My 4-Day Trip to Astana: Impressions, Tips, and Discoveries
In December, I spent five intense and eventful days in Astana. During this short trip, I not only explored the city but also took care of all the practical things needed for a comfortable stay — I got a local SIM card and even opened a Kazakh bank card. In this article, I want to share my route, practical tips, and personal impressions. Hopefully, this will be useful if you’re planning a trip to Astana yourself.
Why I Chose Astana
Astana is a city where futuristic architecture blends seamlessly with deep respect for tradition. The capital of Kazakhstan is developing rapidly: its population has already exceeded one million, and new landmarks appear almost every year. For me, it turned out to be an ideal destination for a short but saturated city break filled with new impressions.
Staying Connected: SIM Cards and Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere — from cafés to shopping malls. Even taxi drivers are often happy to share their mobile internet. I bought a local SIM card at an official mobile operator’s store. All I needed was my international passport, and the whole process took no more than 15 minutes.
Bank Cards, Cash, and Currency Exchange
Since opening a local bank card in Kazakhstan is relatively easy, I decided to do it — just in case it might come in handy later.
After purchasing a SIM card, you need to visit a local multifunctional service center with your international passport to obtain an Individual Identification Number (IIN). The number is usually sent via SMS within a few hours. Once you receive it, you can go straight to a bank and open a local bank card, again using only your passport.
As for currency exchange, banks require identification, just like when buying a SIM card. However, there are plenty of exchange offices around the city where you can easily exchange rubles for tenge at a favorable rate without any issues.
Language and Everyday Communication
Almost everyone I interacted with — from shop assistants to taxi drivers — spoke Russian. Most signs in shops and street navigation are also in Russian. For Russian-speaking travelers, this makes the trip incredibly comfortable and stress-free.
Getting Around the City
I mainly used Yandex Taxi. The fares are even lower than in Krasnodar, although prices do increase during peak hours. One important detail: most drivers prefer cashless payments, so having a bank card is highly recommended.
If you only have cash, make sure to carry small bills — drivers rarely have change. Public transport is an option as well, but paying the fare without a local card can be difficult. In that case, you’ll need to ask locals for help and reimburse them in cash.
Must-See Places in Astana
During my four days in the city, I managed to visit several places that truly stood out.
Atyrau Pedestrian Bridge
Opened in 2018, this 313-meter-long bridge connects the two banks of the Ishim River. Its curved structure resembles fish scales or the body of a snake, and it looks especially impressive at night thanks to the lighting. Walking across it feels like stepping into a futuristic dream. It’s a perfect spot for an evening photo session.
Baiterek Monument
More than just a symbol of Astana, Baiterek represents an entire philosophy. The 105-meter tower symbolizes the Tree of Life: its roots lie in the underworld, the trunk represents our world, and the crown reaches the sky. Inside the 22-meter glass sphere is a panoramic observation deck offering stunning views of the city.
At a height of 97 meters, there is a handprint of the First President. According to legend, if you place your hand on it and make a wish, it will come true. I made a wish — I won’t say what it was, but I believe in it.
The lower levels hold unexpected surprises: aquariums, cafés, and even a small gallery. There is also a deeply symbolic legend associated with Baiterek. Each year, the mythical bird Samruk lays a golden egg — the Sun — in the tree’s crown, only for it to be swallowed by the dragon Aydahar. This represents the eternal cycle of day and night, summer and winter, good and evil.
National Museum of Kazakhstan
Housed in a striking futuristic building, the museum impresses with its scale and modern approach. Highlights for me included:
The “History of Kazakhstan” exhibition, from ancient burial mounds to independence;
Interactive multimedia zones;
Panoramic halls where history feels truly alive.
Museum of Future Energy
This was a place I hadn’t planned to visit, but it ended up being a pleasant surprise. The museum focuses on the future: solar and wind energy, green technologies, and even space projects. Everything is interactive — you can touch, activate, and experiment. It’s equally interesting for both adults and children.
Final Thoughts After Four Days
Astana is a city that genuinely surprises. It is ultra-modern and deeply national at the same time.
In just four days, I didn’t simply visit landmarks — I felt the rhythm of the city. And now I also have a local SIM card and a bank card, ready for any future plans.
If you’re wondering whether Astana is worth visiting, my answer is definitely yes. Especially if you appreciate architecture, culture, and comfort — even during a short trip.
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Photo Gallery Description
These photos highlight a few places that really stood out during my time in Astana.
Here you’ll see the Atyrau Pedestrian Bridge with its futuristic design over the Ishim River, the iconic Baiterek Monument with views over the city, the modern National Museum of Kazakhstan, and the interactive Museum of Future Energy.
Together, these spots show how Astana combines bold architecture, history, and a strong focus on the future.
