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Things to Do in Nur-Sultan (2026)
Begin your visit at the Bayterek Tower, the city's iconic symbol. For about 1,500 tenge (around $3), you can ride to the observation deck for panoramic views of the left and r… 🏛️ Start at Bayterek
Begin your visit at the Bayterek Tower, the city's iconic symbol. For about 1,500 tenge (around $3), you can ride to the observation deck for panoramic views of the left and right banks. Go just before sunset to see the city lights come on, and don't miss the golden handprint of President Nazarbayev on the top floor.
🕌 Marvel at the Mosque
The Hazrat Sultan Mosque, the largest in Central Asia, is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. It's free to enter, but dress modestly and remove your shoes before stepping inside. Visit in the late afternoon when the marble facade glows in the warm light, and check the prayer times if you want to hear the call to prayer.
🎭 Catch a Show
For a dose of culture, book tickets at the Astana Opera, a stunning venue that hosts ballet, opera, and classical concerts. Prices range from 2,000 to 15,000 tenge depending on the seat and performance. Even if you don't attend a show, the building's grand lobby is worth a peek, and guided tours are available on non-performance days.
🌳 Stroll the Green Belt
Escape the futuristic skyline at the Ailand Boulevard, a lush pedestrian park that runs along the Ishim River. Rent a bike or simply walk the 3-kilometer path, which is dotted with fountains, playgrounds, and cafes. In summer, locals gather here for picnics and evening concerts, so it's a great spot to people-watch.
🚇 Ride the Metro
Nur-Sultan's metro is a single line with just a handful of stations, but it's a fun and cheap way to see the city from underground. A token costs 90 tenge, and the stations are decorated with futuristic designs that match the city's aesthetic. Take it from the airport to the city center, or just ride a few stops to admire the architecture.
🍽️ Taste Local Flavors
For authentic Kazakh cuisine, head to the restaurant Saksaul, where you can try beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles) and kuyrdak (fried liver) for around 3,500 tenge per dish. For a more upscale experience, book a table at the Sky Lounge on the 32nd floor of the Rixos Hotel, which offers panoramic views and a fusion menu. Don't leave without trying kumis, a fermented mare's milk drink, at least once.
🎡 Enjoy the Nightlife
As the sun sets, the city's entertainment district comes alive. The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is a giant transparent tent that houses a shopping mall, a beach club, and a Ferris wheel, all under one roof. For a more local vibe, head to the bars along the left bank, like the popular 'Muse' lounge, which often hosts live DJs and has a great view of the river.
🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs
Pick up unique gifts at the 'Kazakhstan' handicraft store, located in the Keruen City mall, where you'll find felt slippers, traditional jewelry, and miniature yurts. Prices are reasonable, and bargaining is not common in fixed-price shops. For a more authentic experience, visit the weekend bazaar at the Barakholka market, but be prepared to haggle for the best deals.
the metro tip is solid but honestly i'd skip it if you're short on time, it's more of a novelty than a real transport hack. instead, grab a yandex go scooter near the river and ride the green belt at dusk, that's when the fountains light up and it feels like a totally different city. also, saksaul is good but the real locals spot is "kazy" on turan avenue, they do a mean horse meat platter that'll set you back maybe 2,500 tenge and it's way less touristy. one thing the guide missed: the observation deck at the kazakhstan hotel (the one with the golden dome) is free and way less crowded than bayterek, plus the coffee shop downstairs does a solid shubat if you're brave.
ngl the guide undersells the ailand boulevard, it's not just a stroll, it's where the city actually breathes. i went in july and there was this random open-air yoga class at 7am near the bridge, no sign, just people with mats and a guy with a speaker. also, if you're there on a saturday night, the little amphitheater by the river does free concerts, mostly local bands, but i caught a dombra player who absolutely shredded. for the mosque, skip the main entrance and walk around the back, there's a small garden with a fountain where the imam's kids play, it's the most peaceful spot in the whole city. oh and kumis is an acquired taste, don't chug it, sip it with a piece of bread or you'll regret it.
honestly the guide nailed it with the sunset at bayterek, but i'd add that you should skip the elevator and take the stairs if you're fit, it's like 300 steps and you get the building to yourself for a sec. also, the barakholka market is a maze, go on a sunday morning and just wander, i found this old dude selling soviet pins for like 200 tenge each, way cooler than the touristy felt stuff. one thing nobody mentions: the national museum has a free english tour at 2pm on weekdays, it
Almaty neighborhoods for a two-month stay?
if u want something quieter but still walkable check out the area around microdistrict 5 or 6 in alatau district. it's a bit further from the center but the bus 46 and 63 connect u to abay ave in 20 mins. there's a decent cafe called coffee with a view on satpaev that does good lattes and has a nice balcony. rent is cheaper and u get more space for two months
fwiw I'd pick the area around Dostyk and Abay if u want a good mix of cafes and metro access. There's a solid cluster of coffee spots near the corner of Zheltoksan and Satpaev that stay open late. The green line bus runs straight down Abay and gets u to Arbat or the park in like 15 mins. Rent might be a bit higher than say Samal-2 or Orbita but u save on transit time and actually have stuff to walk to.
honestly i'd look at the area around the intersection of baytursynov and timiryazev. it's not super touristy but has a good rhythm for a longer stay. there's a quiet courtyard cafe called 'the book' with decent wifi and solid filter coffee, plus the 99 bus runs straight down timiryazev to al-Farabi ave in under 15 min. the rent's a bit cheaper than the central spots and you're close to the botanical garden if u need a walk