
Nurzhol Boulevard Nur-Sultan
Astana's grand pedestrian boulevard, showcasing futuristic architecture, iconic landmarks like Baiterek Tower, and the massive Khan Shatyr.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for walking

Nurzhol Boulevard Nur-Sultan
Best Time
Pleasant weather for walking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Astana's grand pedestrian boulevard, showcasing futuristic architecture, iconic landmarks like Baiterek Tower, and the massive Khan Shatyr.
"A must-visit promenade with stunning architecture and iconic sights that truly capture Astana's modern spirit."

🚶♀️ Stroll from Palace to Tent
Walk the entire length for stunning architecture & views. Wear comfy shoes!
✨ Evening Lights Spectacle
The boulevard truly comes alive at night with illuminated buildings.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Baiterek Tower
Center of Nurzhol Boulevard
An iconic symbol of Astana, offering panoramic city views from its observation deck.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Eastern end of Nurzhol Boulevard
The world's largest tent-shaped building, housing shops, restaurants, and an indoor beach.

Presidential Palace (Ak Orda)
Western end of Nurzhol Boulevard
The stunning official residence of the President of Kazakhstan, a symbol of the nation's governance.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Nurzhol Boulevard
Navigating the Boulevard's Length
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll from Palace to Tent
Walk the entire length for stunning architecture & views. Wear comfy shoes!
✨ Evening Lights Spectacle
The boulevard truly comes alive at night with illuminated buildings.
⬆️ Baiterek Tower Views
Don't miss the panoramic city views from the top of Baiterek Tower.
🎶 Local Tunes
Catch local musicians playing traditional tunes, adding to the ambiance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll from Palace to Tent
Walk the entire length for stunning architecture & views. Wear comfy shoes!
✨ Evening Lights Spectacle
The boulevard truly comes alive at night with illuminated buildings.
⬆️ Baiterek Tower Views
Don't miss the panoramic city views from the top of Baiterek Tower.
🎶 Local Tunes
Catch local musicians playing traditional tunes, adding to the ambiance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Nurzhol Boulevard for its stunning modern architecture and grand scale, calling it a peaceful and beautiful promenade. The iconic landmarks like Baiterek Tower and Khan Shatyr are highlights, offering unique experiences and great photo opportunities. Some find the boulevard very long, suggesting comfortable shoes are essential.
"The main boulevard of Astana in the heart of the city. It stretches from the presidential palace to the khan shatyr (the biggest tent in the world). The set up of the plants and flowers is really beautiful and the beauty is furthered adhanced by the sky line and the bayterek tower! A must visit when going to Astana."
Julien van der waal
"The center of attraction"
Inayat Khan
"Peaceful, beautiful and worth a stroll"
Sobita Kirtani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nurzhol Boulevard is centrally located in Astana. You can easily reach it by taxi or ride-sharing apps, which are widely available and affordable. Public buses also serve the area, with many routes stopping near the Presidential Palace or Khan Shatyr.
Yes, Nurzhol Boulevard is designed as a pedestrian promenade. It's about 2 kilometers long, so comfortable walking shoes are a must if you plan to explore its full length.
Many visitors enjoy walking the boulevard from the Presidential Palace to the Khan Shatyr, taking in the sights. You can also use ride-sharing services to hop between key landmarks if time is limited.
Yes, several bus routes operate along or near Nurzhol Boulevard, connecting it to other parts of Astana. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
While primarily a pedestrian zone, cycling might be permitted in designated areas or during specific times. It's best to observe local practices or check for signage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Nurzhol Boulevard itself is a public space and is free to access. However, specific attractions along the boulevard, like the Baiterek Tower or the Khan Shatyr, may have admission fees.
As a public boulevard, it's generally accessible 24/7. However, the operating hours for individual attractions like the Baiterek Tower or shops within Khan Shatyr will vary.
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee to go up to the observation deck of the Baiterek Tower. It's advisable to check the current prices before your visit.
Yes, you can enter the Khan Shatyr to explore its unique architecture and public areas without necessarily making a purchase. However, shops and attractions inside will require payment.
While not always advertised, you might find local guides offering tours, especially during peak tourist seasons. Inquire at local information centers or through online travel platforms.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire boulevard offers stunning architectural backdrops. Key spots include the view of the Presidential Palace, the Baiterek Tower against the skyline, and the unique design of Khan Shatyr. Evenings offer dramatic lighting.
For clear shots without too many people, aim for early mornings. For dramatic, illuminated cityscapes, evenings are ideal. Golden hour before sunset also provides beautiful light.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Baiterek Tower, including from the observation deck. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific restrictions.
Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas, especially near government buildings like the Presidential Palace. It's crucial to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on distant buildings. A tripod is recommended for evening shots to ensure sharpness.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center offers a wide variety of dining options, from fast food to more formal restaurants. You'll also find cafes and eateries scattered along the boulevard and in surrounding modern buildings.
Yes, you can find restaurants serving Kazakh cuisine within the Khan Shatyr and in other nearby establishments. Look for dishes like beshbarmak or kazy.
Khan Shatyr boasts a diverse food court and several sit-down restaurants, offering everything from local flavors to international cuisine, including a unique indoor beach cafe.
The food court in Khan Shatyr often has more affordable choices. Exploring side streets off the main boulevard might also reveal local cafes with reasonable prices.
With the variety of international restaurants, especially in Khan Shatyr, you should be able to find vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to ask or check menus.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the Baiterek Tower, where kids can enjoy the novelty of the handprint wish. The open spaces along the boulevard are great for picnics, and the numerous fountains (seasonal) add an element of playful wonder. Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best experience with younger children.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While the Baiterek Tower has an entrance fee, it's a relatively inexpensive attraction that offers significant value with its views. Utilize public transport or walk whenever possible to minimize transportation expenses.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For dramatic shots, visit during the 'golden hour' before sunset or after dark when the city lights create a spectacular urban landscape. The Baiterek Tower's observation deck provides a unique vantage point for panoramic city photography. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to use one.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of Nurzhol Boulevard
Key landmarks like the Baiterek Tower, often described as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, punctuate the boulevard's landscape. Its unique design, inspired by a mythical tree, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The surrounding buildings, including the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and the National Museum of Kazakhstan, further contribute to the boulevard's impressive skyline. Walking along Nurzhol Boulevard is like stepping into a city of the future, where design and innovation take center stage.
Many visitors are struck by the sheer scale and unique designs of the buildings. The boulevard is not just a thoroughfare but an open-air museum of contemporary architecture. The careful planning and execution of these structures have earned Astana international recognition for its distinctive urban landscape.
Experiencing the Khan Shatyr
One of its most surprising features is the indoor beach resort, complete with sand imported from the Maldives and a constant temperature of 30°C, offering a tropical escape regardless of the weather outside. Beyond the beach, Khan Shatyr houses a cinema, mini-golf, a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a perfect destination for families and individuals alike.
Visitors often rave about the sheer novelty of the structure and the diverse range of activities available. It's a place where you can shop, dine, relax, and even enjoy a simulated beach experience, all within a single, iconic building.
The Significance of Baiterek Tower
Visitors can ascend to the observation deck at the top, which offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Nurzhol Boulevard and the surrounding cityscape. A unique feature here is the handprint of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the former president, where visitors can place their hand for a wish. The tower is not just an architectural feat but also a cultural landmark, deeply rooted in Kazakh folklore and national identity.
Many travelers find the ascent to the top of Baiterek Tower to be a highlight of their visit, offering unparalleled perspectives of Astana's modern architecture and urban planning. It's a must-visit for understanding the city's symbolism and vision.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit