FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Astana

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: KZT 15000/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: May, Jul, Aug

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Samal District

Offers the most affordable accommodation and dining options, with a chance to experience daily life.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Astana

1

Samal District

Budget

A developing residential area with a mix of new apartment blocks and local amenities.

digital nomadsbudgetfamiliessolo travelers
  • +More affordable accommodation and dining options
  • +Authentic local life experience
  • +Good for longer stays
  • -Further from major tourist attractions
  • -Public transport can be more of a necessity
  • -Less polished appearance
🏨 Greenwich City Hotel🏨 Astra Hotel🏨 Apartment Rentals (various)
2

Old City Center (Old Town)

Mid-range

A mix of older Soviet-era buildings and newer developments, offering a more grounded urban experience.

first-timersculturefoodiesbudget
  • +More local feel
  • +Closer to cultural institutions
  • +Better range of local eateries
  • -Less visually striking than the Left Bank
  • -Some areas can feel a bit dated
🏨 Radisson Hotel Astana🏨 Astana Marriott Hotel🏨 Comfort Hotel Astana
3

Left Bank (Esil District)

Luxury

Modern and grand, this is the administrative and futuristic heart of Astana.

first-timersluxurycouplesculture
  • +Impressive modern architecture
  • +Wide avenues and clean streets
  • +Good selection of upscale dining and shopping
  • -Can feel a bit sterile and less authentic
  • -Less residential feel
🏨 Ritz-Carlton Astana🏨 Hilton Astana🏨 St. Regis Astana

Daily Budget (Budget)

KZT 15000/day

Hostel at "Nomad's Home" dorm bedKZT 3000
Lunch at a local 'stolovaya' (canteen) for a 'borscht' and 'pelmeni'KZT 1500
Dinner at a casual cafe for 'beshbarmak' or 'lagman'KZT 2000
Single bus tickets for multiple journeysKZT 500
Explore the Bayterek Tower (exterior and lower levels)KZT 1000
Walk around the Nurzhol Boulevard and admire the architectureKZT 0
Visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (exterior and grounds)KZT 0
Browse the Central Mosque Nur AstanaKZT 0
Visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan (general admission)KZT 1500
Enjoy a local pastry and tea at a small bakeryKZT 500
Stroll through the Astana Mall and observe local lifeKZT 0
Snack from a street vendorKZT 500
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Astana

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

Green Quarter (Zelyony Kvartal)

FREE

This covered market is a vibrant hub for locals to buy fresh produce, meats, and traditional Kazakh goods. It's a great place to experience the authentic daily life and sample local delicacies.

marketAlmati
🍜

Sary Arka Cinema

This is not just a cinema, but a beloved local spot for enjoying traditional Kazakh cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. It's a cozy place to escape the tourist crowds and taste authentic flavors.

foodYesil
⚠️

2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Astana

More Astana Guides

Full Astana guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers