Hg2 : The Hedonist

A Hedonist’s guide to…

Astana

Things to doParks & Gardens

Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve
Birds of many kinds of feather flock together in Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve and it is worth going for them alone, though also watch out for rare antelope.

HotelsBusiness

Radisson Blu

SightsPerforming Arts

Russian Drama Theatre

SightsMuseum

Museum of Modern Art

SightsReligious Buildings

Central Mosque

RestaurantsFusion

Sadu

RestaurantsItalian

Portofino

RestaurantsInternational

Line Brew

RestaurantsRussian

Grillage

RestaurantsFusion

Favor

RestaurantsKazakh

Alasha

CafesCafe

Rafè
Babyccinos, cakes, Princess Diana's biography - this place takes Anglophile to a new level.

CafesCafe

Rafè II
Fantastic food and drinks on offer at the sleek café-cum-restaurant.

CafesBakery

Éclair
A great place to stop in the Left Bank for restorative afternoon tea and pastries.

CafesCanteen

Café Corso
Décor and clientele don't quite match at this chintzy little establishment with burly vodka slurpers propping up the bar. One for the brave.

Things to doSpectator Sports

Altyn Taga
Hit the hippodRome for racing and traditional sports.

HotelsBudget Boutique

Prestige Hotel
Eight individual rooms rule the roost at this boutique hotel, whose friendly staff make any staff. One of our top picks.

Things to doSpas

Rixos Royal Spa
Literally everything you could want in one place, many visitors end up booking into the hotel because they're too relaxed to leave.

Things to doWatersports

Suntana Aquapark
With temperature-controlled sand flown in from the Maldives, relax here while gazing out at an ice-clad city.

Things to doGreat Outdoors

Tulpar Horse Club
Riding lessons, followed by dinner in the on-site restaurant. Nomadic bliss.

Things to doTours

Nomadic Travel
This tour agency specialises in homestays with local families.

Things to doParks & Gardens

Kokshetau National Park
Another National Park, Kokshetau is the perfect place to spend a relaxing and invigorating weekend.

Things to doSports & Fitness

Khan Shatyr Gym
Astana's sleek, modern and well-equipped gym, complete with running track.

Things to doWintersports

Kazakhstan Sport Centre
Get your skates on at this large rink.

Things to doSpas

Keremet Banya
If you like your baths with company, this place offers a huge number of options.

Things to doWintersports

Ishim River
Cross/ski down/swim in the iced-over river for a bracing morning.

Things to doSports & Fitness

Daulet Tennis Complex
The top tennis facility in Kazakhstan, you can play to (imaginary) thousands on tournament courts.

Things to doAdventure Parks

Duman Centre
An oceanarium at the farthest possible point from the sea.

Things to doEvents

Ice City
Enormous ice sculptures of famous landmarks, with built-in slides. What's not to love?

Things to doWintersports

Cross-Country
If you've ever been tempted to try your hand (or legs?!) at cross-country skiing then this could be the perfect opportunity; head out into the wilds for a proper adventure.

Things to doParks & Gardens

Burabay National Nature Park
Located in the North of Kazakhstan, Astana is perfectly placed for exploring the steppe; head out for day trips (or longer) to beautiful national parks for walking and nature-watching.

Things to doGolf

Astana Golf Club
This 18-hole golf course is expensive, and all about the glam factor.

ShopsMalls & Department Stores

Sine Tempore
The only decent mall on the Right Bank, this one's good for furs and ice-skating.

Things to doTours

Akmola Tourist
Tour operator, which specialises in sanatoria, but has many other options.

ShopsMalls & Department Stores

Keruen
From high end to mass market, there are brands at the Keruen to suit all tastes.

ShopsMalls & Department Stores

Khan Shatyr
The best shopping centre in Astana, head here for beach parties on the rooftop sand. Seriously.

ShopsMalls & Department Stores

Saryarka
More manageable shopping at this smaller venue, though decent brands are still available.

SightsParks & Gardens

Central Park & Ishim River
Wander around the statues in this huge park, and take your time exploring.

SightsLandmarks & Monuments

Palace of Independence
See the city in miniature with the Palace's model of Astana.

SightsReligious Buildings

Saints Konstantin & Elena Cathedral
This small Cathedral is perfect for quieter contemplative moments.
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