Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Nur-Sultan

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Tale (Kabanbay batyr ave, 58), known for its Kazakh and international cuisine.
  • Visit the iconic Baiterek Monument, symbolizing unity and stability in Kazakhstan.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center (Kabanbay batyr ave, 4), an architectural marvel with shopping, dining, and attractions like the tropical Raindrop Park.
  • Explore the Nur-Astana Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, offering free guided tours.

Evening:

  • Dine at Shymkent Restaurant (Kabanbay batyr ave, 11), popular for its traditional Kazakh cuisine.
  • Take a stroll along the Nur-Sultan Embankment, enjoy the city lights, and see the Bayterek Tower illuminated at night.

Day 2: Discovering the Culture and Nature of Nur-Sultan

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at a local café or try Kazakh national dish - Beshbarmak at Kazakh Yurt Cafe (Jambyl ave, 46).
  • Visit the Astana Opera and take a guided tour (if available) to learn about its architecture and performances.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Kok Tobe Hill by cable car for panoramic views of the city and a chance to see local wildlife. Enjoy the amusement park at the top.
  • Visit the Dinosaur Park, an open-air museum showcasing life-size dinosaur models.

Evening:

  • Dine at Borago Restaurant (Kabanbay batyr ave, 3), offering a fusion of traditional Kazakh and European cuisine.
  • Relax at a local café or bar in the Green Bazaar area, where you can find a variety of food stalls and souvenirs.

Day 3: Day Trip to Kazakh Steppe

Morning:

  • Take a day trip to the Burabay National Park, about two hours from Nur-Sultan. Enjoy hiking, boat rides, and birdwatching.
  • Have a picnic lunch amidst nature or dine at one of the local restaurants in the park.

Afternoon:

  • Return to Nur-Sultan and visit the Kazakhstan National Museum of Fine Arts (Kunayev st, 1) to learn about Kazakh art history.
  • For a final taste of Kazakh cuisine, have dinner at Ablai Khan Restaurant (Jambyl ave, 42), featuring live music performances.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is Kazakh, but Russian is widely spoken. English may not be as common.
  • Nur-Sultan (previously Astana) is a modern city with most attractions concentrated in the central area.
  • Public transportation includes buses and marshrutkas (minivans). Taxis are also available.
  • Tips are generally included in restaurant bills, but it’s always appreciated to leave some change.

Stay:

  • For luxury: Rixos President Astana (Kabanbay batyr ave, 6)
  • For mid-range: Park Inn by Radisson Astana (Kunayev st, 2)
  • For budget: Hostel Astana City (Jambyl avenue, 47A)