Nur Sultan Kazakhstan 5 Day Itinerary

Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive in Nur-Sultan and check-in at Astana Marriott Hotel or similar.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Bayterek Tower, a symbol of the city, and take in the panoramic views from its observation deck.
  • Evening: Stroll along the Ishim River embankment and enjoy the city’s evening atmosphere. For dinner, head to Assel Restaurant for traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Day 2: History and Culture

Day 3: Modern Architecture and Shopping

  • Morning: Marvel at the futuristic architecture of the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, designed by Norman Foster.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Keruen Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Central Asia, for a taste of modern Kazakh retail therapy.
  • Evening: Dine at Mosaic Restaurant for international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 4: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Burabay National Park, featuring stunning lakes, forests, and mountains.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or simply taking in the scenic views of the park.
  • Evening: Return to Nur-Sultan and enjoy a relaxing dinner at Sultan’s Kitchen.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Nur-Sultan.

Things to Know

  • Kazakhstan is a predominantly Muslim country; dress modestly and respect local customs.
  • The official currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT); credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • Russian and Kazakh are the primary languages spoken in Nur-Sultan; many locals also speak English.

Transportation

  • The city has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and taxis.
  • You can also use ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go or InDriver.
  • Taxis are widely available, but it’s a good idea to agree on the fare beforehand.

Tips

  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions; Nur-Sultan can be quite windy and chilly, even in summer.
  • Try some traditional Kazakh dishes, such as beshbarmak (noodle dish) or shashlik (skewers).
  • Don’t forget to try some local sweets, like baursak (fried doughnuts) or shakarlama (caramelized sugar cookies).

Other Things of Interest

  • The city is home to many international events and festivals, such as the Astana International Film Festival and the Eurasia International Film Festival.
  • Nur-Sultan has a growing expat community; consider visiting some of the popular expat hangouts, like the Astana Expat Club.
  • For a unique experience, take a trip to the nearby Borovoe Lake, known for its stunning natural beauty and healing properties.