Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Capital

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to Baiterek Tower. This iconic structure offers panoramic views of Nur-Sultan city. Tickets cost around $6 USD.

  • Afternoon: Head to Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, an enormous tent-like structure that houses shops, restaurants, and a beach inside! Don’t miss the ‘Sea of Wishes’ at its base.

  • Evening: Visit Bayterek Park and enjoy a leisurely stroll around this beautiful park. For dinner, try local Kazakh dishes like Beshbarmak (national dish) or Kourdysyk (Kazakh dumplings) at a nearby restaurant like “Shymkent” or “Kazakh Yacht Club”.

  • Overnight Stay: Consider staying at the Rixos Nur-Sultan, a 5-star hotel offering luxury accommodations and excellent service. Alternatively, there are budget-friendly options like the “Hostel Astana” or “Nomad Hostel”.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

  • Morning: Visit Hazret Sultan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Then head to the nearby Presidential Palace.

  • Afternoon: Explore the National Museum of Kazakhstan to learn about the country’s rich history and culture.

  • Evening: Take a stroll along Kabanyra Street, known for its vibrant street art, cafes, and shops. Dine at “Dostyk” restaurant for more traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Day 3: Day Trip to Akmola Region

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the ancient city of Astana-Babyl, approximately 100 km from Nur-Sultan. Explore the ruins and learn about its history.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve to see various species of birds, including rare cranes and geese.

  • Evening: Return to Nur-Sultan and relax. For dinner, try “Alash” restaurant which offers a mix of Kazakh and international cuisines.

Day 4: Relaxation and Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last morning at leisure. You might want to revisit your favorite spots or explore areas you missed.

  • Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs at the local markets like “Central Bazaar” or “Khan Tengri”.

  • Evening: Head to the airport and bid farewell to Nur-Sultan.

Things to Know:

  • Kazakhstan uses the Tenge as its currency. It’s a good idea to exchange some money beforehand, but most places also accept credit cards.

  • The city is relatively safe, but it’s always wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

  • English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist spots, so learning a few basic Kazakh phrases can be helpful.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are readily available and affordable. App-based services like “Gogolf” and “Yandex.Taxi” are popular choices. Public transportation is also available in the form of buses and trams.