Walking Astana, Two Routes and Cold Rules

October 29, 2026

Walking in Astana

Astana is flat and built at monumental scale, so a walk here means long sightlines and wide plazas rather than winding lanes. There is no single official walking tour to join, so these are two self-guided routes, one on each side of the Ishim (Esil) river, plus the rules that keep a walk safe in winter. Prices are in tenge (KZT), at roughly 470 to 500 KZT to US$1 in 2026.

Before you set off: the weather

Only Ulaanbaatar is colder among national capitals. In January, lows run from -30C to -40C with wind, and frostbite can develop on bare skin within minutes. From about November to March, follow these rules:

Keep each outdoor stretch near 20 minutes, then thaw out in a mall, cafe or museum.
Wear thermal layers, a windproof shell, insulated boots, a hat, mittens and face cover.
Stay off the frozen river, apart from the city’s marked skating rinks.
Carry a fully charged phone, because batteries drain quickly in the cold.

The plazas act as wind tunnels, so a route feels much longer in winter than the distance suggests. Summer is easier, with temperatures often between 25 and 35C, but carry water and a hat.

Route A: Nurzhol Boulevard, about 2 to 3 hours

Nurzhol Boulevard is the pedestrian axis of the Left Bank, roughly 2 km between Ak Orda and Baiterek, though the exact length is approximate. Start at Ak Orda, the presidential palace, which can be seen from outside only. Walk along the government buildings and past the Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall to Baiterek, the 97 m monument that marks the 1997 capital move. Many people then continue toward the Khan Shatyr tent, a 150 m structure that stays at roughly 15 to 30C inside. In cold months, Khan Shatyr and the nearby malls are the natural warm-up stops. Allow extra time if you go up the Baiterek deck, where ticket prices and hours should be confirmed locally.

Route B: Central Park and the Ishim promenade, about 1.5 to 2 hours

This route covers roughly 3.5 km on the Right Bank. Begin at Central Park, then cross the curved Atyrau pedestrian bridge, which is free. Follow the embankment toward the Kenesary Street area, where cafes and older buildings break up the modern skyline. Dusk is a pretty time to be on the bridge. Exact monument locations along the embankment are not confirmed, so rely on street signs and a live map.

Getting to a start point

The Tarlan Astana light rail began running on 16 May 2026. It operates about 06:00 to 23:00 at a flat 200 KZT, and its corridor passes the National Museum and Baiterek. Check the live line map before relying on a station. City buses cost 110 KZT with a card or QR and 220 KZT in cash until 30 November 2026, then 150 and 300 KZT from 1 December. Yandex Go is the main taxi app and avoids the risk of unofficial cabs.

If you want a guide

The RedBus double-decker is not a walking tour, but it is a warm orientation of about 1.5 to 2 hours. Departures are at 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00, and adults pay 6,000 KZT. Read more on the visitastana.kz RedBus page . Independent local guides also offer on-foot city tours, and you can compare listings on GetYourGuide .

Staying safe on foot

Astana is generally safe, but the UK government safety advice mentions violent theft near bars and clubs at night, pickpocketing and drink spiking. Stay on busy, lit streets after dark and keep valuables out of sight.