Central Asia

Travel Guide

The Nur Astana Mosque is one of my favourite buildings in my neighbourhood on the left bank of Astana. It blends right in with the futuristic architecture in its background as well as the lush trees on its property.
The Nur Astana Mosque is one of my favourite buildings in my neighbourhood on the left bank of Astana. It blends right in with the futuristic architecture in its background as well as the lush trees on its property.
The Kutlug-Timur minaret raises its column high above a vast flat plain of this UNESCO world heritage area.
Alternatively called Derweze or the door to hell, this crater can be found in the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan, north of Ashgabat. While drilling in 1971, the Soviets tapped into this cavern filled with natural gas. They lit it thinking it would burn itself out in a matter of days. Not so, as you can see! It was mighty hot around the crater's edge, especially when there was a gust of wind. Can you see the people standing near the edge at the back in the middle? That will give you an idea of the size.
The source of the Ala-Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan.

Where to stay in Central Asia

Almaty

Almaly District

While you're in Almaly District, take in top sights like MEGA Park and jump on the metro at Almaly to see more of the city.

Almaly District
The stone fountins on Amir Timur Square of Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Yakkasaroy District

While you're in Yakkasaroy District, take in top sights like Seoul Gate and jump on the metro at Kosmonavtlar Station to see more of the city.

Yakkasaroy District
Usbekistan: Der Chorsu Basar in Taschkent

Mirobod District

If you're spending some time in Mirobod District, Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan and Alisher Navoiy Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Mirobod District
Almaty is a frozen land in the winter. This cathedral is one of the main sites in the center of the city.

Medeu District

While visiting Medeu District, you might make a stop by sights like Shymbulak Ski Resort and Medeo.

Medeu District
Allphotokz Kok Tobe 20191016 0954 D810 PS

Bostandyk District

If you're spending some time in Bostandyk District, Almaty Central Stadium and Big Almaty Lake are top sights worth seeing.

Bostandyk District
Kukeldash Madrasah, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Shayhontohur District

If you're spending some time in Shayhontohur District, Chorsu Bazaar and Mausoleum of Sheikh Zaynudin Bobo are top sights worth seeing.

Shayhontohur District
See our Where To Stay guide
Hotel Kazakhstan

Hotel Kazakhstan

4 out of 5
Dostyk ave 52/2 Almaty
$109 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Feb 5 to Feb 6
$126 total
Feb 5 - Feb 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Almaty. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (303 reviews)
Do not go to BarFly restarant. It is terrible

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Hotel Kazakhstan
Elite Apart-Hotel

Elite Apart-Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Koshkarbayeva 10/1 Astana
$40 nightly
The price is $47 total per night from Feb 17 to Feb 18
$47 total
Feb 17 - Feb 18
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Astana. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
Awesome!!!

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Elite Apart-Hotel
Jumbaktas Hotel

Jumbaktas Hotel

4 out of 5
ul. Karasakal Erimbetov, 65 Astana
$79 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Feb 5 to Feb 6
$91 total
Feb 5 - Feb 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Astana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Transport & Communications Ministry ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (57 reviews)
Airport shuttle worked as planned, ideal arriving in a city I didn't know in the middle of the night. £13. Nothing to dislike, it's a big and spread out city so it's long walks, or very cheap taxis

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2025

Jumbaktas Hotel
See all 2,667 properties in Central Asia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Elite Apart-Hotel

Elite Apart-Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Koshkarbayeva 10/1 Astana
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Astana. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
Awesome!!!

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Elite Apart-Hotel
Yes apartments by botanical garden

Yes apartments by botanical garden

4.5 out of 5
Turkestan street 16 Astana Astana
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Astana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Saryarka Velodrome and Alau Ice ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
Decent Trip for the Arena
Good stay. Decent room all in app messages sent before (delayed) arrival answered in good time. Not too far from centre. Certainly a good spot if in Astana for the Arena

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2025

Yes apartments by botanical garden
Istaravshan

Istaravshan

4 out of 5
Ukchi Street 3 Tashkent
Stay at this aparthotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Tashkent City Mall and Wedding Palace are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
Great location and equipment in the hotel.

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2025

Istaravshan
See all properties in Central Asia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

The Registan has minarets that appear to be leaning outwards. This was old Samarkand's place of commerce. It still houses a bazaar within its walls.

Registan Square

You can find out about the history of Samarkand with a stop at Registan Square. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's art scene.

Registan Square
Tashkent market

Chorsu Bazaar

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Chorsu Bazaar during your stay in Tashkent. Amble around the area's lakeside or experience its museums.

Chorsu Bazaar
Statue of Tamerlane and Palace of Forums in center of Tashkent at sunset, Uzbekistan

Amir Timur Monument

You can find out about the history of Tashkent with a trip to Amir Timur Monument. Discover the area's mountain views and monuments.

Amir Timur Monument
Friendship Peoples Palace, Bunyodkor square, Tashkent

Alisher Navoiy Theater

Get tickets for a show at Alisher Navoiy Theater, a theater with a story to tell in Tashkent. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Alisher Navoiy Theater
Tashkent TV tower scenic view from Japanese garden

Tashkentland

Enjoy the thrill rides with your kiddos at Tashkentland during your trip to Tashkent. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Tashkentland
The Bayterek dressed in green and pink

Bayterek Tower

Learn about the local history of Astana with a stop at Bayterek Tower. Discover the area's theater scene and monuments.

Bayterek Tower