Astana in winter: what to see, where to go

Architectural symbols and landmarks

Baiterek

One of Astana's main symbols is the Baiterekmonument , a 105-meter tower with a sphere at the top. Built in 2002 on the initiative of President Nazarbayev, Baiterek represents the Tree of Life and offers a panoramic view of the city. The observation deck in the sphere is located at a height of 97 meters, which refers to the year the capital was moved (1997). It is worth climbing up there at least for the sake of a photo—in winter, against the backdrop of snow-covered avenues and city lights, it is especially impressive.

Hazret Sultan Mosque

The next stop could be the Hazret Sultan Mosque, the largest mosque in Kazakhstan (and the second largest in Central Asia). Its white stone domes and four 77-meter minarets blend harmoniously into the snowy landscape. Inside, there are bright halls with rich ornamentation. The mosque has a strict dress code, but admission is free, and even in winter it is worth visiting to admire the architecture and warm atmosphere. Hazret Sultan is one of the main attractions of Astana in winter.

Khan Shatyr Shopping Center

The Khan Shatyr shopping center is another notable landmark. It is a transparent tent 150 meters high, designed by Norman Foster. Inside, there are four floors of shops, cafes, and a cinema, and in the center, there is a real beach with sand and a seawater pool. In winter, the exterior lighting of Khan Shatyr makes it a shining symbol of the city. Even without shopping, it is a great place to walk: it is always warm and cozy inside, and you can see planes flying in the sky through the dome.

Palace of Peace and Harmony

Don't miss the Palace of Peace and Harmony, a pyramidal building designed by Norman Foster (2006). The white pyramid symbolizes the friendship between cultures. It now houses a concert hall, convention centers, and even an observation deck under the dome of the Cradle. In winter, this place looks magical against the backdrop of snow and Christmas trees in the square. Nearby is Independence Square with the Kazak Yeli monument, another photo spot.

Winter photo shoot: Atyrau Bridge and Nurzhol Boulevard

The most picturesque angles for photos in winter are the view of the city from the Baiterek observation deck (especially in the evening lighting) and the Atyrau Bridge over the Ishim River. The pedestrian bridge, opened in 2018, is decorated with openwork "fish scales" and is 313.5 m long. The bridge and the embankment offer beautiful views of the illuminated domes of the mosque and the city center – ideal for photos.

Also, be sure to take a walk along NurzholBoulevard , where the Singing Jets fountain hosts a light show set to music in the evenings. The fountains are not turned off in winter, and the colorful jets contrast with the bright lights of Akorda and Baiterek to create a magical atmosphere.

Museums and indoor attractions

Astana has plenty of places where you can warm up and have fun indoors.

National Museum of Kazakhstan

The National Museum of Kazakhstan is the largest museum in the country. Its unusual building, consisting of seven block modules, is impressive even from the outside. Inside, you will find hundreds of exhibits ranging from antiquities (the Golden Man) to modern times. The interactive and multimedia halls are informative for both adults and children. After walking through the museum's exhibitions, you can enjoy a cup of hot tea in the café under the dome (there are also souvenir shops here).

Ailand Entertainment Complex

For those who enjoy unusual entertainment ,we recommend visiting Ailand, a huge indoor entertainment complex. It features an aquarium with an underwater tunnel, home to around 2,000 species of marine life. The aquarium is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the furthest from the ocean (more than 3,000 km). In addition, Ailand has a water park with warm pools and slides, an exotarium with reptiles, and a "dinosaur park." There is also a 65-meter Ferris wheel offering a panoramic view of the city from above. One ticket gives you access to all locations — a great way to warm up and have fun all day long.

Theaters and concert halls

Many theaters and concert halls are also open in winter. For example, theAstanaOpera Theateris known for its luxurious interior and classical performances. To avoid freezing in the city, you can book a city tour in advance in the comfort of a minibus—such sightseeing tours are even available in Russian.

But if you are traveling on your own, it is more convenient to use local taxi apps or public transport. Many routes cover the central areas: Nurzhol, Baiterek, EXPO, where the main monuments are concentrated.

