Baiterek

The defining symbol of the modern capital.

The defining symbol of the modern capital. The site reveals an important layer of the destination's history and character.

Visit to understand the destination in context rather than simply mark a point on a map.

Check official opening information, visitor rules and weather before setting out.

National Museum of Kazakhstan

A major museum of history, archaeology and independent Kazakhstan.

A major museum of history, archaeology and independent Kazakhstan. The site reveals an important layer of the destination's history and character.

Visit to understand the destination in context rather than simply mark a point on a map.

Check official opening information, visitor rules and weather before setting out.

Hazret Sultan Mosque

A monumental mosque beside the National Museum.

A monumental mosque beside the National Museum. The site reveals an important layer of the destination's history and character.

Visit to understand the destination in context rather than simply mark a point on a map.

Check official opening information, visitor rules and weather before setting out.

Astana Grand Mosque

One of Central Asia's largest mosques.

One of Central Asia's largest mosques. The site reveals an important layer of the destination's history and character.

Visit to understand the destination in context rather than simply mark a point on a map.

Check official opening information, visitor rules and weather before setting out.

Nur Alem Sphere

The spherical EXPO 2017 pavilion housing an energy museum.

The spherical EXPO 2017 pavilion housing an energy museum. The site reveals an important layer of the destination's history and character.

Visit to understand the destination in context rather than simply mark a point on a map.

Check official opening information, visitor rules and weather before setting out.

Ishim Embankment

A riverside promenade through the central districts.

A riverside promenade through the central districts. The site reveals an important layer of the destination's history and character.

Visit to understand the destination in context rather than simply mark a point on a map.

Check official opening information, visitor rules and weather before setting out.

Baiterek and the Ishim embankment

Start at Baiterek and reach the central embankment using city pavements and permitted crossings. About 5 km allows for detours; it is not a straight line through buildings. Expect wind and possible temporary closures by the river. In severe cold shorten the walk and use transport. Baiterek tower entry is a separate paid visit.

5 km · 170 min

1. Baiterek · 30 min at stop
2. Ishim Embankment · 30 min at stop

National Museum and Hazret Sultan

A local walk around Independence Square: after the National Museum, use open pavements to reach Hazret Sultan Mosque. Around 1.4 km including crossings is a planning estimate. Museum hours and tickets are separate; current rules close it on Mondays and the last Tuesday of the month. Mosque access depends on prayers and local instructions; dress modestly. The Grand Mosque in the south of the city is not included.

1.4 km · 130 min

1. National Museum of Kazakhstan · 60 min at stop
2. Hazret Sultan Mosque · 30 min at stop

EXPO district and the Grand Mosque

This walk connects two southern Astana sights, not the distant central embankment. Start outside the Nur Alem sphere and use available pavements and crossings to reach the Grand Mosque. Around 3 km allows for detours; check access locally. Sphere exhibitions and mosque interior access must be checked separately. Use transport in strong wind or severe cold.

3 km · 145 min

1. Nur Alem Sphere · 45 min at stop
2. Astana Grand Mosque · 30 min at stop

Beshbarmak

The classic meat-and-noodle dish.

Ask about ingredients if you have allergies and choose venues with recent reviews.

Sorpa

Clear meat broth.

Ask about ingredients if you have allergies and choose venues with recent reviews.

Manty

Steamed dumplings with meat or pumpkin.

Ask about ingredients if you have allergies and choose venues with recent reviews.

Irimshik

A traditional curd product.

Ask about ingredients if you have allergies and choose venues with recent reviews.

Kuyrdak

A Kazakh roast of meat or offal with onion. Potato versions also exist.

Ask whether the dish uses meat or offal. This is a national dish with varying recipes, not a speciality exclusive to one city.

Money

The local currency is KZT. Check whether your card works and keep a backup payment method.

Tipping

Voluntary tips and a venue’s stated service charge are different things. Check the menu and total terms before ordering, then read the itemised bill. A service percentage is not necessarily a personal tip for your waiter.

Transport

Check schedules on the day of travel and use official operators.

Emergency help

Call 112 in an emergency. Allow for long distances on regional journeys.

Electricity

C/F outlets with round contacts are common, with 50 Hz mains. Check your device’s input rating against the local supply before connecting; universal chargers are labelled 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz. A plug adapter does not change voltage, and protective earth must be maintained.

Connectivity

Keep maps, your accommodation address and essential contacts offline.