Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan

Day 1: Arrival & Bayterek Tower

  • Arrive at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport.
  • Check into your hotel (Recommended: Rixos Hotel Astana, Ramada by Wyndham Astana or DoubleTree by Hilton Astana).
  • Visit Bayterek Tower, the iconic structure symbolizing the capital city, offering a panoramic view of Nur-Sultan.
  • Evening stroll at Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, featuring an indoor beach, shops, restaurants, and live performances.

Day 2: Museums & City Exploration

  • Breakfast at local café (Recommended: Cafeina or Café Lokal).
  • Visit the Kazakhstan Museum of Arts to discover the country’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Explore Nur-Astana Mosque, one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks.
  • Afternoon visit to Presidential Palace and Palace of Peace and Accord.
  • Dinner at Beogradsky Restaurant for traditional Kazakh dishes.

Day 3: Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake

  • Early morning departure for a day trip to the beautiful Big Almaty Lake. Enjoy the scenic views and explore the area.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant along the way (Recommended: Kaiykaty or Charyn).
  • Return to Nur-Sultan in the evening.

Day 4: Shopping & Nightlife

  • Spend the day shopping at Khan Shatyr and Astana City Mall.
  • Visit Mega Silk Way, one of the largest shopping centers in Central Asia.
  • Evening enjoy live music, dancing, and cocktails at DJ Station.

Day 5: Kazakhstan National Museum of Folk Art

  • Breakfast at a local café.
  • Visit the Kazakhstan National Museum of Folk Art to learn about traditional Kazakh crafts and artifacts.
  • Afternoon visit to Astana Opera (if there’s an ongoing performance).
  • Dinner at Orda Restaurant for a fusion of Kazakh and European cuisines.

Day 6: Relaxation & Exploring Parks

  • Spend the day relaxing at Atameken Ethno-Village, where you can experience traditional Kazakh life, crafts, and food.
  • Visit Parasat Park and enjoy a picnic lunch.
  • Evening stroll at Nur Alem Cultural Centre.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend the morning at leisure or do some last-minute shopping.
  • Check out from your hotel and head to Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport for your departure.

Transportation:

  • Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are readily available in Nur-Sultan.
  • Purchase a 3-day Astana CityPass (10,000 tenge) for unlimited rides on public transportation.

Things to Know:

  • The official currency is Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and major establishments, but carry cash for smaller vendors.
  • English is not widely spoken, so having a translation app or knowing some basic Russian phrases will be helpful.
  • Electrical outlets in Kazakhstan use European two-pin plugs. Adapters are recommended.
  • Respect local customs and traditions during your visit.