Top Things to Do and Sightseeing for Tourist in Nur-Sultan (Astana)

December 11, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 5462 Views

Nur Sultan is the national capital city of Kazakhstan. Until 2019, it was known as Astana and before 1998 it was known as Akmola. The city’s current name honors former president of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. He had been the president of the nation since the historic year of Khazakhstan’s independence from the soviet union. Nur Sultan is known as the city of the future in Kazakhstan. There are several places to visit in Nur Sultan which have been designed in keeping with futuristic themes. Khan Shatyr, Bayterek Tower, Pyramid and Palace of Independence are all great examples of this futuristic vision of the city. Though majority of things to do in Nur Sultan (Astana) are still quite traditional. There are historical buildings to visit, museums to explore, architecture to admire and numerous venues for entertainment.

Nur Sultan is also home to the largest mosque in Central Asia. The city actually has two among top three largest mosques in Central Asia. Each of these is a splendid wonder among things to see in Nur Sultan. On one hand of the city are futurist Nur Sultan tourist attractions, while on the other side are beautiful old buildings. It is a start contrast between two different areas of the same city. The old town area is also a great place for Nur Sultan sightseeing. It has several old buildings with interesting architecture and design.

There are numerous museums as well to explore when you visit Nur Sultan. Some are dedicated to history, while others to culture. If you are looking for entertainment though, you should head to Astana circus or Khan Shatyr. These are among the best Nur Sultan attractions for entertainment. Khan Statyr is also known for being one of the best places to visit in Nur Sultan for shopping. If you admire architecture, you will truly enjoy Nur Sultan travel. Even if you are not an admirer of architecture, you can still appreciate aesthetically pleasing and futuristic looking buildings among Nur Sultan tourist attraction.

Table of Contents

Explore The Top Tourist Attractions in Nur-Sultan (Astana) in 2 Days

This sections covers the most popular things to see in Nur Sultan segmented in day by day plans. This itinerary allows you to easily navigate through Nur Sultan sightseeing while managing your time. The attractions have been picked based on their proximity to one another as well.

Day 1

1. Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

This multi activity center is the largest marquee in the world. There are several things to do in Nur Sultan to enjoy within Khan Shatyr. You would need 2 hours to explore the activities here.

2. Bayterek Tower

This tower is among the most popular places to visit in Nur Sultan. The observation deck of the buildings is an interesting spot to see the city’s skyline. You will need an hour at this iconic tower of Nur Sultan.

3. Ak Orda Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace is also known as Ak Orda, which means “The White Headquarters”. Though there are several things to see in Nur Sultan’s Presidential Palace, the most well known among the attractions here is the Central Concert Hall. You will need about 2 hours to explore the palace complex.

4. Nur Astana Mosque

This is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. The mosque is known for its grand architecture and ornate interiors. You will need about an hour to explore this mosque.

5. Astana Circus

The building is designed like a UFO. It is among the most entertaining places to visit in Nur Sultan. You will need an hour to explore the buildings. If you staying for a circus show here, then you will need more time.

Day 2

1. The Pyramid (Palace of Peace and Reconciliation)

Also known as the Palace of Peace & Reconciliation, this is one of the most well known Nur Sultan tourist attractions. There are guided tours of the palace to aid your exploration. You will need about 2 hours here.

2. Palace of Independence

This buildings looks like a square bird’s nest. It is again a wonderful work of modern architecture to explore during Nur Sultan sightseeing. You will need one hour at this palace.

3. Independence Square, Nur-Sultan (Kazakh Eli Monument)

The monument is a 91 meter tall with a golden statue of the Samruk bird. There is not much to do here. Just admire the monument for a few minutes and move on to other Nur Sultan attractions.

4. Hazret Sultan Mosque

This white and golden mosque is the largest of its kind in Central Asia. The blue and golden design work in the exterior and interior of the mosque is incredible. This is one of the places you must see when you visit Nur Sultan. You will need an hour and half to explore this mosque.

5. National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The museum tells that history of Kazakhstan and its people. It gives great insight into the culture and traditions of the nation as well. You will need at least 2 hours to explore National Museum of Kazakhstan.

If you visit Nur Sultan for more than 2 days, you can check out our complete compilation of all the tourist attractions of the city in the section below.

Things to do in Nur Sultan

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Nur Sultan

Baiterek Tower
Palace of Peace & Reconciliation
Nur Astana Mosque
Hazrat Sultan Mosque
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Presidential Palace
Monument Kazakh Eli
Arch of Triumph
Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kenesary Monument
Museum of Saken Seifullin
Zhambyl Zhabayev Monument
The Sphere Museum of the Future
Assumption Cathedral

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Nur Sultan

Lake Maibalyk

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Nur Sultan

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Ethno Memorial Complex Map of Kazakhstan Atameken
Ailand Water Park
Balkaragay Recreation Area
Lover’s Park
Ferris wheel Ailand
Has Sanat Art Gallery
Presidential Park

Shopping in Nur Sultan

Alma Ata
Aruzhan
Asia Park
Astana Mall
Eurasia Shopping Center
Keruen
Khan Shatyr Shopping Center
MEGA Silk Way
Saryarka
Sine Tempore

Sightseeing in Nur Sultan

Nurzhol Boulevard
Central Park
Bauyrzhan Momyshuly Park
Saltanant Sarai

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Nur Sultan

Ozen
Marrone Rosso
Aksam
Line Brew
Alasha
Epocha
Alta Vista
Barley
Alycha
Ali Baba
Arnau
Tiflis
Aroma
Cafe Star
Assorti
Turfan
Astana Nury
Aura Verdant
Austeria
Baazar

How to Reach Nur Sultan?

By Air

Astana International Airport is the best option for Nur Sultan travel. The airport is situated about 15 kms away from the city in the southern direction. You can get direct flights to visit Nur Sultan from Amsterdam, Vienna, Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Moscow, Warsaw, Beijing, Budapest, Kiev, London, Hannover, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Seoul and Bangkok. You can take bus or cab to reach various places to visit in Nur Sultan from the airport. Buses run at short intervals, which take you to different parts of the city. There are cabs available at the airport as well, but they are a more expensive travel mode for Nur Sultan sightseeing as compared to public transport.

By Road

The city’s eponymous train station connects you to several cities in Kazakhstan. Although if you are traveling by road, you should look for routes P4, P2, P3, M36 or A1. Each of these routes connects you to route P10, which encircles the city. You can continue to Nur Sultan tourist attractions from there onwards.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are no water routes for Nur Sultan travel.

Image Reference

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center – happyflycz / PixaBay
Bayterek Tower – mariusz kluzniakmariusz kluzniak / Flickr
Ak Orda Presidential Palace – Em and Ernie / Wikimedia Commons
Nur Astana Mosque – Davide Mauro / Wikimedia Commons
Astana Circus – Martin Lopatka / Flickr
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (The Pyramid) – Jussi Toivanen / Flickr
Palace of Independence – Goggins World / Flickr
Independence Square, Nur-Sultan (Kazakh Eli Monument) – Jirka Dl / Wikimedia Commons
Hazret Sultan Mosque – Igor Levitskiy / PixaBay
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Peter Gorman / Flickr