Astana is a contemporary capital rising from the Kazakh steppe, identified for its futuristic structure, excessive local weather, and position as a Central Asian political and cultural hub.
The town defines itself in some ways – as a enterprise centre, a cultural haven, a gastronomical pole, and extra. Just lately, it’s made strides to develop into a hotspot for worldwide occasions.
Over 500 occasions passed off in Astana final 12 months, attracting 13% extra vacationers to the town than the 12 months earlier than, in keeping with Olga Abeldinova, Director of Vacationer Companies and Infrastructure Division on the Tourism Improvement Centre “Astana Tourism”.
“We invite Class A stars, which attracts vacationers from neighbouring nations and will increase the standing of the town,” Abeldinova stated. “If Hollywood stars come right here, it connotes a sure safety and belief.”
Abeldinova highlighted Jennifer Lopez’s live performance in April 2025 and Andy Serkis headlining Astana Comedian Con 2025 as examples of top-billed stars visiting the town.
Whether or not you’re in Astana for an occasion or simply visiting as vacationer, the town has one thing to supply each kind of traveller. Don’t miss our favorite points of interest and monuments in your subsequent journey to the Kazakh capital.
Baiterek Monument
The very first thing any resident of Astana will probably let you know to go to is Baiterek – a hovering beacon that watches over each a part of the town, which has develop into its de facto image.
The 105-metre tower on the centre of the left financial institution was impressed by a Kazakh legend, and represents the Tree of Life with a golden egg at its prime.
There’s a small ethnographic museum on the bottom ground of the tower, and a panoramic deck on the highest ground, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in sweeping views of the town – with the “Akorda” Presidential Residence on one aspect and the Nurly Zhol Boulevard on the opposite.
To benefit from the view, or maybe contact the palm print of the primary Kazakh President, you will have to pay a 2,000 KZT (€3.5) entrance price.
For extra cityscapes, you may also catch a hop-on/hop-off bus service right here that can take you to the primary vacationer websites throughout the capital.
Nurly Zhol Boulevard
From Baiterek, an simply accessible subsequent cease is Nurly Zhol Boulevard – the proper place for a leisurely stroll. It begins on the Presidential Residence and stretches all the best way to the Khan Shatyr mall, which is constructed to seem like a big tent.
As you make your means down the Boulevard, you will note the executive centre of the town, with ministry buildings and nationwide firm places of work, in addition to cafes, fountains, and a sprinkling of distinctive sculptures.
Riverbank and ferry trip
Like Paris or Budapest, the town of Astana is split by the Ishim River (Yessil in Kazakh) into left and proper banks.
The fitting financial institution is an older a part of the town, that includes primarily Soviet type structure, whereas the left financial institution is the newer, extra futuristic a part of city, filled with glittering excessive rises.
When the climate is good, particularly in summer season, locals flock to the riverside on the suitable financial institution to take photos on the stunning Atyrau bridge and cross the Seruen Bridge into the Amusement Park.
If you wish to benefit from the river whereas seeing as lots of Astana’s landmarks as you’ll be able to, taking a ferry is the best way to go. A forty five-minute trip will value you 4,000 KZT (€7) on the small sales space hidden by the bushes.
Astana Grand Mosque and Hazrat Sultan Mosque
Islam is the biggest faith practiced in Kazakhstan, so it’s no shock that it has awe-inspiring mosques.
Opened in 2022, Astana Grand Mosque is the latest attraction within the metropolis. The 68,062 sq. metre home of worship is the biggest mosque in Central Asia. It may possibly accommodate virtually 250,000 individuals on the similar time, making it one of many prime 10 on the earth.
Hazrat Sultan Mosque is a bit of smaller as compared however continues to be a stupendous instance of non secular structure.
Each mosques are adorned with ornate carpets, majestic chandeliers, verses from the Quran, and Kazakh ornaments.
Entrances to mosques are free however you’ll want to put on correct clothes – for girls, which means overlaying head, shoulders, and knees and for males, avoiding shorts.
Nationwide Museum
To dive deeper into the historical past and tradition of Kazakhstan and the nomadic those that inhabited its territory it is best to pay a go to to the Nationwide Museum.
The most important museum in Central Asia is residence to many historic artefacts in addition to modern artwork items. It additionally has a separate exhibition corridor for non permanent exhibition.
“Final 12 months, the museum hosted the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, in partnership with Italy, and it gathered plenty of worldwide guests,” stated Olga Abeldinova.
The exhibition centred on La Bella Principessa, a portrait of an Italian noblewoman, which was exhibited solely 5 occasions earlier than.
Ticket costs differ relying on which halls you need to see, however the primary entrance price is 700 KZT (€1.2).
Independence Sq.
Essentially the most handy factor about Independence Sq. is that it gathers most of the locations value seeing in Astana in a single location.
Each the Nationwide Museum and the Hazret Sultan Mosque are positioned right here, in addition to the Independence Palace and the Shabyt Arts College. The latter two each function uncommon structure, however function extra practical buildings than traditional vacationer points of interest.
The sq.’s centrepiece is the Kazakh Eli Monument, which celebrates Kazakhstan’s 1991 independence. The 4 sides of the monument signify the nation’s previous and future, in addition to its individuals.
Presidential Park and Pyramid
Throughout from Independence Sq., you will note the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, identified to locals because the Pyramid.
Initially constructed for the session of the Congress of Leaders of World and Conventional Religions, it now serves as a metropolis landmark. Inside you’ll discover a corridor for occasions, an opera corridor and an exhibition venue, which you’ll be able to go to for 1,000 KZT (€1.7).
The Pyramid is located within the Presidential Park, which stretches to the river and meets the Presidential Palace on the opposite aspect. It may be accessed from Nurly Zhol Boulevard, however you would need to loop round to cross the river.
These sights offers you a style of what Astana is all about, however the metropolis is in fixed flux, with new points of interest showing on a regular basis.
Astana can be residence to many parks, an oceanarium, opera and ballet homes, and far more – simply comply with your curiosity and this welcoming metropolis will gladly reward you.