Astana

file:Central Astana banner.jpg|1280px]]

Astana (formerly Aqmola and Tselinograd), in the Kazakhstani North|north of Kazakhstan, is the second largest city in the nation. It took over the role of national capital from Almaty (the largest city) in December 1998. Now it's undergoing a transformation costing billions of dollars, with top international architects assisting in trying to make Astana a worthy capital - not only of Kazakhstan but of Central Asia. Astana presents an interesting and intriguing blend of old Soviet architecture with the modern designs of Norman Foster and the like. Astana is growing, but still does not offer the comforts and thrills of its Western counterparts, or Almaty, but has its own charms and pleasures.

Travel to Astana

See Kazakhstan for visa information, but most Muslims don't need a visa for visits of up to 30 days.

Travel by plane to Astana

Astana International Airport IATA Flight Code: TSE It serves Vienna Schwechat, Kiev, Moscow, Beijing, Delhi, Seoul Incheon, Bangkok, Istanbul Atatürk, Dubai, London Heathrow Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol, Hannover and Frankfurt Airport, as well as several domestic destinations. Air Astana the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, flies to Almaty, Delhi,Dubai, Frankfurt Airport, Hannover, Istanbul-Atatürk, Moscow-Sheremetyevo and Urumqi from Astana Airport. Low-cost Wizzair flies from Budapest. Bus 10 and Bus 12 connect the airport and the downtown at least twice hourly, price is 60 tenge. You can find the time table at the bus stop directly in front of the main entrance to T2 (domestic) terminal. It's a one-minutes walk from T1 (international) terminal. A taxi from the airport to the downtown is about US$30.

Travel by train to Astana

Astana rail terminal, view of the apron. May 2009 - Astana railway station

Astana 1 Railway Station Served by the Qazaqstan Temir Zholy (Kazakhstan National Railway). Three direct trains run daily between Almaty and Astana, taking 20 hours overnight. For Russia and there's a direct train to Moscow (not daily) via Petropavlovsk; or travel to Chelabynsk (18 hours) for connections across the Urals and European Russia. For Urumqi in Western China, a weekly train runs via Karagandy, Aktogai and Dostyk.
Astana Nurly Zhol train station Opened in 2017 ahead of Expo to cope with rising traffic, many trains terminate here. Around 10 kilometers from the centre of the city. Bus number 50 is frequent and can be used to get to almost any place in the center of Astana (a metro is being built as of 2022). The station resembles an airport or new train stations in China - spacious, similar to an airport with divided departure and arrival zones. Station security is omnipresent, but tolerates staying in waiting zones for a long time, even after disembarking from the train. Features free WiFi and a few power plugs.

So which train station? As of autumn 2022, trains from Russia are still using Astana-1, while trains to Urumqi in China are using Nurly Zhol. The fastest trains to Almaty also use Nurly Zhol, but it's a mixture for this and other Kazakh destinations.

Transportation in Astana

Best way to travel in Astana by a Taxi

There are plenty of taxis around: expect to pay 300-1,000 tenge for a trip within the city.

Street taxis: Stand at the side of any road and thumb down a passing car, within 3 minutes you should have had a string of them. Tell them your destination and they will either drive off or gesture you in. It is useful to know numbers so you can set a price for the journey before starting. They are much cheaper than official taxis and you can expect to pay about half the price in one of these, prices start from about 800 tenge for a cross river trip. Some drivers will training their English on you, others will race around the streets, slowing down for the obvious speed camera. Use this method with caution and try to travel in groups.

Travel by Bus

Public buses (Astra Bus) have a flat fare of 280 tenge, pay the conductor on board (or driver if there is no conductor). The buses are efficient and comfortable, but they are often full. Some buses are from the 1990s, but there are also newer buses from the last 10 years that match any modern city in terms of the quality of the bus. For bus routes, times and real time location updates, download the very useful Astrabus smartphone app.

The number 12 bus does a nice loop around the new part of the city with the palace etc., so thit is a nice one for a tour. Bus 19 runs from the train station, down Beibilitsky Street and then through the centre eventually out past the National Museum.

