MapVivid
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan and around
A day in Astana · 9:30–17:30 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/astana/itineraries/national-museum-of-the-republic-of-kazakhstan-and-aroundA walking day around Presidential Park, National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Nurzhol Boulevard, with a lunch break nearby and Hazrat Sultan Mosque to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301↓ 9 min walk
10:152National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan ↗2 h 30 minAllow a few hours
Largest museum in the country
- Gold Hall is a highlight
- Audio guides available
↓ 11 min walk
12:453Nurzhol Boulevard ↗1 hAt night
Central pedestrian axis with fountains
- Pleasant evening stroll
- Fountains run summer evenings
Lunch
13:45Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 8 min walk
Afternoon
15:154Bayterek Tower ↗1 hSunset · Weekdays
Monument and observation tower, symbol of the capital
- Go at sunset
- Place your hand in the golden handprint on the top deck
↓ 17 min walk
16:305Hazrat Sultan Mosque ↗1 hAt night · Dress code
One of Central Asia’s largest mosques
- Visit between prayers
- Spectacular at night
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Astana tips
Transportation
- Use 2GIS: The 2GIS app has accurate maps and live bus routes for Astana and works well offline, making city buses easy to navigate.
- Order taxis by app: Yandex Go is widely used and shows the price upfront, avoiding haggling with street drivers.
- Ride city buses: Buses cover the city well and can usually be paid by bank card or QR code; have the app or a card ready when boarding.
Local Hacks
- Use indoor walkways: In winter, malls like Khan Shatyr and Keruen are warm places to eat, shop and escape the cold.
- Go up Bayterek: The tower's observation deck gives a great view of the city's layout and helps you get your bearings on day one.
- Visit in shoulder season: Late spring and early autumn bring milder weather and are the most pleasant times to explore on foot.
Saving
- Eat at stolovayas: Canteen-style cafes serve hearty Kazakh and Russian dishes at a fraction of restaurant prices.
- Enjoy free sights: Walking the Left Bank boulevard, the Nurzhol axis and riverside promenade costs nothing and shows off the futuristic skyline.
- Pay by card: Cards and QR payments are accepted almost everywhere, so you can avoid fees from exchanging lots of cash.
Security
- Mind winter hazards: Icy sidewalks are common in winter. Wear shoes with good grip and watch for ice falling from roofs in spring.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis: Drivers soliciting at the airport or station may overcharge; use an app or the official taxi desk instead.
- Carry your passport: Police can ask for identification, so keep your passport or a copy and your registration documents with you.
Cultural
- Try beshbarmak: The national dish of boiled meat over flat noodles is a must; adventurous eaters can also try kumys, fermented mare's milk.
- Take off your shoes: Remove shoes when entering someone's home, and accept tea when offered as a sign of respect for your hosts.
- Learn a few words: Kazakh and Russian are both spoken. A simple Salemetsiz be (hello) or Rakhmet (thank you) earns warm smiles.
Weather/Clothing
- Prepare for extreme cold: Astana is one of the coldest capitals in the world. In winter bring a heavy down coat, thermal layers, hat and gloves.
- Expect hot summers: Summers can be hot and sunny on the open steppe. Pack light clothes, sunscreen and a hat.
- Block the wind: Strong steppe winds blow year-round, so a windproof outer layer is useful even in spring and autumn.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/astana/itineraries/national-museum-of-the-republic-of-kazakhstan-and-around
Day 1 of 29:30–17:305 stops
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan and around
A walking day around Presidential Park, National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Nurzhol Boulevard, with a lunch break nearby and Hazrat Sultan Mosque to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 30 minLarge green park near Ak Orda
3 tips
- Good for a quiet walk
- Fountains and sculptures
- Free
📷 Photos
9 min walk
210:15 · 2 h 30 minLargest museum in the country
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Gold Hall is a highlight
- Audio guides available
📷 Photos
11 min walk
312:45 · 1 hCentral pedestrian axis with fountains
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Pleasant evening stroll
- Fountains run summer evenings
- Connects Bayterek and Ak Orda
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:45
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps8 min walk
Afternoon
415:15 · 1 hMonument and observation tower, symbol of the capital
- Tip: Sunset
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Go at sunset
- Place your hand in the golden handprint on the top deck
📷 Photos
17 min walk
516:30 · 1 hOne of Central Asia’s largest mosques
- Tip: At night
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Visit between prayers
- Spectacular at night
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Astana. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.