While Astana is widely known for its futuristic skyline and bold, modern architecture, the city also has quieter corners where traces of its Soviet and pre-modern past remain. For those interested in discovering a different side of Kazakhstan’s capital, here are a few neighborhoods and streets where the old architecture still tells stories — and where walking reveals much more than just buildings.
Saryarka district
One of the city’s oldest residential areas, the Saryarka District holds many two- or three-story Soviet-era apartment blocks, communal courtyards, and early 20th-century public buildings. The atmosphere here contrasts sharply with the glossy facades of the Left Bank, offering a look into Astana’s modest origins as Akmolinsk. The area near the old central market is especially rich in everyday urban life and small shops tucked into historic buildings.
Right bank
The Right Bank of the Ishim River is where Astana’s history began. Before the city became the capital in 1997, this was the main urban core. Today, a walk through the streets near Kenesary Street or Bogenbay Batyr Avenue reveals low-rise administrative buildings, early Soviet architecture, and remnants of pre-war planning. Look out for neoclassical facades, old schools, and cultural institutions that reflect the aesthetics of mid-20th-century Kazakhstan.
The area around Abay Avenue
This stretch is lined with buildings from the 1950s and 60s, built in the Stalinist and Khrushchev-era styles. Many feature decorative elements like pilasters, arched entryways, and patterned balconies. While not protected as historical heritage, these buildings retain a distinct character — especially in contrast to the steel-and-glass towers of the city center. The wide sidewalks, mature trees, and quieter pace make this area ideal for a casual architectural stroll.
Old railway station neighborhood
Near the original train station, you’ll find one of the most atmospheric parts of the city, filled with single-story wooden houses, aging brickwork, and narrow streets. Some of these buildings date back to the early 20th century and are among the few examples of pre-Soviet architecture in Astana. It’s a living archive of a time when the city was a small steppe outpost rather than a national capital.
Internatsionalny microdistrict
Tucked behind modern highways and commercial zones, this small district has preserved a rare selection of post-war houses and low-rise buildings. Known to locals as one of the city’s quieter residential quarters, Internatsionalny still has homes with classic wooden shutters, carved fences, and small private gardens — remnants of a slower-paced, provincial Astana. It's a perfect spot for slow urban exploration and photography.
