2025 Astana Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is a dazzling city that blends ancient history with modern style, attracting the world's attention with its unique charm👀. The city was originally named Akmola and was not officially established as the new capital of Kazakhstan until 1997. It was then renamed Astana, which means "capital". In recent years, it has been renamed several times and finally returned to its original name in 2022, witnessing the historical changes since Kazakhstan's independence🏛️. Astana is located in the north-central part of Kazakhstan, with the Ishim River running through the city, adding a touch of agility and vitality to the city🌊. The city's modern construction is eye-catching, with high-rise buildings rising from the ground and wide roads crisscrossing, showing the prosperity and vitality of Kazakhstan as an important country in Central Asia🌆. As the political, economic, and cultural center of Kazakhstan, Astana has many important government agencies, corporate headquarters, and cultural facilities. It is not only the center of national political decision-making, but also the engine of economic development, attracting a large amount of domestic and foreign investment, and promoting the rapid development of the city💰. Astana's cultural heritage is also profound. The city is full of museums, theaters, and art galleries, providing citizens and tourists with a rich cultural experience🎨. Among them, the Bayterek Observation Tower, as a landmark building in the city, towers into the clouds. It is not only an excellent place to overlook the city, but also a symbol of Kazakhstan's independent spirit🗼. In addition, Astana's natural scenery should not be overlooked. The city is surrounded by vast grasslands and magnificent snow-capped mountains, with distinct seasons and different scenery. Whether it is the greenery of summer or the silver-wrapped winter, it is fascinating🏞️. Astana's food culture is also rich and colorful. It combines Central Asian traditional flavors with modern innovations. Whether it is authentic Kazakh food or Western food, Chinese food, and other cuisines, you can find it in this city🍴. In local restaurants or markets, you can taste a variety of delicious dishes and feel the enthusiasm and hospitality of the Kazakh people. Astana is a city full of charm and vitality. It attracts the world's attention with its unique history, modern construction, rich culture, and beautiful natural scenery. Whether it is a business trip or a sightseeing tour, it will bring you unforgettable memories🌈.

The Astana Grand Mosque, located in the capital of Kazakhstan, is the largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the top ten largest mosques in the world. Completed in 2022, the mosque covers nearly 70,000 square meters and can accommodate over 200,000 worshippers. The main dome of the mosque stands over 80 meters high with a diameter of more than 60 meters, surrounded by four 130-meter-high minarets symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam. Additionally, what excites me the most is the unique architectural design of the Astana Grand Mosque, which blends traditional and modern elements, making it a significant landmark in the region. Here are some tips for visiting the mosque🔔 👔: Visitors should dress conservatively, with both men and women covering their shoulders and knees. Women should wear a headscarf, and the mosque provides shawls. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque. 🕘: The mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors during prayer times, so it is best to check the specific opening hours before your visit. Generally, non-prayer times are more suitable for visits. 📸: Photography inside is usually allowed, but avoid taking pictures of people in prayer. 🚌: The mosque is located in the city center of Astana, with convenient transportation options. You can choose to take a taxi or public transportation. There is also parking available for those driving.

"French Quarter" is the first residential complex of the "Urban Romance" series from the "Basis-A" company, stylized as the classical urban architecture of European countries. The residential complex is located in the Almaty district of Nur-Sultan, on the border of the park area at the intersection of Panfilov and Kaldayakov streets. The residential complex is located in a prestigious developing area. Nearby is a great place for recreation and walks - the Presidential Park, the embankment of the Yesil River. The residential complex has a large selection of restaurants and cafes. Walking distance to Haileybury Astana school. A 10-minute walk from the National Museum, the Palace of Peace and Accord (Pyramid), the Palace of Independence, the Kazakh National University of Arts, the mosque "Khazret Sultan", a kindergarten and a school-lyceum "Nur Orda".#nursultan #kazakhstan

My hometown Astana (Nur-Sultan) is well known with its great Monument Baiterek. «Baiterek» means a young, strong, special meaning of a tree, it symbolizes a state that has preserved its historical beginning, which has a strong support and aspiration for future prosperity. We have a park around Baiterek called Nurly Zhol Boulevard. Moreover, if you are interested of what inside the Baiterek you can enter it and even take the elevator to the highest floor of the monument. Having been in Astana and not looking at the city from the view of Baiterek is simply unthinkable. A ticket costs an average of 2000 tenge it is 4,25$. #staycation #nursultan #kazakhstan #astana

