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Nur-Sultan
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Nur-Sultan, now officially Astana, pairs futuristic architecture with Kazakh culture, museums, grand avenues and steppe landscapes in Kazakhstan’s capital.

A Planned Capital on the Ishim

Nur-Sultan, officially renamed Astana in 2022, rises from the open steppe of northern Kazakhstan beside the Ishim River. The city is the country’s political capital and one of Central Asia’s most conspicuous examples of planned urban development, with broad avenues, monumental government buildings and experimental contemporary architecture standing alongside the older settlement historically known as Akmolinsk and Tselinograd. Its setting is elemental: long horizons, severe winters, bright summers and a persistent sense of space shape the experience of moving through the city.
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Monuments of a New Kazakhstan

The central district is defined by ambitious landmarks. Bayterek Tower, topped by a golden sphere, symbolises the capital’s modern identity, while the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation presents a pyramid-shaped meditation on dialogue and religious understanding. Nearby, the sweeping lines of the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan provide an introduction to the country’s archaeological, historical and cultural heritage. The enormous Khan Shatyr entertainment centre and the Expo 2017 complex extend the city’s architectural vocabulary with bold contemporary forms.

Culture, Faith and Everyday Life

Beyond the ceremonial centre, Nur-Sultan’s character is found in riverside paths, district cafés, shopping centres, theatres and the contrasting scale of its older neighbourhoods. The Hazret Sultan Mosque and other religious buildings reflect Kazakhstan’s predominantly Muslim cultural environment while the city’s museums and performance venues express its multi-ethnic national identity. Visitors should allow time for the changing light over the Ishim, the winter atmosphere and the visual contrast between new civic quarters and the expansive steppe beyond the capital.

When is the best time to visit Nur-Sultan?

Best: May–June, August · 22–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-1013
February-612
March215
April1419
May (best)2234
June (best)2838
July3145
August (best)2834
September2024
October1020
November-113
December-716

Getting to and around Nur-Sultan

How to get there

Nur-Sultan, officially Astana, is served by Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, commonly identified by the code NQZ, east of the city. It handles domestic connections and international services, though routes and schedules vary. The capital is also a major railway destination, with the modern Astana-Nurly Zhol station serving many long-distance trains and the older Astana-1 station remaining relevant for some services. Long-distance coaches connect the city with destinations across Kazakhstan and neighbouring countries, while major roads link it to northern and central parts of the country. Because Kazakhstan is vast, rail travel can be a practical alternative to flying for travellers with flexible itineraries.

Transportation

The modern centre is walkable in sections, but Nur-Sultan’s districts are widely spread and separated by broad roads, open spaces and the Ishim River. City buses form the main public transport network, while taxis and app-based ride services are widely used for journeys between landmarks, accommodation and the airport. There is no metro system. The city’s flat terrain suits walking and cycling in warmer weather, particularly along the river, although winter cold, wind and snow can make outdoor travel demanding. Check routes locally because construction and seasonal conditions can affect journey times across the expanding capital.

Best attractions in Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan’s principal attractions reveal the ambition of Kazakhstan’s purpose-built capital. Bayterek Tower offers a high-level view over the planned left-bank district and serves as the city’s most recognisable symbol. The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan traces the country’s archaeological, political and cultural development through expansive galleries, while the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation introduces a dramatic pyramid designed for congresses and intercultural dialogue. The spherical Nur Alem pavilion, built for Expo 2017, remains a distinctive science and exhibition venue. The vast Khan Shatyr complex combines leisure, retail and interior public space beneath a tent-like structure. Along the Ishim, embankment paths and bridges provide a slower perspective on the capital, with the Presidential Park and newer civic quarters extending the sightseeing area beyond the central monuments.

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Best landmarks in Nur-Sultan

Bayterek Tower is Nur-Sultan’s defining landmark, its tall form and golden sphere expressing a modern interpretation of the tree of life and the capital’s national symbolism. The Ak Orda Presidential Palace anchors the ceremonial left bank, although visitors should observe restrictions around official buildings rather than treating it as an ordinary museum. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a glass pyramid designed by Norman Foster, is associated with congresses devoted to dialogue between religions and cultures. The Hazret Sultan Mosque is one of the city’s major religious structures, with a monumental white exterior and ornate interior spaces. The National Museum, Expo’s Nur Alem sphere and the Ishim’s bridges add civic, cultural and infrastructural landmarks to a city whose identity was largely created through late twentieth- and early twenty-first-century planning.

