Nurzhol Boulevard
Nurzhol Boulevard is located on the left bank of the Esil River, which is considered Astana’s new administrative center. This pedestrian street stretches for over two kilometers (>1.2 mi) and is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. Its name «Nur Zhol» in Kazakh language translates to «bright path» or «bright road,» which perfectly captures the essence of this beautiful boulevard.
Walking along Nurzhol Boulevard, visitors are greeted with an array of fountains, flowers, trees, and unique installations, offering stunning views of the city's landmarks and modern buildings. Some sections of the boulevard are as wide as a hundred meters, and it spans from the Akorda Presidential Palace to the Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center.
The boulevard is surrounded by various important buildings, such as the Parliament, Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, House of Ministries, Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Energy, Baiterek Monument, National Archives of Kazakhstan, National Academic Library, Korme Exhibition Center, Kazmedia Center, Emerald Towers, and the Temir Zholy Tower (railways administration). The street is also known as Water-Green Boulevard because of its many fountains, greenery, and blue-green glass buildings nearby.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the boulevard is its collection of unique sculptures and installations. During the Day of the City on July 6, the ART-FEST is organized, showcasing an abundance of exhibitions, installations, and expositions of contemporary art. In summer, concerts, competitions, and various entertainment events are held on the boulevard.
Nurzhol Boulevard was designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who also designed the master plan for the new part of the capital and the international airport. Kurokawa believed in the harmony between nature and the city, which is evident in the boulevard's design. It has a three-level structure, with the lower level reserved for the road and parking, the middle tier for shops, cafes, business centers, and other public institutions, and the upper level serving as a pedestrian zone with fountains, alleys, sculptures, trees, and installations.
The Singing Fountains are another popular attraction on Nurzhol Boulevard. In the evening, visitors can enjoy works by Kazakh and world composers in a unique interpretation.
How to get there?
Nurzhol Boulevard can be reached by buses # 10, 12, 15, 15A, 18, 19, 21, 26, 28, 29, 29A, 30, 32, 35, 40, 46, 47, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 60, 61, 70.
Other tourist attractions near Nurzhol Boulevard:
- Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center
- Astana Opera
- Abu Nasr al-Farabi Mosque
- Asia Park Shopping Mall
- Qazaqstan Concert Hall
- Talan Towers
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