Astana, Capital city in northern Kazakhstan
Description
Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan on the banks of the Ishim River, extending across six administrative districts with contemporary buildings, wide boulevards, and scientific institutions. The river divides the city into an older south bank with lower structures and a newer north bank where tall towers and government complexes stand.
History
The site began in 1830 as a Cossack stronghold called Akmolinsk, evolving over decades into a regional trading center within the Russian Empire. In 1997, the city was designated as the new capital of Kazakhstan, taking over that role from Almaty.
Culture
The National Museum displays objects from ancient periods, traditional clothing, and paintings across multiple floors that visitors can explore at their own pace. Walking through the streets, you hear both Kazakh and Russian spoken around you, while cafés and restaurants serve dishes from nomadic cooking traditions alongside modern international food.
Practical
The city records temperatures from minus 50 degrees Celsius (minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter to plus 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer, with many indoor facilities maintaining activities throughout the year. If you want to get your bearings, you will find wide streets with clear sightlines, while most public buildings offer ramps and elevators for access.
Did you know?
Bayterek Tower from 1997 reaches a height of 97 meters (318 feet) and houses an observation deck offering views across the developing cityscape. Inside, you can find a golden handprint that visitors compare with their own hand to symbolically express wishes for the future.
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Bayterek
589 m
Astana Grand Mosque
7 km
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
2.4 km
Astana Opera
1.6 km
Ak Orda Presidential Palace
1.2 km
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
3 kmKhazret Sultan Mosque
2.9 km
Kazakh Eli monument
2.8 km
Barys Arena
3.3 kmThe Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
3.8 km
Nur-Astana Mosque
1.4 km
Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall
1.3 km
Palace of Independence
3.1 km
Kazakhstan Sports Palace
3.4 km
Ailand ( Aquapark )
2 kmЫрыскелды кажы
5.3 km
Astana botanical garden
3.3 km
Assumption Cathedral
3.8 km
Kazhimukan Munaitpasov Stadium
3.6 km
Otan Korgaushilar Monument
2.8 km
Transport Tower
1.2 km
The Triumph of Astana
1.5 kmState Museum of Gold and Precious Metals of the Republic of Kazakhstan
2.6 km
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Astana
2.6 kmRailways Building
849 m
Military Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan
2.5 km
Ramstore Bridge
2.1 km
Astana Tower
2.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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