Astana

Astana (formerly Aqmola and Tselinograd), in the north of Kazakhstan, is the second largest city in the country. It took over the role of capital city from Almaty (the largest city) in December 1998. Now, it is undergoing a transformation costing billions of dollars, where top international architects assist in trying to make Astana a worthy capital - not only of Kazakhstan but of all Central Asia. Thus, Astana presents an interesting and intriguing blend of old Soviet architecture with the modern designs of Norman Foster and the likes. 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.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Astana International Airport[1] (IATA: TSE ICAO: UACC) is about 15 kilometers south of central Astana. It serves Vienna, Kiev, Moscow, Beijing, Delhi, Seoul, Bangkok, Istanbul, Dubai, London, Amsterdam, Hannover and Frankfurt, as well as several domestic destinations. Air Astana[2], the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, flies to Almaty, Delhi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hannover, Istanbul-Atatürk, Moscow-Sheremetyevo, and Urumqi from Astana Airport.
Bus 10 connects the airport and the city centre twice hourly, price is 60 KZT. A taxi from the airport to the city centre is about USD20.

[edit] Get around

There are plenty of taxis around: expect to pay between KZT300 and 1000 for a trip within the city.
The public buses cost 60 KZT. Get on the bus and a conductor will come and ask for your fare and give you a ticket. Given the simplicity of the process, you don't need to speak the language to be able to do this. The buses are efficient and comfortable, but they are often full. Some buses are from the 90's, but there are also newer buses from the last 10 years that match any modern city in terms of the quality of the bus. The bus routes are available on the following English-language website:
http://www.astana.kz/en/bus-routes/
Unfortunately you have to choose the bus number to see the route. This is not helpful if you know where you want to go but don't know which bus to take! Once you're on the bus, there is a route map, so it's worth taking a photo of that on your phone for later trips around the city!
The number 12 bus does a nice loop around the new part of the city with the palace etc., so this is a nice one for a tour.

[edit][add listing] See

• Baiterek Tower is one example of the futuristic architecture in the newborn city. Nicknamed "Chupa Chups" by the locals due to its similarity to a giant lollipop, this 97 meter high building offers a great view of the city as well as an art gallery, an aquarium and a restaurant. In the center of the top sphere, the ever so humble President Nazarbayev has made a golden palm print where visitors may put their own hands.

• Khan Shatyry[3] is 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, the transparent material lets sunshine in and helps to keep temperatures comfortable all year.

• The President's Museum of Kazakhstan, Barayev 3, is built like a yurt with a dome resembling a mosque. It contains exhibitions about the history of the country. The main attraction is a replica of the Golden Man costume, a warrior's suit that was found in a tomb east of Almaty. It contains more than 4000 gold pieces, and the original was considered too fragile to be put on display (it is now kept safe in the national bank).

• Atameken Map of Kazakhstan is 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 cities and historical memorials. During the summer months at least, 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 itself. 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.

• 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, these are not in fact basements. This building offers a great view of the city as well as two art galleries, a archeological and ethnographic museum, opera hall, and a cafe.

• Duman, [4]. 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 km away from the ocean! It has more than 2000 sea inhabitants, 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 and etc.

The dome area contains symbols from all over the world like the Statue of Liberty, the fragment of the great Chinese wall, the "Doriphor" statue, Parthenon and others.

• Kazakh Eli monument. Kazakh Eli (literally, "Land of Kazakhs") is situated 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 mythlogical golden bird Samryk on the top. Monument is made from white marble and surrounded 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.

• Palace of Independence. Palace of Independence is situated to the left of Kazakh Eli monument.

Most of political and business gatherings are held in this palace. Summit of OSCE (Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe) will take place on 1-2 December, 2010 in this building inviting about 56 countries is called to be one of the largest gatherings of heads of the states (bigger than Washington Nuclear Summit). Summits concerning ecology in Asia was held in october 2010 and European ecology summit for the first time will take place outside of Europe in 2011.

[edit][add listing] Do

'REVision Park' Cinema in English: Every Tuesday at 8pm, 24 Turan St. Sary Arka Shopping Mall (3d Floor). [5], Revision Park is a new project of Language Leader [6] and KinoPark Multiplex cinemas [7].

