Discover the Heart of Nur-Sultan with the Old City Tour
Our review of the Old City Tour in Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) reveals a well-rounded experience that offers a meaningful glimpse into Kazakhstan’s past amidst its modern landscape. This private excursion is ideal for travelers who want an authentic, detailed look at the city’s history, monuments, and cultural heritage.
What truly makes this tour stand out are its knowledgeable guides, the chance to visit iconic monuments of national significance, and the comfortable transportation that takes you smoothly from one site to another. Plus, the inclusion of tickets and a local shopping stop adds extra value.
However, it’s worth noting that this tour involves a fair amount of walking and some sites might be modest in size, so it’s best suited for those with good mobility and genuine interest in history. Overall, if you’re keen to understand how Nur-Sultan’s past shapes its present, this tour is a solid choice.
Key Points
- Authentic Cultural Insights: Visit important monuments and learn about Kazakhstan’s history from passionate guides.
- Comfortable & Private Transport: Hassle-free, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a relaxed experience.
- Local Flavor: Shop at a USSR-era building, gaining a taste of everyday Kazakh life.
- Thoughtful Itinerary: Includes both outdoor monuments and indoor museums for a balanced tour.
- Excellent Value: All tickets, water, transportation, and taxes are included at a reasonable price.
- Flexible & Private: Only your group participates, allowing for personalized attention and flexible timing.
An Introduction to Nur-Sultan’s Past and Present
This private tour kicks off with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point, setting the stage for an immersive journey through Nur-Sultan’s historical landscape. The tour’s duration of 3 to 4 hours strikes a good balance—ample time to see key sights without feeling rushed.
The highlight is the private, air-conditioned transportation, which makes moving between sites comfortable, especially in Kazakhstan’s warm months. Since water and all fees are covered, you won’t need to worry about extra costs, giving you peace of mind to focus on the sights.
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Exploring with a Knowledgeable Guide
From the start, the guides earn praise for their insightful commentary—a crucial element, since understanding Kazakhstan’s history adds depth to each monument and museum visit. Based on reviews, guides like Zhanel go beyond the basics, sharing stories that make history come alive.
The tours are designed for travelers with a good fitness level, as some walking is involved, particularly at outdoor monuments and open-air parks.
Itinerary Breakdown
1. Atameken Ethno-Memorial Map of Kazakhstan (40 minutes)
This outdoor miniature park showcases over 200 sites across Kazakhstan, all marked on a giant map. It’s a visual overview of the country’s vast geography, offering perspectives on regional diversity. Reviewers love this stop for its interactive nature—some even mention it as a highlight of the tour.
Expect to see tiny replicas of major cities like Almaty and Astana, and learn about Kazakhstan’s different regions. It’s an engaging way to get your bearings and see the scale of the country.
2. Saken Seifullin Museum (40 minutes)
This indoor museum houses six rooms dedicated to the poet’s life and the USSR era. It’s an intimate space packed with artifacts, photographs, and writings that reveal Kazakhstan’s literary and political history. One reviewer mentioned the museum’s well-preserved exhibits and how they helped contextualize Kazakhstan’s cultural shifts.
This stop offers a quieter, reflective moment, ideal for those interested in the literary and political figures shaping modern Kazakhstan.
3. Monument to Khan Kenesary (10 minutes)
Sitting across the Ishim River, the statue of Kenesary Khan—the last Kazakh king—serves as a symbol of national pride and independence. It’s a quick visit, but one rich in symbolism, especially for visitors interested in Kazakhstan’s nationalist movements.
Reviews note that the monument offers great photo opportunities, and the location affords pleasant views of the river and city skyline.
4. The Museum of the First President of Kazakhstan (30 minutes)
This museum is a treasure trove of documents, awards, books, and personal items from Nursultan Nazarbayev’s long tenure as the country’s leader. Visitors learn about his role in shaping modern Kazakhstan through exhibits that include scientific materials, gift collections, and archival photos.
Reviewers highlight the unique insights gained here about Kazakhstan’s transition from Soviet rule to independence. It’s an essential stop for understanding the country’s political evolution.
5. The Trade House of Merchant Matvey Kubrin / Astana Supermarket
The tour ends at a building that exemplifies Soviet-era architecture, now functioning as a bustling supermarket. This stop offers an authentic shopping experience for souvenirs, local snacks, and a glimpse into everyday Kazakh life.
Travelers often mention the interesting architecture and the chance to purchase unique souvenirs not commonly found elsewhere.
What the Reviews Say
Multiple reviewers highlight the guides’ knowledge as a standout feature. One praised a guide named Zhanel for making the history engaging and accessible. Others appreciated the value for money—all tickets, water, and transportation are included, which makes this a budget-friendly way to see the city.
A visitor from England described the tour as “a great insight into the history of this fascinating city,” despite joking about the “really old” buildings, which in local terms might be just over 100 years old.
One reviewer recounted a minor hiccup with taxi scams before the tour but emphasized that the actual tour experience was informative and enjoyable, highlighting that the transportation was smooth and comfortable.
Practical Details and Considerations
- Price: At $93.42 per person, this tour offers solid value, especially considering the inclusion of tickets, water, and private transport.
- Timing: The 3-4 hour duration makes it suitable for those with a half-day available, fitting well into a busy travel schedule.
- Group Size: As a private tour, only your group participates, enabling a more tailored experience.
- Accessibility: Good physical fitness is recommended, as some walking and outdoor exploration are involved.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This experience is perfect for history buffs, culture seekers, or travelers who want a more personal, in-depth look at Nur-Sultan. It’s also great for those who prefer a hassle-free day with transportation covered and tickets included.
If you’re interested in Kazakhstan’s political figures, architecture, and cultural symbols, this tour covers all those bases—plus a chance to shop in a Soviet-era building.
The Old City Tour in Nur-Sultan offers a rich, balanced experience that blends outdoor monuments, indoor museums, and local flavor. It’s a smart choice for travelers wanting a comfortable, comprehensive introduction to Kazakhstan’s capital.
The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making complex history accessible and engaging. The inclusion of tickets and transportation means you can focus on soaking in the sights without extra fuss or costs.
While some might find the modest size of certain sites less impressive, the overall itinerary manages to combine education, cultural understanding, and a taste of local life in a meaningful way.
This tour’s value, attention to detail, and authentic experience make it an excellent pick for those wanting more than just a sightseeing checklist. It’s especially suited for curious travelers eager to understand how Kazakhstan’s past influences its vibrant present.
Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for personalized attention and flexibility.
Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, it features private, air-conditioned transportation for all site visits.
Are tickets to the museums included?
Yes, all tickets to the Atameken park, Saken Seifullin Museum, and the Museum of the First President are covered.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, making it manageable for a half-day activity.
What is the price per person?
It costs around $93.42 per person, with all fees, taxes, and water included for convenience.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.
Is it suitable for all fitness levels?
A good physical fitness level is recommended, as there is some walking involved, especially at outdoor sites.
What language is the guide likely to speak?
While not explicitly stated, guides tend to be knowledgeable and engaging, typically English-speaking for travelers.
Is there any shopping included in the tour?
Yes, the tour concludes at a Soviet-era building functioning as a supermarket, offering local souvenirs and snacks.
The Old City Tour in Nur-Sultan offers an accessible, well-curated journey into Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and architecture, making it a worthwhile addition to any trip to the city.