🇰🇿 Kazakhstan

10 best places in Astana

Astana is a young steppe capital built almost from scratch over the last thirty years - futuristic skyscrapers, glass pyramids, and giant tents rise against an endless Kazakh sky. Summers here scorch and winters freeze, but the architectural ambition never lets up.

Sight

Baiterek Tower

The symbol of the new capital - a 97-metre tree-shaped tower topped with a golden sphere and an observation deck over the whole city.

Sight

Khan Shatyr

Norman Foster's giant translucent tent, housing a shopping centre, a water park, and an indoor artificial beach.

Sight

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

A glass pyramid that hosts a congress of world religious leaders every three years.

Museum

National Museum of Kazakhstan

The country's largest museum, home to the legendary golden armour of the Saka warrior known as the Golden Man.

Sight

Hazrat Sultan Mosque

Central Asia's largest mosque, able to hold up to 10,000 worshippers at once.

Park

Central Park of Astana

The city's main green oasis, with a lake, tree-lined paths, and locals out in force every weekend.

Park

Astana Botanical Garden

A young but fast-growing garden along the Ishim River, collecting steppe and imported plant species.

Café

Coffee Boom

A Kazakhstani specialty-coffee chain that has become the meeting point for the capital's freelancers and startup crowd.

Restaurant

Alasha

One of the best-known Kazakh cuisine restaurants - beshbarmak, kazy, and kumys served with a modern touch.

Sight

Ishim River Embankment

A riverside promenade offering the best vantage point over the capital's boldest architecture.

FAQ

How cold does Astana get in winter?

Very. It is one of the coldest capitals in the world, with December to February routinely at -20C or below and steppe wind making it feel worse. The city is built for it, with heated walkways, malls and strong district heating, but long winter walks are not happening. May to September is the comfortable stretch, and summer can push past 30C.

How many days do you need in Astana?

Two days covers Baiterek, Khan Shatyr, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the National Museum and Hazrat Sultan Mosque. The sightseeing core is compact and sits on the left bank, and it looks better in the evening once the lighting comes on. A third day makes sense only for a slower pace or a trip nearby.

Is Astana expensive to live in?

Not by European capital standards: rent, food and taxis are noticeably cheaper, and newer residential complexes are good quality. Imported goods, electronics and flights cost more, and winter adds clothing and transport expenses. Housing is generally cheaper than in Almaty, but the climate is far harsher.

How do you move to Kazakhstan?

Many nationalities enter visa-free, and after that the grounds are the usual ones: sponsored work, your own business, investment, study or family. There are also dedicated visa categories aimed at IT specialists and remote workers. Astana is government, the AIFC financial centre and corporates; Almaty is entrepreneurship and a gentler climate. Categories and requirements get updated, so check current rules before applying.