Astana ยท Kazakhstan
Overview
Astana is a desert mirage made of steel and glass, a testament to human ambition standing tall in the middle of the Great Steppe.
Astana, formerly known as Nur-Sultan, is one of the world's youngest capitals, rising rapidly from the steppe to become a hub of gleaming skyscrapers and grandiose monuments. The city is designed for those who appreciate structured urban planning, wide boulevards, and a quiet, efficient pace of life. It is not your typical chaotic nomad hub; instead, it is a place where you can find deep focus and professional networking opportunities within its growing business hubs.
The vibe here is distinctively cosmopolitan, reflecting Kazakhstan's role as a bridge between East and West. While the cost of living remains quite reasonable by international standards, the harsh climate means the city life moves almost entirely indoors during the long, freezing winter months, fostering a strong indoor culture of malls, cafes, and creative workspaces.
History
Astana's history is relatively recent but profound.
Astana's history is relatively recent but profound. Originally founded as a settlement called Akmoly in 1830, it later became Akmolinsk, a provincial center. Its transformation began in earnest after Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, with the capital being moved from Almaty to this city in 1997 due to its central location and potential for expansion.
Following the move, the city underwent an unprecedented architectural boom, characterized by designs from world-renowned architects such as Norman Foster. Renamed Astana, then Nur-Sultan, and recently back to Astana, the city serves as a living museum of post-Soviet nation-building and futuristic urban development, intentionally designed to project a forward-looking image to the global stage.
1830
EstablishmentThe settlement was founded as a fortified trading post known as Akmoly.
1961
TselinogradThe city was renamed Tselinograd and became the center of the Virgin Lands Campaign.
1997
Capital StatusThe capital of Kazakhstan was officially moved here from Almaty.
2017
Expo HostingAstana successfully hosted the specialized international Expo 2017 focusing on future energy.
Where to Stay
Choose your base camp
Distinct neighbourhoods, different rhythms. Pick the one that fits your work-life balance.
Modern Living
Left Bank
Home to the new administrative center, high-rise apartments, and luxury amenities. Rent here is higher but provides the most modern nomad experience.
Budget Favourite
Right Bank
The old city area with a more traditional vibe, local markets, and cheaper living costs. Perfect for those looking for a local, authentic experience.
Business Hub
Yesil District
Located near the major business centers, this is ideal for professionals needing proximity to coworking spaces and offices.
Places to Go
The experiences that will make you never leave
These aren't tourist checkboxes โ they're the experiences that reset your sense of what's normal.
Top Pick
Bayterek Tower
The iconic monument and observation tower symbolizing a tree of life. It offers a panoramic view of the entire city skyline.
Official Tourism Site
Khan Shatyr
A giant transparent tent structure that functions as one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment centers. It includes an indoor beach area with sand imported from the Maldives.
Visit
Nurzhol Boulevard
The primary pedestrian walkway in the city, connecting the main administrative buildings and monuments. It is perfect for an evening stroll.
Wikipedia
Hazrat Sultan Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, featuring beautiful Islamic architecture and intricate patterns. It is an impressive sight both day and night.
Visit
Ishim River
A serene waterway that divides the city and provides a scenic route for walking and cycling during the summer. You can also take boat tours during the warmer months.
Visit
Palace of Peace
An iconic pyramid structure designed to house the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It is a masterpiece of modern geometry.
YouTube
Expo 2017 site
The futuristic grounds of the 2017 World Expo, now home to business centers and the Nur Alem Museum. It is a hub of technological innovation.
Visit
Museums
The city hosts several significant museums including the National Museum of Kazakhstan, which contains vast collections of historical artifacts.
Work & Connectivity
Stay connected wherever you work
The nomad community here is real โ cafรฉs and coworking spaces where you can work and meet others.
Astana Hub
The premier tech and startup hub in the country, offering great infrastructure for digital entrepreneurs.
Sary Arka
A popular coworking space catering to a mix of freelancers and small businesses in the heart of the city.