Buses serving further regional destinations depart from Saparzhay (Автовокзал "Сапаржай) which is adjacent to the train station.

A Metro line was completed in 2020.

What to See

Central Downtown Astana 2 - Downtown with Baiterek Tower in the middle

Bayterek Tower - Бәйтерек, Bäyterek | An example of the futuristic architecture in the newborn city. Nicknamed Chupa Chups by the local residents due to its similarity to a giant lollipop, this 97m high building offers a great view of the city as well as an art gallery, an aquarium and a restaurant. There is a friendly café on one of the upper levels. In the centre of the top sphere and the ever so humble President Nazarbayev has made a golden palm print where visitors may put their own hands. At busier times the queue for the palm can be very long. The president designed the Baiterek himself and the original sketches can be seen in the national museum.

Khan Shatyr It's a giant transparent tent big enough to hold 10,000 people. The 150m-high tent has a 200m elliptical base covering an area larger than 10 football stadiums and contains a park, a shopping and entertainment area with squares and cobbled streets, a boating river, minigolf and an indoor beach resort. It even contains its own monorail with several stops. While Astana is one of the world's coldest capitals with temperatures down to -40°C in the cold season and the transparent material lets sunshine in and helps to keep temperatures comfortable all year.

National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan - The national museum moved to this new location in 2014. The museum is huge and very modern with interactive displays in English, Russian and Kazakh. Popular with eHalal Tour Groups. The displays take you through the history of Kazakhstan up to the modern day. It also hosts an art gallery with many temporary exhibitions. The main entrance hall is huge with a golden eagle that flaps its wings to patriotic music at certain times in the day. One of the highlights is on the ground floor where an animated diorama of the planned Astana emerges out of the floor on the hour, be sure to get there early as it can get crowded. The golden hall display has a model of the golden man costume along with a range of other beautiful golden objects found around Kazakhstan. Don't miss Nazabayev's rough sketches for the presidential palace and Baiterek.

Khazret Sultan Mosque - Completed in 2012, it's the largest mosque in Kazakhstan and the second largest in Central Asia. A vast calm soaring space, can accommodate up to 10,000 Muslims.

The Military Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Built like a yurt with a dome resembling a mosque. It contains exhibitions about the history of the military of Kazakhstan. There is large focus on the Great Patriotic War and a collection of memorabilia related to Nazabayev, including some of his official stationery, a tank commander's hat that he wore and a big official painting of him. Don't miss the upper levels that have some excellent war paintings or the soviet style paintings as you enter the building.

Atameken Map of Kazakhstan - An outdoor museum giving you an overview of the entire country in a miniature version. This 1.7-hectare exhibit features more than 200 mock-up pieces, creating Kazakh city's and historical memorials. During the summer months at least and there are normally English speaking guides available (optional obviously), should you wish to learn a little about the models and there is a covered section which focuses on the newer constructions within the city of Astana. Taking photos sometimes requires an extra payment to be made - you may want to keep cameras in your bag until you pass out of sight of the front ticket office. There is a covered map of Astana on a platform overlooking the rest of the map, be sure to visit the exhibition underneath this, which offers dioramas of Kazakhstani industry, sport and culture.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation - The pyramid portion of the building is 62m high and sits on a 15m high earth-covered block. All of this construction is above ground level. The building holds a summit of all religions of the world every 2–3 years. Though the landscaping of the park rises up to cover the lower levels and these are not in fact basements. This building offers a great view of the city, two art galleries, an archaeological and ethnographic museum, opera hall and a cafe.

Duman - An entertainment complex consisting of an oceanarium, 3D theatre, dome area, souvenir shops and cafes. The aquarium is unique for being located over 3,000 kilometers away from the ocean! It has more than 2000 sea inhabitants and the representatives of 100 species of sea fauna from different parts of the world. You can also see "Mermaid" and sharks-feeding shows at the aquarium. In the Motion Theatre you can make an underwater trip under the command of captain Mac-Cloud during the World War II, to overcome the traps while rescuing the gorgeous princess, confined in the dungeon, go on a tour to the past to dinosaur age, escorted by a troll etc.

