A Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Kyzylorda
Kyzylorda was founded in 1820 as a fortress of the Kokand Khanate. Later, it became the first capital of the Kazakh ASSR (an autonomous republic within the Soviet Union which existed from 1920 until 1936). It’s the birthplace of Kazakh music, a city of green parks, theaters, monuments, and warm hospitality. There’s plenty to see, plenty to be inspired by and definitely plenty to talk about after your visit.
Chances are, your journey will start at the railway station or the airport. The Kyzylorda railway station isn’t just a transport hub. It’s a historical landmark. Built in 1905 by decree of Nicholas II, this building is one of the oldest in the city. Back in the day, it was the most impressive building in town and let’s be honest, it still ranks as one of the most photogenic spots around.
Kyzylorda Airport may be younger, but it has its own charm. Located about 17 km (10.5 miles) southeast of the city center, it already gives you a taste of the vast, steady rhythm of the steppe that lies ahead.
Parks and Pedestrian Spaces
Begin your stroll in the very heart of Kyzylorda – the Central Square, located in front of the Kazakh Musical Drama Theater. In 2024, it underwent a renovation that gave it a fresh, modern look while preserving its inviting charm. Here, the national flag of Kazakhstan rises proudly on a flagpole, and a monument honors Roza Baglanova, the legendary opera singer born near Kyzylorda.
Leading to the square is the Student Arbat – a lively pedestrian street flanked by university and college buildings, which is how it earned its name. Along the way, you’ll find the House of Friendship, a grand structure with columns inspired by antique architecture.
For a dose of nature and tranquility, head to the Park of the First President, stretching along the embankment of the Syrdarya River. The ceremonial colonnade at the entrance sets the tone, opening onto green alleys, shaded benches, and sculptures. Just next door lies the Square of State Symbols.
Another must-visit is Batyrkhan Shukenov Park, named after former A’Studio frontman. A’Studio is a pop band originally formed in Almaty. They gained wide popularity in the Soviet Union and later throughout post-Soviet countries. Batyrkhan left the group to start a solo career and became the most beloved singer in Kazakhstan. The park features a monument to Batyrkhan, saxophone in hand, as if serenading the park’s visitors with the melodies of his legacy.
If your soul craves laughter, motion, and a bit of thrill, head to Central Park located at the intersection of Kunayev, Ivan Jurba, and Kazybek Bi streets. At its entrance, you’ll see a monument honoring the batyrs – a collective tribute to the warriors of the Scythians, Oguzes, and Kipchaks (tribes that inhabited this land). Beyond that, the park features a Ferris wheel, skate park, and different rides.
Just a few steps from this cheerful hub, a different mood unfolds in Victory Park, also known as Tagzym Square. Here, silence speaks louder than words. A memorial honors those who fell in the World War II. Nearby, obelisks pay tribute to the victims of the Afghan War, the Chernobyl disaster, nuclear testing at Semipalatinsk Test Site, and the December 1986 protests.
Across from the Old Bazaar lies Korkyt Ata Park, centered around a monument to the legendary Turkic philosopher, storyteller, and musician. Korkyt Ata sits astride a camel, holding a kobyz (an ancient bowed string instrument that he invented, according to a legend). Korkyt Ata is a semi-legendary figure believed to have been born along the Syrdarya River. He is revered in the region as one of the founders of Kazakh music. In fact, just a couple of hours’ drive from Kyzylorda, you can visit the grand Korkyt Ata Memorial Complex – a journey well worth taking.
Museums, Theaters, and Philharmonic Halls
Kyzylorda isn’t just a city of monuments and parks. It’s a place where culture breathes, sings, and speaks. Here, art comes alive on stage, resonates in the strings of the kobyz, and whispers through the quiet voices of museum exhibits.
Start your cultural journey at the Kyzylorda Regional History Museum (2a Auezov Street), which is housed in a former 19th-century Orthodox church. Inside, the past comes vividly to life: a reconstructed Scythian warrior from ancient Chirik-Rabat, the regal attire of a Syganak princess, and artifacts that the steppe has guarded for centuries.
A short walk from Central Square brings you to the Kazakh Musical Drama Theater (44a Aiteke Bi Street). This is a late Soviet constructivist building, accented with national motifs. There, actors don’t just perform, they embody their roles, leaving audiences moved and transformed.
In Kyzylorda, music is more than art, it’s part of the city’s DNA. This is the land that gave birth to legendary songs and masters of Kazakh musical tradition. The Philharmonic Hall offers residents and guests a rich concert program featuring Kazakh and international music where the dombra meets the piano. Today, the Philharmonic welcomes visitors in its new home at the Palace of Arts (10a Sultan Beybars Street).
The former building of the Philharmonic on Auelbekov Street hasn't gone quiet. It now houses the Jastar Youth Theater, where the stage is alive with fresh, bold, ironic, and honest performances.
Not far from Korkyt Ata Park stands the A. Tokmagambetov Culture House (21 Kazybek Bi Street) – a graceful building with arches and columns, home to concerts, festivals, and exhibitions.
