Shopping in Astana: Shopping Malls, Local Brands, and Kazakh Souvenirs

1. Shopping Centers in Astana
2. Discount Stores and Sections
3. Markets—Local Flavor and Produce
4. Shopping Streets and Districts
5. What to Buy and Bring Back as Gifts
6. Practical Tips: Tax-Free, Seasons, Payment
7. Common Mistakes Made by Shopaholic Tourists
8. Tips for Tourists
9. Frequently Asked Questions

Shopping Malls in Astana

There are five large shopping centers in Astana, and all of them are new—the oldest one opened in 2006. They are mainly located on the left bank, within walking distance or a 10–15-minute taxi ride from Nurzhol Boulevard. Check the current hours of operation on the official websites or at 2gis.kz.

MEGA Silk Way — the city’s main shopping mall

Astana’s largest shopping center (62 Kabanbay Batyr Ave.) is located next to the EXPO grounds and Nazarbayev University. It offers the widest selection of international brands in the city: Armani Exchange, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Marc O’Polo, Massimo Dutti, Nike, and OYSHO. Kazakh brands are also represented, including Qazaq Republic and Alibekov Store. A unique attraction: Astana’s only “Golden Apple” store—featuring a wide range of cosmetics, perfumes, and beauty accessories, including brands that are hard to find in other CIS countries. Also in the mall: the MEGA Arena ice rink, the Kango trampoline park, and the Chaplin movie theater. Hours of operation: check mega.kz.

Khan Shatyr—Shopping Under a Glass Tent

This shopping center, shaped like a giant 150-meter-high tent (1 Nurzhol Boulevard), is one of Astana’s main landmarks and a major shopping destination. Brands: Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Calvin Klein Jeans, Adidas, Massimo Dutti, US Polo Assn, Reebok, Qazaq Republic. On the 5th floor is a water park with a tropical beach (separate admission). Chaplin Movie Theater. Khan Shatyr is conveniently located right on Nurzhol Boulevard—making it very easy to combine shopping with a stroll through the city center. Hours: daily; check khanshatyr.kz for details.

Keruyen—at the foot of the Baiterek

Shopping center (34 Tawelsizdik Ave.) in the very heart of the Left Bank, next to the Baiterek monument. It offers a more upscale selection: Bugatti, BOSS, POLO Ralph Lauren, Max & Co, Emporio Armani, Montblanc, Michael Kors, and Samsonite. Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Saryarqa — Local Designers and Youth-Oriented Shopping

The Saryarqa shopping center (24 Turan Ave.) stands out for featuring Kazakh designer brands—Lenazh, Aida Kaumenova, Dinara Satzhan—alongside international brands such as Porsche Design, Costume Costume, and Ramsey. It’s a great place if you’re looking for something that’s not mass-market but also not too expensive. The Factoria entertainment center (lasertag, escape rooms) is also located here.

Abu Dhabi Plaza—Astana’s tallest tower

This multifunctional complex (16/5 Syganak St.) in the city’s tallest tower combines retail, restaurants, and office spaces. The retail section consists mainly of mid-range and higher-end stores: concept stores and galleries. Hours: daily; check abudhabiplaza.info for details.

Discount Stores and Sections

There are no traditional outlet stores with fixed discounts in Astana—neither in the city itself nor in the immediate vicinity. This situation is typical for young capitals that lack a long-established retail infrastructure. However, there are several ways to find discounted items.

• Discount sections inside shopping malls. At MEGA Silk Way and Khan Shatyr, sections featuring items from previous collections with discounts of 30–70% are periodically available. Look for racks labeled “Sale” near the fitting room exits—at the end of the season (January–February, July–August).
• Kaspi.kz and OLX.kz. Kazakhstani marketplaces with a wide selection of new and used goods. A convenient option for online purchases with in-store pickup in Astana. Kaspi.kz is the main platform for electronics, clothing, and appliances.
• Seasonal sales. See the “Practical Tips” section below for detailed information on sale dates.

Markets — Local Flavor and Produce

Astana is a young city, and the bazaar culture here is much less developed than in Almaty or in the southern cities of Kazakhstan. Nevertheless, there are markets, and they are open for business.

Astana Central Market

The city’s main food market is the best place to buy Kazakh delicacies: kazy (horse sausage), kurt (dried cottage cheese), kymyz (mare’s milk—available only in season), various dairy products, and baked goods. Address: check 2gis.kz for details. Hours: daily 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Bargaining: A little haggling is acceptable at the food market—especially when buying dried fruits, nuts, and spices in bulk. Prices for meat products are usually fixed.

