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Kazakhstan Astana travel guide
14 things to do in Astana, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Astana
- Nur-Astana Mosque — Mosque in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Bayterek — monument in Astana, Kazachstan (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Palace of Peace and Reconciliation — Landmark structure, cultural centre and opera house in Astana (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Astana Opera — opera house in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Khazret Sultan Mosque — Mosque in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 30 min)
- National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan — museum in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Independence Square, Astana — main public square in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Otan Korgaushilar Monument — city memorial in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Our Mother of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Astana — church in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Assumption Cathedral — cathedral in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Botanical Garden — Botanical Garden in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Presidential Park, Astana — recreational area (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Lovers' Park (Astana) — urban park in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Triumphal Arch Mangilik El — monument in Astana, Kazakhstan (visit ≈ 15 min)
3-day Astana walking itinerary
Starting point: Left Bank / Bayterek. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 8.9 km · 12,040 steps · 1 h 58 min on the way): Bayterek → National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan → Independence Square, Astana → Khazret Sultan Mosque → Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
- Day 2 (≈ 8.8 km · 11,880 steps · 1 h 58 min on the way): Otan Korgaushilar Monument
- Day 3 (≈ 4.8 km · 6,480 steps · 1 h 4 min on the way): Astana Opera → Nur-Astana Mosque
Where to stay in Astana
- Left Bank / Bayterek: The new capital’s landmarks are here; wide boulevards.
- Khan Shatyr: Near the giant mall and the park.
- Right Bank / Old Town: The older centre; local restaurants and the market.
Getting from the airport to Astana
- Nursultan Nazarbayev International (NQZ): Taxi ≈ 20 min, bus ≈ 40 min
Getting around
The city is spread out and very cold in winter; taxi apps and buses are the easiest way to cover distances.
Classic places to eat
- Alasha: Central Asian cuisine; beshbarmak and plov.
- Kishlak: Restaurant themed like a Central Asian village house.
- Line Brew: Large brewpub making its own beer.
- Daredzhani: Georgian cuisine; khachapuri and khinkali.
- Tiflis: Long-standing Georgian restaurant on the right bank.
- Saksaul: Kazakh cuisine; kazy and beshbarmak.
Romantic views
- Bayterek Tower (Sunset): From inside the golden sphere you see the new city's lights at a glance.
- Lovers' Park (Evening): This riverside park has sculptures and flower beds.
- Atyrau Bridge (Evening): The pedestrian bridge glows over the river at night.
Football stadiums in Astana
- Astana Arena: Home of FC Astana
- Kazhimukan Munaitpasov Stadium: Home of FC Zhenis
Good to know before visiting Astana
- Fine: E-cigarettes have been banned since 2024.
- Fine: Drug offences carry very severe penalties.
- Fine: Photographing military sites, borders and government buildings is prohibited.
- Fine: Drones need a permit.
- Fine: Smoking indoors is banned.
- Warning: Astana winters can drop below -30 °C.
- Emergency: 112 (police 102, ambulance 103, fire 101)
- Plugs: C/F, 220V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Kazakhstan, Wikivoyage — Kazakhstan, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Astana travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Astana?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 13 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Astana?
- Highlights: Nur-Astana Mosque, Bayterek, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana Opera and Khazret Sultan Mosque. The map has 14 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Astana?
- Left Bank / Bayterek: The new capital’s landmarks are here; wide boulevards. Other options: Khan Shatyr and Right Bank / Old Town.
- How do you get from the airport to Astana city centre?
- Nursultan Nazarbayev International (NQZ): Taxi ≈ 20 min, bus ≈ 40 min
- How do you get around Astana?
- The city is spread out and very cold in winter; taxi apps and buses are the easiest way to cover distances.
- What is the emergency number in Astana?
- Emergency: 112 (police 102, ambulance 103, fire 101).
- Do you tip in Astana?
- About 10% is customary.
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