Astana Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Astana’s skyline is a showcase of contemporary architecture, with plenty of culture to discover along the way.

• Bayterek Tower — The city’s symbol, a tower topped by a golden sphere with an observation deck over the Left Bank.
• Khan Shatyr — A huge tent-shaped entertainment centre with shops, restaurants and an indoor beach area.
• Palace of Peace and Reconciliation — A glass-topped pyramid designed by Norman Foster’s firm, used for cultural and interfaith events.
• Hazrat Sultan Mosque — One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, with elegant white domes and minarets.
• National Museum of Kazakhstan — Extensive exhibits on the history, ethnography and gold treasures of Kazakhstan.
• Nur Alem — The giant glass sphere built for Expo 2017, now a museum of future energy with panoramic views.
• Ishim River embankment — Pleasant promenades and parks, busy on summer evenings.

Astana has a sharply continental climate and is one of the coldest capital cities in the world. Winters, from about November to March, are long and very cold, with snow and strong winds, although the city looks magical under snow.

The best time to visit is from late May to September, when days are warm and long, parks are green and the riverside comes alive. Summer days can occasionally be hot. Spring and autumn are short, with changeable weather.

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport is located south-east of the city, a drive of around 20–30 minutes from the centre depending on traffic.

City buses connect the airport with the centre, and taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Yandex Go are widely used. Many hotels offer transfers. Use official taxis or apps rather than unofficial drivers who approach you in the terminal.

Astana is divided by the Ishim River into the newer Left Bank and the older Right Bank.

• Left Bank — Home to Bayterek, Khan Shatyr and government buildings; ideal for sightseeing and business travellers.
• Right Bank — The older part of the city, with local restaurants, markets and often better-value hotels.
• Expo area — Modern hotels and apartments near Nur Alem, good for conferences and events.

• Money: Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; ATMs are easy to find.
• Getting around: Ride-hailing apps are cheap and convenient; city buses cover most districts.
• Winter clothing: If visiting in winter, bring a warm coat, hat, gloves and good boots for icy pavements.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting mosques, and accept tea or food when offered, as hospitality is important.
• Language: Russian and Kazakh are widely spoken; English is common in hotels, so a translation app is useful elsewhere.