Nur-Sultan , Kazakhstan

The Old City Tour

Active

(3 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

!This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate!

The Old City Tour is a wonderful opportunity to feel the history of the former USSR city and an essential part of understanding people and culture of Kazakhstan.

The tour begins with the monument of Zher Ana (Mother Earth) – the Saka queen Tomyris, in the 5th century BC defeated the great Persian King Cyrus.

Next stop is monument of Kerey and Zhanibek – the founders of the Kazakh Khanate of the 15th century, stop nearby the Museum of the First President (office from 1997-2004) and the fountain Tree of Life.

Then monument of Kenesary – the last khan of the Kazakh people on the embankment of the Ishim River. Also, we will stop at The Trade House of Merchant Matvey Kubrin - supermarket "Astana" to learn more about USSR architecture and see have the local shopping experience.

Available options

The Old City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Displays all the regions and country’s major cities, such as Astana and Almaty, are marked on the huge map of Kazakhstan. All in all, the park of miniatures has over 200 sights to discover.

Seifullin Museum consists of six rooms filled with the history of different periods of the poet’s life, which helps you get acquainted with the USSR period.

A statue of the Kazakh nationalist (the last king of Kazakh Khanate) right across the river Ishim.

Learn a brief history of Kazakhstan's first President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who has served since 1990 to 2019.
The museum displays unique archive documents, scientific materials,
books written by Nazarbaev, gift collections, awards, and many other
interesting items revealing the work of the first president of Kazakhstan.

What's not included

Alcoholic Beverages

Available languages

Guide guide

KO CMN EN FR TR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

About Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, is a futuristic city blending modern architecture with traditional Kazakh culture. Known for its ambitious skyline and grand boulevards, it offers a unique mix of innovation and heritage.

Top Attractions

Bayterek Tower

An iconic symbol of Nur-Sultan, the Bayterek Tower is a 105-meter tall monument with a golden sphere at the top. Visitors can climb to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city.

Architecture 1-2 hours Moderate (500-1000 KZT)

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

A unique transparent tent-shaped shopping and entertainment center, Khan Shatyr offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and recreational activities.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Free entry, varying costs for activities

Expo City

The site of the 2017 EXPO, Expo City features futuristic architecture, including the iconic Nur Alem Pavilion, and hosts various events and exhibitions.

Historical 2-3 hours Free entry, varying costs for exhibitions

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beshbarmak

A traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat and noodles, often served with a horseradish sauce.

Main Dish Contains meat, not vegetarian

Kazy

A type of sausage made from horse meat, often served as an appetizer.

Snack Contains meat, not vegetarian

Baursaks

Fried dough balls, similar to doughnuts, often served as a snack or breakfast item.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Ice skating Spa treatments Tea house visits Park picnics Museum visits Traditional performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the most popular time to visit Nur-Sultan, with pleasant weather and numerous outdoor activities. The city hosts several festivals and events during this period.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Kazakh, Russian
Widely spoken: Russian, English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Nur-Sultan is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services.
• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport • 17 km from city center

By train

Nurly Zhol Station

By bus

Sayaran Bus Terminal, Central Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers most of the city's major attractions. It is clean, modern, and easy to navigate.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi, InDriver

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Left Bank Right Bank

Day trips

Buran

20 km • Half day

A Soviet-era space shuttle prototype, Buran is an interesting historical site for those interested in space exploration.

Kolsai Lakes

300 km • Full day

A stunning mountainous area with three beautiful lakes, offering hiking and scenic views.

Festivals

Astana International Festival of Arts (AIF) • July EXPO City Festival • Summer

Pro tips

Visit the Bayterek Tower at sunset for the best views of the city.
Try traditional Kazakh dishes at local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Use the metro system for efficient and affordable transportation around the city.
Book tickets for major attractions in advance, especially during peak season.
Dress warmly in winter, as temperatures can drop significantly.