Astana Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Things to Do, Costs & Tips

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Astana is one of the world's youngest and most futuristic capitals. Kazakhstan moved its capital here from Almaty in 1997, and since then the city has risen from the windswept steppe with bold, eye-catching architecture designed by world-famous architects such as Norman Foster and Kisho Kurokawa. Today Astana is known for its golden-topped Baiterek Tower, the giant transparent tent of Khan Shatyr, gleaming mosques and wide boulevards, as well as for its extreme climate, with hot summers and some of the coldest winters of any capital in the world.

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Best Time to Visit Astana

Astana has an extreme continental climate, with hot summers and very cold, windy winters.

Summer (June–August) is the best time to visit. Temperatures range from about 20°C to 30°C, days are long and the city's parks, fountains and riverside promenades come alive. Astana Day (6 July) is celebrated with concerts and fireworks.

Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant temperatures of around 12–22°C and fewer visitors.

Winter (November–March) is extremely cold, with temperatures often between -15°C and -30°C and strong winds. The city is beautiful under snow, and indoor attractions such as Khan Shatyr stay warm, but come well prepared.

Events: Nauryz (21–23 March), the spring New Year, is celebrated with yurts, traditional food and games.

Top Places to Visit in Astana

1. Baiterek Tower

Astana's symbol represents a mythical tree holding a golden egg laid by the sacred bird Samruk. Take the lift to the observation deck at 97 metres for panoramic views of the city, and place your hand in the golden imprint of the first president's palm.

2. Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

Designed by Norman Foster, this giant transparent tent is one of the world's largest. Inside, you'll find shops, restaurants, an indoor beach resort with sand imported from the Maldives, and attractions, all kept warm even in winter.

3. Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

This glass pyramid, also designed by Norman Foster, hosts the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Guided tours show its opera hall and stunning interior.

4. Hazrat Sultan Mosque

One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, Hazrat Sultan features white marble, a golden dome and elegant Kazakh ornaments.

5. National Museum of Kazakhstan

One of the largest museums in Central Asia, it covers Kazakh history, from ancient nomadic cultures and the famous Golden Man to independence.

6. Nur Alem (Expo 2017 Sphere)

Built for Expo 2017, this giant glass sphere houses the Museum of Future Energy, with interactive exhibits across eight floors.

7. Ak Orda Presidential Palace and the Water-Green Boulevard

The blue-domed presidential palace sits at one end of the central axis of the city. The Nurzhol Boulevard and Water-Green Boulevard connect it with Baiterek and Khan Shatyr.

Also worth visiting: the Astana Opera, the Kazakh Eli Monument, the Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex, the Shabyt Palace of Arts, the Central Concert Hall and the Old Town on the right bank of the Ishim River.

Beyond the City

Burabay (Borovoe) National Park, about 3 hours north of Astana, is known as the "Kazakh Switzerland" with lakes, pine forests and rock formations. The Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a haven for pink flamingos and steppe birds. Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital near the Tian Shan mountains, is about 1.5 hours by plane or around 12–14 hours by train.

Astana's Architecture and History

Before becoming the capital, the city was a modest regional town known by several names: Akmolinsk, Tselinograd during the Soviet "Virgin Lands" campaign of the 1950s, and Akmola. After independence, Kazakhstan chose it as the new capital because of its central location and room to grow. The city was renamed Astana, meaning "capital" in Kazakh, in 1998, then Nur-Sultan in 2019, before returning to Astana in 2022. Its master plan, created by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, divided the city into the historic Right Bank and the new administrative Left Bank, connected by the Ishim River. Walking along the central axis from Ak Orda to Khan Shatyr is the best way to appreciate this vision.

Where to Stay in Astana

• Left Bank: The modern administrative district, close to Baiterek, Khan Shatyr and major landmarks.
• Right Bank (Old Town): More traditional, with good-value hotels, shops and restaurants.
• Expo area: Modern hotels near the Nur Alem Sphere.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Astana here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Astana

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) lies about 16 km south of the city centre and has flights from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as domestic flights across Kazakhstan. Search and compare cheap flights to Astana to find the best fares.

From the airport, take a taxi or ride-hailing app (Yandex Go) to the city centre in about 20–30 minutes. Buses also connect with the centre.

By Train

Astana's railway stations connect the city with Almaty, Karaganda and other Kazakh cities, as well as with neighbouring countries.

Getting Around Astana

• Buses: Extensive and cheap; pay with a transport card or app.
• Light rail (LRT): Astana's light rail line has been under development; check its current status.
• Ride-hailing: Yandex Go is inexpensive and widely used.
• Walking: The central boulevards are pleasant in summer, but distances are large.

Travel Costs in Astana

Astana is moderately priced. The currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT).

Money-saving tips: eat at local canteens (stolovayas) and use Yandex Go rather than street taxis.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa-free: Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days per visit (with limits on total days within 180).
• Other nationalities: May need an e-Visa or visa from a Kazakh consulate.
• Registration: Foreigners from visa-free countries are generally registered automatically on arrival; stays at hotels are registered by the hotel.
• Passport validity: At least three months beyond your planned departure is recommended.
• Customs: Declare large amounts of currency.

Always check official Kazakh sources and your own government's travel advice before departure.

Local Tips for Astana

• Dress for the weather: In winter, wear thermal layers, a warm hat, gloves and insulated boots.
• Try local food: Taste beshbarmak (the national dish of boiled meat and noodles), baursak (fried dough), kazy (horse-meat sausage), kumis (fermented mare's milk) and shubat (fermented camel's milk).
• Tea culture: Kazakhs drink a lot of tea, often with milk; it's a sign of hospitality.
• Languages: Kazakh and Russian are both widely spoken. English is more common among younger people and in hotels.
• Cards and apps: Card payments and the Kaspi app are used almost everywhere, though carrying some cash is useful.
• Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is common, if not included.
• Safety: Astana is generally safe. Normal precautions are enough.
• Staying connected: Roaming fees can be high. Local SIM cards from Beeline, Kcell or Tele2 are cheap, or use a travel eSIM. Get your Kazakhstan eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Astana architecture tour: See the city's futuristic landmarks with a guide.
• Burabay National Park trip: Explore lakes, forests and rocks.
• Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve: Watch flamingos and steppe wildlife.
• Kazakh culture experience: Visit a yurt, taste traditional dishes and watch performances.
• Astana Opera: Enjoy a performance in one of the world's largest opera houses.

Browse and book the best tours in Astana here.

FAQ

Is Astana worth visiting?

Yes. Astana offers spectacular modern architecture, cultural sights and an insight into contemporary Kazakhstan.

What is the best time to visit Astana?

June to August offers warm weather. Winter is extremely cold.

Do I need a visa for Kazakhstan?

Citizens of the EU, UK, US and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 30 days.

How far is Astana from Almaty?

About 1,000 km. Flights take about 1.5 hours.

What currency is used in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan uses the tenge (KZT).

Conclusion

Astana combines futuristic architecture, nomadic heritage and modern culture. Whether you're climbing Baiterek, exploring Khan Shatyr or visiting the National Museum, it's a unique destination.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Astana.