First President Park in Almaty (also called First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Park or Nursultan Nazarbayev Park) is more than just a city green space; it’s a living symbol of Kazakhstan’s independence and its affinity with nature.
The park occupies about 73 hectares in southern Almaty and contains thousands of trees and shrubs. A travel blog notes that there are about 3,000 coniferous trees, 9,000 deciduous trees and 400 shrubs, along with lawns and flower beds.
The park’s landscaping and monuments celebrate Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, while offering locals and visitors a peaceful refuge with mountain views and cultural events. So, get your First President Park tickets, pack a picnic, and enjoy all that this beautiful park has to offer on your Almaty Trip!
Historical Significance Of First President Park
If you are a history buff, you must be wondering about the historical significance of the First President Park. Well, before the park existed, the site was state‑owned apple orchards. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the orchards fell into disrepair.
In the mid‑1990s, developers planned an elite cottage community, but in 2000, the contract for the sale of this land was annulled. City authorities decided to turn the land into a public park called “21st Century Park”.
Development began in 2001; early landscaping included planting greenery, and President Nursultan Nazarbayev personally planted an oak tree that year. Additional spruces and birches were added in 2008.
After nearly a decade of work, the park was officially opened to the public in July 2010. In 2011, a monumental sculpture called “Kazakhstan”, a golden‑eagle composition with a figure of Nazarbayev, was unveiled to mark the 20th anniversary of independence. Renovations in 2013–2014 improved the infrastructure. The park is one of those historical places in Almaty you cannot miss.
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Why Visit First President Park?
This huge urban park is often described as a living botanical garden. A 30‑m‑high artificial hill in the south‑west corner has an observation deck topped by a blue‑white gazebo; from here, visitors enjoy sweeping views of the Trans‑Ili Alatau mountains and the Almaty skyline.
- Arboretum: About 3,000 conifers, 9,000 deciduous trees and numerous shrubs and flowers create diverse plantings.
- Japanese garden: A serene section with Japanese‑style landscaping. Pagodas, bridges and ornamental plantings make it popular for photos.
- Topiary garden: Whimsical sculptures trimmed from shrubs, elephants, musicians and abstract shapes.
- Observation hill: A man‑made hill (approx. 30 m high) crowned with a gazebo offers panoramic views of the city and mountains.
First President Park Attractions
Grand Entrance and Musical Fountain
Visitors enter the park through a semi‑circular colonnade topped with the national flag (as described on tourism websites). Inside is the city’s largest fountain complex. The central jet reaches about 30 m high and is surrounded by basins at different levels; the fountain is a signature feature of the park’s landscape design.
Note that a musical fountain show with lights and music takes place every hour in the evening, turning the fountain into a nighttime spectacle.
The park’s monuments honour Kazakhstan’s history and culture. The “Kazakhstan” sculpture, unveiled in 2011, features a bronze golden eagle and a figure of Nursultan Nazarbayev, symbolising independence.
Nearby stands a statue of Nazarbayev (evidence from photos and news reports). Along the pathways, visitors encounter topiary sculptures, an Alley of Lovers with a heart‑shaped stone, and decorative benches carved with national motifs, making it one of the best places to visit in Almaty.
Ethno‑Garden and Cultural Exhibits
An ethno‑garden called Zhety Qazyna (Seven Treasures) recreates elements of the Kazakh nomadic lifestyle. Sculptures of Tazy dogs, horses and golden eagles surround a circular colonnade shaped like a shanyrak (the yurt’s crown).
Seasonal art installations and festivals, such as AlmaFest and the puppet carnival, bring additional colour to the park (referenced in local event listings). The park often hosts cultural events and open‑air concerts; travel guides note that concerts and festivals are held throughout the year.
Family‑Friendly Recreation
With wide pathways, open lawns and playgrounds, the park welcomes families, joggers and cyclists. Locals use it for picnics, kite flying and yoga sessions. Evening visits are especially popular because of the fountain show. Festivals celebrating music, apples or puppets add to the park’s fun atmosphere.
Top Things To Do In First President Park
The park offers varied attractions that you can explore while visiting the park:
- Musical Fountain: Multi‑level fountain with a central jet ~30 m high; evening shows feature lights and music
- Kazakhstan Monument: Bronze‑granite composition with a golden eagle and Nursultan Nazarbayev commemorating independence.
- Japanese Garden: Pagodas, bridges and tranquil landscaping
- Zhety Qazyna Ethno‑Garden: Sculptures of horses, Tazy dogs and eagles around a shanyrak‑shaped colonnade (ethnographic zone).
- Topiary Garden: Playful shrub sculptures (elephants, musicians, geometric designs)
- Alley of Lovers: Romantic walkway with a heart‑shaped stone; couples often place padlocks on railings.
