europe – Dan Travels

Check If You Need A Visa For Transiting or Entering A Country

By Dan Forteza

Someone once told me that ‘traveling the world is a rite of passage every human being should take’. While I firmly agree with his statement, unfortunately, the access to this privilege is predetermined by which country we are born in and the passport we were given.

I was born in the Philippines, a third world country. With the power that my weak passport holds, I accepted the fact that I can’t just easily enter and hop-in country to country.

My Philippine passport is ranked 68th on the Passport Index with 36 countries visa-free, 39 visa-on-arrival and 123 countries visa required. In comparison to European passports which ranked 2-10 on the Passport Index. You can obviously see the difference.

For us Filipinos, one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to choosing an international travel destination is visa requirements. I’m sure you agree.

Ruins in Machu Picchu Peru — One of the visa-free countries for Filipinos is Peru | Dantravels.org

HOW AIRLINES CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS

Have you ever wondered how the airline crews determine what documentation you need upon checking in for your international flight?

The moment you give them your passport and tell them your destination, a slew of questions are directed at you. They usually raised questions like:

Do you have a visa copy, sir?
Do you have an onward ticket, sir?
Do you have a return ticket, sir?

Did you know that you may be refused upon entry if you don’t have an onward or return ticket? It’s true and that’s why they asked. You’ll understand why in the additional information below.

But how do they know what to ask? With this question in mind, I did some research.

And it turns out, they have a software called TIMATIC. This tells them in detail the passport and visa requirements for different nationalities for entering a foreign country.

Why do they have this? Well, because if you are deported from a foreign country due to documentation issues, the airline that got you there will have to pay hefty penalties. So airlines are extra cautious about ensuring that you have everything you need to enter the country you are flying to.

Unfortunately for us, travelers, TIMATIC is not available in the public domain. TIMATIC is proprietary software of the International Air Travel Association (IATA) and is a paid subscription service used by Airlines and Travel Agents.

WEBSITES TO CHECK IF YOU NEED A VISA

I have started my first foreign trip in 2015 in Southeast Asia. Fast forward to 2019, I was fortunate enough to visit 30 countries (and counting) including Australia, Russia, and as far as Peru in South America.

Read also my 14-day budget travel in South America.

A lot of people are asking ‘Daniel, how do you check if you need a visa to enter this specific country?‘ ‘Do you need a transit visa during your layover or connecting flight?‘

True enough–if you add stuff like layovers and transit visas to the equation, your mind will probably start exploding.

That’s why IATA Travel Center and Emirate’s Before You Fly are there as my reliable website source. The sites tell me in detail what are the visa regulations applicable to Filipinos and for any other citizens in the world, actually.

1. IATA TRAVEL CENTER

The IATA travel center is a tool by IATA (the same guys who own TIMATIC) that will tell you everything you need to know about your passport and visa requirements for your international trip.

To my knowledge, this is the most accurate public database there is with respect to Visa Regulations. Many Travel Agents too use this to help their clients.

The only thing I don’t like about this tool is that it asks too much information–from the exact arrival date to the name of your airline carrier. Thus, it takes a lot of time even in filling up information.

2. BEFORE YOU FLY (BY EMIRATES)

Before You Fly by Emirates is my favorite tool in checking my visa requirements. Emirates is one of the world-renowned airline carriers, so you can count on Emirate’s Before You Fly as your trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements.

Not only that it is simple and easy to use, but the result information it provides is also as detailed as that of IATA Travel Center.

LET’S GET THEM BOTH TO WORK!

Let’s say I am a Philippine passport holder traveling to New Zealand (in Auckland) with a connecting flight in Australia (in Sydney.) Refer to the ticket itinerary details below taken from Kayak.

Qantas manila to auckland flight — Ticket itinerary sample MNL – SYD – AKL | Dantravels.org

IATA Travel Center

Go to their website and fill out your travel information accordingly.

Once done, tick the ‘I agree’ box and click the next page.
Add your personal information this time.

Type in the Captcha code and click the next page.
Then voila! You now have the result.

RESULTS:
1 – A visa is required in New Zealand
2 – A visa (transit) is also required even just connecting to Sydney, Australia

See the full result here.

Before You Fly (Emirates)

Go to their website and fill out your travel information accordingly. Then click ‘Find requirements’.

This is super easy to fill out because you only need 3 information–Your country, New Zealand, and Australia (as transit.)

Then there you have it. You now have the results which is the same results you had from IATA Travel Center.

RESULTS:
1 – A visa is required in New Zealand
2 – A visa (transit) is also required even just connecting to Sydney, Australia

Here is the full result.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please make sure to NOT ignore additional notes on the results especially the “Warning” and “Visa Exemptions”. When I was planning my trip to Georgia, I found out from Before You Fly site that having a valid US Visa exempts me from getting a Georgian eVisa.

In addition, I have also learned that I could be denied upon entry if I don’t have an onward ticket prior to checking-in to my flight to Georgia.

Here are the exact words from the Georgian visa results page:

“Visa Exemptions: Passengers with a visa issued by an EEA Member State , Bahrain, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Isl., Falkland Isl. (Malvinas), Gibraltar, Israel, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Kuwait, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Turks and Caicos Isl., USA, United Arab Emirates or Virgin Isl. (British) for a maximum stay of 90 days.”

“Warning: Visitors not holding return/onward tickets could be refused entry.”

To me, this information is a total relief!

MY FINAL SAY

If it is your dream to travel the world but has a third world passport, don’t fret. I’m sure there are other visa-free countries out there that you haven’t visited yet. You should first prioritize them. It is also your chance to build up your travel history. This is what I did to get my US tourist visa which is known as a difficult one to get.

And at the end of the day, we still should be grateful for what we have. Right?

I hope that I have made your travels easier by using these tips and tools on how to check if you need a visa, may they be transit or entry visa concerns. So next time you want to know visa requirements for your next trip, you can get it right from the horse’s mouth.

These tools should give you the comfort and confidence that you have taken care of all your documentation before you board the flight.

So quench your travel thirst and don’t forget to get that CHEAP plane tickets only at Kayak!

2-Day Dushanbe Itinerary And Travel Guide With Budget All-In

By Dan Forteza

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, might not resonate in every traveler’s mind as much as London, Paris or Tokyo, but there are charming characteristics to this Tajik city. The truth is to be told—its heart and soul is definitely the people and their warm hospitality like no others. Trust me on this! Its uniqueness has definitely lived up to my expectations when I visited this city last November 2019.

I flew in to Dushanbe from Tashkent and stayed there for a week. I roamed around Dushanbe in the first couple of days and then stayed with a local Tajik host via Couchsurfing. If you ask me what are the must-see places in the city, here I’ve put together the perfect 2-day Dushanbe itinerary including the city’s main attractions. I have also included my detailed day-to-day and overall expenses for a budget traveler’s reference. Let’s do this!

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Ismail Somoni Avenue in Dushanbe — The famous Ismail Somoni Avenue | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR TAJIKISTAN?

Depending on your nationality, you might or might not need a visa. Check out my Tajikistan visa guide to check if you’re legible for an evisa or no visa at all.

WHERE IS DUSHANBE?

Dushanbe is the capital and largest city of Tajikistan–the fourth and last country in Central Asia I’ve visited in 2019. The city is located in Gisar valley at 2,700 ft above sea level. It is roughly a 4 ½-hour flight away from Dubai, and about 5 ½-hours of flight from Moscow.

Language: Tajik; some Persian & Russian, too
Currency: Tajikistani Somoni (TJS)
Airport: DYU (Dushanbe)
Preferred mode of transportation: Taxi; Marshrutka (Minibus)
Time Zone: GMT +5

FLIGHTS TO DUSHANBE:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Dushanbe, Tajikistan from Central Asia is relatively easy. I booked mine coming from Tashkent, Uzbekistan via Uzbekistan Airways. Please note that since I entered Uzbekistan through a 5-day visa-free transit, I can only exit the Uzbekistan through its flag carrier (Uzbekistan Airways) bound to the next country. It’s one of their transit visa mandatory requirements.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Dushanbe International Airport (DYU) at around midnight from a 3-hour flight from Tashkent’s airport (TAS).

Early in the morning, I took a taxi to reach my hostel in downtown Dushanbe. If you’re new in Dushanbe, I recommended to go by taxi but…haggle as much as you can!

40 TJS (4.13 USD) – Taxi from airport to my hostel

NOTE: Street addresses are useless in Dushanbe; drivers go by landmarks. Have your accommodation’s phone number handy. They can guide your driver to the location.

WHERE DID I STAY?

Doshan Hostel (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Male in Mixed Dormitory Room
- How to get there: By Taxi from Dushanbe Airport
- Is breakfast included: No

Doshan Hostel in Dushanbe | Dantravels.org

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any hotel in Dushanbe through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Dushanbe hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

HOW TO GET AROUND DUSHANBE?

Marshrutka (Minivan) in Dushanbe | Dantravels.org

By Taxi. These are the best options (metered and shared taxis) for foreigners compared to other public means of transportation. Most fares are between 10-20 TJS, 30 TJS for only the longest of trips. Agree on the fare in advance or choose a metered taxi.
By Minibus (Marshrutka). Marshrutkas cost 1-2 TJS per trip. However, they can be uncomfortably overfull and with claustrophobically low ceilings.
By Foot. Get your feet ready as you will walk to many places in Dushanbe, too. And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“
By Bus (and Trolleybus). Buses are not really recommended for short-term travelers. Plus, I was told you can only get on the bus with a bus card.

MY 2-DAY DUSHANBE ITINERARY (TAJIKISTAN ITINERARY)

DAY 1

1st Stop: Dushanbe Flagpole Park

At 165 meters (541 feet), it was the tallest free-standing flagpole in the world from its completion in 2011 until the 2014 erection of the (171m) Jeddah Flagpole. I was able to visit this park on a windy day and thus I’ve seen the flag in its full glory. It is impressive and nicely integrated into the surroundings.

It is easily reachable by taking trolleybus 2,10 and 11 or Minibus 8,13 23 and 37 to the Putovskiy Bus stop. After getting off the bus, cross the Ismail Somoni Avenue and the white arched entrance with gold letters will be seen. The entrance is also a great area to take a photo of the tall flag pole.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Minibus from my hostel’s nearest bus stop.

