Exploring Kazakhstan’s capital offers several well-organized tour options. Two standouts are the essential half-day city tour – perfect for seeing modern marvels like Bayterek Tower and the grand Hazrat Sultan Mosque – and the fascinating Soviet history walking tour through the old town. We love these tours because they combine efficiency with substance: expert local guides share authentic insights while keeping groups small and manageable.
The cultural food tour also earns high marks, introducing visitors to traditional Kazakh cuisine through stops at local markets and family-owned restaurants. Every tour includes comfortable transportation, and most accommodate wheelchair users with advance notice.
Check out our carefully selected top tours below to start planning your Nur-Sultan adventure.
Key Points
- Explore Nur-Sultan’s iconic landmarks, including the Nur-Astana Mosque, Bayterek Tower, and Khan Shatyr, on a comprehensive half-day city tour.
- Immerse in the local culture by experiencing the Zeleno Bazar market and tasting regional wines on a cultural and culinary tour.
- Explore Nur-Sultan’s rich history and Soviet past through private exploration tours led by expert English/Russian-speaking guides.
- Discover the remnants of the Soviet regime in the Karaganda region on a specialized “Back to the USSR” themed tour.
- Enjoy the flexibility of customizable tour pacing and wheelchair accessibility, ensuring a personalized and accessible experience.
Half-Day Tour ( 4 Hours)
The Half-Day Tour (4 hours) is a popular sightseeing option for travelers visiting Nur-Sultan. This private tour offers a mix of driving and walking, allowing visitors to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and modern culture.
The tour covers key sites like the Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, and Astana Main Square. With 96% of travelers recommending the tour, it’s clear that the experienced guides provide insightful lessons on the city’s history and significance of the monuments.
Priced from $95 per person, the tour includes bottled water, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and WiFi on board. Travelers are picked up from their hotels or a designated meeting point at Baiterek.
The tour ends at the Qftc, making it convenient for visitors. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, the tour offers flexibility. Though not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate in this comprehensive half-day exploration of Nur-Sultan.
Read our full review: Half-Day Tour ( 4 Hours) Review
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Tour to Burabay National Park
Situated just under 3 hours north of Nur-Sultan, Burabay National Park beckons adventurous travelers with its pristine natural beauty. This full-day expedition offers the opportunity to explore crystal blue lakes, pine forests, and green mountains.
The highlight of the tour is a hike up Bolektau Mountain, providing scenic vistas and excellent photo opportunities. After working up an appetite, guests will enjoy a traditional Kazakh lunch featuring kebabs and tea.
The afternoon’s activities include an exhilarating horseback riding experience. Throughout the day, guests will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided.
The private tour ensures a personalized experience, with guides and drivers meeting participants at designated pickup points. The tour is moderately physically demanding, but wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, giving travelers flexibility. With an overall rating of 4.3 from 6 reviews, this Burabay National Park expedition promises an unforgettable day in Kazakhstan‘s beautiful natural landscape.
Read our full review: Tour to Burabay National Park Review
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Astana Unveiled: a City Comfort Tour With Lunch and Winetasting
This comprehensive city tour offers visitors an insightful glimpse into Nur-Sultan’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Titled “Astana Unveiled: A City Comfort Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting,” the private excursion showcases the city’s key attractions, including the National Museum, Mosque, and Church.
Travelers embark on this experience for $149 per person, with transportation, lunch, and bottled water included. The tour is highly rated, with 100% of previous participants recommending it.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides cultural insights and historical context, enriching the experience.
While museums may be closed on Mondays, the itinerary remains flexible. An optional wine tasting can be arranged for an additional charge.
Travelers appreciate the unique opportunity to savor authentic Kazakh specialties during the included lunch.
Read our full review: Astana Unveiled: a City Comfort Tour With Lunch and Winetasting Review
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Half Day (3 Hours) City Tour
Although the “Astana Unveiled” tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Nur-Sultan, visitors seeking a more concise city overview may opt for the popular Half Day (3 Hours) City Tour.
This private tour allows guests to explore the key highlights of the Kazakh capital in just three hours. Priced from $85 per person, the tour includes an air-conditioned private vehicle and a knowledgeable guide who’ll meet travelers at their preferred pickup point.
Accessible by wheelchair and stroller, the tour is also suitable for families with young children. Reviewers praise the tour’s value, with an overall rating of 4.8/5 across Viator and Tripadvisor.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the assurance of a lowest price guarantee, the Half Day City Tour offers an efficient and flexible way to discover Nur-Sultan’s architectural marvels and vibrant urban landscape.
Read our full review: Half Day (3 Hours) City Tour Review
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Private History Tour in the City of Kazakhstan
For those seeking a more in-depth exploration of Nur-Sultan’s rich history, the Private History Tour provides an engaging and personalized experience.
