The main tourist places and routes of the capital -
The main city of Kazakhstan and its capital Astana, is a unique architectural and spiritual site in the very heart of Eurasia. The capital, which has a rich history, impresses with its beauty and majesty: its classical monumental style combined with futuristic elements of high-tech attracts the attention of every passerby at the crossroads of old quarters and the new administrative center.
Astana is visited by more than half a million tourists annually. The purposes of visits are different: work, studies, family, getting to know the city, or transit to other regions of Kazakhstan.
According to statistics, foreign guests stay in the capital for an average of three days. This time is enough to see many interesting things. In this article, we will talk about the main sights that should be included in the itinerary when time is limited.
Main symbols of the capital of Kazakhstan
The main symbol of Astana with a height of 105 meters is the Baiterek Monument! The monument embodies the tree of life from Kazakh fairy tales. At the top, a huge glass sphere is installed, which changes color depending on the lighting. Inside the sphere, there is a panoramic hall with a palm print of the first president, from where a breathtaking view opens up to the Ak Orda Presidential Residence and the entire government quarter, the main building of which is the House of Ministries.
Right nearby passes the famous Nurzhol Pedestrian Boulevard which is considered the heart of the left bank of Astana, smoothly connecting the main architectural masterpieces of the capital. From the "Khan Shatyr" SEC, you can walk along the boulevard through the Lovers Park, in which the Lovers Monument (My Happiness) is installed. Also nearby is the building of Astana Opera. Strolling along this spacious alley, you will reach the Round Square, next to which is the beautiful Abu Nasir Al-Farabi Mosque.
At the end of the boulevard, on the bank of the Esil River where the presidential residence is located, stands the famous performance hall "Kazakhconcert" named after Roza Baglanova (Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall).
Also along the pedestrian boulevard, you can visit such city attractions as the Emerald Quarter and see the majestic "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" building (Kazakhstan Railways).
Old center of the capital
Moving to the right bank of the Esil River, you will find yourself in the old center of the capital Astana, where the history of the city comes alive. The main artery of this part of the capital is Republic Avenue, along which it is worth walking on foot to feel the contrast with the left bank. The main attractions here are the Astana Arbat and the Esil River Embankment. Both places serve for leisurely strolls to the historical monuments of the city.
A walk through the historical places of the right bank should be started from Mukhtar Auezov Street, where the unique wooden Saken Seifullin Museum is located, dedicated to the life of the great Kazakh poet and statesman. Literally a few minutes' walk away, at the intersection of Kenesary and Mambetov streets, your attention will be attracted by the Merchant Matvey Kubrin's House. This elegant pre-revolutionary Art Nouveau building made of burnt brick still serves the citizens as an active shop. Turning onto Zheltoksan Street, you will find yourself at the Maxim Gorky State Academic Russian Drama Theatre – the oldest theatre of the capital with a rich century-old history. This entire short walking route allows you to touch the merchant past of the city and feel its cultural heritage.
Continuing the walk along the right bank, you will come out to the spacious City Square, which for many years remained the main place for holding all city celebrations. Right here rises the former Tselinnikov Palace, a large-scale modernist building today occupied by the Y. Rakhmadiyev State Philharmonic, which has become an important center of musical culture in the capital.
From the square, your route will lead towards the river embankment. On the way, you will pass by the historical building of the Makhambet Utemisov Schoolchildren's Palace, where more than one generation of citizens has engaged in creative clubs and sports sections. Step by step, you will approach the water itself, where the Monument to Khan Kenesary – the legendary leader of the national liberation movement – rises majestically on a high granite pedestal, as if casting his gaze into the distance, guarding the peace and history of the city.
From the monument to Khan Kenesary, you can easily cross over to the left bank by crossing the futuristic "Atyrau" bicycle and pedestrian bridge, whose scaly structure resembles a huge Caspian fish. The bridge smoothly flows into the Central Park – a favorite place of citizens for shady walks and riding attractions. Walking right through the park, you will run into the "Ailand" family recreation complex, famous for its aquarium most distant from the ocean and a huge Ferris wheel.
Then the route returns us deep into the right bank. A little to the north is the oldest Orthodox church in the city – the Constantine and Helen Cathedral, whose wooden walls still remember the nineteenth century. From the cathedral, move towards Republic Avenue, where you will be met by the Military History Museum with a rich collection of weapons and military equipment.
It is worth completing this large sightseeing circle in the Ataturk Park. It is always pleasant to take a break on its well-kept alleys, and the main decoration of this location is the majestic Zher-Ana (Mother Earth) Monument – a huge monument depicting the Saka queen Tomiris standing on the back of a giant bull, which symbols the strength, prosperity, and deep historical roots of the Kazakh land.
The next important point of your route will be the majestic Monument to the Defenders of the Fatherland which is located on the Ak-Bulak water channel. In the center of this spacious square rises a 37-meter stele, at the foot of which the Eternal Flame burns, and a bronze figure of the Motherland blesses the residents and guests of the capital. This sacred place reminds of the feat of Kazakhstanis in the Great Patriotic War against fascist invaders.
On both sides of the monument at short distances are located: the Beit Rachel Chabad Lubavitch Synagogue – the largest in Central Asia, and the Roman Catholic Church of St. Joseph the Betrothed.
