Kazakhstan Sightseeing: Almaty and Astana
Kazakhstan’s sightseeing splits into two very different capitals: Almaty’s century-old wooden churches and mountain backdrop, and Astana’s twenty-first-century skyline built from scratch since 1997.
Zenkov Cathedral, Almaty
Standing 56 meters tall in Panfilov Park, this Russian Orthodox cathedral was built entirely of Tian Shan spruce in 1907 by architect Andrei Zenkov without a single metal nail, and survived the 7.7-magnitude 1911 Chon-Kemin earthquake intact. Open daily 07:00 to 19:00, admission free; women should bring or borrow a headscarf at the door. Viator lists guided Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral walking tours .
Memorial of Glory, Almaty
Also in Panfilov Park, this 1975 bronze triptych and eternal flame honors the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen who died defending Moscow in 1941. The monumental Soviet-era sculpture sits a short walk from the cathedral.
Baiterek Monument, Astana
On Nurzhol Boulevard, this 97-meter observation tower marks the 1997 move of the capital and represents the mythical Tree of Life. The 86-meter observation deck holds the gilded handprint of Kazakhstan’s first president. Open daily, summer 10:00 to 22:00, winter 10:00 to 21:00; adult tickets run 2,500 KZT, child 1,250 KZT. Baiterek tickets and hours are on the ticketing platform ticketon.kz .
Astana Grand Mosque
Opened in August 2022 on Mangilik El Avenue, this is the largest mosque in Central Asia, with an 83.2-meter main dome and four 130-meter minarets, holding 30,000 worshippers inside and 235,000 across the full courtyard. Free admission outside prayer times; robes are provided for women.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Norman Foster’s 62-meter glass pyramid on Tauelsizdik Avenue was built for the Triennial Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Guided English-language tours run 2,000 KZT. GetYourGuide lists Astana architecture tours that include the Pyramid .
Khan Shatyr
Also designed by Foster, this 150-meter translucent tent structure on Turan Avenue covers 140,000 square meters and houses the Sky Beach Club, an indoor tropical pool kept at 35°C year-round with sand imported from the Maldives. Day passes run roughly 10,000 to 15,000 KZT.
The verdict
Give each capital its own dedicated day: Almaty’s sights cluster within walking distance of Panfilov Park, while Astana’s spread along the length of Nurzhol Boulevard and reward a slower pace by vehicle or on foot along the boulevard itself.
Before you go
Skip Lake Balkhash as a sightseeing stop unless you have days to spare; it sits well outside either city’s day-trip range and has little tourist infrastructure. Kazakhstan’s official tourism portal, kazakhstan.travel , keeps current opening hours for the mosque and the Pyramid. See the walking tours guide for routes linking these sights on foot.