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Ministry of Transportation, Left Bank, Astana Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana, Aqmola and Tselinograd), in the north of Kazakhstan, is the second largest city in the country.

The city took over the role as capital from Almaty (the largest city) in December 1998. "Astana" means "capital city" in the Kazakh language; the name change seems to have been planned from the start. Now it's undergoing a transformation costing billions of dollars, with top international architects assisting in trying to make Astana a worthy capital - not only of Kazakhstan but of Central Asia. Astana presents an interesting and intriguing blend of old Soviet architecture with the modern designs of Norman Foster and the like. Nur-Sultan is growing. It still does not offer the comforts and thrills of its Western counterparts, or of Almaty, but has its own charms and pleasures.

Downtown with Baiterek Tower in the middle

Bayterek Tower. An example of the futuristic architecture in the newborn city. Nicknamed Chupa Chups by the locals due to its similarity to a giant lollipop, this 97-m-high building offers a great view of the city as well as an art gallery, an aquarium and a restaurant. There is a pleasant bar on one of the upper levels. In the centre of the top sphere, the ever-so-humble President Nazarbayev made a golden palm print where visitors may put their own hands. At busier times the queue for the palm can be very long. Nazarbayev designed the Baiterek himself and the original sketches can be seen in the national museum. 500 tenge for adults, 150 tenge for 5-15 (with documentation), under 5s are free.
Khan Shatyr. It's a giant transparent tent big enough to hold 10,000 people. The 150-m-high tent has a 200-m elliptical base covering an area larger than 10 football stadiums, and contains a park, a shopping and entertainment area with squares and cobbled streets, a boating river, minigolf and an indoor beach resort. It even contains its own monorail with several stops. While Nur-Sultan is one of the world's coldest capitals with temperatures down to -40°C in the cold season, the transparent material lets sunshine in and helps to keep temperatures comfortable all year.
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Tu-Su 10:00-20:00. The national museum moved to this location in 2014. The museum is huge and very modern with interactive displays in English, Russian and Kazakh. Popular with tour groups but it's big enough to absorb them. The displays take you through the history of Kazakhstan up to the modern day. It also hosts an art gallery with many temporary exhibitions. The main entrance hall is huge with a golden eagle that flaps its wings to patriotic music at certain times in the day. One of the highlights is on the ground floor where an animated diorama of the planned Nur-Sultan emerges out of the floor on the hour, be sure to get there early as it can get crowded. The golden hall display has a model of the golden man costume along with a range of other beautiful golden objects found around Kazakhstan. Don't miss Nazabayev's rough sketches for the presidential palace and Baiterek. 700 tenge for main collection, 300 tenge concessions, additional 1000 tenge to visit the golden gallery.
Khazret Sultan Mosque. Daily 09:00-21:00, but tourists should avoid Friday afternoon prayers. Completed in 2012, it's the largest mosque in Kazakhstan and the second largest in Central Asia. A vast calm soaring space, can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers.
The Military Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Barayev 3 (surrounded by scary looking roads, there are several underpasses to get you to this museum. Tu-Su 10:00-20:00. Built like a yurt with a dome resembling a mosque. It contains exhibitions about the history of the military of Kazakhstan. There is large focus on the Great Patriotic War and a collection of memorabilia related to Nazabayev, including some of his official stationery, a tank commander's hat that he wore and a big official painting of him. Don't miss the upper levels that have some excellent war paintings or the soviet style paintings as you enter the building. Free.
Atameken Map of Kazakhstan. An outdoor museum giving you an overview of the entire country in a miniature version. This 1.7-hectare exhibit features more than 200 mock-up pieces, creating Kazakh cities and historical memorials. During the summer months at least, there are normally English speaking guides available (optional obviously), should you wish to learn a little about the models, and there is a covered section which focuses on the newer constructions within the city. Taking photos sometimes requires an extra payment to be made - you may want to keep cameras in your bag until you pass out of sight of the front ticket office. There is a covered map of Nur-Sultan on a platform overlooking the rest of the map, be sure to visit the exhibition underneath this, which offers dioramas of Kazakhstani industry, sport and culture.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The pyramid portion of the building is 62 m high and sits on a 15-m-high earth-covered block. All of this construction is above ground level. The building holds a summit of all religions of the world every 2–3 years. Though the landscaping of the park rises up to cover the lower levels, these are not in fact basements. This building offers a great view of the city, two art galleries, an archaeological and ethnographic museum, opera hall, and a cafe.
Duman. An entertainment complex consisting of an oceanarium, 3D theatre, dome area, souvenir shops and cafes. The aquarium is unique for being located over 3,000 km away from the ocean! It has more than 2000 sea inhabitants, the representatives of 100 species of sea fauna from different parts of the world. You can also see "Mermaid" and sharks-feeding shows at the aquarium. In the Motion Theatre you can make an underwater trip under the command of captain Mac-Cloud during the World War II, to overcome the traps while rescuing the gorgeous princess, confined in the dungeon, go on a tour to the past to dinosaur age, escorted by a troll etc.
Nur-Astana Mosque. The second largest mosque in Nur-Sultan and the third largest in Central Asia, completed in 2008. The dome area contains symbols from all over the world like the Statue of Liberty, the fragment of the great Chinese wall, the "Doriphor" statue, Parthenon and others.
Kazakh Eli monument. It's next to Pyramid (Palace of Peace) and has a small statue of the first president of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is about 100 metres tall and has a mythical golden bird Samryk on the top. Monument is made from white marble and surrounded by very beautiful fountains.
Shabyt Palace. Shabyt is a palace of arts situated to the right of Kazakh Eli monument. It is a dish like building made from glass.
Palace of Independence. Many political and business gatherings are held in this palace. The summit of the OSCE (Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe) took place in December 2010 in this building; 56 countries were invited and it was one of the largest gatherings of Heads of State (bigger than Washington Nuclear Summit). Summits concerning ecology were held in October 2010 and 2011.
Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Abay 11 (near corner with Zheltoksan. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Enter via the security gate on Abay. This imposing building was the seat of power before the new presidential palace was built. Nursultan Nazarbayev (b 1940) was president from independence in 1990 until March 2019; he then resigned but retained the powerful position of Chairman of the Security Council. The building showcases his life, achievements and awards. You can ask for an English guide book, but the exhibits are self-explanatory. Pictures are only allowed on the first (ie ground) floor and outside. You'll need to don covers for your shoes and store any baggage in the cloakroom. There may be a school party in but chances are you'll be the only visitor. Go up to the third floor and work your way down, via state rooms preserved as they were during his presidency, and gifts and awards given to Nazarbayev including a machine gun from the Saudis. There's a small gift shop on the ground floor with the normal tourist knickknacks. Free.
Alzhir, Memorial Museum of Victims of Political Repressions and Totalitarianism. Former Gulag camp for female family members of those condemned to Gulag. Located in Akmol (aka Malinovka) next to main highway. Entrance 500 tenge, audio guide 500 tenge. Inside memorial building has documentary exhibits. To reach Akmol take the Nur-Sultan - Korgalzhyn bus (available departing at 10:00, 11:50, 13:00, 14:30, 400 tenge) from central bus station Saparzhay, get off at Akmol.

