Contributed by Dan Travels
The city of Astana, now called Nursultan, was my first stop on an extended Central Asian adventure last October 2019. Known today as Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital city, Nursultan certainly is a tough place to live in because of its harsh cold climate. Still, it is well worth a short visit. In fact, you can see Nursultan’s main sights and its fascinating buildings in a couple of days.
That’s why to help you jump-start your next holiday here, I’ve put together the perfect three-day Nursultan budget itinerary and travel guide, which includes my overall travel expenses! Are you ready?
Also read: 15 Photos That Will Make You Want to Travel to Countries in Central Asia
Do you need a visa for Kazakhstan?
First things first — do you need a visa to enter Kazakhstan? Well, depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. With my Philippine passport, I fall under the visa-free programme and was able to enter Kazakhstan through Nursultan airport with no issues last October 2019!
Well, wait, not really… The visa-free programme of Kazakhstan for Filipinos was just recently announced and took effect on 30 Sep 2019. I was backpacking in Tehran, Iran during the time when it was announced. So, I actually entered Kazakhstan through Nursultan airport a few days after it took effect. And upon checking in for my flight, I waited for almost an hour because the airline crews were verifying if Filipinos could really enter Kazakhstan visa-free. But anyway, the important thing is that I got in and got my boarding pass!
Where is Nursultan (Astana)?
Nursultan, formerly named Astana, is located in central Kazakhstan along the Ishim River. It sits on a very flat, semi-arid steppe region which covers most of the country’s territory. By flight, it is a little more than three hours away from Moscow and roughly four hour and a half hours away from Dubai.
Note: In March 2019, the city was renamed to Nursultan after the departing Kazakh president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Language: Kazakh and Russian
Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Airport: TSE
Preferred mode of transportation: Bus
Time Zone: GMT +6
Flights to Nursultan (Astana)
Finding a cheap flight ticket to Nursultan from Europe and the Middle East is relatively easy. In my case, I got a direct flight coming from Yerevan, Armenia to Nursultan, Kazakhstan. My flight carrier was SCAT Airlines. I suggest you check Kayak, as they usually offer cheap fares compared to other booking sites.
How to get around Nursultan
By bus
Nursultan has an excellent city bus network, with bus route maps shown at many bus stops. Buses start operating between 6am and 7am, and stop operating between 10pm and 11pm. Single-trip tickets cost ₸180 (₱24) if you pay by cash. The very useful 2GIS offline map app helps you plot your route and shows you in real-time which numbered buses are due to arrive at which bus stop. The 2GIS app also works even without internet data.
Note: It is cheaper if you pay by card, which costs up ₸90 (₱12) only. But I don’t really recommend it for short-term travellers.
By foot
Get your feet ready as you will walk to many places in Astana, too. Just make sure you are dressed appropriately, depending on how cold the outside temperature is. As I mentioned in one of my budget travel guides, walk as much as you can!
By taxi
Taxis are excellent but rather expensive. Also, Uber works in Nursultan.
How I got to the city
I arrived at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (TSE) at around 5am from a three-hour flight from Yerevan, Armenia.
To get from the Nursultan airport to the city centre, you need to take either a bus or taxi. I took the bus since I was on a budget. I don’t really remember which bus number it was, but I was told by a local that it goes to the city centre.
Using my pre-downloaded Google Maps (I wasn’t aware of the 2GIS app yet), I got off near the Infiniti Apartment Building along Qabanbay Batyr Avenue. From there, my hostel (Hostel Infiniti) is only a three- to five-minute walk.
Later that day, I searched on 2GIS app which buses run from and to the airport. Those happen to be buses 10, 12, and 100. It should cost you ₸180 (₱24).
Note: I actually did not pay for the bus fare on my way to downtown Nursultan from the airport. I only had ₸10,000 KZT (₱1,300), which is the highest banknote denomination in Kazakhstan, with me. It was freshly withdrawn from the ATM, and the bus driver refused to accept my payment as he had no change to give. He also did not speak English at all, so communicating was such a challenge. So, I just sat down in silence. When the bus stopped at my preferred location, I simply exited the bus door alongside with others as if I had no payment issue.
Where did I stay?
Hostel Infiniti
Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room
Hostel rate: ₸1,700 (₱220) per night
How to get there: Walk for three to five minutes from the nearest bus stop
This hostel is in a big apartment building. That’s why it was a challenge and a bit confusing for me to find, as there are so many entrance and exit doors in the building. It was a good thing there was a local who helped me find it. I gave him the phone number of the hostel and he called the owner. I was about to die from the outside cold!
Anyway, you can book a room at any hotel in Astana through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through the latter. Room accommodations range from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. What I like about it is they offer free cancellation and pay-at-the-hotel options.
If an Astana hotel isn’t to your liking, try Airbnb. They are usually immersed in neighbourhoods, condos, and townhomes. I don’t know about you, but there is a feeling I get when I stay in an Airbnb that makes me feel like I belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride I feel while staying in them. I have used Airbnbs on some of my other trips and I loved the experience!
