Bayterek
Tall tower in the centre of Astana, shaped like a tree holding a golden sphere, a symbol of the new capital. An observation level at the top looks over the modern city.
Astana
On the steppe stands a futuristic capital known for bold modern architecture, among it the Bayterek Tower and Khan Shatyr.
Attractive locations
Khazret Sultan Mosque
Large white mosque with high minarets and a big domed hall, opened in 2012. It is an active place of worship, so modest dress is expected.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Glass and steel pyramid designed by Norman Foster for gatherings on religion and cultural exchange. It also holds an opera hall and a small museum.
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Large museum on Kazakhstan's archaeology, history and culture, including a gold hall with treasures from the steppe.
Astana Opera
Marble-clad opera and ballet theatre with a classical white facade and columns, in the capital's government district.
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Giant transparent tent-shaped building designed by Norman Foster, holding shops, cafes and an indoor beach area. Its shape is a striking part of the skyline.
Nur-Astana Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the capital, with a tall central dome and slim minarets set in a landscaped park. Modest dress is expected.
Airports
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport NQZ
It is about 12 km in a straight line from Astana.
Scams and safe taxis
Taxi and scam advice for this country is on the Kazakhstan page
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan-17.0 °C20 mm
- Feb-14.3 °C20 mm
- Mar-5.7 °C27 mm
- Apr5.9 °C29 mm
- May13.9 °C35 mm
- Jun19.3 °C41 mm
- Jul20.7 °C55 mm
- Aug19.3 °C28 mm
- Sep12.3 °C21 mm
- Oct3.6 °C33 mm
- Nov-5.9 °C34 mm
- Dec-14.1 °C27 mm
Driest months: Jan, Feb, Sep. Wettest months: May, Jun, Jul.
Costs
Prices here are about 33% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Who can help
Emergency
112 for all emergencies. Police 102. Ambulance 103. Fire 101.
local government
Ministry of Emergency Situations (unified service 112)
Helps with: Kazakhstan's ministry for emergencies and disasters. Its government page lists 112 as the unified duty and dispatch service, plus a helpline and address in Astana.
Who qualifies: Anyone in Kazakhstan who needs emergency help or wants to report an emergency.
Phone: 112
Address: Mangilik El Street 8, entrance 2, Astana 010000
local government
Kazakhstan tourism portal support (Ministry of Tourism)
Helps with: Contact page of Kazakhstan's national tourism portal, run with the Ministry of Tourism. It lists a phone number and an office address in Astana for tourism enquiries.
Who qualifies: Anyone travelling in Kazakhstan or planning a trip there.
Phone: +7 7172 39-99-56
Address: Mangilik El Avenue 55/14, block C 2.1, office 3.2.1, Astana
ngo
Kazakh Red Crescent Society
Helps with: Kazakhstan's national Red Crescent society. Its website lists disaster response, first aid training, blood donation, a family tracing service and help for refugees and asylum seekers.
Who qualifies: People in Kazakhstan who need its disaster, first aid, social or family tracing services.
Phone: +7 727 236-76-23
Email: info@redcrescent.kz
Address: 86 Kunaev Street, Almaty 050010
un agency
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kazakhstan
Helps with: The UN migration agency, present in Kazakhstan since 2002. Its Astana and Almaty offices handle general enquiries and serve as the coordination office for Central Asia.
Who qualifies: Migrants and organisations working on migration. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +7 7172 69 6553
Email: iomastana@iom.int
Address: 14 Mambetov Street, UN Building, Astana 010000