Bayterek Tower. An example of the futuristic architecture in the newborn city. Nicknamed Chupa Chups by the locals due to its similarity to a giant lollipop, this 97-m-high building offers a great view of the city as well as an art gallery, an aquarium and a restaurant. There is a pleasant bar on one of the upper levels. In the centre of the top sphere, the ever-so-humble President Nazarbayev made a golden palm print where visitors may put their own hands. At busier times the queue for the palm can be very long. Nazarbayev designed the Baiterek himself and the original sketches can be seen in the national museum. 500 tenge for adults, 150 tenge for 5-15 (with documentation), under 5s are free.

Khan Shatyr. It's a giant transparent tent big enough to hold 10,000 people. The 150-m-high tent has a 200-m elliptical base covering an area larger than 10 football stadiums, and contains a park, a shopping and entertainment area with squares and cobbled streets, a boating river, minigolf and an indoor beach resort. It even contains its own monorail with several stops. While Nur-Sultan is one of the world's coldest capitals with temperatures down to -40°C in the cold season, the transparent material lets sunshine in and helps to keep temperatures comfortable all year.

National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Tu-Su 10:00-20:00. The national museum moved to this location in 2014. The museum is huge and very modern with interactive displays in English, Russian and Kazakh. Popular with tour groups but it's big enough to absorb them. The displays take you through the history of Kazakhstan up to the modern day. It also hosts an art gallery with many temporary exhibitions. The main entrance hall is huge with a golden eagle that flaps its wings to patriotic music at certain times in the day. One of the highlights is on the ground floor where an animated diorama of the planned Nur-Sultan emerges out of the floor on the hour, be sure to get there early as it can get crowded. The golden hall display has a model of the golden man costume along with a range of other beautiful golden objects found around Kazakhstan. Don't miss Nazabayev's rough sketches for the presidential palace and Baiterek. 700 tenge for main collection, 300 tenge concessions, additional 1000 tenge to visit the golden gallery.

