Lonely PlanetSep 20
A Guide to Astana, Kazakhstan
Planning a trip to Kazakhstan
splurge-worthy dining preserving and transforming Kazakh heritage
22 things in this story
- National Museum of the Republic of KazakhstanMuseumchronicles the nation's history, nomadic culture, and achievements
- Khan ShatyrSightshopping complex resembling a giant, transparent wizard’s hat
- Bayterek MonumentSightgolden-orb-topped monument
- Ak Orda Presidential PalaceSightslightly sci-fi complex
- Kazakhstan Central Concert HallSightdesigned by Manfredi Nicoletti
- Capital CircusSightUFO-like building
- Astana Grand MosqueSightregion's largest mosque with sky-blue domes
- Qazaq GourmetRestaurantsplurge-worthy dining preserving and transforming Kazakh heritage
- Museum of the First President of the Republic of KazakhstanMuseumdisplays gifts to Nursultan Nazarbayev and militaria
- Museum of the Armed ForcesMuseumdisplays fascinating militaria
- Nur AlemMuseummuseum exploring Kazakhstan's harnessing of natural energy
- Burabay National Nature ParkSightscenic lakes and walking trails
- Korgalzhyn Nature ReserveSighthome to 344 bird species, including flamingos
- Atyrau BridgeSighteye-catching, car-free bridge
- ArbatNeighborhoodstreet with public artworks, cafes, shops, and Beatles statue
- Hostel ForumHotelhostel on the Left Bank
- Elite Apart-HotelHotelapart-hotel
- Coffee BoomRestaurantcafe on the Right Bank
- The HopRestaurantbar near Atyrau Bridge
- Khroshiy Den’ cafeRestaurantcafe
- Palace of Peace and ReconciliationSight
- Elsewhere
- ALZhIR Museum-Memorial ComplexMuseumAkmol, Kazakhstanmemorial to women and children held in Soviet labor camps