Navigation Menu+

Kazakhstan top 5 cities

Kazakhstan: My Astana Top 5

The frozen river in Astana, KazakhstanLocated in the north-central region at the heart of Kazakhstan’s vast Steppe, Astana is Kazakhstan’s shiny, newly-built capitol city. The new city is an example of an effort to encapsulate and symbolize the dreams of a new nation. Almost every public building is a symbol for what the nation hopes to become and a study in these symbols can be interesting in its own right.

A Short Rant: If I were to be completely honest, I would tell you that Astana is my least favorite place in Kazakhstan. There are many reasons for my low opinion (some of them even worth seeing for yourself). Perhaps at the top of my list is that the city is profoundly un-walkable.Kazakhstan Photogallery Even the transit system seems designed to force people into cars (for help sorting through the bus routes go to zaproezd.kz and select Astana). Long distances between bus stops, poorly planned (and executed) sidewalks, vast distances between major sights and attractions – and with all of that, the taxi system is poorly organized (it’s hard to hail one, you have to call one). For another thing, everything in the city feels half finished. Many guides list the newly built (yet somehow falling apart) architecture as the primary attraction in Astana and it is easy to be blinded by the fancy glass building molded into fantastic shapes. Look a little closer and you will see cracked facades and poorly laid pavements.Bayterek tower in Astana, Kazakhstan How much of this is due to corruption and how much is just a result of an effort to cut costs and of doing too-much-too-fast is hard to tell.

You might wonder why I would write Top-5 list for a city I don’t have much affection for? While I might not enjoy spending time in the city as a whole, there are some parts of the city that I find fascinating, beautiful, and fun – these few things deserve a mention. Also It doesn’t do to dwell only on the negative of a place and this is my short list of positives.

1. Tour the Palace of Peace and Accord

I’m not going to lie, this might be my favorite building in Kazakhstan. Also known as the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the first time I visited this white pyramid across the river from the government complex, it was grey from the late winter’s smog and the park around it was a desolate, windy snow field. It took me half an hour just to find the entrance. Once I got inside, though, I was floored by the design and vision of the building – a place to embody and facilitate a future Kazakhstan characterized by cooperation and conversation. They offer tours in many languages (including English)

I'd Rather Be in Zhambyl Kazakhstan City Country Long Sleeve T-Shirt Tee Top Black 2XL
Apparel ()
  • High quality long sleeve cotton tee: MORE COLORS AND SIZES AVAILABLE, SEND MESSAGE TO REQUEST
  • SIZES AVAILABLE WHEN REQUESTED: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, 3X-Large
  • we use only the most expensive and highest quality print materials. Image is soft to touch
  • high quality pre-shrunk tee that will not crack, fade or twist
  • this soft tee is pre-shrunk and is made of soft cotton
You might also like
Top 10 Biggest Cities In The World!
Top 10 Biggest Cities In The World!
Top 10 Largest Cities or Towns of Kazakhstan
Top 10 Largest Cities or Towns of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan City
Kazakhstan City
Rock Bull astana in kazakhstan at dusk - Picture Metal Frame for Table Top (Black & White 7x5 inches)
Home (Rock Bull)
  • Rectangular picture frame size 7 x 5 inches.
  • Great Christmas gift. Easel stand for table-top display.
  • Surface is cool glass fiber reinforced plastics, Wipe clean with dry cloth.
  • Dear Customer, Welcome to our store, please read our product description and shipping rate before you buy product.
robertharding Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of View of city, Astana, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Asia
Home (robertharding)
  • PHOTO JIGSAW PUZZLE You are purchasing one Photo Puzzle (252 Pieces). Estimated image size 356x254mm
  • 10x14 252 Piece Puzzle comes in pieces in a designer box with your photo on top. Great gift for kids, grandparents, bridesmaids, birthdays and anniversaries. Box...
  • Artwork Description View of city, Astana, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Asia.
  • For any queries regarding this choice of artwork please contact robertharding. Image (c) Jane Sweeney
  • To view this image on other products please search for code 8246751
AllRedBox NEW " KISS ME , I AM FROM ALMATY QALASY " KAZAKHSTAN LICENSE PLATE SIGN CITY
Home (AllRedBox)
  • Brand new Sign
  • Great gift idea
  • Easy to install
  • Parking Sign 11.00 x 5.50
I Love Kokshetau Kazakhstan City Long Sleeve T-Shirt Tee Top Black L
Apparel ()
  • High quality long sleeve cotton tee: MORE COLORS AND SIZES AVAILABLE, SEND MESSAGE TO REQUEST
  • SIZES AVAILABLE WHEN REQUESTED: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, 3X-Large
  • we use only the most expensive and highest quality print materials. Image is soft to touch
  • high quality pre-shrunk tee that will not crack, fade or twist
  • this soft tee is pre-shrunk and is made of soft cotton
Related Posts