Khazret Sultan Mosque. Daily 09:00-21:00, but tourists should avoid Friday afternoon prayers. Completed in 2012, it's the largest mosque in Kazakhstan and the second largest in Central Asia. A vast calm soaring space, can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers.

The Military Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Barayev 3 (surrounded by scary looking roads, there are several underpasses to get you to this museum. Tu-Su 10:00-20:00. Built like a yurt with a dome resembling a mosque. It contains exhibitions about the history of the military of Kazakhstan. There is large focus on the Great Patriotic War and a collection of memorabilia related to Nazabayev, including some of his official stationery, a tank commander's hat that he wore and a big official painting of him. Don't miss the upper levels that have some excellent war paintings or the soviet style paintings as you enter the building. Free.

Atameken Map of Kazakhstan. An outdoor museum giving you an overview of the entire country in a miniature version. This 1.7-hectare exhibit features more than 200 mock-up pieces, creating Kazakh cities and historical memorials. During the summer months at least, there are normally English speaking guides available (optional obviously), should you wish to learn a little about the models, and there is a covered section which focuses on the newer constructions within the city. Taking photos sometimes requires an extra payment to be made - you may want to keep cameras in your bag until you pass out of sight of the front ticket office. There is a covered map of Nur-Sultan on a platform overlooking the rest of the map, be sure to visit the exhibition underneath this, which offers dioramas of Kazakhstani industry, sport and culture.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The pyramid portion of the building is 62 m high and sits on a 15-m-high earth-covered block. All of this construction is above ground level. The building holds a summit of all religions of the world every 2–3 years. Though the landscaping of the park rises up to cover the lower levels, these are not in fact basements. This building offers a great view of the city, two art galleries, an archaeological and ethnographic museum, opera hall, and a cafe.

Duman. An entertainment complex consisting of an oceanarium, 3D theatre, dome area, souvenir shops and cafes. The aquarium is unique for being located over 3,000 km away from the ocean! It has more than 2000 sea inhabitants, the representatives of 100 species of sea fauna from different parts of the world. You can also see "Mermaid" and sharks-feeding shows at the aquarium. In the Motion Theatre you can make an underwater trip under the command of captain Mac-Cloud during the World War II, to overcome the traps while rescuing the gorgeous princess, confined in the dungeon, go on a tour to the past to dinosaur age, escorted by a troll etc.

Nur-Astana Mosque. The second largest mosque in Nur-Sultan and the third largest in Central Asia, completed in 2008. The dome area contains symbols from all over the world like the Statue of Liberty, the fragment of the great Chinese wall, the "Doriphor" statue, Parthenon and others.

Kazakh Eli monument. It's next to Pyramid (Palace of Peace) and has a small statue of the first president of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is about 100 metres tall and has a mythical golden bird Samryk on the top. Monument is made from white marble and surrounded by very beautiful fountains.

Shabyt Palace. Shabyt is a palace of arts situated to the right of Kazakh Eli monument. It is a dish like building made from glass.

Palace of Independence. Many political and business gatherings are held in this palace. The summit of the OSCE (Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe) took place in December 2010 in this building; 56 countries were invited and it was one of the largest gatherings of Heads of State (bigger than Washington Nuclear Summit). Summits concerning ecology were held in October 2010 and 2011.

Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Abay 11 (near corner with Zheltoksan. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Enter via the security gate on Abay. This imposing building was the seat of power before the new presidential palace was built. Nursultan Nazarbayev (b 1940) was president from independence in 1990 until March 2019; he then resigned but retained the powerful position of Chairman of the Security Council. The building showcases his life, achievements and awards. You can ask for an English guide book, but the exhibits are self-explanatory. Pictures are only allowed on the first (ie ground) floor and outside. You'll need to don covers for your shoes and store any baggage in the cloakroom. There may be a school party in but chances are you'll be the only visitor. Go up to the third floor and work your way down, via state rooms preserved as they were during his presidency, and gifts and awards given to Nazarbayev including a machine gun from the Saudis. There's a small gift shop on the ground floor with the normal tourist knickknacks. Free.