2nd Stop: National Museum of Tajikistan

The museum is also located in the Flagpole park. I visited this site to see the external beautiful sculptures. Most tourists particularly wanted to see the reclining and sleeping Buddha. The entrance fee costs 250 TJS (25 USD) for foreigners.

This museum is strongly recommended to travelers to Tajikistan as it will give you an overview of the nation’s long and complex history.

National Museum of Tajikistan | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot (this is within the Flagpole Park)

3rd Stop: Palace of the Nation

The Palace of the Nation is located next to the Flagpole park. This presidential mansion is very impressive from a distance, as that’s the only way you’ll get to see it. Tourists wandering too close to the perimeter are quickly shooed away. Don’t try taking a photo or at least don’t get caught =)

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot (this is also within the Flagpole Park)

4th Stop: Rudaki Park

This one is definitely a stunning park, huge and well kept. It was full of people when I visited but has a really nice atmosphere! There is a statue of Rudaki which is the centerpiece of the park. This is a must-see in Dushanbe!

Rudaki Park in Dushanbe — Rudaki Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from the Flagpole Park

5th Stop: Statue of Ismoil Somoni

A great walk through Rudaki Avenue will take you up to the Ismael Somoni monument, national hero for defending the Tajik nation.

The Somoni monument is probably the most popular attraction in Dushanbe. It is located in Dusti (Friendship) Square which has an interesting history. The 13 meter tall monument to Somoni is dwarfed by a 43 meter arch directly behind, which is topped by a golden crown.

Statue of Ismoil Somoni in Dushanbe | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Rudaki Park

6th Stop: The Independence Monument

The Independence monument is located at the western end of Tehron Street. This area is a short walk west from the Ismoil Somoni monument. Together with the Simoni statue and the Tall Flagpole with Flag, this monument resides in the Rudaki Park complex. All are impressive.

The Independence Monument Dushanbe — The Independence Monument | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Ismoil Somoni Monument

DAY 2

7th Stop: Komsomol Lake and Park

I started off the second day of my do-it-yourself walking tour here at Komsomol Lake and Park in Dushanbe. It took me 30 minutes to get here from my hostel.

From Komsomol lake, you can have a wonderful view of Dushanbe’s skyline with some of the capitals newest buildings including the Palace of the Nation, the large Tajik flagpole and the Nowruz palace.

Komsomol Lake and Park (Dushanbe) — Komsomol Lake | Dantravels.org

Komsomol Park or sometimes called Youth Park in Dushanbe — Komsomol Park or sometimes called Youth Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from my hostel

8th Stop: Dushanbe Grand Mosque

The Dushanbe Grand Mosque is still under construction when I visited its site. But it is already considered the biggest Mosque ever built in Tajikistan. For me, it’s the most beautiful piece of architecture I’ve seen in Dushanbe!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Komsomol Lake

9th Stop: Tajik National University

Before I head to another Mosque (on my 10th stop), I stopped over at Tajik National University which is a 10-15 minute walk from Dushanbe Grand Mosque. This huge Tajik university is the first and largest university in Tajikistan.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Grand Mosque

10th Stop: Haji Yaqub Mosque

A true landmark in the heart of city named in honor of Mawlana Yaqub-i Charkhi, a 15-century Naqshbandiya Sufi order sheikh. The Haji Yaqub Mosque was the largest mosque in the city before the new mosque (the Grand Mosque) on Karamov Street was constructed. There were also vendors here that sell Tajik souvenirs in case you want to buy something to remember Dushanbe or Tajikistan.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Tajik National University

11th Stop: Victory Square and Monument

The Victory Square is located on Ayni street and is easily reached by Trolleybus 4 or Minibus 2 and 7. The Victory Square has a 2-pillar structure and an IS-2 tank monument crammed between a busy road on each side. Be careful as crossing roads on foot can be a challenge.

Victory Square Dushanbe | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By minibus from Yaqub Mosque’s nearest crossing street.

COUCHSURFING IN DUSHANBE

In the next couple of days in Dushanbe, I have spent it staying with a Couchsurfing host! Thus, I won’t be including my expenses during those days.

But anyway, here is Dilshod (left) from Dushanbe–a very friendly host! Dilshod and his other two brothers have welcomed me in their home like I’m a part of their family.

Dilshod and I having lunch together | Dantravels.org

If you need room to stay (temporarily) in Dushanbe for free, my friend Dilshod would be more than happy to warmly welcome you and provide you food in his home. In return, just be nice to him and be patient to him as he is still learning English. In that way, he’d be able to also practice his spoken English. Contact him on his Facebook Couchsurfing page.

This is Dilshod's older brother--Jamoladin | Dantravels.org — This is Dilshod’s older brother–Jamoladin | Dantravels.org

MY 2-DAY EXPENSES IN DUSHANBE

Day 0 (Arrival at Hostel, Rest)
- 81.6 USD (791.12 TJS) – Flight from Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. I pre-booked it online at Kayak.
- 40 TJS – Fare (Taxi from Airport to Hostel)
- 96 TJS – 3 Night stay in Hostel
- 65 TJS – Groceries (Coffee, Cookies, Soft drink, Instant Noodles, Lays, Shampoo, Soap)
- 56 TJS – 2 GB internet data top-up with the help of a new Tajik friend.
- Subtotal: 1,048.12 TJS (108.11 USD)
Day 1
- 12 TJS – Food (Plov meal)
- 1.5 TJS – Fare, Minibus to Flagpole Park
- 2 TJS – Snacks (Samsa)
- 1.5 TJS – Fare, Minibus back to Hostel
- Subtotal: 17 TJS (1.75 USD)
Day 2
- 15 TJS – Food (Rice-Chicken-Veggie meal)
- 1.6 TJS – Fare, Minibus to Victory Monument (0.1 is missing?)
- 2 TJS – Snack (Hotdog in a bun)
- 12 TJS – Food (Plov meal)
- NOTE: I walked some 3 kilometers back to my hostel
- Subtotal: 30.6 TJS (3.16 USD)
Last Day (Departure)
- 1.5 TJS – Minibus #15 to a bus stop near Airport
- 18 TJS – Snacks (2x Lays)
- 6 TJS – Bread
- 6 TJS – Soft drink (Fanta)
- 230 USD (2,230 TJS) – Flight from Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Delhi, India. I pre-booked it online at Kayak.
- Subtotal: 2,261 TJS (233.21 USD)

Total Expenses: 346.23 USD

What do you think of this 2-day Dushanbe itinerary?

I hope that you find this 2-DAY DUSHANBE BUDGET ITINERARY and TRAVEL GUIDE blog useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Tajikistan itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Dushanbe itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Dushanbe itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Dushanbe (Tajikistan) Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Dushanbe

Travel Insurance
- World Nomads. If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Traveling always comes with inherent risks attached. Whether you are trekking in the Pamir mountains or wandering the streets of Dushanbe, unforeseen events can suddenly upend your world.

Generally speaking, travel insurance covers you for the following: Medical Costs – hospital visits, emergencies, evacuations; Property Loss – luggage and their contents; Travel Issues – accommodation and transportation expenses. Thus, I highly recommend you guys getting a travel insurance for your Dushanbe itinerary. I bought one from the World Nomads (available in 130+ countries) where most travelers get their travel insurances.

Go to this link to get to your World Nomads travel insurance.

3-Day Bishkek Itinerary And Travel Guide With Budget All-In

By Dan Forteza

Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, is actually just a 5-hour drive from Almaty, Kazakhstan. But since I was entering the country through visa-on-arrival, I flew in to Bishkek airport (from Almaty) where my visa can only be processed. And just like Almaty, the Kyrgyz capital still has retained its former Soviet Asian flavor.

With numerous green spaces, parks, and gardens alongside Soviet-era buildings and monuments, you’ll start to appreciate more of this underrated city. Even though you’re only staying for a short period of time, you’ll definitely enjoy the most of it. That’s why to help you jumpstart your next holiday here, I’ve compiled my 3-day Bishkek itinerary and travel guide which includes the detailed cost breakdown of my day-to-day expenses!

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Me with the Kyrgyzstan flag | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR KYRGYZSTAN?

Depending on your nationality, you might or might not need a visa. Check out my KYRGYZSTAN VISA GUIDE to check if you’re legible for a visa on arrival or no visa at all.

WHERE IS BISHKEK?

Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan–the second Central Asian country I’ve been to. It is situated in the central part of the Chui Valley at the foot of the Kyrgyz range of the Ala-Too Mountains. It is only a 30-minute drive to the Kazakh border of Korday and approximately 5 hours to the big city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. By plane, it is a little more than 4 hours of flight from Moscow, Russia or almost 2 hours from Astana, Kazakhstan.

Language: Kyrgyz and Russian
Currency: Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)
Airport: FRU (Bishkek-Manas)
Preferred mode of transportation: Bus / Marshrutka (Minivan)
Time Zone: GMT +6

FLIGHTS TO BISHKEK:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Bishkek from Europe and Central Asia is relatively easy. I booked mine coming from Almaty, Kazahkstan via Astana Airlines. If you’re also entering Kyrgyzstan through visa-on-arrival, your visa can ONLY be processed at the Bishkek (Manas) Airport.

I suggest you check Trip.com (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Bishkek-Manas International Airport (FRU) at around 8:00 PM from a 30-minute flight from Almaty Airport (ALA).

I spent my first night in Kyrgyzstan sleeping within the airport’s waiting area. The next morning, I took the very first trip of Marshrutka (public minivan) going to the city downtown. Minivan #380 runs from Airport to Bishkek (and vice versa) as early as 6:00 AM.

I have a really weird story about losing my phone while taking this photo of Marshrutka #380.

Airport van (Marshrutka #380) | Dantravels.org

NOTE: Same as in the Kazakh cities of Astana and Almaty, 2GIS offline maps app also works really well in Bishkek.

When plotting the route from the airport to my hostel using 2GIS map app, it has to be two marshrutka rides:

50 KGS (0.72 USD) – Marshrutka #380 and then transfer to;
10 KGS (0.14 USD) – Marshrutka #243

From getting off at the nearest bus stop to my hostel, I then walked about 10 to 15 minutes to reach my hostel (Imagine Hostel) using my 2GIS offline Maps.

WHERE DID I STAY?

Imagine Hostel (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 217 KGS (3.10 USD) per night
- How to get there: 10-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

Imagine Hostel in Bishkek | Dantravels.org

Book AGODA here Book BOOKING.com here Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any hotel in Bishkek through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

If Bishkek hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

HOW TO GET AROUND BISHKEK?

