Astana City
Capital city of Kazakhstan
Astana stages modernism with Bayterek, glass pavilions and Khan Shatyr’s translucent tent; visitors come for bold architecture, expansive boulevards and museums that tell Kazakhstan’s steppe story.
Astana at a Glance#
Costs: Daily budget: $60-130 - modern hotels and restaurants push daily costs higher than Kazakhstan average.
Safety: Very safe, orderly capital - low violent crime rates; usual city caution for belongings and scams.
Best Time: Best months: May-September - long daylight and warm weather showcase the futuristic architecture.
Kazakhstan’s futuristic showpiece capital - a city of audacious, gleaming architecture rising from the empty steppe, purpose-built as a bold, ultra-modern statement on the windswept plains.
Astana (also known as Nur-Sultan) sits on the flat steppe along the Ishim River; a planned capital built from scratch since the late 1990s, its left bank bristles with striking landmark buildings - the Bayterek tower, a giant tent, and glass pyramids.
Why go / don’t miss: the Bayterek Tower (the city symbol), the giant tent-shaped Khan Shatyr mall, the Palace of Peace pyramid, the Nur-Astana Mosque, the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, and the boldly modern government district.
Neighborhoods: the Left Bank for the futuristic landmarks and government buildings; and the older Right Bank for everyday city life.
Getting around: buses, a new LRT and Yandex ride-hailing; the landmark district is spread out.
When to go: summer (Jun - Aug) is the only warm season; winters are brutally cold (it’s one of the world’s coldest capitals).
Where to stay: the Left Bank near the landmarks for the modern spectacle.
Dining: Kazakh fare - beshbarmak, plov, kazy (horse sausage) - plus international dining in the malls.
Local tips: it’s an architecture-and-ambition city rather than a historic one, wrap up warm (winters are ferocious), and the landmark buildings are best seen floodlit at night.
Why Visit Astana?#
The capital impresses with bold, futuristic architecture and a skyline of showpieces such as Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr and the Astana Opera, drawing travelers fascinated by modern urban design. Wide boulevards and large public spaces reflect Kazakhstan’s national ambition, while restaurants serve traditional dishes like beshbarmak and regional mashrutkas offer easy access to museums. The contrast of contemporary civic planning and Kazakh cultural elements makes the city a compelling modern capital.
Who's Astana For?#
Astana (Nur‑Sultan) is Kazakhstan’s administrative and business heart with modern conference centres, international hotels and strong airport connections. It suits corporate travel and government delegations well.
The city has high‑end hotels, fine‑dining restaurants and upscale services along Nurzhol Boulevard and near the Khan Shatyr centre. Luxury stays and chauffeur services are readily available for premium travellers.
Good broadband and several coworking spaces in central districts make short‑term remote work viable. Living costs are higher than regional Kazakh towns but modern apartments and cafés support a comfortable workflow.
Astana’s international restaurants and modern Kazakh reinterpretations appear across the city, especially in the city centre and Expo district. You’ll find a mix of Central Asian, Russian and global dining options at varied price points.
Best Things to Do in Astana#
Astana Bucket List#
Baiterek Tower - Observation tower symbolizing Kazakhstan with city views and a glass observation deck.
Hazret Sultan Mosque - Astana’s largest mosque, elaborate domes and marble interiors open to visitors.
Nur Alem Sphere (EXPO 2017 Pavilion) - Futuristic glass sphere housing an interactive museum about energy and technology.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation - Pyramid by Norman Foster hosting exhibitions, concerts, and interfaith conferences.
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Massive museum tracing Kazakh history, ethnography, and rich archaeological collections.
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center - Gigantic transparent tent with shops, indoor beach, and family attractions.
Atameken (Ethno-Memorial Complex) - Miniature scale model presenting Kazakhstan’s cities, landscapes, and cultural landmarks in detail.
Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Extensive archives and exhibitions documenting modern Kazakhstan and Nursultan Nazarbayev’s presidency.
Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall - Impressively curved building hosting classical concerts and occasional international events.
National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Architectural library with reading rooms and exhibitions, popular among students and researchers.
