Kazakhstan is a country where ancient history, modern architecture and stunning nature combine. Here you can see majestic mountains, endless steppes, picturesque lakes and futuristic megacities. We're talking about the best cities to travel to.
Almaty — a cozy city at the foot of the mountains
If you love nature, active recreation and atmospheric coffee shops, Almaty is the best choice. The city is surrounded by mountain peaks, and in the very center there are parks, trendy establishments and historical streets.
What to see:
Medeo is the highest skating rink in the world, where you can skate with a view of the mountains.
Shymkent is the best ski resort in Kazakhstan.
Kok Tobe is a hill with a panoramic view of the whole city.
The Great Almaty Lake is one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Green Bazaar — if you want to taste real Kazakhstani products and buy souvenirs.
Astana — the city of the future
The futuristic capital of Kazakhstan, where glass skyscrapers are adjacent to wide avenues and cultural centers. The spirit of modern Asia is felt here.
What to see:
Baiterek is a symbol of the city, which overlooks Astana from a height of 97 meters.
Khan Shatyr is the most unusual shopping mall, where there is even a beach with real sand.
The Palace of Peace and Harmony is a pyramid created by the famous architect Norman Foster.
The Museum of National Heritage is a place where you can learn everything about the culture of Kazakhstan.
EXPO-2017 and the Nur Alem pavilion are a grandiose structure in the form of a sphere.
Shymkent — southern flavor
Shymkent is an oasis with a warm climate, delicious cuisine and oriental hospitality. The spirit of the ancient Silk Road is felt here.
What to see:
Shymkent Fortress is a historical place with the atmosphere of a medieval city.
Ken-baba Ethnoaul — to get acquainted with the traditions of the Kazakhs.
Ken Baba Park is a cozy place for walking.
Samal market is one of the most colorful bazaars in the south of Kazakhstan.
Turkestan — the heart of ancient Kazakhstan
Turkestan is a city with a 1500-year history. It is a place of strength and spiritual heritage of Kazakhstan.
What to see:
The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is a magnificent building included in the UNESCO list.
Keruen-sarai is a tourist center, stylized as the East.
Azret Sultan Historical and Cultural Reserve.
Sauran settlement — the ancient walls of the city, which was once an important point on the Silk Road.
Aktau — sea breeze and Martian landscapes
If you want to combine a beach holiday with adventure, you should go to Aktau. It has a warm Caspian Sea and incredible landscapes.
What to see:
The beaches of the Caspian Sea are the only place in Kazakhstan where you can relax by the sea.
Bosjira — impressive cliffs on the Ustyurt plateau.
The Valley of the Balls is a mystical place with thousands of stone spheres.
Fort Shevchenko is a historical city with museums and a cozy atmosphere.
Ust-Kamenogorsk — the land of mountains and lakes
This city in Eastern Kazakhstan is ideal for those who love nature and mountain scenery.
What to see:
Bukhtarma reservoir is a place for recreation and water entertainment.
Ridder is a cozy ski resort.
Katon-Karagai Nature Reserve — stunning views and marals.
The hydroelectric power station on the Irtysh is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the country.
Kostanay — a secluded northern city
Kostanay is a place where you can enjoy tranquility, nature and history.
What to see:
The Zhamaliev Mosque is a beautiful architecture.
Kostanay Zoo is one of the best in Kazakhstan.
Tobolsk embankment is a pleasant place for walking.
Nauryzym National Park — rare forests and steppe lakes.
Taraz — the city of ancient mausoleums
Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, which has a history of more than 2000 years.
What to see:
Aisha-bibi Mausoleum is a symbol of eternal love.
Karakhan's Mausoleum is a historical heritage.
Archaeological park “Kone Taraz" — excavations of the ancient city.
Karaganda — the industrial heart of Kazakhstan
Karaganda is a mining town that surprises with its atmosphere.
What to see:
Museum of the Deportation of Peoples — the history of Kazakhstan in the twentieth century.
Victory Park is a memorial complex.
Karlag is a museum of Gulag camps.
The Karaganda Zoo is one of the largest in the country.
Aktobe — a dynamic city in Western Kazakhstan
What to see:
The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel is a beautiful architecture.
Abai Square is a cozy place for walking.
Aktobe Museum of Local Lore — history of the region.
Semey — the city of Abay
Semey is a city associated with the history of the Kazakh intellectuals.
What to see:
Abai Museum — cultural heritage.
The suspension bridge over the Irtysh River is an architectural marvel.
The F.M. Dostoevsky Museum — the connection of Kazakhstan with Russian literature.
Kazakhstan is a combination of centuries — old history, diverse landscapes and modern megacities. Depending on your preferences, you can go to the mountains, stroll through the futuristic capital, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the East, or even relax by the sea.
