What are the best ways to get around Kazan?

We found that walking and taking taxis were the best ways to get around the city. There are also buses and metro lines available, but they can be a bit confusing for tourists.

What are some must-see attractions in Kazan?

We visited the Kazan Kremlin, which was amazing. We also went to the Annunciation Cathedral and the Söyembikä Tower. There are many other great attractions to explore in the city.

What kind of food can I expect to find in Kazan?

The food in Kazan is a mix of Russian and Tatar cuisine. We tried some delicious local dishes like beshbarmak and plov. There are also many great restaurants serving international cuisine.

Can I use English in Kazan?

While many locals speak some English, it's not as widely spoken as in other tourist areas. However, we found that most people were friendly and willing to help us out when we needed it.

What's the weather like in Kazan?

Kazan has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. We visited in the summer and it was quite hot, but the city has many great parks and green spaces to escape the heat.

Can I book an apartment in Kazan?

Yes, we booked an apartment through a booking service and it was a great experience. The owner was very helpful and made us feel welcome.

What's the best way to get to Kazan?

We flew into Kazan Airport, which is conveniently located near the city center. There are also buses and trains available from other cities in Russia.

Can I use credit cards in Kazan?

Most restaurants and shops accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case.

Discover the Hidden Gem of Kazan, Russia

I'd been putting off visiting Kazan for a long time, especially after St. Petersburg. I thought, what's the point of going to another Russian city? But when my husband and I were planning a short vacation, I started looking for flights, and since we only had a few days, we wouldn't be able to fly far, so I began considering Kazan. The flights were pretty affordable, and I thought, why not?

Through a booking service, we found an apartment in the city center. It was a great apartment for a pretty reasonable price, especially compared to my region and Moscow. We were supposed to arrive early in the morning, before check-in, so I wrote to the owner asking if we could leave our stuff. She said it was no problem and that she'd check us in even earlier. She met us in person, made us coffee. It was really nice, unlike my experience with check-in in Moscow, which was a total nightmare.

And the apartment was just great! We often book apartments in different cities, and it's rare for the owner to meet us personally and check us in ahead of schedule.

After arriving and checking in, we went for a walk. Of course, our first stop was the Kremlin. We were there in late October, and we were surprised by how much greenery and flowers were still around, including roses! Now I want to visit during warmer weather.

The Kremlin is impressive. There were a lot of tourists, but it wasn't crowded (it was a weekday). There were also a lot of signs advertising different tours. We walked around the complex and took in the sights. The Söyembikä Tower, one of the architectural symbols of Kazan, is located on the same territory as the Kremlin.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews\ The Söyembikä Tower is surrounded by a beautiful legend. We went for a stroll with friends who live in this amazing city, and they were our guides. But in general, you can either book a guided tour or just wander around on your own.

The Kul Sharif Mosque is another must-see attraction in Kazan. I'd never been to a mosque before, so I was curious to see the interior. We'd asked our friends about the rules beforehand, and I made sure to wear a headscarf and a long skirt. Kazan has plenty of mosques, but this one's the most famous. It's impressive from the outside, and even more so from the inside.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews\ Inside, it's bright and quiet, with the sound of prayers in the background. There's a model of the mosque in the center, and we took the elevator to the top for a great view.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews\ We only visited the Blagoveshchensky Cathedral in the Kremlin. There were hardly any people inside, probably because it was a weekday during the off-season.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews Old Tatar Sloboda is a charming street in the heart of the city, lined with restored homes that are just a joy to explore. The pedestrian-only street is filled with two-story houses that are bright, colorful, and utterly charming. It's a delight to wander along and take in the sights.

One of the things I loved about this area is the abundance of shops selling local souvenirs - you'll find all sorts of traditional treats and trinkets. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat. It's definitely a popular tourist spot, and for good reason.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews My favorite part of the day was stumbling upon a cafe serving traditional Tatar cuisine - it was a real highlight of my trip.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews The Palace of Farmers is one of the most impressive sights in the city, and it's even more breathtaking at night when it's lit up. The Ministry of Agriculture is based here, and the building's sheer scale is awe-inspiring during the day. But come evening, the lighting really makes it stand out, and you'll often see people posing for photos in front of it.

One of the things that really caught my eye was the massive archway that's been built into the side of the building - it's a truly impressive sight, and the tree that's been planted inside it adds a touch of natural beauty to the scene.

<\/a> Volga reviews We took a fishing trip on the Volga, which was a really unique experience. We were greeted by an amazing guy who's been living near the Volga his whole life and knows it like the back of his hand. He had this super cool boat with all sorts of fishing gear. We didn't catch anything, but we really tried our best. Still, we got to see the Volga in all its glory, and it's truly breathtaking.

<\/a> Volga reviews We walked around most of Kazan on foot, and it turned out to be a really beautiful evening stroll. Most of the buildings were lit up beautifully. It was a bit chilly, so we ducked into a coffee shop a few times to warm up and grab a cup of coffee.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews The evening embankment is just stunning. We walked along it on a drizzly evening, and the way the lights reflected off the puddles created this amazing glow tunnel effect.

It's pretty quiet there this time of year, and there aren't many shops around.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews Visiting the M. Jalil Opera and Ballet Theatre was another highlight of our trip. We went to see a ballet performance, which was incredible! The building itself is a work of art, and I highly recommend visiting – just be sure to book your tickets well in advance.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews I'm a big fan of getting to know a city by walking around it. The thought of Kazan's sweet summer scents is amazing, especially when I saw so many flowers still blooming in late autumn - roses, hydrangeas, and petunias.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews Some people compare Kazan to Moscow, while others say it's more like St. Petersburg. In my opinion, Kazan is absolutely unique and that's what makes it so beautiful.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews It's not as big as Moscow, but that's actually a plus. And unlike the capital, Kazan doesn't exhaust you physically.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews We only spent 5 days in Kazan, but each day was packed with activities. And the best part? We didn't feel as drained as we would have been in Moscow after the same amount of time.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews Cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops are everywhere, catering to all budgets. I saw at least a few Turkish coffee shops (wish I'd stopped by, though). I was really impressed by "Tomorrow's", or this not-cheap but super stylish restaurant with its own garden.

We're probably not picky eaters, but everything tastes amazing. There are loads of places serving Tatar food, and it's all delicious and filling.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews I'm obsessed with chak-chak, and we bought a ton of it. Chak-chak is everywhere, in different packaging. One of the best ones we tried was actually from the island.

Kazan's specialty sausages made from reindeer and duck meat (we got the duck one) are a bit too fatty and salty, but they're definitely interesting.

I'm also really into the rose tea from Tatarstan - it's got this amazing aroma and flavor, especially when it's chilly outside.

The chocolate with Kazan landmarks is actually pretty good too.

We also picked up a Tatar herbal balm for my mother-in-law, and she swears it helps her recover from illnesses in no time. She drinks it as soon as she feels something coming on, and by the next day, she's back to normal. I wish I'd bought two bottles, to be honest.

<\/a> Kazan Reviews I really loved Kazan. It's a unique, beautiful, cozy, and welcoming place with a great value for money.

We'll definitely be back.

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