Astana map: top 10, museums, instagrammable, walking tour, where to eat, viewpoints, nature, markets, free things to do, rainy day

4 places on the map

Nature

1
Large green park near Ak Orda
3 tips
- Good for a quiet walk
- Fountains and sculptures
- Free
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2
Riverside park with paths and lawns along the Ishim.
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3
Small Korean-style garden with pavilions and plantings.
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4
City park with green space and walking paths.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.