Arbat at night
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Street Art: Arbat & Panfilov Murals

4.6
·4k reviews·Almaty, Kazakhstan

Discover vibrant murals on Panfilov Street and lively street performances on Arbat Street, a colorful hub of art and culture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Peak energy and performances

CrowdHigh
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Arbat at night

Street Art: Arbat & Panfilov Murals

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Peak energy and performances

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover vibrant murals on Panfilov Street and lively street performances on Arbat Street, a colorful hub of art and culture.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"This street preserves and promotes cultural expression, giving young people a platform to showcase their talents."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Seek out colorful walls and industrial backdrops for stunning photos. Great for photographers!

🍦 Beware of Ice Cream Scams

Watch out for inflated prices at certain food stalls, like Asian Snacks. Compare prices!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panfilov Street Murals

Panfilov Street Murals

Panfilov Street

Discover large-scale, vibrant murals that transform buildings into open-air art galleries. A photographer's dream!

Arbat Street Performances

Arbat Street Performances

Arbat Street

Experience local culture with musicians, dancers, and artists showcasing their talents. Always a lively and energetic atmosphere.

Colorful Walls & Industrial Backdrops

Colorful Walls & Industrial Backdrops

Various locations

Seek out unique graffiti, street art, and cool industrial textures perfect for photography. A visual feast for art lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vibe

Arbat and Panfilov streets are known for their lively atmosphere, street performers, and vibrant murals. Expect a bustling scene, especially on weekends, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the energy. Keep an eye out for unique art and cultural performances.

Artistic Exploration

While Arbat is more about street performances and cafes, Panfilov Street is where you'll find impressive murals. Plan to explore both to get the full artistic experience. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the colorful walls.

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Peak energy and performances
Crowd
High
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Lively but less crowded
Crowd
Medium
When
August
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#almatym #arbat #рекомендации
@arbatvibes
97.3K likes • 1.4M views

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Seek out colorful walls and industrial backdrops for stunning photos. Great for photographers! Reddit

🍦 Beware of Ice Cream Scams

Watch out for inflated prices at certain food stalls, like Asian Snacks. Compare prices! Reddit

Соте из морепродуктов, есть ещё в сливочном соусе🍤🦑🐙😋 @vincent.almaty Адрес: ЖК ARBAT, ул. Наурызбай батыра 50📍 Контакты: 8 706 670 09 90
@pakevich.kz
58.9K likes • 1.5M views
#акерке #алматы #арбаталматы #талант#голос от бога#арбаталматы #
@saulekarimova72
34.2K likes • 711.9K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the art and performances. Reddit

👮‍♀️ Safe Environment

Police presence ensures a safe and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Reddit

Қыздың аккаунтың белгілеп кетіңдерші кім біледі, дауысына базар жоқ😍🤩#almaty #arbat #fypシ゚ #recommendations
@gulnazqabi
29.1K likes • 441.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Seek out colorful walls and industrial backdrops for stunning photos. Great for photographers! Reddit

🍦 Beware of Ice Cream Scams

Watch out for inflated prices at certain food stalls, like Asian Snacks. Compare prices! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the art and performances. Reddit

👮‍♀️ Safe Environment

Police presence ensures a safe and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy the Vibe

Soak in the energy of street performers and local gatherings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the lively atmosphere and vibrant street art, particularly the murals on Panfilov Street and the energetic performances on Arbat Street. The area is seen as a great place to soak in local culture and enjoy a dynamic urban experience. However, some caution is advised regarding inflated prices at certain food stalls.

"As a tourist, I often find myself returning to this street during my free time. It is always lively and full of energy, with locals busking and performing both cultural and international acts. When I visited in August, the street was especially vibrant, filled with young people enjoying the atmosphere.

What I admire most about this place is how performers dedicate their time to sharing their culture with everyone around, particularly with tourists like me. I was especially intrigued the first time I saw a traditional cultural dance—it was captivating and authentic. The experience left such an impression that I came back on the following days, only to find the same performers, which made me appreciate their passion and consistency even more.

I am truly amazed by how this street preserves and promotes cultural expression, giving young people a platform to showcase their talents. It is not just entertainment but also an opportunity to witness cultural heritage being kept alive.

For safety, there is a police station nearby, and officers regularly patrol the area. This presence is reassuring, especially since occasional incidents involving intoxicated individuals can occur. Despite that, the overall environment feels safe and welcoming, making it an enjoyable place to spend time as a visitor."

Djvred

"A nice little street for the youngsters to gather. There's a cinema, mall, few clothing shops,and a lot of cafes & restaurants on both sides of the street. I visited during the weekend and it was quite lively with many different street performances happening. Not a good place to get souvenirs though."

Suciani Arta

"This street has a stretch of restaurants, benches to relax and space in between where people perform music and dances. Nothing exceptional but a must visit to enjoy people's gatherings. I found my vibe there (see the little girl enjoying it to the fullest). Don't miss the doners there."

