11 Top Tours In Astana (With Reviews & Prices)

Astana, Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital, is a city that visually challenges the everyday idea of architecture and urban design. Its iconic skyline, illuminated at night, offers breathtaking photo opportunities, especially on guided night tours like the Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide. The city’s blend of modern construction, cultural landmarks, and vibrant nightlife makes it a perfect destination for travelers wanting to see something striking and different. We especially love tours that combine sightseeing with local insights, giving you a sense of how Kazakhstan’s capital has transformed over the years.

If you’re looking to expand your experience beyond the city, Burabay National Park offers incredible natural beauty with hiking, lakes, and horseback riding. The Burabay National Park Tour with Lunch and Pickup stands out for its flexible, personalized approach to exploring this scenic area. No matter your interests—urban marvels or natural escapes—Astana has a variety of tours that will satisfy your curiosity and sense of adventure.

1. Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide

This guided night tour of Astana is a wonderful way to see the city’s most famous landmarks illuminated after dark. For just $49 per person, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience led by a certified guide who will share stories about Kazakhstan’s rise as a modern nation. The tour focuses on the captivating glow of structures like Baiterek Tower and Ak Orda Presidential Palace, and offers plenty of photo stops, making it a favorite for those who enjoy city lights and night photography. Reviewers give it a full 5/5, emphasizing the intimate and well-informed guidance. It’s ideal for travelers who want an affordable yet immersive evening experience with a private guide.

Bottom Line: Perfect for night owls and architecture lovers, this tour shows Astana in a new light and pairs well with other urban explorations.

2. Astana: Burabay National Park Tour with Lunch and Pickup

At number 2, this full-day adventure takes you out of the city into Burabay National Park, a stunning natural landscape of lakes, pine forests, and mountain peaks. For $165 per person, you’ll start with a scenic hike to Bolektau Peak for sweeping views, and visit Abylay Khan Meadow, where you can try local activities like archery and meet eagle handlers. The tour offers options like a boat ride across Zhumbaktas Lake or horseback riding through forest trails, plus a stop at a natural spring for fresh water. It’s ideal for active travelers who want a mix of outdoor sports and culture in a less crowded area.

The tour’s flexibility and exclusive guiding make it stand out. A review highlights how the personalized approach ensures you get the most out of each stop, with the guide sharing local stories and traditions. If you love nature and want a day of fresh air and adventure, this tour fits the bill.

Bottom Line: Best suited for outdoor enthusiasts wanting a private, customizable day trip to one of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful parks.

3. Astana City Tour: Certified Private Guide + Lunch + Wine Tasting

This private, all-inclusive tour offers a deep dive into Astana’s landmarks along with a taste of Kazakh wine. For $129 per person, your certified guide will take you through the Baiterek Tower, National Museum, and the grand Mosque, while providing personal insights into Kazakhstan’s culture and progress. The highlight is the wine tasting session, featuring locally-produced wines from Almaty’s vineyards, which provides a unique taste of regional craftsmanship. Guests appreciate the combination of sightseeing, cultural education, and culinary experiences, with many noting the personalized attention and relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re keen on combining sightseeing with tasting local flavors, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy cultural nuances and want a comfortable, private setting.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want to combine architecture, history, and local wine tasting in a single, guided day.

4. Astana: Private Night City Tour with Certified Guide

If you missed the evening glow in number 1, this private night tour offers an even more intimate look at Astana’s landmarks after dark for just $47 per person. Your guide will take you to see the Ak Orda Palace, Khan Shatyr, and Independence Square, all lit up in their nighttime glory. The tour emphasizes Kazakhstan’s modern architecture and spiritual symbols, with stops for photos and explanations of their significance. The guide’s local knowledge makes this experience both educational and visually stunning, and reviews consistently praise the personalized care and insightful commentary.

Ideal for travelers seeking an affordable, private evening tour, especially if you want to avoid large groups but still see the city’s best-lit sights.

Bottom Line: A cost-effective way to enjoy Astana’s skylines and impressive buildings with a dedicated guide in the evening.

5. Astana: Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide

For those who prefer to tailor their exploration, this customizable walking tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide for $53 per person. It’s perfect if you want to focus on specific interests—be it modern architecture, local neighborhoods, or hidden spots. The guide will help you discover the city’s main sights and little-known venues, plus recommend dining options. This tour is highly flexible, making it ideal for travelers with specific plans or those who want to enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Guests appreciate the guide’s familiarity with the city’s lesser-known areas and the chance to ask questions about Kazakhstan’s culture and daily life. It’s suited for curious travelers who want a private, personalized experience.

Bottom Line: Best for flexible travelers wanting a personalized tour that includes local tips and recommendations.

6. Astana City Tour: Certified Guide + Winetasting + All Inclusive

This tour combines sightseeing with a wine tasting in a comfortable setting for $129 per person. Your guide will introduce you to Astana’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Palace of Peace and the Baiterek Tower, while sharing stories about Kazakhstan’s development. The highlight is the all-inclusive wine tasting, featuring selections from Kazakh vineyards, making it a relaxed and enriching experience. The reviews note the professionalism of the guide and the quality of the wines.

