Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan7days
7
Days
56
Activities
1
Location
21
Meals out
08:00
Earliest start

Budget Kazakhstan Highlights: Astana and Almaty

Explore Kazakhstan's major urban centers on a budget-conscious itinerary split between the futuristic architecture of Astana and the vibrant cultural streets of Almaty.

  • 15Food stops
  • 9Culture
  • 7Sights
  • 6Stays
  • 6Museums
  • 5Parks
  • budget travellers
  • friends
  • solo
  • kazakhstan
  • budget
  • astana

Day by day

Day 1

Introduction to Astana8 Activities

Spend your first day exploring the central landmarks and cultural monuments of Astana.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Urban Coffee

    08:00 – 09:00

    Start the day with coffee and pastries at a local city centre cafe.

  2. 09:1510:15
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Morning Walk

    09:15 – 10:15

    Walk along the main Boulevard and admire the striking modern architecture of Astana.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  3. 10:3011:30
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Monument Tour

    10:30 – 11:30

    Visit key memorial sites and learn about the nation's history.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  4. 11:4512:30
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Square Visit

    11:45 – 12:30

    Explore public plazas surrounded by government edifices.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  5. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Navat

    12:30 – 13:30

    Enjoy affordable traditional Kazakh dishes including beshbarmak.

  6. 13:4515:00
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Waterfront Stroll

    13:45 – 15:00

    Walk along the Ishim River embankment and view the bridges.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  7. 15:1516:30
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Park Promenade

    15:15 – 16:30

    Relax in one of the central green spaces designed for public leisure.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  8. 19:3020:30
    Food

    Dinner at Tyubeteika

    19:30 – 20:30

    Dine on Central Asian specialties in a relaxed dining hall.

Day 2

Astana Architectural Discoveries8 Activities

Discover iconic futuristic sites across the city of Astana.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Cafe Central

    08:00 – 09:00

    Fuel up with breakfast dishes and tea.

  2. 09:1510:15
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Civic Landmarks

    09:15 – 10:15

    Observe the distinctive modern skyline from key viewing points.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  3. 10:3011:30
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Art Installations

    10:30 – 11:30

    See open-air public sculptures scattered around the civic centre.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  4. 11:4512:30
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Cultural District

    11:45 – 12:30

    Walk around the museum and theater complex area.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  5. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Tubeteika

    12:30 – 13:30

    Sample hearty soups and savory Kazakh baked goods.

  6. 13:4515:00
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Expo Grounds Walk

    13:45 – 15:00

    Explore the pedestrian zones near the former Expo grounds.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  7. 15:1516:30
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Evening Architecture View

    15:15 – 16:30

    View the city lights reflecting off the futuristic glass towers.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  8. 19:3020:30
    Food

    Dinner at Line Brew

    19:30 – 20:30

    Budget-friendly evening dinner with regional food and drinks.

Day 3

Astana Heritage Walk8 Activities

Delve deeper into Astana's history and public spaces.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Pilgrim Cafe

    08:00 – 09:00

    Enjoy breakfast options tailored for budget visitors.

  2. 09:1510:15
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Old Right Bank

    09:15 – 10:15

    Explore the older historic side of Astana along the right bank of the river.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  3. 10:3011:30
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Local Markets Area

    10:30 – 11:30

    Walk around commercial streets where locals shop.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  4. 11:4512:30
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - City Parks

    11:45 – 12:30

    Stroll through the green spaces on the right bank.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  5. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Kishlak

    12:30 – 13:30

    Try traditional plov and hand-pulled noodles.

  6. 13:4515:00
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Memorial Park Walk

    13:45 – 15:00

    Visit historic monuments dedicated to Kazakh heroes.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  7. 15:1516:30
    Sightseeing

    Astana Cultural Exploration - Central Avenue

    15:15 – 16:30

    Walk down main avenues observing daily life in the capital.

    • siteAstana Cultural Exploration
    • entryFree
  8. 19:3020:30
    Food

    Dinner at Sandyq

    19:30 – 20:30

    Casual dinner with authentic local flavors.

Day 4

Arrival in Almaty & City Centre8 Activities

Begin exploring Almaty, starting with its central avenues and parks.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Coffeedelia

    08:00 – 09:00

    Enjoy breakfast coffee and fresh baked items.

