Astana
THE QUICK VERDICT
Choose Astana if you want Nur-Sultan's space-age skyline — Bayterek tower, Khan Shatyr "tent", Ailand water park, and the Kazakhstan State Museum all on the steppe.
- Best for
- Bayterek tower observation, Khan Shatyr tent, Nur-Astana Mosque, futuristic Expo-2017 sphere
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Budget anchor
- $95/day mid-range
- Skip if
- you want walkable streets or mild weather (winters hit -30 C, summers can scorch)
Kazakhstan's futuristic capital rises from the steppe with bold architecture — the Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr mall, and Norman Foster's Palace of Peace. One of the world's youngest capitals, showcasing ambitious 21st-century city building.
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Tours & Experiences
Bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Astana
Where to Stay
Compare hotels and rentals in Astana
📍 Points of Interest
At a Glance
- Pop.
- 1.3M
- Timezone
- Almaty
- Dial
- +7
- Emergency
- 102 / 103
Astana became Kazakhstan's capital in 1997, transforming from a sleepy provincial town into a futuristic showpiece in just two decades
The city was renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 then changed back to Astana in 2022 — locals always called it Astana anyway
Astana is the second-coldest capital city in the world (after Ulaanbaatar), with winter temperatures dropping to -40°C
Khan Shatyr is the world's largest tent-like structure — inside you'll find a shopping mall, a water park, and even an indoor beach with sand imported from the Maldives
Many of the city's bold buildings were designed by international starchitects including Norman Foster, Kisho Kurokawa, and Santiago Calatrava
The Bayterek Tower represents a mythical tree of life where a magical bird (Samruk) lays a golden egg — the golden orb at the top contains a handprint of former president Nazarbayev
Top Sights
Bayterek Tower
🗼The symbol of Astana — a 97-meter observation tower shaped like a poplar tree holding a golden sphere. The viewing platform offers panoramic views of the futuristic cityscape. Place your hand in Nazarbayev's gilded handprint at the top for good luck.
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
📌A massive transparent tent designed by Norman Foster that houses a shopping center, food courts, a cinema, and an indoor tropical water park with imported Maldivian sand. A surreal experience in the middle of the Kazakh steppe.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
🗼A glass pyramid also designed by Norman Foster, hosting interfaith congresses. Inside you'll find an opera house, a museum, and stunning stained-glass windows by Brian Clarke. Tours reveal the symbolism behind every element.
Nur-Astana Mosque
📌One of the largest mosques in Central Asia with a capacity of 5,000. Its modern design blends traditional Islamic geometry with contemporary architecture. The golden dome and minarets are striking against the steppe sky.
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
🏛️A vast modern museum covering Kazakhstan's history from ancient nomadic cultures to independence. The Golden Man exhibit and the Hall of Gold are highlights. Allow 2-3 hours.
EXPO Grounds (Nur Alem)
🏛️The glass sphere from Expo 2017, now the Museum of Future Energy. The surrounding EXPO district has been converted into an international financial center with art installations and event spaces.
Ak Orda Presidential Palace
🗼The official residence of the President of Kazakhstan, a grand blue-and-gold domed building at the terminus of the Nurzhol Boulevard. Not open to the public, but an impressive sight from the boulevard.
Off the Beaten Path
Old Tselinograd Quarter
The Soviet-era district on the right bank of the Ishim River where the original city stood before the capital moved here. Low-rise buildings, local markets, and authentic Kazakh canteens.
While tourists focus on the gleaming Left Bank, the Right Bank reveals the city's pre-capital identity with genuine neighborhood life and cheap eats.
Ishim River Embankment
A landscaped riverside promenade stretching for several kilometers, with cycling paths, park benches, and views of Astana's futuristic skyline.
Locals jog and cycle here year-round. In summer evenings it fills with families, and in winter the frozen river becomes an impromptu ice walking path.
Artisan Cafe Scene on Kenesary Street
A cluster of independent coffee shops, bakeries, and brunch spots emerging in the old town center, popular with Astana's young professionals.
Astana's specialty coffee scene is surprisingly good and far cheaper than comparable cafes in European capitals.
