Nur Sultan Astana

The modern administrative heart of Astana on the left bank of the Ishim River, home to Bayterek Tower, the Presidential Palace, and gleaming government buildings. Purpose-built from the early 2000s with wide boulevards and ambitious architecture by Foster, Kurokawa, and Calatrava.

The largest residential district stretching across the left bank, blending modern apartment complexes with shopping malls and green spaces. Home to many international school campuses and the bulk of newer family-oriented housing developments.

The traditional centre of old Astana on the right bank of the Ishim, with a mix of Soviet-era buildings, renovated housing, and the city''s oldest bazaars and parks. More affordable than the left bank, with an authentic local character.

A developing residential district south of the centre on the right bank, named after Kazakhstan''s famous cosmodrome. Features newer mid-rise apartments, local schools, and improving infrastructure catering to working families.

Built around the site of Expo 2017, this futuristic district features the Nur Alem sphere and is rapidly developing into a mixed-use zone with modern apartments, the IT university, and cultural venues in repurposed expo pavilions.

An exclusive gated compound southwest of the centre originally built to house foreign diplomats and embassy staff. Features townhouses and low-rise apartments in a quiet, secure, Western-style layout with its own amenities.