Ultra-modern Astana is a planned city. While it is spread across a relatively big area, most of its monumental buildings are located along an east-west axis and the main sites can be covered on foot in a day; there is plenty of walking involved but it’s doable – trust me, we did it! Check out our Astana self-guided walking tour below.

Start at Independence Square. Here you can find several important and iconic buildings and monuments. The glass building with the façade of white piping is the Palace of Independence. This building is mainly used for official state functions – presidential inaugurations have been held here since 2011. There is a museum inside the building, which may be open to visit if official functions are not taking place.

Next to the Palace of Independence is the disk-shaped Kazakh State University of Arts building. At the centre of the square is the Kazakh Eli Monument. One of the emblems of the city, the plinth is topped by a golden statue of an eagle and stands 91 metres tall to represent Kazakhstan achieving its independence in the year 1991. At the base of the sculpture are statues representing traditional and contemporary Kazakh society, as well as Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

The Palace of Independence and National University of Arts sit side-by-side along with the Kazakh Eli monument in Independence Square

To the north of the square is the pristine white Hazrat Sultan Mosque, the second largest mosque in the city. This was previously the largest mosque in the city and the largest in all of Central Asia, until these titles were taken in 2022 by the enormous Astana Grand Mosque which is located near to the airport. The name Hazrat Sultan (sacred sultan) is said to represent Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a revered Islamic figure in Kazakhstan whose mausoleum is the focal point of the city of Turkistan.

At the south side of the square is the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A hugely impressive museum containing artefacts from the Kazakhstan’s history, there are exhibits covering all aspects from prehistory and palaeontology through to the 20th century. There are also sections dedicated to ethnography, art, Kazakhstan’s statehood and the construction of the city of Astana. This museum is worth at least a few hours to explore thoroughly if you have time.

After finishing in Independence Square, head west to the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. This huge glass pyramid was created for an international religious congress which was held in 2006, and today contains a concert hall and a conference area. It may be possible to enter and have a tour inside, although the building was closed when we visited. Some locals are confused as to the purpose of the pyramid and its name – it is supposed to represent the unity of the many religious, ethnic and national groups living in Kazakhstan, although the reason for the pyramid shape is unclear.

The pyramid may or may not be open for visits

Heading towards the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, you have entered the Presidential Park. From the area next to the palace and throughout the park it is possible to get some good views of Astana’s skyline across the Ishim River. Head through the park and go across the bridge to the north, Арқар көпірі. Here you will find more opportunities to look across the park, the river and the Presidential Palace.

There are great views across the river from the Presidential Park

After crossing the bridge, head south towards the Presidential Palace. This is the official office of the President of Kazakhstan and his staff. With its distinctive blue-and-gold dome, this building was constructed in 2004 as a grand seat of power for the leader of Kazakhstan. Entrance is not allowed for members of the public, but you can see the building from all angles due to its prominent position. Once you reach the guards and can go no further, head back west and pass the Senate and other government buildings. The complex is flanked by two large conical gold buildings, which are used as government offices.

Continuing east from the government complex, you will enter Nurzhol Boulevard. This long, straight pedestrian boulevard leading from the Presidential Palace is an iconic focal point of the city. Flanked by ultramodern skyscapers, it almost looks like something from a sci-fi move. The boulevard stretches for several kilometres and is filled with small squares and plazas with benches, fountains, gardens and amusements.

Some of the mind-boggling architecture on Nurzhol Boulevard

Along Nurzhol Boulevard, it is impossible to miss Baiterek Tower. The most famous monument in Astana, this tower is based on a famous Kazakh folk legend where a mythical bird laid a golden egg in a tree, symbolising the Tree of Life. It is possible to enter the tower and take an elevator to the top, where you can get a bird’s eye view of Astana from within the ‘egg’.

Be aware that the curved windows are tinted yellow, so it isn’t a perfect photo spot – the tower is designed to be looked at from the outside rather than in. At the top of the tower you can find a plinth containing the handprint of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of Kazakhstan. Patriotic music plays from time to time when a hand is placed in the handprint.

Baiterek Tower is impressive inside and out

Continue along Nurzhol Boulevard, admiring the ultra-modern architecture on both sides of the road until you pass under the underpass and arch-shaped building, and you will find yourself in Lovers’ Park. This city park is full of flowers, trees and open, expansive walkways. To the north of the park you can find Astana Opera. The largest theatre in Central Asia and one of the largest and most grand opera houses in the world, the building is designed in a typical Classical style but the façade also includes elements and motifs unique to Kazakhstan. Behind the opera house, you can see the impressive Triumph of Astana building in the distance; a large residential building modelled in a classic Russian style.

At the west side of the Lovers’ Park is the Khan Shatyr. A huge mall and entertainment complex, this is considered to be the largest tensile structure in the world. Inside the mall you can find climate controls and an artificial beach with sand imported from the Maldives!

Khan Shatyr, the largest tensile structure (tent) in the world

Finish! If you have more time there are plenty of other worthwhile places to explore in Astana, such as the area around the Nur Alem Museum.

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