The capital of Kazakhstan since 1998, Astana is making a bid to be not only the capital of the country but of Central Asia at large. Owing to this, Astana boasts of a strange melange of architecture with old Soviet buildings as well as futuristic creations by foreign celebrity architects. Astana is a planned city, designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. In terms of population, it’s relatively small for a capital with just under a million inhabitants.

Sites include the iconic Bayterek Tower, nicknamed the “Chupa Chup” for its lollipop-like appearance. In terms of modern architecture, nothing beats the Khan Shatyr, which is especially striking at when its interior is lit up in bright colors at night. The Nur-Astana mosque is also worth checking out. The Ukrainian restaurant Melnitsa is great in terms of atmosphere, since the dining is outdoors and in the evening there’s live music. Go to Cafe Shimket if you’re in the mood for a “greasy spoon kind of meal.