Lonely PlanetSep 20, 2026
A Guide to Astana, Kazakhstan
Planning a trip to Kazakhstan
22 things in this story
- ALZhIR Museum-Memorial ComplexMuseummemorial to women and children held in Soviet labor camps
- Elsewhere
- National Museum of the Republic of KazakhstanMuseumAstana, Kazakhstanchronicles the nation's history, nomadic culture, and achievements
- Khan ShatyrSightAstana, Kazakhstanshopping complex resembling a giant, transparent wizard’s hat
- Bayterek MonumentSightAstana, Kazakhstangolden-orb-topped monument
- Ak Orda Presidential PalaceSightAstana, Kazakhstanslightly sci-fi complex
- Kazakhstan Central Concert HallSightAstana, Kazakhstandesigned by Manfredi Nicoletti
- Capital CircusSightAstana, KazakhstanUFO-like building
- Astana Grand MosqueSightAstana, Kazakhstanregion's largest mosque with sky-blue domes
- Qazaq GourmetRestaurantAstana, Kazakhstansplurge-worthy dining preserving and transforming Kazakh heritage
- Museum of the First President of the Republic of KazakhstanMuseumAstana, Kazakhstandisplays gifts to Nursultan Nazarbayev and militaria
- Museum of the Armed ForcesMuseumAstana, Kazakhstandisplays fascinating militaria
- Nur AlemMuseumAstana, Kazakhstanmuseum exploring Kazakhstan's harnessing of natural energy
- Burabay National Nature ParkSightAstana, Kazakhstanscenic lakes and walking trails
- Korgalzhyn Nature ReserveSightAstana, Kazakhstanhome to 344 bird species, including flamingos
- Atyrau BridgeSightAstana, Kazakhstaneye-catching, car-free bridge
- ArbatNeighborhoodAstana, Kazakhstanstreet with public artworks, cafes, shops, and Beatles statue
- Hostel ForumHotelAstana, Kazakhstanhostel on the Left Bank
- Elite Apart-HotelHotelAstana, Kazakhstanapart-hotel
- Coffee BoomRestaurantAstana, Kazakhstancafe on the Right Bank
- The HopRestaurantAstana, Kazakhstanbar near Atyrau Bridge
- Khroshiy Den’ cafeRestaurantAstana, Kazakhstancafe
- Palace of Peace and ReconciliationSightAstana, Kazakhstan