Astana travel guide
Akmola Region, Kazakhstan
About Astana
Welcome to Astana – the glittering heart of Kazakhstan!
Imagine a city that leapt from a modest provincial town to the nation’s capital in just a few short years. In 1997 President Nursultan Nazar‑bekov moved the seat of power from Almaty to this former Soviet‑era settlement—then called Akmola—triggering a spectacular urban metamorphosis. Within a decade, new skylines of daring glass and steel rose from the steppe, earning the city the world‑record title (in 2007) for the fastest‑built capital in history. With a population of over 814 000 residents and lying at the crossroads of latitude 51.10°, longitude 71.50°, Astana winks at you from the Asia/Almaty time zone, ready to surprise every traveler who steps onto its streets.
Culture here isn’t just a footnote; it’s woven into the very fabric of daily life.
One of the most vibrant traditions you’ll encounter is Nauryz, the Persian‑new‑year celebration that marks the spring equinox. In Astana, the holiday bursts into a city‑wide festival of chestnut‑roasting stalls, folk music, and dazzling displays of the Kazakh yurt—a portable, tent‑like home that many locals still erect for special gatherings. Even the modern skyline pays homage: a stylized “standing tree” of yurts sits beside cutting‑edge architecture, reminding visitors that while the city looks ahead, it never forgets its nomadic roots.
No visit would be complete without marveling at the city’s signature icon: the Bayterek Tower.
Rising 105 meters into the heavens, Bayterek (meaning “tall poplar”) celebrates the legend of the mythical bird that laid its egg at the top of a giant tree—symbolising the rebirth of the Kazakh nation. Ride the glass‑enclosed elevators for a panoramic view that captures the sweeping steppe, the curling Ishim River, and the shimmering mosaics of the surrounding government buildings. It’s the perfect spot to snap a souvenir photo, especially when the “golden egg” observation deck shines like a futuristic sunrise.
So whether you’re fascinated by a city that rewrote its own map in record time, eager to join a centuries‑old Nauryz festivity, or simply drawn to the futuristic silhouette of Bayterek, Astana (formerly Nur‑Sultan) promises an unforgettable blend of daring modernity and warm Kazakh soul. Pack a sense of adventure—and maybe a spare yurt‑cushion—you’ll need it for the spectacular ride ahead!
Top attractions in Astana
Байтерек
Imagine a slender, silver‑blue needle thrust skyward from the heart of Nur‑Sultan, its crown cradling a brilliant golden sphere that gleams like a sunrise egg. That is Bay Terek — literally “tall poplar” in Kazakh — and it isn’t merely an office block in disguise; it is the modern embodiment of a centuries‑old…
Хан Шатыр
Rising like a gleaming sail against the crisp Kazakh sky, the Khan Shatyr—literally “Grand Marquee”—is the city’s own piece of futuristic folklore. When you first gaze up at its towering 90‑metre‑tall transparent envelope, you’re actually looking at a 150‑metre‑tall spire‑crowned oasis that was unveiled by President…
Астана Арена
Rising from the wide, snow‑kissed steppe of Kazakhstan’s new capital, the Astana Arena dominates the tarmac of Týran Avenue like a gleaming comet frozen mid‑flight. Its sleek, elliptical silhouette is unmissable—a two‑tiered amphitheater of glass and steel that houses exactly 30,000 seats, each one offering a clear…
Дворец мира и согласия
Gazing up at the soaring 62‑metre pyramid, you’re looking at a literal beacon of dialogue in the heart of Astana’s Presidential Park. Designed by the world‑renowned Foster and Partners, this sleek, golden‑glowing structure rises from a 15‑metre earth‑covered podium, its pale granite base giving way to a dazzling…
Астана Опера
The massive marble façade of Astana Opera glistens under the steppe sun, its grand portico echoing ancient Greek temples while unmistakably Kazakh with frescoes of the emerald‑green waters of Burabay and the scarlet cliffs of Sharyn Canyon woven into the stonework. As you stand before this 9‑hectare cultural beacon…
Национальный музей Республики Казахстан
Just a short stroll from the bustling streets of Almaty, the glass‑clad façade of the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan greets you with a sleek, angular silhouette that mirrors the country’s forward‑looking spirit. Opened on 2 July 2014, the museum’s inaugural day was more than a ribbon‑cutting—it marked…
Дворец Независимости
Rising from the glimmering line of проспект Тауелсыздык, the Palace of Independence commands the eye with its sleek, three‑storey glass façade that seems to capture the endless steppe sky and reflect it back onto the city below. Even from the first glimpse, you can tell this isn’t just any community centre – the…
Абудаби Плаза
Астана
KeruenCity
Нұрсұлтан Назарбаев Халықаралық әуежайы
Дворец спорта Казахстан
Барыс Арена
Велотрек Сарыарка
Выставочный центр "Корме"
Музей первого президента РК Н.А.Назарбаева
Думан
Золотой Фазан
Назарбаев центр-2
Студия 1337
One-day walking route in Astana
A one-day introductory tour of Astana's modern architectural and cultural highlights, focusing on the city's futuristic skyline and key landmarks. This 6-8 hour itinerary emphasizes central locations for efficient travel, blending history, culture, and entertainment. Start in the morning to avoid crowds and peak heat, using walking or short taxi rides between sites.
- Байтерек – Begin at Baiterek, the iconic 97-meter tower symbolizing Kazakhstan's independence. Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck (open 10 AM-9 PM; entry fee ~2000 KZT). Best in morning light; allow 45-60 minutes. Warning: Long queues…
- Дворец мира и согласия – Walk or short taxi (10 min) to Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a pyramid-shaped venue for interfaith harmony. Explore the main hall and exhibitions (open 10 AM-6 PM; guided tours available). Spend 45 minutes; it's air-conditioned…
- Дворец Независимости – Proceed east (5-10 min walk) to Palace of Independence, showcasing Kazakhstan's state history with interactive displays (open 10 AM-6 PM; entry ~500 KZT). Allocate 30-45 minutes. It's nearby for easy flow; warning: Limited English…
- Национальный музей Республики Казахстан – Adjacent to the previous site (2-min walk), visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan for comprehensive exhibits on history and ethnography (open 10 AM-7 PM; entry ~2000 KZT). Dedicate 1-1.5 hours. Lunch break here at the…
- Хан Шатыр – Taxi south (15 min) to Khan Shatyr, a unique tent-shaped entertainment center with shops, beach, and views (open 10 AM-10 PM; free entry, paid activities). Spend 1 hour relaxing or shopping. End the day here for a fun wind-down; warning…
Facts about Astana
- Renamed Multiple Times Astana was known as Tselinograd during the Soviet era and renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 to honor former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, before reverting to Astana in 2022.
- Planned Capital City Designated as Kazakhstan's capital in 1997, Astana was transformed from a provincial town into a futuristic metropolis with bold, modern architecture in the harsh steppe climate.
- Bayterek Symbol The iconic Bayterek Tower, resembling a tree from Kazakh folklore, represents the city's growth and offers panoramic views from its golden sphere at 97 meters high.
- Extreme Winters Astana experiences some of the coldest winters in the world, with average January temperatures dropping to -19°C, yet it features innovative tent-like structures for year-round leisure.
- Cultural Melting Pot As the political heart of Central Asia's largest country, Astana blends Kazakh nomadic heritage with Soviet influences and contemporary global designs in its urban landscape.
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.