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Travel Guide to Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

Discover the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center in Nur-Sultan: A marvel of modern architecture and a hub of vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center: The Crown Jewel of Nur-Sultan

Welcome to the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a marvel of modern architecture and a hub of vibrant activity in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster, this iconic structure is not just a shopping mall but an experience in itself. Shaped like a colossal tent, the Khan Shatyr stands 150 meters tall and is one of the largest tensile structures in the world. Its transparent material allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere year-round. Inside, you will find a plethora of shops ranging from high-end international brands to local Kazakh artisans, offering a unique shopping experience. The center also boasts an array of dining options, from fast food to gourmet restaurants, ensuring that there is something to satisfy every palate. For those looking to relax, the Sky Beach Club on the top floor features a tropical climate with real sand and palm trees, providing a unique escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Entertainment options abound with a multi-screen cinema, an indoor amusement park, and various cultural events and exhibitions held throughout the year. The Khan Shatyr is not just a place to shop but a destination where you can spend an entire day enjoying the many attractions it has to offer. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is a must-visit destination that promises an unforgettable experience.

Local tips in Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

  • Visit early in the day to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
  • Don't miss the Sky Beach Club on the top floor for a unique indoor beach experience.
  • Check the schedule for cultural events and exhibitions during your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the center is expansive and requires a lot of walking.
  • Explore the local artisan shops for unique souvenirs and gifts.
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Local Phrases

    • HelloСәлем
      [Salem]
    • GoodbyeҚоштасу болыңыз
      [Qoshtasu bolynyz]
    • YesИя
      [Iya]
    • NoЖоқ
      [Jok]
    • Please/You're welcomeРахмет
      [Rakhmet]
    • Thank youРахмет
      [Rakhmet]
    • Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
      [Keshiriniz]
    • How are you?Қалайсыз?
      [Qalaisyz?]
    • Fine. And you?Жақсым. Сіз?
      [Jaqsym. Siz?]
    • Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшын тілін білетініз бе?
      [Siz agylshyn tilin biletiniz be?]
    • I don't understandМен түсінбедім
      [Men tusinbedim]
    • I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюді көрсем келеді
      [Meniudi körsem keledi]
    • I don't eat meatМен мақсұзды жемін
      [Men maqsuzy zhemіn]
    • Cheers!Тост
      [Tost]
    • I would like to pay, pleaseТөлеуге болады
      [Töleuge bolady]
    • Help!Көмек!
      [Kömek!]
    • Go away!Ауыр жерге кетіңіз!
      [Awır jerge ketiniz!]
    • Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шақырыңыз!
      [Politsiyağa qoñıraw shaqırınız!]
    • Call a doctor!Докторға қоңырау шақырыңыз!
      [Doktorğa qoñıraw shaqırınız!]
    • I'm lostМен айықпын
      [Men ayıqpın]
    • I'm illМен аурулымын
      [Men awrulımın]
    • I'd like to buy...Сатып алғым келе жатасыз
      [Satyp alğım kele jatasyz]
    • I'm just lookingТек көріп тұрамын
      [Tek körip turamın]
    • How much is it?Ол каншағаны?
      [Ol qanşağanı?]
    • That's too expensiveОл тым қымбат
      [Ol tım qımbat]
    • Can you lower the price?Бағаны төмендеуіңіз болар ма?
      [Bağanı tömendeuiniz bolar ma?]
    • What time is it?Қанша уақыт?
      [Qanşa waqıt?]
    • It's one o'clockБір уақыт
      [Bir waqıt]
    • Half past (10)Ондық жарымы
      [Ondıq jarımy]
    • MorningТаң
      [Tań]
    • AfternoonКеш
      [Kesh]
    • EveningКеш
      [Kesh]
    • YesterdayКеше
      [Keşe]
    • TodayБүгін
      [Bugın]
    • TomorrowЕртең
      [Erteñ]
    • 1Бір
      [Bir]
    • 2Екі
      [Eki]
    • 3Үш
      [Üsh]
    • 4Төрт
      [Tört]
    • 5Бес
      [Bes]
    • 6Алты
      [Altı]
    • 7Жеті
      [Jeti]
    • 8Сегіз
      [Segiz]
    • 9Тоғыз
      [Toğız]
    • 10Он
      [On]
    • Where's a/the...?... қайда?
      [... Qayda?]
    • What's the address?Мекен-жайы қандай?
      [Meken-zhayı qanday?]
    • Can you show me (on the map)?Меніңге (картада) көрсетесіз бе?
      [Meniñge (kartada) körsetesiz be?]
    • When's the next (bus)?Келесі (автобус) не уақытта?
      [Kelesi (avtobus) ne waqıtta?]
    • A ticket (to ....)Билет (...-ға)
      [Bilet (...-ğa)]

