The Ishim River, cutting east to west through the heart of Astana, has been embanked with pedestrian promenades on both sides. The walks are wide, lined with grass and benches, and dotted with sculpture and small cafes. In summer they are the social heart of the city, especially in the evenings when temperatures finally drop below the daytime fierceness.
Several bridges connect the two banks, the most architecturally interesting being the Qaraötkel Bridge with its broad arches. The riverside is also good for cycling — rental stations are scattered along both sides — and for runs at sunrise or sunset. In winter the river freezes hard and parts of the embankment turn into open-air ice rinks.