A modern capital with futuristic architecture and traditional Kazakh culture. Explore grand mosques, taste local cuisine, and enjoy lively nightlife in this rapidly growing city.
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is a city of rapid development and architectural innovation. The skyline is dotted with unique structures like the tent-shaped Khan Shatyr and the glass pyramid Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Astana experiences extreme temperatures, with winters as cold as -51°C and summers reaching 35°C. The city has grown into an important center for politics, commerce, and arts in Central Asia, attracting visitors with its modern architecture, cultural institutions, and diverse culinary scene.
Futuristic Architecture
Astana's skyline is defined by bold, contemporary structures. The Khan Shatyr, a 150-meter-tall tent-like building, houses a shopping center with an artificial beach. Norman Foster designed the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a glass pyramid that hosts congresses for world religious leaders. The Baiterek Tower, resembling a giant lollipop, provides panoramic city views and contains a gilded handprint of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Extreme Climate
Astana is the second coldest capital city globally, after Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The city endures long, dry, and intensely cold winters, with temperatures dropping to -51°C. Summers can be quite hot, with temperatures rising to 35°C. This extreme continental climate creates unique challenges for construction and daily life, yet the city continues to grow and develop.
Cultural Attractions
The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Central Asia's largest, showcases the country's history and culture. At the Astana Opera House, you can attend world-class performances in a building known for its neoclassical architecture. The Kazakh Eli monument represents the country's independence and depicts important historical figures, providing insights into traditional Kazakh culture.
Shopping and Entertainment
The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center serves as both an architectural landmark and a leisure destination. It contains numerous shops, restaurants, and a top-floor beach resort with sand imported from the Maldives. For a more traditional shopping experience, visit the Green Bazaar, where vendors sell local produce, spices, and handicrafts.
Getting Around
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport connects Astana to major global destinations. Within the city, you can use the growing public transportation system, which includes buses and a light rail. Taxis and ride-sharing services operate throughout Astana. The city has also implemented a bike-sharing program, with rental stations across the urban area.
Dining Scene
Astana's restaurants reflect Kazakhstan's multicultural population. You can taste traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles) at local eateries. For upscale Kazakh cuisine, Qazaq Gourmet is a popular choice. The city also has many international restaurants, from Russian to Korean, catering to both residents and visitors.
