Astana

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is a commercial and industrial centre with many modern buildings, monuments, and museums. One of the most beautiful landmarks of the city is the Sultan Khasret Mosque. Be sure not to miss the Bayterek Tower with its golden sphere, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city, as well as the Palace of Peace and Harmony, the Ak Orda Presidential Palace, and the Kazakh National Museum. Also visit the boardwalk around the Ishim River, the Nur-Astana Mosque, the Sports Palace, and the 150-meter-high residential buildings of Grand Alatau. Lots of entertainment, cafés, museums and, last but not least, the marine world await you in the Duman recreation complex.

In the city, you will also find countless shopping centres, the largest and most interesting of which are the MEGA and the Keruen Shopping Centres. If you want to buy some souvenirs, visit the Talisman store on Respublika Avenue. Also make sure you get to taste the traditional Kazakh cuisine specialities. Local delicacies include shashlik and beshbarmak, which is a national dish made of horse meat, lamb, beef, and sometimes even camel meat with pasta.