Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the City

Morning

  • Start your day at Astana Opera, a stunning building with impressive architecture (free admission).
  • Take a short walk to Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a futuristic shopping mall with an amusement park on top (entry fee: 500 KZT).

Afternoon

  • Visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan to learn about the country’s history and culture (entry fee: 1,000 KZT).
  • Take a stroll along the Ishim River, which runs through the heart of the city.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Assel, a modern restaurant serving traditional Kazakh cuisine (average price: 2,500 KZT per meal).
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Astana, a comfortable and centrally-located hotel (average price: 15,000 KZT per night).

Day 2: Modern Architecture and Nature

Morning

  • Visit the Bayterek Tower, a symbol of Nur-Sultan’s modernization efforts (entry fee: 500 KZT).
  • Take a short walk to Keruen Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Central Asia.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Expo 2017 area, featuring futuristic pavilions and exhibits (free admission).
  • Relax at Akbulak Park, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Turkestan, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Central Asian cuisine (average price: 2,000 KZT per meal).
  • Take a sunset stroll along the Ishim River and enjoy the city’s modern skyline.

Day 3: History and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Museum of Modern Art, featuring an impressive collection of contemporary Kazakh art (entry fee: 500 KZT).
  • Explore the historic Old Town, with its traditional buildings and narrow streets.

Afternoon

  • Attend a performance at the Astana Opera or Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (ticket prices vary).
  • Visit the Ethnographic Museum, showcasing Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage (entry fee: 500 KZT).

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Line Brew, a popular restaurant serving international cuisine and craft beer (average price: 3,000 KZT per meal).
  • End your trip with a scenic drive around the city or a relaxing evening stroll along the Ishim River.

Things to Know

  • Nur-Sultan is a relatively new city, so many attractions are modern and futuristic.
  • The official language is Kazakh, but many locals speak Russian and some English.
  • The currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT).
  • Tipping is not expected but appreciated.

Transportation

  • Taxi services like Yandex Taxi or Uber are widely available.
  • Public transportation includes buses and minivans, with routes covering most areas of the city.
  • Renting a car is also an option, but be prepared for limited English signage and aggressive local driving habits.

Tips

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or cultural institutions.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak summer months (June-August) when temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F).
  • Don’t forget to try some traditional Kazakh cuisine, such as beshbarmak (noodle dish), shashlik (skewers), and baursak (fried doughnuts).

Other Things of Interest

  • Nur Alem, a sphere-shaped building housing the Museum of Renewable Energy.
  • The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a stunning pyramid-shaped building hosting various events and exhibitions.
  • Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall, a modern venue featuring performances by local and international artists.