Astana, Kazakhstan’s striking capital, isn’t just about futuristic architecture and wide boulevards — it’s a city best experienced through well-curated tours that reveal its unique blend of modern ingenuity and cultural layers. Whether you’re fascinated by the city’s luminous skyline after dark or eager to explore the remnants of its Soviet past, Astana offers a variety of guided experiences that can deepen your visit. We particularly enjoy the Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide for its captivating evening views and personalized approach, which truly highlights Astana’s magic when lit up at night.
If you’re after a comprehensive experience that combines cultural insights with local flavors, the Astana City Tour: Certified Private Guide+Lunch+Wine Tasting stands out. It offers a deep dive into Kazakhstan’s symbols like Baiterek Tower and the National Museum while enjoying a taste of local wines. For those interested in Kazakhstan’s recent architecture and spiritual landmarks, the Private Night City Tour provides a mesmerizing look at Astana’s skyline after dark, emphasizing its most iconic structures.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best city tours in Astana, each with its own special focus — from cultural heritage to modern design and food experiences — helping you decide which tour best suits your interests and schedule.
1. Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide
At number one, this nighttime city tour offers a chance to see Astana’s most famous landmarks illuminated after sunset. For $49 per person, you’ll embark on a personalized journey with a private guide who shares insights into Kazakhstan’s history and the city’s rapid development. The tour typically includes stops at the Ak Orda Presidential Palace, Khan Shatyr, and the Baiterek Tower, with the city’s lights creating an almost surreal backdrop.
What makes this tour stand out is its evening setting, allowing you to appreciate the city’s futuristic skyline under the night sky. The guide’s local knowledge adds depth, making it more than just photos — you’ll learn about the stories behind each landmark, like how Astana’s architecture symbolizes Kazakhstan’s modern identity. The reviews, with a perfect 5/5 from 59 travelers, praise the personal touch and stunning light displays.
Bottom Line: Perfect for night owls and architecture lovers who want a relaxed, intimate experience of Astana’s dazzling after-dark scenery.
2. Astana City Tour: Certified Private Guide+Lunch+Wine Tasting
This full-day private tour costs $129 per person and is ideal if you want a taste of both culture and cuisine. Led by a certified local guide, the tour covers key sights such as Baiterek Tower, the National Museum, and the Grand Mosque — Kazakhstan’s largest — all in a comfortable, private setting. The highlight is the inclusion of a traditional Kazakh lunch, giving you a chance to sample local dishes.
What elevates this experience is the optional wine tasting, featuring wines crafted from Almaty’s vineyards, which adds a relaxing, adult-oriented element. As one reviewer notes, the guide “brought history to life and made the experience feel authentic.” The tour’s price reflects its comprehensive nature, including a deep culture and personalized service.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a well-rounded day exploring Astana’s sights while enjoying local food and drink, making it great for couples and small groups.
3. Astana: Private Night City Tour with Certified Guide
For around $47 per person, this private night tour provides a more intimate look at Astana’s illuminated skyline. As you visit landmarks like the Ak Orda Presidential Palace and Khan Shatyr, your guide will share insights into Kazakhstan’s architectural evolution and spiritual symbols, adding context to the awe-inspiring sights.
This tour is ideal if you prefer a flexible schedule and a more personalized experience. The guide’s expertise ensures you’ll capture great photos and understand the city’s modern history. The tour’s reviews emphasize its value for money and the guide’s professionalism, with repeat visitors mentioning how the night views transformed their perception of the city.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a private, relaxed exploration of Astana’s nighttime architecture with expert commentary.
4. Astana City Tour: Certified Guide+Winetasting+All Inclusive
This all-inclusive city tour costs $129 and offers a rich experience combining sightseeing with wine tasting. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore key sites and learn about Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage while enjoying a curated selection of local wines.
What makes this tour special is the focus on storytelling and wine, providing a relaxed environment to absorb Kazakhstan’s history and modern developments. The reviews highlight the tour’s quality, with one saying, “the guide’s knowledge and the wine tasting made it unforgettable.” It’s perfect for those who love pairing cultural insights with a glass of local wine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for culturally curious travelers wanting a leisurely, informative day with a taste of Kazakhstan’s growing wine scene.
5. Private Astana City tour: Gude & Food & Winetasting
For $130 per person, this private combination tour blends sightseeing with gastronomic delights and wine tasting. Your English-speaking guide will take you through Astana’s most iconic spots, while you enjoy local foods and a selection of wines in a comfortable vehicle with onboard WiFi.
The tour is well-suited for foodies and those who want a more relaxed, multi-sensory experience of Astana’s culture. With experienced guides and a personal driver, you’ll get detailed stories about the city’s architecture and its culinary scene. The reviews are scarce but positive, emphasizing the seamless experience.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting local foods and wines in a private, comfortable setting.
6. Astana: Old City Tour, Imperialistic and Soviet Architecture
At just $90 per person, this historic tour peers into Astana’s socialist past. You’ll explore Soviet mosaics, murals, and sculptures that tell stories of the city’s recent history. The guide shares fascinating tales of life during the Soviet era, making it perfect for history enthusiasts.
This tour is somewhat niche but rewarding for those interested in the Soviet architecture and the city’s transformation from a Soviet outpost to a modern capital. The review, though brief, highlights the tour’s detailed storytelling and insightful site visits.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history buffs and those curious about Astana’s Soviet-era architecture and stories.
$90 per person
7. 2-Day Astana City & Burabay National Park Private Tours
This comprehensive two-day package delivers a full experience of Kazakhstan’s capital and natural beauty. Day one immerses you in Astana’s modern architecture, museums, and landmarks, while day two explores the stunning landscapes of Burabay National Park.
The tour’s price of $359 per person makes it suitable for travelers with more time and a desire for an in-depth introduction to Kazakhstan. The inclusion of a visit to the National Museum and optional wine tasting rounds out the experience. Reviews praise the guide’s professionalism and the well-organized itinerary, especially the scenic drive through Burabay.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to combine urban exploration with outdoor adventure over two days.
$359 per person
How to Choose the Right Astana City Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re short on time and want a memorable evening, the Night City Tour provides stunning visuals with minimal fuss. For a deeper cultural dive combined with food and wine, the Private Guide + Lunch + Wine Tasting offers great value. History enthusiasts should consider the Old City Tour, while outdoor lovers might prefer the two-day combination.
Remember, booking early is advisable, especially in peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred time slots.
Astana’s tours range from illuminated landmarks and cultural highlights to Soviet-era architecture and outdoor escapes. Whether you prefer a relaxed evening viewing the city lights or a full day soaking in Kazakhstan’s history and natural beauty, there’s a tour for you. For a truly memorable trip, consider combining a night tour with a cultural or outdoor experience — it’s the best way to see the many faces of Astana.