Things To Do
in Qostanay
Qostanay, also spelled Kostanay, is a city located in northern Kazakhstan. It is known for its cold winters and warm summers due to its continental climate. The city has a rich history, with architectural landmarks such as the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Epiphany.
Qostanay is an important industrial center in Kazakhstan, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and mining.
- "Salemetsiz be?" - How are you?
- "Rakhmet" - Thank you
- "Keshiriniz" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Iä" - Yes
- "Jok" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Central Park to enjoy a refreshing walk amidst nature. Grab a coffee from a local café nearby to energize for the day ahead.
Head to the Qostanay Regional Museum to learn about the region's history and culture. Spend some time browsing through the exhibits and capturing interesting photographs.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant and try local dishes like beshbarmak. Wind down by taking a stroll along the banks of the Tobol River.
Visit the Qostanay Regional Drama Theater to appreciate its beautiful architecture. If performances are available, consider booking tickets for an evening show.
Explore local markets and shops to purchase traditional crafts and souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain for the best prices!
Have dinner in a cozy café and indulge in some freshly baked pastries. Consider attending a local event or performance for a cultural immersion.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Beautiful natural landscapes and proximity to national parks
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities
- Access to various outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing
- Developing infrastructure and economy with investment opportunities
- Harsh climate with long, cold winters
- Limited access to some healthcare and education facilities
- Infrastructure may not be as developed as in larger urban areas
- Limited entertainment and cultural activities compared to major cities
- Language barrier for non-Kazakh and non-Russian speakers
Best Activities in Qostanay
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the city and its surroundings by bike, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views.
Take a hike in the nature reserves and nearby mountainous areas to experience the beauty of the region.
Enjoy a peaceful day of fishing in the lakes and rivers around Qostanay.
Find a picturesque spot in the parks or countryside for a relaxing picnic with family and friends.
Tours
Uncover the best of Qostanay with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Qostanay
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers picturesque views of the city and surrounding areas, ideal for photos
Provides panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for photography
Beautiful park with scenic spots for capturing the city and nature in photos
Food in Qostanay
Qostanay Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Kazakh dish featuring boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) and wide noodles, topped with onions and served with a savory broth. Best enjoyed at traditional Kazakh restaurants like Beshbarmak Houses or Satti Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A fermented mare's milk beverage highly regarded in Kazakh culture for its health benefits. Can be found at local dairy markets or specialized dairy shops.
A popular Tatar dish made from minced lamb or beef mixed with rice, onions, and spices, wrapped in grape leaves. Look for this dish at Tatar eateries like Tatar Houses or Tugan Avylym Restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Qostanay better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, local dairy products, and Kazakh snacks like kurt (dried yogurt balls) and baursaks (fried dough pieces). Perfect for immersing in local food culture and trying traditional street food.
Auezov Street comes alive with an array of street vendors selling delectable shashlik (grilled meat skewers), samsa (savory pastries filled with meat or vegetables), and pilaf. A must-visit for experiencing authentic street food in Qostanay.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Qostanay, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time. This is a sign of respect and politeness.
Respect for elders is an important cultural norm in Qostanay. It is customary to show deference and courtesy to older individuals in both speech and behavior.
It is considered respectful to remove your shoes when entering someone's home in Qostanay, as it is a common practice to keep indoor spaces clean and free from outside dirt.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Qostanay with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Qostanay
Ensure a smooth experience
In Qostanay, Kazakhstan, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip of 5-10% may be appreciated, but it is not obligatory.
Payment in Qostanay, Kazakhstan is primarily done in cash, although credit and debit cards are also increasingly being accepted, particularly in larger establishments. It's advisable to carry cash in smaller denominations, as some places may not be able to provide change for larger bills. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Qostanay as the weather starts to warm up and the city comes to life with beautiful blossoms and greenery. This is also a good time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Qostanay with warm weather and long daylight hours. Visitors can explore the city's parks, gardens, and outdoor events during this time.
Autumn brings beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures, making it a pleasant time to visit Qostanay. The city is less crowded, and visitors can enjoy the fall colors and seasonal harvest festivals.
Winter in Qostanay can be very cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. However, this is the best time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit and enjoy activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
Qostanay at Night
Hiking in Qostanay
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque mountain offering various hiking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, located near Qostanay.
Explore the vast and scenic Turgay Steppe, ideal for long hikes and wildlife spotting in a unique steppe environment.
This regional park features several trails for hiking, showcasing the local flora and fauna, along with stunning natural scenery.
A lesser-known hiking spot with beautiful terrains and serene atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a quiet outdoor experience.
Hiking around Shalkar Lake offers beautiful water views and varied trails suitable for all skill levels.
Aiports
How to reach Qostanay by plane.
Located in the capital city of Nur-Sultan, approximately 450 kilometers southeast of Qostanay, this airport serves as a major international gateway for the country.
Situated in Almaty, around 800 kilometers southeast of Qostanay, this is the largest and busiest airport in Kazakhstan, offering numerous international flights.
Located in Aktobe, approximately 600 kilometers southwest of Qostanay, this airport serves domestic and limited international flights.
Located in Omsk, Russia, about 550 kilometers to the northwest of Qostanay, this airport offers various international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Qostanay, making up the majority of the region's population.
A significant ethnic group in the region, contributing to the cultural diversity of Qostanay.
A smaller but notable ethnic group that has historical ties to the region.
Another ethnic group present in Qostanay, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the area.
A minority group in Qostanay, known for their distinct cultural heritage.
Includes various smaller groups such as Poles, Germans, and others, contributing to the area's diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Qostanay, with many local clubs and amateur leagues, drawing significant community support.
Ice hockey has a strong following in Qostanay, with local teams participating in regional and national competitions.
Basketball is widely played in schools and recreational centers, with many youth teams and organized tournaments.
Athletics is popular among students and within community sports programs, focusing on track and field events.
Volleyball has a solid presence in Qostanay, with both men's and women's teams participating in various leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Qostanay.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Kazakh cuisine is meat-centric, vegetarian options can be found at most restaurants, typically featuring an assortment of fresh salads, vegetable-stuffed pastries, and dairy-based dishes like kumis and ayran.
Vegan choices may be limited, but cafes and restaurants in Qostanay are increasingly offering plant-based dishes such as roasted vegetable platters, hummus, and fruit smoothies.
Gluten-free options are available at select eateries, with choices like grilled meats, rice-based dishes, and buckwheat-based items. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs clearly to ensure suitable meals.