Astana

The Ishim River divides Astana into a left and a right bank. The left bank is known for futuristic buildings, wide avenues and unusual entertainment options. The right bank is considered the old town, with numerous historic buildings and sights dating from the 19th century. These differences offer a first guide to the city experiences you may want to explore further.

The city of Astana can be viewed in terms of its riverbanks: the left side is defined by a futuristic cityscape, with wide avenues and unusual entertainment options. The right bank is described as the old town, with historic buildings and sights dating from the 19th century. Those interested in older architecture and urban history will find a different focus there than on the modern side.

River views are also part of the cityscape along the river promenade, where you can find street musicians, artists and children's attractions. A fish-shaped bicycle and pedestrian bridge is also located along the promenade. It combines the riverside scenery with a distinctive structure unlike an ordinary bridge.

Central Park offers walking paths as well as routes for cycling and running. It also has children's playgrounds, relaxation areas and cafés. Concerts, festivals and sporting events take place there in summer. The park thus combines exercise and leisure activities with seasonal events. When planning a visit, you can decide whether to focus on the paths and relaxation areas or the summer programme.

The Presidential Park has walking and cycling paths, fountains and relaxation areas. Sports fields and outdoor exercise equipment add to what it offers. The Botanical Garden, meanwhile, invites visitors to enjoy nature among flowers, ornamental trees and rare plants. These three green spaces have different focuses: paths and playgrounds in Central Park, exercise and sports in the Presidential Park, and plant diversity in the Botanical Garden.

The Baiterek Monument means “Tree of Life” and reflects the worldview of the ancient nomads. The Triumphal Arch in Astana was built in 2011 to mark the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence. Bas-reliefs on its walls depict important moments in Kazakhstan's history. The monument thus offers a chance to consider both the meaning of its name and historical depictions.

The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the country's largest museum. It presents the history and culture of Kazakhstan from antiquity to the present day. The Astana Art Museum exhibits works by Kazakh artists, sculptors and craftspeople, as well as works by the masters of world painting. If you are choosing between a broad historical overview and visual art, these museums offer different areas of focus.

The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is shaped like a pyramid. It symbolises the unity of different religions, ethnic groups and cultures, as well as the openness of the people and state to the world. Astana Opera is a state opera and ballet theatre and a centre for performing arts and dance in Kazakhstan. It opened in 2013 on the initiative of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The theatre is considered the largest in Central Asia. Its building combines classical traditions of world architecture with distinctly Kazakh design elements; its technical facilities meet international standards.

The Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment centre combines shopping and dining options with a children's play centre and a swimming pool beneath its dome. The Vodno-Zeleny Boulevard, now called Nurzhol Boulevard, leads to this centre in Astana. You can also take shopping, dining and entertainment into account when deciding what to focus on.

Other destinations to research include West Kazakhstan, Atyrau, South Kazakhstan, Aktobe, Kostanay and Karaganda.

What divides Astana into two riverbanks?

The Ishim River divides the city into a left and a right bank.

What does the name Baiterek mean?

Baiterek means “Tree of Life” and reflects the worldview of the ancient nomads.

How do the parks differ?

Central Park offers, among other things, walking, cycling and running paths, as well as playgrounds and cafés. The Presidential Park has walking and cycling paths, fountains, relaxation areas, sports fields and outdoor exercise equipment. The Botanical Garden is characterised by flowers, ornamental trees and rare plants.

For the main travel overview: Kazakhstan.

Useful information for planning your trip:

Astana: the capital of Kazakhstan on the Ishim River.