Atyrau City Guide

Local dishes like Beshbarmak, Kazy, and Laghman are popular. International options include Italian, Turkish, and Asian food. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but improving. Late-night dining is scarce but some cafes and fast food stay open late.

Nightlife is modest with a few bars and clubs mainly near hotels. Options are limited compared to bigger cities.

The coffee scene is growing with several cafes offering specialty coffee. Third-wave coffee shops are emerging.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Restaurants may add a 10% service charge; otherwise 5-10% is common. Rounding up taxi fares is usual.

SIM cards can be bought at the airport or official provider stores. Kcell, Beeline, and Tele2 are the main providers. ID or passport required for activation. eSIM is limited but growing.

Main streets are kept fairly clean but some side areas are less maintained. Waste pickup is regular.

Few 24/7 services. Some minimarts and pharmacies open around the clock. Late-night food options are limited and mostly fast food.

International products appear in larger supermarkets; local bazaars offer fresh produce. Main supermarkets include Master, Dina, and Small. Markets expect bargaining; supermarkets do not.

Cards work well in supermarkets, restaurants, and big shops. Cash is still needed for markets, small vendors, and some taxis.

ATMs are common in shopping centers, banks, and major hotels. Major banks include Halyk Bank, Kaspi Bank, and ForteBank. Fees for foreign cards vary, often a flat fee or a percentage per withdrawal.

International schools include QSI International and Haileybury Atyrau with instruction in English. Local Kazakh and Russian schools are available.

The nomad community is very small, mainly oil and gas expats. Few meetups or co-living spaces exist.

Major parks like Victory Park and river embankments offer green spaces for walking and running.

Popular running spots include the Ural River embankment and the pedestrian bridge. Routes are generally safe and well-lit.

Several gyms are available, including popular fitness centers and hotel gyms.

Tennis courts exist in sports complexes and private clubs; booking is usually required.

Padel is rare and not widely available in Atyrau.

A few yoga studios offer drop-in classes; English-speaking instructors may be rare.

Boxing, wrestling, karate, and taekwondo gyms exist. English-speaking instructors might be limited.

No ski resorts or skiing opportunities nearby.

Limited options like kayaking or paddleboarding on the Ural River. No organized water sports widely available.

The Caspian Sea here has shallow waters and no surfable waves.

Diving and snorkeling are not feasible due to low water visibility and lack of marine life.

Several hospitals and clinics serve the city. International SOS Clinic offers English-speaking staff and better standards. Public healthcare is variable in quality. Pharmacies are common and up to European norms.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking due to quality and infrastructure. Bottled water is easily available and advised.

Several playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes exist, mainly in shopping centers. Attractions like the regional museum and drama theater offer family outings.

Social attitudes are conservative. Open expression may not be safe or accepted. No known Pride events or established safe spaces.

Pet services and stores are available but pet-friendly accommodations vary. Pet parks are limited.