Capital city with modern architecture, government buildings, new apartments, and huge open squares with space, cooler fresher air (than Almaty).
Just about everyone in Astana will tell you that you should go visit Almaty because it’s cooler, it more green, has more nature, more culture, more history, more tourist things, and just overall better than Astana in every way. You might also hear claims that Astana people are nicer and more down to earth compared to Almaty people. And also that Astana people “love sky”. Since there’s a whole lot of that. It seems people only come to Astana for school, work, or career. Outside of that, they’d much prefer a life in Almaty.
I’ve been to both cities and appreciate both. Astana stood out for me by its architecture. I’m not talking about the many new modern apartment buildings constantly in development throughout the city. I’m talking about the gold and teal colored ones in the government area. Other than that, Astana stands out with its large city of flat ground and open air where you can see lots of sky and feel cooler/colder fresh air blow around you all day long. This is distinct from Almaty which is kind of like a city in the mountains where the valley traps all the hot air, humidity, and clouds.
All of Astana could be seen in 2-3 days. But you really could get a feel of it (and nice photos) within 1 day, 2 tops.
Where to stay:
- Nur Sultan –
Hostels:
- sdfdf
Neighborhoods & Walking areas:
- Baitarek, government buildings & Water
- Baiterek > Lover’s Park > Khan Shatyr (shopping mall)
- Botanical Garden & Arc Triumph, Grand Mosque & Expo
- Grand Mosque & Expo
- Central Park & Aktau Bridge
- East Bank – national museum,
Activities to do:
- Astana Ballet, Astana Opera – my friend took me to see a show at the Astana Ballet Theater and I absolutely loved it. Great show and really high production value. Lots of details and cultural outfits, songs, dances, etc. Highly highly recommended.
- Buildings & architecture –
- Mangilik El Triumphal Arch – Astana’s Arc of Triumph. Come and take a photo. I think if you could at the right time, you can pay to go up inside of it.
- Mosques – Hazrat Sultan Mosque is the best one IMO (prettiest inside and out). Grand Mosque is biggest but very modern and feels touristic, its dark hallways with the columns do make some nice photo ops. Nur Astana Mosque is nothing special, not as pretty or picturesque like the others. Each mosque can be seen within 30-40mins.
- Expo – interesting building outside and inside, but not historically important or anything.
- Parks, gardens, green spaces –
- Lover’s Park – small park across from the mall, and has views of historic Astana statues and monuments.
- Central Park – nice park by the water, also has a little amusement park inside it with rides and games (good for kids).
- Botanical Garden – nice green park with views of pond, and also nearby the Astana’s Triumph Arc.
- Bridges & water-points:
- Atyrau Bridge – nice bridge with modern design, good for pictures. The area around it is busy day and night.
- Arts & museums – National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, still haven’t done it yet but heard great things…beautiful and lots to see about Kazahk history.
- Shopping – Astana has many big malls with interesting building shapes, like a big tent or pyramid or modern building.
- Sunset views – probably best seen from your sky-rise apartment balcony. Or you could go to the Botanical Garden.
Restaurants & Cafes:
- Ali Baba – tourist place for tourist food in tourist seating. Honestly, not such great food IMO and felt touristy. But it’s not a bad stop if you’re already in the area walking around.
- Darkside – great food and drinks, and bar/music vibe. A recommended place to dine in the evening for a hip vibe.
- Big Apple Coffee Shop – nice solid coffee shop for food and drinks.
- La Creme (cafe & waffles) – cutesy girly decor, nice drinks and food.
- Pate – by the same owner as La Creme.
- Qazaq Gourmet – high end fancy restaurant with amazing food! I had the horse rib and loved it. I feel I would probably love everything here.
- Shoreditch – awesome modern restaurant with great food and drinks. We also had shisha here as well.
- Coffee Boom – good food, drinks, service, big & comfy seating, opens pretty late.
- Sat – awesome 24/7 place.
Bars & Clubs:
- Darkside – is a cool bar and can become a club depending when you go.
- 6/45 Restobar – nice upscale club, good drinks and shisha. The morality police comes late at 4am to stop people from making out and dancing.
Miscellaneous tips:
- General travel tips for Kazahkstan.
- 2GIS – much better than Google Maps.
- Rideshare – Uber or Yandex Taxi.
- Mobile operators – Kcell, Tele2, Beeline. I tried both Tele2 & Beeline. And they mostly worked fine.
Recommended Itinerary:
Nearby towns:
- Konaev – nearby waterside town
Unfiltered notes: