Where to go in Astana
For many, the question of whether one can spend an exciting weekend in Astana, avoiding tedious malls and monotonous cafes, is as debatable as 'Can Mondays be happy?' - it all depends on one's mood.
In fact, there are plenty of things to do in the capital, and in this overview, we will try to tell you where to go in Astana to make the most of your time.
1. Esil River Embankment
The Esil riverbank is a beautiful place to relax outdoors. Here, you can simply take a walk and enjoy the river, or take a ride on a water tram and catamaran, listen to street musicians, go for bike rides, and even go fishing, ending your eventful day with dinner at one of the cozy waterfront cafes.
In 2018, the banks of the Esil River were connected by a whimsical bridge, resembling a giant fish frozen mid-leap over the water's surface. The fish's scales allow sunlight to pass through, creating a wonderful atmosphere inside the bridge, perfect for memorable photographs.
If your visit falls during winter, the frozen river will offer you the opportunity to ice skate, and the slides installed in 2014 will delight fans of fast and exhilarating descents.
From the Embankment, you can take a walk to the Central Park 'Stolichny', which gained a second life after extensive reconstruction. In the summer, the park hosts fairs and exhibitions, adorned with art objects by local artists.
Address: Left Bank, Saryarka District.
2. The Square of State Symbols
Just a five-minute walk from the capital's circus is the Square of State Symbols, with its distinctive feature being the giant blue and gold flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan, fluttering in the wind. The uniqueness lies not only in the size of the flag (it's the fourth largest in the world) but also in the fact that Astana residents determine the president's location by its position – if the flag is flying on the flagpole, the president is in the city; if it's lowered, the president is on a business trip.
During holidays, you can witness ceremonies for the awarding of state honors and the taking of military oaths.
Address: Left Bank, intersection of Kabangbai Batyr Avenue and Kurgaldzhin Highway.
3. Ethno-Memorial Complex 'Map of Kazakhstan - Atameken'
On an area equal to two football fields, there is a map of the Republic of Kazakhstan with miniatures of the main landmarks. Guides will tell you in detail about all the points on the giant map, allowing you to embark on a kind of journey throughout Kazakhstan in just an hour, discovering many new things and inspiring you for real travel.
In addition to strolling through the park of miniatures at 'Atameken,' you can visit craft workshops, witness the process of making national souvenirs, and purchase your favorite items as keepsakes or gifts.
Address: Left Bank, Kabangbai Batyr Avenue, between the Square of State Symbols and the "Duman" Shopping Mall.
4. Independence Square
Several grand architectural complexes harmoniously fit on the main square of the country: the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Palace of Independence, and the monument "Qazaq Eli"
In the center of the square, as it should be, stands the majestic stele - the monument "Qazaq Eli". You won't be able to touch it - for that purpose, you should go to Bayterek or to the square in Almaty. Here, you can only admire it.
On one side of the stele is the National University of Arts (a round blue building), and on the other side is the Palace of Independence.
Walking further across the square, you will reach the futuristic building near the Palace of Independence - this is the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Seven enormous halls house priceless exhibits representing the entire history of Kazakhstan from ancient times to the present day. Not long ago, the contents of the Museum of Contemporary Art were transferred to the National Museum, allowing visitors to explore two museums in one visit. Parents of young children need not worry that their offspring will be bored wandering among the museum exhibits - there is a children's creativity center specially designed for them. Additionally, there is a fully equipped scientific library with a reading room.
Address: Intersection of Baytursynov and Nazhimedenov Streets, Tauelsizdik and Bostandyk Avenues.
5. The Pyramid
Not far from Independence Square, another attraction of Astana is located - the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, better known as "the Pyramid". It can hardly be said that thrilling entertainment awaits you there, but it is still worth visiting, if only because the interior of the Palace captivates with its modern sophistication. Daily tours are conducted through the halls of the Palace, and the opera hall with 1500 seats hosts classical music concerts and various performances. If you are interested in the history of ancient Egypt, the Egyptian Exhibition Hall offers plenty to see.
On the 6th floor of the Palace, there is the KULANSHI Contemporary Art Center, where you can see original lithographs by Dali, Picasso, and Chagall.
The Palace is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Address: Tauelsizdik Avenue, near Independence Square.
6. Nurzhol Boulevard (Water-Green Boulevard)
You can appreciate the scale of the capital on Nurzhol Boulevard as well. This grand architectural ensemble, emerging in the middle of the steppe in just a few years, has become a place of attraction not only for tourists but also for Astana residents. The upper level of the boulevard features a comfortable walking area equipped with benches, flowerbeds, and fountains - an ideal place for spending warm summer evenings. On the lower level, there are shops, beauty salons, cafes, and restaurants. Nearby, you'll find the tallest building in Astana - the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy building, the largest tent-like structure in the world - the Khan Shatyr shopping center, one of the most beautiful administrative-residential complexes in Kazakhstan - "On the Water-Green Boulevard," and the most recognizable symbol of Astana - Baiterek.
Visiting Astana and passing by the boulevard would be a big miss, even in winter, as the architectural complex is attractive all year round, and you can quickly find refuge from the cold and fierce wind in one of the nearby cafes.
Address: Left Bank, territory from the President's Residence Ak-Orda to the Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center.
7. Baiterek
If you ever searched for "Astana," "sights of Astana," or something similar online, you've probably seen Baiterek in hundreds of photos.
The 100-meter monument consists of three levels. On the lowest level, located 4.5 meters below ground, you can have a snack and admire the exhibits of the mini-gallery and the inhabitants of the aquarium. The middle level is the entrance and high-speed elevators that take guests of Baiterek to the lower and upper levels.
The upper level features a panoramic hall inside a huge sphere with a diameter of 22 meters at a height of 97 meters. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of the city, both during the day and in the evening.
Address: Left Bank, road to the airport.
8. Astana Opera
The Astana Opera House is one of the youngest landmarks in Astana. The luxurious design of the theater is sure to leave visitors impressed, as well as its rich repertoire.
Even if from the second minute of listening to opera you are overwhelmed by unbeatable drowsiness, it is still recommended to visit the magnificent halls and lobby of the Astana Opera Theater.
Address: Kunaev Street, intersection with Turan Avenue.
9. Pavilion "Nur-Alem" (EXPO 2017 building)
The territory of the EXPO 2017 complex transformed into a multifunctional facility after the exhibition ended. It now houses both closed spaces such as the Congress Center, the International Financial Center, the IT startup technopark Astana Hub, as well as public areas like the Museum of Future Energy "Nur-Alem". On its eight levels, the museum features engaging exhibits created with cutting-edge technologies, each level dedicated to different forms of alternative energy. The Kazakh national pavilion is also located in the museum's foyer. The scale and technological advancement of the exhibits are impressive even to the most discerning visitors!
The entrance ticket costs 1500 tenge.
10. Botanical Garden
Near the EXPO 2017 complex, there is a botanical garden that opened in 2018. Its vast territory includes a greenhouse with exotic tropical plants. Additionally, there are jogging tracks, resting areas, and a fruit orchard within the garden grounds.
What places in Astana would you recommend visiting?