Nur-Sultan

The city was historically named as Akmola. From 1998 to 2019, it was called Astana. In 2019, it was named Nur-Sultan to honour the former president of Kazakhstan. The city is currently the capital of the nation. It is a well-planned city that underwent modernization on being anointed as the seat of the government. The second-largest city in the land, it is a popular choice among places to visit in Kazakhstan.

What attracts tourists enmasse to the gates of Nur-Sultan, is the fact that it is one of the last places in the world where old and modern architectural styles coexist in harmony. Many have described it as a Eurasian Berlin, a medley of cultures and myriad communities that define the cityscape as vividly as a painting. The city of Nur-Sultan is renowned for its beautifully constructed government buildings such as the Governor’s house, the Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, and the Supreme Court. They are of neo-classical architecture, nestled alongside modern high-rise office complexes and skyscrapers.

You will never run out of places to visit in this city. Be it the iconic Baiterek Tower, the Hazret Sultan Mosque, the Independence Square, or the Nurzhol Boulevard, discovering the entire city for yourself requires a lifetime. Booking a show at the Astana Ballet Theatre, or the State Theatre is one of the most popular tourist choices.

Astana bears the title of the second coldest city in Kazakhstan. It snows feverishly in January and February. The left bank is the colder side of the city, while the right bank is much warmer, due to buildings packed close to one another. Make sure to carry warm clothes if you're visiting in the frigid months of winter. The months of April-May are perfect for tourism, as the weather is amazingly comfortable.