The steppe metropolis Astana is one of the most unusual urban planning projects of modernity. In just three decades, the provincial Virgin Lands region has turned into a futuristic center in the middle of the Eurasian steppes. The city attracts travelers with its contrast: large-scale Soviet monumentality here smoothly flows into ultra-modern high-tech made of glass and concrete. In this article you can find out where to go and what to see in the capital of Kazakhstan?
The main geographical feature of the capital is the Esil (Ishim) River, which divides the metropolis into two completely different worlds. The Right Bank preserves the comfort of the old city, the memory of the virgin lands past, merchant wooden houses and classical Soviet quarters.
The Left Bank is the front showcase of Kazakhstan, designed by world architects, where the main skyscrapers, ministries, business centers and fantastic art objects are concentrated. Here you will find useful information about Astana.
Today, Astana is officially divided into six administrative districts, including the new Saraishyk and Nura. The city is growing rapidly, its population has already exceeded one and a half million people, and the infrastructure is constantly being updated, adapting to the needs of tourists and local residents.
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How to get there and practical information -
Most travelers arrive in the capital through the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, which is located 16 kilometers from the center and is capable of receiving all types of aircraft. Also, two major railway stations function in the city: the historical old station on the right bank and the ultra-modern "Nurly Zhol" station in the southeastern part of the capital.
GPS coordinates: 51°08'39"N 71°26'28"E
The official currency for all settlements is the Kazakhstani tenge. You can exchange foreign currency (dollars, euros, rubles) in numerous banks and official exchange offices.
In the absolute majority of establishments, shops and restaurants, international bank cards are accepted without problems.
There is practically no language barrier in the city: the state language is Kazakh, but Russian is understood and used by almost all residents of the capital, and in hotels and major tourist locations the staff speaks English.
The capital is completely safe for walking even late at night. Order on the streets is monitored by law enforcement agencies and the developed system of city video surveillance "Sergek".
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What to see and main sights
Architectural objects of the left bank amaze the imagination with their shapes and scale. The main visual symbol of the city is the Baiterek Monument – a 105-meter tower symbolizing the mythical tree of life, at the top of which a huge glass sphere with an observation deck is installed. Nearby is the "Nurzhol" Pedestrian Boulevard – a spacious pedestrian promenade with an alley of singing fountains, stretching to the very "Ak Orda" Presidential Residence.
Among other architectural masterpieces, the Khan Shatyr SEC stands out – a giant transparent tent with a height of 150 meters, inside of which a tropical climate is maintained all year round and an artificial beach with real sea sand is equipped. Next to it are the Lovers Park and the Round Square.
Spiritual architecture is represented by the magnificent Hazrat Sultan Mosque and the colossal Grand Republican Mosque, which has become one of the largest in the world. For connoisseurs of high art, the doors of the grandiose "Astana Ballet" theater are open, combining classical style with Kazakh flavor.
The Right Bank offers a completely different cultural program. Here it is worth visiting the Presidential Park and looking at the majestic pyramid of the city, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Also on this bank, you will see the old house of merchant Vasily Kubrin and visit the Saken Seifullin Museum – the oldest wooden building in the city from the 19th century. Very interesting exhibitions are gathered in the halls of the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is located next to Independence Square and the "Kazakh Eli" (Kazakh People) Monument.
Those who are interested in the ancient history of the region will be curious to learn about the Bozok Settlement – an archaeological monument of a medieval agricultural settlement located on the outskirts of the city.
Parks and recreation areas
Despite the steppe surroundings, Astana is actively being greened. The very first and historical one is considered the Central (Capital) Park of Culture and Leisure on the left bank of the Esil River. This is the main place for family walks with rides, shady alleys and century-old poplars. In summer, an aqua park operates here, and in winter, a huge ice rink is frozen.
On the left bank spreads the Botanical Garden, opened for the EXPO exhibition. This is a large-scale modern park with plants from all over the world, an artificial lake and a large "Toikazan" fountain.