A little-known Central Asian tourist attraction, Kazakhstan The National Museum of Nur-Sultan is divided into various exhibition halls. 1. A history hall that follows the history of Kazakhstan 2. Special exhibitions that can be viewed for an additional fee 3. A special exhibition of modern art There are many things to see, and you can see various exhibits that remind you of nomadic people. However, you need an additional permit to take pictures. If you take pictures without a permit, you can be fined, so be careful! #Exhibition #Kazakhstan #Nur-Sultan #SpecialExhibition

The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is considered not only the largest museum institution in the country, but it has no analogues in all of Central Asia. It is also one of the youngest museums - it was opened in the summer of 2014. The main part of the exposition is devoted to the history of the Kazakh people, the life and culture of the country, the formation of the republic and other significant events and eras in the life of the state. The exposition is represented by 11 halls, each dedicated to a separate topic. The most interesting are, of course, the Golden Hall with the most valuable artifacts found in archaeological excavations in Kazakhstan, as well as the Nur-Sultan Hall with a model of its modern central part. A tour of this amazing place will not leave anyone indifferent and will bring a lot of new things to your personal baggage of knowledge about Kazakhstan. Getting to the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is easy - it is located in the central part of the capital. #nur-Sultan #kazakhstan #museum

Nur-Sultan is a city where the possibilities of modern architecture manifested themselves. The main idea of ​​Nur-Sultan development is the embodiment in the architecture of a combination of the rationality of the West and the sophistication of the East, the grandiosity of Europe and the originality of Asia. In the construction of the city, in changing its appearance, the most advanced technologies and innovative methods of the art of urban planning of the 21st century were used. World-famous architects brought their best projects to life here. The springboard for this was the left bank of the Yesil River, which until recently was empty. In 1999, by decision of UNESCO, Nur-Sultan received the title of "City of Peace". Nur-Sultan has about 20 parks, 13 museums, 5 theaters and a large number of other attractions that attract city guests and delight local residents with their beauty. #nur-Sultan #kazakhstan

#nur-Sultan promenade is good way to enjoy your evening. You can cross all park with its attractions and caffe for one hour. Park is great place for runners and anyone who likes activities. You can rent bike from people here or take electro scooter by app: Jet or ÖZIM. On the river side there are plenty of coffee, burgers and ice cream shops. Good idea to finish your evening with live music and good kitchen at The Times restaurant. #summertrip#gourmetsummer

Here is the unique building of Expo 2017 in Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan. There are 8 floors all dedicated to new ideas of ecological ways of making electricity. Every floor says a different story of the future. It is also the only 100% round skyscraper in the world at the moment. #happynewyear

1 year ago when I visited the place it was called Astana. Nowadays the name of this big city is Nur-Sultan named after the first president of free Kazakhstan - Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev. The city is famous with its skyscrapers and also with very extreme steppe climate with temperatures ranging from -55°C to +40°C #kazakhstan #astana #nursultan #happynewyear #happynewyear

The Baiterek Tower is located at the center of Nur-Sultan, previously known as Astana and 20 years ago - Akmola. The city is the capital of Kazakhstan - very big country in central Asia. The view from the top is amazing. You have a bird eye view of all the sights of the town. #happynewyear

Hello from Astana- Nur-Sultan 2019, Kazakhstan! Even this is the place where i came from i have never been in other cities, except Almaty. Suprisingly, the city was so different comparing with my city! Here i have meet so much foreigners! I never knew that enomours foreign people love our country! It is fact, that in out country you can find millions of various international restraunts with all the types of national cousine! So being in Astana for the first time i tried Henkali which is the most famous dish in Georgia! it looks like a dumplings with meat abd vegetables! You should try it! And my new traveler story continues with the next post!

Astana airport, beautiful morning

#aprilblooms Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is a modern, fast-growing metropolis known for its futuristic architecture and bold urban design. Quick Facts: Current Name: Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan) Capital Since: 1997 (replacing Almaty) Location: Northern Kazakhstan, on the Ishim River Known For: Iconic buildings like Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation A blend of traditional Kazakh culture and ultramodern design#astana Harsh winters and impressive skyline

#aprilblooms Baiterek refers to the Bayterek Tower, a famous monument and observation tower in Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan. Key Facts: Symbolism: Represents a Kazakh legend about the mythical tree of life and the sacred bird Samruk that lays its egg between the branches. Height: About 105 meters (344 feet) Design: A tall white tower topped with a golden sphere, which you can enter and view the city from.#baiterek

our stay in hotel Jumbaktas in Astana was great

It was a healing trip where I ate meat every day, walked a lot, and had a lot of fun. Places to visit are Khan Shatyr Naberezhnaya Botanicheskiy sad Must-eat foods are Rib eye, T-bone steak Besiparmak Corn Fruit & tomato #Overseas travel #Kazakhstan #trip #Kazakhstan travel #Places to visit in Kazakhstan

Night Astana so beautiful

Beautiful Astana.