Few people know that Kyzylorda was the birthplace of professional painting in Kazakhstan. In 1926, while still the young capital of the Kazakh ASSR, the city hosted the country’s first art exhibition. Just two years later, the first traveling exhibition was launched – a cultural breakthrough that planted the seeds of a national art movement. To see that legacy in motion, visit the S. Aitbayev Art Gallery (2/1 Isa Toktybayev St.), near Korkyt Ata Park. It showcases works by artists from the Aral Sea region and offers a perfect pause after a walk in the park.
And if you’re just passing through Kyzylorda with an hour to spare, skip the waiting room. Right near the Railway station, you’ll find the Akmeshit Museum. Step inside to explore the city’s story. From household items and personal artifacts to documents marking the Soviet era, the museum captures the everyday heartbeat and dramatic turns of Kyzylorda’s past.
Sports and Entertainment Facilities
The beating heart of Kyzylorda’s sports scene is the Gani Muratbayev Stadium (3a Gani Muratbayev St.). It’s home to the city’s beloved football club, Kaisar. Built in 1969, this stadium has seen decades of passion, roaring fans, and unforgettable matches.
Just a short walk away is the Muz Aydyny Sports Complex (59 Demesinov Street). Thanks to artificial ice, skating is a year-round joy. The complex also hosts figure skating, hockey, martial arts, dance, and rhythmic gymnastics competitions.
Right across the street is Eurasia (1a Yesenov Street), another sports center with a large swimming pool.
And when summer calls, answer it at Aray Water Park (104 k1 Aubakirov St.). With its slides, indoor and outdoor pools, splashing water, and bursts of laughter, it’s the city’s go-to for sunny-day fun. You can also unwind in the nearby amusement park or indulge in a spa session.
Mosques and Churches
The spiritual heart of the region is the Akmeshit-Syrdarya Mosque (14 Sultan Beibars St.). It’s a striking example of Islamic architecture and one of the most beautiful mosques in southern Kazakhstan. With its snow-white walls, four elegant minarets, turquoise dome, and arched windows, the mosque radiates harmony and grandeur. At night, when the lights illuminate its silhouette, it seems to float above the city in a serene glow.
For a deeper connection to the past, visit the Aitbay Mosque (14/1 Satpayev St.) – the oldest in Kyzylorda. It was built in 1878 through the efforts and donations of local townspeople, with support from Bukhara merchant Aitbay Baltabayev. Although the minaret was added later in the 1980s, the building still carries the soul of its era.
The Church of Our Lady of Kazan (1a/1 Isa Toktybaev St.) is the city’s only Orthodox church. It’s built in the late 19th century in the Byzantine style. This church is a symbol of the city’s long-standing cultural crossroads, where traditions and faiths have met for generations.
Shopping Malls and Bazaars
Aray City Mall (13a N. Nazarbayev Avenue) is the heart of shopping and entertainment in Kyzylorda. It features many boutiques, cinema, food court, and dedicated children’s area. Whether you're browsing or taking a break, this mall has it all.
Just a short walk from Central Square, you’ll find the Jibek Joly Shopping Center (1 Jankozha Batyr St.). It’s a convenient stop for a leisurely shopping experience, with easy access to the city’s top attractions.
For a true taste of the bustling bazaar atmosphere, head to Sybaga Market (the Old Bazaar), located between Korkyt Ata Park and the Church of Our Lady of Kazan. The market's pavilions offer everything from clothing and textiles to dishware and trinkets. Surrounding the market are smaller shopping centers where you can pick up anything from spices to the latest electronics.
If you're in the mood for something a little more modern, check out the New Bazaar at the intersection of Korkyt Ata and Mustafa Shokai streets. It’s a vibrant spot with a contemporary vibe, blending old and new in perfect harmony.
Monuments
We've already mentioned several notable tributes, such as the statues of Batyrkhan Shukenov, Roza Baglanova, and Korkyt Ata. But the city is home to many more monuments that honor those who left an indelible mark on its past.
One such monument is to Jankoja Batyr, a national hero who led uprisings against the Khiva, Kokand, and Russian forces. It stands proudly at the train station exit.
Opposite the Akmeshit-Syrdarya Mosque, you’ll find a monument to Jalantos Bahadur. This wise commander, warrior, and emir of Samarkand defended Kazakh lands from the Dzungars and Iranians.
The Syr Ana Monument, a 40-meter stele located near the Syrdarya River embankment, represents a woman in national costume and symbolizes maternal care and the unity of the peoples in the region. It’s a monument to the strength and nurturing spirit of the land.
Near the Aitbay Mosque, stands the statue of Kobylandy Batyr. Known for his legendary exploits, Kobylandy is a symbol of bravery and honor.
Directly across from the Church of Our Lady of Kazan, you’ll find the Monument to the Bolshevik Partisans. This tribute honors those who fought against the White Movement during the Russian Civil War, a conflict that ultimately led to the formation of the Soviet Union.
Kyzylorda is a city that speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression. Every monument, park, and museum here serves as a reminder that traditions and history stay alive, preserved through appreciation and remembrance. So, come stroll along the serene Syrdarya embankment, breathe in the aroma of hot samsa from the bazaar, and listen to the whispers of the soul of the Aral Sea region.
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Embark on a 9-day off-road expedition to the northern reaches of Kazakhstan’s Aral Sea. Discover hidden, untouristed gems, traverse long routes, camp under the stars, and embrace the rugged beauty of salt flats and dusty trails.