What are the best things to do in Astana?
Top picks in Astana include Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, KazMunayGas Palace, Shabyt palace, Palace of Independence. See the full list and itinerary on this Astana travel guide.
Photo: Dauren Nabijan · CC0
Why visit Astana
Travel guide for Astana, Kazakhstan — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Astana is a stop in Kazakhstan, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, KazMunayGas Palace, Shabyt palace instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–95 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Astana
1
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
2
KazMunayGas Palace
3
Shabyt palace
4
Palace of Independence
5
Ak Orda presidential palace
6
Alau ice palace
Plan your trip
Astana itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
- Visit KazMunayGas Palace
- Visit Shabyt palace
- Eat at Cafe Shymkent
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Palace of Independence
- Visit Ak Orda presidential palace
- Visit Alau ice palace
- Eat at Melnitsa
Budget
Astana trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–95
per person / day
Luxury
USD 110–180+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Astana, Kazakhstan. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Astana
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Astana mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–95 · luxury 110–180+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Cafe Shymkent
Cheap and cheerful place.
Melnitsa
Ukrainian restaurant with large dining areas. Lots of traditional dishes like potato pancakes and of course Chicken Kyiv. Live music in the
Rafe
A modern coffee bar offering Italian food with a twist. Be sure to check out the horse pizza. A few other cafés around town.
Line Brew
Popular with expats and locals alike, Line Brew features its own brew of beer, with an impressive menu that includes several delicious steak
Ali Babas
Popular summer restaurant. The waitresses and waiters dress in traditional dress and the menu offers a selection of central Asian cuisine. P
Turfan
Popular cafe with Turkish and other Central Asian food. Limited English, just point to the menu pictures. Alcohol served except in Ramadan.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Ibis Astana Hotel
- $
Absolute Hotel
Good mid-range business hotel.
Hotel Altyn Dala
Astana comfort hotel
Four star hotel.
Business Hotel
Four star hotel.
Shopping
- Talisman
- Khan Shatyr
- Saryarka
- Keruen Mall Astana
- Mega Silk Way
- Ramstore - Mega
Nightlife
- Dark Side
- Line Brew
- Winners Pub
- Harat's Irish Pub
- Nirvana
- Bla Bla Bar
Museums & culture
- Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
- KazMunayGas Palace
- Shabyt palace
- Palace of Independence
- Ak Orda presidential palace
- Alau ice palace
In pictures
Astana gallery
Photos: Dauren Nabijan — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Astana travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Astana?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Astana?
Plan at least 2 days in Astana for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Astana?
Popular stays in Astana include Ibis Astana Hotel, Absolute Hotel, Hotel Altyn Dala. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Astana cost?
On the ground in Astana (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–95, and luxury about 110–180+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Astana, Kazakhstan. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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