Astana

Modern skyline meets historic Silk Road heritage

Astana stands as Kazakhstan’s modern capital, built on wide streets and striking architecture since its founding in 1997. The city features futuristic buildings alongside green parks where locals gather to relax or watch the sunset over the skyline. Its museums display both Kazakh heritage and global art, while train stations connect travelers across the country. Public transport runs regularly, making it easy for visitors to explore neighborhoods designed with wide boulevards and planned districts that reflect national ambition. The city balances tradition and progress in everyday life.

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City in Kazakhstan

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 6.4

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	5
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	7

Read details

2/5

In Astana, English is widely understood among younger professionals and hotel staff, but everyday conversations often rely on Kazakh or Russian; basic phrases help, yet many locals appreciate a few English words.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Astana Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

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This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

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Read how our scores work

Strong for modern architecture and city landmarks. Visit futuristic buildings, explore museums, walk riverside parks and experience Central Asian culture.

Place score

7.8

Best at:

Deserts

Stargazing

Large cities

Mountains

Snow

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

👩 7

Solo

💻 7

Digital Nomads

Kazakhstan – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) £1 ≈ KZT 607.52
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are becoming increasingly common in Kazakhstan, especially in major cities like Almaty and Astana. Credit cards are widely accepted, and mobile payments are gaining popularity. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping in Kazakhstan is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a tip of 10% is common if no service charge is included. Tipping taxi drivers is also customary, typically rounding up the fare.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not widely accepted in Kazakhstan, and drinking alcohol in public spaces such as parks and streets is prohibited. It is allowed in licensed venues like restaurants and cafes.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces, including restaurants and public transport. Designated smoking areas are available in certain locations.

Kazakhstan Independence Day (16 December)	Celebrations across the country with events and performances
Nauryz (21–23 March)	Traditional spring holiday with cultural events, food, and festivals

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (General), 103 (Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Yandex.Taxi, Uber
Other:	Kazakhstan is a vast country with diverse landscapes ranging from steppes to mountains. It offers a mix of cultural experiences but may present challenges in rural regions.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Astana, Kazakhstan

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

🌤️

Apr

☀️

May

☀️

Jun

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Jul

☀️

Aug

☀️

Sep

🌤️

Oct

🌨️

Nov

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Dec

High season:	June - Aug.
Shoulder season:	May, Sep.
Crowdedness:	2 (Few tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Extreme continental climate: winter lows can fall below -30°C, summer highs often exceed 30°C

Don't miss

🏙️ Climb Bayterek Tower for panoramic city views
🛍️ Explore Khan Shatyr's futuristic shopping mall
🏰 Admire the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
🕌 Visit Hazrat Sultan Mosque, stunning gold domes
🌳 Stroll through Central Park's lakeside promenade
🎭 Enjoy a performance at Astana Opera House

You've been here?

Why travel to Astana?

Astana, officially known as Nur‑Sultan, offers a distinctive blend of modern architecture and cultural heritage that appeals to travelers seeking both innovation and history. The city’s skyline is dominated by striking structures such as the Bayterek Tower, the Khan Shatyr shopping mall and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, each reflecting Kazakhstan’s ambition for progress while incorporating traditional motifs. Visitors can explore the National Museum of Kazakhstan, which presents artifacts from prehistoric times to contemporary art, providing insight into the region’s diverse past. The city’s layout encourages walking tours through its wide boulevards and green spaces, including the Central Park and the Zenkov Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church built entirely of wood. For those interested in local cuisine, the bustling markets and modern restaurants serve dishes like beshbarmak and kazy, offering authentic flavors alongside international options. Astana’s climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters, making it ideal for seasonal activities such as hiking in nearby Almaty National Park or attending winter festivals. The city also hosts cultural events year‑round, from music concerts to art exhibitions, showcasing both Kazakh traditions and contemporary creativity. With efficient public transport, multilingual signage and a reputation for safety, Astana provides a comfortable base for exploring the broader Central Asian region.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Alatau City Bank
2 National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
3 Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

🎡Places for activities

1 Botanical Garden
2 City Circus
3 Ice Palace "Alau"

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Lake Sasıqköl

🛍️Shopping

1 Khan Shatyr

Explore on map

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Knowledge before you go

Carry a small power bank; many cafes lack charging outlets.
Use local transport apps like Beeline or Kolesa for reliable bus and taxi schedules across Astana.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can swing from hot afternoons to cool evenings, especially near the Zhetysu River.
Explore the Ak Orda Presidential Palace at sunrise; early light reveals its glass façade and surrounding gardens before crowds arrive.

