Things to Do in Astana

About Astana

Renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 and now officially called Astana again, Kazakhstan's capital showcases futuristic architecture rising from Central Asian steppes, featuring the Bayterek Tower with observation decks 97 meters high (symbolizing 1997, the year of capital relocation) offering panoramic views across planned city districts for 1,000 KZT ($2.20 USD) admission. The city experiences extreme continental climate with winter temperatures dropping to -35°C and summer highs reaching 35°C, while the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center provides year-round climate-controlled shopping and recreation beneath its distinctive transparent tent structure designed by Norman Foster spanning 150 meters in height. Astana Opera presents world-class ballet and opera performances for 3,000-15,000 KZT ($7-33 USD) in an architecturally stunning venue, while traditional Kazakhstani restaurants serve beshbarmak (horsemeat with noodles) and plov for 2,500-4,500 KZT ($5.50-10 USD) per portion alongside fermented mare's milk called kumys for authentic nomadic cultural experiences. Visit during summer months (June-August) when temperatures become pleasant and the city hosts international exhibitions and cultural festivals, while the planned urban layout creates wide boulevards perfect for walking where modern glass towers contrast dramatically with traditional Kazakhstani patterns incorporated into building facades and the vast sky typical of Central Asian landscapes.

Travel Tips

Transportation: The Astana Metro opened in 2022 with one line and costs 90 KZT ($0.20). Yandex Go is the main ride-hailing app at 500-2,000 KZT ($1.10-4.35) per trip. City buses cost 150 KZT ($0.33) with Onay card. Taxis have meters but Yandex is more reliable. The city is spread out along the Ishim River - walking between the old and new city takes 30-40 minutes. Airport is 17km south; Yandex Go costs 2,000-3,000 KZT ($4.35-6.50).

Money: Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) at about 460 to $1. ATMs at Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank are everywhere. Kaspi QR dominates payments - download the app with a local SIM. Cards work at most places in the new city. Budget $30-50 daily. The Bayterek Tower observation deck costs 700 KZT ($1.52). Tipping 10% is becoming standard at restaurants. Exchange USD or EUR at official bureaux.

Cultural Respect: Astana is modern and secular - dress codes are relaxed outside mosques. The Hazrat Sultan Mosque is Central Asia's largest; remove shoes, women cover heads, modest clothing required. Russian and Kazakh are both spoken. Winters are brutal (-30C is normal) - locals take pride in surviving the cold. Don't joke about the weather or the city being 'boring.' Nauryz festival (March 21-23) features traditional games and massive communal meals.

Food Safety: Beshbarmak at traditional restaurants costs 2,500-5,000 KZT ($5.40-10.85). Lagman runs 1,200-2,000 KZT ($2.60-4.35). The Left Bank has upscale dining at 5,000-15,000 KZT ($10.85-32.60) per person. Baursak (fried dough) with tea costs 300-500 KZT ($0.65-1.10). Kyzylorda rice pilaf at the bazaar runs 800-1,500 KZT ($1.75-3.25). In winter, warming soups like sorpa and shubat (camel milk) are everywhere for 500-1,000 KZT ($1.10-2.15).

When to Visit

Astana's extreme continental climate creates distinct seasons with dramatic temperature swings.Summer (June-August)offers the most comfortable weather with temperatures ranging from 15-30°C, though brief thunderstorms provide 40-50mm monthly rainfall. This peak season sees hotel prices increase 40-60%, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations (December 16th moved ceremonies) and Kurban Ait festivals.Spring (April-May)andAutumn (September-October)provide sweet spots with mild temperatures (5-20°C), minimal rainfall (20-30mm), and 20-30% lower accommodation costs.Winter (November-March)transforms the city into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures plummeting to -15°C to -35°C and minimal precipitation mostly as snow. While brutally cold, winter offers 50-70% reduced prices and spectacular views of illuminated architecture against snow. The Nauryz spring festival (March 21-23) marks winter's end with lively celebrations.Best for families and first-time visitors:June-August for comfortable exploration.Best for budget travelers:January-February for dramatic savings and winter sports.Best for photographers:October-November for golden autumn light and December-January for impressive winter cityscape contrasts.