2025 Astana Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is a dazzling city that blends ancient history with modern style, attracting the world's attention with its unique charm👀. The city was originally named Akmola and was not officially established as the new capital of Kazakhstan until 1997. It was then renamed Astana, which means "capital". In recent years, it has been renamed several times and finally returned to its original name in 2022, witnessing the historical changes since Kazakhstan's independence🏛️. Astana is located in the north-central part of Kazakhstan, with the Ishim River running through the city, adding a touch of agility and vitality to the city🌊. The city's modern construction is eye-catching, with high-rise buildings rising from the ground and wide roads crisscrossing, showing the prosperity and vitality of Kazakhstan as an important country in Central Asia🌆. As the political, economic, and cultural center of Kazakhstan, Astana has many important government agencies, corporate headquarters, and cultural facilities. It is not only the center of national political decision-making, but also the engine of economic development, attracting a large amount of domestic and foreign investment, and promoting the rapid development of the city💰. Astana's cultural heritage is also profound. The city is full of museums, theaters, and art galleries, providing citizens and tourists with a rich cultural experience🎨. Among them, the Bayterek Observation Tower, as a landmark building in the city, towers into the clouds. It is not only an excellent place to overlook the city, but also a symbol of Kazakhstan's independent spirit🗼. In addition, Astana's natural scenery should not be overlooked. The city is surrounded by vast grasslands and magnificent snow-capped mountains, with distinct seasons and different scenery. Whether it is the greenery of summer or the silver-wrapped winter, it is fascinating🏞️. Astana's food culture is also rich and colorful. It combines Central Asian traditional flavors with modern innovations. Whether it is authentic Kazakh food or Western food, Chinese food, and other cuisines, you can find it in this city🍴. In local restaurants or markets, you can taste a variety of delicious dishes and feel the enthusiasm and hospitality of the Kazakh people. Astana is a city full of charm and vitality. It attracts the world's attention with its unique history, modern construction, rich culture, and beautiful natural scenery. Whether it is a business trip or a sightseeing tour, it will bring you unforgettable memories🌈.

The Astana Grand Mosque, located in the capital of Kazakhstan, is the largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the top ten largest mosques in the world. Completed in 2022, the mosque covers nearly 70,000 square meters and can accommodate over 200,000 worshippers. The main dome of the mosque stands over 80 meters high with a diameter of more than 60 meters, surrounded by four 130-meter-high minarets symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam. Additionally, what excites me the most is the unique architectural design of the Astana Grand Mosque, which blends traditional and modern elements, making it a significant landmark in the region. Here are some tips for visiting the mosque🔔 👔: Visitors should dress conservatively, with both men and women covering their shoulders and knees. Women should wear a headscarf, and the mosque provides shawls. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque. 🕘: The mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors during prayer times, so it is best to check the specific opening hours before your visit. Generally, non-prayer times are more suitable for visits. 📸: Photography inside is usually allowed, but avoid taking pictures of people in prayer. 🚌: The mosque is located in the city center of Astana, with convenient transportation options. You can choose to take a taxi or public transportation. There is also parking available for those driving.

"French Quarter" is the first residential complex of the "Urban Romance" series from the "Basis-A" company, stylized as the classical urban architecture of European countries. The residential complex is located in the Almaty district of Nur-Sultan, on the border of the park area at the intersection of Panfilov and Kaldayakov streets. The residential complex is located in a prestigious developing area. Nearby is a great place for recreation and walks - the Presidential Park, the embankment of the Yesil River. The residential complex has a large selection of restaurants and cafes. Walking distance to Haileybury Astana school. A 10-minute walk from the National Museum, the Palace of Peace and Accord (Pyramid), the Palace of Independence, the Kazakh National University of Arts, the mosque "Khazret Sultan", a kindergarten and a school-lyceum "Nur Orda".#nursultan #kazakhstan

My hometown Astana (Nur-Sultan) is well known with its great Monument Baiterek. «Baiterek» means a young, strong, special meaning of a tree, it symbolizes a state that has preserved its historical beginning, which has a strong support and aspiration for future prosperity. We have a park around Baiterek called Nurly Zhol Boulevard. Moreover, if you are interested of what inside the Baiterek you can enter it and even take the elevator to the highest floor of the monument. Having been in Astana and not looking at the city from the view of Baiterek is simply unthinkable. A ticket costs an average of 2000 tenge it is 4,25$. #staycation #nursultan #kazakhstan #astana