Alzhir, Memorial Museum of Victims of Political Repressions and Totalitarianism. Former Gulag camp for female family members of those condemned to Gulag. Located in Akmol (aka Malinovka) next to main highway. Entrance 500 tenge, audio guide 500 tenge. Inside memorial building has documentary exhibits. To reach Akmol take the Nur-Sultan - Korgalzhyn bus (available departing at 10:00, 11:50, 13:00, 14:30, 400 tenge) from central bus station Saparzhay, get off at Akmol.

REVision Park Cinema in English: Every Tuesday at 20:00, 24 Turan St. Sary Arka Shopping Mall (3d Floor)., Revision Park is a new project of Language Leader and KinoPark Multiplex cinemas .
Ak Bulak sauna Complex, 8th kilometre on the Astana-Airport highway (Olympic stadiums, +7 7172 497698 (reception), +7-705-140-7221 (cell). 24 hr. A sauna complex with 3 private VIP double floor saunas (for a party of 6, 9 and 12 people). Each sauna is decorated in a different geographic style and has its own swimming pool, Finnish and Russian steam rooms (banya), jacuzzi, hamam, entertainment hall with a banquet table, billiard, karaoke, TV with cable channels and 2 private relax rooms. The Complex has its own parking lot and conveniently located on the main Astana-Airport highway (not far from Olympic stadiums). Ak Bulak sauna Complex is an excellent way to enjoy cold and windy Nursultan and feel the bathing tradition of Kazakhs. Food and beverages are provided at the Complex. Different types of massage can be ordered at the reception. from US$20-60/hour.
Watch football ie soccer at Astana FC, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Kazakh football. Their home ground is Astana Arena, capacity 30,000, 4 km south of city centre along Qabanbai Batyr Ave.

REVision Park Cinema in English: Every Tuesday at 20:00, 24 Turan St. Sary Arka Shopping Mall (3d Floor)., Revision Park is a new project of Language Leader and KinoPark Multiplex cinemas .

Ak Bulak sauna Complex, 8th kilometre on the Astana-Airport highway (Olympic stadiums, +7 7172 497698 (reception), +7-705-140-7221 (cell). 24 hr. A sauna complex with 3 private VIP double floor saunas (for a party of 6, 9 and 12 people). Each sauna is decorated in a different geographic style and has its own swimming pool, Finnish and Russian steam rooms (banya), jacuzzi, hamam, entertainment hall with a banquet table, billiard, karaoke, TV with cable channels and 2 private relax rooms. The Complex has its own parking lot and conveniently located on the main Astana-Airport highway (not far from Olympic stadiums). Ak Bulak sauna Complex is an excellent way to enjoy cold and windy Nursultan and feel the bathing tradition of Kazakhs. Food and beverages are provided at the Complex. Different types of massage can be ordered at the reception. from US$20-60/hour.

Watch football ie soccer at Astana FC, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Kazakh football. Their home ground is Astana Arena, capacity 30,000, 4 km south of city centre along Qabanbai Batyr Ave.

Talisman, 7 Republic Avenue and a larger shop on 18/2 Syganak Street. Daily 10:00-20:00. A great little souvenir shop boasting over 3,500,000 different types of gifts, including T-shirts, felt products, leather paintings, contemporary art, traditional musical instruments, desk sets and jewellery and stuffed leopards. A bit expensive and the staff watch you very carefully to make sure you don't shoplift, but there is a good variety of goods.
TSUM also has a nice little souvenir shop in the second floor with traditional Kazakh souvenirs.

Talisman, 7 Republic Avenue and a larger shop on 18/2 Syganak Street. Daily 10:00-20:00. A great little souvenir shop boasting over 3,500,000 different types of gifts, including T-shirts, felt products, leather paintings, contemporary art, traditional musical instruments, desk sets and jewellery and stuffed leopards. A bit expensive and the staff watch you very carefully to make sure you don't shoplift, but there is a good variety of goods.

TSUM also has a nice little souvenir shop in the second floor with traditional Kazakh souvenirs.

TSUM The central shopping mall on Kenesary Street, across from Congress Hall has some shops for clothes, perfumes, a camera shop, cafe and a small supermarket.
New Western-style shopping malls have sprung up with all the variety of shopping you would expect from a mall in the West including:
Keruen on the Left Bank near Bayterek. Supermarket, Cinema, Babylon (video-arcade/indoor rides for children). Food court.
Mega on Turan Street. Cinema. Ramstor supermarket. Climbing wall. Food court.
Sara Arkai on Turan Street. Cinema. Supermarket.
Ramstor is another chain of supermarkets that is popular among Westerners. They sell lots of things you can't find elsewhere such as macaroni and cheese, microwave popcorn, Worcestershire Sauce, barbeque sauces, tortilla chips, salsa and so on.
Asia Park. Next to Central Mosque. Has a nice skybar with a pretty good view. Includes an Alma supermarket with good bakery, dairy, tinned food and frozen food. Fruit and vegetables don't look so good (in late 2011). Some basic homeware is also on sale. There is a Finn Mark shop for winter clothes. There is also a Fitness First gym.
Artem. This is half way between a bazaar (as some people call it) and an old fashioned shopping mall. The ground floor is open and feels like a market - it has lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and dried fruit and nuts, all for sale in market stalls; plus mobile phone shops at one end. There are also areas that sell meat and fish. The many upper floors contain mostly clothes shops - a bit more reasonably priced than Mega, Khan Shatyr etc., plus toiletries, furniture, and more.
Shanghai. These are big supermarkets that are more like bazaar mostly for the groceries but they also have clothes.
Eurasia. One of the first shopping centres in Nur-Sultan. Has everything for a little bit lower prices.
With China relatively close, you can find many electronic gadgets in the shops, just remember that returns policies are not as customer-friendly as in the West. Also some of the latest gadgets such as iPhones and iPods are more expensive here than in Western countries.
Khan Shatyr. Has a Greens supermarket - well laid out (the aisles aren't straight, so it doesn't have that factory-like feel of typical supermarkets). Prices are reasonable considering it's in the Khan Shatyr. There is also a Debenhams in Khan Shatyr.

TSUM The central shopping mall on Kenesary Street, across from Congress Hall has some shops for clothes, perfumes, a camera shop, cafe and a small supermarket.

Keruen on the Left Bank near Bayterek. Supermarket, Cinema, Babylon (video-arcade/indoor rides for children). Food court.

Mega on Turan Street. Cinema. Ramstor supermarket. Climbing wall. Food court.

Sara Arkai on Turan Street. Cinema. Supermarket.

Ramstor is another chain of supermarkets that is popular among Westerners. They sell lots of things you can't find elsewhere such as macaroni and cheese, microwave popcorn, Worcestershire Sauce, barbeque sauces, tortilla chips, salsa and so on.

Asia Park. Next to Central Mosque. Has a nice skybar with a pretty good view. Includes an Alma supermarket with good bakery, dairy, tinned food and frozen food. Fruit and vegetables don't look so good (in late 2011). Some basic homeware is also on sale. There is a Finn Mark shop for winter clothes. There is also a Fitness First gym.

Artem. This is half way between a bazaar (as some people call it) and an old fashioned shopping mall. The ground floor is open and feels like a market - it has lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and dried fruit and nuts, all for sale in market stalls; plus mobile phone shops at one end. There are also areas that sell meat and fish. The many upper floors contain mostly clothes shops - a bit more reasonably priced than Mega, Khan Shatyr etc., plus toiletries, furniture, and more.

Shanghai. These are big supermarkets that are more like bazaar mostly for the groceries but they also have clothes.

Eurasia. One of the first shopping centres in Nur-Sultan. Has everything for a little bit lower prices.

Khan Shatyr. Has a Greens supermarket - well laid out (the aisles aren't straight, so it doesn't have that factory-like feel of typical supermarkets). Prices are reasonable considering it's in the Khan Shatyr. There is also a Debenhams in Khan Shatyr.

Beshbarmak - a horse meat and pasta dish. Most restaurants that serve it will present a portion enough for two or three people. Boursaky - bread best served piping hot, resembles an unsweetened doughnut. Shashliq - these kebabs are often cheap, and the one thing you're sure to recognise on the menu.

Along Turan street (formerly Sara Arka), there's a strip of restaurants that are a little more expensive but good. They also have private rooms for parties, saunas, and even hotel rooms.
Cafe Shymkent, General Sabyr Raqymov (Block north of Artyom Shopping Centre. Daily 08:00-00:00. Cheap and cheerful place.
Melnitsa, Turan 31 (near Khan Shatyr. Daily 12:00-00:00. Ukrainian restaurant with large dining areas. Lots of traditional dishes like potato pancakes and of course Chicken Kiev. Live music in the evenings. Fresh bread oven. Great décor, like a farmer's hut. Mains 500-3,000 tenge.
Sattj, 32 Kabanbay Batyr, +7 7172 24 28 48. Daily 12:00-02:00. Serves mainly Kazakh food, with some European.
Line Brew, Kenesary 20. Daily 12:00-02:00. Popular with expats and locals alike, Line Brew features its own brew of beer, with an impressive menu that includes several delicious steaks, including one made of horse meat.
Ali Babas, 3 Bukeikhan St (north of the river. May-Sept daily 12:00-00:30. Popular summer restaurant. The waitresses and waiters dress in traditional dress and the menu offers a selection of central Asian cuisine. Prices are in line with Europe or America but the food is good. Fake bird cages hang from the roof which tweet electronically. Camel and horse milk are on offer alongside Leffe beer. 3000 tenge.
Rafe, 5 Zhengis Ave (block north of river. M-F 08:00-00:00, Sa Su 10:00-00:00. A modern coffee bar offering Italian food with a twist. Be sure to check out the horse pizza. 3000 tenge.
Turfan, Azerbaijan Mambetov 10 (was Alikhan Bokeikhan St), +7 717 239 0850. Daily 11:00-23:00. Popular cafe with Turkish and other Central Asian food. Limited English, just point to the menu pictures. Alcohol served except in Ramadan.

Cafe Shymkent, General Sabyr Raqymov (Block north of Artyom Shopping Centre. Daily 08:00-00:00. Cheap and cheerful place.

Melnitsa, Turan 31 (near Khan Shatyr. Daily 12:00-00:00. Ukrainian restaurant with large dining areas. Lots of traditional dishes like potato pancakes and of course Chicken Kiev. Live music in the evenings. Fresh bread oven. Great décor, like a farmer's hut. Mains 500-3,000 tenge.

Sattj, 32 Kabanbay Batyr, +7 7172 24 28 48. Daily 12:00-02:00. Serves mainly Kazakh food, with some European.

Line Brew, Kenesary 20. Daily 12:00-02:00. Popular with expats and locals alike, Line Brew features its own brew of beer, with an impressive menu that includes several delicious steaks, including one made of horse meat.

Ali Babas, 3 Bukeikhan St (north of the river. May-Sept daily 12:00-00:30. Popular summer restaurant. The waitresses and waiters dress in traditional dress and the menu offers a selection of central Asian cuisine. Prices are in line with Europe or America but the food is good. Fake bird cages hang from the roof which tweet electronically. Camel and horse milk are on offer alongside Leffe beer. 3000 tenge.

Rafe, 5 Zhengis Ave (block north of river. M-F 08:00-00:00, Sa Su 10:00-00:00. A modern coffee bar offering Italian food with a twist. Be sure to check out the horse pizza. 3000 tenge.

Turfan, Azerbaijan Mambetov 10 (was Alikhan Bokeikhan St), +7 717 239 0850. Daily 11:00-23:00. Popular cafe with Turkish and other Central Asian food. Limited English, just point to the menu pictures. Alcohol served except in Ramadan.

Kumis - different varieties are available of this mare's milk, some are a little salty. Slightly fermented. Can contain alcohol.
Shubat - local variety of fermented camel milk. Contains some alcohol.
Vodka - supermarkets stock a huge variety, ranging from US$2 bottles that will strip your throat to US$115 bottles that are more for giving as a present or showing off your wealth. Shots tend to be drunk, rather than utilising mixers - don't feel obliged to down each and every one if at a celebration.
Cognac - what we would refer to as brandy, again a wide range in the shops and restaurants. Same rules apply regarding shots - with all the toasts made at parties and other gatherings, you may want to pace yourself.

There are more than 10 discos (night clubs) that are frequently referenced by locals: Chocolate, A8, Fusion, Ice, etc. Chocolate is in the same building as the SAS Radisson hotel, but may only be open on selected days (weekends). "Ice" (centrally located - ask locals for the address) has a nice atmosphere and is on two floors with a large dance area. Prices are towards the high end, no entrance fee on Thursday night.

Kumis - different varieties are available of this mare's milk, some are a little salty. Slightly fermented. Can contain alcohol.

Shubat - local variety of fermented camel milk. Contains some alcohol.

Vodka - supermarkets stock a huge variety, ranging from US$2 bottles that will strip your throat to US$115 bottles that are more for giving as a present or showing off your wealth. Shots tend to be drunk, rather than utilising mixers - don't feel obliged to down each and every one if at a celebration.

Cognac - what we would refer to as brandy, again a wide range in the shops and restaurants. Same rules apply regarding shots - with all the toasts made at parties and other gatherings, you may want to pace yourself.

There are three mobile phone providers: KCell, Tele2 and Beeline. All three offer mobile web (Edge, 3G). SIM cards are cheap and can be bought without filling in documentation.

There are cash machines in shopping centres, on the street and in most hotels. Most accept Visa and some people have had trouble with MasterCard. Most banks convert dollars, euros and roubles. Pounds are much harder to get rid of.

English is quite often understood by hotels and restaurants in Nur-Sultan, but the go-to language is Russian.

No-one will expect you to know any Kazakh so a few civilities go a long way. If you know any Turkish, things like numbers and days of the week are similar.

Canada Canada, 13/1 Kabanbay Batyr, +7 7172 475 577.
China China, 37 Kabanbai Batyra Ave, +7 7172-793561.
Egypt Egypt, 24A Sarayshyk Street, Diplomatic Town, +7 7172-241830. 09:00-16:00.
Finland Finland, Astana Tower 17th floor, 12 Samal Microdistrict, +7 7172-44 21 21.
Germany Germany, ul. Kosmonawtow 62, Chubary, +7 7172 791200.
Greece Greece, 109 Micro District Karaotkel 2010000, +7 7172-563714, +7 701 188 7406 (Emergencies). M-F 09:00-12:00 & 13:00-17:00.
Netherlands Netherlands, Kosmonavtov street 62, Renco building 3rd floor, Microdistrict Chubary, +7 7172 555450. M-F 09:00-13:00 & 13:30-17:30.
India India, Kaskad Business Center, 5th Floor 6/1, Kabanbai Batyr Ave, +7 7172 925700.
Israel Israel, Mukhtar Auezov Street 8, +7 717 2688739.
Italy Italy, via Kosmonavtov 62, +7 7172 243390, +7 705 294 52 69 (Emergency cellphone). Ambasciata d’Italia in Kazakhstan
Norway Norway, Right Embankment House 12, Floor 17, 020000, Astana, +7 7172 551100. For passport/visa queries use: visa.astana@mfa.no
United Kingdom United Kingdom, 62, Kosmonavtov St, +7 7172 556200.
United States United States of America, Ak Bulak 4, Str. 23-22, building #3, +7 7172 70-21-00.

Canada Canada, 13/1 Kabanbay Batyr, +7 7172 475 577.

China China, 37 Kabanbai Batyra Ave, +7 7172-793561.

Egypt Egypt, 24A Sarayshyk Street, Diplomatic Town, +7 7172-241830. 09:00-16:00.

Finland Finland, Astana Tower 17th floor, 12 Samal Microdistrict, +7 7172-44 21 21.

Germany Germany, ul. Kosmonawtow 62, Chubary, +7 7172 791200.

Greece Greece, 109 Micro District Karaotkel 2010000, +7 7172-563714, +7 701 188 7406 (Emergencies). M-F 09:00-12:00 & 13:00-17:00.

Netherlands Netherlands, Kosmonavtov street 62, Renco building 3rd floor, Microdistrict Chubary, +7 7172 555450. M-F 09:00-13:00 & 13:30-17:30.

India India, Kaskad Business Center, 5th Floor 6/1, Kabanbai Batyr Ave, +7 7172 925700.

Israel Israel, Mukhtar Auezov Street 8, +7 717 2688739.

Italy Italy, via Kosmonavtov 62, +7 7172 243390, +7 705 294 52 69 (Emergency cellphone). Ambasciata d’Italia in Kazakhstan

Norway Norway, Right Embankment House 12, Floor 17, 020000, Astana, +7 7172 551100. For passport/visa queries use: visa.astana@mfa.no

United Kingdom United Kingdom, 62, Kosmonavtov St, +7 7172 556200.

United States United States of America, Ak Bulak 4, Str. 23-22, building #3, +7 7172 70-21-00.

Catholic church of Maria Santissima. Tashenov St - Services: Sunday 11:00 (Russian), 18:00 (English)

Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of Saint Joseph. 1/2a Tauelsizdik Ave

Burabay National Park 3 hours north by train

Almaty 21 or 13 hours south by train