Nur-Astana Mosque - The second largest mosque in Astana and the third largest in Central Asia, completed in 2008. The dome area contains symbols from all over the world like the Statue of Liberty and the fragment of the great Chinese wall and the "Doriphor" statue, Parthenon and others.

Kazakh Eli monument - It's next to Pyramid (Palace of Peace) and has a small statue of the first president of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is about 100 metres tall and has a mythical golden bird Samryk on the top. Monument is made from white marble and neighbored by very beautiful fountains.

Shabyt Palace - Shabyt is a palace of arts situated to the right of Kazakh Eli monument. It is a dish like building made from glass.

Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Thit is north of the river on the junction of Abai Street and Bebeishelik Street. This magnificent building was the seat of power before the new presidential palace was built. There is an entrance on Abai Street where you will have your baggage searched and you will be scanned for metal. Once inside be sure to ask the people at the front door for an English guide book. Pictures are allowed on the ground floor (1st in Kazakh speak) and outside, but no where else. Most people will have to don covers for their shoes and all luggage must be stored in lockers. Entry is free. The building consists of displays outlining the struggle for independence, gifts and awards given to Nazarbayev including a machine gun from the Saudis and state rooms preserved as they were when Nazarbayev was there. On the top floor there is a comprehensive photo display of Yeltsin, someone that Nazarbayev seems to have a lot of sympathy towards. Be sure to see the full sized recreation of the golden man. The museum is often on the empty side and don't be surprised to find yourself trailed by anxious (maybe bored) gallery staff. There isn't much for the kids here, it is more suited to those interested in the art of state diplomacy and the history of Nazarbayev. There is a small gift from your country shop on the ground floor with the normal tourist paraphernalia.

Alzhir, Memorial Museum of Victims of Political Repressions and Totalitarianism. Former Gulag camp for female family members of those condemned to Gulag. Located in Akmol (aka Malinovka) next to main highway. Entrance 500 tenge, audio guide 800 tenge. Inside memorial building has documentary exhibits. To reach Akmol take the Astana - Korgalzhyn bus (available departing at 10:00, 11:50, 13:00, 14:30, 700 tenge) from central bus station Saparzhay, get off at Akmol.

Muslim Travel Tips

REVision Park Cinema in English: Every Tuesday at 20:00, 24 Turan St. Sary Arka Shopping Mall (3d Floor).

Watch football ie soccer at Astana FC, who play in the Premier League and the top tier of Kazakh football. Their home ground is Astana Arena, capacity 30,000, 4 kilometers south of downtown along Qabanbai Batyr Ave.

What to buy in Astana

Souvenir shopping

Talisman - A great little souvenir shop boasting over 3,500,000 different types of gifts, including T-shirts, felt products, leather paintings, contemporary art, traditional musical instruments, desk sets and jewellery and stuffed leopards. A bit expensive and the staff watch you very carefully to make sure you don't shoplift, but there is a good variety of goods.

TSUM also has a nice little souvenir shop in the second floor with traditional Kazakh souvenirs.

