Astana Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 7.8/10
- Best time to visit
- Late spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable weather, as winters are brutally cold and windy.
- Population
- 1.4M
Overview
Astana, Kazakhstan's purpose-built capital on the windswept steppe, dazzles with futuristic architecture from gleaming towers to the tent-shaped Khan Shatyr. Rising rapidly since 1997, it showcases the nation's ambitions in bold modern design.
Getting around
Buses and ride-hailing apps are the main options across the spread-out city; the modern core is best seen by car.
Local etiquette
Show respect for local customs and hospitality, and dress modestly when visiting mosques.
Safety
Astana is safe with low crime, though winters are extreme and require serious cold-weather preparation. Standard precautions against petty theft apply.