Whenever we go to any country or city, the first question that comes to our mind is what can we see there, or what are the major tourist destinations there? Are they worth watching or not? If yes, then how can we reach there and how much time do we need to visit those places.
So here is your guide to the top 5 places to visit Astana. Yes, of course you can visit more but from my experience, the top five places in Astana will be following, and I will tell you here how will you get there and what time it takes to visit all these places, so lets start.
1. Astana Grand Mosque
I started my first Day in Astana by visiting Astana Grand Mosque, It was completed in 2012 and they claim it is the biggest mosque in central Asia, and oh man! what a beautiful and magnificent mosque this is, with its striking blue domes and towering minarets gaining attention from afar.
From the city center to the mosque, it will take around 20 minutes to reach the mosque, There is no entry fee, and if you are a non-Muslim, then you should wear clothes that cover your body, and then you can visit it. The mosque’s intricate mosaics and beautiful calligraphy reflect the rich culture of Kazakhstan. When you enter, there is a big prayer hall decorated with elegant chandeliers and eye-catching carpets. And then there is a souvenir shop and a cafe inside the mosque as well. You can also visit the top of the minaret, which has a ticket as well, but in my case, that is temporarily closed at that time. So, this religious and architectural splendor is a must-visit place in Astana.
2. Nur Alem Museum
I’m not a big fan of museums but this Museum is worth visiting, What is inside is another thing but its sphere-shaped building is a master piece. It is actually a centerpiece of the EXPO 2017, and now it is a museum of future energy. So from just 15 minutes walk from Astana Grand Mosque, I’ll reach the museum site.
At first, the beauty of this building just engaged your attention, and you know that the ticket price of this museum is just 1500 Tenge which is less than 3.5 USD, I’ve never visited any cheaper museum than that, and at the same time, the most beautiful one as well.
The building has 8 floors, guests start on the 8th one first, All the floors have different themes, museum offers a lot of interesting and entertaining things to see and learn, like how we can make energy in modern, better, and more sustainable ways. So this museum is not only the best place for families and those who are curious about science and technology but for tourists as well due to its awesome and striking architecture, and yes, you can get a beautiful 360-degree view of Astana from the museum as well.
3. Mega Silk Way
After visiting those two places, if you are feeling tired and hungry and want some local or international food or want to do some shopping, then this is the place for you, and more importantly, it is just a 2-minute walk from Nur Alem Museum
Here in this big and beautiful shopping mall, you will find some beautiful decorative shops of local and international clothing, shoe and electronic brands, and restaurants as well. So you can grab a bite to eat in any restaurant, and if you want to do any fun activity, then there are also plenty of activities to do, including going to the cinema. So this place is well-liked by both locals and tourists for a day or half for entertainment and shopping because of its ambiance and wide range of activities.
4. Baiterek Tower
If you are not tired yet, then Baiterek tower will be your next stop in Astana, or you can visit it the next day. It is, you can say, the most iconic place in Astana, The Baiterek Tower, standing tall in the middle of the city center, attracts tourists and locals with its striking design with a golden sphere on top, it represents the city’s aspiration and hope for the future.
You can also take an elevator in the tower, which goes up to the top, where you can enjoy the beautiful 360 degree views of the city. On the top, there is a handprint of Kazakhstan’s president, which add more significance to the tower. So this is not just a place but a symbol of progress and ambition for the Kazakh people, and for the tourists, it is one of the must-visit places in Astana from where you can take views of Astana’s skyline and take some beautiful pictures.
5. Khan Shatyr Center
Here you can have one of a kind experience which combines luxury, leisure and adventure all at the same place. Khan Shatyr center is not just a shopping mall but one of the best architectural design of Kazakhstan and a hub of entertainment. And your best place to take Instagram pictures in Astana, as it looks like a giant tent from outside, which attracts people with its distinctive style.
When you enter inside, a world of excitement awaits you, featuring everything from fine dining and shopping to an indoor beach on the top floor—yes, you read it right, beach on the top floor with palm trees and sand. Here, you can eat and rest under the sky while taking advantage of the internal climate control. So surely, it will be on your list while you visit Astana.
These are top 5 places for me in Astana, but if you have time, you can visit many more places, like Hazrat Sultan Mosque, National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Palace of peace and reconciliation, Astana Central park and Astana Opera.
This lively city obviously has something to offer everyone. Every location provides an insight into the diverse fabric of Kazakhstan culture and ambition, from the technological marvels of Nur Alem Museum to the quiet spirituality of Astana Grand Mosque, and from the vibrant energy of Mega Silk Way to the symbolic heights of Baiterek. So, Astana surely leaves a lasting effect on everyone who visits this beautiful and lively city.
Tips:
- Always use Yandex taxi (you can download the app) to go anywhere in the city.
- I went there in February, which is so cold, If you want to enjoy snow, then okay, otherwise, the best time to visit Astana is from April till September
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can comment below or email me at:
arslan72242@worldwitharslan.com