Khan Shatyr - Image 1
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Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

4.6
·491k reviews·Astana, Kazakhstan

Experience the world's largest tent, housing a tropical beach, shops, and entertainment in Astana's architectural marvel.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Khan Shatyr - Image 1

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the world's largest tent, housing a tropical beach, shops, and entertainment in Astana's architectural marvel.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A giant tent with a beach inside? Astana's Khan Shatyr is a must-see architectural wonder!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Tropical Beach Vibes

Don't miss the indoor beach! It's a unique experience, even in winter.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring inside this massive structure.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Giant Tent Structure

The Giant Tent Structure

Exterior and Interior

Marvel at the world's largest tent, a stunning architectural feat by Norman Foster.

Instagram+1
Tropical Beach Oasis

Tropical Beach Oasis

Top Floor

Escape to a sandy beach and warm waters, a surprising tropical paradise inside the tent.

TikTok
Mini-Golf and Entertainment

Mini-Golf and Entertainment

Various Floors

Enjoy family fun with mini-golf, shops, and cafes under the iconic transparent roof.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for the Best Experience

To enjoy the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center without the hustle, aim for weekdays, especially mornings. Weekends and evenings can get quite busy with families and shoppers. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the unique architecture and attractions.

Embrace the 'Tent' Experience

This isn't just a mall; it's a giant transparent tent! Expect a unique climate inside, often warmer than outside, especially in winter. Dress in layers and be prepared for a tropical beach area, even in the coldest months. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, less busy
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Busiest, vibrant energy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Troopical beach in Kazakhstan 🏝️❄️ 📍Astana, Kazakhstan #kazakhstan #astana #khanshatyr #qazaqstan #qazaqstan🇰🇿 #beach #beachvibes #beautifuldestinations
@houmantrades
40K likes • 984.6K views

🎯 Tropical Beach Vibes

Don't miss the indoor beach! It's a unique experience, even in winter. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring inside this massive structure. Instagram

เมืองหลวงที่หนาวที่สุดในโลกเป็นอันดับที่ 2 กรุง​ Astana แห่งประเทศคาซัคสถาน หนึ่งในประเทศขนาดใหญ่แห่งเอเชียกลาง #gowentgo​ #tiktoktravel​ #tiktokพาเที่ยว #รีวิวคาซัคสถาน​
@bas_gowentgo
37.3K likes • 448.7K views
Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center, built by Sembol Insaat and designed by the famous British architect Lord Norman Foster, is Astana’s first and only life center. Designed as the largest tent in the world, the structure is 150 meters high and has an elliptical base of 200 meters on an area of 140,000 m2. Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center includes luxury shops, restaurants ...
sml_construction
120 likes • 3.8K views

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

The unique architecture and interior offer fantastic photo ops. Instagram

💰 Shopping & Dining Variety

Explore numerous shops and eateries catering to diverse tastes. Instagram

Khan Shatyr is a huge shopping and entertainment center in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. #kazakhstan #kids #❤️
travel_b_l_o_g_e_r_
3 likes • 49 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Tropical Beach Vibes

Don't miss the indoor beach! It's a unique experience, even in winter. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring inside this massive structure. Instagram

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

The unique architecture and interior offer fantastic photo ops. Instagram

💰 Shopping & Dining Variety

Explore numerous shops and eateries catering to diverse tastes. Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

Plenty of activities for kids, including mini-golf and play areas. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center's unique architectural design and the surprising tropical beach oasis it houses. While some find the shopping and dining options standard for a mall, the novelty of the 'world's largest tent' and its indoor beach makes it a memorable experience, especially for families. Some reviews mention it can get crowded, particularly on weekends.

What People Like

Unique tent architecture
Indoor tropical beach
Family-friendly attractions

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Standard mall offerings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Khan Shatyr is a prominent landmark in Astana, easily accessible by taxi or public transport. Many visitors mention it as a key stop when exploring the city. Instagram+1

Yes, its distinctive tent shape makes it highly visible. It's a central point of interest in Astana. Instagram

Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable for reaching Khan Shatyr. Buses also serve the area. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is available for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

Depending on your starting point, it might be a considerable walk. Public transport or a taxi is often more convenient. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main shopping and entertainment areas of Khan Shatyr is generally free. However, specific attractions within might have separate admission fees. Instagram

Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open daily from morning until late evening. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most current times. Instagram

The tropical beach area, known as 'Sky Beach Club,' usually has an entrance fee, especially during peak seasons. TikTok

For general entry, advance booking isn't usually necessary. For specific paid attractions, it's best to inquire directly or check their website. Instagram

Information on discounts for specific attractions within Khan Shatyr may vary. It's recommended to inquire at the venue or check their official listings. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Khan Shatyr features a wide array of attractions, including a tropical beach, mini-golf, cinemas, a children's entertainment center, shops, and numerous cafes and restaurants. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the 'Sky Beach Club' is an indoor attraction and operates year-round, offering a warm escape even in Astana's cold winters. TikTok