Yesil River Embankment - Pleasant riverside promenade featuring sculptures, cafes, and evening light installations.
Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve (Saryarka) - Important wetland sanctuary hosting pink flamingos and migrating birds, reachable by car.
Burabay National Park (Borovoe) - Forest-ringed lakes, dramatic rock formations and short hiking trails near resort villages.
ALZHIR Museum and Memorial - Memorial complex remembering victims of Stalin-era camps, with sobering exhibitions and grounds.
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Neighborhoods of Astana#
Central District
Astana’s Central District is where the city shows off: wide boulevards, sculptural buildings and the Bayterek viewpoint. It’s tourist-friendly and easy to navigate, with a good mix of restaurants and central hotels.
Dining: Diverse · Nightlife: Rooftop Bars · Shopping: Malls · Stays: Luxury
Top Spots
- Bayterek Tower - the city’s symbol and a must-see viewpoint.
- Presidential area & central avenues - modern architecture and cafés.
- City parklands - green space along the river.
Left Bank / New City
This is the flashy, recently built side of Astana: imaginative architecture, big hotels and spaces designed for grand events. It’s ideal if you want to see the city’s futuristic side and visit major attractions in a single day.
Dining: Modern · Nightlife: Lively · Shopping: Boutiques · Stays: Mid-Range
Top Spots
- Khan Shatyr - inflatable shopping and entertainment megastructure.
- Hazret Sultan Mosque - one of Central Asia’s largest mosques.
- Palace of Peace and Reconciliation - the glass pyramid landmark.
Expo & Riverfront
Focused on exhibition spaces and easy river walks, this area is calmer but packed with modern museums and architecture. Good for families and anyone who wants to stroll between attractions without the crowd.
Dining: Cafés · Nightlife: Quiet · Shopping: Museums · Stays: Mid-Range
Top Spots
- Nur Alem (Expo sphere) - futuristic pavilion and exhibitions.
- Esil riverfront - pleasant walks and museums along the river.
- Cultural centres - rotating exhibitions and events.
Plan Your Visit to Astana#
Best Time to Visit Astana#
Visit Astana from late spring through early autumn (May-September) for mild to warm weather, long daylight, and outdoor events. Winters are extremely cold and windy, best avoided unless you want dramatic snowy scenes and heavy cold‑weather gear.
November - March
-35 to -10 °C (-31 to 14 °F)
Brutally cold and windy with frequent sub‑30°C snaps; outdoor activities rare - only go if you love dramatic snowy cityscapes and heavy winter clothing.
April - May
-5 to 15 °C (23 to 59 °F)
Short, unpredictable thaw - sudden warm sunny days mix with chilly winds and dust; best for quieter city exploration before peak summer crowds arrive.
June - September
15 to 30 °C (59 to 86 °F)
Warm, surprisingly pleasant summers with long daylight, festivals, and easy walking - can briefly reach high 30s; bring sun protection and expect occasional gusty winds.
Astana's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -19°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -19°C. The driest month with just 14 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with 47 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Astana#
Astana is served primarily via Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (TSE) and by regular long‑distance trains at Nurly Zhol and Astana‑1 stations. Arrival options include airport buses and taxis; intercity rail and coach services connect the capital with other major Kazakh cities.
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (TSE): The city’s main airport is Nursultan Nazarbayev International (often still listed as TSE). From the terminal you can take airport shuttle buses and regular city buses into town, use ride‑hailing apps (Yandex.Taxi, InDriver) or traditional taxis. Expect taxi rides to central Astana to take about 20-35 minutes and cost roughly 2,000-4,000 KZT; an airport bus or shuttle to the city typically takes 30-45 minutes and fares are usually in the low hundreds of KZT (around 200-400 KZT), depending on the service.
(Other airports): There are no major commercial airports inside the city besides TSE; nearby regional airports (for example in Karaganda) serve their own cities and require a separate road or rail connection to Astana.