Good to know: It’s best to have kazy and other meat delicacies vacuum-sealed right at the market or in specialty stores before a flight—some vendors offer this service for a small additional fee.

Specialty Stores for Kazakh Cuisine

The Keremet store in Astana offers a wide selection of delicacies, farm-fresh dairy products, and meat products. It’s a good alternative to the market for those who want guaranteed quality and convenient packaging. Address and hours: check 2gis.kz.

Shopping Streets and Districts

There are no distinct “shopping streets” in the European sense in Astana—retail is concentrated in shopping malls rather than in street-level stores. However, there are several areas where small boutiques and shops are clustered.

Nurzhol Boulevard (lower level) —beneath the pedestrian boulevard is a level with small shops, cafes, and salons. Here you can find souvenirs, jewelry, and small boutiques. Foot traffic is heavy—this is a hub for tourists. Prices for souvenirs here are higher than at the market.

The Emerald Quarter (Dostyk Street) — a concentration of concept stores, showrooms of local designers, and boutiques. If you’re looking for items from Kazakh brands outside of shopping malls, this is the neighborhood to visit.

What to Buy and Bring Back as a Souvenir from Astana

Kazakh clothing and brands—the city’s main draw

Astana is the best place in Kazakhstan to buy clothing and accessories from local brands. These aren’t tourist souvenirs, but authentic streetwear with a Kazakh aesthetic:

• Qazaq Republic is the most recognizable Kazakh brand. Minimalist hoodies, T-shirts, and tote bags featuring Kazakh inscriptions and subtle national motifs. There are stores in Khan Shatyr and MEGA Silk Way. Price range: 5,000 to 25,000 tenge per item.
• Qazaq Soul — T-shirts, shopping bags, and phone cases with original ethnic prints.
• Arlem Shop — started with socks featuring Kazakh patterns; now offers sweatshirts, T-shirts, and hoodies. Prices are affordable.
• Balausa Jewelry — traditional-style jewelry: rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants with Kazakh motifs.
• Amark Brand — cotton clothing featuring Kazakh phrases and symbols; custom orders with unique designs are available.

Handmade Souvenirs

• Felt products —blankets, slippers, and felt bags. Made from natural material, they regulate temperature well. Look for them at the Central Market or in souvenir shops along the boulevard.
• Ornamented ceramics —cups, plates, and bowls with Kazakh patterns. The Waseela brand produces stylish ceramics and ships throughout Kazakhstan. Keruen Souvenirs (karavan-podarkov.kz)—porcelain items with traditional Kazakh designs.
• Leather accessories —wallets, belts, and bracelets with Kazakh motifs.
• Figurines and magnets —featuring silhouettes of the Baiterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, and the Hazret Sultan Mosque. Sold in shopping malls and on the boulevard. Prices: 500 to 5,000 tenge.

Gastronomic Gifts

• Kurt —dried fermented milk cheese in the form of balls. It has a long shelf life, is lightweight, and inexpensive. An ideal souvenir.
• Kazy —a traditional horse sausage. A delicacy. It’s best to vacuum-seal it before flying. The Keremet store in Astana is a good option.
• Kymyz —mare’s milk, available seasonally (summer). The BIOGOROD brand is sold at Magnum and Small stores. In Astana, Janaarqa Qymyz handles delivery.
• Dried fruits and nuts —available at the Central Market. Buy them by weight; they’re fresher and cheaper than the pre-packaged ones.
• Kazakh spiced tea —tea with milk (shalgam, kok-shay)—comes in beautiful packaging. You can find it in the souvenir sections of shopping malls.

Cosmetics and Perfumes

Astana is home to the city’s only “Golden Apple” store (MEGA Silk Way, 62 Kabanbay Batyr Ave.)—which offers a wide selection of Russian and international cosmetics brands.

Electronics

Kazakhstan has a different tax system than some neighboring countries, so some electronics are cheaper here. Major chains include Sulpak, Technodome, and Mechta. Be sure to check prices before making a purchase.

Items Prohibited from Export from Kazakhstan

Before purchasing antiques, works of art, or jewelry with precious stones, check the current export regulations on the official website of the State Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan (kgd.gov.kz). Restrictions apply to: items of cultural and historical value, certain types of animal and plant products, medications exceeding the allowed limit, and cash in excess of the established threshold.

Practical Tips: Tax-Free Shopping, Seasons, Payment

Tax Free in Kazakhstan

The Tax Free system in Kazakhstan is currently operating on a pilot basis and is being gradually expanded. Current terms and conditions (check for updates before your trip at kgd.gov.kz):

• Who is eligible: Foreign citizens from countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Important: Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan—as members of the EAEU—are not eligible for Tax Free in Kazakhstan.
• Minimum purchase amount: at least 20 MPR for non-food items (~50,500 tenge or more).
• Operator: Global Blue (at participating retail locations).
• How to apply: Ask for a Tax Free receipt at the register of a participating store and present your passport. When departing via the airport, have your purchases inspected by customs and process your refund.
• Participating stores: Check with participating shopping centers for a list.