Budget & Costs
What it costs to live in Astana
Choose your lifestyle tier. Comfortable = furnished accommodation, local + occasional Western food, transport, leisure.
$1022
per month ยท USD ยท comfortable lifestyle
ModerateFurnished studio, local restaurants, transport, and weekend trips.
Exchange rates
Check xe.com or your bank for current USD to local currency.
Check xe.com or your bank for current USD to local currency.
๐ Rent 45%$460/mo
๐ฝ๏ธ Food 25%$256/mo
๐ Transport 5%$51/mo
๐ก Utilities 7%$72/mo
๐ญ Leisure 12%$123/mo
๐ฅ Health 6%$61/mo
Connectivity
Well connected to the world
Internet and transport options for remote workers.
๐ถ
Internet
Good โ fibre common
Check local providers.
๐ข
Coworking
From ~$80/mo
Dedicated spaces available.
๐
Local Transit
6 / 10
Buses and taxis
NQZ
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport
17 km from centre
Safety & Visa
Safe, welcoming, and easy to enter
Safety Score8 / 10
โ Tap Waterโ Night Safe๐ 112
Visa
Check your entry options
Many nationalities get visa-free or visa-on-arrival. Check official government sources for your citizenship before travel.
Culture & Festivals
Local soul, nomad-friendly
Multiculturalism6/10
Foodie Scene7/10
โ๏ธ Cold Winter๐๏ธ Modern Capital๐ต Mid-Range๐ Architecture
Jul
Capital City Day
A grand celebration of the city's status featuring concerts, fireworks, and cultural displays across the main squares.
Jun
Summer Solstice Events
Outdoor performances and festivities marking the arrival of the warm summer season.
Astana is a city built for the future. Beyond the architecture, don't miss the chance to experience the vast, empty landscapes of the surrounding steppe on a weekend trip to appreciate the scale of the country.
Food & Nightlife
A feast for every mood
From street food to cafรฉs and nightlife โ every meal is an event.
Street Food
Local Bakeries
Sample traditional samsa and fresh flatbread from small street-side bakeries. It is affordable and extremely tasty.
Cafรฉ Culture
City Centre Cafes
Astana has a thriving cafe culture offering excellent coffee and snacks. Perfect for mid-day work sessions.
Traditional
Kazakh Cuisine Restaurants
Try beshbarmak, the national dish of Kazakhstan, usually served in hearty portions at traditional restaurants.
Climate
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug
Avg humidity68%
Avg AQI75
The best time to experience Astana is during the short, pleasant summer months of June, July, and August, when the city comes alive with outdoor activities and the weather is warm and inviting. This is when the steppe is green and the outdoor parks and plazas are at their most vibrant.
You should generally avoid the long winter stretch from October through March, as temperatures can plummet as low as -21ยฐC. During these months, the city enters a deep freeze, making navigation difficult and limiting outdoor exploration, though it offers a unique look at the resilience of the local culture.
Monthly temperatures ยฐC
BestAvoidShoulder
Practical Info
Everything you need to know
๐ฅ
Healthcare
Medical facilities in Astana are generally modern, especially private clinics. Ensure you have travel health insurance that covers international visits for peace of mind.
๐ฑ
Money
The currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Card payments are widely accepted in malls and cafes, but keeping some cash for small markets is recommended.
๐
Language & Etiquette
Kazakh and Russian are the primary languages. Learning basic Russian phrases will greatly improve your ability to communicate with locals, as English is not universally spoken.
Tips
Quick tips
- Dress in layers, especially if visiting in shoulder seasons.
- Download a local taxi app or use public transit cards for convenience.
- Always carry your passport or a digital copy for registration purposes.
- Try to learn basic Russian to navigate daily life more easily.
- Use public buses; they are very affordable and cover most of the city.
- Stick to bottled water as tap water is generally not for drinking.
- Explore the local markets on the Right Bank for fresh produce.
Further Reading