A trolley bus in Bishkek | Dantravels.org

Inside the trolley bus in Bishkek | Dantravels.org

A Marshrutka in Bishkek — A Marshrutka (Minivan) in Bishkek | Dantravels.org

By Bus (and Trolleybus). Buses run a fair network of routes in Bishkek. Single-trip tickets cost 10 KGS (0.14 USD).
By Marshrutka. These minivans are faster and somewhat more frequent than buses. However, they can be uncomfortably overfull and with claustrophobically low ceilings. Single-trip tickets also cost 10 KGS (0.14 USD).

NOTE: The very useful 2GIS offline map app helps you plot your route and shows you in real-time which numbered buses and marshrutkas are due to arrive at which bus stop. The 2GIS app also works even without internet data.

By Foot. Get your feet ready as you will walk to many places in Bishkek, too. And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“
By Taxi. Taxis are excellent but rather expensive.

MY 3-DAY BISHKEK ITINERARY

DAY 1

1st Stop: Ala-Too Square

Any visit to Bishkek will include passing by or spending some time at Ala-Too Square. The main attractions are all nearby, within walking distance – History Museum, various parks, shopping centers, etc. The Manas statue, the giant state flag, and the standing guards make each day special here. It is must-see for any tourist in Kyrgyzstan!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from hostel (using my 2GIS Maps app)

2nd Stop: State History Museum

The museum was closed when I went to visit. But it is still a worthwhile museum to take a picture together with its huge building.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot (this is within Ala-Too Square)

3rd Stop: Panfilov Park

This park has a lot of amusement rides that kids would love and adults alike. It is a beautifully designed park, and looked great during the autumn months, with the leaves changing colors. I enjoyed my time there just relaxing.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Ala-Too Square

4th Stop: Osh Bazaar

Osh Bazaar is one of the biggest marketplaces in Bishkek. The Bazaar offers an amazing assortment of just about anything from clothing to food, meat, cheese, dried fruits, and spices. This place is full of crowds during weekends though.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-3 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from a bus stop near Panfilov Park (using my 2GIS Maps app)

DAY 2 (ALA ARCHA GORGE)

5th Stop: One-day tour to Ala-Archa Gorge

The must-visit Ala Archa National Park in the Tian Shan mountains is located 39 km from Bishkek. It is a perfect place for hiking or camping surrounded by impressive views on high rocky peaks and beautiful rivers.

Luckily, I found and joined a Couchsurfing (CS) event in Bishkek going to Ala Archa National Park. The event was organized by Mirel (a Kyrgyz local) and her friends. There were local Kyrgyzstanis who joined as well as myself—a foreigner. I was the only foreigner who joined from CS because other CS joiners have backed out. Well, it happens all the time in CS, I’m not surprised.

But…kudos to Mirel and her friends who made this event a memorable one for me and for everyone else for sure. They actually have a facebook page in case you might want to contact them.

NOTE: I paid 500 KGS (7.16 USD) to join this event. It includes the cost of transportation and food. Not bad!

Here is a quick timeline for our activities:

10:45 AM – We left the meetup point at Moto Center, Bishkek.

11:00 AM – We had a stopover at Globus supermarket to buy some food and snacks.

12:00 NN – We finally arrived at Ala-Archa National Park

12:10 PM – We had a one-by-one introduction of ourselves. I don’t understand what they were saying ‘cause they all speak in Russian.

12:20 PM – We walked around and explored the areas of the national park, took pics and made all that goofy stuff like dancing—you probably would see me dancing in some of their videos. Haha. Please don’t tag me!

1:20 PM – We went back to the car and headed to the picnic area. It was cold at 7 deg C but we had vodka to warm us up a bit. We also had other sorts of different snacks. We also cooked a Kyrgyz dish called ‘dymdama’.

5:00 PM – We packed up and left the picnic area and headed back to the city.

6:00 PM – We arrived back in Bishkek City.

Mirel and I at Ala Archa Gorge | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): the whole freakin’ day!
How I got here: By Marshrutska to the meetup point (using my 2GIS Maps app)

DAY 3

6th Stop: Victory Park

Victory Park is located on the southern edge of Bishkek and is not to be confused with Victory Square (my 8th stop). The park is a beautifully maintained area with many trees and flower beds. This monument with three columns joined at the top by a pyramid shape is the centerpiece of the park.

Victory Park in Bishkek — Victory Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from hostel (using my 2GIS Maps app)

7th Stop: Boulevard Erkindik

Boulevard Erkindik (also known as Dzerzhinka) is one of the most popular places in Bishkek. The long densely forested street is beautiful and is totally loved by locals.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from Victory Park (using my 2GIS Maps app)

8th Stop: Victory Square

The Victory Square houses an eternal flame to those who perished in WW2. The three massive arches depict a yurt (a traditional nomad house in Central Asia) and the statue of a woman. When I visited it on a rainy afternoon, a wedding ceremony is taken place.

Victory Square in Bishkek — Victory Square | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Erkindik Blvd.

9th Stop: Bishkek Park (Mall)

Take your time and spend an afternoon wandering here. Bishkek Park is a new mall that has virtually all the brands under one roof. It has good food courts, supermarket, and many fashion retail stores.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from Victory Square (using my 2GIS Maps app)

10th Stop: Panorama Bishkek

Panorama Bishkek offers you a good viewpoint of the entire city of Bishkek. I went here one evening with my Kyrgyz friend Bektur driving in his car.

NOTE: You can also get there by marshrutka #200 and then just walk for 30 minutes towards the viewpoint. Better if you go during daytime.

The photo you see with those flashy lights is actually NOT the view Bektur and I have seen. But still…that’s a photo taken from the viewpoint which I randomly borrowed from Google. Haha!

Unfortunately when we’ve arrived, it was dark and with no flashy lights as I would expect. I suspect it’s because of the smog that covers the city that night.

Anyhow, Bektur gave me a dinner treat after going to the viewpoint. A free Laghman (central Asian noodle dish) is not something disappointing after all! Haha!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 3-4 hours
How I got here: By my friend’s car (but you can also go by Marshrutka then just hike up a bit!)

COUCHSURFING IN BISHKEK

On the next two days in Bishkek, I have actually spent it staying with a Couchsurfing host! I didn’t do much at that time since I was working on my two websites. That’s why I won’t be including my expenses during those two days.

But anyway, here is Ermek (right) from Bishkek–a very friendly host! We are having dinner together with his flatmate, Bakytbek.

Ermek from Couchsurfing Bishkek — Ermek (Right) and his room mate | Dantravels.org

MY 3-DAY EXPENSES IN BISHKEK

Day 0 (Arrival at Hostel, Rest)
- 63.78 USD (4,454.12 KGS) – Flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I pre-booked it online at Kayak/Trip.
- 50 USD (3,492 KGS) – visa-on-arrival fee
- 50 KGS – Fare, Airport minivan #380 to the city
- 10 KGS – Fare, Transfer minivan to my hostel
- 867 KGS – 4-Night stay in Imagine Hostel
- 120 KGS – sim card with internet
- NOTE: I still have some bread and cup noodles I bought in Almaty
- Subtotal: 8993.12 KGS (128.78 USD)
Day 1
- 50 KGS – Some bread
- 30 KGS – 3 x coffee in a pack
- 38 KGS – Instant noodles
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Hostel to Ala-Too Square
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Panfilov Park to Osh Bazaar
- 130 KGS – Laghman meal
- 150 KGS – haircut
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Osh Bazaar to Hostel
- Subtotal: 428 KGS (6.13 USD)
Day 2
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from hostel to CS event meetup point
- 500 KGS – Tour fee (includes transportation and FOOD!)
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from somewhere in the city to my hostel
- NOTE: Mirel lets me bring some leftover food and I had it for dinner.
- Subtotal: 520 KGS (7.45 USD)
Day 3
- 60 KGS – Cookies
- 30 KGS – 3x Coffee in a pack
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from hostel to Victory Park
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Victory Park to Erkindik Blvd.
- 50 KGS – Food (corn)
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Victory Square to Bishkek Park Mall
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Bishkek Park Mall to Hostel
- NOTE: I got a dinner treat from Bektur that night.
- Subtotal: 180 KGS (2.58 USD)
Last Day (Departure)
- 129 KGS – 3x Instant Cup Noodles
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from my CS host to Airport bus stop
- 50 KGS – Fare, minivan #380 to Bishkek-Manas airport
- 10 KGS – Hot water for my Cup Noodles
- 114.85 USD (8,020.63 KGS) – Flight from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. I pre-booked it online at Kayak/Trip.
- Subtotal: 8219.68 KGS (117.70 USD)

Total Expenses: 262.6 USD (13,331 PHP)

What do you think of this 3-day Bishkek itinerary?

I hope that you find this 3-DAY BISHKEK BUDGET ITINERARY and TRAVEL GUIDE blog useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Bishkek itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Bishkek itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Bishkek itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- TRIP. All of my flight bookings are from TRIP. Trip.com is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Trip.com (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding, and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Bishkek!

3-Day NurSultan Itinerary And Travel Guide w/ Budget All-in

By Dan Forteza

The city of Astana, now called NurSultan, was my first stop on an extended Central Asian adventure last October 2019. Known today as Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital city, NurSultan certainly is a tough place to live because of its harsh cold climate but still, it is well worth a short visit. You can see NurSultan’s main sights and its fascinating buildings in a couple of days. That’s why to help you jumpstart your next holiday here, I’ve put together the perfect 3-day Nursultan budget itinerary and travel guide which includes my overall travel expenses! Are you ready?

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

A dinner treat from a Kazakh friend Akniyet on my first night in NurSultan | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR KAZAKHSTAN?

First things first–do you need a visa to enter Kazakhstan? Well, depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See the information below which category you fall in. Other countries not listed below require a Kazakh visa.

Free-Visa Entry

Citizens of the following countries and territories can visit Kazakhstan without a visa:

*90 days: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine

**30 days: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Serbia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan

***14 days: Hong Kong

Visa-Free Program

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for stays of fewer than 30 days as part of a visa-free policy for countries with the large foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan’s economy:

All European Union citizens, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, United States, Vatican City, Vietnam

With my Philippine passport, I fell under the visa-free program and was able to enter Kazakhstan through NurSultan airport with no issues last October 2019!