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Explore Nur-Sultan on the map

Plan your Nur-Sultan trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Nur-Sultan

Best restaurants in Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan’s dining scene reflects Kazakhstan’s position between steppe traditions, Russian and Central Asian influences, and an increasingly international capital culture. Traditional menus commonly feature beshbarmak, noodles served with boiled meat, kuyrdak, manty dumplings, baursak fried dough and hearty soups, while horsemeat and lamb appear in many Kazakh dishes. Cafés and restaurants in the left-bank centre offer modern interpretations alongside Uzbek, Georgian, Korean, Turkish, European and other cuisines brought by the city’s diverse population. The older right bank contains more everyday eateries, bakeries and tea houses, while shopping and entertainment complexes provide food courts and polished restaurants. Markets and specialist shops are useful for sampling dried fruit, dairy products, sweets and regional delicacies, although Kazakh cuisine is often best understood through a sit-down meal shared at a leisurely pace.

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Best bars in Nur-Sultan

Evenings in Nur-Sultan are shaped more by restaurants, cafés, hotel lounges, cultural performances and large entertainment complexes than by a tightly concentrated nightlife quarter. The left bank has modern bars and lounges around the central business and civic districts, while the older right bank offers a broader mixture of casual pubs, cafés and late-opening social venues. Concerts, theatre performances and events at major cultural institutions provide alternatives to drinking, particularly during the colder months. Nightlife can be seasonal and dispersed, with winter weather encouraging visitors to stay close to indoor venues and use taxis between districts. Alcohol is available in licensed establishments, but public drinking is inappropriate, and venue policies and opening arrangements can change, so local confirmation is sensible before making specific plans.

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Best nightclubs in Nur-Sultan

Evenings in Nur-Sultan are shaped more by restaurants, cafés, hotel lounges, cultural performances and large entertainment complexes than by a tightly concentrated nightlife quarter. The left bank has modern bars and lounges around the central business and civic districts, while the older right bank offers a broader mixture of casual pubs, cafés and late-opening social venues. Concerts, theatre performances and events at major cultural institutions provide alternatives to drinking, particularly during the colder months. Nightlife can be seasonal and dispersed, with winter weather encouraging visitors to stay close to indoor venues and use taxis between districts. Alcohol is available in licensed establishments, but public drinking is inappropriate, and venue policies and opening arrangements can change, so local confirmation is sensible before making specific plans.

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Best shops in Nur-Sultan

Shopping in Nur-Sultan ranges from large contemporary complexes to small retailers selling food, crafts and everyday goods. Khan Shatyr is the city’s most recognisable shopping and entertainment centre, while other major malls reflect the capital’s modern retail culture with international brands, cafés and indoor leisure spaces. For more locally connected purchases, look for Kazakh sweets, dried fruit, tea, felt goods, embroidered textiles, leather items and small pieces of traditional ornament, checking provenance and quality when buying crafts. Markets and food halls provide a more practical view of daily life, with dairy products, meat, produce and snacks taking precedence over souvenir displays. The older right bank contains independent shops and traditional commercial streets, whereas the left bank is dominated by newer retail developments serving office workers, residents and visitors.

