Astana

The iconic symbol of Astana and Kazakhstan itself, Bayterek is a 105-meter monument and observation tower representing the Kazakh legend of the tree of life and a magical bird that laid a golden egg in its branches. Designed by architect Norman Foster, the white lattice tower is topped with a golden glass orb containing an observation deck with 360-degree views of the city. Inside the orb, visitors can place their hand in a gilded handprint of former President Nazarbayev and make a wish. The lower levels house a cafe, aquariums, and the Bayterek mini-gallery. Best visited at sunset when the tower and surrounding buildings are illuminated.

The largest tent-shaped structure in the world, Khan Shatyr is a 150-meter transparent tent designed by Norman Foster that houses a massive shopping and entertainment complex. The fluorine-based plastic exterior maintains a warm microclimate inside even during Astana's brutal winters. Inside you'll find shops, restaurants, a cinema, an amusement park with drop tower ride, and most remarkably, an artificial beach resort complete with sand imported from the Maldives, palm trees, and temperature-controlled tropical environment. The building won the 2010 Emirates Glass LEAF Award for the best structural design. It's the western anchor of Nurzhol Boulevard.

A stunning 77-meter pyramid designed by Norman Foster, built in 2006 to host the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. The building symbolizes Kazakhstan's commitment to unity and tolerance among the world's faiths. Inside, visitors can explore exhibition spaces, a 1,500-seat opera hall (where Montserrat Caballe performed at the opening), conference facilities, and educational exhibits about world religions. The apex features a stained glass window designed by British artist Brian Clarke depicting 130 doves representing the nationalities of Kazakhstan. Today it hosts conferences, concerts, and cultural events.

Opened in 2022, the Astana Grand Mosque (officially Hazret Sultan) is the largest mosque in Central Asia with capacity for 30,000 worshippers. Built with support from Kazakh businessmen, it's a bold statement of national pride and faith. The mosque features stunning white marble exteriors, gilded domes, and a modern interpretation of traditional Islamic architecture. The interior showcases intricate calligraphy, colorful tilework, and impressive chandeliers. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside of prayer times (modest dress required). The mosque is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a striking silhouette against the Astana skyline.

One of the largest museums in Central Asia, the National Museum spans 74,000 square meters across four floors dedicated to Kazakhstan's rich history from ancient times to the present. Highlights include the Golden Man (Altyn Adam), a 4th century BC Scythian warrior's golden burial suit discovered in 1969, along with extensive collections of archaeological artifacts, traditional crafts, Soviet-era exhibits, and galleries documenting Kazakhstan's independence. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations bring history to life. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the main exhibits, or a full day for comprehensive coverage.

The 2-kilometer pedestrian boulevard that forms the spine of modern Astana, stretching from Khan Shatyr to the Ak Orda Presidential Palace. Walking this grand promenade gives you the full experience of Astana's futuristic ambitions, passing government buildings, ministry towers, colorful fountains, unique sculptures, and landmark buildings including the KazMunayGaz towers that frame Bayterek Tower like an archway. The Singing Fountain performs to music after sunset every 10 minutes. Particularly magical in the evening when all buildings are illuminated. Lovers Park with the 'I Love Astana' sign marks the Khan Shatyr end.

The site of Expo 2017 'Future Energy' has been transformed into a permanent exhibition and innovation center. The centerpiece is Nur Alem, the world's largest spherical building (80 meters in diameter), which houses the Museum of Future Energy with interactive exhibits on renewable energy and sustainable development across eight floors. The surrounding EXPO grounds feature futuristic pavilions from participating countries, many now repurposed as exhibition spaces, convention centers, and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The complex showcases Kazakhstan's vision for a post-oil economy.

A unique open-air museum featuring a detailed miniature map of Kazakhstan where visitors can become 'Gulliver' and see the entire nation laid out before them. Created by leading architects and designers, the complex includes scaled replicas of Kazakhstan's most significant landmarks, geographical features, and architectural monuments from all regions. It's a playful and educational way to understand the vast geography of the world's ninth-largest country in about an hour. Particularly popular with families, the park offers a fascinating introduction to Kazakhstan's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage before exploring the real thing.