Walking Tours in Astana, Kazakhstan

Walking tours in Astana

Astana is flat, wide and designed on a monumental scale, so a walk here is about long sightlines rather than winding lanes. Two routes work well on foot, one on each side of the Ishim (Esil) river. The main risk is the weather, so read the winter section before you set out.

Route 1: Nurzhol Boulevard

Nurzhol Boulevard is the pedestrian axis of the Left Bank, roughly 2 km between Ak Orda and Baiterek. Start at Ak Orda, the presidential palace, which you can only view from outside. Walk west past the government buildings and the Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall to Baiterek, the 97 m monument with a viewing deck at about 86 m. You can then continue toward Khan Shatyr, the 150 m tent-shaped mall, for a warm break. Allow 2 to 3 hours with stops. Baiterek’s ticket prices are reported near 2,000 KZT for adults, but hours differ between sources, so check before you queue.

Route 2: Right Bank and the Ishim promenade

Begin at Central Park, cross the curved Atyrau pedestrian bridge, which is free, and follow the embankment toward the Kenesary Street area. This stretch is about 3.5 km and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The Right Bank is the older part of the city, with more cafes and street life than the Left Bank. In summer the embankment is pleasant, with river boats running from about May.

Cold-weather walking

Astana is the second-coldest capital in the world after Ulaanbaatar. In January, lows run from -30C to -40C with wind, and frostbite can develop on exposed skin quickly. Rules for winter walkers:

  • Limit outdoor stretches to about 20 minutes, then warm up in a mall, cafe or museum.
  • Wear thermal layers, a windproof outer layer, insulated boots, a hat, mittens and face cover.
  • Do not walk on the frozen river anywhere outside the municipal skating rinks.
  • Carry a fully charged phone, because batteries drain fast in the cold.

Nurzhol Boulevard’s plazas act as wind tunnels, so the route is much harder in winter than distances suggest.

Best months

Late May to September is the most comfortable, with temperatures often between 25 and 35C and plenty of sun, so carry water and a hat. Spring and autumn can be windy and changeable.

Getting to the start

The Tarlan Astana light rail opened on 16 May 2026 and costs 200 KZT. It runs about 06:00 to 23:00 and its corridor passes Baiterek and the National Museum. City buses are 110 KZT with a card or QR and 220 KZT in cash until 30 November 2026. The line map is described in the Astana Times LRT report . Check the live map before choosing a station for a sight.

Guided options

The RedBus double-decker is not a walking tour, but it makes a good first orientation in about 1.5 to 2 hours, with departures at 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00 for 6,000 KZT per adult. Details are on visitastana.kz . Local operators also run private walking tours; compare them on GetYourGuide .

Safety

Astana is generally safe, but the UK government notes violent theft near bars and clubs at night, pickpocketing and unofficial taxis. Use Yandex Go rather than street taxis, and stay on busy streets after dark.

Read more: Sightseeing in Astana and outdoor activities .