What to See in Astana
Explore 12 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Astana, Kazakhstan. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
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Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
This is situated north of the river on the junction of Abai Street and Bebeishelik Street. This magnificent building was the seat of power before the new presidential palace was built. There is an entrance on Abai Street where you will have your baggage searched and you will be scanned for metal. Once inside be sure to ask the people at the front door for an English guide book.…
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Pictures are allowed on the ground floor (1st in Kazakh speak) and outside, but no where else. Most people will have to don covers for their shoes and all luggage must be stored in lockers. Entry is free. The building consists of displays outlining the struggle for independence, gifts and awards given to Nazarbayev including a machine gun from the Saudis, and state rooms preserved as they were when Nazarbayev was there. On the top floor there is a comprehensive photo display of Yeltsin, someone that Nazarbayev seems to have a lot of sympathy towards. Be sure to see the full sized recreation of the golden man. The museum is often on the empty side and don't be surprised to find yourself trailed by anxious (maybe bored) gallery staff. There isn't much for the kids here, it is more suited to those interested in the art of state diplomacy and the history of Nazarbayev. There is a small gift shop on the ground floor with the normal tourist paraphernalia.
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National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Official websiteThe national museum moved to this new location in 2014. The museum is huge and very modern with interactive displays in English, Russian and Kazakh. The displays take you through the history of Kazakhstan up to the modern day. It also hosts an art gallery with many temporary exhibitions, you might find yourself alone with some bored looking gallery attendants on some of the upper floors.…
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The main entrance hall is huge with a golden eagle that flaps its wings to patriotic music at certain times in the day. One of the highlights is on the ground floor where an animated diorama of the planned Astana emerges out of the floor on the hour, be sure to get there early as it can get crowded. The golden hall display has a model of the golden man costume along with a range of other beautiful golden objects found around Kazakhstan. Don't miss Nazabayev's rough sketches for the presidential palace and Baiterek.
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Atameken Map of Kazakhstan
An outdoor museum giving you an overview of the entire country in a miniature version. This 1.7-hectare exhibit features more than 200 mock-up pieces, creating Kazakh cities and historical memorials.…
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During the summer months at least, there are normally English speaking guides available (optional obviously), should you wish to learn a little about the models, and there is a covered section which focuses on the newer constructions within the city of Astana itself. Taking photos sometimes requires an extra payment to be made - you may want to keep cameras in your bag until you pass out of sight of the front ticket office. There is a covered map of Astana on a platform overlooking the rest of the map, be sure to visit the exhibition underneath this, which offers dioramas of Kazakhstani industry, sport and culture.
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Duman
Official websiteAn entertainment complex consisting of an oceanarium, 3D theatre, dome area, souvenir shops and cafes. The aquarium is unique for being located over 3,000 km away from the ocean! It has more than 2000 sea inhabitants, the representatives of 100 species of sea fauna from different parts of the world. You can also see "Mermaid" and sharks-feeding shows at the aquarium.…
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In the Motion Theatre you can make an underwater trip under the command of captain Mac-Cloud during the World War II, to overcome the traps while rescuing the gorgeous princess, confined in the dungeon, go on a tour to the past to dinosaur age, escorted by a troll etc.
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Bayterek Tower
An example of the futuristic architecture in the newborn city. Nicknamed Chupa Chups by the locals due to its similarity to a giant lollipop, this 97m high building offers a great view of the city as well as an art gallery, an aquarium and a restaurant. There is a pleasant bar on one of the upper levels.…
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In the centre of the top sphere, the ever so humble President Nazarbayev has made a golden palm print where visitors may put their own hands. Be warned at busier times the queue for the palm can be very long. The president designed the Baiterek himself and the original sketches can be seen in the national museum.
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Khan Shatyr
Official websiteIs a giant transparent tent big enough to hold 10,000 people. The 150m-high tent has a 200m elliptical base covering an area larger than 10 football stadiums, and contains a park, a shopping and entertainment area with squares and cobbled streets, a boating river, minigolf and an indoor beach resort. It even contains its own monorail with several stops.…
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While Astana is one of the world's coldest capitals with temperatures down to -40°C in the cold season, the transparent material lets sunshine in and helps to keep temperatures comfortable all year.
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The Military Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Built like a yurt with a dome resembling a mosque. It contains exhibitions about the history of the military of Kazakhstan. There is large focus on the Great Patriotic War and a collection of memorabilia related to Nazabayev, including some of his official stationery, a tank commander's hat that he wore and a big official painting of him.…
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Don't miss the upper levels that have some excellent war paintings or the soviet style paintings as you enter the building.
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Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
The pyramid portion of the building is 62m high and sits on a 15m high earth-covered block. All of this construction is above ground level. The building holds a summit of all religions of the world every 2–3 years. Though the landscaping of the park rises up to cover the lower levels, these are not in fact basements.…
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This building offers a great view of the city as well as two art galleries, an archaeological and ethnographic museum, opera hall, and a cafe.
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Palace of Independence
Many political and business gatherings are held in this palace. The summit of the OSCE (Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe) took place in December 2010 in this building; 56 countries were invited and it was one of the largest gatherings of Heads of State (bigger than Washington Nuclear Summit).…
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Summits concerning ecology were held in October 2010 and 2011.
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Kazakh Eli monument
Situated next to Pyramid (Palace of Peace) and has a small statue of the first president of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is about 100 metres tall and has a mythical golden bird Samryk on the top. Monument is made from white marble and surrounded by very beautiful fountains.
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Nur-Astana Mosque
The second largest mosque in Central Asia, completed in 2008. The dome area contains symbols from all over the world like the Statue of Liberty, the fragment of the great Chinese wall, the "Doriphor" statue, Parthenon and others.
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Shabyt Palace
Shabyt is a palace of arts situated to the right of Kazakh Eli monument. It is a dish like building made from glass.
Exploring Astana: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Astana is one of Kazakhstan's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 12 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Astana, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Astana Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Astana is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Astana are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Astana, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Astana rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Astana
Before you visit major paid attractions in Astana, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Astana's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Astana as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Astana together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Astana with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Astana is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Astana's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Astana find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Astana, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Astana use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Astana Worth Seeing
Astana offers 12 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Atameken Map of Kazakhstan are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. Kazakhstan's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Astana's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Astana, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing in other Kazakhstan cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Astana?
Astana has 12 notable sights including Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Atameken Map of Kazakhstan. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Astana?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Astana to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Astana.
Are there free things to see in Astana?
Yes — many of Astana's best sights are free or low-cost. Several POIs in this guide are listed as free entry. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Astana's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Astana to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Astana with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Astana. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Astana with company.
Is Astana good for solo travelers?
Astana is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Astana so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Astana with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Astana, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