Train: Astana’s main rail hub is the modern Nurly Zhol (New) station; the older Astana‑1 station also handles trains. Long‑distance trains connect Astana with Almaty, Karaganda, Pavlodar and other regional centres. Overnight trains to Almaty typically take on the order of 17-22 hours; shorter routes such as Karaganda take around 3-4 hours. Ticket prices vary by class and route - expect economy/platzkart‑style fares for long trips from roughly 2,000 KZT upward and reserved/kupe or sleeper tickets to be several thousand KZT more.
Bus: Long‑distance and regional buses depart from the city’s central bus terminal (Avtovokzal) and run to Karaganda, Kokshetau, Kostanay, Pavlodar and other regional destinations. Road travel times depend on distance (for example Astana-Karaganda ~3-4 hours). Fares are route‑dependent; short regional trips are typically a few hundred KZT while longer intercity bus tickets can run from a few hundred to a couple of thousand KZT.
How to Get Around Astana#
Astana is best navigated with a mix of ride‑hailing or taxis for convenience and public buses for cheap local travel; trains and coaches connect to other cities. For short trips around central districts, walking is practical - for longer or winter journeys choose a taxi or scheduled service.
- Taxis & ride‑hailing (Yandex.Taxi, InDriver) (200-4,000 KZT) - Ride‑hailing apps are the most convenient way to get around the city for door‑to‑door trips - cars are plentiful and fares are transparent. Short inner‑city rides typically cost a few hundred to a couple of thousand KZT depending on distance and demand; airport transfers are commonly 2,000-4,000 KZT. Tip: compare Yandex and InDriver offers; request a fixed fare for airport pickups.
- City buses & marshrutkas (100-200 KZT) - Astana’s public buses and privately run marshrutka minibuses cover most districts and are the cheapest option for local travel. Fares for city buses and marshrutkas are small (usually in the low hundreds of KZT); exact fares depend on route and payment method. Schedules can be irregular outside peak hours, and routes may be easier to navigate with a map app or local help.
- Intercity trains (Nurly Zhol, Astana‑1) (From ~2,000 KZT (short/low‑class) to several thousand KZT) - Trains are comfortable for longer distances and overnight travel; Nurly Zhol is the primary modern station for most long‑distance services. Expect overnight journeys to Almaty to take around 17-22 hours and shorter regional trips (e.g. Karaganda) around 3-4 hours. Book tickets in advance for popular routes and higher‑class berths; prices vary widely by class and distance.
- Long‑distance buses (central Avtovokzal) (300-2,500 KZT) - Regional coach services depart the central bus station for nearby oblast centres and border towns. Buses are frequent on major corridors and are often cheaper than trains for some routes, though journeys can be longer by road. Travel times and fares vary by destination - shorter hops cost a few hundred KZT, longer intercity trips cost up to a couple of thousand.
- Car rental (From ~5,000 KZT/day) - Renting a car gives flexibility for day trips outside the city (national parks, steppe excursions) and is useful if you plan to explore the region. Daily rental rates vary by vehicle and season; budget for fuel and tolls where applicable. Driving in the city is straightforward but watch for occasional icy conditions in winter.
- Walking - Central Astana is relatively compact with many attractions clustered along the river and key boulevards, so walking is often the fastest way to move between nearby sights. Pavements are generally good; winters are extremely cold so limit walking then and plan indoor alternatives.
Where to Stay in Astana#
Ablay Khan / Centar - $20-50/night
Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels are available across the city; expect simple rooms with good public transport links.
Budget Guesthouses & Hostels - Cheap rooms near transport links
Hostels in Astana - Affordable, basic amenities
Yesil / City Centre - $60-140/night
Many international and reliable mid-range hotels with good breakfasts, business facilities, and convenient access to the city centre.
Rixos President Astana - Reliable mid-to-upscale chain hotel
Radisson Blu (Astana) - Comfortable rooms, business facilities
Yesil / City Centre - $150-350/night
Astana has true five-star international hotels offering spacious rooms, fine dining, and extensive facilities for business and leisure travelers.
Rixos President Astana - Large hotel with premium amenities
The St. Regis / Similar Luxury - High-end service and rooms
Yesil / City Centre - $70-200/night
Stay near Bayterek and the Presidential District for easy access to major sights, museums, and restaurants for first-time visitors.