The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is considered not only the largest museum institution in the country, but it has no analogues in all of Central Asia. It is also one of the youngest museums - it was opened in the summer of 2014. The main part of the exposition is devoted to the history of the Kazakh people, the life and culture of the country, the formation of the republic and other significant events and eras in the life of the state. The exposition is represented by 11 halls, each dedicated to a separate topic. The most interesting are, of course, the Golden Hall with the most valuable artifacts found in archaeological excavations in Kazakhstan, as well as the Nur-Sultan Hall with a model of its modern central part. A tour of this amazing place will not leave anyone indifferent and will bring a lot of new things to your personal baggage of knowledge about Kazakhstan. Getting to the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is easy - it is located in the central part of the capital. #nur-Sultan #kazakhstan #museum

Nur-Sultan is a city where the possibilities of modern architecture manifested themselves. The main idea of ​​Nur-Sultan development is the embodiment in the architecture of a combination of the rationality of the West and the sophistication of the East, the grandiosity of Europe and the originality of Asia. In the construction of the city, in changing its appearance, the most advanced technologies and innovative methods of the art of urban planning of the 21st century were used. World-famous architects brought their best projects to life here. The springboard for this was the left bank of the Yesil River, which until recently was empty. In 1999, by decision of UNESCO, Nur-Sultan received the title of "City of Peace". Nur-Sultan has about 20 parks, 13 museums, 5 theaters and a large number of other attractions that attract city guests and delight local residents with their beauty. #nur-Sultan #kazakhstan

#nur-Sultan promenade is good way to enjoy your evening. You can cross all park with its attractions and caffe for one hour. Park is great place for runners and anyone who likes activities. You can rent bike from people here or take electro scooter by app: Jet or ÖZIM. On the river side there are plenty of coffee, burgers and ice cream shops. Good idea to finish your evening with live music and good kitchen at The Times restaurant. #summertrip#gourmetsummer

Here is the unique building of Expo 2017 in Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan. There are 8 floors all dedicated to new ideas of ecological ways of making electricity. Every floor says a different story of the future. It is also the only 100% round skyscraper in the world at the moment. #happynewyear

1 year ago when I visited the place it was called Astana. Nowadays the name of this big city is Nur-Sultan named after the first president of free Kazakhstan - Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev. The city is famous with its skyscrapers and also with very extreme steppe climate with temperatures ranging from -55°C to +40°C #kazakhstan #astana #nursultan #happynewyear #happynewyear

The Baiterek Tower is located at the center of Nur-Sultan, previously known as Astana and 20 years ago - Akmola. The city is the capital of Kazakhstan - very big country in central Asia. The view from the top is amazing. You have a bird eye view of all the sights of the town. #happynewyear

Hello from Astana- Nur-Sultan 2019, Kazakhstan! Even this is the place where i came from i have never been in other cities, except Almaty. Suprisingly, the city was so different comparing with my city! Here i have meet so much foreigners! I never knew that enomours foreign people love our country! It is fact, that in out country you can find millions of various international restraunts with all the types of national cousine! So being in Astana for the first time i tried Henkali which is the most famous dish in Georgia! it looks like a dumplings with meat abd vegetables! You should try it! And my new traveler story continues with the next post!

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips Astana is clean and safe city.

Astana: Ambitions of a Young Country✨️ On Christmas Eve 1991, Moscow became the focus of the world: the red Soviet Union, which once made the world tremble, announced its disintegration on this night; the former Soviet republics, who were like brothers, now had to rebuild their borders.💡🤗 In Almaty, 3,000 km away from Moscow, the leader of the newly born country of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, was ready to make a big splash in this new country.👣 In 1997, Nazarbayev signed a presidential decree to move the capital from Almaty in the south to Astana, a new city on the northern steppe with a higher proportion of Russians.❗️Compared to the strong Soviet style of Almaty, Astana uses a lot of postmodern architecture, which is refreshing and shows the determination of this emerging country to embrace the world.🍁

