Astana surprises those who expect to see a typical Asian metropolis. Over the past 25 years, Kazakhstan’s capital has transformed into a city of experiments: architecture straight out of science fiction, an indoor water park with a tropical beach while it’s −30°C outside, the world’s largest spherical museum, and an opera house staging productions by Grigorovich and Eifman.
Astana is one of the few cities in the world where winter and summer activities are divided not only by season but also by geography: in summer—the waterfront, parks, and walks; in winter—world-class ice rinks and slides right in the city center.
Ice skating—a winter must-do
The main venue is the Alau Ice Palace (47 Kabanbay Batyr Ave.): an Olympic-level facility covering 65,000 square meters. Admission: from 1,000 tenge (children under 12), 2,000 tenge (adults). Skating rink on the Esil River: right on the ice, with eight hills, open December–February. Skating rink at Mega Silk Way (62 Kabanbay Batyr Ave.): indoor, 800 sq. m, admission 1,500 tenge/hour + skate rental 1,500 tenge.
Bicycles and Active Outings
From May to October, bike rental stations operate along the Esil River embankment and in Central Park. Cost: 500–1,000 tenge per hour. Route—about 5 km one way, flat, car-free.
Lasertag, airsoft, and paintball
Factoria (Saryarqa Shopping Center, 24 Turan Ave., 3rd floor) — an entertainment center featuring laser tag, a NERF arena, the horror game “Hide and Seek,” and escape rooms across an area of over 400 square meters. Prices: factoria.kz.
“Saryarka” Velodrome
One of the few indoor velodromes in Central Asia. Open for public sessions—schedule available on the official website.
Cultural attractions—museums, theaters, galleries
Astana has become the cultural capital of Central Asia in record time. It is home to the region’s largest opera house, the country’s main historical museum, and an interactive museum housed in the world’s largest spherical building.
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The country’s largest museum (54 Independence Square). Over 175,000 exhibits: history dating back to the Bronze Age, the “Golden Man” hall. Admission: 300–700 tenge. Closed on Mondays.
Nur Alem Museum of Future Energy
A spherical building with a diameter of 80 m, the main attraction of EXPO-2017. Eight levels—sources of alternative energy. Panorama of the left bank. Admission: from 1,500 tenge. Address: Turan Avenue, EXPO grounds.
Astana Opera
The largest opera and ballet theater in Central Asia (1 Kunaev St.). Productions by Grigorovich, Eifman, and Zeffirelli. Tickets: from 3,000 tenge. Schedule: astanaopera.kz.
Palace of Peace and Harmony (Pyramid)
Pyramid-shaped building (1 Beibitshilik St.). Inside: opera and conference halls, exhibitions. Check opening hours in advance.
Location
Type
Entrance
Closed
National Museum of Kazakhstan
History, Ethnography
from 300–700 tenge
Monday
Nur Alem (EXPO)
Interactive Museum
from 1,500 tenge
Check the website
Astana Opera
Opera, ballet, concerts
from 3,000 tenge
By repertoire
Baiterek (observation deck)
Observation deck
2,000 tenge
Daily until 9:00 PM
Nightlife and Evening Entertainment
Evening and nightlife in Astana isn’t centered around a single club district, but rather around several scattered spots.
The Nurzhol Boulevard and the Esil River promenade are the main free attractions. From May to September, there is a light and music fountain near Baiterek (starting around 9:00 PM). The illuminated Atyrau Bridge, the skyscrapers on the left bank, and street musicians.
Paradox Bar (7/7 Sarayshyk St.)—the city’s most popular bar with DJ sets. Tue–Thu and Sun from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM, Fri–Sat until 4:00 AM. Average bill: 8,000 tenge. Reserve a table via paradoxbar.kz—they won’t let you in on weekends without a reservation.
Mökki Restaurant (16 Dostyk St., The Ritz-Carlton) — dinner with live music. Average bill: 25,000 tenge. in:pace bar — cocktails starting at 1,000 tenge.
Check keste.kz and ticketon.kz for the latest event listings.
Activities for Children and Families
Astana is one of the best cities in Central Asia for family tourism. Indoor complexes allow you to spend time with your children all year round.
The water park at Khan Shatyr—a tropical beach at −30°C
5th floor of the Khan Shatyr Shopping Center (1 Nurzhol Boulevard). Sand, palm trees, a wave pool, 7 slides, a “lazy river,” a children’s area, a jacuzzi, a sauna, and a hammam. Daily 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Children (ages 4–14) — 9,000 tenge, adults — 14,000 tenge.
Dino Park
An indoor park with life-size animated dinosaurs—for children ages 4–12. Check the address on current city maps.
Factoria — laser tag, escape rooms, and NERF arena
Saryarqa Shopping Center, 24 Turan Ave. — 400+ sq. m. in steampunk style. For children ages 7 and up. Banquet area available. factoria.kz.
Planetarium at the Palace of Schoolchildren
Laser shows about space for children ages 8–14. Tickets: ticketon.kz.
