Kazan is the capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan and has many cultural sites,
beautiful and ancient ruins along with magnificent religious monuments. So many
places here spread across the city makes it worth visiting and spending a few days for
the same.

Along with many interesting places to visit, there are so many exciting things to do in
Kazan. So for your next trip to Russia, must visit Kazan and while visiting, we have
compiled a list of 12 Best Things to Do in Kazan:

#1 Visit Hermitage Kazan Centre

For art lovers, this place is going to be such a beautiful treat! The Heritage Museum is
said to be the Sibling Museum of St. Petersburg as it contains a huge collection of
various arts and antiquities in it. Main attraction about the museum includes Russian Arts
and International Art from across various periods and artists. The main architectural
building was established during 19th century and stands still majestically showing off
many of unique arts and cultural items stored in it. The setup of the museum is based in
a former junker school here.

#2 Visit Kremlin: The Most Popular One

If you have visited Russia before, you might already know that each of the major cities
of Russia contains “Kremlin.” It usually means a complex containing many religious,
military, government buildings and monuments all inside a single walled complex.
Kremlin literally converts into “Citadel.” In Kazan, the “Kazan Kremlin” has a beautifully
built mosque along with many other monuments in the surrounding area. Whenever
you visit any major city in Russia, must look for Kremlin and visit it to know more about
the city itself and its history. Furthermore, Kremlin happens to be listed in the UNESCO’s
World Heritage Site list.

#3 The Temple of All Religions

Since over a millennium Muslims and Christians have lived in Kazan peacefully which is
the best thing about this place across Russia. One of many reasons is that, Kazan has
the Temple of All Religions and lets various religions’ locals pray together. Praying
together is something everyone wants and that is what binds locals together. The
Temple of All Religions is located little outside the Kazan’s City Center. It is build with so
many things kept in mind as it is supposed to represent many religions. It features
multiple architectural styles to fulfill the aim of the purpose itself.

#4 Kul Sharif Mosque

Kul Sharif Mosque happens to be one of the largest mosques across Russia and Europe.
The mosque was completed around 2005 on the 1000th birthday of the city. This mosque
might also be one of the most attractive and beautiful buildings throughout the city.
Bright colors on the outside structure make it visible from quite the distance across the
city area. Not only from outside but also the insides of this place are even more
impressive and eye catchy. Whenever you visit Kazan, must visit Kul Sharif Mosque.

#5 Explore Localities in the City

Bauman Street is quite popular amongst tourists as well as locals. Through it is Pedestrian
Street; it is quite busy and attracts almost everyone. There are many cafes, local stalls
from where you can purchase souvenirs and more items. You might also get to see and
enjoy some of the street performers here entertaining everyone. The street also holds
many night clubs, restaurants and bars. Even if you are looking forward to enjoy your
evening or late night, this street would be perfect for it. You will also find some of the
popular tourist destinations of Kazan on this street, such as iconic bell tower, Cat Kazan
monument and more.

#6 Tatar Food

Foodies will find most amazing food delicacies in Kazan. One of these would be Tatar
food which from Tatarstan and its local dishes. Many local food items have Russian and
Eastern cuisine fusion and tastes even better. You will find soups, dairy items, beets, and
many more unique local dishes to taste while you are in Kazan. Other favorite items
include Turkish style pastries, some dishes with sesame mixed into it etc. During local
festivals and celebrations, locals serve Chak-Chak which is honey baked balls of dough.
Be sure to taste and enjoy Chak-Chak!

#7 Syuyumbike Tower

Do you happen to know the story behind the Syuyumbike Tower? Well, here it is. Ivan
the Terrible wanted to marry Princess Syuyumbike and hence he seized the city. She
wasn’t so happy with this idea and that is why she demanded that she will be
impressed only if he builds highest building than any other monument in the city. He
obviously agreed and later on when he built the tower, Princess went up the tower and
flung off! Well, that’s all there is, a story. It is believed that the tower was built during 17th
or 18th century and later on building shaped wedding cakes became popular.

#8 Soviet Lifestyle Museum

The Soviet lifestyle museum is based in a former communal apartment building. It has
items collected from 1930s to 1990s and most of the items are from music and arts field.
Amazing thing about this museum is that visitors can dress up and take a tour of the
museum. Yes! You heard it right. Visitors are welcome to dress as their favorite musical or
any of their choice’ attire and spend happy hours here!

#9 Kazan Arena

You might already know that the city hosted 2018 FIFA World Cup, which turned out to
be one of the most popular world cups ever! Since that time, the Kazan arena has
received immense recognition for many tourist sports. It was designed by the
international architectural firm and was completed by 2013. Since the establishment,
the Kazan Arena has hosted many international matches and competitions. The Kazan
Arena can hold up to 45,000 people and many quarter-final games from 2018 World
Cup were held here.

#10 Kremlyovskaya Street

Just like Bauman Street, the Kremlyovskaya street also happens to be popular amongst
tourists. It is located just next to the Bauman street and leads all the way up towards the
Spasskaya Tower. It is also the main entrance to Kremlin from this street. There are many
beautiful architectural buildings located on this street. There is Ushkova House,
Aleksandrovsky Passage, The National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan and many
more. The street also leads you down towards St. Peter and Paul Cathedral which are
famous churches here.

#11 Attend Local Festivals

If you are lucky enough, you will get to attend some of the local events and festivals
hold nearby you. Just like any other Russian city, Kazan also holds variety of festivals for
locals as well as for tourists throughout the year. Some of these festivals are even
international ones. During February and August, there is Opera and Jazz roll being
organized by the city. Every September month, there is a high profile festival for Muslim
cinema from across the world.

#12 Riverboat Ride

For summer, enjoying a riverboat ride would surely make your morning or evening in the
Kazan. There are many boat services which lets you explore the Volga river through the
Kazan city itself and enjoy the beautiful scenery nearby. You will find many boat rides,
but be aware; some of them are water buses and not the tourist pleasure rides. During
rush timings, you will find crowds for boat rides. To avoid such crowded timings,
schedule your boat ride accordingly and enjoy!