Tourist Attractions in Astana

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Astana

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Astana

Astana looks like a magical oasis in the middle of the vast Kazakh steppes. The city was built practically from scratch a couple of decades ago after the decision was made to move the capital here from Almaty. Many cultural objects of the renewed Astana were built thanks to President Nazarbayev.

The unusual futuristic forms of Khan Shatyr and Astana Circus, the sky-piercing minarets of the Khazret Sultan mosque and the grandiose scale of Astana-Bayterek can impress any traveller. Today, the city continues to actively develop. New interesting places are constantly appearing here. Astana is a hospitable and pleasant city, where guests are always welcome. It is definitely worth coming here for new impressions.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Astana

Baiterek

 4.6/5

14018 reviews

The monument was erected on the central square in 2002 on the initiative of President Nazarbayev. The imposing 97-metre stele, topped with a gilded ball with a diameter of 22 metres, was designed by A. Rustembekov. “Astana-Bayterek” symbolises a new stage in the life of the Kazakh people, which was marked by the transfer of the country’s capital from Almaty to Astana.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

 0/5

A shopping and entertainment centre built in 2010. The unusual design of the building resembles a huge tent spread out among the endless Kazakh steppes. Inside there are shops, restaurants, office premises, a family amusement park, an aqua park and a real beach resort with sea sand specially imported from the Maldives.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

 4.5/5

1748 reviews

A pyramid-shaped building located next to the Astana-Bayterek monument. It was erected in 2006 for meetings of the International Congress on World Religions and Tolerance held in Astana. The building also has an opera hall, at the opening of which Monserrat Caballé herself sang. Today, the palace is used for exhibitions, conferences and concerts.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Singing Fountain

 4.6/5

3247 reviews

The Singing Fountain is a whole alley of dancing water streams, changing shape to the sound of music and shimmering in the bright colours of evening illumination. The composition of the fountain harmoniously complements the appearance of the centre of Astana – unusual, bright and futuristic. In the evenings, citizens and tourists like to stroll here, admiring the mesmerising dance performed by numerous water jets.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Lovers Park

 4.6/5

4786 reviews

One of the most romantic places of the Kazakh capital. Marriages and wedding photo shoots of newlyweds are often held here. The park occupies an area of 14 hectares. Its territory is decorated with lawns with bright flowers and trees in accordance with the principles of German landscape design. The place was named after a bronze sculpture depicting a young girl and a young man in love.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Palace of Independence

 4.5/5

103 reviews

A complex designed to host state and other official events (including international events), as well as to organise exhibitions, concerts and celebrations. It houses several halls, art galleries, cinemas, a history museum and a digital library. The building was constructed in 2007-08 in the style of modern architecture.

Open time

Shabyt Palace of Creativity

 4.6/5

108 reviews

A multifunctional cultural complex that was opened to mark the 10th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Astana. “Shabyt” unites under its roof a university of arts, art and music studios, lecture and concert halls, conference facilities, a gymnasium and a library. It is an important cultural centre of Kazakhstan, where a unique creative space has been created.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Monument Kazakh Eli

 4.6/5

688 reviews

The monument is located on Independence Square. It is a white stele 91 metres high, topped with the figure of the mythical bird Samruk. This size was not chosen by chance, as it was in 1991 that Kazakhstan became an independent state. Closer to the base, on all sides of the monument there are bas-reliefs depicting important milestones of modern Kazakh history. One of the figures is President N. Nazabraev.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Ak Orda Presidential Palace

 4.4/5

537 reviews

The official residence of the President of Kazakhstan. Nearby are the buildings of the government, parliament and the Supreme Court. The Akorda looks pompous and monumental, especially considering its impressive size. The building is topped by a blue dome with a gilded spire. In front of it stretches a spacious square with fountains, flower beds and well-kept alleys.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 7:32 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:32 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 7:32 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 7:32 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 7:32 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Hazrat Sultan Mosque

 0/5

The main mosque of Astana, ranking second in size in the whole of Central Asia (the first is the Turkmenbashi Rukhy). The capacity of the temple is up to 10 thousand people. It was built in 2012 in the style of classical Islamic architecture. “Khazret Sultan” is a real work of urban art, occupying a special place among the city’s attractions.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Nur Astana Mosque

 0/5

This temple owned all the laurels before the construction of the Khazret Sultan Mosque. “Nur Astana” was erected in 2005 in a modern oriental style with the financial support of the Qatari government. Granite, glass and concrete were used in the construction of the building. The minarets of the mosque are 63 metres high (the period of Muhammad’s earthly life), the main dome is 40 metres high (the age when Allah appeared to Muhammad).