Astana Opera House Interior
A grand opera house with lavish Italian-style interiors offering world-class ballet and opera at remarkably affordable prices.
Tickets for a full opera or ballet performance start at just a few dollars — a cultural bargain by any global standard.
Expo Grounds & Nur-Alem Sphere
The former Expo 2017 site centered around the giant glass sphere housing a future energy museum, surrounded by pavilions repurposed as cultural spaces.
The sphere itself is architecturally stunning and the surrounding area is a popular weekend gathering spot for local families.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Astana has an extreme continental climate. Winters are brutally cold and windy; summers are warm and pleasant. The temperature difference between seasons can exceed 70°C.
Spring
April - May37-68°F
3-20°C
Brief and unpredictable. Snow can fall into April. May is generally pleasant but windy. The steppe starts to green up.
Summer
June - August59-90°F
15-32°C
The best time to visit. Warm, sunny days with long daylight hours. July can occasionally see hot spells. Very pleasant for walking the city.
Autumn
September - October32-59°F
0-15°C
September can be mild and golden. October sees the first frosts and temperatures drop rapidly. Early autumn is still reasonable for visiting.
Winter
November - March-13 to 23°F
-25 to -5°C
Severe cold with bitter steppe winds. January can reach -40°C. The city functions normally but extended outdoor time is challenging. The futuristic architecture looks dramatic against snow.
Best Time to Visit
June through September offers the most comfortable weather. Astana is one of the coldest capitals on Earth, so winter visits require serious preparation.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: LowThe steppe slowly thaws. March is still firmly winter. April sees snowmelt and mud. May finally warms up with green grass returning to the steppe.
Pros
- + Nauryz celebrations in March
- + Warming temperatures in May
- + Low hotel prices
- + City starts to come alive outdoors
Cons
- − March-April still very cold
- − Muddy and grey conditions
- − Strong steppe winds
- − Limited outdoor activities until late May
Summer (June - August)
Crowds: ModerateWarm and pleasant with temperatures reaching 25-30 degrees. Long daylight hours and the city's parks and waterfront fill with life. The best time to visit.
Pros
- + Warm, comfortable weather
- + Long sunny days
- + Parks and riverside at their best
- + Outdoor festivals and events
Cons
- − Occasional heatwaves above 35 degrees
- − Mosquitoes near the river
- − July-August hotel prices rise
- − Summer thunderstorms
Autumn (September - November)
Crowds: LowSeptember is golden and pleasant. October cools quickly with stunning steppe sunsets. November marks the start of Astana's long, brutal winter.
Pros
- + September has lovely weather
- + Golden steppe landscapes
- + Lower prices than summer
- + Cultural season begins
Cons
- − Temperature drops rapidly from October
- − Wind picks up significantly
- − November brings first heavy snows
- − Daylight fades quickly
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Very lowExtremely cold with temperatures regularly dropping below minus 20 degrees and occasional minus 40 wind chills. The frozen cityscape has a stark beauty but outdoor time is limited.
Pros
- + Dramatic frozen cityscapes
- + Indoor attractions uncrowded
- + New Year celebrations are festive
- + Lowest hotel prices
Cons
- − Dangerously cold temperatures
- − Limited daylight hours
- − Harsh wind chill
- − Many outdoor activities impossible
🎉 Festivals & Events
Nauryz
MarchKazakh New Year celebration with traditional food, music, and cultural performances. Major events held around Bayterek and the Expo grounds.
Astana Day
JulyThe city's birthday celebration on July 6th with concerts, fireworks, and events along Nurzhol Boulevard and the Ishim waterfront.
Capital Day
JulyCoinciding with Astana Day, this celebrates the capital's status with parades, air shows, and free outdoor concerts.
International Film Festival
SeptemberAn emerging film festival screening Central Asian and international cinema in venues across the city.
Safety Breakdown
Moderate
out of 100
Astana is generally safe for tourists with low street crime. The biggest danger is the extreme winter cold. The city is modern and well-organized, with a visible police presence.