Also in this area is located the majestic Assumption Cathedral. This is the largest Orthodox church in Kazakhstan and the whole of Central Asia. Its snow-white walls and bright blue domes with golden dome crosses are visible from afar. Inside, the cathedral impresses with its painting and grandiose iconostasis, and a peaceful atmosphere of silence and tranquility always reigns in the well-kept area around the church.
Literally across the road from the cathedral spreads the cozy Zheruyyk Park – an ideal place to continue the walking tour. This green massif is planted with thousands of trees and shrubs, which makes it an excellent escape from the city heat. Strolling along its shady alleys, you will definitely come out to the most famous object of the park – the monument to the legendary General Ivan Panfilov and the Panfilov heroes. Zheruyyk Park perfectly combines historical memory and a beautiful area for family recreation with children's playgrounds and comfortable benches.
The new center on the right bank of the Ishim (Esil) River
The center of this excursion route is the majestic Independence Square. In its very heart rises the snow-white "Kazakh Eli" (Kazakh People) Monument – a 91-meter stele symbolizing the country's sovereignty. The square is surrounded by key buildings of the capital: on one side is the cubic Independence Palace for important forums, on the other – the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where the main historical treasures, including the Golden Man, are kept.
Nearby spreads the snow-white Hazrat Sultan Mosque, impressive with its scale and domes. From it, a pedestrian axis leads to the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – people call it in simple words "the pyramid", as the structure has precisely this geometric shape.
Behind "the pyramid" begins the spacious Presidential Park. Strolling along its well-kept alleys in the shape of the Samruk bird, be sure to go up to the observation deck in the Presidential Park. It is located on an artificial hill, from where a stunning panoramic view opens up to the Esil River, the left bank, and the entire magnificent architectural ensemble you have passed.
We also recommend you to visit in the same area, quite nearby, the Park named after Bauyrzhan Momyshuly. This cozy place is excellent for quiet walks in the shade of trees, and its main decoration is the Monument to Bauyrzhan Momyshuly, the legendary Kazakh hero and writer. Right at the borders of the park is located the futuristic Al-Farabi Schoolchildren's Palace – a huge modern center where capital children develop their talents in science, art, and sports.
Crossing the road, you will immediately get into the Triathlon Park, which has become a real mecca for lovers of an active lifestyle and running along the Esil River. It smoothly borders on the "Zhetysu" thematic park, where you can get acquainted with the culture of Semirechye, walk along paved alleys, and relax by the fountains.
It is worth completing this weekend ecological tour on the left bank, visiting the new Park of Peace and Reconciliation, where the symbolic "Tree of Life" is located. This park pleases guests with its unusual architecture and symbols the friendship and unity of all peoples living in Kazakhstan.
Other interesting sights on the left bank of the Esil River
If you want to see other interesting sights on the left bank of the Esil River, then this route will show you the most modern and grandiose objects of the capital.
Starting your acquaintance with this part of the city is worth with a walk along the shady alleys of the huge Botanical Garden, which is a real green oasis of the left bank with greenhouses and singing fountains. Quite nearby, in the middle of a busy avenue, rises the majestic building of the "Mangilik El" Triumphal Arch, built in honor of the country's independence. From it, you can walk to the cozy "Ulytau" Alley, which will transfer you to the distant past of Kazakhstan, thanks to its granite petroglyphs and historical monuments. At the end of the alley, the "Gratitude to the Kazakh People" Monument is installed – a touching monument from grateful ethnicities who found a home here.
Further, your path lies through the large-scale sports cluster of the capital. Here, one after another, are located the futuristic "Saryarka" Cycling Track in the form of a racer's helmet, the huge "Astana Arena" Stadium with a retractable roof, and the "Alau" Ice Palace, hosting world speed skating championships.
Moving further along Mangilik El Avenue, you will see the magnificent building of the "Astana Ballet" Theater, whose stage delights lovers of high art. Following it, the largest in the capital "MEGA Silk Way" shopping and entertainment center opens up – a bright and spacious building that has become the heart of the EXPO district.
For those who cast their gaze to the stars, a must-visit will be the National Space Center. Right in front of it spreads the unique Open-Air Space Museum, where full-size models of the "Soyuz" and "Proton" launch vehicles are installed.
And the final and most grandiose point of this walk will be the Grand Republican Mosque. This is one of the largest mosques in the world, whose huge turquoise domes and high minarets fascinate with their beauty and scale, putting a majestic point in your journey along the left bank.
Architectural attractions:
• Merchant Vasily Kubrin's House;
• "Saka Warriors" Fountain;
• "Tree of Life" Fountain;
• "Circus" Sculptural Composition;
• Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex;
• Linear Park;
• Clock Tower;
• "Kazanat" Hippodrome;
• "Nurly Zhol" Railway Station;
• Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport;
• Nazarbayev University;
• Congress Center.
Theaters and concert halls:
• Youth Theater (Astana);
• Astana Circus;
• K. Kuanyshbayev Kazakh Music and Drama Theater.
Museums and libraries:
• National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Museum of the History of Turkic Writing – Gumilyov University (ENU);
• Presidential Center of Culture;
• Nazarbayev Center.
