Things to See in Astana: 15 Must-Visit Spots With Costs

Astana has 15 major attractions worth visiting, most concentrated along the 3 km Nurzhol Boulevard axis from the Presidential Palace to Khan Shatyr mall, and a focused 2-day itinerary covers them all for under $30 in entrance fees. Kazakhstan’s capital since 1997 rose from a Soviet provincial town into one of the most architecturally ambitious cities in the world, with buildings designed by Norman Foster, Kisho Kurokawa, and Adrian Smith. Whether you are passing through on your way between Almaty and western Kazakhstan or dedicating a full visit, here is exactly what to see, what it costs, and how to plan your time.

Bayterek Tower

The 97-meter monument symbolizing Kazakhstan’s move of the capital in 1997. The golden sphere at the top holds an observation deck with panoramic views of the entire city.

Detail	Info
Entry	700 KZT ($1.50)
Hours	10:00-21:00 daily
Time needed	30-45 minutes
Tip	Visit at sunset for the best photos

The golden orb contains a handprint of former President Nazarbayev cast in gold. Placing your hand in the imprint has become a tourist ritual. Lines are shortest before noon on weekdays.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

Norman Foster’s 150-meter tent-shaped structure is the world’s largest tensile structure. Inside you will find a shopping mall, indoor park, monorail, and a rooftop beach resort with sand imported from the Maldives.

Detail	Info
Entry	Free (shops and food)
Beach Club	5,000-8,000 KZT ($10-17)
Hours	10:00-22:00
Time needed	1-2 hours

The temperature inside stays at 25-30 degrees year-round regardless of the -30 degree winters outside. It is a genuine engineering marvel and a practical shelter during Astana’s harsh winters.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (Pyramid)

Another Norman Foster creation. This 62-meter glass pyramid hosts interfaith conferences and contains a 1,500-seat opera hall, a museum of national heritage, and stained glass by Brian Clarke.

Detail	Info
Entry	1,000 KZT ($2)
Hours	10:00-18:00 (closed Monday)
Time needed	1 hour
Tip	The top-floor stained glass windows are the highlight

Hazrat Sultan Mosque

Central Asia’s largest mosque and one of the largest in the world, accommodating 10,000 worshippers. The white marble exterior with gold domes is spectacular at any time, but most photogenic at dusk.

Detail	Info
Entry	Free
Dress code	Cover shoulders and knees, headscarves for women (provided at entrance)
Hours	9:00-20:00 daily
Time needed	30-45 minutes

National Museum of Kazakhstan

The largest museum in Central Asia at 74,000 square meters. Four floors covering Kazakhstan from ancient Scythian gold artifacts through nomadic empires to independence. The Hall of Gold features original Scythian treasures rivaling those in the Hermitage.

Detail	Info
Entry	1,500 KZT ($3)
Audio guide	500 KZT ($1)
Hours	10:00-18:00 (closed Monday)
Time needed	2-3 hours

Nurzhol Boulevard (Water-Green Boulevard)

The 3 km pedestrian axis connecting the Presidential Palace to Khan Shatyr. Lined with government buildings, fountains, sculptures, and parks. This is where you understand Astana’s architectural ambition. Free to walk, best experienced at a leisurely pace.

EXPO Sphere (Nur Alem)

The 80-meter glass sphere built for Expo 2017 is now the Museum of Future Energy. Eight floors of interactive exhibits on renewable energy, space exploration, and Kazakhstan’s technology sector.

Detail	Info
Entry	1,500 KZT ($3)
Hours	10:00-20:00
Time needed	1.5-2 hours

Ak Orda Presidential Palace

The official residence of Kazakhstan’s president. You cannot enter, but the exterior (white marble with a gold dome) anchors the southern end of Nurzhol Boulevard and is one of Astana’s most photographed buildings.

Astana Opera

A 1,250-seat opera house with Italian marble interiors modeled on La Scala. Tickets for ballet and opera performances start from 2,000 KZT ($4). Even without attending a performance, the lobby is open for viewing.

Shabyt Palace of Arts

The funnel-shaped building at the edge of the EXPO complex houses contemporary art exhibitions, student shows from the University of Arts, and rotating installations.

Ishim River Embankment

A recently developed waterfront park stretching 5 km along both banks of the Ishim River. Jogging paths, cycling lanes, playgrounds, and floating restaurants. Rent an electric scooter for 500 KZT/hour ($1) from Spin or Whoosh apps.

Baiterek Mall and Local Markets

For a less polished side of Astana, visit the Artyom bazaar near the old railway station. Fresh produce, dried fruits, kurt, horse meat, and household goods at local prices.

Burabay Day Trip

Nicknamed “Kazakhstan’s Switzerland,” Burabay National Park is 250 km north (3-hour drive). Pine forests, granite rock formations, and lakes surrounded by steppe. Organized day tours from Astana cost 15,000-25,000 KZT ($30-50).

Costs Summary

Item	Cost
All major museum entries (4 museums)	~$10
Meals for 2 days	$20-40
Transport (metro + taxi)	$5-10
Burabay day trip (optional)	$30-50
Total 2-day visit	$35-60 (without accommodation)

Hotels in Astana range from $25 (hostel) to $60-100 (mid-range) to $200+ (Hilton, Ritz-Carlton).

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1 (Nurzhol Boulevard axis): Morning: Bayterek Tower → walk Nurzhol Boulevard → National Museum (2-3 hours). Lunch at Line Brew or Selfie (both on the boulevard, $8-15/person). Afternoon: Palace of Peace (Pyramid) → Hazrat Sultan Mosque → Khan Shatyr mall.

Day 2 (EXPO district + river): Morning: EXPO Sphere → Shabyt Gallery. Lunch at EXPO food court. Afternoon: Ishim River embankment walk or cycle → Astana Opera (if evening performance). Alternative: full-day Burabay trip.

How to Get There

Astana airport (NQZ) has direct flights from Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt, and most Central Asian capitals. From Almaty, flights take 2 hours ($40-80) or the overnight train takes 14 hours ($15-40).

Within the city, the new LRT light rail covers the main tourist corridor. Yandex Go (ride-hailing) works citywide with rides from $1-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Tips

Astana rewards a focused 2-3 day visit more than a rushed day trip. The attractions cluster along a single axis, making logistics simple. Book a hotel on or near Nurzhol Boulevard and everything is walkable.

The best time to visit is May through September when temperatures are comfortable and the city’s parks and fountains are in full operation. Winter visits (December-February) offer a dramatic atmosphere and the novelty of experiencing one of the world’s coldest capitals, but plan for indoor activities.

From Astana, you can continue to Almaty by air (2 hours) or overnight train, or head west to the Caspian coast for a completely different side of Kazakhstan.