General shopping

TSUM The central shopping mall on Kenesary Street, across from Congress Hall has some shops for clothes, perfumes, a camera shop, cafe and a small supermarket.
New Asian-style shopping malls have sprung up with all the variety of shopping you would expect from a mall in the Gulf countries including:
Keruen on the Left Bank near Bayterek. Supermarket with selected Halal food, Cinema, Babylon (video-arcade/indoor rides for children). Food court.
Mega on Turan Street. Cinema. Ramstor supermarket. Climbing wall. Food court.
Sara Arkai on Turan Street. Cinema. Supermarket with selected Halal food.
Ramstor is another chain of supermarkets that is popular among Westerners in Astana. They sell lots of things you can't find elsewhere such as macaroni and alal-cheese/ Cheese, microwave popcorn, Worcestershire Sauce, barbeque Sauces, Tortillas chips, salsa and so on.
Asia Park. Next to Central Mosque of Astana. Includes an Alma supermarket with good bakery, dairy, tinned food and frozen food. Some basic homeware is also on sale. There is a Finn Mark shop for winter clothes. There is also a Fitness First gym.
Artem. Thit is half way between a bazaar (as some people call it) and an old fashioned shopping mall. The ground floor is open and feels like a market - it has lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and dried fruit and nuts, all for sale in market stalls; plus mobile phone shops at one end. There are also areas that sell Meat and fish. The many upper floors contain mostly clothes shops - a bit more reasonably priced than Mega, Khan Shatyr etc., plus toiletries, furniture and more.
Shanghai. These are big supermarkets that are more like bazaar mostly for the groceries but they also have clothes.
Eurasia. One of the first Shopping Centres in Astana. Has everything for a little bit lower prices.
With China relatively close, you can find many electronic gadgets in the shops, just remember that returns policies are not as client-friendly as in the Gulf countries. Also some of the latest gadgets such as i☎s and iPods are more expensive here than in GCC countries.
Khan Shatyr. Has a Greens supermarket - well laid out (the aisles aren't straight, so it doesn't have that factory-like feel of typical supermarkets). Prices are reasonable considering it's in the Khan Shatyr. There is also a Debenhams in Khan Shatyr.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Astana

Beshbarmak - a horse Meat and Pastas dish. Most restaurants that serve it will present a portion enough for two or three people. Boursaky - bread best served piping hot. A little like an unsweetened doughnut. Shashliq - unless you have a sturdy stomach, best to avoid unknown street vendors, but these Halal Kebab are often cheap and a good 'safe bet' if you recognise little else on the menu.

Along Turan street (formerly Sara Arka) and there is a row of restaurants that while a bit expensive are quite good. They also have superior Muslim friendly rooms for parties, private secluded saunas and even hotel rooms.

Cafe Shimket | If you want a greasy spoon style meal, with affordable prices and a mixture of makes in the vehicle park, rather than 4x4s, Hummers and Mercedes, head over here.

Melnitsa - Windmill | Possibly the only Ukrainian restaurant in Astana with one of the best outdoor dining areas in the city. Lots of traditional Ukrainian dishes like potato pancakes and of course Chicken Kiev. Live music in the evenings. Fresh bread oven. Great décor, like a farmer's hut.

Tre Kronor - Three Crowns | Consistent with its name and the restaurant strives for a more European fare. It features excellent Steak and nice sausages. Nice brew pub atmosphere though it is a proper restaurant. Most evenings there's a live band which plays a mix of reggae, classic rock and Russian rock. Nice outdoor cafe in the summer.

Satti Serves mainly Kazakh food, mixed in with some European.

1000 and 1 Nights Cafe | The main destination for authentic Turkish and Arabic cuisine in Astana. Operated by Turkish management. Located at Bayan Sulu Hotel, which is located not far from Eurasia shopping center.

Ali Babas | A very popular summer restaurant. The waitresses and waiters dress in traditional dress and the menu offers a selection of central Asian cuisine. Prices are in line with Europe or America but the food is good. There are fake bird cages hanging from the roof which tweet electronically. Camel and horse milk are on offer along side Leffe Cola

Rafe | A modern coffee shop offering Italian food with a twist. Be sure to check out the horse Pizzas.

Turfan - Popular restaurant with the local residents, offering a good range of Central Asian food selectable by pictures and they don't have an English menu but the staff will happily try their English on you. Slightly cheaper than the near-by Alibaba.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Astana

Astana - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Astana, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Astana. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Astana and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Astana. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Astana. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Astana: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Astana.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Astana: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Astana, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Astana.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Astana, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Astana, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Astana and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Astana, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Astana, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Astana without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Astana is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Astana.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Astana is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Astana, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Astana Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Astana

Ramadan 2025 in Astana

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Bayan Sulu Hotel Astana | This affordable, but very comfortable 3-star hotel enjoys a quiet location in Astana, a 10-minutes walk from the Kazakhstan Sports Palace and 5-minutes trip from the left bank – a new administrative centre of dynamic Astana. The hotel offers 3 saunas that include swimming pools, jacuzzi, Finnish steam rooms. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms. Every room is air-conditioned and has a working table, Minibar with alcohol removed, cable TV and private bathroom with a bathtub. Free breakfast at the “1000 and 1 night” Café that serves European, Arabic and Turkish Halal cousine.

