The city slopes gently up towards the mountains, and the mountains are always to the south. If you get lost, look for the peaks: they are the most reliable landmark.
The old name, Alma-Ata, is often translated as “father of apples”. The city’s symbol is the Aport, a big apple that at the bazaar easily weighs over 300 grams.
Until 1997 Almaty was the capital, and it is still the country’s business and cultural centre. It has many parks, coffee shops and streets lined with big old trees.