The interior is climate-controlled, and the beach area is kept warm and humid, creating a tropical environment. TikTok

Absolutely! Khan Shatyr houses a variety of retail outlets, from international brands to local boutiques. Instagram

Yes, it's very family-friendly with dedicated play areas and activities like mini-golf. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Khan Shatyr offers a diverse culinary scene with numerous cafes, fast-food outlets, and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Instagram

Yes, you can find restaurants and cafes offering traditional Kazakh dishes alongside international options. Instagram

The food court and various cafes provide a range of options, including more affordable choices. Instagram

While many cafes offer pleasant seating, specific restaurants with panoramic views are less common, as the focus is on the tent's interior experience. Instagram

Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into large entertainment centers is discouraged. It's best to purchase from the onsite vendors. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, professional photography or commercial use might require special permission. Instagram

The unique tent structure itself, the tropical beach area, and the overall interior architecture provide excellent photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around public buildings for safety and privacy reasons. Check local regulations if considering drone photography. Instagram

The intricate design of the tent's support structure and the way light filters through the transparent material are particularly photogenic. Instagram+1

Daytime offers the best natural light filtering through the tent. Evenings can be atmospheric with interior lighting. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Khan Shatyr is a fantastic destination for families. The indoor tropical beach is a huge hit with children, offering a fun escape regardless of the weather outside. TikTokInstagram Beyond the beach, there's a mini-golf course and a dedicated children's entertainment center with various activities to keep younger visitors engaged. Instagram The sheer size of the complex means there's plenty of space to explore, and the variety of shops and food options ensures everyone can find something they like. Many parents on Reddit mention it as a great place to spend a few hours, especially on colder days. Reddit

🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies

For those who love to shop and dine, Khan Shatyr offers a comprehensive experience. It houses a wide array of retail outlets, from international fashion brands to local boutiques, making it a prime shopping destination in Astana. Instagram The diverse food court and numerous cafes and restaurants cater to every palate, offering everything from quick bites to more elaborate meals. Instagram Whether you're looking for souvenirs, the latest fashion, or a culinary adventure, Khan Shatyr has plenty to explore. Instagram

📸 Architecture & Photography Enthusiasts

The iconic tent structure designed by Lord Norman Foster is a major draw for architecture buffs. Instagram+1 Its status as the world's largest tented building makes it a unique subject for photography. Instagram Visitors can capture stunning shots of the intricate support system, the way light filters through the transparent canopy, and the overall grandeur of the space. Instagram The contrast between the futuristic design and its nomadic inspiration is also a compelling photographic theme. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel: The World's Largest Tent

The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is not just a building; it's a statement of modern architectural ambition. Designed by the renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster, it holds the distinction of being the world's largest tented building, a feat recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. Instagram+2 The structure stands at an impressive 150 meters high with an elliptical base spanning 200 meters, covering an area of 140,000 square meters. Its unique design is inspired by traditional nomadic dwellings, reimagined with cutting-edge materials and engineering. The transparent, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) canopy allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and airy atmosphere while also providing insulation.

This innovative design allows Khan Shatyr to maintain a comfortable internal climate year-round, regardless of Astana's notoriously harsh weather. TikTok Visitors often remark on the surprising warmth and tropical feel inside, especially in contrast to the freezing temperatures outside during winter. TikTok The structure's name, 'Khan Shatyr,' itself is significant, merging 'Khan' (a title for Turkic rulers) and 'Shatyr' (a medieval dwelling), reflecting its cultural roots and grand scale. Instagram Exploring the interior reveals a complex interplay of light, space, and innovative engineering, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

The construction by Sembol Insaat was a significant undertaking, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible with tensile structures. Instagram The sheer scale and unique form of Khan Shatyr have made it an iconic symbol of Astana's modern identity and a testament to visionary design. It's a place where art, engineering, and culture converge, offering a truly unique visitor experience. Instagram

An Oasis in the Steppe: The Indoor Beach

One of the most talked-about features of the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is its indoor tropical beach, aptly named 'Sky Beach Club.' TikTok This is not just a small pool; it's a sandy beach area with real sand, palm trees, and a consistently warm, humid climate, designed to mimic a tropical paradise. Visitors can relax on sun loungers, swim in the pool, and enjoy the beach atmosphere, all while being shielded from the elements outside. TikTok

This unique attraction is a testament to the architectural capabilities of the tent structure, allowing for a controlled environment that defies Astana's extreme temperatures. TikTok It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for a unique escape, especially during the long, cold winter months. The contrast between the arid, often frozen steppe outside and the lush, warm beach inside is striking and memorable. TikTok

While the beach offers a fun and novel experience, it's important to note that it typically operates as a separate paid attraction within the larger center. TikTok It's a perfect example of the unexpected delights that Khan Shatyr offers, blending entertainment, shopping, and a touch of the exotic under one magnificent roof. TikTok

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