Things To Do
in Astana
Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, is a striking showcase of modern architecture and ambitious urban planning. The city features gleaming towers, wide boulevards, and futuristic landmarks like Bayterek and the Khan Shatyr, all set along the Ishim River. It blends Kazakh hospitality with a growing arts and dining scene, drawing visitors to museums, opera, and contemporary plazas.
Winters are severe and summers can be warm, making the city feel very alive across seasons.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Baiterek Tower, where you can take an elevator ride to the observation deck for stunning panoramic views of Astana. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local pastries and coffee while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Stroll through Nurzhol Boulevard, admiring the modern architecture and public art installations that line the promenade.
After lunch at a traditional Kazakh restaurant, head to the National Museum of Kazakhstan to delve into the rich history and culture of the country. Explore the diverse exhibits, including artifacts from the Silk Road and contemporary art pieces. Spend some time at the nearby Independence Square, where you can relax in the gardens or take photos with the impressive monuments.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Savor a fusion of Kazakh and international cuisine while the city lights twinkle below. Finish your day with a leisurely walk along the Ishim River, where you can enjoy the serene ambiance and perhaps catch a local performance in the park.
Start your day by visiting the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a striking pyramid-shaped building that hosts various cultural events. Take a guided tour to learn about its unique architecture and the symbolism behind its design. Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, indulging in local delicacies while discussing the morning's discoveries.
Next, visit the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a massive tent-like structure offering shopping, dining, and recreational activities. Spend your afternoon exploring the shops and perhaps unwinding at the indoor beach area. For lunch, try one of the many food stalls offering a taste of traditional Kazakh dishes.
As evening approaches, head to the Astana Opera House for a performance or guided tour of this architectural masterpiece. Enjoy a pre-show dinner at a nearby restaurant, where you can sample local wines and dishes. Post-performance, take a stroll through the surrounding gardens, enjoying the illuminated structures of the city.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
| 🚆Local transport (1 ride) | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Striking modern architecture and ongoing development makes the city visually exciting.
- Good safety record for a capital city and a growing cultural scene including opera and museums.
- Very cold winters and hot summers require seasonal preparation.
- Far distances between some attractions mean planned transport is useful; some sites are outside the core city.
- "Сәлеметсіз бе?" - Hello.
- "Раxмет" - Thank you.
- "Өтініш" - Please.
- "Кешіріңіз" - Excuse me / sorry.
- "Сіз ағылшын тілін сөйлей аласыз ба?" - Do you speak English?
- "Қайда жақын мейрамхана?" - Where is the nearest restaurant?
Places to Visit in Astana
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic viewpoint over the city with sweeping sightlines of the modern skyline and the Ishim River.
A striking glass-and-steel pyramid that reflects light beautifully at dusk and makes for dramatic architectural shots.
A transparent tent-like structure with dramatic lighting at night and reflections during the day.
A boulevard lined with futuristic buildings and fountains, ideal for architectural photography.
Hilltop viewpoints offering panoramic city vistas and a different skyline perspective.
Waterfront scenes at sunrise or sunset with the city’s gleaming towers in the background.
Food in Astana
Astana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Noodles with boiled meat and onion gravy, a Kazakh staple commonly found in older and modern restaurants alike.
Must-Try!
A regional twist on besbarmak using horse meat; available where traditional Kazakh dishes are served.
Horse meat sausage often served sliced as part of a platter or with ak zharma flatbread.
Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat, typical of Central Asian cuisine and widely available.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively spot to sample samsa, shashlik, fresh dairy, and bread from local vendors.
Casual stalls offering savory snacks, pastries, and warm drinks—great for a quick, inexpensive bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake with eye contact is common; greet elders with respect and use the right hand for giving or receiving items.
Smart casual is fine in most venues; modest dress is appreciated in religious sites and traditional settings.
In mosques or religious sites, dress modestly and women may be asked to cover hair; remove shoes where indicated.
Eat at a reasonable pace and use utensils appropriately; when visiting homes, a small gift is a thoughtful gesture.
Safety
Tipping in Astana
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated in cafes and restaurants if service charge isn’t included; 5-10% is common for good service. Tipping taxi drivers is optional but welcome if the ride was helpful.
Cash (Kazakhstani tenge) and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common in cities, and ATMs are plentiful in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; carry sun protection and water, note occasional dust and windy conditions in open areas.
Mild to cool temperatures with colorful foliage; packing light layers and a windbreaker is wise.
Very cold and often windy, with frequent snow. Dress in multiple warm layers, a heavy coat, thermal wear, gloves, hat, and waterproof footwear.
Variable, with thawing temperatures and possible rain; bring a compact umbrella and flexible layers.
Astana at Night
Hiking in Astana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular day-trip destination north of the city featuring lakes, pine forests, and granite formations ideal for hiking and photography.
Airports
How to reach Astana by plane.
The main international gateway serving Astana, located a short drive from the city center with connections to major hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in the capital with a strong cultural presence and growing cosmopolitan influence.
A significant minority language community; Russian is widely spoken in daily life and business.
International residents and visitors from across Asia, Europe, and beyond contribute to a diverse urban fabric.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local matches and facilities available around the city.
Winter ice hockey is popular; indoor rinks and seasonal events are common.
City bike paths and parks support recreational cycling and running.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Astana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Astana, many restaurants offer vegetarian options such as dumplings, mushroom dishes, salads, and vegetable-based mains; ask for no meat broths and request dairy-free options where needed.
Most places can accommodate vegan requests by avoiding meat, dairy, and eggs; look for salads, lentil dishes, and vegetable stews as reliable choices.