Well wait, not really… The visa-free program of Kazakhstan for Filipinos was just recently announced and took effect on September 30, 2019. I was backpacking in Tehran, Iran that time when it was announced. So I actually entered Kazakhstan through NurSultan airport a few days after it took effect. And upon checking in to my airline carrier, I waited for almost AN HOUR because the airline crews are verifying if Filipinos can really enter Kazakhstan visa-free. But anyway, the important thing is GOT IN and got my boarding pass!

WHERE IS NURSULTAN (ASTANA)?

Nursultan, formerly named Astana, is located in central Kazakhstan on the Ishim River in a very flat, semi-arid steppe region which covers most of the country’s territory. It is a little more than 3-hour flight away from Moscow and roughly a 4 ½-hour flight from Dubai.

NOTE: In March 2019, the city was renamed NurSultan after the departing Kazakh president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Language: Kazakh and Russian
Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Airport: TSE
Preferred mode of transportation: Bus
Time Zone: GMT +6

FLIGHTS TO NURSULTAN (ASTANA):

Finding a cheap flight ticket to NurSultan from Europe and the Middle East is relatively easy. In my case, I got a direct flight coming from Yerevan, Armenia to NurSultan, Kazakhstan. My flight carrier was SCAT Airlines.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND NURSULTAN?

Bus number 32 in NurSultan | Dantravels.org

By Bus. NurSultan has an excellent city bus network, with bus route maps shown at many bus stops. Buses start between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM and finish between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Single-trip tickets cost 180 KZT (0.52 USD) if you pay by cash. The very useful 2GIS offline map app helps you plot your route and shows you in real-time which numbered buses are due to arrive at which bus stop. The 2GIS app also works even without internet data.

NOTE: It is cheaper if you pay by card costing to only 90 KZT (0.26 USD) but I don’t really recommend it for short-term travelers.

By Foot. Get your feet ready as you will walk to many places in Astana, too. Just make sure you are dressed appropriately depending on how cold the outside temperature is. And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“
By Taxi. Taxis are excellent but rather expensive. Also, Uber works in NurSultan.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (TSE) at around 5:00 AM from a 3-hour flight from Yerevan, Armenia.

To get from NurSultan airport to the city center, you need to take either bus or taxi. I took the bus since I’m on a budget. I don’t really remember which bus number it was but I was told by a local that it goes to the city center.

Using my pre-downloaded Google Maps (I wasn’t aware of the 2GIS app yet), I got off near the Infiniti Apartment Building along Qabanbay Batyr Avenue where my hostel (Hostel Infiniti) is 3 to 5 minutes walk.

Later that day, I searched on 2GIS app which buses run from/to the airport and those are buses 10, 12 and 100. It should cost you 180 KZT (0.52 USD).

OMG NOTE: I actually did not pay for the bus fare on my way to downtown NurSultan from the airport. Because I only have 10,000 KZT (highest banknote denomination in Kazakhstan) with me which was freshly withdrawn from the ATM, the bus driver refused to accept my payment as he has no change to give. He also does not speak English at all so communicating is such a challenge. So I just sat down in silence. When the bus stops at my preferred location, I just simply exited the bus door alongside with others as if I have no payment issue. OMG!

WHERE DID I STAY?

Hostel Infiniti
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 1,700 KZT (4.4 USD) per night
- How to get there: 3 to 5 minutes walk from the nearest bus stop

NOTE: This hostel is in a big apartment building. That’s why it was a challenge and a bit confusing for me to find this hostel as there so many entrance /exit doors in the building. Good thing there was a local Kazakh who helped me find my hostel. I gave him the phone number of the hostel and he called the owner. Phewww, I was about to die from the outside cold!

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

Anyway, you can book a room at any hotel in Astana through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

If Astana hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 3-DAY NURSULTAN ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Bayterek Tower

This tower is meant to embody a folktale about a mythical tree of life and a magic bird of happiness: the bird, named Samruk, had laid its egg in the crevice between two branches of a popular tree.

Bayterek Tower from my Nursultan Itinerary (Astana) — The iconic Bayterek Tower | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

2nd Stop: City Park

The City Park in Astana is huge. Lots of things to see and do with the sculptures, the Presidential Palace at one end and past that is the Presidential gardens which are magnificent and lovely green space.

Nursultan City Park — City Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Bayterek Tower

3rd Stop: NurAstana Mosque

As a non-Muslim, I have not visited many mosques but found this one welcoming, bright, and peaceful. The external architecture attracts and internally the big open space and carpets created a sense of calm. It’s free and worth a visit regardless of your religious affiliation.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the City Park

4th Stop: Lover’s Park

Don’t worry–it’s not really a park only for lovers! Haha. It is a lovely walk, a vast open space with lots of activities for children and for anyone really!

Lover's Park in Nursultan — Lover’s Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

5th Stop: The National Opera Building

The national opera building in Astana is beautiful. From an exterior perspective, the modern building was designed as a classical temple, complete with columns and tympanum.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Lover’s Park

6th Stop: Khan Shatyr

Khan Shatyr which literally means ‘Royal Marquee’ is said to be NurSultan’s most extraordinary building (so far). It may resemble a leaning circus tent from the outside, but it is actually a big shopping mall with various attractions (e.g. food court, swimming pool, sandy beach, water slide, etc.)

Khan Shatyr in Astana — Khan Shatyr | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Opera Building

DAY 2:

7th Stop: Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

A monumental pyramid-shaped building built and completed in 2006 to commemorate the Meeting of Congress of Leaders worldwide and traditional religions.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

8th Stop: Independence Square and Kazak Eli Monument

It was great to see this monument and photograph it. It looks majestic and is right across the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. This was one monument in Astana that I wanted to see most of all, and it looks stately.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

9th Stop: Hazret Sultan Mosque

The Hazret Sultan Mosque is the second largest mosque in Central Asia after Turkmenbasy Ruhy Mosque. It is mostly visible from many places in Astana, the mosque stands out whichever aspect it is viewed from.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Kazak Eli Monument.

10th Stop: Kazakhstan Military History Museum

I was very impressed by the exhibits and thought that it was the best in Astana. The Museum is designed as a yurt (Kazakh nomad’s home). The museum had external exhibits of WW2 equipment in a small display area to the left of the museum, and many sculptures of ancient warriors around the museum. The chariot sculpture at the main entrance was the most impressive.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

11th Stop: Quay Astana Bridge

This is an amazing place to visit in Astana. You can walk on the bridge on the river–it’s a very nicely built architectural structure.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Military History Museum

DAY 3:

12th Stop: Triumphal Arch Mangilik El

Another of Astana’s monuments and it is in the center of a roundabout in the city. There are underground passes to get to the monument, and this is your best chance to take a pic with an ‘I love Astana’ sign in it.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

13th Stop: Expo 2017 Complex

The design of the building in itself is amazing, a true engineering marvel. Each floor houses a unique exhibition to educate the public about, wind, solar, hydroelectric energy sources, etc. to help mankind sustain life on planet earth and the future it holds for our survival.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Triumphal Arch.

14th Stop: MEGA Silk Way

Just across the expo site sits this brand new shopping center. There are many restaurants available for all budgets. It’s also a good option for spending a long layover from the airport as it is fairly close to it.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Expo 2017 Building

On my last day in NurSultan, I stayed with a Kazakh host from Couchsurfing. His name is Darkhan and he calls me Teddy Bear because he said I look like one. Haha!

Darkhan a couchsurfer from Nursultan Kazakhstan — Darkhan and I with the meal he prepared | Dantravels.org

MY 3-DAY EXPENSES IN NURSULTAN

Day 0 (Arrival, Rest)
- 206 USD (79,135 KZT) – Yerevan to NurSultan flight
- 0 KZT – Airport to the Hostel (See my note above on “how I got to the city”)
- 5,100 KZT – 3 Night stay at Hostel Infiniti
- 1,717 KZT – Groceries (Rice, Canned Tuna, Noodles, Coffee)
- 300 KZT – Laundry at Hostel
- NOTE: It’s OK to cook at the hostel I stayed in.
- Subtotal: 86,252 KZT (224.5 USD)
Day 1
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to a bus stop near Bayterek Tower
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Bayterek Tower to a bus stop near Lover’s Park
- 90 KZT – Food (bread)
- 250 KZT – Drink (Orange Juice)
- 90 KZT – Food (bread)
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from a bus stop near Khan Shatyr to Hostel
- Subtotal: 970 KZT (2.53 USD)
Day 2
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to a bus stop near the Palace of Peace
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from a bus stop near Hazret Mosque to Kazakh Military Museum
- 240 KZT – Food (2 x hotdog with bread)
- 300 KZT – Drink (Orange Juice)
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from a bus stop near Quay Astana to Hostel
- Subtotal: 2,050 KZT (5.34 USD)
Day 3
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to the Triumphal Arch
- 1,200 KZT – Combo Meal at Burger King (MEGA Silkway Mall)
- 312 KZT – Food (Raisin Bread)
- 130 KZT – Drink (Bottled Water)
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from a bus stop near MEGA silk way to my Couchsurfing host’s apartment
- Subtotal: 2,002 KZT (5.21 USD)
Day 4 (Departure)
- 6811 KZT – Train ticket from Nursultan to Almaty. I booked it online with the help of my friend Akniyet.
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to Airport Bus #50 transfer
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from bus transfer to train station
- 230 KZT – Food (Pie cake)
- Subtotal: 7,401 KZT (19.27 USD)

Total Expenses: 256.8 USD (13,024 PHP)

What do you think of this 3-day Nursultan itinerary?

I hope that you find this 3-DAY NURSULTAN BUDGET ITINERARY and TRAVEL GUIDE blog useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your NurSultan (Astana) itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Astana itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Airbnb
- Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Astana itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Train ticket
- Tickets KZ. Click HERE to book train ticket from NurSultan to Almaty.
Kazakhstan Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click HERE to find the best Viator deals in Astana

How To Get A Kyrgyzstan Visa On Arrival (Updated)

By Dan Forteza

I visited Kyrgyzstan in October 2019 and managed to get my Kyrgyzstan visa on arrival with no issues at Manas International Airport (in Bishkek). The beautiful and hospitable Central Asian country has been growing in popularity for tourists, and the government has made the visa on arrival so simple so more people can visit the country. So without further ado, here is my guide on how to get a visa on arrival for Kyrgyzstan.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel–a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Ala-Archa National Park in Kyrgyzstan | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA TO VISIT KYRGYZSTAN?

