Atyrau, known until 1991 as Guryev, is a city in Kazakhstan and the capital of Atyrau Region. Atyrau is a transcontinental city, at the mouth of the Ural River on the Caspian Sea, between Europe and Asia, 2,700 kilometres west of Almaty and 351 kilometres east of the Russian city of Astrakhan.
The best time to visit Atyrau is April to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant. Summers (July–August) are extremely hot, and winters (December–February) can be very cold and windy.
By Air: Atyrau International Airport (GUW) has direct flights from Almaty, Astana, and some international destinations.
By Train: Atyrau has rail connections to Aktobe, Almaty, and Astrakhan (Russia).
By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Atyrau to other cities, but the journey can be long and tiring.
By Car: Atyrau is located on major highways leading to Aktobe and Russia.
Ural River – Atyrau sits on the border of Europe and Asia, with the Ural River marking the division.
Imangali Mosque – A stunning mosque and one of the city's most important religious sites.
Transfiguration Cathedral – A beautiful Orthodox church with golden domes.
Manjali Mosque – A historic and architecturally significant mosque.
Atyrau Regional Museum – Showcases the city’s history, culture, and oil industry.
Victory Park – A great spot to relax and learn about Kazakhstan’s WWII history.
The Bridge Between Europe and Asia – A symbolic bridge where you can stand with one foot in Europe and one in Asia.
Zhilgorodskoy Beach – A sandy beach by the Ural River, perfect for summer visits.
Kaspiyskaya Embankment – A scenic riverside walkway for evening strolls.
Atyrau Fish Market – A must-visit for fresh Caspian fish and local delicacies.
Cross Between Two Continents – Walk over the bridge connecting Europe and Asia.
Boat Trip on the Ural River – Enjoy the scenic views and see the city from the water.
Visit the Oil Industry Hubs – Atyrau is Kazakhstan’s oil capital, and some tours showcase its economic importance.
Try Fishing in the Ural River – A fun activity, especially for those who love fresh seafood.
Enjoy the Nightlife – Atyrau has many bars and clubs, popular with locals and expatriates.
Attend the Nauryz Festival (March 21st) – Celebrate Kazakh New Year with traditional performances and food.
Luxury:
Renaissance Atyrau Hotel – A top-rated hotel with great amenities.
Marriott Executive Apartments – Ideal for longer stays with modern facilities.
Mid-Range:
River Palace Hotel – A comfortable stay with a European-style restaurant.
Victoria Palace – Good service and reasonable prices.
Budget-Friendly:
Green Hotel – A cozy and affordable option.
Hostel Dostyk – Great for backpackers and budget travelers.
Kazakh Cuisine:
Dastarkhan Atyrau – A top spot for beshbarmak, plov, and shashlik.
Sary-Arka Restaurant – Offers authentic Kazakh dishes in a traditional setting.
Atyrau Fish Market – Try fresh sturgeon and Caspian seafood.
International Cuisine:
The Guns & Roses Pub – A popular expat hangout with burgers and steaks.
Fudzi – The best place in Atyrau for sushi and Japanese food.
Pizza House – Italian-style pizza and pasta.
Cafés & Desserts:
Coffee Boom – A modern café with great coffee and pastries.
Marrone Rosso – A cozy spot for cappuccinos and desserts.
Oil and Industry Influence: Atyrau is one of Kazakhstan’s key oil-producing cities, attracting many foreign workers.
Fishing Culture: Located near the Caspian Sea, Atyrau is known for its fish markets and seafood dishes.
Nomadic Traditions: Despite modern influences, Kazakh traditions like hospitality and tea ceremonies remain strong.
Mix of European and Asian Influences: The city’s unique location on two continents makes it culturally diverse.