Astana, Kazakhstan: travel guide
A futuristic capital on the steppe, built around bold modern towers
Kazakhstan's futuristic capital rising from the Central Asian steppe, Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan) is a showcase of 21st-century architecture and national ambition.
About Astana
Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan, a modern city that rose on the open steppe and presents a bold face of contemporary architecture. Wide avenues, glass towers and large landmarks make it unlike most older Central Asian cities.
Things to do in Astana include going up Bayterek Tower for views along the central axis, exploring the Khan Shatyr tent-like shopping centre, and visiting the Hazrat Sultan Mosque and the pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The Nur-Alem sphere at the former EXPO site houses an energy museum, and the National Museum is a good introduction to the country.
Astana suits architecture fans and business travellers. Summer is warm and winters are very cold, so late spring and early autumn are comfortable.
- Country
- Kazakhstan
- Currency
- KZT
- Time zone
- Asia/Almaty
- Nearest airport
- NQZ
- Typical trip
- 2-3 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Astana
Bayterek Tower
observation tower · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Astana's defining landmark and the symbol of Kazakhstan's new capital. The 97-metre steel-and-glass tower, designed by architect Akmurza Rustambekov based on a concept by President Nazarbayev, depicts the mythical Samruk bird's golden egg…
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
entertainment complex · 4.2 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A 150-metre transparent tent — the world's largest of its kind — designed by Sir Norman Foster and housing a city-within-a-city. The ETFE-clad structure maintains a tropical indoor climate year-round, housing a beach club with Maldivian…
Hazrat Sultan Mosque
grand mosque · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the largest in the world, completed in 2012. The magnificent complex covers 17,000 m² and can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. The four 77-metre minarets and 51-metre central dome are clad in…
National Museum of Kazakhstan
national museum · 4.5 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Central Asia's largest museum and one of the most ambitious on the continent, opened in 2014. The 74,000 m² complex in the heart of the Left Bank holds seven permanent galleries covering Kazakhstan's natural history, archaeology (including…
Nur-Alem Sphere (EXPO 2017)
science museum · 4.3 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The world's largest spherical building, constructed as the centrepiece of Kazakhstan's EXPO 2017 on the theme "Future Energy." The 80-metre-diameter glass sphere houses eight floors of permanent interactive exhibitions on renewable energy,…
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
pyramid architecture · 4.4 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A striking 62-metre glass pyramid designed by Norman Foster and opened in 2006 as a venue for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions — held every three years in Astana. The interior includes a conference hall, an opera…
Duman Entertainment Center & Oceanarium
aquarium · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Family entertainment complex with one of the largest oceanariums in Central Asia, plus a cinema and bowling.
Water-Green Boulevard
promenade · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Landscaped pedestrian boulevard along the Ishim River connecting Baiterek Tower to Khan Shatyr, lined with fountains and sculptures.
Astana Opera House
Cultural · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the grandest performing-arts venues in Central Asia, the Astana Opera opened in 2013 and seats 1,250 beneath a gilded dome inspired by Venetian architecture. Hand-carved marble lobbies, an Italian crystal chandelier, and…
Ak Orda Presidential Palace
government · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The official residence and workplace of the President of Kazakhstan, a landmark of Astana's left bank (exterior viewing only).
Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex
theme-park · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Open-air park featuring miniature replicas of Kazakhstan's architectural landmarks and a scale map of the country.
Triumphal Arch "Mangilik El"
monument · 4.4 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Monumental arch on the capital's central axis commemorating Kazakhstan's independence and unity.
Things to do
- Astana Architecture & Monuments Tour Cultural · 4 h · from KZT 7,700 per person
- Kazakhstan Steppe Horse Riding Experience Adventure · 3 h · from KZT 11,200 per person
- Baiterek Tower VIP Viewing Deck Tour Sightseeing · 1 h · from USD 15 per person
- Khan Shatyr Indoor Beach & Water Park Day Pass Adventure · 4 h · from USD 40 per person
- Duman Oceanarium Family Day Pass Family · 2 h · from USD 25 per person
- Ishim River Evening Boat Cruise Sightseeing · 1 h · from USD 20 per person
- Nur-Alem Sphere Guided EXPO Museum Tour Cultural · 1.5 h · from USD 18 per person
Day trips and tours
- Astana Futuristic Architecture Tour 8 h · from KZT 12,800
Where to stay in Astana
- Left Bank (Yesil) about KZT 120 per night
The futuristic showcase of modern Astana — bold architecture, wide boulevards, luxury hotels, and landmark attractions all walkable. Best for first-time visitors.