- Observation Hill: Artificial hill with a gazebo offering views of Almaty and the Trans‑Ili Alatau mountains.
- Picnic lawns & playgrounds: Open grass areas for picnics, jogging and sports; playground equipment for children.
First President Park Timings and Entry Fee
- Entry: The park is free to enter; only special events may charge a fee (common practice for municipal parks).
- Opening hours: Travel sites list regular hours 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Evening visitors can enjoy the musical fountain show (generally running from early evening until around 10 p.m.)
Quick Morning Stroll (1–2 hours)
If you’re short on time, enter through the main colonnade and take a loop around the Musical Fountain, catching the zodiac medallions. Continue along the flowering alleys to the Japanese Garden. Climb the observation deck for panoramic photos before ending your visit at the “Kazakhstan” sculpture. On your way out, savour a hot coffee at a nearby café on Navoi Street. Visiting the park is one of the exciting things to do in Almaty.
Half‑Day Picnic and Culture (3–4 hours)
Pack a picnic and settle on a shaded lawn near the Ethno‑Garden. Explore the Zhety Qazyna exhibits and snap pictures with the topiary animals. Stroll to the Alley of Lovers and leave your own padlock if you’re feeling romantic. By late afternoon, catch the musical fountain show and watch the water dance to classical music as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Full Day Adventure (5+ hours)
Combine your visit to First President Park with nearby attractions. Start with a morning walk in the park, then head to the Ile‑Alatau National Park or Jailau Golf Resort (both a short drive away). Return by evening for the fountain show and perhaps join a local festival like AlmaFest. Finish the day with dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant near Sain Street.
How To Reach First President Park
The park lies in Almaty’s Bostandyq district at the intersection of Navoi Street and Al‑Farabi Avenue. Visitors can choose from several transport options:
Bus or public transport: Several bus routes run along Navoi Street and Al‑Farabi Avenue (check local transit apps for current schedules). The park is about 15‑20 minutes by bus from downtown.
Metro + taxi: Almaty’s metro does not yet reach the park, but travellers can ride to Moscow or Sairan stations and then take a taxi for the final leg.
Taxi/rideshare: Yandex Taxi and other ride‑hailing services provide door‑to‑door service. Taxis from the city centre or the airport usually take 15–30 minutes.
Car: Three parking zones are available from Sadyqov Street, Al‑Farabi Avenue and Dulati Street; parking is free or inexpensive.
The First President Park is primarily a natural oasis; facilities are limited:
- Food & drink: No major shops inside. Visitors should bring their own water and snacks. Cafés and restaurants are available on nearby streets.
- Restrooms: Public toilets are located near the main entrance (carry tissues or hand sanitizer).
- Shade & seating: Mature trees provide shade; benches and gazebo areas are scattered throughout.
- Accessibility: Paved walkways and ramps make most areas wheelchair‑friendly.
Best Time to Visit First President Park
Almaty experiences a continental climate. Travel guides recommend visiting between March and November when temperatures are mild and range between 10 °C and 30 °C, ideal for exploring parks and outdoor attractions.
During summer (June–August), days are warm (20 °C to 30 °C), making it perfect for picnics and fountain shows.
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer comfortable temperatures (10 °C to 25 °C) and fewer crowds. Winter transforms the park into a snow‑covered landscape; paths may be icy, but the mountain views are beautiful.
- Visit early or late: Morning (around 8 a.m.) offers quiet walks and soft light for photography. Evenings (from 6 p.m.) are busier but reward you with the musical fountain show and sunset views.
- Pack smart: Bring sunscreen, water, snacks and a picnic blanket. Restrooms and shops are limited.
- Respect the park: Avoid picking flowers or climbing on sculptures. Keep noise down and dispose of rubbish responsibly.
- Check event schedules: Festivals such as AlmaFest, Puppet Carnival and local concerts often take place in the park. Check local event listings for dates and ticketing.
- Combine attractions: First President Park can be paired with a trip to the Central State Museum, Panfilov Park or the cable car ride to Kok Tobe for a full day of sightseeing.
First President Park Almaty is both a botanical sanctuary and a monument to Kazakhstan’s first leader. It offers sweeping mountain vistas, manicured gardens, cultural monuments and a spectacular musical fountain.
Whether you’re a casual visitor seeking green space, a photographer chasing mountain sunsets or a culture enthusiast exploring Nursultan Nazarbayev’s legacy, this park delivers a memorable experience. With free entry, long opening hours and easy access from central Almaty, it’s a must‑see on any itinerary. Pack your picnic, charge your camera and enjoy this urban oasis where nature, culture and national pride converge.