Sobita Kirtani

What People Like

Vibrant street art
Lively street performances
Energetic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Scammy food stalls

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Arbat Street is a pedestrian zone in the city center, easily accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride. Panfilov Street is also centrally located and can be reached by bus or metro. Many visitors find it convenient to walk between the two areas to experience both the street art and the performances. Reddit

Parking can be challenging in the city center due to high traffic. It's often recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Yes, the two streets are relatively close and walkable. Exploring on foot allows you to discover more street art and soak in the city's atmosphere. Reddit

A good pair of walking shoes is essential. You can use a map app on your phone to navigate between specific mural locations and Arbat Street. Reddit

Several bus routes serve the areas around Arbat and Panfilov Street. Checking a local transit app upon arrival will provide the most up-to-date route information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Arbat Street and viewing the murals on Panfilov Street is free. Street performers often perform for tips, so bringing some cash is appreciated if you enjoy their act. Reddit+1

The street art is visible at all hours, as it's painted on the exterior of buildings. However, the best time to experience the vibrant atmosphere and performances on Arbat Street is during daylight and early evening hours. Reddit

While official guided tours might be limited, you can often find local guides or simply explore independently. The beauty of street art is discovering it at your own pace. Reddit

Arbat Street is a public pedestrian zone, so there is no entrance fee. It's a place for locals and tourists to gather and enjoy the city's pulse. Reddit

The murals are visible at night, but the atmosphere on Arbat Street is most lively during the day and early evening. Some areas might be less well-lit, so exercise caution if visiting very late. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Panfilov Street is renowned for its large-scale murals, offering incredible backdrops. Arbat Street provides dynamic shots of street performers and lively crowds. Look for colorful walls and interesting textures throughout the area. Reddit

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer beautiful, soft light that can enhance the colors of the murals. Midday sun can create harsh shadows. Reddit

Generally, there are no restrictions on photographing the street art. However, always be respectful of performers and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the murals. A versatile zoom lens is useful for street performance shots. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards! Reddit

Explore side streets and alleyways off the main thoroughfares. You might discover smaller, unique pieces of graffiti or interesting architectural details that make for great photos. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Arbat Street is lined with numerous cafes and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. You can also find food stalls selling local snacks and treats. Reddit

Doner kebabs are frequently mentioned as a good option on Arbat Street. Be adventurous and try some of the local snacks from the stalls. Reddit

Prices can vary significantly. While many places offer reasonable prices, be aware of potential scams at some stalls, like the ice cream vendor mentioned in reviews. Always check prices before ordering. Reddit

Many cafes and restaurants will have vegetarian options. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff about vegan choices, which might be more limited but are increasingly available. Reddit

There are several coffee shops along Arbat Street. Look for places that seem popular with locals for a good cup of coffee. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Arbat Street offers a fun and engaging experience for families, with its lively street performers and open spaces for kids to enjoy the atmosphere. Panfilov Street's vibrant murals can also capture children's imaginations, turning a walk into a colorful adventure. Reddit

Tips for families: Stick to the main pedestrian areas, keep an eye on children in crowded spaces, and be mindful of the ice cream scam mentioned in reviews. It's a great place for a casual stroll and to experience local culture in a relaxed setting. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

This area is a paradise for photographers. Panfilov Street is a must-visit for its impressive murals and colorful walls, offering endless creative possibilities. Arbat Street provides excellent opportunities for street photography, capturing the energy of performers and the bustling crowds. Reddit

Recommendations: Visit during the golden hours for optimal lighting. Bring a wide-angle lens for murals and a zoom lens for performers. Don't forget to explore side streets for hidden artistic gems. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Arbat and Panfilov streets are excellent destinations for budget travelers as much of the experience is free. Viewing the street art on Panfilov Street costs nothing, and enjoying the street performances on Arbat is also free, though tipping performers is encouraged. Reddit+1

Tips for saving money: Opt for local cafes and food stalls for meals, but be cautious of inflated prices at some vendors. Utilize public transport to get to the area. The vibrant atmosphere and artistic displays provide a rich experience without a significant financial outlay. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Panfilov Street

Panfilov Street has become a canvas for incredible street art and murals. These aren't just random graffiti; many are large-scale, intricate pieces created by talented artists, transforming ordinary buildings into vibrant works of art. The murals often depict local culture, history, or abstract designs, making it a dynamic outdoor gallery. For photographers, this street is a goldmine, offering endless opportunities for striking visuals. Reddit

When exploring Panfilov Street, take your time to appreciate the detail and scale of each artwork. Some pieces are easily visible from the street, while others might require a slight detour down a side alley. The art adds a significant splash of color and creativity to the urban landscape, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art or simply looking for visually engaging experiences. Reddit

Pro-tip: Keep an eye out for new additions or temporary installations, as the street art scene can evolve. The sheer variety ensures that each visit can offer something new and exciting, reflecting the city's artistic pulse.

Arbat Street: A Hub of Culture and Energy

Arbat Street is the pulsating heart of local life, renowned for its lively street performances. Musicians, dancers, and various artists gather here to share their talents with passersby. The atmosphere is consistently energetic, especially on weekends, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for both locals and tourists. It’s a place where you can truly feel the city’s pulse and witness cultural expression firsthand. Reddit+1

Beyond the performances, Arbat Street is also a popular spot for cafes, restaurants, and small shops. It’s an ideal place to stroll, people-watch, and soak in the local vibe. While it might not be the best place for souvenir shopping, the experience of enjoying the street's ambiance and diverse offerings is a highlight in itself. Reddit

Community Insight: Visitors often praise the performers' dedication and the authentic cultural experiences they offer. It’s a platform that keeps cultural heritage alive and provides a unique entertainment experience. Reddit

Photography Tips for Urban Explorers

For photographers, Arbat and Panfilov streets offer a rich tapestry of subjects. Panfilov Street is ideal for capturing large-scale murals and colorful walls, providing stunning backdrops. Arbat Street, on the other hand, is perfect for street photography, focusing on the dynamic interactions of performers and the lively crowds. Reddit

To get the best shots, consider visiting during the golden hours for softer light that enhances colors and reduces harsh shadows. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended for capturing the full scope of the murals, while a zoom lens can be useful for candid shots of performers. Remember to be respectful of the artists and performers; always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. Reddit

Don't limit yourself to the main streets. Exploring side streets and alleyways can reveal hidden gems – smaller graffiti pieces, unique textures, or interesting architectural details that can make your portfolio stand out. Always carry extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don't miss any photographic opportunities. Reddit

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