Nur Sultan

The capital of Kazakhstan, Nur Sultan (previously called Astana), is a uniquely modern city with futuristic buildings made of metal and glass. The most notable of these is the Beyterek monument, which is a tower topped by a white nest and a golden egg (which serves as an observation deck). Khan Shatyr Mall is housed inside a giant translucent tent, which uses state-of-the-art energy efficiency to keep the inside warm without heating, even in winter. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is a giant 62-meter-high pyramid that serves as a non-denominational spiritual center, while the beautiful Hazrat Sultan Mosque is the second-largest mosque in Central Asia, and its splendor makes it a must-see.