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Nur-Sultan essentials

Currency and Payment
Kazakhstan’s currency is the Kazakhstani tenge, abbreviated KZT and written as ₸. Bank cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in hotels, shopping centres, established restaurants, museums and transport-related services in the capital. Cash remains useful at smaller cafés, markets, independent kiosks and some taxi journeys, so visitors should carry modest amounts of tenge. ATMs are available in commercial districts and inside major retail complexes, although international banks may apply their own withdrawal or conversion fees. Keep receipts and check the displayed amount when using card terminals, particularly where more than one currency is shown.
Safety
Nur-Sultan is a large, modern capital where normal urban precautions are appropriate. Keep wallets and phones secure in crowded buses, shopping centres and busy public areas, and use recognised taxi or ride-hailing services rather than accepting unsolicited offers. The distance between districts means that quiet roads and open spaces can feel isolated after dark, so plan evening journeys and use well-lit routes. Winter conditions deserve particular attention: ice, deep cold and strong wind can make walking hazardous, while exposed areas may be uncomfortable even for short periods. Follow local weather warnings and allow extra time for transport during severe conditions.
Emergency Situations
In Kazakhstan, call 112 for a general emergency; 101 reaches the fire service, 102 the police and 103 ambulance services. Operators may not always speak fluent English, so having the address of your accommodation written in Kazakh or Russian can help. For non-urgent medical assistance, ask hotel staff or a local contact to identify an appropriate clinic or hospital, and ensure travel insurance covers treatment and possible evacuation. In winter, seek shelter promptly if clothing becomes wet or inadequate, and take weather warnings seriously. Keep your passport, insurance details and emergency contacts accessible rather than packed in checked luggage.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when visiting mosques, covering shoulders and knees, and follow instructions about removing shoes or separating prayer areas. Ask permission before photographing people, religious ceremonies or sensitive government facilities, and avoid photographing security installations unless it is clearly permitted. Kazakh and Russian are both widely encountered, and a few polite words in either language are appreciated. Tipping is not governed by one universal rule, so check whether a service charge is included and leave a modest amount for good service when appropriate. Do not treat the monumental government district as a backdrop for disruptive behaviour, and respect restrictions around official buildings.
Local Tips
The city is easiest to understand by comparing its older right-bank districts with the planned left bank, where many of the best-known civic landmarks stand. The Ishim embankment offers an atmospheric orientation walk, while the National Museum provides useful context before exploring the capital’s monumental architecture. In warmer weather, combine riverside walking with the central parks and newer cultural districts; in winter, arrange outdoor visits around daylight and use indoor museums, galleries and shopping centres as practical warm-up stops. Learn both Astana and Nur-Sultan when searching online, since older maps and travel material may retain the former name.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloСәлем[Salem]
GoodbyeҚоштау[Qoshtau]
YesИя[Iya]
NoЖоқ[Jok]
Please/You're welcomeРахмет[Rakhmet]
Thank youРахмет[Rakhmet]
Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз[Keshiriniz]
How are you?Қалайсыз?[Qalaisyz?]
Fine. And you?Жақсым. Сізді жақсы көремін.[Jaqsym. Sizdi jaqsy köremin.]
Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз бе?[Siz aghylynsa söyleisiz be?]
I don't understandМен түсінбедім[Men tusinbedim]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюді көрейін деп жатам[Menyudi köreyin dep zhatam]
I don't eat meatМен қасым тамақты жемеймін[Men qasym tamakti zhemeimin]
Cheers!Тәртіпсіз![Tärtipsiz!]
I would like to pay, pleaseТөленуім керек[Tölenwim kerek]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Көмек![Kömek!]
Go away!Алыс![Alıs!]
Call the Police!Полицияға қоңырау шақырыңыз![Politsiyaga qoshyrau shaqyrynyz!]
Call a doctor!Дәрігерге қоңырау шақырыңыз![Därigerge qoshyrau shaqyrynyz!]
I'm lostМен ашықтым[Men ashıqtım]
I'm illМен аурулым[Men ayrulım]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Сатып алғым келеді...[Satyp alghym keledi...]
I'm just lookingЖақтыленемін[Jaqtılenemin]
How much is it?Қаншаға болады?[Qanshagha bolady?]
That's too expensiveОсы тым де арзан емес[Osy tım de arzan emes]
Can you lower the price?Бағасын кемесіңіз бе?[Bağasyn kemesiniz be?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Қанша уақыт?[Qansha waqıt?]
It's one o'clockБір уақыт[Bir waqıt]
Half past (10)Онда жарым[Onda jarım]
MorningТаң[Tań]
AfternoonКеш[Kesh]
EveningКешкі кеш[Keshki kesh]
YesterdayКеше[Keshe]
TodayБүгін[Bugın]
TomorrowЕртең[Erten]
1Бір[Bir]
2Екі[Eki]
3Үш[Üsh]
4Төрт[Tört]
5Бес[Bes]
6Алты[Altı]
7Жеті[Jeti]
8Сегіз[Segiz]
9Тоғыз[Toğız]
10Он[On]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Қайда...?[Qayda...?]
What's the address?Мекен жайы қандай?[Meken jaıı qanday?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Мені көрсете аласыз бе (картада)?[Meni körsete alasız be (kartada)?]
When's the next (bus)?Келесі қайда?[Kelesi qayda?]
A ticket (to ....)Билет (....ға)[Bilet (....ğa)]

