Astana city guide & audio tour
Akmola Region, Kazakhstan
About Astana
Astana – the phoenix of the Kazakh steppe
In just a few short decades this once‑razed railway outpost has reinvented itself into a futuristic capital. In 1997 the Kazakh government officially moved the seat of power from Almaty to Astana (now officially Nur‑Sultan), and within a generation the city’s skyline has filled with daring, steel‑clad structures that make it feel more like a science‑fiction set than a conventional capital. With a population of over 814 000 and perched at 51° N, 71° E, the city has become the political and economic pulse of Kazakhstan while staying snugly in the Asia/Almaty time zone.
What makes Astana culturally distinctive is its blend of steppe nomadic heritage and modern nation‑building. While glittering towers dominate the horizon, the Kazakh tradition of “Kymyz‑drinking gatherings” still thrives—visitors are often invited to share a bowl of fermented mare’s milk in a Yurt‑style lounge, a ritual that “binds the past to the present” for locals. The city also hosts the annual “Nauryz” spring festival, a colorful three‑day celebration of renewal, where you’ll see street performances, traditional “kuy” (horse‑racing) competitions, and the scent of baursaks (fried dough) wafting through the boulevards.
No trip to Astana would be complete without a stop at the emblematic Baiterek Tower. Standing 105 m tall, this iconic monument is modeled after a mythical tree of life; its soaring glass sphere offers a panoramic view of the city’s daring architecture and endless steppe beyond. From the observation deck you can literally see the “future” that Kazakhstan’s leaders imagined when they chose this remote spot to become the republic’s capital. And if you have time, a stroll through the newly unveiled Khan Shatyr – a massive transparent tent‑like shopping and entertainment complex will give you a taste of how the city marries tradition (the yurt shape) with avant‑garde design.
So whether you’re marveling at the city’s lightning‑fast rise, sipping kymyz beside a modern chrome yurt, or gazing out from Baiterek’s crystal sphere, Astana—now Nur‑Sultan—offers a uniquely Kazakh story that’s still being written, one striking skyline and one heartfelt toast at a time.
Top attractions in Astana
Бауыржану Момышулы
Жамбыл
Русский Академический театр драмы им М.Горького
А. С. Пушкину
Погибшим в Афганистане
Государственный театр танца
Кенесары
Зона отдыха Причал
Зона отдыха Разгуляй
Триумфальная арка
Стелла "Звезда Астаны"
Театр кукол
Памятник Сакену Сейфуллину
Атамекен — макетная карта Казахстана
Астана-Экспо КС
Центр обслуживания населения района Есиль
Қазақ елі
ЦОН Есильского района
Памятник "Жанибек и Керей хандары"
Фонтан "Дерево жизни"
Self-guided walking tour of Astana
This one-day itinerary explores Astana's modern architectural marvels and cultural highlights in the city's central Left Bank area. The tour focuses on iconic landmarks that showcase Kazakhstan's contemporary identity, blending history, culture, and entertainment. Duration: 6-8 hours, starting in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. Key insights: Astana (now Nur-Sultan) is known for its…
- Astana Opera – Visit Astana Opera for its stunning neo-futurist design and Kazakh cultural performances. Take a guided tour if available. Short walk or taxi from Khan Shatyr (10 min). Best in afternoon; check for shows, but tours run daily. Allow 45…
- Национальный музей Республики Казахстан – End at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, housing exhibits on history and ethnography. It's a must-see for cultural depth. Close to Palace (10 min walk). Allow 1.5-2 hours; opens 10 AM. Warning: Large site, wear…
Facts about Astana
- Capital Renaming Astana was renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 to honor former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, but reverted to Astana in 2022 following public demand.
- Planned Modern City Designed as a futuristic capital by architect Kisho Kurokawa, Astana features bold, innovative architecture symbolizing Kazakhstan's independence and progress.
- Multiple Name Changes The city has undergone several renamings, from Akmolinsk in the 19th century to Tselinograd during the Soviet era, then Akmola, Nur-Sultan, and back to Astana.
- Extreme Climate Astana experiences one of the world's widest temperature ranges, with winters dropping below -40°C and summers reaching over 30°C, highlighting its steppe location.
Explore Astana with the GuideX app
Audio stories for every place, an interactive map and personal walking routes. Free to download on iOS and Android.