Ideal for travelers who want a leisurely tour with culinary highlights and cultural insights in a private environment. The value lies in combining sightseeing, storytelling, and wine sampling without rushing.

Bottom Line: A good pick for lovers of local wines and architecture, seeking a comprehensive private tour.

7. From Astana: Burabai National Park (1 day tour)

A shorter, flexible option, this day trip takes you into Burabai National Park for lakes, mountains, and forests. For $150 per person, the tour offers individual and group options with a certified English-speaking guide. Highlights include scenic lakes, mountain hikes, and relaxing natural spots. It’s suitable for visitors wanting an easy escape without the hassle of planning details themselves.

Reviews highlight the professional guiding and personalized service, making it suitable for a variety of fitness levels and interests. This tour is best for those wanting a straightforward nature escape close to Astana.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for a day of outdoor fun in Kazakhstan’s stunning national parks.

8. Private Astana City Tour: Food, Winetasting & Guide

This luxury private tour combines sightseeing with local food and wine tasting for $130 per person. It includes a personal driver, an English-speaking guide, and a comfortable vehicle with WiFi. You’ll visit top sights and enjoy tasting Kazakh cuisine along the way, perfect for those wanting a more indulgent experience. The guide’s knowledge ensures you see the city’s highlights, while the food and wine add a flavorful local touch.

Reviewers mention the personalized service and relaxed pace, making it a great choice for food and wine enthusiasts.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a combination of sightseeing, gourmet food, and wine in a private setting.

9. Astana: Old City Tour, Soviet Architecture

Step back in time with this Old City Tour, focusing on Astana’s Soviet-era buildings and monuments. For $90 per person, you’ll explore mosaics, murals, and sculptures that tell stories of Kazakhstan’s socialist past. The guide shares tales about life during the Soviet period, making it ideal for history enthusiasts or those interested in Cold War architecture.

While the review is limited, the focus on imperialistic and Soviet architecture makes this tour stand out from the modern city highlights. It’s suitable for travelers keen on understanding Kazakhstan’s past.

Bottom Line: Excellent for history lovers curious about Astana’s Soviet heritage.

10. From Almaty: 5-Day Tour to Astana with Accommodation

This multi-day tour offers a comprehensive look at both Almaty and Astana. For $675 per person, it includes visits to iconic sites like Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, and Astana’s Nur Alem Museum. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an all-in-one Kazakhstan experience, combining urban exploration with natural wonders, and includes accommodation.

Reviewers note that the tour covers the highlights efficiently, making it an excellent option for those with limited time but big ambitions.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a guided, all-inclusive overview of key Kazakh sites over several days.

11. Astana: Half-Day City Tour

A shorter option, this 4-hour tour covers Astana’s main sights like the Baiterek Tower, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, and Palace of Peace, providing a quick but thorough overview. It’s suitable for travelers with limited time or as an introduction before exploring independently. The detailed itinerary includes stops at Independence Square and the Atyrau Bridge, with an emphasis on famous landmarks.

While reviews are limited, the tour’s compact format makes it practical for busy itineraries. It’s perfect for those wanting a guided snapshot of the city.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers on a tight schedule who want a guided taste of Astana’s top sites.

How to Choose Your Perfect Tour in Astana

Deciding between these tours depends on your interests, budget, time, and physical activity level. For those seeking a luxurious, all-in-one experience, the Private Astana City tour: Gude & Food & Winetasting offers a private guide, gourmet food, and wine. If a nature escape appeals, the Burabay National Park Tour provides hiking, lakes, and horseback riding, perfect for outdoor lovers.

Budget travelers will appreciate the Night City Tour or the Half-Day City Tour, which deliver memorable experiences at a lower price point. Those with more time might consider multi-day options like the 2-Day Astana & Burabay Tour or the 5-Day Tour from Almaty, which combine city exploration with Kazakhstan’s stunning landscape.

Planning ahead is key, especially for tours that include transport, special activities, or meals. Booking early guarantees availability, particularly during the busy season from spring to early fall when Astana’s landmarks shine brightest.

Final Thoughts

Astana offers a wide range of tours tailored to different interests. Whether you want to marvel at modern architecture illuminated at night, explore scenic Burabay National Park, or experience authentic Kazakh ranch life, there’s an option for you. The city’s night tours are fantastic for capturing stunning photos, while multi-day adventures with natural and cultural stops help deepen your understanding of Kazakhstan.

For most travelers, a private tour combining sightseeing and local flavor, like the Astana: Private City Tour: Gude & Food & Winetasting, strikes a good balance. But if you’re more outdoorsy, don’t miss the chance to visit Burabay National Park. No matter your choice, booking early ensures you’ll get the best experience in this dynamic, visually striking city.

Enjoy your time exploring Astana — a city that’s redefining what a capital can be.