Dear travelers, today I will take you to the Ibis Astana Hotel in Astana to experience this five-star accommodation. 1. Hotel environment and facilities As soon as you step into the Ibis Astana Hotel, you will feel like you have entered a whole new world. The hotel lobby is simple and elegant, yet full of exoticism. The staff are smiling, making you feel at home. On the right side of the lobby are the hotel's various facilities, including a restaurant, gym, swimming pool, etc. 2. Check-in process and room layout The check-in process is simple and fast, and the staff will provide you with thoughtful service. When you get the room card and open the door, you will be attracted by the room layout. The room is spacious and bright, with modern and simple decoration, full of comfort. The bed is covered with soft bedding, making you want to lie down and rest immediately. The room is also equipped with a spacious bathroom and an all-in-one entertainment system, fully meeting the needs of travelers. 3. Food and service The restaurant at the Ibis Hotel offers a wide range of food options. From classic Kazakh cuisine to a variety of international cuisines, the color, aroma, taste, and texture are all satisfying. Their barbecue and handmade bread are especially recommended, and every bite is a treat for the taste buds. In addition to the food, the hotel's service is also worth mentioning. No matter what questions or needs you have, the staff will enthusiastically answer and help you. 4. Experience During my stay at the Ibis Astana Hotel, I felt the warmth and comfort of home. Whether it is the room layout or the completeness of the facilities, I am very satisfied. The hotel staff also impressed me. Their enthusiasm and thoughtfulness made me feel the warmth of home in a foreign country. In addition, the hotel is conveniently located, close to the city center and major attractions, making it very convenient to travel. 5. Summary Overall, the Ibis Astana Hotel is a comfortable and pleasant stay. The facilities, service, and food are all satisfying. If you are planning to travel to Astana, consider this five-star accommodation! I believe you will not be disappointed!

Travel is an escape for the soul, and the Hilton Astana is a dream haven I discovered in this city! My stay was perfect, and I can't wait to share my treasure trove of a trip with you. 🌆 Prime location with a view of the city The Hilton Astana is in a prime location in the heart of Astana, with all the amenities you could need nearby. From the hotel, you can walk to all the major attractions in Astana in just a few minutes, such as the uniquely shaped Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, where you can shop, watch movies, and enjoy the indoor beach. The hotel is close to subway and bus stations, making it easy to get around. From the hotel room, you can open the window and take in the bustling cityscape, with busy streets during the day and bright lights at night, perfect for taking photos. 🏨 Luxurious design with extraordinary taste Stepping into the hotel lobby is like entering a palace of art. The lobby is spacious, with a modern and minimalist design that incorporates traditional Kazakh elements. The marble floors are as smooth as mirrors, the crystal chandeliers are dazzling, and the walls are adorned with local artwork, all of which reflect the hotel's elegant taste. The sofas and coffee tables in the public areas are stylish and comfortable, perfect for a short break while enjoying the soothing music in the lobby. 🛏 Ultimate rooms for a comfortable sleep My room was spacious and bright, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The room is decorated in warm tones with soft carpets, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The bed is soft and comfortable, with a mattress that is just the right firmness to fit the curves of the body, ensuring a good night's sleep. The room is equipped with a smart control system that allows you to easily adjust the lighting, temperature, and curtains, giving it a high-tech feel. The bathroom is designed with separate wet and dry areas and is equipped with high-end toiletries and a large bathtub, perfect for a hot bath after a long day of fun. 💁‍♂️ Thoughtful service that feels like home The service at the hotel is impeccable! From the moment I checked in, the staff greeted me warmly, helped me with my luggage, and checked me in quickly. During my stay, no matter what problem I encountered, the staff would quickly come to help me solve it with just a phone call. The staff is friendly and always smiling, making me feel very warm. They also offer personalized services based on guests' needs, such as booking tickets and arranging tours, making my trip more convenient and enjoyable. The Hilton Astana is a treasure trove of a hotel! With its prime location, luxurious design, comfortable rooms, delicious food, and thoughtful service, it offers every guest an unforgettable travel experience. If you're planning a trip to Astana, don't miss this hotel! I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do!

|Saad Hotel Hey guys, I found a great hotel in Astana this time - Saad Hotel, and I have to recommend it to you! 📍Great location The hotel is in a great location, in the center of Astana, with all the amenities you need. There is a lively shopping mall nearby, so you can shop and eat at the same time. It is also close to bus and subway stations, so you can easily get around the city and visit the Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. 🛏️Comfortable rooms The rooms are clean and bright, simply decorated but cozy. The bed is soft and hard, so you can sleep through the night. The bathroom is dry and wet, and the toiletries are well prepared, so you can stay with peace of mind. 🍱Delicious food The breakfast is rich in variety, with Kazakh specialties such as naan and milk tea, as well as Western-style bacon and fried eggs, which can fully meet the needs of different tastes. The dinner at the restaurant is also worth a try, with authentic local specialties and fresh ingredients that are very satisfying. 💁‍♂️Thoughtful service The front desk staff speaks English, so communication is not a problem, and check-in and check-out are quick. During my stay, they also helped me book local activities, which was very thoughtful. Saad Hotel is a great value for money and a great experience in every way. Next time I come to Astana, I will definitely choose this place!

