.
Read more about the Museum here: South Kazakhstan in Oil
Khakim Abay Museum
The Khakim Abay Museum is located at the south entrance of Abay Park. It’s has a detailed collection of personal items of Kazakhstan’s national poet and philosoph Abay Qunanbaiuly .
Read a detailed report here: Inside of Khakim Abay Museum
Techno Park “Kiyal Alemi”
You need a little bit amusement in the center of Shymkent? Go to the Techno Park. It offers Ferris Wheel, Roller-coaster, a Upside-Down House, Sleds and other attractions.
Tulip Fountain
The Tulip Fountain is one of most important sights of Shymkent. The red huge tulip with green leaves and blue basin gives also nice fresh air to their visitors during the hot summer days of Shymkent.
White Mosque
The White Mosque (“Ak Mechit”) is the largest mosque in Shymkent. It is located in the west of Shymkent between city center and International Airport. The modern architecture is worth for a visit. Have a look on it!
Swimming in the Koshkar Ata
You want to cool down during a hot day in Shymkent? You want to go swimming with your kids for free? Then you can walk along Shymkent’s river “Koshkar Ata” starting at the Central Mosque near Independence Park. You will find nice public bathing places (with cabins to change clothes) along the crystal-clear river – but take care the water is fresh and really cold!
Ethno Park “Ken Baba”
The “Ken Baba” is a small cute park in the center of Shymkent with very much attractions for kids and a small pond with a waterfall and four beautiful swans. Some restaurants also give you the opportunity to eat and drink nice kazakh meals.
Dendropark
The Dendropark is a very huge park that gives you the feeling of a real forest in South Kazakhstan. You have to pay a small entry fee before you can enter the park. Along a small river with boat stations for renting small pedal boats you can enjoy the walk and relax from the busy life of Shymkent.
Arbat
The Arbat is the new heart of Shymkent and located next to Techno Park. It’s a beautiful pedestrian road with nice trees, restaurants and cafe’s. The colorful light installation transforms the Arbat even at night to a special place. You can listen very often to local musicans who showing their skills and performence and playing live music.
There are even more places in Shymkent to discover. Info Shymkent will update you with more informations about it. Let’s start YOUR discovery tour through Shymkent.
Bajdibek Monument
The Bajdibek Monument is the largest statue in Kazakstan. It’s hard to walk up the hill to the monument. But after hundreds of steps you will be happy to do this walk. The place of the Bajdibek Monument is one of the best places to have a great view over Shymkent and the Karatau and the Western Tian Shan Mountains.
This list is not completed, yet. There are more sights in Shymkent to discover. If you think there are sights in Shymkent that we have to add to our list – don’t hesitate and contact us.