Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at Bayterek Tower, a 105-meter-tall tower with great views of the city. Take the elevator to the top for stunning views.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit National Museum of Kazakhstan to learn about the country’s history and culture. The museum features exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, and art.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Tengiz, a local restaurant serving traditional Kazakhstani dishes like beshbarmak (noodle soup) and shashlik (skewers).
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Astana Opera House, an impressive building designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa. Even if you don’t have time to attend a performance, take a stroll around the building.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Kazbek, a popular restaurant serving modern Kazakhstani cuisine.

Day 2: Nature and Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, an enormous shopping mall with over 30,000 square meters of retail space. The center features a massive tent-like structure that houses a shopping district.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Hammamet Beach and take a stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade.
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Bistro G, a cozy restaurant serving international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Astana Memorial Complex, a monument dedicated to victims of the Chernobyl disaster and other catastrophes.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Casa Nostra, an Italian restaurant with a warm atmosphere.

Day 3: Parks and Recreation

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Khan Shatyr Park, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or enjoy the scenic views.
  • 11:00 AM: Head to the Astana Aquapark for some fun in the sun! The park features various pools, water slides, and attractions for all ages.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Food Court, a cafeteria serving international cuisine with a focus on healthy options.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Astanecity Park, a beautiful urban park featuring walking trails, gardens, and scenic views.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Sushi Bar, a popular restaurant serving fresh sushi and other Japanese dishes.

Day 4: History and Architecture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the First President of Kazakhstan’s Library, a stunning building featuring an impressive collection of books, documents, and artifacts.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Astana Historical Museum, a museum showcasing the city’s history and development.
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Tengiz, a local restaurant serving traditional Kazakhstani dishes like beshbarmak (noodle soup) and shashlik (skewers).
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Khan Shatyr Museum, a museum featuring exhibits on the history of the city’s development.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Casa Nostra, an Italian restaurant with a warm atmosphere.

Day 5: Shopping and Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring the local markets.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Food Court, a cafeteria serving international cuisine with a focus on healthy options.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Astana Mall, a large shopping center featuring a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • 5:00 PM: Depart for the airport or your next destination.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Astana Kempinski: A 5-star hotel offering luxurious rooms and top-notch service.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Astana: A 5-star hotel featuring elegant rooms, a fitness center, and a spa.
  • Pullman Astana: A 4-star hotel offering comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.

Tips and Transportation

  • Language: Kazakh (official language), Russian (widely spoken)
  • Currency: Tenge (KZT)
  • Weather: Hot summers, cold winters
  • Transportation: Taxi, Uber, public transportation ( buses and trams)
  • Getting Around: Walking, taxi, or public transportation are the best options for exploring the city.
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing and scams in crowded areas.

Other Interesting Facts

  • Kazakhstan is a vast country with diverse landscapes, featuring mountains, steppes, deserts, and forests.
  • The capital city, Astana, was relocated from Almaty in 1997 to create a new symbol of independence and modernity.
  • The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from ancient civilizations, nomadic tribes, and Soviet-era history.

Enjoy your trip to Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan!