Nur Sultan Kazakhstan 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

Day 1: Exploring the City Center

Morning:

  • Check-in at your hotel (Recommended: Rixos Capital Hotel or Swissotel Almaty)
  • Breakfast at the hotel or a local café (Try “Karagai” for traditional Kazakh breakfast)
  • Visit Bayterek Tower, symbol of Nur-Sultan, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city
  • Explore the Nearby Park of Independence

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at “Shymbulak” restaurant (Kazakh cuisine)
  • Visit the Palace of Peace and Accord, a unique building designed by renowned architect Nomad Kishiyev
  • Stroll around Nur-Alembie Square and Astana Opera House

Evening:

  • Dinner at “Tastes of Asia” for a variety of Asian cuisines
  • Enjoy a traditional Kazakh folklore show at the Nazarbaev Center or the Palace of Peace and Accord

Day 2: Museums and Architectural Marvels

Morning:

  • Breakfast at hotel or local café
  • Visit the Museum of the First President - Elbasy, to learn about Kazakhstan’s history
  • Explore Kazakhstan’s National Museum, featuring artifacts from the country’s past

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at “Sultan’s Plate” for a fusion of Kazakh and Asian cuisines
  • Visit Duman Art Center to witness contemporary Kazakh art
  • Stroll around the futuristic Khan Shatyr Shopping Center

Evening:

  • Dinner at “Kunafa House” for Middle Eastern cuisine
  • Relax at a local café or explore the nightlife at “The Green House”

Day 3: Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake

Morning:

  • Early breakfast at hotel
  • Take a tour to Big Almaty Lake (approximately 3 hours drive)
  • Enjoy the scenic beauty and photography opportunities

Afternoon:

  • Picnic lunch near the lake
  • Return to Nur-Sultan in the late afternoon

Evening:

  • Dinner at “The Cauldron” for Russian and European cuisine
  • Leisure time or rest after the long day trip

Day 4: Relaxation and Shopping

Morning:

  • Breakfast at hotel or local café
  • Visit Arystan Babai Mausoleum, a historical site outside of Nur-Sultan

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at “KazMunayGas” restaurant for a wide variety of dishes
  • Spend the afternoon shopping at Central Bazaar or Golden Island Mall

Evening:

  • Dinner at “Lazy Crocodile” for Caucasian and Russian cuisine
  • Relax in a local hammam (traditional Turkish bath) or enjoy a spa treatment

Day 5: Departure

Morning:

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Last-minute shopping or sightseeing if needed
  • Check-out from the hotel and departure

Transportation:

  • Nur-Sultan is well-connected with a bus system, taxis, and ride-hailing services like “Didihitch” and “Uber”. For tours and day trips, consider booking through local travel agencies.

Tips:

  • Learn a few phrases in Kazakh to make your interactions smoother
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or conservative areas
  • Kazakhstan uses the Tenge as its currency; exchange rates are favorable for many international currencies
  • Enjoy the unique blend of modern architecture and traditional Kazakh culture!