About Astana

Astana, now called Nur-Sultan, is the youngest capital and the coldest city of Kazakhstan. Flashy and urbane, you’re bound to be fascinated by its futuristic buildings and modern architecture. In 1997, Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev moved the capital from Almaty to the then newly-named Astana. The city is a paradise of modern architecture. It is one of those cities that feels a bit like an alternate universe with its massive buildings, impressive architecture and even a man-made beach inside a mall. It is home to a pyramid that can expand and a tower with a golden egg. Nur-Sultan (Astana) is easy to get around with a good network of public transport. The Bayterek tower is undoubtedly the focal point of this city — a beautiful spot from which to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the summit. Another unique aspect in the city is Khan Shatyr, the largest tent in the world by the famous British architect Lord Norman Foster. It houses a shopping mall in a tent-like structure designed like a traditional yurt.  Apart from its glamorous modern architecture, the city also boasts of great food, parks, alleys, and welcoming people. You’ll find everything from free museums to concert halls. Nur-Sultan (Astana) is an intriguing city and one you should definitely experience once in your lifetime.

Public Transport System

Public transport includes buses, taxis, train and renting bikes.

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Efficiency: Moderate to high, Cleanliness: High

Mode & Cost of Transports

The most common and inexpensive way to travel inside the city is the bus service.
Bus 10 connects the airport and the city center and runs from 6.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a frequency of a 5 to15 minute interval.
The cost is around 90 KZT, for baggage, the charge will be extra.
A taxi from the airport to the city center is about 5 to12 USD.
Taxi drivers do not use the meters mostly, so prices should be negotiated before setting off.
Another option to travel is renting a car from local rental companies include Hertz Caspian and Tipoa, and the prices will be around 2,000 KZT per day
The City-Cycle Bikes are also available for rent.

The fare on the bus and trolley 0.22 USD = 80. KZT payment at the entrance to the driver. Locals have travel cards, which are activated in the validator.
Bike rental on average for 4,1 USD = 1 500 KZT per day you can rent a bike.
 

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle KZT 137.00
Cup of Coffee KZT 738.00
Milk Carton Pack KZT 274.00
Rice/Kg KZT 283.00
White Bread KZT 108.00
Eggs (12) KZT 366.00
Combo Meal KZT 2500.00
Fine Dining KZT 10000.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi KZT 199.00
Domestic Beer KZT 600.00
Imported Beer KZT 700.00
Bottle of Wine KZT 2000.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) KZT 400.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) KZT 100.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). KZT 165.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) KZT 120200.00

Dos:

  • Try the popular national dish besbarmak once. It is boiled horsemeat served with broth mixed with yogurt.
  • Try the many and varied microbreweries in the city.
  • Stroll across the Fish Bridge  the exquisite details of the fish-like structure will blow your mind.
  • Admire the beautiful street art while you're walking around the city.
  • Make sure you take travel and medical insurance before the journey.
  • Walk around the waterfront after sunset to see all the buildings beautifully illuminated at night.
  • Go to the top of the Bayterek tower to get 360-degree views of the entire city.
  • Leave tips at restaurants as these are appreciated.
  • Although plenty of ATMs are available, it's advisable to have cash in hand.

 

Don'ts: 

  • Alcohol consumption is allowed only in licensed bars, pubs or restaurants.
  • As a tourist, respect and abide by the religious sentiments of the local people.
  • Be aware of and follow the social etiquette so that the local people accept you better.
  • During religious holidays and fasting, alcohol consumption is prohibited.
  • Do not make independent tours to the outskirts of Astana.
  • As a tourist, be sensitive to local dress codes and behavior standards.
  • Always carry valuables in safety pocket or bags.
  • Don't give original passports or driving licenses to anyone including the traffic cops. Instead, carry laminated copies.

Night Life

Due to its happening nightlife, Nur-Sultan (Astana) is considered to be a dream destination. Stroll around to admire the beauty of the city at night or take the bus on route 10 to check out the glory of the night 
The party goes on in Nur-Sultan (Astana) till the wee hours of the morning with clubs closing at 4 a.m. Some of the best nightclubs, preferred by both locals and travelers are: The Chocolate Room  it's open until around 4 a.m and  offers free admission on select days; Pub 69  famous for its rock music and live performances, which makes it different from other pubs, and free entry; and Fashion  a club that is famous for its influential DJs.

There are also several other pubs you can take your pick from to enjoy a good evening. You don't need to drink to enjoy a good gig — many pubs offer live music you can groove to. Dress to impress and look great as your entry into clubs depends on it. Carry cash with you as most clubs charge entrance fees.

Must See

  • Take a walking tour through Nurzhol Boulevard — a beautiful pedestrian stretch connecting the major attractions.
  • Watch excellent performances by global opera and ballet companies in the famous Opera House.
  • Visit the Aquarium at Duman, which has over 3000 creatures from the world’s oceans and a 70-meter shark tunnel.
  • Check out the Nur Alem Pavilion, popularized during the Expo 2017. Now serving as the Museum of the Future, it is an impressive centerpiece — the largest fully spherical building in the world.
  • Walk through the charming Old Town. Have a coffee at one of the friendly cafes and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  • To escape from the excesses of modern Astana, take a day trip to Burabay and enjoy the serenity of nature. Participate in water activities and activities like rock climbing, cycling, and hiking.