Things to Know
- •In winter, dress in serious cold-weather gear — frostbite risk is real at -30°C and below
- •Use ride-hailing apps rather than hailing random taxis
- •Carry ID (passport copy) at all times — police may ask
- •The wind on the steppe is brutal in winter — cover all exposed skin
- •Most sights on the Left Bank are connected by indoor passages or are close to metro stops
- •Tap water is generally safe but bottled is recommended for visitors
Emergency Numbers
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Fire
101
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayBackpacker = hostel dorm + street food + public transit. Mid-range = 3-star hotel + neighbourhood restaurants + transit cards. Luxury = 4/5-star + fine dining + taxis. How we calibrate these numbers →
Quick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$30-50
Hostel dorm, canteen meals, public transport, free exterior architecture viewing
mid-range
$70-120
Hotel room, restaurant meals, taxis, museum entries, Khan Shatyr activities
luxury
$180-300
International hotel, fine dining, private tours, premium entertainment
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| FoodLunch at a canteen/stolovaya | 1,500-2,500 KZT | $3.15-5.25 |
| FoodDinner at a mid-range restaurant | 5,000-10,000 KZT | $10.50-21 |
| TransportLRT or bus single ride | 90 KZT | $0.19 |
| TransportTaxi across town | 1,000-2,500 KZT | $2.10-5.25 |
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | 4,000-7,000 KZT | $8.40-14.70 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel | 20,000-40,000 KZT | $42-84 |
| AttractionBayterek Tower observation | 700 KZT | $1.47 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Most of Astana's impressive architecture can be admired from the outside for free
- •Download 2GIS for navigation — it works offline and covers all bus routes
- •Eat at stolovaya (self-service canteens) for cheap, filling Kazakh and Russian food
- •The Nurzhol Boulevard walk from Bayterek to the Presidential Palace is free and covers the main sights
- •Visit the National Museum on free-entry days (check their schedule)
Kazakhstani Tenge
Code: KZT
1 USD is approximately 470-490 KZT (as of early 2026). Exchange offices are found throughout the city, especially on the Right Bank. ATMs are plentiful in malls and near metro stations.
Payment Methods
Card payments are widely accepted on the Left Bank and in malls. Kaspi QR payments dominate local commerce — tourists may find it harder to use without a local bank account. Carry cash for Right Bank bazaars, small shops, and marshrutkas (minibuses).
Tipping Guide
Not traditionally expected but 10% is becoming common in upscale Left Bank restaurants. Check if a service charge is already included.
Rounding up or leaving small change is sufficient. No tipping expected at stolovayas or casual spots.
Not expected. Pay the agreed fare. Rounding up is a friendly gesture.
Porters at international hotels appreciate 500-1000 KZT per bag. Housekeeping tips are uncommon.
2,000-5,000 KZT per person is appropriate for day tours and excursions.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport(NQZ)
17 km southTaxi via Yandex Go (2,000-4,000 KZT / $4.20-8.40 USD, 20-30 min). Airport express bus also available.
✈️ Search flights to NQZ🚆 Rail Stations
Astana Railway Station (Nurly Zhol)
Central, adjacent to Khan ShatyrA modern integrated transport hub. Trains to Almaty (12-15 hrs), and connections across Kazakhstan and to Russia. The Talgo trains are the most comfortable.
Getting Around
Astana is a modern, spread-out city. The new LRT system, buses, and ride-hailing apps are the main transport options. The Left Bank (new city) is where most tourist sights are concentrated.
Astana LRT
90 KZT (~$0.19 USD)A light rail line connecting key areas of the city. Modern and efficient, though coverage is still limited.
Best for: Getting between major points on the Left Bank
Yandex Go / inDriver
500-2,000 KZT ($1.05-4.20 USD)The most convenient way to get around. Affordable and essential in winter when walking is impractical. Apps work well throughout the city.
Best for: Door-to-door travel, especially in extreme weather
City Buses
90 KZT (~$0.19 USD)Extensive network with modern buses. Payment by Onay card. The 2GIS app shows routes and schedules. Generally reliable and well-heated in winter.
Best for: Budget travel with route-planning via 2GIS
Walkability
The Left Bank boulevard from Bayterek to Ak Orda is a pleasant walk in summer (~2 km). In winter, the extreme cold and wind make walking impractical for more than short distances.
Travel Connections
Almaty
Kazakhstan's cultural capital at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains, with alpine lakes, vibrant bazaars, and excellent food.