First things first, do you need a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan? Well, depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See the information below which category you fall in.

Free-Visa Countries

Holders of passports issued by the following 69 nations are not required to obtain a visa for Kyrgyzstan up to the length of stay mentioned below:

A. Indefinite stay: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, North Korea, Russia, Tajikistan
B. 90 days: Mongolia, Serbia, Ukraine
C. 60 days: European Union citizens (except Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania), Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City
D. 30 days: Malaysia, Turkey

Visa on arrival

Citizens of the following countries and territories are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival valid for a maximum stay of 30 days at Manas International Airport:

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Oman, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela

Citizens of the following countries and territories are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival valid for stays longer than 60 days at Manas International Airport:

European Union citizens (except for Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania), Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Iceland, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City

eVisa

From 1 September 2017, citizens of all countries and territories may apply for tourism, business and group tourist types of visas for 30 or 90 days online through the eVisa system.

Electronic visa holders must arrive via:

Airports: Manas Airport, Osh Airport
Land Crossings:
- China (at Irkeshtam and Torugart)
- Kazakhstan (at Ak-jol, Ak-Tilek, Chaldybar, Chon-Kapka)
- Tajikistan (at Bor-Dobo, Kulundu, Kyzyl-Bel)
- Uzbekistan (at Dostuk)

Visa Policy Map of Kyrgyzstan — Visa Policy Map | Wikipedia.org

As a Philippine passport holder, I am both eligible of Kyrgyzstan e-Visa and Visa on arrival.

However, with my recent rejection of Armenian e-Visa (but had no problem getting approved for Armenian visa-on-arrival), I went for Kyrgyzstan visa-on-arrival without a second thought. Please note that Kyrgyzstan visa-on-arrival is ONLY obtainable at Manas International Airport (in Bishkek). In my case I had to fly from Almaty airport, Kazakhstan to Bishkek airport, Kyrgyzstan.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET A KYRGYZ VISA ON ARRIVAL (AT MANAS AIRPORT)

There are two things you need to prepare in order to successfully apply for a visa on arrival at Manas International Airport:

Cash. I had 100 USD with me.
- Take note that they DON’T accept payment by debit or credit cards but only by cash in either USD or KGS. Plus, there are no ATMs within the airside of the airport. So you better bring some cash!
- The cost depends on whether it’s a single or multiple entry visa or one-month or three-month valid. I paid 50 USD for a single-entry, one-month valid visa.
Confirmed hotel booking. I have only booked my first-night stay in a cheap hostel I found on Booking.com.
- You will need this information (such as your hostel’s address and its contact number) to fill up the visa form. So make sure you have it prepared.

You can book a room at any hotel in Bishkek through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

GET YOUR KYRGYZSTAN VISA ON ARRIVAL IN 4 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: GO TO THE VISA COUNTER

Once you get off the flight, you will walk down the hallway and come across the visa section office directly in front of you in the main hall, it is on the left side. On the right side is the immigration or passport control gate, so make sure you process your visa first before lining up there.

Kyrgyz tourist visa counter at Manas — Kyrgyz visa counter is on the left side | Dantravels.org

Kyrgyz visa window at Manas International airport — Kyrgyz visa window at Manas International Airport | Dantravels.org

STEP 2: FILL UP THE FORM

Ask the personnel for VOA (visa-on-arrival) and he/she will hand you a form to complete basic information, mostly about your personal details and your room accommodation in Kyrgyzstan.

The Kyrgyz visa form at Manas Airport — The Kyrgyz visa application form | Dantravels.org

STEP 3: PAY THE VISA FEE

Once you have the form filled up, just give it to the visa officer together with your passport. You will be asked what type of visa you’re applying for whether it’s a tourist visa or single-entry vs. multiple-entry or one-month vs 3-month valid. The amount of the visa fee you’ll be paying will depend on them.

Then pay your visa fee accordingly. I paid 50 USD for a tourist visa, single-entry, and valid for a month.

Payment of visa fee — My 50-dollar bill payment | Dantravels.org

STEP 4: GET YOUR PASSPORT WITH VISA STICKER!

Then you’ll have to wait for about 5-10 minutes. Once your name is called, you’re basically done. Get your receipt and pick up your passport with its Kyrgyz visa sticker! Then, you can now proceed and line into immigration.

NOTE: It only took me 15 minutes to finish the whole visa process, I guess it depends on how many people are on queue. During my application, there were only two of us applying.

Kyrgyzstan visa sticker on Philippine passport — My Kyrgyztan visa sticker on my Philippine passport | Dantravels.org

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Tourist Visa
Visa Validity: 30 Days
Visa Fee: USD 50.00

Now you’re ready to go and explore Kyrgyzstan. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did! If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to post your comment below!

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

I hope that you find this HOW TO GET A KYRGYZSTAN VISA ON ARRIVAL (TOURIST VISA GUIDE) blog useful! I highly recommend booking tours through Viator:

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I recommend booking through this link to get 10% of your booking back after your stay.
- Airbnb. Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay.
Flights
- KAYAK. Great for finding the cheapest fare rates.
Travel Insurance
- World Nomads. Highly recommended for medical costs, property loss, and travel emergencies.

3-Day Yerevan Itinerary And Travel Guide: Best Places To See On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

Yerevan and its history can be traced back to Noah and his descendants. No wonder why this city overflows with great history and rich cultural heritage. Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, is packed with museums, art galleries, and very stately Soviet-era buildings. If you’re pondering your next city trip, ignore the usual Paris or Rome and come visit Yerevan. Trust me—you’ll never be at a loss for places to see in the city with this perfect 3-day Yerevan itinerary on a budget.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex | Dantravels.org

FUN FACT: Did you know that the water in Armenia is considered one of the safest and most delicious in the world? The secret is that it comes from purely natural sources. Another unique feature of Yerevan is that at almost any corner you can find small fountains with drinking water. Check out a photo of me drinking water on one of the fountains in Yerevan.

DO YOU NEED A VISA?

First of all, do you need a visa to travel to Armenia? Well, depending on your nationality, you might or might not need a visa. Check out my Yerevan visa guide to check if you’re legible for an e-visa or visa on arrival or no visa at all.

WHERE IS YEREVAN?

Yerevan is the capital and largest city in Armenia. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country. It is a 2 ½-hour flight away from Istanbul and a little more than 3 hours flight from Dubai.

Language: Armenian and Russian
Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD)
Airport: EVN
Preferred mode of transportation: Bus or Minibus / Metro Subway
Time Zone: GMT +4

FLIGHTS TO YEREVAN:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Yerevan, Armenia from Europe, Central Asia or the Middle East is relatively easy. Though I went to Yerevan from Tbilisi by a shared taxi, I booked my outbound ticket from Yerevan flying to Astana (now Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan. My flight carrier was Scat Airlines.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

By Marshrutka (Minibus) and Bus. The main way around Yerevan is by marshrutka. There are hundreds of routes, shown by a number in the bus’ front window. They stop at bus stops but you can flag one down anywhere on the street. Trips cost 100 AMD; pay the driver as you leave. There are also electric trolleybuses following numbered routes. Tickets also cost 100 AMD.
By Metro Subway. The Yerevan metro runs north-south through the city. It is clean and safe but I don’t think it’s that efficient since the metro only has one subway line but I know they are currently expanding it.
By Taxi. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Prices are 600 AMD for the first 5km and then 100 AMD per kilometer. Make sure the driver switches the meter on or you may be overcharged.

NOTE: By foot. I did walk a lot when I was in Yerevan as part of my money-saving routine. Like me, you can do the same, so walk as much as you can! But hey, on the brighter side, walking around can also help build up your travel experience since it can lead you to scenic places that you wouldn’t normally find on a map.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I took a shared taxi from Tbilisi, Georgia and arrived at downtown Yerevan at around 3:00 PM. The journey took about 6 hours, check out my blog on how I cross the Georgia-Armenia border for more details. The same taxi also took me to my hostel in Yerevan (Goldway Hostel) with an additional fee of 2,000 AMD (4.20 USD).

WHERE DID I STAY?

I actually stayed for only one night in Goldway Hostel and then headed to a nice hostel–Grand Hostel Yerevan. You can get there by either a taxi or a 30-minute walk from Republic Square.

Grand Hostel Yerevan (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 4,000 (4 USD) per night

Grand Hostel Yerevan Interior — Grand Hostel Yerevan | Dantravel.org

Grand Hostel Dorm — Grand Hostel Yerevan | Dantravel.org

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any hotel in Yerevan through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Yerevan hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 3-DAY YEREVAN ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Republic Square

Republic Square is the heart of Yerevan–so what better way to start my Yerevan itinerary than visiting this beautiful complex. During the day at the Republic Square, you’ll be amazed at how picturesque the view of the buildings and fountains. At night, the Square even draws more crowds due to the dancing fountain program which starts from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Republic Square Yerevan — Republic Square | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station

2nd Stop: History Museum of Armenia

Located at the Republic Square, the museum has some really impressive exhibits. Highlights include an ancient silver goblet (7th-6th BC), the world’s oldest shoe (5,500 years old) an ancient cart and some interesting khachkars. Sadly, photos are not allowed and they don’t have postcards of the artifacts.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

3rd Stop: Freedom Square and the Armenian Opera Theater

Just 12 to 15-minute walk from the Republic Square is the Freedom Square. This is a very popular place for locals. If the opera is your thing, go and buy yourself a ticket to watch some theatric show at the Opera Theater. Nevertheless, the building is a beautiful huge plaza out front of people walking around and a nice place to hang out at, too.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

4th Stop: Cascade Complex

This amazing site is only 10-12 minutes by foot from the Freedom Square. There are over 500 steps to the top of the Cascade but you’ll be pleased to know that 7 escalators inside will take you there without exerting yourself! Lovely views both during the day and at night when it is beautifully lit. The gardens and the waterfalls are very nice and the city overview.

Cascade Complex Yerevan — Cascade Complex | Dantravels.org

Video below shows a splendid view from the top of the Cascade Complex.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours

5th Stop: Victory Park

After going up the Cascade, you can relax in this old attraction park. It only took me 5 minutes to reach this beautiful recreational park from the Cascade. Within this park, you visit this big statue of Mother Armenia right next to it that dominates the city. You can have a great view of Yerevan here as well. Definitely a must-visit place!