Astana is located in the Priyesil Plain, in the low terrace area of the upper Ishim River, with a hilly and flat terrain. It has a temperate continental climate, with strong winds all year round, hot and dry summers, and long, cold winters. It is the second coldest city in the world. In the Stone Age, the ancestors of the present-day Astana region were already nomadic. In the 7th century, the Bozok settlement was formed. In 1830, the Akmoli settlement was established. In 1832, it was granted town status and renamed Akmolinsk. In 1961, it was renamed Tselinograd and became an agricultural area. In 1991, after Kazakhstan's independence, due to the limited development space of the original capital Almaty and the severe Russification of the northern region, the capital was moved to Akmola in the north in 1997. The following year, it was renamed Astana. In March 2019, it was renamed Nur-Sultan, and in September 2022, it was renamed Astana again. After the city became the capital, the master plan was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, and the shape of the city changed dramatically, highlighting internationalization and modernization.

Winter Astana is fantastic

The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is located in the center of Astana and is the largest historical and cultural museum in Kazakhstan. The museum houses a wide variety of artifacts and exhibits, covering many fields such as the historical changes, ethnic culture, and natural ecology of Kazakhstan from prehistoric times to modern times. Through a large number of archaeological artifacts, artworks, historical documents, etc., the museum comprehensively displays the unique charm and diverse culture of Kazakhstan, making it an important window to understand the country. [Opening Hours]: 10:00–18:00, closed on Mondays, recommended visit time: 3–4 hours. Note that smoking and touching exhibits are prohibited in the museum, and visitors should follow the designated route. [Ticket Price]: Adult ticket: 500 KZT, discounts available for students and children, no recent price changes. [Activities]: Start your visit from the Natural History Hall on the first floor to learn about Kazakhstan's geography, flora and fauna, and geological evolution. Then head to the History and Culture Hall on the second floor to browse the exhibits of different historical periods, including ancient history, the Middle Ages, and modern Kazakhstan, including ancient pottery, weapons, clothing, etc., to feel the pulse of history. Finally, go to the Modern Kazakhstan Hall on the third floor to learn about the country's achievements and contemporary culture and art after independence. During the visit, you can rent an audio guide or follow a guide to learn more about the stories behind the exhibits. [Transportation]: The museum is accessible by public transportation, and you can also take a taxi. From the airport or other transportation hubs, you can choose suitable public transportation or take a taxi. [Itinerary]: There are art galleries nearby, where you can continue to enjoy the charm of art after visiting the museum. It is recommended to choose a hotel with convenient transportation in the city center for accommodation, which is convenient for traveling around the city. [Preparation]: Bring your ID card or passport (for foreign tourists). Prepare a light backpack for carrying water and some snacks. If you are a photography enthusiast, note that photography may be prohibited in some areas of the museum, so please follow the relevant regulations and inquire in advance.

