You are in the Heart of Astana

Astana is a city of routes. Here, a day unfolds like a script: a view from Baiterek, a walk along the boulevards, lunch on Turan Avenue and an evening by the Ishim River. Everything connects naturally, and each stop flows into the next. We’ve put together a checklist to help you experience Astana as one seamless journey – from your first step to the city lights at night.

TOP things to do

1. Go up into the golden sphere of the Baiterek Tower – the symbol of Astana – rising over 100 meters high.

2. Enjoy shopping at Khan Shatyr shopping center, designed in the shape of a giant tent.

3. Take photos at Independence square and Round square.

4. Capture the symbols of the country’s independence and unity – the “Mangilik El” Triumphal Arch and the “Qazaq Eli” and “Uly Dala Eli” monuments.

5. Visit the unique Palace of peace and reconciliation, a pyramid designed by architect Norman Foster.

6. Stroll along the main pedestrian street – Nurzhol Boulevard – with its fountains, installations, and souvenir shops.

7. Have lunch on Turan Avenue, known as the Restaurant Alley.

8. Visit the Hazret Sultan Mosque, resembling a fairytale eastern palace, the white Abu Nasr Al-Farabi Mosque, or the Central Mosque.

9. Ride the largest Ferris wheel in Kazakhstan at Ailand, standing 65 meters tall.

10. Check in at Ailand Oceanarium – the most remote oceanarium from any ocean in the world.

11. See how fantastically Astana transforms with its evening illumination.

12. Enjoy city panoramas and sunsets during a river cruise along the Ishim (Esil) River.

13. Join a street art or architectural landmarks tour.

14. Explore the Central Park – one of the most popular recreation spots for locals and visitors.

15. Discover the country’s history at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

16. Plan a visit to the largest opera house in Central Asia – Astana Opera.

17. Listen to performances by local ensembles at the Erkeghali Rakhmadiyev State Academic Philharmonic.

18. Visit an exhibition or workshop at the Kulanshi Art Space contemporary art center.

TOP things to do outside 

19. Relax in Burabay National Park, often called the “Kazakh Switzerland”.

20. Observe more than 350 bird species, including pink flamingos, in their natural habitat at Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve.

What to taste

- Beshbarmak;

- Horse meat delicacies;

- Baursaks;

- Plov;

- Ayran.

What to bring home

- Traditional felt slippers;

- Handmade patchwork quilts (korpe) and home textiles;

- Horse meat delicacies;

- Silver jewelry in national style.