My three-day Nursultan itinerary
Day 1
Bayterek Tower
This tower is meant to embody a folk tale about a mythical tree of life and a magic bird of happiness: The bird, named Samruk, laid its egg in the crevice between two branches of a popular tree.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)
City Park
The City Park in Astana is huge, and there are plenty of things to see and do with the sculptures in its premises. The Presidential Palace is located at one end of the park, and past that are the magnificent Presidential gardens and a lovely green space.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By foot from Bayterek Tower
Nur-Astana Mosque
As a non-Muslim, I have not visited many mosques. However, I found this one welcoming, bright, and peaceful. The external architecture looked rather attractive, while the big open space and carpets inside the mosque created a sense of calm. It’s free and worth a visit regardless of your religious affiliation.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By foot from the City Park
Lover’s Park
Don’t worry, it’s not really a park only for lovers! It is a vast open space with lots of activities for children and for anyone, really!
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)
The National Opera Building
The National Opera Building in Astana is stunning, to say the least. The modern building was designed as a classic temple complete with columns and a tympanum.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By foot from the Lover’s Park
Khan Shatyr
Khan Shatyr, which literally means Royal Marquee, is said to be Nursultan’s most extraordinary building (so far). It may resemble a leaning circus tent from the outside, but it is actually a big shopping mall with various attractions. These include a food court, swimming pool, sandy beach, and a water slide.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By foot from The National Opera Building
Day 2
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
A monumental pyramid-shaped building, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation was built and completed in 2006 to commemorate the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)
Independence Square and Kazak Eli Monument
Majestic and stately beyond description, I personally enjoyed seeing and taking photographs of this moment. Located right across the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, it was the one monument in Astana that I wanted to see.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By foot from the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Hazret Sultan Mosque
The Hazret Sultan Mosque is the second largest mosque in Central Asia after Turkmenbasy Ruhy Mosque. Visible from many places in Astana, the mosque stands out, no matter which aspect it is viewed from.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By foot from the Kazak Eli Monument
Kazakhstan Military History Museum
I was very impressed by the exhibits in the museum. In my opinion, it just might be the best one in Astana! Designed as a yurt (Kazakh nomad’s home), the museum had external exhibits featuring WW2 equipment in a small display area. I also found a number of sculptures of ancient warriors around the museum, and to me, the chariot sculpture at the main entrance was the most impressive.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)
Quay Astana Bridge
This bridge is one of the most amazingly built architectural structures in Astana, and you’re more than welcome to walk over it!
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By foot from the Military History Museum
Day 3
Triumphal Arch Mangilik El
Another of Astana’s monuments, it is located in the centre of a roundabout in the city. Simply take one of the underground passes to get here. You’ll find an ‘I love Astana’ sign near the monument, so don’t miss this chance to take a picture with it!
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)
Expo 2017 Complex
The design of the building in itself is amazing and a true engineering marvel. Each floor houses a unique exhibition to educate the public about wind, solar, and hydroelectric energy sources.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By foot from the Triumphal Arch
MEGA Silk Way
Just across the expo site sits this brand new shopping centre home to restaurants great for all budgets. It’s also a good option for spending a long layover from the airport as it is fairly close.
Duration (getting there and visiting): One to two hours
How I got here: By foot from the Expo 2017 building
On my last day in Nursultan, I stayed with a Kazakh host from Couchsurfing. His name is Darkhan and he calls me Teddy Bear because he said I look like one. Haha!
Also read: 10 Things to Do in Kazakhstan + Tips for Filipinos
My 3-day expenses in Nursultan
Day 0 (Arrival)
Yerevan to Nursultan flight: ₱10,470
Three-night stay at Hostel Infiniti: ₱680
Groceries (rice, canned tuna, noodles, coffee): ₱230
Laundry at Hostel Infiniti: ₱40
Daily total: Approximately ₱11,400
Note: Hotel Infiniti allows guests to cook.
Day 1
Bus fare from hostel to a bus stop near Bayterek Tower: ₱24
Bus fare from Bayterek Tower to a bus stop near Lover’s Park: ₱24
Food (bread): ₱12
Drink (orange juice): ₱30
Food (bread): ₱12
Bus fare from a bus stop near Khan Shatyr to hostel: ₱24
Daily total: Approximately ₱130
Day 2
Bus fare from hostel to a bus stop near the Palace of Peace: ₱24
Bus fare from a bus stop near Hazret Mosque to Kazakh Military Museum: ₱24
Food (two orders of hotdog with bread): ₱32
Drink (orange juice): ₱40
Bus fare from a bus stop near Quay Astana to hostel: ₱24
Daily total: Approximately ₱140
Day 3
Bus fare from hostel to the Triumphal Arch: ₱24
Combo Meal at Burger King (MEGA Silkway Mall): ₱160
Food (raisin bread): ₱40
Drink (bottled water): ₱17
Bus fare from a bus stop near MEGA silk way to my Couchsurfing host’s apartment: ₱24
Daily total: Approximately ₱260
Day 4 (Departure)
Train ticket from Nursultan to Almaty (booked online): ₱15
Bus fare from hostel to Airport Bus #50 transfer: ₱24
Bus fare from bus transfer to train station: ₱24
Food (pie cake): ₱30
Daily total: Approximately ₱90
Total expenses: Approximately ₱12,000
Travel insurance
If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Travelling always comes with inherent risks. Whether you are trekking in the Kazakhs mountains or wandering the streets of Astana, unforeseen events can suddenly upend your world.
Thus, I highly recommend you guys getting travel insurance for your Nursultan itinerary. I bought one from World Nomads. It’s where most travellers get their travel insurance.
What do you think of this three-day Nursultan budget itinerary and travel blog? If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section.