• Ak Bulak sauna Complex, 8th kilometer on the Astana-Airport highway (Olympic staduims), ☎ +7 (7172) 49-76-98 (reception), +7-705-140-7221 (cell). 24 hours. A Sauna Complex with 3 private VIP double floor saunas (for a party of 6, 9 and 12 people). Each sauna is decorated in a different geographic style and has its own swimming pool, Finnish and Russian steam rooms (banya), jacuzzi, hamam, entertainment hall with a banquet table, billiard, karaoke, TV with cable channels and 2 private relax rooms. The Complex has its own parking lot and conveniently located on the main Astana-Airport highway (not far from Olympic stadiums). Ak Bulak sauna Complex is an excellent way to enjoy cold and windy Astana and fell the bathing tradition of Kazakhs. Food and beverages are provided at the Complex. Different types of massage can be ordered at the reception. +7-705-140-7221 (cell), +7 (7172) 49-76-98 (reception). from $20/hr to $60/hr.  edit

[edit] Nightlife

There are more than 10 discos (night clubs) that are frequently referenced by locals: Chocolate [8], A8, Fusion, Ice, etc. Chocolate is in the same building as the SAS Radisson hotel, but may only be open on selected days (I tried it on a Thursday night and it was closed). "Ice" (centrally located - ask locals for the address) has a nice atmosphere and is on two floors with a large dance area. Prices are towards the high end, no entrance fee on Thursday night.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Souvenir Shopping

Talisman on Republic Avenue is a great little souvenir shop with T-shirts, felt products, leather paintings, traditional musical instruments, desk sets, and even jewelery and stuffed leopards. A bit expensive and the staff watches you very carefully to make sure you don't shoplift, but great variety.
TSUM also has a nice little souvenir shop in the second floor with all the traditional Kazakh souvenirs.

[edit] General Shopping

TSUM The central shopping mall on Kenesary Street, across from Congress Hall has some shops for clothes, perfumes, a camera shop and a small supermarket as well as a cafe.
New Western style shopping malls have sprung up with all the variety of shopping you would expect from a mall in the US including:
Keruen on the Left Bank near Bayterek. Supermarket, Cinema, Babylon (video-arcade/indoor rides for kids). Food court.
Mega on Turan Street. Cinema. Ramstor supermarket. Climbing wall. Food court.
Sara Arkai on Turan Street. Cinema. Supermarket.
Ramstor is another chain of supermarkets that is popular among Westerners in Astana. They sell lots of things you can't find elsewhere like macaroni and cheese, microwave popcorn, Worcestershire Sauce, barbeque sauces,tortialla chips, salsa and so on.
Asia Park. Next to Central Mosque of Astana. Has a nice skybar with a pretty good view. Includes an Alma supermarket with good bakery, dairy, tinned food and frozen food. Fruit and veg don't look so good (in late 2011). Some basic homeware is also on sale. There is a Finn Mark shop for winter clothes. There is also a Fitness First gym.
Artem. This is half way between a bazarre (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 veg, 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 toileteries, furniture, and more.
Alem
Shanghai. These are big supermarkets that are more like bazaar mostly for the groceries yet they have clothings too.
Eurasia. One of the first supermarkets 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 customer-friendly as in the West. Also some of the latest gadgets such as iPhones and iPods are more expensive here than in Western countries.
Khan Shatyr. Contains a Greens supermarket - well laid out (the isles 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.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Beshbarmak - a horse meat and pasta 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 kebabs are often cheap, and a good 'safe bet' if you recognise little else on the menu.
Along Turan street (formerly Sara Arka), there is a row of restaurants that while a bit expensive are quite good. They also have private rooms for parties, saunas, and even hotel rooms.

