Sightseeing in Astana, Kazakhstan
Sightseeing in Astana
Astana became Kazakhstan’s capital in 1997, and the Left Bank of the Ishim was built as a showpiece district of monuments, ministries and mosques. Distances between sights are longer than they look, and the plazas are exposed to wind, so mix walking with the Tarlan Astana light rail (200 KZT, about 06:00 to 23:00) or a taxi. Prices are in tenge (KZT), and those marked as unconfirmed should be checked locally.
Baiterek
Baiterek on Nurzhol Boulevard is a 97 m monument that marks the 1997 capital move. The viewing deck sits at about 86 m and holds the gilded Ayaly Alakan handprint, where visitors place a hand for a photo. Reported adult tickets are around 2,000 KZT, with cheaper tiers for retirees and children, but hours differ between sources (10:00 to 20:00 or 21:00), so check before you go.
Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque on Mangilik El Avenue in the Yesil district holds more than 30,000 worshippers. It has four 130 m minarets and an 83 m dome with a 62 m diameter, and one minaret has a lift to decks at 90 m and 110 m. The mosque opened in 2022. One tour source lists entry as free, but check visiting hours and rules at the gate, and dress modestly. See the Kazakhstan Tourism page for the dimensions.
Hazret Sultan Mosque
Opened on 6 July 2012, Hazret Sultan has four 77 m minarets and a 51 m central dome. Capacity is about 5,000, rising to 10,000 on religious holidays. It is a working place of worship, so keep voices low and dress modestly. More background is on Wikipedia .
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Norman Foster’s 2006 pyramid is 62 m tall on a 62 m base. Inside are an opera hall, an atrium and stained glass at the apex by Brian Clarke. Hours are about 10:00 to 18:00, longer in summer, and tickets are reported between 650 and 1,500 KZT, so check at the door.
National Museum of Kazakhstan
On Independence Square, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, about 10:00 to 18:00, and closed Monday. The Gold Halls, home to the Golden Man from Issyk, are an extra ticket. Foreign visitors pay a higher tier, and reported prices run from about 700 to 2,000 KZT.
Ak Orda and the Atyrau bridge
Ak Orda, the presidential palace, is for exterior viewing only. The curved Atyrau pedestrian bridge by Central Park is free and a good photo spot at dusk.
Nur Alem
The glass sphere at Mangilik El 55/13 now houses the International AI Centre (alem.ai) and the Singularity Museum. Listed hours are Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 19:00 and weekends 10:00 to 20:00, closed Monday.
ALZHIR memorial
About 40 km west of the city, in Akmol, the ALZHIR memorial remembers the women held in the Akmola camp for wives of condemned men in the Karlag system. It is a solemn place, not an entertainment stop. It is open Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 to 18:00 and closed Monday. Read the Day trips page for travel details.
Winter sightseeing
From November to March, temperatures can fall to -30C or lower, and plazas become wind tunnels. Take 20-minute outdoor stretches with warm-up stops in malls, museums or cafes. Compare guided options on GetYourGuide .
Read more: Attraction tours in Astana and walking tours .