Nice hotel with perfect infrastructure and facilities. Good accommodation.

This trip is amazing and everything is worthy. The weather during this time is very comfortable though sometimes it rains, but just for a while. Most of the time there would be sunshine, local people are friendly and nice, so many delicious food and especially very cheap sushi. I live in the East part, if u want to hang out you should go to the West, there are more amusement centre and malls to buy things.#localguides

I got a chance to exchange to ENU and it was the most amazing trip of my 2025. You must try this city, it ‘s worth

When exploring the city of Astana, the "Avtobys" app is essential. Since cash payments are not accepted on buses, you need to download this app, scan the QR code each time you board, and pay 110 tenge. Inspectors may board the bus at stops to check if passengers have paid the fare, so be prepared to show your QR code. Astana is filled with unique architecture, giving you the feeling of being in a theme park. Be sure to visit the mosques and museums! The mosques are breathtaking, showcasing stunning Islamic art that will leave you in awe. The museums feature diverse exhibits ranging from Tyrannosaurus fossils to the history, culture, and ethnic heritage of Kazakhstan's independence. It takes about two hours to see everything. When visiting the Presidential Palace, be cautious not to get too close, as guards may warn you. Prices in Astana may feel slightly higher compared to other Asian countries. However, the food is incredibly delicious. Be sure to try Kazakhstan's pilaf dish, "plov," which varies from restaurant to restaurant. During your stay, explore different eateries to enjoy the variety. As for drinks, the mojitos are delightful, and there are non-alcoholic options available as well.

✨Hotel Highlights ♨️Amenities 🛁Room Environment 🍽️Breakfast 🛎️Hotel Service 💗Guest Experience

🛏️ Stepping into the room, I was blown away by the luxurious decor and exquisite furnishings. The spacious bedroom, comfortable bedding, and large bathroom all contributed to an unparalleled sense of comfort and relaxation. I couldn't wait to lie down on the plush bed and experience the comfort of the soft mattress and fine linens. 💡 Throughout my stay, the hotel's service was truly impressive. From the front desk reception to room service, every staff member was professional, enthusiastic, and friendly, making me feel right at home. Overall, this is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at.