Hotels near Bayterek Tower - Central, great sightseeing access
Rixos President Astana - Easy hub for exploring the city
Yesil / City Centre - $80-250/night
Large hotels and serviced apartments offer family rooms, kitchenettes, and pools - good choices for longer stays with children.
Family Apartments & Suites - More space and kitchen facilities
Rixos President Astana - Family rooms and on-site dining
Yesil / City Centre - $50-180/night
Good internet infrastructure and numerous co-working spaces; choose central apartments or hotels near business districts for convenience.
Co-working Spaces & Apartments - Multiple co-working options citywide
Midrange Hotels - Good Wi‑Fi and business centers
Where to Eat in Astana#
Astana’s dining scene is modern and eclectic: government buildings and new towers bring a mix of Kazakh, Russian and international restaurants. You can find traditional dishes like manty and beshbarmak alongside steak houses such as Line Brew and Central Asian eateries like Kishlak. High-end hotels and shopping districts serve reliable international cuisine.
Vegetarians have growing options - specialty cafés, Asian restaurants and markets stocked with produce make plant-based eating straightforward in the capital.
Astana blends Kazakh staples (beshbarmak, manty) with Central Asian and Russian flavours in both traditional and modern settings.
- Line Brew (Astana) - Central spot for steaks and draft beer.
- Kishlak - Central Asian dishes and plov in a homely setting.
- Kaganat Food Market - Local producers, breads and Kazakh snacks.
You’ll find reliable international fare in Astana: European bistros, Georgian eateries and hotel restaurants serving global dishes.
- Tsum/Esentai area restaurants - European bistros and international chains.
- Daredzhani (Georgian) - Georgian dumplings and grilled dishes.
- Signature hotel restaurants - Global menus and fusion cuisine for visitors.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly easy to find: dedicated cafés, Asian restaurants and markets offer plant-based dishes.
- Vegan-friendly cafés - Salads, bowls and plant-based options downtown.
- Korean and Japanese spots - Vegetable tempura and tofu dishes available.
- Markets (Zelyony Bazaar) - Fresh fruits, nuts and dairy alternatives.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Astana’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Astana#
Astana’s nightlife is modern and concentrated along the river and major boulevards: think Ishim River promenades, the pedestrian Nurzhol Boulevard (Baiterek area), and entertainment hubs inside big shopping centres like Khan Shatyr. You’ll find brewpubs, hotel bars and late-night clubs; weekends run late, especially in upscale spots. Dress smart-casual at trendier venues, use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps, and expect wide opening hours compared with smaller Kazakh cities.
Best Bets
- Nurzhol Boulevard (Baiterek area) - Central promenade with bars, restaurants and river views.
- Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre - Shopping, restaurants and late-night dining under an iconic roof.
- Ishim River promenade - Riverside cafés and terraces popular at sundown.
- Line Brew (brewpub) - Local chain brewpub with hearty food and beer selection.
- Hotel bars & rooftop lounges - Upscale cocktails and evening views in major hotels.
- Clubs and live-music venues - Nightclubs and venues that host DJs and live acts.
Shopping in Astana#
Astana’s shopping scene mixes landmark retail architecture with modern malls. Khan Shatyr is the city’s most famous shopping-entertainment complex, while Keruen City and Mega Silk Way host international chains and local boutiques. For local crafts and Kazakh souvenirs, smaller shops in the city center and souvenir stalls near tourist sites are best; malls have fixed prices and frequent sales.
Best Bets
- Khan Shatyr - Iconic tent‑shaped mall with shops, restaurants and indoor park.
- Keruen City Shopping Mall - Large shopping and entertainment complex with big‑name stores.
- Mega Silk Way - Major shopping centre with fashion outlets and family entertainment.
- Local shopping centres and malls - Cluster of malls with electronics, fashion and seasonal discounts.
- City centre souvenir shops - Small boutiques selling Kazakh crafts and traditional textiles.
- Central food markets - Markets for local produce, preserves and Kazakh dairy products.
Digital Nomads in Astana#
Demographics
