Things To Do
in Semey
Semey, Kazakhstan is a historic city located in the northeastern part of the country. It was formerly known as Semipalatinsk and has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various ethnic groups. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, including Russian Orthodox churches and mosques.
Semey is also famous for being the site of nuclear testing during the Soviet era, which has had lasting environmental consequences on the region.
- "Salemetsiz be?" - How are you?
- "Rakhmet" - Thank you
- "Keshiriniz" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Iä" - Yes
- "Jok" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $40
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Abai Memorial Complex. It’s an inspiring site that highlights the life of the famous Kazakh poet.
Stroll through the local bazaar for lunch, exploring various traditional dishes. Afterward, visit the Semey History Museum to learn about the city's past.
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Irtysh River while watching the sunset. End your day with dinner at a local restaurant featuring Kazakh cuisine.
Visit the Semey State Drama Theatre to appreciate local performing arts. This theater often showcases traditional Kazakh plays.
Explore the Exhibition Hall to see works by local artists and craftsmen. Engage with artists if possible for a deeper understanding of their art.
Attend a cultural performance or concert, if available. Cap off your evening with dessert and tea at a nearby café.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Ecologically clean environment with beautiful landscapes.
- Low cost of living compared to many other cities.
- Friendly and welcoming locals.
- Strategically located near the border with Russia, facilitating trade.
- Limited job opportunities, particularly in specialized fields.
- Underdeveloped infrastructure in some areas.
- Harsh winters with extremely low temperatures.
- Limited access to modern amenities and healthcare facilities.
- Language barriers for non-Kazakh or non-Russian speakers.
Best Activities in Semey
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A popular park offering walking paths, lakes, and playgrounds with a peaceful atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the beautiful riverside promenade, offering picturesque views and a relaxing outdoor experience.
Ideal for fishing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings near the water.
Tours
Uncover the best of Semey with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Semey
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful views of the city and the Irtysh River
Provides panoramic views of Semey and the surrounding landscapes
A scenic area with opportunities for photography and exploring the natural surroundings
Food in Semey
Semey Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved Kazakh dish consisting of boiled meat (typically lamb or beef) and wide flat noodles, seasoned with onions and often accompanied by broth.
Must-Try!
A traditional Kazakh sausage made from horse meat, usually served sliced as an appetizer or in main dishes.
A fermented dairy product made from mare's milk, popular in Central Asian nomadic cultures. It has a slightly sour taste and low alcohol content.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Semey better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the heart of Semey, this lively market offers a wide range of fresh produce, dairy products, meats, and traditional Kazakh snacks. Don't miss the chance to sample baursak, a traditional fried bread often served at special occasions.
A bustling outdoor market where you can find a variety of street food stalls offering local delicacies such as samsa (savory pastries filled with meat and onions) and shashlik (grilled skewered meat).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Semey, it is important to show respect for elders through gestures, such as standing when an elder enters the room and addressing them with their title.
Kazakh people value hospitality, so it is polite to accept food and drinks when offered, and to express gratitude for the host's generosity.
It is respectful to familiarize oneself with Islamic customs, such as dressing modestly when visiting mosques and refraining from public displays of affection.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Semey with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Semey
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a widespread practice in Semey, Kazakhstan. In most cases, tips are not expected, but leaving a small amount as a token of appreciation for good service may be appreciated in some upscale restaurants or hotels.
Cash is widely used for payments in Semey, although credit and debit cards are becoming more accepted, especially in larger establishments. It's advisable to have some cash on hand for transactions in smaller shops, markets, and for other services.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Semey.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The spring in Semey is mild with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. It is a great time to visit to experience the blooming of flowers and the awakening of nature after the long winter.
Summer in Semey is warm with temperatures averaging around 25°C to 30°C. This is the best time to visit for outdoor activities and cultural events, as the city comes alive with festivals and markets.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C and beautiful foliage as the leaves change color. It's a great time to explore the city and enjoy the fall scenery.
Winter in Semey is cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The city is covered in snow, making it a winter wonderland. It's a good time to experience winter sports and festivals.
Semey at Night
Hiking in Semey
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located approximately 250 km from Semey, Bayanaul National Park offers stunning landscapes, mountains, and numerous trails suitable for hiking.
A beautiful lake situated around 120 km from Semey, Zaisan Lake features scenic walks along the shore and opportunities for exploration in the surrounding natural areas.
About 300 km from Semey, Karkaraly National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and varying hiking trails that lead through mountains, forests, and along rivers.
Located to the east of Semey, the Shygys Alatau Mountains offer a range of hiking experiences with breathtaking vistas and pristine nature.
Approximately 150 km from Semey, Akkol Lake is surrounded by hills and offers hiking trails with beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Semey through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Semey by plane.
The main airport serving Semey, Kazakhstan, offering domestic flights and limited international connections.
Located in Pavlodar, approximately 275 km from Semey, this airport handles domestic flights and some regional services.
This airport serves Ust-Kamenogorsk, located about 170 km from Semey, providing domestic flights and limited international options.
Kazakhstan's largest international airport located in Almaty, approximately 750 km from Semey, providing extensive international connections.
Kazakhstan's capital airport in Nur-Sultan (Astana), located about 900 km from Semey, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Semey, representing a significant portion of the population, with rich cultural heritage and traditions.
The second largest demographic group in Semey, contributing to the city's cultural diversity and historical context.
Includes various other ethnic groups such as Ukrainians, Tatars, and Germans, each adding to the multicultural fabric of the city.
The Soul of Semey
Discover the essence of Semey through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Semey, with numerous local teams and a strong following among fans.
Basketball enjoys popularity in Semey, supported by schools and community clubs, fostering youth participation.
Ice hockey is widely played in Semey, with local teams participating in regional leagues and competitions.
Athletics, including track and field events, is popular among schools and local sports organizations in Semey.
Traditional wrestling, alongside sports wrestling, has a cultural significance and is popular in Semey.
Volleyball is played in schools and community centers, making it a common recreational sport in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Semey.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Kazakh cuisine is meat-centric, many restaurants in Semey now offer vegetarian and vegan options, particularly in cafes and international eateries.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find suitable dishes in certain restaurants and cafes, but it's recommended to communicate dietary needs clearly when ordering.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Semey with these cultural adventures.
