Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Astana
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $30-78 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Astana
Accommodation
$15-35 per night
Hostels, budget guesthouses, shared rooms, and basic hotels in residential areas
Food & Dining
$8-20 per day
Local cafeterias, street food, grocery shopping, traditional Kazakh eateries, market food
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Public buses, walking, occasional shared taxis for longer distances
Activities
$5-15 per day
Free walking tours, public parks, budget museums, self-guided sightseeing
Currency: ₸ Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) - prices shown in USD equivalents for planning purposes
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Astana
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local Kazakh cafeterias instead of international restaurants (typically 60-70% cheaper)
Use public buses and walking instead of taxis (saves 70-80% on transportation costs)
Book accommodation outside the central Esil district for 30-50% lower rates
Shop at local markets and cook some meals if staying in places with kitchen access
Take advantage of free attractions like parks and public architecture viewing
Travel during shoulder seasons for 20-30% savings on accommodation
Use ride-sharing apps instead of hotel taxis (typically 40-60% cheaper)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating in hotel restaurants and tourist areas (typically 100-200% markup over local options)
Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the public transport system (3-4x more expensive)
Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak business travel periods (can cost 50-100% more)
Not factoring in winter heating costs and seasonal price fluctuations for accommodation