In 2019, the city briefly adopted the name Nur-Sultan in honor of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, but it returned to the name Astana in 2022. Astana's history is marked by rapid growth, especially after becoming the capital.
The best time to visit Nur-Sultan depends on your weather preference:
✔️ Average Temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
✔️ Why Visit? Warm weather, perfect for exploring landmarks, walking along the Ishim River, and enjoying open-air cafes.
✔️ Events:
Astana Day (July 6) – Celebrates the city's founding with concerts & fireworks.
Outdoor festivals & concerts take place in parks and squares.
✔️ Average Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
✔️ Why Visit? Pleasant weather, blooming parks, and fewer tourists.
✔️ Events:
Nauryz (March 21-23) – The biggest Kazakh New Year festival, with traditional performances, food, and games.
✔️ Average Temperature: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
✔️ Why Visit? Golden-colored trees, mild temperatures, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
✔️ Events:
Altyn Kuz ("Golden Autumn") festival celebrates the harvest season with markets and local food.
✔️ Average Temperature: -15°C to -30°C (5°F to -22°F)
✔️ Why Visit? Experience a real winter wonderland, snow-covered landscapes, and exciting winter sports.
✔️ Events:
Christmas & New Year (December-January) – Ice sculptures, festive lights, and Christmas markets.
Ice Skating at Khan Shatyr & Outdoor Ice Parks.
Skiing & Snowboarding in nearby resorts like Burabay National Park.
📌 Verdict:
👉 For the best overall experience: Visit in June – September (pleasant weather, festivals, and outdoor fun).
👉 For winter magic: Visit in December – February (snow, ice parks, and skiing).
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) is the main airport.
Direct flights from Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt, Moscow, Beijing, and regional cities.
Domestic flights connect from Almaty, Shymkent, and other Kazakh cities.
Comfortable Talgo trains from Almaty (12-14 hours).
Trains from Karaganda (2 hours) and Shymkent (17 hours).
Buses from Almaty (16-18 hours) and nearby cities.
Well-connected highways for road trips.
The symbol of Nur-Sultan with panoramic views from the top.
Represents a Kazakh legend about the "Tree of Life".
A massive tent-shaped shopping mall with a beach resort inside!
Shops, restaurants, and even an indoor amusement park.
The largest mosque in Kazakhstan, with stunning white marble.
A peaceful place to admire Islamic architecture.
A futuristic sphere-shaped museum from Expo 2017.
Features cool exhibits on renewable energy and technology.
The official residence of the President of Kazakhstan.
You can view it from the outside and visit Independence Square nearby.
Learn about Kazakh history, culture, and artifacts.
Don’t miss the Golden Man (Kazakhstan’s ancient warrior treasure).
A beautiful riverfront area for walking, cycling, and boat rides.
Perfect for sunset views of the city skyline.
✔️ Explore the futuristic skyline – Nur-Sultan is a blend of modern and traditional styles.
✔️ Take a boat ride on the Ishim River – Enjoy a relaxing cruise.
✔️ Visit Astana Opera House – Experience Kazakh and international performances.
✔️ Check out the Mega Silk Way Mall – One of the biggest shopping centers.
✔️ Explore the Green Belt – A massive urban park for relaxation and nature walks.
✔️ The St. Regis Astana – Elegant, top-tier service & spa.
✔️ Rixos President Astana – One of the best luxury hotels in the city.
✔️ Hilton Astana – Modern design, close to Expo 2017 Pavilion.
✔️ Radisson Hotel Astana – Great for business and tourists.
✔️ Best Western Plus Astana – Comfortable & centrally located.
✔️ Kazzhol Hotel – A cozy, affordable option with good amenities.
✔️ Hostel Forum – Clean, social, and perfect for backpackers.
✔️ Eco Hostel Astana – A budget-friendly stay with modern vibes.
✔️ Elite Hostel – Great for solo travelers and students.
🥩 Beshbarmak – Kazakhstan’s national dish (boiled meat & pasta).
🥘 Plov – Rice dish with lamb, carrots, and spices.
🍜 Lagman – A delicious noodle soup with beef & vegetables.
🍢 Shashlik – Grilled meat skewers, best with local sauces.
🐎 Kazy – Horse meat sausage, a Kazakh delicacy.
✔️ Line Brew – Best steaks & Kazakh-European fusion food.
✔️ Tiflis – Delicious Georgian cuisine (try khinkali & khachapuri).
✔️ Satti – Authentic Kazakh food in a cozy atmosphere.
✔️ Ocean Basket – Best for seafood lovers.
✔️ Epocha Restaurant – Great Central Asian dishes & elegant setting.
Nur-Sultan is a planned city, designed to be futuristic.
But it still keeps Kazakh traditions alive with festivals and art.
Locals are warm and welcoming.
Tea is always offered to guests as a sign of respect.
Kazakh is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken.
English is not as common, but young people in the city speak it.
Nauryz (March 21-23) – The biggest Kazakh New Year festival.
Astana Day (July 6) – Celebrating the city’s founding with fireworks.
Silk Way Rally (August-September) – A major motorsport event.