Open time

Assumption Cathedral

 4.8/5

828 reviews

The cathedral Orthodox church of Astana, built in 2005-09. The cathedral has a cultural centre, a hotel for pilgrims, a children’s Sunday school and a small church history museum. On the square in front of the cathedral there is a monument to St Sergius of Radonezh. The relics of Orthodox saints and several donated valuable icons are kept inside.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

The Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

 4.5/5

650 reviews

Н. Nazarbayev is a revered leader of the nation who did much for the country during the transition period after Kazakhstan gained independence. His museum is located in his former residence on Beibitshilik Street. The exposition is made up of Nazarbayev’s personal books, his scientific works, awards and interior items. The staff of the museum is engaged in supporting children with disabilities by organising competitions, thematic seminars and exhibitions.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

 4.6/5

3264 reviews

The extensive collection covers an area of 75,000 m². It covers the time period from antiquity to the present day and consists of archaeological, cultural and ethnographic artefacts. The museum is divided into several halls: Astana, independent Kazakhstan, history, ethnography, modern art, gold. Modern technologies are actively used to demonstrate the collection.

Open time

Saken Seifullin Museum

 4.6/5

338 reviews

С. Seifullin was a poet, playwright, public figure and teacher who made an invaluable contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s culture. In memory of this extraordinary man, a memorial museum was opened in Astana in 1998, where personal belongings of the writer, photographic materials, documents, books and works of art related to the creative path of S. Seifullin are collected. Seifullin. The exposition is housed in a small wooden house, an architectural monument of the 19th century.

Open time

Astana Opera

 4.8/5

2968 reviews

The capital’s opera theatre, erected in 2013 at the suggestion of N. Nazarbayev. The building was constructed in neoclassical style. Despite its novelty, it has already been recognised as a national architectural monument. Specialists from the Italian “La Scala”, as well as from the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres were specially invited to select the artists who would make up the theatre company.

Open time

Russian drama theatre named after M.Gorky

 4.6/5

510 reviews

The theatre was established in the late 19th century, making it the oldest stage in the Kazakh capital. In 1939, it moved to the building where it remains to this day. In 1969 the theatre was given the name of M. Gorky. The theatre company regularly takes part in international festivals, which speaks of the high professionalism of the actors. The repertoire is mainly composed of works by Russian and foreign classics.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall

 4.6/5

1181 reviews

The site was opened in 2009 in the personal presence of N. Nazarbayev. It is used for concerts, festivals and conferences. Thanks to excellent acoustics, music events of various formats can be organised here. The building is designed as a structure with an irregularly shaped facade, which is often compared to the petals of a fantastic flower.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Capital Circus

 4.4/5

1071 reviews

The circus building resembles the outline of a flying saucer. The original design was created by architect T. Abdilda. In addition to the arena and the auditorium, the complex also includes a hotel with more than 100 seats. The circus programme is quite diverse – it includes both traditional for the genre numbers and original performances with the use of national motifs. There are about 300 people in the troupe.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Naberezhnaya Reki Ishim

 4.9/5

14 reviews

One of the main tourist places in Astana. It often hosts festive events that gather a large number of citizens. The embankment offers a magnificent view of the new districts of the city, the construction of which used modern architectural solutions and original projects. From here you can start a walking route around the Kazakh capital.

Open time

Kenesary Khan

 4.7/5

2225 reviews

Khan Kenesary is a national hero of Kazakhstan, who fought for the country’s independence from the Russian Empire in the 19th century. He led a liberation uprising, which was later suppressed by tsarist troops. A monument in his honour was erected in Astana on the embankment of the Ishim River. The sculpture is made of bronze. It represents a figure of Khan in national dress, sitting on a horse.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

"Eternal Nation" Arch of Triumph

 4.5/5

2424 reviews

The Astana Triumphal Arch is a kind of response to European monuments. The opening of the monument took place in the presence of N. Nazarbayev. It was timed to the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence. The monument became the embodiment of the country’s freedom, to which the Kazakh people had been moving for many years. The rules of “golden section” were used in the construction of the arch.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Astana Arena

 4.6/5

4659 reviews

A spacious sports stadium with a sliding roof for 30,000 spectators. It is primarily used to organise football matches, but its design allows other competitions to be held here as well. “Astana Arena” is the home ground for three football clubs. The stadium was opened in 2009. According to the UEFA classification, it has 4 stars.

Open time

Atameken Ethno-Memorial Map of Kazakhstan

 4.4/5

418 reviews

A memorial complex located in the central park of Astana on Turan Avenue. The concept of the museum is quite unusual – “Atameken” is made in the form of a map, on which cities and regions of the country are placed on a reduced scale. That is, it represents a miniature model of Kazakhstan. Like many other significant places of the capital, the complex was built on the initiative of N. Nazarbayev.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Ailand

 4.5/5

4496 reviews

The entertainment complex is designed for the whole family. Its territory has many attractions, an oceanarium (the only one in Central Asia), an exotarium, a children’s playground, a 5D cinema, a museum, as well as numerous recreation areas and restaurants. “Duman” was opened in 2003. Since then, it has become one of the favourite places of recreation for citizens and tourists.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM