Why visit
Astana is Kazakhstan's planned capital on the steppe, known for futuristic architecture, wide boulevards, winter extremes, and national institutions. It contrasts sharply with leafy, mountain-backed Almaty.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Astana is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Kazakhstan. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Astana, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Kazakhstan better matches the trip style.
Astana at a glance
City population
346k
Elevation
358 m
1,175 ft
Time zone
UTC+5
Asia/Almaty
Airport
NQZ
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport
Kazakhstan at a glance
Country center
48.0°, 68.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
2,724,900 km²
1,052,089 mi²
Country population
19.8 million
7/km²
Subregion
Central Asia
Currency
Kazakhstani tenge (₸)
KZT
Dial
+76
Languages
Kazakh, Russian
Demonym
Kazakhstani
Internet
.kz
UN
Member state
ISO code
KZ / KAZ
Where in the world
48.0° - 68.0°
Kazakhstan
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Astana is a planned capital on the Kazakh steppe and is known for extreme winter temperatures.
- Bayterek Tower symbolizes a Kazakh legend about a mythical tree of life.
- The capital has changed names repeatedly: Akmolinsk, Tselinograd, Akmola, Astana, Nur-Sultan, and back to Astana in 2022.
- Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country: you could fit Western Europe inside it.
- Baikonur Cosmodrome, in Kazakhstan, is the world's oldest and largest operational spaceport: all Soyuz missions launch from here.
Bordering Kazakhstan
Traveler notes
- Bayterek Tower is the city's symbolic monument
- Khan Shatyr is a tent-shaped indoor city landmark
- Winter temperatures can be severe, shaping the whole city experience
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Astana
What currency is used in Astana?
Astana uses the Kazakhstani tenge (₸), ISO code KZT.
What languages are spoken in Kazakhstan?
The primary languages are Kazakh and Russian.
What is the international calling code for Kazakhstan?
The calling code is +76.
When is the best time to visit Astana?
May–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Astana?
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (IATA: NQZ).
Other Asia destinations
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Ganges-side ghats, dawn boat rides, evening aarti ceremonies, and Buddhist Sarnath nearby.
Pokhara
Pokhara is lakeside with Machapuchare rising behind. The Annapurna trek hub, paragliding capital, and quieter alternative to Kathmandu.
Dubai
Dubai is Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab skyline, Dubai Mall + Dubai Fountain, the Gold Souk, Jumeirah beach resorts, and desert safaris 40 minutes out.
Petra
Petra is the Rose City carved into sandstone. The Treasury (from Indiana Jones), the Monastery at the top of 800 steps, and the High Place of Sacrifice.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is Mediterranean beach city. Bauhaus architecture (UNESCO), Carmel Market, Jaffa's old port, and nightlife that starts late and ends at sunrise.
Muscat
Muscat is the Grand Mosque, Mutrah Corniche and souq, Royal Opera House, and a base for wadi and Nizwa fort day-trips along the Batinah coast.