Victory Park Yerevan — Victory Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

6th Stop: Statue of Mother Armenia

The statue of the mother of Armenia is probably the most iconic figure overlooking the city of Yerevan from atop the hill. The current statue replaces a monumental statue of General Secretary Joseph Stalin that was created as a victory memorial for World War II.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours

DAY 2:

7th Stop: Vernissage Market

Just a short walk from the Republic Square, you’ll find the Vernissage market. It is a large open-air market in Yerevan connecting Hanrapetutyun street with the Khanjyan street. In case you’re looking for souvenirs—come here as they have lots of different kinds of traditional Armenian art works and souvenirs to offer.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station

8th Stop: St. Grigor Lusavoritch

From Vernissage, I reached St. Grigor Lusavoritch (St. Gregory The Illuminator) Cathedral in 10 minutes of walking. This church was built in 2001 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of Armenia becoming a Christian country. It is beautiful both inside and out. There’s a little amusement park beside as well as an underground walk with small shops and a cafeteria so you can rest after seeing the cathedral.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Zoravar Andradik subway station

9th Stop: Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts

I took the subway train from Zoravar Andradik station to Yeritasardakan station to reach Maternadaran. One of the most prominent landmarks of Yerevan is the Matenadaran, officially known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, —is a museum, repository of manuscripts, and a research institute in Yerevan, Armenia. It is named after Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, whose statue stands in front of the building.

Matenadaran Museum — Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscript | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Yeritasardakan subway station

10th Stop: Demirchyan Arena Complex at Tsitsernakaberd

From Barekamutyun subway station, I’ve walked some 1.6 km along Kievyan St. to reach Demirchyan Arena Complex. This complex is surrounded with so much green spaces of parks and gardens. If you walk straight up about 800 m, you’ll see the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Museum.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Barekamutyun subway station

11th Stop: Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial Complex

The museum and memorial is one of the most important places to visit in Armenia–kind of like the 9-11 museum for Americans. It was built in 1967 to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Over the years, this has become a popular tourist spot not only here in Armenia but all over the world.

As a bonus, you can see a clear view of Mt. Ararat from this site. It is actually the highest peak in Turkey where Noah’s Ark was said to be found in 2010.

Mt. Ararat View — Mt. Ararat viewed from the Genocide Memorial Complex | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours

DAY 3:

12th Stop: Blue Mosque (Persian Mosque)

Just 10-12 minutes from the Republic Square, the Blue Mosque (or Persian Mosque) in Yerevan is one of the most popular sights in the Armenian capital city and one that definitely deserves to be visited when traveling to Yerevan. Inside the Mosque is very, very quiet and tranquil. Who would have known that a major road was just outside it.

Note: Women are required to wear a hijab inside the complex. You can borrow one at the main gate of the Mosque.

Blue Mosque Yerevan — Blue Mosque (Persian Mosque) | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station

13th Stop: Noy Yerevan Brandy Factory

Just walk 12 minutes from the Blue Mosque, you will notice the Noy Brandy sign from the Yerevan Brandy building. Unlike Yerevan Brandy, this does not need a reservation. Although I only had a quick stopover here, it is highly recommended for travelers to check this place out.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

14th Stop: Yerevan Brandy Company

On the other side of the bridge is the Yerevan Brandy Company. Commonly known with its famous brand “ArArAt”, it is the leading enterprise of Armenia for the production of cognac. When you’re in Yerevan, you definitely need to visit its museum or at least get a close-up photo like I did! Haha! Feel free to book a museum tour here and enjoy a taste of authentic Armenian brandy.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours

15th Stop: Water Fountains at Shahumyan Square

Shahumyan Square, in downtown Yerevan, has a wonderful park connecting the City Hall with the Republic Square. I suggest you visit this place at night to see the colorful fountains. I can’t help but take photos of this new city attraction. These series of water jets forming a parabolic tunnel of fountains was my favorite.

Shahumyan Square Fountains — Water Fountains at Shahumyan Square | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station

What do you think of this 3-day Yerevan itinerary?

I hope that you find this 3-DAY YEREVAN ITINERARY useful! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual Yerevan itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! Sign up with my link to get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay.
Flights
- KAYAK. One of the world’s leading travel search engines.
Package Tours
- Viator. The best resource for researching and booking travel experiences worldwide.

The Armenia Visa On Arrival Guide (Crossing From Georgia to Armenia)

By Dan Forteza

Crossing the border from Georgia to Armenia was one of the best road trips of my life. Traveling between these two countries is bursting with untouched nature and offers breathtaking views. Since these countries lie next to each other with a distance of only 290 km (180 mi.) between their respective capital cities (Tbilisi, Georgia to Yerevan, Armenia), it was reasonable why a lot of travelers and backpackers usually prefer to do land trips including myself.

So in this blog, I’ll share with you my experience when I recently crossed the Georgia-Armenia border in October 2019 as well as the visa-on-arrival guide to Armenia.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel–a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR ARMENIA?

Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See information below which category you fall in.

Free-Visa Countries

Holders of all types of passports from the following countries are not required to obtain a visa for entry to Armenia for a 180-day period within any year period (unless otherwise noted):

All European Union citizens, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Iran (up to 90 days), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Macau, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan (up to 90 days), Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City

eVisa / Visa on arrival

Visitors traveling as tourists (except the countries listed below***) can obtain a visa on arrival (either 21 days at a cost of 3,000 AMD or 120 days at a cost of 15,000 AMD. They may also apply for an e-visa in advance (at least 3 business days before the trip.)

*** Restricted: All African countries (including St. Helena) except South Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Kosovo, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen ***

Visa on arrival can be granted at following immigration checkpoints:

I. International airports and railway station: 1. Zvartnots International Airport (Yerevan), 2. Shirak Airport (Gyumri), 3. Ayrum railway station.

II. Land checkpoints: 1. Bagratashen (border with Georgia), 2. Bavra (border with Georgia), 3. Gogavan (border with Georgia), 4. Meghri (border with Iran).

WHICH IS BETTER: eVISA OR VISA ON ARRIVAL?

In my experience, it would be better if you go by visa-on-arrival. Getting a visa on arrival was quick and straightforward compared to an evisa wherein you need to fill up forms online.

I actually applied for an Armenian evisa two weeks before I cross the Georgia-Armenia border and unfortunately my visa application got DECLINED. They don’t disclose the reason why I got rejected. For me, it was just time-consuming and I only wasted my 6-dollar evisa fee (it’s nonrefundable.)

HOW TO TRAVEL FROM TBILISI TO YEREVAN?

There are different modes of transportation available to cross these two countries. You can either take a marshrutka (the term for minibus), ride on shared taxi, rent a private vehicle, or go for an overnight train. During my trip, I decided to go with the first two since these are more convenient and would result in lesser travel time.

To get from Tbilisi to Yerevan, you first have to find the Ortachala central bus station in Tbilisi. This station serves Southern Georgia, Kakheti region, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, and Greece.

Marshrutka for Tbilisi-Yerevan costs 30 GEL (Georgian Lari), at 08:20, 09:10, 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00.
Travel time: 6-7 hours (including stopovers and immigration checks)

NOTE: The staff speaks very limited English, and there are no English signs.

Location of Ortachala central bus station in Tbilisi | Dantravels.org

MY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE FROM GEORGIA TO ARMENIA

I arrived at Ortachala bus station at around 7:45 AM by bus #71. As I get off the bus, there are already men on the street offering me a ride to Yerevan. And my first question was ‘how much?’ They say marshrutka is priced 40 lari which is actually the same as the shared taxi. However, I wasn’t satisfied since I wanted to find the regular marshrutka which is only 30 lari per websites I’ve browsed through. Well, the men are quite pushy and there’s no one really I can formally ask where the regular marshrutka is. So I ended up going for the 40-lari shared taxi.

TAXI ROUTE: Tbilisi-Sadakhlo-Bagratashen-Ijevan-Dilijan-Sevan-Yerevan

If you’re going with marshrutka, make sure to ride on a vehicle with the sign “Epebah”, it is the Russian term for Yerevan.

Shared Taxi to Yerevan — My ride (shared taxi) | Dantravels.org

I was the first passenger so we’ve waited for three more people to get full. With two Belarussians (husband and wife) and one Iraqi-Canadian, we finally left at 8:20 AM.

REMINDER: Bring some food in case you got hungry on the way.

After an hour (9:25 AM to be exact), we’ve arrived at the border gate of Sadakhlo, the exit point for Georgia. We then headed to the passport control gate with our passports, have it stamped and went back to the vehicle. Our bags weren’t checked and were only kept on the vehicle. The whole process was quick and only took about 10 minutes.

Sadakhlo border gate, the exit point for Georgia | Dantravels.org

Next, we drove for about 5 minutes to reach Bagratashen, the entry point for Armenia. This time, we went down together with all of our backpacks and luggage. We went inside the room and was immediately guided by a lady in uniform. Since I am a Philippine passport holder, I was asked to get in line for the visa-on-arrival before proceeding to the passport control entry gate. There was a window with the sign “visa” in it.

HOW WAS PROCEDURE FOR THE ARMENIA VISA-ON-ARRIVAL?

It was quick and easy. There were only three people lining up on the visa counter. Once it was my turn, it took me only about 5 minutes to get my visa.

Withdraw cash. Before I lined up for the visa, I first withdrew some Armenian dram (AMD) as any other currencies are NOT accepted. Just beside the visa office, there was a small room with ATM as well as a money changer machine accepting dollar, euro and ruble only.
Get in line on the visa counter.
Hand over the passport and pay. As compared to applying for an eVisa, I didn’t fill up any form. I just handed the passport to the visa officer, answered his basic questions like ‘how many days will you stay in Armenia’, paid 3,000 AMD (6.29 USD), and signed a receipt.

NOTE: If you’re staying in Armenia for more than 21 days, you’ll have to pay 15,000 AMD which lets you stay a maximum of 120 days.

I actually paid the officer a 20,000 AMD banknote and provided me the exact amount of change. So don’t worry if you don’t have the exact amount of 3,000 AMD with you.

Get my passport with a visa sticker. After paying, he printed and stamped the visa on my passport. Then I was ready to line up at the passport check point gate.

