Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Nur-Sultan

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Jolly, a popular local café known for its delicious pastries and coffee.
  • Head to Bayterek Tower, the city’s iconic monument, which represents the Kazakhstan’s national tree, the ‘Baighatty’. Aim to reach by 10 am to avoid long queues. [Ticket Price: 6000 tenge (~15 USD) for adults].
  • Take the elevator up to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city [Height: 97 meters].

Afternoon:

  • After Bayterek, walk towards Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre. Here you can shop, visit an indoor beach, or enjoy various entertainment options. [Entrance to the Beach: 6000 tenge (~15 USD) for adults]
  • Have lunch at Zeleniy Bazar, a vibrant food court inside Khan Shatyr offering a variety of Kazakh and international cuisines.

Evening:

  • Visit Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall [Admission: Free] to witness some local culture through music performances. Check their schedule beforehand.
  • For dinner, head to Shymkent Restaurant, a traditional Kazakh restaurant offering an authentic dining experience.

Day 2: Discovering Nur-Sultan’s Hidden Gems

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at Food Court in Mega Silk Way Mall, offering a wide range of food options.
  • Head to Astana Medeo Aqualand, one of the largest water parks in Central Asia, for a fun-filled morning [Ticket Price: 8000 tenge (~20 USD) for adults].

Afternoon:

  • After lunch at the food court within Astana Medeo Aqualand, head to Parasat National Park. Explore the park, visit the Alley of Stars dedicated to Kazakhstan’s cosmonauts, and enjoy a picnic [Entrance: Free].
  • If you’re interested in art, visit The Nur-Astana Mosque [Admission: Free], followed by the Nur-Astana Museum, offering insight into the history of the city [Ticket Price: 3000 tenge (~7.5 USD) for adults].

Evening:

  • For dinner, visit The Garden Restaurant, known for its exquisite Kazakh and European cuisine.
  • End your day with a relaxing walk along the Kabanyra Embankment, offering beautiful views of the city at night.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is Kazakh, but Russian is widely spoken. English may not be as common.
  • Kazakhstan uses the tenge (KZT) as its currency. Exchange your currency before arriving.
  • Taxis are readily available and affordable, with services like G-Taxi or Yandex Taxi popular. Always ensure the meter is on.
  • The city’s name was changed from Astana to Nur-Sultan in 2019, marking the renaming of the capital after President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Stay:

  • Rixos President Hotel - A luxury hotel offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Aktobe Hostel - A budget-friendly option with clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.