Ark-like architecture, glittering golden buildings, star chains on the grasslands... Astana, a city that perfectly blends nomadic customs with cyberpunk style, awaits your exploration with its unique charm! Things to Know Before You Go - Visa: Chinese passport holders can enjoy 14 days of visa-free travel. Even with a blank passport, you can easily embark on a Central Asian journey. - Transportation: Direct flights from Urumqi are the most convenient. Round-trip tickets with China Southern Airlines cost around CNY 2,000, including taxes. Booking in advance may get you better deals. - Currency: The local currency is the Tenge (₸). The exchange rate is approximately CNY 1 ≈ ₸64. Remember not to exchange currency at the airport; rates in the city are better. - Must-have app: Yandex Go is a great app for getting around. It's half the price of regular taxis, making your travel more affordable. - Hidden perk: Visit City Hall for a chance to get a free limited-edition city badge. It's super cool and makes a unique travel souvenir. Top 5 Must-See Attractions 1. Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center - Unique experience: Inside this giant, post-apocalyptic-style tent, you'll find an indoor beach, as if you've stepped into another world. - Thrilling activity: The transparent slide is a must-try. It offers stunning views of the city from above (only CNY 80 per ride). - Night view: The light show at 20:00 transforms the building into an alien base, a truly magical sight. 2. Bayterek Tower - Wishing spot: At the top of the tower, you can make a wish by touching the golden handprint of the president. The top-level glass bridge is thrilling and might make your knees weak. - Photo op: Capture the golden sphere and the Islamic Center together at sunset for a breathtaking shot. 3. Nur-Astana Mosque - Architectural marvel: As the world's third-largest mosque, its 24K gold dome shines brightly in the sun, exuding luxury. - Note: Women are required to wear a robe, provided free of charge. The blue ones are best for photos. Remember to respect local dress codes. 4. National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Cultural feast: The museum houses precious artifacts such as golden warrior armor and the Hunnic crown. For just CNY 30, you can explore the chronicle of nomadic civilization. - Special treat: On the fourth floor, you can try on a traditional Kazakh bridal headdress (CNY 50, including photography) for a unique cultural experience. 5. Expo 2017 Astana - Journey to the future: The Nur Alem sphere and the space-themed pavilion are full of futuristic technology. Night tickets are only CNY 60 and include a spectacular laser show. - Hidden gem: The abandoned Nazarbayev University is a great spot for cyberpunk-style photos. Food Adventures - Navat: Enjoy a state banquet-level horse meat plov with sour cream for only CNY 40. - Astana Continental: Dine at the highest revolving restaurant in Central Asia. Enjoy caviar pancakes for CNY 200 while taking in the city views. - Zheltoksan: This Soviet-style canteen offers smoked horse sausage with kvass for just CNY 15, taking you back in time. - Street food: Find a stall selling Baursak (fried dough balls). Dip them in honey for a taste of heaven (CNY 5). Shopping List - Nomadic silver jewelry: Bargain at the Green Bazaar for exquisite silver jewelry (around CNY 200), perfect as souvenirs or gifts. - Shanyrak totem tapestry: A unique item found at the National Museum shop, featuring distinctive totem patterns. - Soviet retro cameras: The old town flea market is a great place to find vintage cameras for around CNY 150, perfect for capturing travel memories. - Astana-exclusive chocolate: Buy astronaut-themed chocolates at the airport. The unique packaging and delicious taste make them a great gift. Getting Around - Airport → City center: Take bus No. 10 for only CNY 3, a much cheaper option than a taxi (CNY 50). - Crossing the river: Take the cable car across the Ishim River for CNY 15 and enjoy a different perspective of the city. - Driving advisory: Traffic is heavy during rush hour, so plan your driving route carefully. - Hidden route: Take a vintage trolleybus and capture photos of Soviet-era architecture along the way. Unique Experiences for Hardcore Travelers - Stargazing yurt stay: Stay in a yurt at a grassland camp 30 km from the city center, gaze at the stars, and experience nomadic life. - Ishim River night tour: Walk on the ice along the illuminated path (winter only) for a unique romantic experience. - Horseback riding through the new city: Find a horse riding group at Ak Orda Presidential Palace and explore the new city on horseback. - Dombra singing lessons: Take a CNY 100 trial class at the music academy and learn to play the traditional Dombra. - Nuclear bunker tour: Explore a mysterious nuclear bunker with a local guide and uncover a hidden side of the city. Important Notes - Dress code: Shorts are not allowed in mosques. Long skirts can be rented at the entrance. Please respect religious dress codes. - Payment methods: Cash is more widely accepted. 90% of small shops don't accept credit cards, so be sure to have cash on hand. - Winter warmth: Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C, so dress warmly and use hand warmers. - Scam alert: Be wary of people selling pigeon feed in the square. Once you accept the feed, you may be asked to pay CNY 50. 3-Day Itinerary - Day 1: Khan Shatyr → Bayterek Tower → Islamic Center night view - Day 2: National Museum → Expo 2017 → Ishim River cruise - Day 3: Green Bazaar shopping → Horseback riding on the grasslands → Soviet-style dinner In this city, where nomadic culture blends seamlessly with futuristic technology, you can enjoy a delicious lamb hot pot for CNY 50 or chase the aurora on horseback for CNY 100. Take this guide and embark on an unforgettable Central Asian adventure in Astana!

As soon as I walked in, I was captivated by the unique architectural style. The ingenious blend of modern design and traditional elements makes the entire building shimmer in the sunlight, as if narrating the story of this city. 🛏️Room Experience: The room I stayed in was spacious and bright, furnished warmly and comfortably. The bedding was soft and cozy, ensuring a good night's sleep. In addition, the room was equipped with complete amenities to meet all your needs. 💁‍♀️Service Experience: The hotel staff were incredibly warm and attentive. No matter what you needed, they were always there to assist you. From check-in to check-out, you could feel their professionalism and dedication. ✨Summary: The Wyndham Garden Astana, with its prime location, beautiful surroundings, comfortable rooms, delicious food, warm service, and rich activity offerings, provides every guest with an unforgettable stay. Here, you can fully enjoy the pleasures of travel, relax, and experience the beauty of life.