Don’t let the government bureaus and conservative business suits fool you. When the sun goes down Astana knows how to party. The city’s nightclub scene is pulsing with the young and beautiful and new venues are opening all the time. House, techno, light shows and the wee hours of the morning await.
The first thing you want to remember going out in Astana is to be fashionably late. Nightclubs are essentially empty before midnight and many stay open until 4 am. So you’ve got plenty of time to make your entrance and give it your best shot. You’ll also need to dress and dress well. This isn’t a town of ironic fashion. Look good or you might not get in. But visitors are often given a pass on the dress code and once inside the velvet rope, it’s a good time.
The top clubs, such as Fashion, attract a rotating lineup of international DJs. Local mixers also have strong followings and know what their crowds want. The dance floors are packed until the early morning.
Among the hottest clubs right now are The Chocolate Room, Azhur and Salvador Dali. The Chocolate Room is located along the Yessil River beside the Radisson Hotel and is one continuous show of grooving bodies and pulsing lights. Azhur was recently renovated to up its luxury quotient and is more relaxed than Chocolate. Salvador Dali is the newest club on the scene and is a land of incredibly high heels and short skirts. It’s where the beautiful people go.
And, speaking of beautiful people, Go-Go dancers are part of the nightclub scene. At some point, expect scantily clad women to get their groove on. Astana’s clubs also have surprisingly few cover charges – at least for visitors — but bring plenty of cash (tenge) just in case.
So once you finish your meeting at the Government Bureau of This or That, wait a few hours, put on your best going-out shirt and enjoy the night.
8 Kapel
8 Kapel opened in 2008 and is centrally located on the left bank across from the UFO-looking Astana Circus building. The club is designed to appeal to a variety of tastes with both Karaoke and a dance floor and DJ. The DJs mix mainly techno and rock. 8 Kapel also offers national and European food and a moderately priced wine list.
Draft
Draft is not just a place for dancing and having a good time but also is a good place for dining. A combination of affordable prices and a modern and fun vibe has made the place one of the favourite hang outs in the city. Before hitting the place make sure to make a reservation as there are rarely free tables especially on the weekends.
Fashion Nightclub
Fashion Nightclub is Astana’s place to see and be seen. Celebrities of all stripes join locals and foreigners to cut loose in luxury. And they keep coming back for Fashion’s deep house music and DJs, hookah, food and extensive drinks menu. The nightclub practices strict dress and face control, so look sharp.
GOOD BAR DANCE & GRILL
Grill bar with a club theme of free drive atmosphere. Democratic prices, a dance floor, and separate karaoke rooms will help you have fun in the company of friends.
Hits of the 20th Century
This night club is famous among 35+ lovers of disco dancing. There is a live music and an abundant menu of various European and Asian fusion cuisines. If you’re ready to hit it off lke back in the old days this is the place for you.
Icon Club
The club is located in the centre of Astana, being the only club project on the restaurant alley. Icon is considered to be a flagship club for Astana’s club industry.
Imperial Nightclub
The definition of Imperial is relating to an empire or emperor. And Astana’s Imperial Nightclub lives up to that definition. The club was fully renovated in 2007 in an ancient Roman style. Lianas hanging from the ceiling and a colorful fountain also add exotic flair. Guests have four nightlight options. You can try the club’s intimate lounge space where you’ll often find Astana DJ Nikita Filatov. You can head into Imperial’s karaoke room or go straight into the heart of the club where you’ll find Imperial’s dance floor and ’80s and ’90s retro music. Or you can stay in the front lobby area and smoke hookah on puffy sofas. So if you like opulent surroundings, lots of nightlife choices and a crowd that’s not still in college, Imperial Nightclub is your first stop.
The Gallery
The night club is known for the beats of Disco, Electro, House, Pop, Progressive, R&B. The entrance for ladies is free and about $10 for men.
RICH Pub
RICH Pub is not just for drinks and casual chit-chats. Late in the evenings it transforms into a dance floor, and there is a karaoke machine. This joint is suited well for real fun after a tough day as it doesn’t really give any options but to forget all worries and immerse into the fun and dancing.
ZaZa
ZaZa has quickly become of the capital’s top night clubs with Electro, House and Trance beats. The entrance fee is about $10.
