Craftsmen in Almaty City: where to buy souvenirs

Almaty is well known not only for its unique nature but also for its creative atmosphere. Here, you can find designers’ studios and workshops. Artist and craftsmen fairs are also often held in the city. In this article, we will tell you about must-visit places if you want to feel the creative spirit of the city and purchase memorable national souvenirs.

"Qazaq Oner" craftsmen center

Workshops, the traditional music multimedia center, and a shopping gallery are in this complex that covers about 800 square meters. Masterclasses, exhibitions, and various types of courses are held here, as well as free ones. In the center showroom, products made from felt, wood, leather, silk, ceramics, and jewelry are also presented.

Location: 5/11 Nurkent district, Athlete’s Village

Crafts fair

This traditional fair is held on an ongoing basis by The Almaty Chamber of Skilled Trades. Here, people can find craft products and handmade works made by masters in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Guests of the fair not only can learn more about the presented handmade products but also take part in their creation. This fair is held on specific days, according to its schedule.

Location: Zhibek Zholy Avenue, between Zheltoksan and Nauryzbai Batyr Streets (orientation is Aerovokzal). Open time from 10 a.m., to 6 p.m.

The souvenir workshop "Sara"

The shop presents Kazakh national handmade products. Here, you can find lots of beautiful items full of national identity. These include paintings, textiles, household items, and jewelry. The workshop’s special pride is its real handmade coffers.

Location: 10 Satpaev Street. Working hours: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Showroom SINICHKI.STORE

Shop for unique accessories and gifts. Here you can find exclusive dishes, jewelry, baubles and bracelets, aesthetic mini-paintings, cute toys, notebooks and postcards, as well as fragrances for every taste. Most of the store's products are handmade. And many of them are dedicated specifically to Almaty.

Address: Aiteke bi, 53. Opening hours: from 10.00 to 21.00.​

Big City Home

Gift and interior decor store featuring local brands. Many of the pieces are handcrafted and imbued with care and attention to detail. Here you will find original gifts for every taste. For those who want to bring with them memories of Almaty, at Big City Home you can buy Almaty glasses, which include a mountain, a "Mountains" menu, as well as "Aport" ceramic apples.

Address: st. Kurmangazy, 97

"Ruhani Dombra" dombra craftshop

The family manufacture is engaged in the production of Kazakh national instruments. Omar Ruhanov along with his children and nephews, creates unique examples of dombras, kobyzs and sherters. Inside the shop, you can see different variations of wooden items.

Location: 5B Zheltoksan Street, apt. 2

"Ademi-Ai" chain of souvenir and gift shops

This company, engaged in the production and sale of souvenirs with national identity, was founded in 2000. Branches of the company can be found in many cities across the country. They have their own private building in Almaty, as well as a real art house. In the shops, you can find a variety of souvenirs, ranging from decorative desktop items to national-style bracelets.

The art house location is 133B Shevchenko Street, at the corner of Baizakov Street.

Empire of Gifts, shops of Kazakh national gifts

Empire is a company that creates products with national symbols. Souvenirs and gifts are made in a modern style with a winged leopard logo. In the showroom, you can find watches, business accessories, business card holders and pens in unique and beautiful designs.

Location: 5 Al-Farabi Avenue, "Nurly-Tau" business center, block 5a, office 702.