The city located near the Caspian Sea is the only city in Kazakhstan where you can see a light tower built right on the roof of the house. Aktau is famous for incredible and infinite view of the sea. WE have made a city travel guide to make your every moment unforgettable.
TRANSPORT
Source: f.azh.kz
There are two city centers in Aktau: the first one is called Intymak located in the 11th micro district in front of regional Akimat and the second one is located in the 4th micro district in front of city Akimat.
The taxi fare is pretty cheap in this city. So, you can go to any place and have to pay only around 200 KZT. The bus fare is 50 KZT for an adult passenger.
The airport is located near the city and it will take about 30 minutes to reach there. It will take almost the same time to arrive to the city from the train station but you will face the traffic on the way.
It is interesting to note the fact that the streets have no names in this city. Instead of street names, you will need to mention the names of micro districts or micro rayon.
ACCOMODATION
“ZhanaOtel” Hotel
Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. Certain accommodations have a sitting area where you can relax. Certain rooms feature views of the sea or city.
Price: Economy room — 16 000 KZT
Standard room — 18 000 KZT
Luxe — 22 500 KZT
Premium luxe with terrace — 24 000 KZT
Address: 84, 4 microrayon
Contacts: 8 7292 303 063
“Dostar Hotel Complex”
Showcasing a seasonal outdoor pool and sauna, guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.
Price: Economy room — 10 500 KZT
Standard room — 12 000 KZT
Junior — 17 500 KZT
Luxe — 24 500 KZT
Address: 1, Primorsky district, coastal area
Contacts: 8 7292 290 999
“Zheruik” Hotel
Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site. Certain rooms feature a sitting area for your convenience. A flat-screen TV is featured.
Price: Standard room — 7650 KZT
Junior — 9776 KZT
Double junior — 12 420 KZT
Luxe — 21 000 KZT
Address: 15/1, 3A microrayon
Contacts: 8 7292 520 702
“Microrayon 30” Hostel
All rooms have a flat-screen TV and game console. Certain units have a sitting area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a kettle in the room. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Price: 2000 KZT
Address: 133, 30 microrayon
Contacts: 8 702 263 67 09
FOOD
Aktau has many cuisines to offer. You can imagine an opportunity to observe a nice view of water waves and the sun going down in the evening. There is also one unique café called “Taksim” which works around the clock. Also, you can go to “Kishlak” to try delicious dishes and famous Toshkent tea.
Source: aktau-mangistau.kz
“Taksim” café
Address: 11microrayon, near 8th house
Average check: 3000 KZT
Working hours: MO-TH, SU 09:00 — 07:00, FR-SA — all day
Contacts: 8 7292 431 588
“Kishlak” Restaurant
Address: 14 microrayon
Average check: 10 000 KZT
Working hours: MO-SU 12:00 — 01:00
Contacts: 8 7292 202 757
ENTERTAINMENT
Aktau has a lot of historical places such as Sherkala — a mountain in Mangystau Province. It has been described as looking like a Piala, Yurt or Sphinx with steep south and east sides and a more eroded northern side. The mountain was, according to legends, besieged by the Sheikh of Khoresm Astsyz after he had conquered Mankashlak. After four months of battle, the attackers dug a tunnel sideways through the mountain into the well shaft of the town above and cut off their rope and forced their surrender.
Source: isostan.com
Another place to visit is Airakty — a mountain which looks like fairy castles with towers. There is a deep cave inside the mountain where even locals are afraid to go in.
Source: isostan.com
These places are quite far from the city. It will take about two hours to reach there.
Aktau has a wonderful pearl — Caspian Sea. Thus, you have an opportunity to rent a yacht and have a calm and peaceful journey to the seaside.
There is one famous place and must-see place to visit which is the Blue bay located between Akatau and Shevchenko Port, 62-37 km far from the city. Despite being a well-known place, you won’t find crowd of people here but what you will surely find is amazing sea view and rocks.
If you want to know more about the region and Kazakh culture in general, visit Historical and Craft Museum where you can also get to know interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the Caspian Sea and history of oil production.
Finally, you can visit cinema halls to see the latest movies and enjoy the tasty popcorn to wrap up your day.
Historical and Craft Museum
Address: 23A, 9 microrayon
Entrance: adults — 200 KZT, kids — 50 KZT
Working hours: MO-SU 09:00 — 18:00
Contacts: 8 7292 427 196, 432 645
“Chaplin” Cinema Hall
Address: 16 microrayon, “Aktau” trade house
Contacts: 8 7292 336 446, 303 491
“Baiterek” Cinema Hall
Address: 27 microrayon, “Baiterek” trade house
Contacts: 8 7292 418 228, 418 282
“Zhalyn” Cinema Hall
Address: 14 microrayon, “Astana” trade house
Contacts: 8 7292 315 124