Kazakhstan

Cost of living

What a month costs

Astana is affordable by global standards but the priciest place to live in Kazakhstan. Heating a home through the long winter adds a real line to the budget.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Astana

1. Bayterek TowerThe tree-and-egg monument that has become the symbol of the city, with a viewing deck up top.
2. Khan ShatyrNorman Foster's giant translucent tent holding shops, a monorail and an indoor beach.
3. Hazrat Sultan MosqueA vast white marble mosque, one of the largest in Central Asia.
4. Astana Grand MosqueOpened in 2022 and now the biggest mosque in Central Asia, capped by a huge blue dome.
5. Palace of Peace and ReconciliationFoster's glass pyramid built for interfaith gatherings, with stained-glass doves at the peak.
6. Ak Orda Presidential PalaceThe blue-and-gold seat of the president, best admired across the river from Nurzhol Boulevard.
7. National Museum of KazakhstanA sweeping modern museum on Independence Square, strong on nomadic gold and national history.
8. Nur-Astana MosqueGolden-domed mosque near the river, a calm spot after the boulevard's showpieces.
9. Astana OperaA grand classical opera house staging ballet and opera in serious style.
10. Nurzhol BoulevardThe central pedestrian axis that strings the city's landmark towers into one long walk.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Burabay (Borovoe)Pine forest, granite crags and clear lakes about four hours north, often called Kazakhstan's little Switzerland.
2. Korgalzhyn Nature ReserveUNESCO wetlands roughly two hours southwest, with flocks of pink flamingos in summer.
3. KokshetauEasygoing regional city and the gateway to the northern lakes country.
4. Karkaraly National ParkForested hills and hidden lakes for a longer drive southeast into the steppe.
5. AlmatyA short flight south to mountains, tree-lined streets and the buzz of the old capital.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Marrone RossoItalian-style coffee chain with several Astana branches, dependable for espresso and cake.
2. Coffee BOOMHomegrown Kazakh chain that is the easy default for a quick flat white around town.
3. Gloria Jean's CoffeesInternational coffee house you will find inside the big malls.
4. StarbucksThe familiar green sign turns up in Astana's shopping centres for a reliable cup.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Line BrewUpscale steakhouse and brewery, a longtime local favourite for a proper dinner out.
2. Del PapaPopular Italian spot for pizza, pasta and a busy family atmosphere.
3. KishlakRustic room serving hearty Uzbek and Central Asian classics like plov and lagman.
4. SandyqA polished take on Kazakh national cuisine for anyone wanting to taste the steppe.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Marrone RossoRuns a solid morning menu of eggs, pastries and coffee before the day gets going.
2. Coffee BOOMHandy for a fast breakfast and caffeine on the way into the centre.