Burabay (Borovoe)
Known as the "Pearl of Kazakhstan" — a lake resort area with pine forests and granite mountains rising from the steppe. Popular weekend escape for locals.
Tashkent
The capital of neighboring Uzbekistan and gateway to the Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara.
Entry Requirements
Kazakhstan has a generous visa-free regime for many nationalities. Citizens of over 70 countries can enter without a visa for periods ranging from 14 to 30 days. Astana's Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport is the main entry point.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. No registration required for stays under 30 days. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days | Same 30-day visa-free access as US citizens. Extension possible at migration office. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days | Most EU nationalities enjoy 30-day visa-free access. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days | Visa-free for 30 days with passport valid for 6 months beyond entry. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | 30 days | E-visa available online. Processing takes about 5 business days. Tourist visa does not require an invitation letter. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Registration with migration police is automatic if staying at hotels for visits under 30 days
- •Keep your migration card safe throughout your stay — you need it to exit
- •Astana airport immigration is modern and efficient with e-gates for some nationalities
- •Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation as border officers may ask for it
- •If arriving overland from Russia, expect longer processing times at the border
Shopping
Astana mixes massive modern malls with traditional bazaars. The city's rapid development has brought international brands, while Right Bank markets retain an authentic Central Asian atmosphere.
Khan Shatyr
mega mallAn iconic tent-shaped mall designed by Norman Foster, housing shops, restaurants, a monorail, and even an indoor beach resort with sand imported from the Maldives.
Known for: International brands, entertainment, architectural spectacle
Keruen City Mall
modern mallA large shopping center on the Left Bank with a good mix of local and international brands, a cinema complex, and food court.
Known for: Mid-range fashion, electronics, dining options
Astana Central Bazaar
traditional marketA bustling Right Bank market where locals buy fresh produce, meat, dairy, dried fruits, and household goods at bargain prices.
Known for: Fresh food, spices, dried fruits, local atmosphere
Saryarka Avenue
shopping streetA main commercial street on the Right Bank with a mix of local shops, brand outlets, and small boutiques. More affordable than Left Bank malls.
Known for: Affordable fashion, local brands, everyday goods
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Kazakh felt shyrdak rugs with traditional nomadic patterns
- •Miniature Bayterek tower models and Astana skyline souvenirs
- •Traditional Kazakh jewelry with tribal motifs and semi-precious stones
- •Kumys bowls and traditional Kazakh tableware
- •Locally made chocolates from Rakhat factory
- •Embroidered chapan robes and traditional Kazakh textiles
- •Bags of premium dried fruits, nuts, and kurt cheese from the bazaar
Language & Phrases
Both Kazakh and Russian are widely spoken, with Russian being the dominant language for daily communication in Astana. Kazakh uses Cyrillic script (transitioning to Latin). English is spoken at international hotels and some restaurants but is limited elsewhere.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Salam / Zdravstvuyte | sa-LAM / zdrah-STVOOY-tyeh |
| Thank you | Rahmet / Spasibo | rah-MET / spa-SEE-bah |
| Please | Otinish / Pozhaluysta | oh-tee-NEESH / pa-ZHAL-sta |
| Yes / No | Iya / Joq (Kz) — Da / Nyet (Ru) | ee-YA / zhok — da / nyet |
| How much? | Qansha? / Skolko? | kan-SHA / SKOL-ka |
| Where is...? | Qayda? / Gde? | kai-DA / gdyeh |
| Excuse me | Keshiriniz / Izvinite | keh-shee-ree-NEEZ / iz-vee-NEE-tyeh |
| Goodbye | Sau bolynyz / Do svidaniya | sow bo-luh-NUZ / da svee-DA-nee-ya |
| Delicious | Damdi / Vkusno | dam-DEE / VKOOS-na |
| Water | Su / Voda | soo / va-DA |
| The check, please | Esepti berinizshi / Schet, pozhaluysta | eh-sep-TEE beh-ree-neez-SHEE / shyot pa-ZHAL-sta |
| I don't understand | Men tusunbeimin / Ya ne ponimayu | men too-soon-BAY-meen / ya nyeh pa-nee-MA-yoo |
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