Instead of aesthetic coffee shops - Gen Z showed what a “romantic” walk through Almaty looks like
Tengrinews.kz — Videos by young Almaty residents documenting the transformation of their daily commutes have gone viral on social media. Instead of cozy streets, shaded alleys, and coffee-shop cocoa, their cameras capture construction fences, torn-up earth, and potholes, as they constantly search for a way around.
What the walking route looks like
The creators of the video humorously captured the hurdles pedestrians face while walking through Almaty. Social media users noted that ongoing road and sidewalk repairs have significantly altered habitual routes across the city.
@ms.yuliana_ Almaty residents, how are your walks going? ???? #rec #recommendations #almaty #almatylocations #wheretogoalmaty ♬ original sound - Justin J Moore
In some areas, pedestrians have to bypass construction zones along the edge of the road, while in others, they must cross to the opposite side of the street. Sometimes, it is easier to simply turn around and start the journey over.
@alina.rakhimbayy
where are we supposed to walk
♬ Saxophones getting louder - Sped Up - AntonioVivald
In these videos, an Almaty stroll looks more like an obstacle course: first, you have to find a passage, then try not to ruin your shoes, and finally figure out where the path even leads.
@ursulatenelbay individual experience #almatyambassador ♬ original sound - 2000s pop hits
Commenters are divided into two camps. Some believe the repairs are necessary and the city just needs time. Others complain that construction sites often sit idle for long periods without any visible progress.
"The inconvenience is temporary, but the benefits are forever," "They are fixing roads, pipes, and sewage—that's a good thing. But walking right now is certainly uncomfortable," "They dig everything up, and then there are no workers to be seen for days and nights," "I've already trashed all my sneakers," users wrote online.
Some commenters joked that the city seems to be setting daily challenges for pedestrians. However, social media users also noted that once the work is finished, the streets truly become more convenient and attractive.
@nagidollayevnaa
why is everything dug up
♬ original sound - music_day2026
Which streets are under repair
Until then, Almaty residents will have to be patient. According to the Akimat (city administration), medium-scale repairs are planned for approximately 340 streets covering a total of 250 kilometers in 2026.
View this post on Instagram
Post by Tengri Almaty (@tengri.almaty)
Meanwhile, some of the work has already been completed. By September 1, sections of 15 major thoroughfares totaling 32 kilometers were renovated. These include Zenkov, Zhamakayev, Zhetysu, Shemyakin, Mambetov, Ryskulbekov, Zhankozha Batyr, Iskendirov, Akan Sery, Manas, Gabdullin, Zhandosov, Tsentralnaya, and Ushkempirov streets, as well as the Kuldja Highway.
View this post on Instagram
Post by Tengri Almaty (@tengri.almaty)
What the walking route looks like
The creators of the video humorously captured the hurdles pedestrians face while walking through Almaty. Social media users noted that ongoing road and sidewalk repairs have significantly altered habitual routes across the city.
@ms.yuliana_ Almaty residents, how are your walks going? ???? #rec #recommendations #almaty #almatylocations #wheretogoalmaty ♬ original sound - Justin J Moore
In some areas, pedestrians have to bypass construction zones along the edge of the road, while in others, they must cross to the opposite side of the street. Sometimes, it is easier to simply turn around and start the journey over.
@alina.rakhimbayy
where are we supposed to walk
♬ Saxophones getting louder - Sped Up - AntonioVivald
In these videos, an Almaty stroll looks more like an obstacle course: first, you have to find a passage, then try not to ruin your shoes, and finally figure out where the path even leads.
@ursulatenelbay individual experience #almatyambassador ♬ original sound - 2000s pop hits
Commenters are divided into two camps. Some believe the repairs are necessary and the city just needs time. Others complain that construction sites often sit idle for long periods without any visible progress.
"The inconvenience is temporary, but the benefits are forever," "They are fixing roads, pipes, and sewage—that's a good thing. But walking right now is certainly uncomfortable," "They dig everything up, and then there are no workers to be seen for days and nights," "I've already trashed all my sneakers," users wrote online.
Some commenters joked that the city seems to be setting daily challenges for pedestrians. However, social media users also noted that once the work is finished, the streets truly become more convenient and attractive.
@nagidollayevnaa
why is everything dug up
♬ original sound - music_day2026
Which streets are under repair
Until then, Almaty residents will have to be patient. According to the Akimat (city administration), medium-scale repairs are planned for approximately 340 streets covering a total of 250 kilometers in 2026.
View this post on Instagram
Post by Tengri Almaty (@tengri.almaty)
Meanwhile, some of the work has already been completed. By September 1, sections of 15 major thoroughfares totaling 32 kilometers were renovated. These include Zenkov, Zhamakayev, Zhetysu, Shemyakin, Mambetov, Ryskulbekov, Zhankozha Batyr, Iskendirov, Akan Sery, Manas, Gabdullin, Zhandosov, Tsentralnaya, and Ushkempirov streets, as well as the Kuldja Highway.
View this post on Instagram
Post by Tengri Almaty (@tengri.almaty)