For supporters of an active lifestyle, runners and cyclists, the "Astana" Triathlon Park was created, where international sports competitions are held annually. Also within the city limits, the "Zhetysu" thematic park and the landscaped "Zheruyyk" Park are popular. A popular entertainment site is the Ailand family recreation center, where besides rides and a huge Ferris wheel, there is a unique aquarium, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most distant from the ocean in the world.
History
• From Akmolinsk to Tselinograd -
It all began in the first half of the nineteenth century, when a small Cossack fortification named Akmolinsk was founded on the banks of the Esil River. For a long time, it served as an important trading point where caravan routes converged.
A new chapter opened in the middle of the twentieth century. The Soviet Union was swept by a large-scale campaign for the development of virgin lands, and the city became its main headquarters. Renamed Tselinograd, it turned into a major agricultural and industrial center, where young and ambitious people from all corners of the country gathered.
• Birth of a new capital -
The main historical turning point occurred at the end of the twentieth century, when independent Kazakhstan made the decision to transfer the capital from Almaty to the center of the republic. The city received the name Akmola, and in nineteen ninety-eight it was officially renamed Astana, which literally means "capital" in translation.
Where to eat restaurants and cafes
The gastronomic map of the capital is capable of satisfying any taste. For a quick and budget-friendly acquaintance with local cuisine, the popular chain of 24/7 canteens "Kaganat" is ideal, where you can always find hot home-cooked dishes at affordable prices. In the central districts and shopping centers, many modern coffee shops, burger joints and French bakeries with fresh pastries are open.
If you want to try traditional Kazakh cuisine in a modern execution, it is worth looking into the restaurants of the left bank – for example, Qazaq Gourmet, which specializes in high national gastronomy. There they serve beshbarmak made of juicy meat, kazy, kurt, shubat and other delicacies of nomads.
For vegetarians, specialized establishments operate in the city, such as Veggie House, as well as numerous restaurants of Eastern, Korean and Japanese cuisine, offering an extensive plant-based menu.
Weather and climate
When gathering for Astana, it is important to consider its sharply continental climate – the capital is officially among the top three coldest capital cities on the planet. Winter here is long, with little snow and extremely frosty: due to icy Siberian winds, the temperature can drop to -40°C and below, and strong steppe blizzards literally knock you off your feet. Winter Astana is a test not for every tourist. Spring comes late, and the snow cover often lasts until the beginning of April.
Summer, on the contrary, comes abruptly and can be very dry and hot. In July, the thermometer column often overcomes the mark of +30°C or even +40°C. The best time for a comfortable sightseeing tourism is the period from late May to September. To protect the city from the harsh climate, winds and drought, a unique environmental project has been implemented around the metropolis for many years – a large-scale artificial "green belt" of millions of trees.
Transport
The city transport system completely covers all districts of the metropolis. The main way of moving is buses, the route network of which counts more than 90 directions. Buses run regularly, and special lanes are allocated on the streets, which allows avoiding traffic jams. The fare is fixed, but it is worth remembering that cash is not accepted in the cabins – you can pay for the trip only with a special transport smart card, by scanning a QR code through applications of local banks or mobile operators.
The main transport novelty of the city was the completely elevated viaduct line of light rail transit Astana LRT. Unmanned trains link the air harbor with the new "Nurly Zhol" station through key objects of the left bank.
For maximum comfort, you can use popular mobile taxi applications or rent a car at rental points. In the warm season, a network of automatic bicycle rental Astana Bike deploys on the streets, and pleasure passenger motor ships and river trams are launched along the Esil River.
Sights of the capital that are worth visiting:
• Merchant Vasily Kubrin's House;
• "Saka Warriors" Fountain;
• "Tree of Life" Fountain;
• Open-Air Space Museum;
• House of Ministries;
• Observation Deck in the Presidential Park;
• "Mangilik El" Triumphal Arch;
• "Lovers" Monument (My Happiness);
• Park of Peace and Reconciliation;
• "Gratitude to the Kazakh People" Monument;
• Monument to Bauyrzhan Momyshuly;
• "Zher-Ana" Monument;
• Monument to Khan Kenesary;
• Monument to the Defenders of the Fatherland.
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