  2. 09:1510:15
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Central Streets

    09:15 – 10:15

    Stroll down leafy avenues in central Almaty.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  3. 10:3011:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Panfilov Park Area

    10:30 – 11:30

    Walk around the historic park grounds and see notable monuments.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  4. 11:4512:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Civic Buildings Walk

    11:45 – 12:30

    Pass by historic Soviet-era public buildings and architecture.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  5. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Gakku

    12:30 – 13:30

    Sample local soups, dumplings, and fresh bread.

  6. 13:4515:00
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Pedestrian Zone

    13:45 – 15:00

    Walk along Arbat street, popular with street artists and budget shoppers.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  7. 15:1516:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Republic Square

    15:15 – 16:30

    Visit the main civic plaza and view the Golden Man monument.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  8. 19:3020:30
    Food

    Dinner at Zheti Kazyna

    19:30 – 20:30

    Affordable dinner options featuring classic Kazakh meat and rice dishes.

Day 5

Almaty Markets and Cultural Walking8 Activities

Discover Almaty's lively local atmosphere and public market areas.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Nedelka Cafe

    08:00 – 09:00

    Start with quick breakfast bites and warm drinks.

  2. 09:1510:15
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Green Bazaar Surroundings

    09:15 – 10:15

    Walk around the bustling historic trade district in central Almaty.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  3. 10:3011:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Old Town Quarter

    10:30 – 11:30

    Stroll through older residential neighborhoods with shaded streets.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  4. 11:4512:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Central Park Walk

    11:45 – 12:30

    Enjoy a peaceful stroll in the city's largest public park.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  5. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Navat Almaty

    12:30 – 13:30

    Hearty lunch menu with lagman and shashlik.

  6. 13:4515:00
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Academic Quarter

    13:45 – 15:00

    Walk past historic university buildings and open courtyards.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  7. 15:1516:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Abay Avenue Walk

    15:15 – 16:30

    Explore one of Almaty's major east-west arteries.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  8. 19:3020:30
    Food

    Dinner at Alasha

    19:30 – 20:30

    Traditional dining experience featuring Central Asian hospitality.

Day 6

Almaty Foothills & Scenic Views8 Activities

Explore the higher-elevation neighborhoods and scenic viewpoints of Almaty.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Sensilyo Coffee

    08:00 – 09:00

    Grab espresso and standard breakfast items.

  2. 09:1510:15
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Foothills Promenade

    09:15 – 10:15

    Walk around southern districts offering views of the nearby mountains.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  3. 10:3011:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Botanical Promenade

    10:30 – 11:30

    Stroll along public roads surrounding botanical garden areas.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  4. 11:4512:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Dostyk Avenue

    11:45 – 12:30

    Walk up tree-lined Dostyk Avenue toward the mountain gorge entrance.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  5. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Kazakh Aul

    12:30 – 13:30

    Casual lunch enjoying local dishes in a scenic setting.

  6. 13:4515:00
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Kok Tobe Hill Promenade

    13:45 – 15:00

    Walk around the base and access routes leading up toward Kok Tobe.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  7. 15:1516:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Mountain View Lookout

    15:15 – 16:30

    Enjoy evening panoramas of Almaty framed by the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  8. 19:3020:30
    Food

    Dinner at Kishlak Almaty

    19:30 – 20:30

    Relax with standard Central Asian cuisine at reasonable prices.

Day 7

Final Day in Almaty8 Activities

Wrap up your Kazakhstan trip with a final walk through Almaty's city center.

  1. 08:0009:00
    Food

    Breakfast at Traveler's Coffee

    08:00 – 09:00

    Final morning coffee and breakfast set.

  2. 09:1510:15
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Historic Quarter

    09:15 – 10:15

    Revisiting classic wooden architecture in older districts.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  3. 10:3011:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Art Promenade

    10:30 – 11:30

    Discover street art and public galleries across the city centre.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  4. 11:4512:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Souvenir Walk

    11:45 – 12:30

    Walk along pedestrian zones to pick up affordable local keepsakes.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  5. 12:3013:30
    Food

    Lunch at Tyubeteika Almaty

    12:30 – 13:30

    Enjoy a hearty farewell lunch of local specialty dishes.

  6. 13:4515:00
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Golden Quarter Stroll

    13:45 – 15:00

    Take a relaxed stroll through residential golden quadrant streets.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  7. 15:1516:30
    Sightseeing

    Explore Almaty City - Final City Panorama

    15:15 – 16:30

    Conclude your city sights tour with a peaceful view over Almaty.

    • siteExplore Almaty City
    • entryFree
  8. 19:3020:30
    Food

    Dinner at Gakku Restaurant

    19:30 – 20:30

    Final dinner featuring affordable traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Make it yours