Astana, Kazakhstan: travel guide
Kazakhstan's futuristic capital rising from the Central Asian steppe, Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan) is a showcase of 21st-century architecture and national ambition. Gleaming towers, a monumental Left Bank axis, the EXPO 2017 park, and Hazrat Sultan — one of Central Asia's largest mosques — define a city transformed from a small Soviet town into a bold new capital in three decades.
- Country
- Kazakhstan
- Currency
- KZT
- Time zone
- Asia/Almaty
- Nearest airport
- NQZ
Top places to visit in Astana
Bayterek Tower
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · entry KZT 1,500
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
Activity · 4.2 rating · about 3 h
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
Mosque · 4.7 rating · about 1 h
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
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 2.5 h · entry KZT 2,500
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)
Museum · 4.3 rating · about 2 h · entry KZT 3,000
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
Cultural · 4.4 rating · about 1.3 h · entry KZT 1,500
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
Activity · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · entry KZT 5,000
Family entertainment complex with one of the largest oceanariums in Central Asia, plus a cinema and bowling.
Water-Green Boulevard
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 1 h
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 · entry KZT 3,000
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
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h
The official residence and workplace of the President of Kazakhstan, a landmark of Astana's left bank (exterior viewing only).
Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex
Cultural · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · entry KZT 1,500
Open-air park featuring miniature replicas of Kazakhstan's architectural landmarks and a scale map of the country.
Triumphal Arch "Mangilik El"
Cultural · 4.4 rating · about 0.3 h
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 around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Ride Hail main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.
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.