KZ
Astana
A futuristic capital of glass and steel on the open steppe
A futuristic capital of glass and steel on the open steppe
The 97-metre Bayterek, a golden orb cradled in white latticework, is Astana’s symbol, representing a poplar tree from Kazakh legend. An observation deck offers views along the ceremonial axis.
💡 Place your hand in the gilded print of the president at the top for the classic photo.
The world’s largest tent, this translucent 150-metre marvel by Norman Foster houses a shopping mall, gardens and even a sand beach with water piped from afar, all under one soaring canopy.
💡 Ride to the top-floor beach club on a cold day for a surreal warm escape.
One of Central Asia’s largest mosques, this gleaming white-and-blue building with soaring minarets and intricate Islamic geometry can hold thousands of worshippers.
💡 Dress modestly and cover your head to enter; visitors are welcome outside prayer times.
Another Foster creation, this 62-metre glass-and-steel Pyramid of Peace and Reconciliation hosts an opera hall and gatherings of world faiths beneath its stained-glass apex.
💡 Book a guided tour to reach the sunlit dove-filled summit.
The city’s monumental pedestrian axis links Bayterek to the presidential palace, lined with golden twin towers, fountains and gardens, a showcase of Astana’s ambition.
💡 Walk it in the evening when the buildings are floodlit.
Astana’s restaurants serve hearty Kazakh staples like beshbarmak and grilled meats alongside Russian, Georgian, Uzbek and international menus catering to the capital’s officials and visitors. Modern cafes and malls offer coffee and global food, while traditional spots pour kumys and serve baursak fried dough. Winters call for warming soups and plov.
Walk Nurzhol Boulevard from the Pyramid of Peace to Bayterek Tower, ride up for the views, and end at Khan Shatyr for shopping and the rooftop beach.
Visit the vast Hazrat Sultan Mosque and the National Museum, then stroll the Ishim River embankment as the city lights up.
Astana is among the coldest capitals on earth; visit June to September unless you want the extreme cold.
Ride-hailing is cheap and easy; distances between landmarks are large.
Even spring and autumn can be windy and chilly on the exposed steppe; bring warm clothing.
Astana is card-friendly, but carry some tenge for taxis and small kiosks.
Leafy Almaty, futuristic Astana, the pilgrimage city of Turkistan, the red-rock Charyn Canyon and the alpine Kolsai Lakes — the many faces of vast Kazakhstan.