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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Left Bank (New City)
hotelsFuturistic new city built since 1997. Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, Presidential Palace, Pyramid of Peace. Spectacular modern architecture. Where all the famous landmarks are.
Right Bank (Old City)
hotelsOriginal town (formerly Tselinograd). More authentic, Soviet-era buildings, markets, local restaurants. Where real city life happens. Less spectacular but more genuine.
EXPO District
hotelsSite of Expo 2017 'Future Energy'. Nur Alem sphere is world's largest spherical building. Now houses museums and cultural venues. Futuristic even by Astana standards.
faq.title
faq.subtitle Astana
Moved from Almaty in 1997. Official reasons: seismic safety, room to expand, central location. Also political - away from Almaty elites, develop north, reduce Russian influence near border. President Nazarbayev's grand project.
Extremely cold! Second coldest capital after Ulaanbaatar. Winter (Dec-Feb) average -15°C, can reach -35°C. Summer hot (30°C+). Best visit: May-June or September. Bring serious winter gear if visiting cold months.
Many countries visa-free for 30-90 days. EU, US, UK, most CIS countries no visa needed. Russians can stay indefinitely. Check for your nationality. Very open visa policy for tourists.
Symbol of Astana - 105m tower representing tree of life from Kazakh mythology. Golden egg on top with observation deck. Nazarbayev's handprint inside to touch for luck. Most photographed landmark. Evening illumination beautiful.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Astana
Visit Left Bank for all major sights - Bayterek, Khan Shatyr, Pyramid of Peace all within walkable distance. Surreal architecture unlike anywhere else.
Avoid winter visit unless prepared - temperatures can drop to -30°C. May-June or September ideal. If winter, dress in serious layers and limit outdoor time.
Khan Shatyr mall is world's largest tent - shops, beach, amusement park inside. Good escape from extreme weather. Iconic building.
Try beshbarmak (national dish - meat and noodles), baursak (fried dough), kumys (fermented mare's milk). Kazakh cuisine hearty and unique.
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
-14°
-14°85%10 м/с
Today-11°-17°
-11°-17°Tomorrow-19°-26°
-19°-26°Thu
-18°-24°
-18°-24°Fri-22°-27°
-22°-27°Sat-20°-28°
-20°-28°Sun-17°-23°
-17°-23°Mon-14°-18°
-14°-18°-12°
-18°Jan
-10°
-18°Feb
-2°
-10°Mar
11°
2°Apr
19°
9°May
25°
14°Jun
26°
15°Jul
25°
14°Aug
18°
9°Sep
9°
2°Oct
-3°
-8°Nov
-9°
-15°Dec
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
location.transport.bus
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Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Budget meal
2,000 - 4,000 ₸
~3,000 $
Mid-range
5,000 - 12,000 ₸
~8,500 $
Fine dining
15,000 - 35,000 ₸
~25,000 $
Street Food
Local dish
500 - 1,500 ₸
~1,000 $
Drinks
Coffee
1,000 - 2,000 ₸
~1,500 $
Local beer
800 - 1,500 ₸
~1,150 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
200 - 400 ₸
~300 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
4,000 - 8,000 ₸ / night
~6,000 $
Guesthouse
15,000 - 25,000 ₸ / night
~20,000 $
Hotel 3★
30,000 - 60,000 ₸ / night
~45,000 $
Hotel 5★
80,000 - 200,000 ₸ / night
~140,000 $
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercardMIRUnionPay
location.payment.contactless_available
location.payment.atms
widespread
location.payment.mobile_payments
Apple PayGoogle PayKaspi Pay
location.payment.cash
Cash popular despite digital options available. Small shops and traditional markets prefer cash. Kaspi Pay app dominant locally (hard for foreigners to register without residence permit). MIR cards have limited support due to sanctions (VTB only).
location.payment.currency_exchange
Banks: Eurasian Bank, Bank CenterCredit (weekdays 10am-5pm). YESexchange (24-hour service). Licensed exchange offices widespread. National Bank of Kazakhstan sets official rates daily at 15:30. Easy to exchange EUR and USD throughout city.
location.payment.tipping
10%
10% appreciated but not expected. Round up for taxis. Hotel staff 500-1000 KZT.
Safety
High safety level
Tourist area with low crime rate
Astana is very safe. Low crime, modern city. Extremely cold winters (-30°C possible). Police presence normal. Safe at night. Avoid political discussions. Friendly locals.
What to see
Attractions and points of interest