Sale Seasons

Payment: Card or cash?

In shopping malls and most stores—cards are accepted everywhere, including contactless payments. At markets and small retail outlets, cash is preferred. Currency: tenge (KZT). Currency exchange is available at banks, exchange offices, and ATMs throughout the city. You’ll get the best exchange rate at ATMs or currency exchange offices, not at the airport. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. UnionPay is accepted in some places. Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at most shopping malls.

How to Bargain

It’s not customary to haggle in shopping malls—prices are fixed. At the Central Market, haggling is appropriate when buying dried fruits and nuts, handicrafts, and handmade souvenirs. Standard tactic: offer 80–90% of the asking price, and be polite.

Common Mistakes Made by Shopaholic Tourists

1. Buying souvenirs near Baiterek at the first price you see.
   On Nurzhol Boulevard, souvenirs cost 2–3 times more than in specialty stores or at the market.
2. Expecting Tax Free benefits as a citizen of Russia, Belarus, or Kyrgyzstan.
   Citizens of EAEU countries are not eligible for Tax Free in Kazakhstan.
3. Go to MEGA Silk Way without any cash in tenge.
   The shopping center itself accepts cards everywhere, but nearby cafes and small street vendors only accept cash.
4. Buy kazy without vacuum packaging for your flight.
   Ask to have them vacuum-sealed right at the store or at the market.
5. Failing to check the mall’s current hours of operation in advance.
   On holidays, the mall sometimes changes its hours.

Shopping Tips for Tourists in Astana

• Kazakh brands make the best souvenirs from Astana. Qazaq Republic, Arlem Shop, and Qazaq Soul can be found at Khan Shatyr and MEGA Silk Way.
• “Golden Apple” is only at MEGA Silk Way. It’s the only location in the city. Visit on a weekday—there are long lines on weekends.
• The best time to shop at shopping malls is on weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.—when crowds are at their lightest. Saturday evenings are the busiest.
• Online shopping with delivery: Kaspi.kz and OLX.kz accept orders in Astana.
• Transportation to MEGA Silk Way: The mall is 7–10 km from Nurzhol Boulevard. A taxi via inDrive costs 1,000–1,500 tenge. Parking is paid.
• Carrying purchases on the plane: Liquids over 100 ml must be placed in checked luggage. Sharp objects must be packed only in checked luggage. Vacuum-packed meat products are generally allowed without issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping in Astana

What should I bring back from Astana as a gift?
Top 5: Qazaq Republic clothing (starting at 5,000 tenge); Arlem Shop socks (starting at 1,500); kurt (starting at 500 per pack); ceramics with traditional patterns (starting at 3,000); Balausa Jewelry (starting at 5,000).

Are there any outlet malls in Astana?
There are no traditional outlet malls. Discount sections operate inside shopping malls in January–February and July–August.

Can you haggle in Astana’s stores?
Not in shopping malls. At the Central Market, you can haggle when buying dried fruits, nuts, and souvenirs in bulk.

How do you apply for Tax Free in Kazakhstan?
Only for citizens from outside the EAEU. The minimum purchase amount is currently 20 MPR (~50,500 tenge). Get your Tax Free receipt at the register with your passport; claim your refund through Global Blue at the airport. For the latest information, visit kgd.gov.kz.

When is the sales season in Astana?
January–February and July–August. Discounts at shopping malls range from 30% to 70%. Black Friday in November offers especially good deals online at Kaspi.kz.

What items are prohibited from being taken out of Kazakhstan?
Restrictions apply to items of cultural and historical value, currency exceeding the threshold, and certain types of animal and plant products. For the latest information, visit kgd.gov.kz.

Where can you buy Kazakh clothing in Astana?
Qazaq Republic and Qazaq Soul—at Khan Shatyr and MEGA Silk Way. Local designers (Lenazh, Aida Kaumenova, Dinara Satzhan)—at the Saryarqa shopping mall. Arlem Shop and Balausa Jewelry—via Instagram or 2gis.kz. The Emerald Quarter—showrooms of local brands outside the shopping centers.

How do I get to MEGA Silk Way?
7–10 km from downtown, near EXPO and Nazarbayev University. Taxi via inDrive: 1,000–1,500 tenge. Bus—routes available on 2gis.kz. By car: paid parking.