History of Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

  • Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, designed by the renowned British architect Norman Foster, was part of the ambitious plan to transform Akmolinsk into the new capital, Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana). The decision to relocate the capital from Almaty to this strategically central location in 1997 marked a significant turning point in Kazakhstan's history, aiming to foster economic growth and national identity.

  • Construction of Khan Shatyr began in 2009 and was completed in 2010. With its tent-like structure reaching 150 meters high, it is not only an architectural landmark but also a feat of engineering, using advanced materials that allow for a unique climate-controlled environment. The center is positioned to withstand the harsh winters of Nur-Sultan while providing a year-round leisure destination.

  • Khan Shatyr serves as a cultural and entertainment hub, featuring shops, restaurants, and leisure activities that reflect modern Kazakh culture. It hosts various events, exhibitions, and performances, contributing to the burgeoning cultural scene in Nur-Sultan. The center symbolizes the blend of traditional Kazakh heritage with modernity, showcasing the evolution of the nation’s identity.

  • As a significant attraction in Nur-Sultan, Khan Shatyr has played a vital role in boosting local tourism and the economy. By drawing both local citizens and international visitors, it has fostered business opportunities and investment in the surrounding areas, supporting the broader ambitions of Kazakhstan to position itself as a regional hub for trade and tourism.

  • Khan Shatyr has become emblematic of Kazakhstan's aspirations and achievements since its independence in 1991. It is often featured in promotional materials and represents the country's commitment to modernity and innovation. The center reflects the spirit of a nation evolving from its past while looking confidently toward the future.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center Essentials

  • Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is centrally located in Nur-Sultan, making it accessible from various neighborhoods. From the city center, you can take a taxi or ride-hailing service, which typically takes around 10-15 minutes. Public transport options include buses, with routes such as 10, 21, and 28 stopping nearby. If you're coming from the airport, the fastest option is to take a taxi or shuttle service, which takes about 30 minutes.
  • Khan Shatyr is well-connected by public transportation. Buses and trolleybuses have stops nearby, and information is available in both Kazakh and Russian. For a more leisurely exploration, bicycles can be rented from various vendors throughout the area. Walking is also a pleasant way to navigate the surrounding parks and attractions.
  • Khan Shatyr is generally a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night, and keep personal belongings secure in crowded spaces. While major tourist spots are safe, areas on the outskirts may have higher crime rates. Always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
  • In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Local hospitals and clinics are available, with the nearest being the Central Clinical Hospital of Nur-Sultan. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are scattered throughout the area for minor health issues.
  • Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately; casual attire is common. Don't wear revealing clothing, especially in religious or formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs; if visiting a mosque, ensure to dress modestly. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and beverages. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.
  • To experience Khan Shatyr like a local, attend events or exhibitions hosted at the center, and enjoy the variety of food options available there. Engage with local vendors and ask for recommendations. Visit the nearby parks, such as the Presidential Park, for a relaxing stroll. Try to visit during the evening when the area is beautifully illuminated and bustling with locals.