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Astana
Capital of Kazakhstan

Astana

Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan.

Plan a trip to Astana→From Karaganda

With a population of 1,7 million within the city limits, it is the second-largest in the country after Almaty, the national capital until 1997. The city lies on the banks of the Ishim river in the north of Kazakhstan and is located within the Akmola Region but is self-administering. Initially founded as Aqmoly in 1830, the city was later renamed Akmolinsk, Tselinograd, and Aqmola before adopting the name Astana in 1998, or "capital" in Kazakh. In 2019, the city adopted the name Nur-Sultan in honor of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, but it reverted to the name Astana in 2022.

Get in

Getting to Astana

See Kazakhstan for visa information, but most western passport holders don't need a visa for visits of up to 30 days.

See

Worth seeing

The many modern and futuristic buildings of Astana is a reason to visit the city. However, on a closer look they're less impressive as they're poorly maintained and often underused.

  1. 01
    Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
  2. 02
    KazMunayGas Palace

    The imposant headquarters of KazMunayGas, the government company controlling Kazakhstan's oil and gas exploration.

  3. 03
    The Triumph of Astana

    39-floor skyscraper in Stalinist style, finished in 2006.

  4. 04
    Shabyt
  5. 05
    Palace of Independence

    Many political and business gatherings are held in this palace.

  6. 06
    Ak Orda

    The presidential residence, inaugurated in 2004.

Do

Things to do

  1. 01
    Ak Bulak sauna Complex

    8th kilometre on the Astana-Airport highway (Olympic stadiums), reception), +7-705-140-7221 (cell).

  2. 02
    Duman

    An entertainment complex consisting of an oceanarium, 3D theatre, dome area, souvenir shops and cafes.

  3. 03
    Astana Arena

    The men's national team play at Astana Arena (capacity 30,000), 4 km south of city centre along Qabanbai Batyr Ave.

  4. 04
    Stadio Kazhymukan Munaitpasov
  5. 05
    Barys Arena

    Home to Barys Astana, the only Kazakh team to play in the Russian KHL.

  6. 06
    Saryarka Velodrome

    The city's "Olympic training centre" and "cycling track," as well as the home venue of the basketball club BC Astana who, like the hockey team, play in the Russian league.

Eat

Where to eat

Beshbarmak - a horse meat and pasta dish. Most restaurants that serve it will present a portion enough for two or three people. Boursaky - bread best served piping hot, resembles an unsweetened doughnut. Shashliq - these kebabs are often cheap, and the one thing you're sure to recognise on the menu.

  1. 01
    Cafe Shymkent

    General Sabyr Raqymov (Block north of Artyom Shopping Centre).

  2. 02
    Melnitsa

    Ukrainian restaurant with large dining areas.

  3. 03
    Rafe

    A modern coffee bar offering Italian food with a twist.

  4. 04
    Line Brew

    Popular with expats and locals alike, Line Brew features its own brew of beer, with an impressive menu that includes several delicious steaks, including one made of horse meat.

  5. 05
    Ali Babas

    The waitresses and waiters dress in traditional dress and the menu offers a selection of central Asian cuisine.

Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see file page), Wikimedia Commons.