Astana is a modern capital rising from the Kazakh steppe, known for its futuristic architecture, extreme climate, and role as a Central Asian political and cultural hub.
The city defines itself in many ways – as a business centre, a cultural haven, a gastronomical pole, and more. Recently, it’s made strides to become a hotspot for international events.
Over 500 events took place in Astana last year, attracting 13% more tourists to the city than the year before, according to Olga Abeldinova, Director of Tourist Services and Infrastructure Department at the Tourism Development Centre “Astana Tourism”.
“We invite Class A stars, which attracts tourists from neighbouring countries and increases the status of the city,” Abeldinova said. “If Hollywood stars come here, it connotes a certain security and trust.”
Abeldinova highlighted Jennifer Lopez’s concert in April 2025 and Andy Serkis headlining Astana Comic Con 2025 as examples of top-billed stars visiting the city.
Whether you’re in Astana for an event or just visiting as tourist, the city has something to offer every type of traveller. Don’t miss our favourite attractions and monuments on your next trip to the Kazakh capital.
Baiterek Monument
The first thing any resident of Astana will likely tell you to visit is Baiterek – a soaring beacon that watches over every part of the city, which has become its de facto symbol.
The 105-metre tower at the centre of the left bank was inspired by a Kazakh legend, and represents the Tree of Life with a golden egg at its top.
There’s a small ethnographic museum on the ground floor of the tower, and a panoramic deck on the top floor, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city – with the “Akorda” Presidential Residence on one side and the Nurly Zhol Boulevard on the other.
To enjoy the view, or perhaps touch the palm print of the first Kazakh President, you will need to pay a 2,000 KZT (€3.5) entrance fee.
For more cityscapes, you can also catch a hop-on/hop-off bus service here that will take you to the main tourist sites across the capital.
Nurly Zhol Boulevard
From Baiterek, an easily accessible next stop is Nurly Zhol Boulevard – the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. It starts at the Presidential Residence and stretches all the way to the Khan Shatyr mall, which is built to look like a large tent.
As you make your way down the Boulevard, you will see the administrative centre of the city, with ministry buildings and national company offices, as well as cafes, fountains, and a sprinkling of unique sculptures.
Riverbank and ferry ride
Like Paris or Budapest, the city of Astana is divided by the Ishim River (Yessil in Kazakh) into left and right banks.
The right bank is an older part of the city, featuring mainly Soviet style architecture, while the left bank is the newer, more futuristic part of town, full of glittering high rises.
When the weather is nice, especially in summer, locals flock to the riverside on the right bank to take pictures at the beautiful Atyrau bridge and cross the Seruen Bridge into the Amusement Park.
If you want to enjoy the river while seeing as many of Astana’s landmarks as you can, taking a ferry is the way to go. A 45-minute ride will cost you 4,000 KZT (€7) at the small booth hidden by the trees.
Astana Grand Mosque and Hazrat Sultan Mosque
Islam is the largest religion practiced in Kazakhstan, so it is no surprise that it has awe-inspiring mosques.
Opened in 2022, Astana Grand Mosque is the newest attraction in the city. The 68,062 square metre house of worship is the largest mosque in Central Asia. It can accommodate almost 250,000 people at the same time, making it one of the top 10 in the world.
Hazrat Sultan Mosque is a little smaller in comparison but is still a beautiful example of religious architecture.
Both mosques are adorned with ornate carpets, majestic chandeliers, verses from the Quran, and Kazakh ornaments.
Entrances to mosques are free but be sure to wear proper clothing – for women, that means covering head, shoulders, and knees and for men, avoiding shorts.
National Museum
To dive deeper into the history and culture of Kazakhstan and the nomadic people that inhabited its territory you should pay a visit to the National Museum.
The biggest museum in Central Asia is home to many historic artefacts as well as contemporary art pieces. It also has a separate exhibition hall for temporary exhibition.
“Last year, the museum hosted the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, in partnership with Italy, and it gathered a lot of international visitors,” said Olga Abeldinova.
The exhibition centred on La Bella Principessa, a portrait of an Italian noblewoman, which was exhibited only five times before.
Ticket prices vary depending on which halls you want to see, but the basic entrance fee is 700 KZT (€1.2).
Independence Square
The most convenient thing about Independence Square is that it gathers many of the places worth seeing in Astana in one location.
Both the National Museum and the Hazret Sultan Mosque are located here, as well as the Independence Palace and the Shabyt Arts University. The latter two both feature unusual architecture, but serve as more functional buildings than classic tourist attractions.
The square’s centrepiece is the Kazakh Eli Monument, which celebrates Kazakhstan’s 1991 independence. The four sides of the monument represent the country’s past and future, as well as its people.
Presidential Park and Pyramid
Across from Independence Square, you will see the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, known to locals as the Pyramid.
Initially built for the session of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, it now serves as a city landmark. Inside you’ll find a hall for events, an opera hall and an exhibition venue, which you can visit for 1,000 KZT (€1.7).
The Pyramid is situated in the Presidential Park, which stretches to the river and meets the Presidential Palace on the other side. It can be accessed from Nurly Zhol Boulevard, but you would have to loop around to cross the river.
These sights will give you a taste of what Astana is all about, but the city is in constant flux, with new attractions appearing all the time.
Astana is also home to many parks, an oceanarium, opera and ballet houses, and much more – just follow your curiosity and this welcoming city will gladly reward you.
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