11 Best Places to Visit in Astana (Nur-Sultan)

Are you planning to explore Astana as a tourist? Here, we’ve discussed the 11 best places to visit in Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan that are worth exploring.

Nur-Sultan (Astana) Overview

When it comes to exploring the beauty and culture of Kazakhstan, there’s no better place to start than in its vibrant capital city, Astana. This city is a blend of modernity and tradition.

With its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history, Astana offers a unique travel experience.

In this article, I’ll explore the best places to visit in Astana, ensuring you make the most of your trip to this fascinating city.

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Best Places to Visit in Astana

Now, I’m going to discuss those tourist attractions in Astana that contribute a major role to making it a tourism-rich city. Are you ready to know about those places?

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1. Bayterek

Baiterek Tower is the first tourist attraction on our list which is the most popular place in Nur-Sultan. Not only local tourists but also foreign visitors come here and enjoy the very beautiful scenes from this tower.

The tower is situated on Nurjol Boulevard, a pedestrian zone in the business and administrative center on the left bank of the Ishim River in Nur-Sultan.

Since it is also an observation tower, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the whole Nur-Sultan. It will definitely enthrall you. The height of the top floor is 97 meters and if we include an antenna spire, it becomes 105 meters.

The tower has a very mesmerizing look and the fountain, park, and green grass, add beauty to it. At night time, the colorful electric light attracts tourists from all over the world to visit here.

Location – Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

2. Ak Orda

Ak Orda is the next worth-seeing tourist place in Nur-Sultan which is nothing but the name of the Presidential palace.

Many people are confused that it is the residence of the president of Kazakstan, but it is not correct. It is the president’s place of work and houses the staff of the Presidential Administration, not the president’s house.

Being a tourist and due to security concerns, you can only see the building from the outside which will also give you a good experience.

The building has a total of seven floors with various halls and it has the total height from the ground level is 80 meters. It has a dome-shaped roof with a spire. At the top of the dome, there is a golden color sun with 32 rays at its apex.

There is also a large ground is in front of the building in which various types of plants, flowers, and green grass are planted. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best places to visit in Nur-Sultan.

Location – Astana City Center, Kazakhstan

3. Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex

You might have seen smaller copies of many buildings, places, etc, but believe me, after visiting Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex you will forget them all. At this tourist spot, you can see the smaller copies of more than 200 most recognizable landmarks of Kazakhstan.

You can undoubtedly say it is the map of Kazakhstan. It is expanded in the area equal to two football fields.

There are many copies of famous museums, monuments, towers, forests, parks, and natural heritage included in this complex. There is paid a lot of attention to the beauty of every copy and along with it, the complex is designed very precisely.

To have an experience of this mind-blowing place, lakhs of tourists from all over the world come here every year. It is a paradise for all photographers. If you are also a photographer, you must visit and capture the best scenes with your camera.

Location – Qorghalzhyn Hwy 2/1, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan

4. Duman Entertainment Centre (Ailand)

Do you want to see different sea creatures in one place? If you want, get ready to visit our next tourist attraction Duman Entertainment Centre.

It is basically a hub of many adventurous activities. There are several thematic zones like an aquarium, 3D cinema, a network of cafes and trading halls, etc. The main attraction is an aquarium that has over 3000 creatures of 100 different species.

From small fish to big sharks, you can see everything here. There is a 5D Digital Cinema that is an excellent example of Kazakhstan’s advanced technology. You can enjoy a virtual tour of the wildlife of the sea.

Not only this, but you can also enjoy many things that are not possible in practical life in this 5D digital Cinema. Like the above travel destinations, it is also worth visiting places in Nur-Sultan.

Location – Qorghalzhyn Hwy 2, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan

5. Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

After visiting Duman Entertainment Centre, you should visit Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center. It is basically a very large transparent tent having a total height of 90 meters and covering a total area of 140,000 square meters.

It is equal to the 10 football stadiums. Now you can assume how large it is. The tent is designed only for the tourism perspective, so, you must visit there.

When you enter the tent, you will find many interesting things. There is a dino park, mall, resort, street, Drop Tower, gold mine coaster, ghost hunting, sliding hill, monorail, a boating river, entertainment venue, mini golf, and also indoor beach resort existed inside it.

Whether you want to enjoy boating or want to do ghost hunting, this tourist spot will fulfill all your desires. So, we can blindly say that is one of the best places to visit in Nur-Sultan. I will definitely want to recommend this place to visit if you are in Nur-Sultan.

Location – Turan Ave 37, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

6. Mega Silk Way

Mega Silk Way is our next Astana tourist attraction that is worth seeing place. It was the most advanced and ambitious project by the government of Kazakhstan.

The project was jointly opened by the President of Kazakhstan and the President of Uzbekistan in March 2017 to give a tourism boost and lastly economic boost to Nur-Sultan. Technology and science are heavily used to develop its infrastructure.

If we talk about its architecture, not only Kazakhstan but the whole world admires it. Not only this, it won the International Property Award for “Best International Retail Architecture” in 2019 in London.