#architecture

🏨During our short stay in Astana (now Nur-Sultan), the capital of Kazakhstan, we experienced three top hotels - Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis. Each hotel 🏙️ showcased its unique luxury and style, leaving a lasting impression. 1️⃣ Sheraton Astana Sheraton is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of Kazakhstan Central Park and Bayterek Tower. The hotel's design is modern, with spacious rooms and excellent lighting. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the bustling city. During our stay, the hotel's service team was very attentive, especially during breakfast, offering a variety of Kazakh specialties, including traditional milk tea and baursak (a type of fried pastry), which were both delicious and gave a strong sense of local flavor. Sheraton's gym and pool facilities are also excellent, providing a dual experience for business and leisure travelers. 2️⃣ The Ritz-Carlton Astana If "luxury" is the word to describe hotels in Astana, then the Ritz-Carlton is the epitome. Known for its high-end elegant decor and attentive service, the moment you enter the lobby, you can feel the unique aristocratic atmosphere. Our room was on a high floor, overlooking the entire Astana cityscape, especially the night lights, as if we were in a sea of stars. The hotel's spa center is exquisite, offering everything from aromatherapy to traditional massages, providing an ultimate relaxation experience. The restaurant's international and local cuisine is equally impressive, especially the selected steak, which is unforgettable. 3️⃣ The St. Regis Astana The St. Regis has a more cultural and artistic atmosphere, with architectural design that combines Kazakh tradition and modern aesthetics. The hotel is located near the Ishim River, with a prime location, and a walk to the riverbank allows you to feel the tranquility of the morning and the unique charm of the city. The St. Regis' unique butler service is excellent, providing efficient assistance with dining needs and itinerary arrangements. In the hotel's restaurant, we tasted authentic horse meat sausages and dairy products, a perfect blend of exquisite ethnic flavors and modern presentation. In addition, the St. Regis' courtyard design is unique, making it a great place for photos and relaxation. 4️⃣ These three hotels each have their own characteristics, whether it's the warmth and convenience of the Sheraton, the ultimate luxury of the Ritz-Carlton, or the cultural heritage of the St. Regis, they are all unforgettable. If you are looking for an extraordinary experience in Astana, these three hotels are not to be missed.

1️⃣ From Bishkek, we embarked on a long journey across Central Asia and Russia. This journey is not only a geographical crossing, but also a baptism of rich humanities and scenery. 2️⃣ Shortly after leaving Bishkek, we arrived at our first stop in Kazakhstan, Almaty. Surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, this city is a harmonious blend of modernity and nature. Strolling in front of the Abai Theater under the floodlights, you will find yourself surrounded by tree-lined streets and Soviet-era buildings. The Green Market in Almaty is full of life, with various spice and fruit stalls reflecting the enthusiastic smiles of the people, giving you a strong sense of regional characteristics. 3️⃣ Continuing north, we arrived at Kazakhstan's new capital, Astana (now Nur-Sultan). This futuristic city is known for its modern architecture. The Bayterek Tower is particularly dazzling under the blue sky and white clouds, symbolizing the prosperity and progress of Kazakhstan. In the National Museum of Kazakhstan, we gained an in-depth understanding of the intertwining of nomadic culture and modernization, and this cultural collision is impressive. 4️⃣ After leaving Astana, we crossed endless grasslands and forests and entered Russia. The first stop is Yekaterinburg, an industrial town located at the junction of Europe and Asia. The iconic "Europe-Asia Boundary Marker" in the city has become a highlight of the journey. From here, the architectural style of the city gradually transitions from Soviet-style to Russian Orthodox churches, and the golden dome of St. Catherine's Cathedral shines in the sun, making people linger in the city's rich sense of history. 5️⃣ The next stop is Kazan, one of Russia's cultural centers and a microcosm of multiculturalism. In the Kazan Kremlin, we witnessed the scene of Orthodox churches and mosques standing side by side, and this religious inclusiveness reflects the unique charm of Kazan. The blue and white domes of the Qolşärif Mosque are breathtakingly beautiful, and the quiet atmosphere inside the mosque is awe-inspiring. 6️⃣ Finally, we arrived at the end of the journey, the Russian capital, Moscow. The vastness of Red Square and the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral are breathtaking. People here walk in a hurry, but they take a leisurely stroll along the Moscow River at night, showing the rhythm of this metropolis intertwined with busyness and leisure. 7️⃣ Along the way, we not only crossed the geographical mountains and rivers, but also felt the diversity of culture. From grasslands to forests, from mosques to churches, this is an unforgettable journey of culture and nature. Every city and every smiling face makes people feel the richness and magnificence of the Eurasian continent.

📍Astana, Kazakhstan Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia. It may not be a very familiar tourist destination, but this unknown city is actually amazing! Astana is a city that is still under development today, after Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa's urban planning proposal won first place in an international competition organized by the Kazakhstan government in 1998. The city is filled with shiny gold towers, pyramid-like buildings, and even castle-like hotels, making it a city of the near future🌃 Because it is a fully planned city, there is a main street running through the center of the city, and from the tower you can see how the city functions are distributed around it👀 There are hardly any tourists, but the security is not an issue and I was able to walk around the city relatively safely🏃♀️ A planned city in Kazakhstan designed by a Japanese architect, please visit it🪐✨ #Overseas travel record #Kazakhstan #Astana #Solo travel

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