Astana Landmarks and Museums Guide
Astana landmarks and museums
The capital moved to Astana in 1997, and the new Left Bank district was built to impress. Most landmarks line a single axis, with the older Right Bank across the river. Tenge (KZT) prices below are approximate, and several are secondary reports, so confirm them locally.
Baiterek
The 97 m Baiterek tower on Nurzhol Boulevard marks the capital’s move. Its observation deck is at about 86 m and holds the Ayaly Alakan handprint. Adult tickets were reported near 2,000 KZT, with lower rates for retirees and children, but opening hours differ between sources, so check first.
Grand Mosque
On Mangilik El Avenue, the Grand Mosque can hold more than 30,000 people. It has four 130 m minarets, a dome 83 m high and 62 m across, and a lift in one minaret to decks at 90 m and 110 m. It opened in 2022. Visiting hours and rules should be checked locally, and modest dress is expected. Dimensions are listed by Kazakhstan Tourism .
Hazret Sultan Mosque
Opened on 6 July 2012, it has four 77 m minarets and a 51 m central dome. It holds about 5,000 people, or up to 10,000 on holidays. Be quiet and modestly dressed, because it is an active place of worship. Background is on Wikipedia .
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
This pyramid by Norman Foster, completed in 2006, is 62 m tall and 62 m wide at the base. It houses an opera hall and an atrium topped by stained glass from Brian Clarke. Reported hours are about 10:00 to 18:00, later in summer, and tickets range from 650 to 1,500 KZT.
National Museum of Kazakhstan
Found on Independence Square, it opens Tuesday to Sunday from about 10:00 to 18:00 and shuts on Monday. The Gold Halls and the Golden Man of Issyk cost extra. Foreign visitors pay a higher rate, with sources giving 700 to 2,000 KZT.
Nur Alem sphere
Now the International AI Centre (alem.ai), with the Singularity Museum on the ground floor. Listed hours are Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 19:00, weekends 10:00 to 20:00, closed Monday.
Ak Orda and the bridge
Ak Orda, the presidential palace, can only be seen from the outside. The curved Atyrau pedestrian bridge by Central Park is free to cross.
A solemn stop: ALZHIR
About 40 km west, at Akmol, the ALZHIR memorial honours women imprisoned in the Karlag system. Treat it as a place of remembrance. It is open Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 to 18:00. For logistics, see the multi-day trips guide .
Winter sightseeing
Between November and March, the Left Bank plazas funnel wind and temperatures can reach -30C. Do outdoor sights in 20-minute bursts, with warm-up stops in cafes, malls or museums. The Tarlan Astana light rail charges 200 KZT and runs about 06:00 to 23:00, while buses cost 110 KZT cashless.
Tickets and tours
Find guided sightseeing options on GetYourGuide .
Read more: Guided attraction visits and routes on foot .