Experiences

  • Hop on one of the boats that can take you around to see the city from the Ishim river.
  • Visit the Family Rest Center Ailand and enjoy the many attractions, waterslides, swimming pools, artificial rivers, and the flows.
  • Experience the Ferris Wheel in the Duman Entertainment Centre.
  • To relax and enjoy a pool in summer, visit the Sky Beach Club.
  • Visit Arba Wine to find out how the wine in Kazakhstan is made and enjoy a wine tasting.

Activities

Shopping

Salon Talisman
Antique Markets
Respublika Ave 7, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
3.6 KM
Mega Silk Way
Flea Markets and Bazaars
010000, Qabanbay Batyr Ave 62, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
11.7 KM
Sine Tempore
Shopping Malls
Beibitshilik Street 9, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
4.1 KM
Artyom Shopping Center
Shopping Malls
Säken Seyfullin Street 47, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
3.1 KM
Ecostyle-Astana
Shopping Malls
Baktyoraz Beysekbayev St 18, Nur-Sultan 020000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
1.7 KM
Asia Park Mall
Antique Markets
Qabanbay Batyr Ave 21, Nur-Sultan 020000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
7.3 KM
Mega-Astana
Shopping Malls
4 010000, Qorghalzhyn Hwy 1, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
7.8 KM
Khan Shatyr
Shopping Malls
Turan Ave 37, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
6.7 KM
Svadba.kz
Shopping Malls
Bauyrzhan Momyshuly Ave 2/5, Nur-Sultan 020000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
4.9 KM
Shopping-Entertainment Center Saryarqa
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Turan Ave., 24 | crossroads of Sarayshik and Turan streets, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
0 km
Empire
Antique Markets
Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
10.7
Ramstore - Mega
Shopping Malls
Mega, 1st fl., Qorghalzhyn Hwy 1, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
6.7 KM
Chocolate Shop
Antique Markets
Business Center Moskva, Dostyq St 18, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
6.4 km
Kiss Chocolaterie
Antique Markets
Nur-Sultan 020000, Kazakhstan
Distance From City Center
5.6 km
  • Chocolate- Travellers mostly love to buy chocolates as it is handy and the best thing to gift friends and family. Try the chocolate bar from chocolate factory Rakhat, the unique feature is that the chocolate bar is beautifully wrapped in an eye-arresting gift paper and it can be found in many supermarkets. The price of the chocolate starts at 265 KZT.
  • Bal-Bala- The traditional Kazakhstani folk toy Bal-Bal is another unique souvenir from the city. The toys can dance and speak in their language.
  • Empire- For good home decor items, fashion accessories and stationery items made in the country style, the Empire is the perfect place to visit. A good collection of men's watches and women's scarves are also there.
  • Honey from camel's thorn- Camel thorn honey which is scientifically proven to be effective for various diseases is also preferred by visitors.
  • Shi Bauyrsak, Semipalatinsk- Bauyrsaks is a traditional dish which is mostly served with tea. These bauyrsaks in Kazakh are called shiyrtpak. 
  • Caviar- The Country is famous for its seafood and most of the fish factory has the production of black and red caviar. One of the biggest suppliers of natural, non-pasteurized caviar in Kazakhstan is Inkar Caviar. Mostly the good quality caviar is packed in a glass jar so it won't be difficult to get it home. 
  • Sary Arka- One of the famous malls in the city where one can get traditional accessories by renowned designers as also interesting wall hangings which are available here.
  • Talisman- the Best place to buy souvenirs where one can get felt yurts, hats, porcelain and many more.
  • Souvenir.kz, Karaganda- The one who is fond of leather goods can visit here for a wide range of leather products. Apart from leather, the store also has wood products, metal products, porcelain, national clothes, jewelry, weapons, musical instruments, toys, paintings.
  • Dombyra is a musical instrument popular in the country. To explore the country's soulful music one can take it home.
  • Ceramic and porcelain gifts- In many international exhibitions in the city, ceramic, and porcelain gifts are a  popular choice. There are also many shops around the city where one can get unique porcelain gifts.
  • Painting- The art form which can be used in the decoration of house, office or can be given as a memorable gift. Some of the eye-catching paintings of the city are Cityscapes with Astana views, Classical still life, National-style painting, creative abstract art of Kazakh culture and many more.

Official Language

Kazakh, Russian

Other Language

German, English, Turkish, Ukra... Read more

Spoken Language

Both Kazakh and Russian are of... Read more

Currency

Tenge (KZT)

Population

1.084 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

---

Clock Icon

TimeZone

---

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

112

 

Police Icon

Police

112

 

Electric socket

Type C
Type C ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Type F
Type F ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport - TSE

Best time to visit

April, May, September, OctoberThe city has typical Asian weather and it can become very hot in summer.The best time to visit is either spring or fall. The best weather for sightseeing is between May and September.Around September, the summer heat begins to fade away. However, there might be some rainfall towards the end of the season. It's better to carry a rain jacket at this time.

Moderate time to visit

June, July, AugustThese are the summer months when the temperature climbs up to around 80° F with scorching heat.Though for general outdoor tourist activities these are also the best months to visit.

Worst time to visit

November, December, January, February, MarchWinters are extremely cold and windy with an average temperature of -17C. The entire city gets buried under the snow for days.If you plan on visiting Astana during the winter, make sure you pack winter essentials especially warm clothes.

Taxi

Start Tariff: KZT 500.00

1 Km. Tariff: KZT 100.00

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: KZT 1800.00

Available service

  • Airbnb Logo
  • Vrbo Logo
  • Uber Logo

Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Astana (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Kazakhstan

Top Cities in Kazakhstan