Astana

Astana – a city that feels like it’s from another planet or straight out of the future. Rising majestically from the vast steppe, this bustling metropolis is filled with gleaming skyscrapers and numerous fountains adorning its streets.

Astana is a megacity where tradition is beautifully wrapped in modernity. Its futuristic buildings, monuments, new parks, and museums are designed with an eye on both the worldview and centuries-old customs of the Kazakh people. With so many attractions to explore, it’s best to spend a few days here. 

The city is located on a plain surrounded by endless steppe, which gives it a sharply continental climate. In the summer, temperatures can reach +30°C, while in winter they can plummet to –40°C. These frigid conditions can last for days, making Astana one of the coldest cities in the world. For a more comfortable experience, it’s best to visit in May or September when the weather is more temperate.

Historical records show that Astana began as a small steppe settlement called Akmola, founded in 1830. By 1863, it had grown and was renamed Akmolinsk. During the 1960s, the city became an important agricultural hub, as the region was a key grain supplier for the Soviet Union. At that time, Akmolinsk was renamed Tselinograd, and significant urban development followed.

In 1992, the city’s original name, Akmolinsk, was restored. Five years later, the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to this city, resulting in yet another name change—Astana, meaning “capital” in Kazakh. The name changed again in 2019 to Nur-Sultan, in honor of the country’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev. However, in 2022, the name was reverted back to Astana.

Astana holds the Guinness World Record for being the capital with the most name changes in history.

The Ishim River (locally known as Yesil) divides the city into two parts. On the right bank lies the Old Astana, with buildings dating back to Soviet times, while the left bank is home to the modern part of the city. To truly appreciate the transformation that has taken place over the past 30 years, you need to see the whole city. This dramatic evolution began in 1997, when the capital was relocated from Almaty to Astana.

The city grew at an astonishing pace, with its new part built from scratch on the steppe. Wide avenues appeared, lined with mirrored skyscrapers housing government offices, foreign embassies, business centers, national companies, and luxury hotels. The unique, futuristic buildings designed by renowned architects have redefined the city’s skyline, while the new residential complexes with their developed infrastructure are popular with residents of the older part of the city.

Astana is divided into three districts: Saryarka, Yesil, and Almaty. Most of the city’s attractions are concentrated in the Yesil and Almaty districts, which is why travelers prefer to stay here. The best location for accommodation is along Nurzhol Boulevard and its surrounding areas, where you’ll be surrounded by the tallest skyscrapers in both the city and the entire country.