Location
Age
Admission
Special Feature
Water Park (Khan Shatyr)
4+ years
from 4,500 tenge (children, weekdays)
A tropical beach in any weather
Dino Park
Ages 3–12
Check on site
Animated dinosaurs
Factoria
7
Priced separately (factoria.kz)
Lasertag, NERF, escape rooms
Alaou Ice Rink
All ages
1,000–2,000 tenge
Olympic Ice Rink, winter
Astana Opera (morning)
Ages 5+
from 3,000 tenge
Children’s performances at 12:00
Unusual and Off-the-Beaten-Path Places
Astana itself is an unconventional place. But there are a few activities you definitely won’t find on a typical itinerary.
EXPO Village — a living city of the future
The EXPO-2017 site is a living neighborhood with museums and unique architecture. The walking tour takes 2–3 hours. The main attraction is the “Nur Alem” sphere. Admission to the site is free; a ticket is required for the museum.
Baiterek Observation Deck
Inside the tower is a golden handprint of Kazakhstan’s first president. According to urban legend: place your palm on it, make a wish, and turn around. Admission: 2,000 tenge; observation deck at a height of 97 m. Open until 9:00 PM.
The "Atyrau" Bridge in the shape of a fish
Pedestrian bridge across the Esil River (2018). Metal “scales” create a unique lighting effect. It is illuminated in different colors at night. Admission is free, open 24 hours a day.
“Starry Sky” Park
A tunnel with lighting that mimics the night sky. Free admission. The Backstreet Boys planted trees in this park—the plaque is still there.
Horror-themed escape rooms
Factoria at the Saryarqa shopping center offers “Hide and Seek”—a horror escape room. Price: factoria.kz. Book in advance on weekends.
Things to Do in Any Weather and Season
Astana is one of the cities with the most extreme climate contrasts: +35°C in summer and as low as −40°C in winter. There’s plenty to do in the city in both summer and winter—just different things.
If it’s freezing outside (October–April)
Khan Shatyr Water Park (tropical beach, 10:00–21:00), Astana Opera (from 3,000 tenge), National Museum (closed Mon), Factoria (lasertag and escape rooms).
If it’s summer (May–September)
Esil Embankment — walks and picnics. Light and music fountain at Baiterek — starting around 9:00 PM, free. EXPO Village is best explored in the summer.
One day in Astana: must-do itinerary
10:00 AM — National Museum (2 hours). 1:00 PM — lunch near Nurzhol Boulevard. 3:00 PM — EXPO and “Nur Alem” (2 hours). 7:00 PM — Walk along the waterfront and the Atyrau Bridge. 9:00 PM — Fountain show (May–September) or a bar.
Common mistakes tourists make in Astana
Going to see the fountains in October–April. The light and music fountain is only open from May to September.
Not booking the water park on weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays, the capacity limit is reached by noon. Online booking is the solution.
Planning to visit a museum on Monday. The National Museum is closed on Mondays.
Don’t underestimate the distances. The EXPO is over 10 km from Nurzhol Boulevard. Plan your route in clusters.
Try to call a Bolt. Bolt doesn’t work in Kazakhstan. Use inDrive—the average ride costs 1,500–3,000 tenge.
Tips for tourists
Online tickets: ticketon.kz — the main platform. GetYourGuide and Klook — tours, sometimes 10–15% cheaper.
Museums: The best time to visit is the first 30–40 minutes after opening. On Saturdays, the National Museum gets crowded with tour groups after 2:00 PM.
Payment: major attractions accept cards; smaller parks accept cash (tenge).
Winter clothing: Astana is among the top 5 coldest capitals in the world. A warm jacket, hat, and gloves are essential from November through March.
Apps: keste.kz — events calendar, 2gis.kz — maps (more accurate than Google Maps), ticketon.kz — tickets.
Transport to EXPO: taxi ~20 minutes, 1,500–2,000 tenge from Nurzhol Boulevard.
What free activities are there in Astana? A walk along Nurzhol Boulevard, the Esil Embankment, the Atyrau Bridge, the fountain at Baiterek (May–September, ~9:00 PM), the EXPO from the outside, and the “Stolichny” Central Park.
What to do in Astana in the evening? Esil Embankment → fountain show (May–September) → dinner or a bar. Paradox Bar — open until 3:00–4:00 a.m. Astana Opera — performances at 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Kids’ activities in Astana? Khan Shatyr Water Park (ages 4+, from 4,500 tenge), Dino Park, Factoria (ages 7+), Alau Ice Rink, Astana Opera performances (ages 5+, 12:00 PM).
What can you fit into one day? National Museum → lunch at Nurzhol → Nur Alem EXPO → waterfront + Baiterek → fountain show (in summer).
Things to do in the cold? Khan Shatyr Water Park, National Museum, Nur Alem EXPO, Factoria, Astana Opera.
When is the best time to visit? Summer (June–August): +25–35°C, parks and fountains are open. Winter (December–February): ice rinks and the water park, but temperatures can drop to −30°C—you’ll need very warm clothing.
Escape rooms in Astana? Factoria in the Saryarqa shopping center: laser tag, NERF, and the horror quest “Hide and Seek.” Check the current list at sxodim.com and ticketon.kz. Book in advance on weekends.
