Zhibek Zholy (Almaty Arbat)
Жибек Жолы
The “Silk Road” pedestrian street, lined with street painters, musicians and souvenir stalls, linking the TsUM department store and the Green Bazaar area.
Zhibek Zholy means “Silk Road.” The section where Panfilov Street meets Zhibek Zholy is known as the Arbat, and it is the liveliest pedestrian street in Almaty. Soviet-era buildings, cafés, fast-food restaurants and souvenir shops line both sides, and there are many street painters, singers and young skateboarders. Nearby is the long-established TsUM department store, where you can buy felt crafts, dombras and other souvenirs. Admission is free. A visit takes about one hour, and the street is safe and lively in the evening.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Arasan Baths
- Green Bazaar
- Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Ascension Cathedral
- Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
- Almaty Central Mosque
- Museum of Kazakh Folk Musical Instruments
- Republic Square & Independence Monument