Winter outdoor recreation

Winter in Astana is also a time for active outdoor entertainment. With the onset of frost, free ice rinks and ice slides open throughout the capital.

Ice skating

The most famous skating rink is located near the Expo Palace, next to the Nur-Alem paduma. An "ice town" with figures (bear faces, an ice throne, etc.) is usually erected there. Another large skating rink is located on Kazak Eli Square, next toAstana Arena. From 6 p.m. on December 19, the city authorities usually light up New Year's trees simultaneously at more than 40 venues as part of the Erteg Fest, and all the skating rinks open at the same time. Street lights come on to music, slides (including an 8.5-meter slide) and themed ice installations are in operation. These annual winter celebrations attract families and photographers from all over the country.

Ski slopes

For those who want to go further afield, we recommend a day trip to the Borovoeresort complex (Shchuchinsk) – the famous ski slopes and trails are 250 km from the capital (about 3-4 hours by car). There you can go snowboarding, skiing, or sledding in the forest—a real winter wonderland in nature.

Winter events and holidays

Every winter, Astana hosts fabulous celebrations. The main ones are New Year's festivities and the Yertegi Festlight show . In December (usually around the 18th or 19th), festive illuminations are turned on: central Christmas trees and garlands are lit, and fireworks are set off. Concerts are held in all districts, and fairs with mulled wine and national dishes are open. Photo zones in the style of the Northern Lights are set up in the squares, making Astana very picturesque for visitors in winter and ideal for photos. For example, the main Christmas tree on Kazak Eli Square in the center comes alive with festive lights at the same moment as all 40 other Christmas trees in the city—this large-scale event is accompanied by music and a cheerful countdown.

In addition, at the beginning of December, the Expo Exhibition Center usually hosts theChristmas Fair – "Zhana Zhil Fest." This is a modern New Year's bazaar where you will find souvenirs, treats, and children's performances. A circus carousel, pony rides, and musical performances are combined with a windy artificial ice rink and winter master classes. And before the New Year, an ice rink and slides will reappear on Nurzhol Boulevard—they are installed every year.

Where to go and what to try (food and leisure)

Astana offers a variety of cuisine even in the cold season. Be sure to try Kazakh dishes: the main national soup is beshbarmak (noodles with meat), and traditional horse meat sausages are called kazy. In cafes and restaurants, you can try kuyak (offal stew) and manti to get a real taste of the steppe winter. Remember the custom of treating yourself to ayran or kumis — they are on the menu next to tea.

In addition to national cuisine, Astana has many establishments to suit every taste. For example, the Arnaуrestaurant offers Kazakh cuisine in a modern format. The Astana Nury restaurant is famous for its large selection of dishes and wonderful view of the river. Lovers of European and ethnic cuisine will enjoy Darėdžani (Georgian cuisine) and Provino (a wine bar with signature cuisine). Beer lovers can visit The Hop pub , which offers a huge selection of craft beers from Europe. Many cafes and coffee shops are open in parks, but in winter, the main attractions are the large shopping centers Khan Shatyr, MEGA Silk Way, and Keruen City. They also have food courts and movie theaters—a good place to warm up and spend the evening.

Practical tips

• Warm clothing and footwear. Winters in Astana are cold (sometimes down to –30°C), and it is essential to dress according to the latest fashion: a warm hat, scarf, and gloves.
• Getting around. The city is large, so walk around the central part (parks and Nurzhol Boulevard) and use taxis or minibuses to go further. The cost of a bus ride is currently about 90 KZT (15 ₽) when paying by card.
• Safety. Astana is a safe city for tourists. At night, there are many people and police in the center. Nevertheless, do not leave your belongings unattended.

Photos and communications. Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere, and for navigation, it is convenient to download 2GIS and a Kazakh mobile operator. You can also get a CityPass, which is a pass to several museums with a large discount.

Winter in Astana is not only about frost and snowdrifts, but also about bright lights, unusual architecture, and large-scale celebrations. Astana's winter attractions are a combination of modernity and Kazakh traditions. Come and see the city in its icy finery—there is something to do here at any time of the year.