Hotel Gran Park Esil | A friendly and clean hotel Breakfast included. Built in the early days of the Soviet Union it has a certain authenticity that many of the more modern hotels lack. There is free Wi-Fi and satellite television. The gym, swimmingpool and sauna are free, as is the masseur but you must book ahead. The mini café has condoms, listed under 'miscellaneous'. The staff are friendly and receptionists have a good grasp of English. The café is pricey but often has a piano player, Friday night is cocktail night. During the summer there is an outdoor restaurant.

Duman - behind the Duman entertainment complex, this roughly four star hotel is an 18-story building built in 2008 and overlooking the park and river to the north and east and Mega shopping mall to the south. The rooms are good quality, with space, large beds (beds are firm - how good thit is depends on your preference) heating and air conditioning and excellent showers and bathroom facilities. The room rates vary. The lobby café on the ground floor sits at the bottom of an 18-floor atrium, one wall of which is all glass. The glass lifts in the atrium give an impressive view out the glass window.

Okan InterContinental Astana The first luxury hotel in Astana and the service is very good and the room quality is consistent. Singles/doubles from 66,000 tenge. A very good breakfast café is included and there are is a popular Italian restaurant (Pucchini's) and an eastern-style (Turkish) restaurant. Expensive (but fast, reliable) wireless internet and a nicely equipped business center. A nice range of conference facilities. It's in the old area of town, within walking distance from some Halal restaurants, it is a long way from the government buildings on the other side of the river now that the government has moved.

Rixos Presidents Hotel Astana Make no mistake about it, thit is the most luxurious hotel in Astana. For starters, standard rooms come with heated tiled floors in the bathroom, step in showers and jaccuzi tubs, LCD wide-screen television and free wireless internet (although it is not very consistent). The service is friendly and professional. There is a bar, a cafe and two restaurants and the best conference facilities in Astana. The spa has the best exercise equipment in Astana and the swimmingpool is lovely. It is within walking distance to the ministries and the better restaurants and the breakfast buffet is more than fantastic (they've been known to put out caviar!) complete with a harpist. The main drawback? So many VIPs prefer to stay in this hotel (visiting presidents, prime ministers and other big-wigs) that you often have to fight security to get in and out!

Radisson Hotel Astana Just north of Ishim river with 180 rooms. Singles/doubles at US$480 including breakfast, access to fitness center but excluding current VAT. Rooms are modern design, with flat-screen TV and free internet. Wi-Fi in the rooms can be dodgy, but there is a cable alternative and Wi-Fi works fine in the lobby/lounge. Hotel has a reliable Italian restaurant and a sports club/spa.

Telecommunications in Astana

Mobile phone providers

There are three mobile phone providers: KCell, Tele2 and Beeline. All three offer mobile web (Edge, 4G). SIM cards are affordable and can be purchased without filling in documentation.

Money Matters & ATM's in Astana

There are cash machines in Shopping Centres, on the street and in most hotels. Most accept Visa and some people have had trouble with MasterCard. Most banks convert dollars, euros and roubles. Pounds are much harder to get rid of.

Cope in Astana

Embassies & Consulates in Astana

China | 37 Kabanbai Batyra Ave - ☎ +7 7172-793561 +7 7172-793565

Egypt | 24A Sarayshyk Street, Diplomatic Town - ☎ +7 7172-241830 +7 7172-286050

India Qabanbay Batyr Ave 6/1 ☎ +7 7172 925 700 (701/702/703) +7 7172 925 715 (716/717) - For passport/visa queries use:

Where to travel next from Astana

Burabay National Park 3 hours north by train

Almaty 21 or 13 hours south by train