History of Nur-Sultan

From Akmol to a Russian Frontier Town

The settlement that developed into modern Nur-Sultan grew around the Ishim River in a region long used by nomadic communities of the Eurasian steppe. In 1830, the Russian Empire established the Akmolinsk fortress, extending its administrative and military presence across the steppe. The settlement became a centre for trade and regional administration, its position connected to routes crossing northern Kazakhstan. Russian and other migrant communities joined the local population, creating a frontier town whose built environment differed markedly from the traditional mobile culture surrounding it. The early town’s river setting and role as a provincial centre laid the foundations for later urban expansion.

Akmolinsk and the Soviet Transformation

After the 1917 Revolution, the town was absorbed into the Soviet administrative system and was renamed Akmolinsk. Soviet planning altered its institutions, streets and social composition, while collectivisation and state control transformed the surrounding agricultural economy. In 1954, the Virgin Lands campaign made northern Kazakhstan a major destination for agricultural settlement and mechanised grain production. Akmolinsk became an important administrative and transport centre for the campaign, bringing rapid population growth and new construction. In 1961, it was renamed Tselinograd, a name associated with the Virgin Lands drive, and acquired the broader civic infrastructure expected of a Soviet regional capital.

Independence and the New Capital

Kazakhstan became independent in 1991, and Tselinograd was renamed Akmola in 1992. President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s government selected Akmola as the national capital in 1994, and the capital was formally moved from Almaty in 1997. The decision reflected strategic and political considerations, including the northern city’s central position, development potential and symbolic role in building an independent state. Akmola was renamed Astana in 1998, meaning capital in Kazakh. Government offices, diplomatic missions and major public institutions moved into a rapidly expanding urban landscape on both sides of the Ishim.

Monumental Architecture and Urban Expansion

The capital’s post-1997 development produced an extensive programme of civic construction, with architects from Kazakhstan and abroad contributing to a highly symbolic cityscape. Bayterek, opened in 2002, became a visual emblem of the new capital, while the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, designed by Norman Foster and completed in 2006, introduced a striking pyramid form. The left bank developed as a ceremonial and administrative district, with the Ak Orda Presidential Palace, government buildings, mosques and cultural institutions set along broad planned avenues. New residential areas, shopping centres and transport infrastructure expanded the city far beyond the older right-bank districts.

Nur-Sultan and the Return to Astana

In 2017, Astana hosted Expo 2017, whose theme, Future Energy, placed the capital on an international stage and led to the construction of the spherical Nur Alem pavilion and surrounding exhibition complex. The city was renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 in honour of Nursultan Nazarbayev after his resignation as president. In September 2022, Kazakhstan’s parliament approved the restoration of the name Astana, which remains the official name. The period of changing names reflects the capital’s continuing political symbolism, while its modern identity is also shaped by museums, cultural institutions, new neighbourhoods and the everyday life of a rapidly enlarged city.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Nur-Sultan

Discover Nur-Sultan with Evendo, your 100% free travel guide app. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more with rich details and local tips.

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Explore Nur-Sultan like never before with Evendo, the free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book tours, and get insider tips for an unforgettable trip.

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Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the vibrant city of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo ensures you make the most of your trip with detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.

Start your journey by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Baiterek Tower, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the Hazret Sultan Mosque. Discover hidden gems and local favorites with curated local tips that let you experience Nur-Sultan like a resident. Savor culinary delights at renowned restaurants like Line Brew, Saksaul, and Turfan, offering a taste of both local and international cuisines.

With Evendo, planning your trip is a breeze. Browse through detailed descriptions, stunning images, and essential contact details for each location. Use the integrated maps to navigate the city effortlessly and find what's near you with the 'Near me' feature. Booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences has never been easier, ensuring you spend less time planning and more time enjoying.

Evendo covers not just Nur-Sultan, but over 7,000 other destinations worldwide. Download the app today and carry the world in your pocket, completely free of charge, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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