Semey Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels

About Semey

Semipalatinsk got its start as a fort of the Russian empire in 1718 where a Buddhist monastery had existed along the Irtysh River. But probably what it is most known for is its notoriety for being close to the centre of the Soviet atomic weapons testing program known as the🌍Semipalatinsk Test Sitethat was active from 1949 to 1989, about 150 miles to the west. This has had long-lasting ill effects on the populace of Semipalatinsk, which was shortened to just Semey to try to disassociate from that disastrous spectacle.

Top Attractions in Semey

Explore the best things to see and do in Semey:

• ★Abai Museum
• ★Biological Center
• ★Central Park
• ★Dostoyevsky Museum
• ★East Kazakhstan Regional Museum of Fine Arts
• ★Enlik-Kebek Cinema
• ★Jamyshevskie Vorota
• ★Semipalatinsk Bridge

Where to Eat in Semey

Must-try local food and restaurants:

• 🍴Kafe "Khalva"

Where to Stay in Semey

• 🏨Hotel Europa
• 🏨Ken Dala Hotel
• 🏨Nomad Hotel
• 🏨Semey City Hotel

Semey Travel Guide Sections

Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: