25 Attractions in Nur-Sultan You Should See

The capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan, is a modern city with wide streets and original architecture. New districts are actively being constructed here, utilizing the latest technologies.

But the attractions of Nur-Sultan are not only unusual monuments and ultra-modern buildings, but also mosques, museums, theaters, parks, shopping and entertainment centers, and other interesting places popular with both locals and tourists.

The largest mosque in Kazakhstan (and one of the biggest in Asia) - Hazret Sultan - was built recently: the first religious services were held here only in 2012. More than a thousand workers participated in this large-scale construction. Today, it serves as the main mosque of the country, with prayer halls capable of accommodating up to 10,000 believers.

Why visit:

The mosque is decorated in traditional Islamic style, harmoniously incorporating original Kazakh decorative details. Tourists can admire the architecture of Hazret Sultan: a majestic building crowned by a dome over 50 meters high, surrounded by 8 smaller domes.

The appearance of Hazret Sultan is complemented by 77-meter minarets. Entrance to the mosque is also free: inside there are prayer halls, washrooms, and other rooms decorated with traditional decor.

Address: Hazret Sultan Mosque, Tauyelsyzdyk Avenue, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation has nothing to do with classical palace architecture: it looks like a pyramid standing on a hill. This unusual building was constructed in 2006 according to the design of N. Foster, specifically to host the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. The total area of the complex is about 28,000 square meters.

Why visit:

Currently, various events are held in the Palace - from educational programs to entertainment. Inside, there is a large opera hall that can accommodate over 1,300 spectators, as well as several smaller multipurpose halls.

Additionally, in the >, there is an ethnographic museum dedicated to the wedding ceremonies of different nations, and a center for contemporary art. Guided tours are available throughout the Palace, and on the top level, there is an observation deck.

Address: Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Tauyelsyzdyk Avenue, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

In Nur-Sultan, there is an unusual library, whose collections primarily consist of books and documents related to the first president of the country, Nursultan Nazarbayev. It is located in the city center on A. Bokeikhan Street.

Why visit:

The library operates as a museum, so visitors come not to read books, but for tours. The exhibition consists not only of various documents but also artworks and other gifts from officials who presented them to the President of Kazakhstan. If you do not plan to join a tour, pay attention to the unusual architecture of the Library building, which resembles a flying saucer.

Address: Library of the First President, Alikhan Bokeikhan Street, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

One of the symbols of modern Nur-Sultan is the 105-meter tall Baiterek Tower, which rises in the main square of the city. The decision to build the monument was made in 1996; it symbolizes the transfer of the capital to Nur-Sultan. The construction was completed in 2002, and the tower project was developed by Kazakh architect A. Rustembekov.

Why visit:

Tourists can enjoy the tower while strolling through the adjacent pedestrian area. You can also go inside: beneath the monument, there is an underground level with cafes, a souvenir shop, and a gallery.

At the upper part, which looks like a large gilded sphere, there is the best observation deck in the city, which also features a bar. Visitors can ascend via a high-speed elevator that runs through the entire hundred-meter structure.

Address: Baiterek, Baiterek, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

is yet another unique structure in the capital of Kazakhstan. This shopping and entertainment complex is designed as a huge tent resembling traditional yurts. The height of the structure, designed by N. Foster, is about 150 meters and covers nearly 130,000 square meters. The shopping center is the largest tent in the world.

Why visit:

looks impressive from the outside: the tent-like structure covered with a specially designed transparent material has no analogues in the world. Inside, there is plenty of interesting things: shops, cafes, sports centers, and entertainment for all ages.

The main attraction of the shopping center is the water park with a beach area, with sand brought in from the Maldive Islands. At the highest level of the shopping center, there is an observation deck.

Address: Khan Shatyr, Turan Avenue, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

Nur-Sultan is a futuristic city, so it's no surprise that it hosts a Museum of the Future. The exhibition operates in one of the pavilions remaining in the city after the World Expo in 2017.

Why visit:

The museum offers tours suitable for both adults and children. Here you can see fuel made from algae and learn about other unconventional energy sources. The interior of the museum matches the theme: its halls resemble scenes from science fiction movies.

Address: The Sphere - Museum of The Future, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

Nurzhol Boulevard - a large, beautiful pedestrian area located in the center of Nur-Sultan. It belongs to the new part of the city and was originally conceived as a space with a unified design concept. The boulevard design was developed by Japanese specialist K. Kurokawa.

Why visit:

Nurzhol Boulevard stretches from the Ak Orda Presidential Residence to the Khan Shatyr shopping center. The lower part features a large parking lot adjacent to the pedestrian zone, which includes:

several shops and cafes;

a park area with fountains, lawns, and flower beds, pedestrian pathways and benches;

the Baiterek monument.

Address: Nurzhol Boulevard, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

Nur-Astana is a large mosque, second in size only to the Hazret Sultan complex, and can accommodate up to 5,000 people. The mosque was opened in 2005 and has since become one of the most beautiful religious structures in the city. The building was designed by Lebanese architect C. Khazif.

Why visit:

Nur-Astana is one of the architectural attractions of Nur-Sultan. It is decorated in a classic eastern style, with facades painted pure white and the main dome covered in gold. Four tall minarets are located at the corners. Inside, the building is adorned with patterned decor.

Address: Nur-Astana Mosque, Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

The National Museum in Nur-Sultan is the largest museum institution in Kazakhstan. It was opened in 2014, but its collections already consist of tens of thousands of exhibits. The permanent exhibition of the museum is dedicated to the life and culture of the peoples inhabiting the country, as well as the history of the state. The total area of the exhibition exceeds 14,000 square meters.

Why visit:

If you are interested in history and looking for things to see in Nur-Sultan, take a tour of the National Museum. There are halls with archaeological finds from prehistoric times, the Middle Ages, and other epochs.

As it is a new museum, modern technologies are utilized here - visitors can immerse themselves in history using touch screens, holograms, LED displays, and other technological advancements. An audio guide in Russian, Kazakh, and other languages is available for the tour.

Address: National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Tauyelsyzdyk Avenue, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

Independence Square is one of the central urban squares. It features the namesake Palace and several other attractions frequently visited by tourists.

Why visit:

You can take a stroll across the square and take photos against the backdrop of attractions. Here you can find:

the Independence Palace;

Hazret Sultan Mosque;

National Museum;

Presidential Park;

Shabyt Palace of Creativity.

Independence Square hosts mass events, including parades on Constitution Day and other national holidays. In winter, an ice town is set up here.

Address: Stella >, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

In 2017, an international exhibition EXPO was held in Nur-Sultan, for which spacious pavilions were built. For several months, modern achievements in energy and other fields were showcased here. Most of the structures related to the exhibition complex remain in good condition and are open for visits.

Why visit:

The main object of the EXPO 2017 site is Nur-Alem, a structure in the shape of a sphere. Today, the Museum of the Future operates inside it, with a permanent exhibition and various events dedicated to alternative energy. Many tourists take pictures in front of the sphere - the 100-meter-high building makes a great backdrop for futuristic photos.

Address: Expo 2017 ART Center, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

From 1938 to 1953, one of the GULAG camps was located near Nur-Sultan - the Akmolinsk camp for the wives of traitors to the Fatherland or ALZHIR. After the dissolution of the USSR, a memorial complex was established in its place to commemorate the victims of political repression.

Why visit:

The memorial complex is located about 35 km from the city, in the village of Akmol. Various sites are open for visits, including:

a reconstructed car from the 1930s used to transport prisoners;

monuments and steles dedicated to the tragic events of the 1930s-1950s;

a restored barrack where prisoners lived;

a museum with exhibitions telling the story of both ALZHIR and the country's history as a whole.

Address: ALZHIR Memorial, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

The city opera house is different from most of the new buildings in Nur-Sultan - it is designed not in modern, but in neoclassical style. Nevertheless, the theater was built recently, opening only in 2013. A collective of architects from different countries worked on the building's project.

Why visit:

The theater's building, adorned with massive columns and stucco, is located in the central part of the city, on Kunanbaev Street. There is a large pedestrian area nearby for strolling. The theater boasts a rich repertoire: you can attend not only opera or ballet performances but also other cultural events - concerts, plays, and more. Besides the main hall, which seats about one and a half thousand spectators, there is a small hall suitable for chamber performances.

Address: Astana Opera, Dinmukhamed Kunayeva Street, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

In the center of Nur-Sultan, there is a building resembling a truncated cone with a large > on the roof. It houses the Shabyt Palace of Creativity and the University of Arts - the main creative university in Kazakhstan.

Why visit:

The futuristic building of the Palace of Creativity often serves as a backdrop for tourists' photographs. Inside, there are not only lecture halls and classrooms for students but also venues for various events: concerts, open lectures, etc. The complex also has its own restaurant and gym.

Address: Shabyt Palace of Creativity, Tauyelsyzdyk Avenue, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

The Palace of Independence is a monumental glass and metal building resembling a truncated pyramid. It was constructed in 2008, and its total area is about 18,000 square meters.

Why visit:

The Palace of Independence was designed as a venue for international meetings, conferences, and other high-level events. However, ordinary tourists can also not only admire the unusual building from the outside but also find many interesting things inside. The Palace houses:

a contemporary art gallery;

a history museum of Nur-Sultan;

a gallery showcasing archaeological and ethnographic exhibits;

cinemas;

several conference halls where open events are also held.

Address: Palace of Independence, Tauyelsyzdyk Avenue, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

One of the symbols of Nur-Sultan, located in Independence Square, is the Kazakh Eli Monument (translating to >). It is a tall (91-meter) stone column in classical style, standing on a massive marble foundation. The top of the stele is crowned with a gilded figure of a bird.

Why visit:

The monument is conveniently examined while walking around Independence Square: nearby are the Independence Palace, the Shabyt complex, and several other attractions. The area around the stele is designed with a colonnade and bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Kazakhstan's history. This space is especially pleasant to stroll in sunny weather when the gilded details of the monument sparkle in the sunlight.

Address: Kazakh Eli Monument, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

is a new concert hall in Nur-Sultan, designed using modern technologies. The building was erected under the project of M. Nicoletti, and the large construction took four years to complete.

Why visit:

The Central Concert Hall hosts concerts by popular artists and other mass events: its main hall accommodates about 3,500 spectators. Inside, everything necessary for organizing film screenings and symphonic concerts is available. There are cafes, restaurants, and shops for visitors. If attending events is not in your plans, admire the concert hall from the outside: this unique building resembles a huge flower.

Address: Central Concert Hall Kazakhstan, Mangilik El Avenue, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, located in the center of Nur-Sultan, near Nurzhol Boulevard. The building was constructed between 2001 and 2003, designed by several architects from different countries. The residence is styled in a classic manner with elements of Kazakh architecture.

Why visit:

The area around > is one of the best places for walking. There is a large pedestrian area with flowerbeds, fountains, and lawns. The residence itself is also open to visitors: guided tours are conducted through the inner halls.

During the tour, you can walk through the floors of the presidential palace, admire the luxurious interiors of the halls where international-level receptions are held. The Eastern Hall, decorated with motifs of traditional Kazakh yurts, deserves special attention.

Address: Ak Orda, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

is a large > depicting all regions of Kazakhstan. The complex covers about 2 hectares, with miniature replicas of architectural attractions and natural sites from various corners of the country, as well as other models.

Pathways are laid throughout the territory - while walking along them, you can see the entire exhibition. Currently, the > features around two hundred objects, which are regularly updated and added with new items.

Why visit:

is great for both adults and children. You can book a guided tour on-site: the guide will tell you about Kazakhstan's attractions and the country's history. There are craft workshops nearby where you can buy something as a memento. There is also a concert venue where various events are held.

Address: Ethno-Memorial Complex Atameken, Korgalzhyn Highway, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

is a modern entertainment center often visited by both residents of Nur-Sultan and city guests. It houses several recreational areas.

Why visit:

The largest part of the complex is the aquarium: in the tanks, filled with about three million liters of water, live over 2,000 animals. There are sharks, tropical fish, predatory piranhas, moray eels, and many other marine inhabitants.

also offers other entertainment options, including:

a 5D cinema with modern capsule seats;

a miniature museum with models of world attractions;

rides for children;

cafes, bars, bakeries, and shops.

Address: Kabanbay Batyr Avenue 4, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

The circus in Nur-Sultan, like many other buildings, is constructed in an ultra-modern style. The building, which took several years to complete, resembles a flying saucer landed on a hill.

Why visit:

Inside, the unusual building looks like a classic circus: there is a round arena with a high tent ceiling where performances for different ages take place. The Nur-Sultan Circus features both a local troupe and invited performers. The auditorium accommodates up to 2,000 people.

The area around the circus is suitable for walking. There is a park area near the building's entrance with flowerbeds and other greenery. The square is decorated with a fountain featuring a gilded clown figure and other circus-themed sculptures.

Address: Capital Circus KGP, Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

On Nurzhol Boulevard, you will find one of the most beautiful city fountains. It represents a large granite bowl, decorated with ethnic ornaments. Dozens of water jets rise high at different angles, scattering into thousands of tiny splashes.

Why visit:

The Singing Fountain is conveniently located, making it a popular spot for many tourists: nearby are the Baiterek Tower, the presidential residence, and other attractions that are part of city tours. You can enjoy the water show simply by strolling along Nurzhol Boulevard. The fountain is especially beautiful in the evening when the lighting is turned on.

Address: Singing Fountain, Nurzhol Boulevard, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

Lovers Park is a beautiful green area located on the left bank of the Ishim River. The park was landscaped in 2005, and since then it has become a popular spot for leisurely walks and photography.

Why visit:

Although the park is great for casual walks, its main specialty is wedding ceremonies. According to local tradition, newlyweds come here to take photos against the backdrop of a monument depicting a loving couple.

The park also features a fountain, pedestrian paths with benches, colorful flowerbeds, and trees. It is a perfect place to relax in the shade and breathe fresh air after sightseeing around the city.

Address: Lovers Park, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

The districts of Nur-Sultan are located on both banks of the Ishim River, so the city has plenty of waterfront areas. The well-maintained central embankment is the most popular spot among residents and tourists alike.

Why visit:

The central embankment is a great place for leisurely strolls. In summer, the proximity of water helps mitigate the heat, and its convenient location allows for views of many city attractions from the shore. Street musicians perform along the embankment, there are amusement rides, and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.

In the summer season, sightseeing boats depart from here, while in winter, an area for ice skating is set up.

Address: Embankment, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

The largest stadium in Nur-Sultan is >. It is a modern sports complex that can accommodate about 30,000 spectators. To shield spectators and athletes from rain, a large movable roof covering approximately 10,000 square meters is provided; it takes about 20 minutes to open or close it completely.

Why visit:

The stadium hosts football matches and other sports competitions (wrestling, boxing, etc.). > features modern artificial turf that meets international standards, allowing it to host international-level matches.

The stadium is also used for musical concerts and other large events.

Address: Astana Arena, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.