VISA SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Tourist Visa
Entry type: Single Entry only
Visa Validity: 21 Days
Visa Fee: AMD 3,000 (USD 6.29)

Armenia visa sticker — Got my Armenia visa-on-arrival | Dantravels.org

ROADTRIP TO YEREVAN, ARMENIA:

I was officially in Armenia at exactly 9:50 AM. We then start driving towards Yerevan at around 10:00 AM.

While my road-trip Spotify playlist is on, I’ve seen the best part of land travels—passing by to some of the scenic views along the way. But I have to admit, the Armenian side has a lot of breathtaking views to offer. The greenery decorating the streets of Armenia (including its forest and hillsides) transitions in color to red, yellow and orange. Slowly the surrounding changes into a colorful paradise.

Read also my itinerary and travel guide in Yerevan, Armenia.

We also had two or three stopovers for gas and air refills.

At 1:30 PM, we made a stopover for lunch at Semo-i Mot (a restaurant complex on the coast of Lake Sevan–biggest lake in Armenia).

Lunch at Lake Sevan — Our lunch at Semo-i Mot in Sevan, Armenia | Dantravels.org

At around 2:00 PM, we continued driving from Sevan to Yerevan.

Finally, we’ve Arrived in downtown Yerevan at around 3:00 PM.

If you intend to NOT pay other than the 40-lari taxi basefare, please ensure you made it clear with the driver to NOT drop you off at your hotel/hostels, otherwise he’ll ask for your hotel address and drop you off there with an additional fee–I paid 2,000 AMD (4.20 USD) in this regard. Please also note that the driver doesn’t speak English much.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

I hope that you find this CROSSING THE BORDER FROM GEORGIA TO ARMENIA blog useful!

In case you’re also looking for package tours simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Armenian itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms in either Tbilisi or Yerevan! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Sign up with my Airbnb link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay.

Flights
- KAYAK. One of the world’s leading travel search engines. I suggest you check Kayak as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other sites.
Travel Insurance
- World Nomads. If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Traveling always comes with inherent risks. I highly recommend World Nomads for medical costs, property loss, and travel issues.

3-Day Tbilisi Itinerary And Travel Guide: Best Places To See On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

Tbilisi, the beating heart of Georgia, is a bustling city full of attractions, historical sights, great food, and cheap wine! No doubt, this city is confidently sealing its reputation as the Caucasus‘ most cosmopolitan city. If you’re already convinced and ready to jumpstart your next holiday here, I’ve put together the perfect 3-day Tbilisi itinerary and travel guide, specifically for budget travelers, which includes the city’s top attractions.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

I heart Tbilisi sign — I “heart” Tbilisi sign | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA?

First things first–do you need a visa to travel to Georgia? Well, depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See the information below which category you fall in.

Free-Visa Countries

Nationals of the following countries and territories may visit Georgia without a visa for a year (unless otherwise noted):

All citizens of the European Union, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile (90 days per 180-day period), Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Iceland, Iran (45 days), Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Qatar, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom British Overseas Territories citizens, United States, Uruguay (90 days), Uzbekistan

eVisa Countries

Holders of passports of the following 66 countries and territories can obtain multiple-entry e-Visas online for a fee prior to arrival.

90 days per 180-day period: Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, East Timor, Grenada, Guatemala, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, North Macedonia, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

30 days per 120-day period: Angola, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, China, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Laos, Lesotho, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Togo, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

NOTE: Visa exemption also applies to:

Holders of valid visas or residence permits of EU/EFTA/GCC countries, overseas territories of EU countries (except Anguilla, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha), Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or the United States – for stays of max 90 days in a 180-day period.

Technically, I would fall into the eVisa countries since I am from the Philippines. But since I have a 10-year valid US visa, I was able to enter Georgia visa-free (yay!).

WHERE IS TBILISI?

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city in Georgia. Because of its location on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, the city is an important transit route for various energy and trade projects. It is a little more than 3-hour flight away from Istanbul and roughly a 3 ½-hour flight from Dubai.

Language: Georgian and Russian
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Airport: TBS
Preferred mode of transportation: Metro Subway / Bus or Minibus
Time Zone: GMT +4

FLIGHTS TO TBILISI:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Tbilisi, Georgia from Europe, Central Asia or Middle East is relatively easy. I booked mine coming from Tehran, Iran with a layover at Baku’s airport in Azerbaijan. My flight carrier was Azerbaijan Airlines.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

By Foot. You will walk to many places in Tbilisi, especially in and around the Old Town. So get your feet ready! And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“
By Metro Subway. The efficient Tbilisi metro operates from 6:00 AM to midnight, and the two lines reach most important parts of the city. Signage and announcements are in English as well as Georgian.
By Bus & Marshrutka (Minibus). City buses and marshrutka provide an above-ground complement to the metro. Electronic boards at most bus stops list the destinations of approaching buses in English as well as Georgian. Buses only stop at predetermined stops, but you can get on and off marshrutka anywhere along their route.

You can check beforehand which buses you will need at the website of Tbilisi public transport company – it’s easy to navigate. If you’re in doubt, don’t be shy to ask a local!

MetroMoney card in Georgia — My MetroMoney Card | Dantravels.org

REMINDER: Get yourself a Metromoney card. Metromoney cards, sold for 2 GEL at metro-station ticket offices, are essential for riding the metro, and also good for Tbilisi city buses and marshrutky (minibuses). You tap the card on a reader when you enter the metro or when you board buses and marshrutky. Fares are 0.50 GEL per metro or bus ride and 0.80 GEL for marshrutka.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) at around 11:00 AM from a one-hour flight from Baku, Azerbaijan.

To get from Tbilisi airport to the city center, you need to take bus no. 37. It runs 24/7 from the airport to the central train station via Avlabari subway station, Liberty Square and Rustaveli. You can check the schedule of the buses here.

Using my pre-downloaded Google Maps, I got off at the Liberty Square where my hostel (Queens hostel) is a 3-minute walk.

JUST SHARING: On my way to the downtown, I met a local Georgian guy from the bus who willingly answered all my questions. Again. don’t be shy to ask the locals if you have doubts about directions! Did you know that this guy even gave me a bottle of wine? How friendly!

WHERE DID I STAY?

I actually stayed for only one night in Queens hostel which is a walking distance from the Liberty Square. Then headed to a nice hostel–Hostel Berdzeni 21 Old Tbilisi. You can get there by bus no. 50 or 71 from Liberty Square common terminal.

Hostel Berdzeni 21 Old Tbilisi (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 8 GEL (3 USD) per night

Hostel Berdzeni 21 Old Tbilisi | Dantravels.org

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any hotel in Tbilisi through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Tbilisi hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 3-DAY TBILISI ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Liberty Square

Also known as the Freedom Square, the Liberty Square is located in the center of Tbilisi at the eastern end of Rustaveli Avenue. What better way to start your first day than discovering this historical place.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Liberty Square subway station

2nd Stop: Old Town Tbilisi

Definitely a nice and ambient part of Tbilisi even if a bit touristy. From Liberty Square, you can walk through this old city which has many uphill roads with many cafes, restaurants, and bars along the way. Its all an old-world charm.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours

3rd Stop: Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress offers magnificent city views. You can reach it by Aerial Tramway from Rike Park or on foot from Abanotubani. But I suggest you walk and hike up there from the old town. At the top of the Narikala Fortress, you can wander the ruins of the fortress or admire great view of the old city and of course, go down in Botanical Garden.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours

4th Stop: National Botanical Garden

For 2.5 GEL, you can actually spend your whole day walking through the botanical garden. This place is adjacent to the Narikala fortress so it is very easy to reach by going on foot. Beside the numerous species of plants that you can find inside, the botanical garden also hosts a river and a beautiful waterfall.

National Botanical Garden of Georgia | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours

DAY 2:

5th Stop: The Bridge of Peace

With its modern architecture, this bridge is stunningly beautiful especially at night when LED lamps light up the entire bridge and it looks gorgeous. If you’re coming from the Liberty Square, you can basically go on foot towards this bridge for about 12-15 minutes.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train station: Liberty Square subway station

6th Stop: Metekhi Church

Located on the hill facing the river with the statue of Georgian king. This view is an icon of Georgia. The church itself is historical. From the Bridge of Peace, you can walk due south for about 6-8 minutes.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

7th Stop: Aerial Tramway

For a very reasonable price (2 GEL from your moneycard), you can experience the cable car ride to the top of the mountain where you can then see Mother of Georgia up close along with the other wonderful views. The cable car is located at the Rike Park (just in between Metekhi Church and the Bridge Peace.)

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

8th Stop: Mother Georgia

Now you can get a closer look at the Mother Georgia statue once you get to the top. Also known as Kartlis Deda, Mother Georgia stands on the top of the old town Tbilisi. Then you can just elect to take the long walk down to the side and into parts of the old Tbilisi.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours

DAY 3:

10th Stop: Tsminda Sameba Cathedral

Also known as Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, Tsminda Sameda Cathedral is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and is the biggest church in Georgia. This is an impressive building from the outside and inside with its golden dome is really eye-catching. The cathedral is a 15-minute walk from Avlabari metro station.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Avlabari subway station.

11th Stop: Monument to Characters of Movie Mimino

Located near to Avlabari Metro station, this monument commemorates one of the first movies in Europe. In case you have seen the movie Mimino, you will love it! There is something nostalgic about this monument.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

12th Stop: “I Heart Tbilisi” sign

The ‘I Heart Tbilisi’ sign is located at Samikitno restaurant. I did not come here for the restaurant though, just stopped here to take a photo with the beautiful and colorful signage: ‘I Heart Tbilisi’ which is made from flowers. It’s also a perfect photo souvenir from Tbilisi! It is about 12 minutes by foot from Avlabari subway station.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

13th Stop: Mtatsminda Pantheon

The Pantheon on Mtatsminda might be compared to Paris’ Pere Lachaise in its significance. Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain) is where the 6th century Saint David of Gareji founded an Orthodox Monastic complex.

For me, it is another place offering a splendid view of the city. How to get there: From Liberty Square, you can just walk and go uphill by following the roads leading to Mama Daviti Rise road. There is also minibus #83 that go up there.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours

What do you think of this 3-day TBILISI itinerary?

I hope that you find this 3-DAY TBILISI ITINERARY useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual Tbilisi itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Tbilisi itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Tbilisi itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Tbilisi itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Tbilisi Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Tbilisi!