• Cafe Shimket, Immanova, near Republic Street (in Kazyna Mall, next to Cinema City). If you want a greasy spoon style meal, with cheap prices, and a mixture of makes in the car park, rather than 4x4s, Hummers and Mercedes, head over here. cheaper.  edit

• Melnitsa (Windmill), Turan Street (near Khan Shatyr). 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 decor, like a farmer's hut. 1500-3000T for a main dish..  edit

• Tre Kronor (Three Crowns), Turan Street (near Mega Mall). Consistent with its name, the restaurant strives for a more European fare. It features excellent steaks and decent 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. 1500-3000T for a main dish..  edit

• Satti, Kabanbai batyr street, 32, ☎ +7 (7172) 24 28 48, [9].  edit

• Line Brew. Popular with expats and locals alike, Line Brew features its own brew of beer, with an impressive menu that includes several delicious steaks, including one made of horse meat.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Kumis - different varities are available of this mare's milk, some are a little salty. Slightly fermented. Vodka - supermarkets stock a huge variety, ranging from $2 bottles that will strip your throat to $115 bottles that are more for giving as a present or showing off your wealth. Shots tend to be drunk, rather than utilising mixers - don't feel obliged to down each and every one if at a celebration. Cognac - what we would refer to as brandy, again a wide range in the shops and restaurants. Same rules apply re. shots - with all the toasts made at parties and other gatherings, you may want to pace yourself.

• Cafe Shimkent - If you want a greasy spoon style meal, with cheap prices, and a mixture of makes in the car park, rather than 4x4s, Hummers and Mercedes, head over here. Found hidden near Cinema City, just off Prospekt Respublik

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Duman - located behind the Duman entertainment complex, this approximately four star hotel is an 18 storey 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 this is depends on your preference) heating and air conditioning, and excellent showers and bathroom facilities. The room rates vary. The lobby bar 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. On the 16th floor there is a bar and restaurant with great views but very poor food. The laundary service is exhorbitant - about $100 for a week's worth of clothes.

• Okan InterContinental Astana, 113 Abaya Avenue +7 (7172) 391-000, [10]. The first luxury hotel in Astana, the service is very good and the room quality is consistent. Singles/doubles from KZT 46000. A very good breakfast bar is included, and there are is a popular Italian restaurant (Pucchini's) and an eastern-style (Turkish) restaurant, as well as a pub on the mezzanine floor. Expensive (but fast, reliable) wireless internet, and a nicely equipped business center. A nice range of conference facilities. Unfortunately, the once nicely equipped gym (pool, exercise room/equipment, saunas) is closed through the end of 2007 for a full renovation. Located in the old area of town, within walking distance from many 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, this 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 pool is lovely. It is in 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! Rooms start around $350/night.

• Radisson SAS Hotel Astana, Sary Arka 4, +7 (7172) 99 0000, [11]. New hotel, just north of Ishim river with 180 rooms. Singles/doubles at USD 480 including breakfast, access to fitess center but excluding current VAT. Rooms are modern design, with flat-screen TV and free internet. Wifi in the rooms can be dodgy, but there is a cable alternative, and wifi works fine in the lobby/lounge. Hotel has a reliable Italian restaurant, and a sports club/spa.
• Bayan Sulu hotel Astana, microdistrict 2a, building 8/1 (Eurasia shopping center), ☎ +7 (7172) 368930. This inexpensive, but very comfortable 3-star hotel enjoys a quiet location in Astana, a 10-minute walk from the Kazakhstan Sports Palace and 5-minute drive from the Left bank – a new administrative center of dynamic Astana. The hotel offers 3 saunas that include swimming pools, jacuzzi, Finnish steam rooms. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms, which are warmly furnished with elegant interiors and wooden floors. Every room is air-conditioned and has a working table, minibar, cable TV and private bathroom with a bathtub. A free breakfast is provided for guest each morning at the “1000 and 1 night” Café that serves European, Arabic and Turkish cuisine. +7 (7172) 36-62-22 and +7 (7172) 36-60-79 (reception), +7 (7172) 36-89-30 (fax for reservations), email: Bayan.Sulu.hotel@gmail.com (for reservations). Prices: from $55/night for a single room to $85/night for 2-room deluxe.  edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Mobile phone providers

There are three mobile phone provider: KCell, Neo and Beeline. All three offer mobile web.

[edit] Cope

[edit] Embassies

• China, 37 Kabanbai batyra Ave, ☎ +7 7172-793561 (fax: +7 7172-793565), [12].  edit

• Greece, 109 microdistrict KARAOTKEL 2010000, ☎ +7 7172-563714, Emergencies:=+7 701 188 7406 (gremb.ast@mfa.gr, fax: +7 7172-244776).  edit

[edit] Get out