- Right Bank (Old Town) about KZT 40 per night
Astana's original city district — more affordable, authentic, and central for transport. Good mix of budget and mid-range hotels.
Hotels
- Hilton Astana 5-star · KZT 70,000 to KZT 250,000 per night
- The Ritz-Carlton, Astana 5-star · USD 180 to USD 500 per night
- Rixos President Astana 5-star · KZT 80,000 to KZT 350,000 per night
- Sheraton Astana Hotel 5-star · USD 150 to USD 400 per night
- Radisson Hotel Astana 5-star · USD 120 to USD 320 per night
- Hilton Garden Inn Astana 4-star · USD 90 to USD 180 per night
Where to eat
- Zhuldyz Food Kazakh, Russian, Central Asian · about KZT 1,200 per person
- Alasha Kazakh, Central Asian · about KZT 8,000 per person
- Parmigiano Italian, European · about KZT 7,500 per person
- Nomad's Table Kazakh, Central Asian · about KZT 3,500 per person
- Qazaq Gourmet Kazakh · about USD 18 per person
- Yakitoriya Japanese · about USD 22 per person
- Saksaul Kazakh, Central Asian · about USD 17 per person
- La Rivière French, Kazakh · about USD 35 per person
Getting to Astana
Airport: Astana (NQZ)
How visitors arrive in Astana
- Fly into Astana Airport By air from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport · common
Flights arrive from many former Soviet cities and a few from Europe, the Middle East and East Asia. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Train from Almaty By train from Almaty · common
Direct overnight trains from Almaty arrive at Astana-1 or Nurly Zhol station. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Intercity bus to Saparzhay station By road from Other Kazakh and Central Asian cities · possible
Buses from other Kazakh cities, nearby Russian cities and Central Asia use Saparzhay bus station. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Bus from the airport
City buses 10 and 12 run to the centre from the stop by T2 and near T1. Source: visitastana.kz
- Airport light rail unconfirmed
A light rail line runs from the airport into the city, taking cash, card or contactless. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the railway station to the centre
- Astana-1 and Nurly Zhol stations
Trains use Astana-1 or Nurly Zhol, which is east of the city with bus 50 downtown. Confirm which station your train uses. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Bus useful for some trips
Astana city buses run on many routes and take payment by app, city card or bank card; the Astrabus app shows routes and live bus positions.
- Ride Hail useful for some trips
Ride-hailing in Astana runs mainly through the Yandex Taxi and inDrive apps, which let you order a car from your phone.
- Taxi useful for some trips
Street taxis operate in Astana alongside ride-hailing, with the price agreed before setting off; shared taxis also run on fixed routes.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial Tour Guides at Baiterek
Baiterek Tower entrance plaza
Men in casual clothes offer to guide you "officially" through Baiterek for 5,000–10,000 KZT. No affiliation exists.
How to avoid it: Official guides wear lanyards and stand inside the ticketed area. Buy entry directly at the booth.
Taxi App Fare Manipulation
Khan Shatyr Mall taxi rank
Driver accepts an inDriver booking then phones claiming the app price is "wrong" and demands cash.
How to avoid it: Never pay more than the in-app estimate. Cancel and rebook if the driver demands extra.
Best time to visit Astana
- Jan -10°C
- Feb -9°C
- Mar -1°C
- Apr 12°C
- May 21°C
- Jun 26°C
- Jul 27°C
- Aug 26°C
- Sep 19°C
- Oct 10°C
- Nov -1°C
- Dec -8°C
More in Kazakhstan
Frequently asked questions about Astana
- How many days do you need in Astana?
- A typical trip to Astana is 2-3 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Astana?
- The highest-rated places in our Astana guide are Astana Opera House, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, National Museum of Kazakhstan, Water-Green Boulevard, Bayterek Tower.
- Where should I stay in Astana?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Astana: Left Bank (Yesil), Right Bank (Old Town).
- How do I get around Astana?
- Ways to get around Astana covered in our guide: City bus, Ride-hailing app, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Astana?
- Scams reported to us for Astana include Unofficial Tour Guides at Baiterek; Taxi App Fare Manipulation. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Astana?
- Average daytime highs in Astana run from -10°C in Jan to 27°C in Jul.
- Which airport is nearest to Astana?
- The nearest airport to Astana has the code NQZ.