How To Get An Iran Visa On Arrival (Best Visa Guide Updated)

By Dan Forteza

I visited Iran in September 2019 and managed to get my Iran visa on arrival with no issues at Imam Khomeini International Airport (in Tehran). The beautiful and hospitable Middle Eastern country has been growing in popularity for tourists, and the government is making it simpler for people to visit. Here is my guide on how to get a visa on arrival for Iran.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN IRAN VISA ON ARRIVAL?

Holders of normal passports traveling as tourists can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days (extendable) at major international airports. Note: As of 2026, eligibility is subject to the latest MFA regulations, and most nationalities (including the Philippines) remain eligible for VOA.

Bandar Abbas International Airport
Isfahan International Airport
Kish International Airport
Mashhad International Airport
Qeshm International Airport
Shiraz International Airport
Tabriz International Airport
Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran)
Mehrabad International Airport (Tehran)

Visa Policy Map | Wikipedia.org — Visa Policy Map in Iran | Wikipedia.org

IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS

Visa on arrival is NOT applicable to nationals of the following countries, who must obtain a visa in advance:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, UK, and USA.

Escort Requirement: UK, Canadian, and US citizens are required to be escorted by a government-approved guide at all times. Independent travel for these citizens is not permitted.

Israel: Citizens of Israel are banned from entry. Passports containing Israeli stamps (issued within the last year) will result in denied entry.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR AN IRAN VOA (TEHRAN)

Have these items printed rather than just on your phone:

Onward Transport: A confirmed flight ticket out of Iran. Airlines at your departure point (like Oman Air) often check this before boarding.
Accommodation: A confirmed booking for at least your first night. I recommend HostelWorld for Iran, as Booking.com and Agoda often don’t list Iranian properties.
Travel Insurance: Must explicitly mention coverage for “Iran.” If yours doesn’t, you can buy it at the airport for approximately 15-20 EUR.

No Stamping Policy: To ease concerns about US sanctions, Iran no longer stamps passports or affixes physical stickers. Your visa is handled digitally/electronically.

GET YOUR IRAN VISA IN 5 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: GO TO THE VISA SECTION

After landing, head to the “Visa Section” before immigration. Tip: Women must wear a headscarf upon exiting the plane, and long pants are preferred for all genders.

STEP 2: PURCHASE INSURANCE

If you don’t have a printed insurance policy that mentions Iran, buy one at the counter. As of 2026, the fee is roughly 18-20 Euro.

STEP 3: FILL OUT THE FORM

Complete the basic info (Address in Iran, occupation, etc.). Pro-tip: If you are a blogger, consider listing your formal profession (like Engineer) to avoid unnecessary questions.

STEP 4: PAY THE FEE

Pay the fee in Cash (Euros or USD). For Philippine passport holders, the fee is approximately 65 USD (inclusive of bank commission). Remember: Foreign debit/credit cards do not work in Iran.

STEP 5: WAIT FOR YOUR NAME

Wait 20-30 minutes for processing. Once called, you will receive your passport back. Since there is no stamp, you can proceed directly to immigration.

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Tourist Visa
Validity: 30 Days
Visa Fee: ~65.00 USD (for Philippines)
Insurance Fee: ~18.00 Euro

Check Cheap Flights on KAYAK

1-Day Shanghai Itinerary: Best Places To See In Shanghai On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. When I visited Shanghai last November 2017, I found the perfect blend of cultures — the modern and the traditional; and the western and the oriental. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed the city’s culture making my 1-day Shanghai itinerary even more memorable.

So without further ado, whether you’re staying for a day or two, here is my do-it-yourself Shanghai itinerary which includes the city’s top attractions.

Some classical architecture near The Bund in Shanghai | Dantravels.org

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel — a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

WHERE IS SHANGHAI?

The city of Shanghai, whose name literally means “on the sea”, is situated on the east China coast just to the south of the mouth of the Yangtze River. From its great location, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, and cultural center in East China. It is about a 3½-hour flight away from Manila or about a 5½-hour flight away from Singapore.

Language: Mandarin Chinese
Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB)
Airport: PVG, SHA
Preferred mode of transportation: Metro / Walking / Bikes
Time Zone: GMT +8

HOW I GOT THERE:

Coming from Manila, I scored a really cheap (like really cheap!) flight ticket to Shanghai via Cebu Pacific Air.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Metro / Subways are the best way to get around Shanghai. While the metro can get very crowded during rush hour traffic, you’ll avoid the inevitable street traffic this way. With base fare just 0.45 USD, all signs, maps, and station announcements in both Chinese and English, this is the preferred way to get around Shanghai for international travelers.
Walking is a great way to get around central neighborhoods in Puxi or in the old city area of Yuyuan. Despite the huge size of Shanghai, you’ll be amazed at how navigable the city really is! It’s worth taking a stroll along the Huangpu River, where on either side you have access to breathtaking views of the city skyline at the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, or at Shanghai World Financial Observatory. And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog — “walk as much as you can!“
Even though cars are found everywhere, bikes have seen a revival in recent years. There are dedicated cycle lanes on the roads and drivers are fairly cautious around cyclists. So if you’re up for an adventure, biking is a fun and memorable way to get around the city and experience Shanghai like a local. There are a few bike-sharing apps that you can download to your smartphone to reserve bicycles for as low as 1.00 USD per half hour, such as Mobike and Ofo. Bikes can be picked up wherever you find one available on the app and dropped off conveniently at your destination.

Bikes for rent parked in the streets of Shanghai | Dantravels.org

WHERE DID I STAY?

I actually did not stay in any hostel or hotel in Shanghai. Arriving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at midnight, I took some rest at the airport’s arrival area and stayed there for a few hours until dawn. Before hitting the metro train to take me to downtown Shanghai, I looked for the ATM to withdraw some Yuan cash and then bought myself a sim card with internet to help me navigate the city.

Sim Card with 10GB internet data – 200 RMB (~28.00 USD)

TIP: Unfortunately Google, Facebook, Instagram and other American-based social media are blocked in mainland China. If you’re like me who likes to access Instagram and Facebook on-the-go, you can use a VPN app. When I was in China, I used Betternet which has free trial for the first 7 days. I just canceled it before my 7-day trial ended haha! Go and check it out!

From PVG airport, taking a metro train is the most convenient way to get myself to downtown Shanghai.

Pudong PVG airport to Nanjing East station – 7 RMB (~1.00 USD)

Book AGODA here Book BOOKING.com here Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

After a day in Shanghai, I took an overnight train going to Zhangjiajie in Hunan province.

But if you’re looking for a good room accommodation in Shanghai, you can book a room at any hotel through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Shanghai hostel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 1-DAY SHANGHAI ITINERARY

1st Stop: The Bund

The Bund is undoubtedly on the top of the list of things to see in Shanghai. Thus, I made it my first stop of the day. Although this place is typically crowded, it is perfect to unwind a little to its marvelous architecture and views of the futuristic Lujiazui skyline!

The Bund and the impressive skyline of Shanghai | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest metro station: Nanjing East station

2nd Stop: Nanjing Road

Without any specific shopping in mind, I went down to Nanjing road from “The Bund”. Along the Nanjing road has the most popular shopping area of Shanghai, but be warned it is packed with people. To me, experiencing and observing the energy of the people as well as the classical architecture of Shanghai are just priceless.

Somewhere in Nanjing road | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest metro station: Nanjing East station; People’s Square station

3rd Stop: Yuyuan Old Street

Yuyuan’s Old Street is a great place to see what old Shanghai looked like. The fact that you can walk this street and then look up and see the new Shanghai is an incredible juxtaposition.

Old Chinese houses in Yuyuan | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Yuyuan station

4th Stop: Yuyuan Garden

In the middle of a bustling city of Shanghai, I was surprised at how serene this garden could be, even with many tourists sharing the space.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Yuyuan station

5th Stop: Century Park

Century Park is in the middle of Shanghai Pudong area. Great space to stroll and relax. It’s nice to have such a large space in the city to chill.

Getting my bike ready near Century Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest metro station: Century Park station; Yingchun Road station; Shanghai Science station

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Yuyuan station

5th Stop: Century Park

Century Park is in the middle of Shanghai Pudong area. Great space to stroll and relax. It’s nice to have such a large space in the city to chill but entrance fee costs 10 RMB. If you opt not to get in, you can instead just rent a bike and circle around the free area like I did haha! Thanks to my Chinese friend, Peng for helping me rent a bike!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest metro station: Century Park station; Yingchun Road station; Shanghai Science station

6th Stop: Shanghai Tower

Located at financial district of Lujiazui, Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai and one of Shanghai’s most iconic buildings. I personally went to Lujiazui to get a closer look at this tower.

There is an elevated ring road where you can admire the view of the tower and stroll in the shadow of some of the world’s tallest buildings.

If you want to get to the observation deck of the building, you have to buy tickets. You can buy them here .

Shanghai Tower behind me | Shanghai itinerary — Shanghai Tower behind me | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Dongchang Road station; South Pudong Road station

7th Stop: Oriental Pearl Tower

This building may look like an alien base (haha!) but it is also one of the iconic buildings in Lujiazui district together with the Shanghai Tower.

It is exceptionally beautiful when lit in glowing colors at night. You can buy a ticket here in advance to get you to the observation deck and be amazed by the beauty of the city.

But I prefer to gaze and view the magnificent light show on the Oriental Pearl Tower from the ground.

Oriental Pearl Tower behind me | Shanghai itinerary — Oriental Pearl Tower behind me | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Dongchang Road station; South Pudong Road station

What do you think of this 1-DAY Shanghai itinerary?

My good friend Peng from Shanghai | Dantravels.org

I probably could not have made my 1-day Shanghai tour more enjoyable and memorable without the help of my Chinese friend Peng. He was very kind and accommodating throughout the day.

By the way, he was the one who translated my “I Quit My Job to Travel” blog into Chinese haha!

All in all, I hope that you find this 1-DAY SHANGHAI ITINERARY useful!

If you have more days to spend in Shanghai, you can include these cool places in your Shanghai itinerary:

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation through Booking.com. Room accommodations range from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Booking hostels through Booking.com also gives you options like free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Shanghai itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it.

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 PHP) off your first stay. Click here to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE ) as they usually offer cheaper fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Shanghai Package Tours
- Viator. Viator is one of the world’s leading resources for researching, finding, and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Shanghai!