How to travel to Astana

Astana, officially known as Nur-Sultan until 2019 and now officially called Astana, serves as the capital city of Kazakhstan. The city is accessible via Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQA), which connects to major cities across Asia, Europe and the Middle East through direct flights operated by Air Kazakhstan and international carriers such as Turkish Airlines and Emirates. Ground transportation includes taxis, ride-hailing services like Yandex.Taxi and public transit options such as buses and the Astana Metro, though the latter is currently under expansion. The city center is well-connected through a network of highways, making private car travel convenient for visitors arriving from surrounding regions.

Access summary

From Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ): Taxi to city center, 20 minutes.
From Almaty (ALM): Direct flight 1h30; taxi 20 minutes.
By train from Almaty: 12 hours, then taxi to center.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Astana

Astana offers a mix of modern luxury towers and boutique serviced apartments that cater to business travelers and leisure visitors alike. The city’s skyline is dotted with high‑rise complexes featuring panoramic views, concierge services and on‑site fitness centers, typically ranging from US$150 (£112.14) to US$300 (£224.28) per night for standard rooms. For those seeking more intimate stays, a growing number of designer lofts and heritage‑style guesthouses provide character and local flair at mid‑range prices between US$80 (£59.81) and US$120 (£89.71). Astana is also known for its wellness resorts on the outskirts, offering spa treatments and traditional Kazakh cuisine in serene settings, with rates starting around US$200 (£149.52) per night. The hospitality sector continues to expand, blending contemporary amenities with cultural authenticity.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Hilton Garden Inn Astana

8.9

Sheraton Astana Hotel

9.4

Hilton Astana

9.4

Beijing Palace Soluxe Hotel Astana

8.6

The Veil Hotel

9.6

Rixos President Astana Hotel

9.2

The Ritz-Carlton, Astana

9.7

The St. Regis Astana

9.3

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Astana

Astana, now officially known as Nur‑Sultan, offers efficient transportation options for getting around the city. The most practical way to travel is via its modern public bus network, which connects major districts and business centers with frequent service throughout the day. Taxis – both ride‑hailing apps like Yandex.Taxi and traditional yellow cabs – are widely available and affordable for shorter trips or late‑night travel. For a more sustainable option, consider using the city’s expanding network of bike lanes, which are well‑maintained and ideal for short distances. Walking is also feasible in central areas, though the vast scale of Nur‑Sultan means most visitors will rely on public transit or vehicles to navigate its wide boulevards and modern architecture.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-66 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 66% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-5 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to KZT) is 5% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£33	£77	£199
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£19	£49	£120
🍝 Food per day	£13	£26	£68
🚕 Transportation per day	£1	£2	£10

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£10.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£6
🍟 Fast food combo	£4.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£4.40
☕ Cappuccino	£1.70
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£1.05

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.16
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£6.50
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.39

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£3.30
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£8.50
🤧 Cold medication	£2.30
💇 Basic haircut	£3.70

Safety information overview

General safety

Astana remains one of Central Asia’s safest capitals, with low crime rates and a visible police presence. Travelers should stay alert in crowded markets, avoid isolated areas after dark and keep valuables secure. Local emergency numbers are easily accessible, ensuring quick assistance if needed.

Health & Medical

Astana offers modern, well‑equipped hospitals and a growing network of private clinics with English‑speaking staff, ensuring reliable medical care for travelers. Air quality is moderate, but visitors should stay hydrated in the dry climate and be cautious of seasonal flu outbreaks.

Accessibility

Astana offers mixed accessibility: wide, smooth sidewalks and elevators in most modern buildings, plus a growing network of accessible public transport. However, older streets can be uneven and signage is often limited for non‑Kazakh speakers. Planning ahead helps avoid surprises.

Tap water

Tap water in Astana is generally safe to drink, sourced from treated municipal supplies and regularly tested. Public fountains and refill stations are common in parks and commercial areas, making hydration convenient for residents and visitors alike.