For many Kazan is known as Russia’s third capital, and it truly has a lot to offer. From visiting its imposing Kremlin, walking along the Volga River and the Kazanka, to admiring the disparate architectural styles that adorn this unique city. Read on to find out all there is to see and do in Kazan.
Things to do in Kazan Russia
Kazan offers a different type of charm than Moscow or St Petersburg. This third capital is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Russia and has been a World Heritage Site for more than 20 years.
As the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazaqn has unique features that no other city in the country has, such as a mosque inside its Kremlin, the Qol Šärif Mosque.
In the list below you will be able to discover everything there is to see in Kazan.
Kazan Kremlin and Qol Šärif mosque
It goes without saying that the Kremlin is an obligatory stop on your tour of the city of Kazan.
Built centuries ago in the time of Ivan the Terrible, this walled fortress is the main medieval citadel that is part of the city’s historical heritage.
Such buildings can be found in other Russian cities, but the special feature of the Kazan Kremlin is the existence of the Qol Šärif Mosque inside, a beautiful mosque that once held the title of being the largest mosque on the continent (excluding Istanbul) and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000.
Just a few metres from the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, inside the Kremlin walls you will also find the Annunciation Cathedral, an orthodox cathedral that is well worth a visit.
The Presidential Palace, as well as the various museums inside the fortress, certainly deserve a mention. This enclave is a must on your list of things to see in Kazan.
Kazan’s historic centre: St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral and other monuments
Kazan is a visual spectacle that will make you want to stay longer, and its historic centre is largely to blame.
This collection of different coloured streets is home to many of Kazan’s most important monuments, such as the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul.
It was built in the 16th century and is one of the city’s most iconic churches. Many great historical figures have admired the beautiful Russian Baroque design.
You can also admire the building of the Volga General University, a sober 19th century building with a striking white and unpolluted appearance.
Finally, if you want to visit a library in a unique setting, the National Library of the Republic of Tatarstan is located inside the neoclassical palace known as the Ushkov House.
Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.
Bauman Street: a must-see street in Kazan
If there is one street worth a visit in Kazan, it is Bauman Street. Named after a Russian revolutionary named Nikolay Bauman, it is the centre of life in the city.
Here you will find all kinds of restaurants, museums and churches, one of the most representative being the Church of the Epiphany, which is located at the end of the street.
The street connects two important points of the city: the Kremlin and Tukay Square. At the beginning of the street (near the Kremlin) is St. Nicholas Cathedral, which dates back to the 17th century and is an essential stop on the tour.
Another curious feature: you might feel as though you were walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as this street is lined with a series of stars commemorating the most important Tatar celebrities.
Whether you want to enjoy the most impressive show of religion or simply get lost in the heart of the city, Bauman Street is one of the things you have to see in Kazan.
The Volga River, the Kazanka and the Kazan Beaches
Naturally, the Volga and Kazanka rivers are part of Kazan’s identity, as are the city’s beaches.
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a stroll along the river and various canals, or go to one of the beaches close to the city.
One of the most famous is Riv’yera beach, where you can not only swim but also go to the water park and other attractions, making it a very attractive location for the summer.
If you feel like simply taking a stroll along the canal routes and seeing the different lakes, a very good activity is renting a bicycle, which will also allow you to pass the different sites of Kazan.
The Temple of all religions
The image of this religious building is something that captures the attention of anyone who passes by, and this is only natural.
The Temple of All Religions is another unique building that is part of the city’s cultural richness and is a must-see in Kazan.
A mosque, a synagogue and an orthodox church, along with other buildings of cultural interest, make up this temple, each of its domes representing one of the world’s religions.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do in and around Kazan
Bolgar
About 200 kilometres south of Kazan is the town of Bolgar.
Bolgar was the capital of ancient Volga Bulgaria, a city that became the economic, cultural and political centre of the region.
Bolgar’s main tourist attraction is its famous White Mosque, a mosque that resembles the Taj Mahal and will enchant you with its snow-like façade.
You can also see an enclave of great interest to archaeologists from all over the world, due to the ruins found in the city.
Trains to Bolgar take around 3 hours and cost around €30, although you can always hire a private car.
Moscow, the capital of Russia
The heart of Russia. If you are on a trip to Kazan, we can’t recommend a trip to the capital enough. We know you will love it.
Moscow is a cosmopolitan and modern city, rich in history, culture, architecture and gastronomy. It is a city full of surprises and makes you want to go back.
If you’ve enjoyed the spectacular sights of Kazan, Moscow is by no means far behind and will amaze you with all the superb buildings it has to offer.
Despite its climate, with long, harsh winters averaging -12 degrees Celsius and short, mild summers, Moscow has a long list of attractions.
One of the best ways to get there is by train, because although the journey takes 11 hours, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery along the way. The quickest option is by plane, which takes about 5 hours.
Find out more in our post Things to do and see in Moscow.
What to see and do in Kazan in 2 days
First day
- Kazan Kremlin and Qol Šärif Mosque
- Bauman Street
- Kazan Old Town
Second day
- Walk along the Volga and Kazanka rivers
- Temple of all religions
Where to stay in Kazan Russia?
Accommodation will not be a problem in Kazan, as it is a city with plenty of accommodation options.
Here are some of the options to make your search for accommodation much easier:
- Grand Hotel Kazan: One of the most complete hotels in Kazan and right in the centre of the city. It has all kinds of facilities and the rooms are very comfortable. The price is around 57€ per night.
- Clever House Apartments: Exceptionally located, these flats are a very good option. The price is around 40€ per night.
In addition to these options, you can find many privately run flats for around €20 per night.
Where to eat in Kazan Russia?
Russia’s cuisine is definitely something you have to enjoy on your trip to Kazan.
In this short list we present some options so that you can organise your meals and not miss out on anything:
- BazaWinline: This modern restaurant with spectacular decoration is a very good option if you want to enjoy Russian gastronomy, but you can also enjoy other types of food. The price is around 20€ per head.
- Dobraya Stolovaya: An option for a quick, unpretentious but delicious meal. The price is unbeatable (you can eat for less than 10€ per head) and the location is very central.
And if you want to enjoy local sweets and good coffee, Café Blinnaya Maslenita and Hanuma City Cafe are great options.
How to get to Kazan Russia?
The easiest way to get there from Spain is by plane, but bear in mind that you will usually have to make a stopover in Moscow or even Istanbul.
You canfly from the main cities in Spain and the cost of flights varies depending on the time of the year.
Another popular option is the train, as it is cheaper (around €40).
Tips for your trip to Kazan Russia
- The currency in Russia is the rouble (1 rouble = €0.012) so remember to change your money in advance.
- Always carry some cash, as not all shops accept credit cards.
- To travel from Spain you need to apply for a visa.
- To get a visa you need to take out travel insurance.
- If you want to avoid the cold, but also large crowds of tourists, travel in May and September.
- Take some warm clothes even in summer and an umbrella at all times of the year.
- If you’re travelling in winter, don’t forget to pack warm clothes. Temperatures can easily drop to -10°C and can go as low as -20°C.
How to organise what to do in Kazan
Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its useful features.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of every place you’ve visited to the app and recommend to other travellers all there is to see in Kazan, Russia.
If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
FAQs about a trip to Kazan
Ordinary visa: €60 issued in 10 days.
Express visa: €115, issued in 3 days.
Kazan is one of the safest cities in Russia and its status as a multicultural city and the hospitality of its people makes this clear. There is plenty of security on the streets, so you shouldn’t worry.
As is the case in capital cities and cities with large numbers of tourists, you will be able to communicate in English with ease in most places you visit.
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