There are 210 retail units, a food court, a ten-screen cinema including an IMAX screen, a car park, restaurants, and children’s entertainment areas inside this large complex. The hi-tech building will definitely make you crazy.

Location – Qabanbay Batyr Ave 62, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

7. Congress Centre

Congress Centre is one of the best places to visit in Nur-Sultan that can’t be ignored when you are on your Nur-Sultan trip. It is another tourist spot showing the advanced technology of Kazakhstan.

It is basically a very beautiful building that is primarily designed to promote tourism. So, if you are in Nur-Sultan and do not get there, you are ignoring something great.

There are many events as well as several exhibitions held from time to time in this building. Its exterior appearance is very interesting. The building is designed like a leaf and is covered with glass.

In the winter, the ground in front of the building is completely filled with snow due to snowfall that attracts many tourists. There are many beautiful scenes there. If you are a camera person, must visit there and enjoy photography.

Location – Sauran St 44, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan

8. Hazrat Sultan Mosque

Now come to the religious tourist places in Nur-Sultan, Hazrat Sultan Mosque is a place where you should also visit. The remarkable thing about it is that it is the largest mosque in Central Asia.

So, if you visit there, not only will you have a great experience but also can proudly say that you have visited the largest mosque in Central Asia.

The mosque is designed in the classical Islamic style which makes it unique from other mosques. There are four minarets around the corner of the mosque, each is 77 meters in height.

If we talk about its capacity, more than 10,000 worshippers can pray there without any problem. The mosque has a very vast and wide ground in which many cultural events are held from time to time.

Location – Tauelsizdik Ave 48, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan

9. Nur-Astana Mosque

Nur-Astana Mosque is the next religious place in Astana that you should also visit. The interesting thing about it is that it is the third-largest mosque in Central Asia and the height of the minarets is 63 meters, the age when Muhammad died. More than 5000 worshippers can easily pray inside the mosque.

There are four minarets in each corner of the mosque and the entire mosque is primarily painted white while the dome is painted golden. There is a pond in front of the mosque of which the bluish water is very mesmerizing.

The greenery around the mosque also reflects a positive vibe. On the occasion of festivals, it is completely decorated with electric lights adding beauty to it.

Location – Qabanbay Batyr Ave 36, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

10. Museum of the First President of Kazakhstan

Now, you have got to know some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Nur-Sultan, haven’t you? The next worth-seeing destination is the Museum of the First President of Kazakhstan.

The museum is located at 11 Beibitshilik Street, in Nur-Sultan which was established in 2004. There are several halls inside this building that are decorated with historical memory.

The building is very grand. It has a dome-shaped top on which a national flag is always flowing. There is a large ground in front of the museum from where you can see the exterior architecture of the building sitting peacefully. The government has also paid attention to the greenery of that place.

Inside the museum, you will see so many historical awards, weapons, statues, etc. Believe me, it is one of the best places to visit in Nur-Sultan. I genuinely recommend you this place to visit.

Location – Abay Ave 11 Beibitshilik Street, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

11. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Now, come to an interesting place, do you want the experience of a pyramid in Kazakhstan? If you do, get ready to visit The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

It is basically a non-denominational national spiritual center where delegations from countries across the world come and talk about peacefulness, harmony, and help. This congress is held once in three years.

Due to its design and architecture, it is a very liked travel destination by tourists. The construction is of steel frame for the pyramid and concrete for the lower levels.

The building reaches a height of 62 meters from ground level. It has been painted in the color of its national flag from the outside to give the feel of patriotism. Overall, you will feel good after visiting there as well as have an excellent experience.

Location – Tauelsizdik Ave 57, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

This tour of Kolsai Lake & Kaindy Lake is our favorite.

Nur-Sultan Travel Guide | Astana Travel Guide

1. Staying in Nur-Sultan (Astana)

There are multiple options available for staying in Astana. Some of the best hotels in Astana are –

1. Belon Lux Hotel
2. WhiteHome in HighVill
3. Hostel Bro Astana
4. Hilton Garden Inn Astana
5. Astana Marriott Hotel

2. Best Restaurants in Nur-Sultan (Astana)

Some of the best restaurants offering tasty food in Astana are – 

1. Saksaul
2. Arnau
3. Satti
4. Line Brew
5. Astana-Nury

3. Best Shopping Malls in Nur-Sultan (Astana)

Some of the great places to go shopping in Astana are as follows –

1. Astana Mall
2. Khan Shatyr
3. MEGA Silk Way
4. Asia Park
5. Eurasia

4. How to Reach Nur-Sultan (Astana)?

Nur-Sultan is connected by major cities of the country as well as major airports of the world. There is an airport, Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport located in Nur – Sultan which is 17 km far from the city center. After reaching there, you can explore Astana city by using public transport or by renting a car. 

Conclusion – Best Places to Visit in Astana

These are the best places to visit in Astana. If you are on a trip to Kazakhstan, you should definitely visit Nur-Sultan and explore these places. There will you find many photography spots where you can click very beautiful pictures.

Now, we want to ask you which place has excited you the most. Kindly mention that place in the comment section.

FAQs – Best Tourist Attractions in Astana

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