Been trying to visit less touristy places, so after a trip through Uzbekistan we added Kazakhstan and picked Astana instead of Almaty. As urban planners, it was fascinating to see a purpose-built capital that most travelers skip. At first glance it feels oversized and empty, but the city is clean, safe, modern, and surprisingly livable once you start exploring. Locals were curious, friendly, and most spoke multiple languages.
Highlights: Bayterek Tower, some wild Foster & Partners architecture, riverfront parks, endless coffee shops, and trying horse dishes like beshbarmak and naryn, both better than I expected. You can even climb a mosque minaret for a full 360° city view before it all fades into steppe. Definitely not a classic must-see destination, but if you’re into architecture, planning, or just want to see something different in Central Asia, it’s worth a few days.
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