Priced from $100 per person, this 4.5-star rated tour offers private transportation, bottled water, entrance fees, and an expert English/Russian-speaking guide. Guests can look forward to immersive discussions and Kazakh cuisine, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
The tour runs Monday through Saturday, with flexible start times. Pickup points are available, and travelers must provide their details in advance.
The experience is wheelchair accessible and welcomes service animals, though infants must sit on laps. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and highlights like the Grand Central Mosque and National Museum. Suggestions include incorporating the Grand Mosque into future tours.
Read our full review: Private History Tour in the City of Kazakhstan Review
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Half-Day Private Tour to Alzhir Camp From Nur-Sultan
A half-day private tour from Nur-Sultan takes visitors to the Alzhir Camp, a sobering historical site that offers insights into Kazakhstan’s tumultuous past.
Operated by To-Go-In Astana, the tour provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and includes bottled water, WiFi, lunch, and all fees and taxes. The price starts from $140 per person, with the exact cost varying based on group size. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. Reviews from previous guests praise the informative guide, who provides a well-explained and impactful experience at the Alzhir Camp.
Between Nur-Sultan and the camp, travelers can also enjoy the scenic countryside views. This private tour offers a meaningful and immersive exploration of Kazakhstan’s history, making it a compelling option for visitors to the region.
Read our full review: Half-Day Private Tour to Alzhir Camp From Nur-Sultan Review
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The Old City Tour
The Old City Tour offers visitors an essential glimpse into Nur-Sultan’s local culture and history. This private tour takes guests through the city’s historic Old City, showcasing important monuments like Zher Ana, Kerey and Zhanibek, and Kenesary.
Guests will also experience local shopping at the classic USSR-era Astana Supermarket.
The tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation with bottled water provided. All fees and taxes are included, and alcoholic beverages are available.
Pickup is offered from any Nur-Sultan hotel or the designated meeting point at Zher-Ana, with the tour ending at Tserkov, Astana.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems, it’s suitable for participants with a strong physical fitness level.
Booking confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. Priced at $93.42 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, the tour has a 5.0 rating based on 3 positive reviews.
Read our full review: The Old City Tour Review
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Back to the USSR: Soviet History Tour in Karaganda and KarLag
Delving into Kazakhstan’s Soviet-era history, the Back to the USSR: Soviet History Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the Karaganda region and the infamous KarLag labor camp.
Operated by Astana Horizons, this private tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of the Soviet regime at an affordable price starting from $237 per person.
The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, snacks, and a provided lunch, ensuring a comfortable and well-catered experience.
Travelers can expect to be picked up from their preferred location, with the driver contacting them a day in advance.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
With an impressive 5-star rating from all 11 reviews, the Back to the USSR: Soviet History Tour is highly recommended by travelers.
Explore Kazakhstan’s complex past and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s Soviet heritage on this captivating private excursion.
Read our full review: Back to the USSR: Soviet History Tour in Karaganda and KarLag Review
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Full Day (6 Hours) City Tour in Astana
Although travelers have a stack of options for exploring Nur-Sultan, the Full Day (6 Hours) City Tour stands out as a comprehensive way to experience the city’s highlights. This personalized guided tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Kazakhstan’s vibrant capital, including visits to iconic landmarks like the Nur-Astana Mosque, Bayterek Tower, and the Astana Opera.
The tour’s itinerary is packed with diverse experiences, from shopping at the Zeleny Bazar to tasting local wines from southern Kazakhstan. Participants can also marvel at the architectural wonder of the Khan Shatyr, the world’s largest canvas building.
Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable journey.
While reviews of the tour are mixed, with some noting issues with vehicle quality and timeliness, the overall experience is praised for its knowledgeable and passionate guides.
Ultimately, the Full Day (6 Hours) City Tour provides an opportunity to explore Nur-Sultan’s rich history and modern development, making it a viable option for those seeking a well-rounded introduction to the city.
Read our full review: Full Day (6 Hours) City Tour in Astana Review
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NUR-SULTAN ( Astana) City Tour
Exploring the vibrant capital of Kazakhstan, the NUR-SULTAN (Astana) City Tour offers travelers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural experiences.
Led by a professional guide, this private tour takes visitors on a journey through Nur-Sultan’s modern architecture and historical sites, all while traveling in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. Along the way, guests can enjoy complimentary bottled water as they discover the city’s unique blend of old and new.
Priced at $274.77 per person, the tour provides exceptional value, with a lowest price guarantee and the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Suitable for most travelers, the tour is wheelchair accessible, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant individuals.
With a smart casual dress code, participants can explore Nur-Sultan’s highlights at their own pace, creating lasting memories of this remarkable destination.
Read our full review: NUR-SULTAN ( Astana) City Tour Review
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Recap
Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, offers a variety of tours that cater to diverse interests. From half-day city tours to excursions to nearby national parks, visitors can explore the city’s modern architecture, Soviet legacy, and natural beauty. Whether one prefers a quick overview or an in-depth historical exploration, Nur-Sultan has tour options to suit different preferences and schedules.