Covering 810 square kilometres, Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan and renamed Nur-Sultan, after former president Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2019. Astana became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997 and developed into one of the most modernized cities in Central Asia. The city is located on the banks of the Ishim River in the northern portion of Kazakhstan within the Akmola Region even though administered separately from the region as a city with special status. Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa designed the master plan of Astana. As the seat of the Government of Kazakhstan, Astana is the site of the Parliament House, the Supreme Court, the Ak Orda Presidential Palace and numerous government departments and agencies. Besides that, this beautiful city also features many futuristic buildings, hotels and skyscrapers. It also acts as the centre of healthcare, sports and education systems. The 2017 official estimate reported a population of 1,029,556 within the city limits, making it the second-largest city in Kazakhstan behind Almaty.

Airports in Astana

1. Astana International Airport

This airport was the first airfield built in 1931 on the outskirts of the town and was developed further after World War II. Opened in November 1963, a new airport, which became Astana International Airport, was built 11 miles to the south of the city and was used mainly by Aeroflot and its local directorate. The airport underwent a series of major reconstructions which brought it up to international standards, including the current 11,484 ft (3,500 meters) runway. A new passenger terminal designed by the late Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa was opened in February 2005. Further development occurred in 2017 with a second terminal opening in time for Expo 2017 due to traffic increased to 3,366,560 passengers.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Astana?

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When is the Best Time to Fly to Astana?

The best to fly to Astana is during the local summer months of June to August when the weather is warm and mild. It is suitable for outdoor activities and to visit numerous attractions. Besides that, for visitors who do not prefer summer season, September to October or April to May has a mild temperature. Astana celebrates its city birthday each year in early July and those visiting at this time should book accommodation in advance to avoid higher prices.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Sandakan?

1. Bayterek Tower - The Bayterek Tower is located at Astana city and this tower resembles Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in the United States of America. It is one of the most famous attractions in Astana and becomes vital to the culture and history of the Kazakh people. The tower resembles a mythological tree from a story of ancient Kazakh nomads. In this story, a magical bird of life named Samruk lays a large golden egg in its nest. Visitors are welcomed to go inside and view the capital city from the observation deck which sits at 97 meters tall (318 feet). The entrance fee is 700 tenge which equals to 34.6 pesos.

2. Astana Opera - Astana Opera is a theatre which formally known as The State Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev officiated it in 2013. Located on the left bank of the Ishim River, the Astana Opera one of the famous theatres, thanks to its beautiful interior and architecture. The Astana Opera theatre auditorium can seat up to 1,250 people, while the music hall accommodates up to 250 people. The Astana Opera is the same level as other international theatres and acts as a venue for acting, music, and performance. There are many shows offered here and visitors will not be disappointed.

3. Hazrat Sultan Mosque - The Hazrat Sultan Mosque was built in 2012 and is said to be one of the most beautiful landmarks in Astana. The Hazrat Sultan Mosque is named after Sufi sheikh Khoja Ahmed Yassawi and is large enough to house over 10,000 people. This large structure resembles an ornate palace and took over three years to build by over 1,500 workers. The mosque is a fully functional mosque and visitors are welcome to stop by and check out the gorgeous architecture.