· KZ

Astana

Astana, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

Astana: A Futuristic Oasis on the Kazakh Steppe Imagine a city rising from the vast Kazakh steppe, a dazzling spectacle of glass and steel, where ancient nomadic traditions meet cutting-edge architecture. This is Astana,…

#Capital city#Modern architecture#Central Asia#Government buildings#Eurasian Union

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Astana.

Top Hotels in Astana

Top Flights to Astana

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Astana.

Tours

Baiterek Tower Visit

Visit the iconic Baiterek Tower, which symbolizes the capital of Kazakhstan. Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck.

Astana Opera House Tour

Explore the Astana Opera, a grand opera house offering a variety of performances. Discover its stunning architecture and enjoy world-class productions.

Shopping

Mega Silk Way Shopping Mall

Experience shopping at Mega Silk Way, a large mall featuring international brands, dining, and entertainment options.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre

Visit Khan Shatyr, a unique tent-like structure offering shopping, dining, and an indoor beach.

Outdoor

Park of Lovers

A beautiful park ideal for leisurely walks and picnics, offering a serene setting with sculptures and fountains.

Astana Botanical Garden

Explore the diverse flora and themed landscapes of the Astana Botanical Garden, suitable for all ages.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Astana.

Currency

₸ | KZT | Kazakhstani Tenge

Population

1.3 million

Languages

Kazakh, Russian

Average weather

Astana

Jan

-10°-18°

Feb

-8°-17°

Mar

-1°-10°

Apr

11°-1°

May

19°6°

Jun

24°12°

Jul

26°15°

Aug

25°13°

Sep

18°7°

Oct

9°0°

Nov

-2°-10°

Dec

-8°-16°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Astana.

What people love

Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan, has several pros for travelers to consider:

Modern Architecture: Astana/Nur-Sultan is known for its impressive modern architecture, with skyscrapers, futuristic buildings, and unique structures such as the Baiterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. It offers a visually stunning urban landscape that is unlike any other city in the region.
Cultural Diversity: As the capital city, Astana/Nur-Sultan is a melting pot of different cultures, traditions, and influences. Travelers can experience a mix of Kazakh, Russian, and other ethnic cultures through food, art, music, and festivals.
Green Spaces: Despite being a modern city, Astana/Nur-Sultan boasts numerous parks and green spaces that offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The Ishim River and the Central Park are popular spots for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Winter Sports: Astana/Nur-Sultan experiences cold winters, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding in and around the city.
Shopping and Dining: The city has a vibrant shopping scene, with modern malls, traditional markets, and boutique stores offering a wide range of products. Additionally, Astana/Nur-Sultan has a diverse food scene, with restaurants serving traditional Kazakh cuisine as well as international dishes.
Cultural Attractions: Nur-Sultan boasts several cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the rich history and heritage of Kazakhstan. The National Museum of Kazakhstan and the Astana Opera are must-visit venues for those interested in learning more about the country's culture.

Overall, traveling to Astana/Nur-Sultan offers a unique blend of modernity, culture, and natural beauty that can appeal to a wide range of travelers.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, include:

Harsh Climate: Astana experiences extreme weather conditions with very cold winters and hot summers. This can make it challenging to explore the city comfortably, especially for travelers not accustomed to such weather.
Language Barrier: Kazakh and Russian are the primary languages spoken in Astana, and English may not be widely spoken. This could pose a communication barrier for tourists trying to navigate the city or interact with locals.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: As a relatively new capital city, Astana may have limited tourist infrastructure compared to more established travel destinations. Accommodation options, transportation services, and tourist attractions may be less developed.
Cultural Differences: Travelers to Astana should be aware of and respectful of local customs and traditions. It's important to familiarize oneself with Kazakh culture to ensure a positive and respectful travel experience.
Limited English Signage: While efforts have been made to improve English signage in Astana, it may still be limited in some areas. This could make getting around the city and understanding directions challenging for English-speaking tourists.

Remember that these are potential cons and may not be applicable to all travelers. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to mitigate any challenges you may encounter while traveling to Astana, Kazakhstan.

Astana, known today as Nur-Sultan, is the capital of Kazakhstan, located in the northern part of the country along the Ishim River. The city has undergone several name changes and significant developments throughout its history.

Early History:

The area where Astana is located has been inhabited since ancient times, serving as a crossing point on the Ishim River.
In 1830, a Russian military outpost called Akmolinsk was established, marking the beginning of modern settlement in the region.

Soviet Era:

During the Soviet period, Akmolinsk grew as a regional center. In 1961, it was renamed Tselinograd as part of Nikita Khrushchev's Virgin Lands Campaign, which aimed to increase agricultural production by cultivating steppe areas.

Post-Soviet Developments:

After Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, Tselinograd was renamed Akmola in 1992.
In 1997, Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev decided to move the national capital from Almaty to Akmola. The move was completed in 1998, and the city was renamed Astana, meaning "capital" in Kazakh.

Astana Era:

As the new capital, Astana underwent rapid transformation and development. This included extensive construction projects designed by renowned architects such as Kisho Kurokawa and Norman Foster.
Significant landmarks constructed during this period include the Bayterek Tower, the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

Renaming to Nur-Sultan:

In 2019, following the resignation of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, the city was renamed Nur-Sultan in honor of the long-serving leader.

Significant Landmarks:

Bayterek Tower: A symbol of the city, representing a mythical tree of life, offering panoramic views of the city.
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center: A large transparent tent-like structure housing a shopping and entertainment complex.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation: A pyramid-shaped building designed to host peace and religious conferences.
Astana Opera: A grand opera house reflecting classic and modern architectural styles.
Hazret Sultan Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, showcasing Islamic architectural beauty.

Historical Figures:

Nursultan Nazarbayev: The first President of Kazakhstan, who played a crucial role in making Astana the capital and spearheading its development into a modern city.

Astana, now Nur-Sultan, continues to evolve as a central hub for political, economic, and cultural activities in Kazakhstan, embodying the country's aspirations and modernization efforts.