Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, is a gleaming city of extremes in the middle of the Central Asian steppes. Futuristic buildings from the space age surround the old Soviet and imperial Russian architecture. Glitzy Astana is home to some of the finest luxury shops, local bazaars and outstanding restaurants and bars — no city corner is off limits.
Here are four great reasons Astana should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
See extraordinary architecture
Design buffs will appreciate Astana’s unique structures. Unlike other Central Asian cities, the Kazakhstan capital is best known for its modern buildings. Still, you can spot many well-preserved treasures, such as the mansion of the Merchant Kubrin, dating from 1910. This opulent home has an English garden in the courtyard and an ornate roof. Soviet-era gems such as vivid mosaics and beautiful mosques can also be spotted all over the city.
But people come to see the modernist monoliths, like the iconic, pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Designed by Norman Foster, it contains a theater, museum and library. The structure promotes faith and human equality, recognizing the world’s major religions and the religious freedom enjoyed by the people of Kazakhstan. The pyramid lights up by night and is encircled by the stunning Presidential Park.
Stay at The St. Regis Astana
An exclusive address celebrating Kazakh architecture and culture, The St. Regis Astana is furnished locally and luxuriously with the best of modern comforts. The hotel sits on the banks of the Ishim River and is enveloped by trees and parks. A nod to the local surroundings can be seen in the yurt-inspired porte cochère designed to represent the traditional dwellings of Kazakhstan.
The standard rooms are a generous 731 square feet, the largest in Astana. St Regis Suites are the size of a family home (more than 1,600 square feet) and make for an indulgent experience that’s capped with butler service for your every need and a gourmet meal available in the privacy of your dining area. Luxuriate in the opulent, 24,000-square-foot Iridium Spa. Feast on Japanese flavors at Asakusa Izakaya and have a taste of Italy at the all-day restaurant La Rivière.
Have a drink at Ozen
The Ritz-Carlton, Astana’s Ozen (meaning “river”) is a beautiful lounge that represents the Ishim River that runs through the heart of the city. Highlighted by a curved wooden bar with a rippled ceiling dripping with sparkling lights and golden metallic details, the drinking den is a chic, cozy space with stylish accent chairs and a beautiful terrace.
But the design isn’t the only draw. Ozen has extensive wine, whiskey and gin menus, and its mixologists serve the best cocktails in town. For proof, try the Honey Bee, made with local honey, or the fruity Pavlova, done with vanilla and cream. Complement the cocktails with bar bites such as fresh sushi rolls and Asian fusion delicacies.
Experience world-class art
Astana offers Kazakhstan locals and visitors the chance to enjoy a performance at the Astana Opera for a fraction of the price of other major cities. The enormous chamber hall known for its fine acoustics regularly hosts international theatrical groups (Cinderella, August 16), orchestral productions (Autumn with the Viennese Classics, September 15), ballets (The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, October 2 and 3) and more. The opera house is also open for tours and is just a short walk from the beautiful Lovers Park. Pre- or post-show food and drinks can be enjoyed at the nearby restaurants.