Kazan is called the third capital of Russia. And indeed it is! Modern Kazan is a mixture of cultures and traditions of different peoples, religions and mentalities. The history of the city goes back over a thousand years. What to see in Kazan today? It is recommended to start exploring the city with a trip to the Kazanka embankment.
An amazing panorama opens from here. On one bank stands the ancient Kremlin proudly. On the other side, modern skyscrapers huddle together. In the city, no one is surprised by the neighborhood of Orthodox churches and Muslim mosques. Representatives of various faiths mix in the crowd of local residents. Noisy motorcycles, sluggish carriages and rattling trams divide the roadway.
Transportation
Independent travelers often ask questions: "How to get there and what to see in Kazan?" Let's start answering in order. You can arrive in the city by train, plane or ferry. The runways of the international airport daily receive flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don and otherssettlements in Russia, as well as from foreign countries.
The local railway station serves dozens of long-distance trains. The Volga provides water communication of the metropolis with other centers of river navigation. The highway leading to the city is wide and flat. It boasts a developed infrastructure. It offers independent travelers gas stations, cafes and roadside shops, places for recreation.
Quarters
Before you determine the list of what to see in Kazan, you need to mark the boundaries of the districts of the municipality. So, the length of the city is thirty kilometers. The metropolis consists of seven districts. Experienced tourists recommend paying attention to the following quarters:
- Vakhitovsky.
- Kirovskiy.
- Novo-Savinsky.
- Moscow.
- Privolzhsky.
Vakhitovsky
This area is separated from the center of Kazan by the riverbed, across which the famous Millennium Bridge is thrown. It is believed that the lion's share of attractions is concentrated on the territory of Vakhitovsky. So, if time is running out, and you want to get to know the metropolis better, feel free to choose a hotel located in this part of the city.
What to see in Kazan, once in the Vakhitovsky district? Here is just a short list of interesting and popular attractions for travelers:
- Kazan Kremlin.
- City Theatre.
- Local History Museum.
- Peterburgskaya street (pedestrian).
- Kazan Posad.
- Old Tatar Sloboda.
- River Station.
- Peter and Paul Cathedral.
As for hotels, this part of the city is dominated by luxury hotels. The cost of living in them is high. But if you search, you can find budget options. Hostels and private hotels are concentrated near the buildings of higher educational institutions, railway and river stations.
Hotel staff will not only give you a warm welcome, but will also be happy to tell you what to see in Kazan for an independent tourist. Local information centers have maps of the city. Sale of tickets to museums, theaters and concerts with discounts. Sometimes there are advertisements for renting apartments and rooms.
Kirovskiy
Another urban area popular with travelers. It is located in the northwest of the municipality. Since ancient times, this quarter has been called Zarechye. It is quite large and green. Dive into parks and squares. It is easy to breathe here, and the nights are quiet and calm.
But what can you see in Kazan, being in the Kirovsky district? His calling card is the floodplain of the Volga. From here you have a beautiful view of the historical part of the city. There are few hotels in this part of Kazan, but they do exist. The cost of living in them is low.
Novo-Savinsky
This urban area is an area that belongs to modern skyscrapers. It is the economic centerKazan. In it, high-rise skyscrapers and sleeping quarters coexist side by side. Tower cranes are visible everywhere. Construction does not end even after sunset. Powerful floodlights will turn on at the venues.
There are also important sports facilities that take part in international tournaments and championships. Luxurious residential complexes rise proudly.
But what to see in Kazan in 2 days, being in the Novo-Savinsky district? Firstly, the Kazan Arena is of great interest. This sports center was built on the eve of the Universiade, which took place in Tatarstan in 2013. Next to it is the Palace of Underwater Sports. A little further away you can see the Tatneft-Arena, and behind it the Ak Bars Martial Arts Palace.
Secondly, the Riviera water park is located in the Novo-Savinsky district, which regularly becomes the best water entertainment complex in Russia. Rumor has it that a new business center, Millennium Zilant City, will be opening in this part of the city very soon.
Moscow
What to see in Kazan on your own in the Moscow region? There is practically no entertainment in this part of the city. But there are plenty of shopping galleries and shops. They feature collections of clothing, watches and accessories from all the world's leading brands.
During the sales season, discounts reach 70%. There is also an amusement park "Kyrlay". It is famous for its mass of rides and the Ferris wheel, which is fifty-five meters high.
Hotels in this part of the city are much more modest than hotels concentrated nearattractions. The cost of renting an apartment is also low. The area has a developed transport infrastructure, so it can be considered as a place of residence. So, if you have not finally decided what to see in Kazan, the sights of the city are ten minutes away by car, you can safely choose the Moskovsky district.
Privolzhsky
The quarters of this part of the city were built specifically to receive and accommodate guests and athletes of the Universiade, which took place in 2013. In Privolzhsky there are residential buildings of the village, shopping and entertainment centers, cafes and restaurants. Everything is new and modern. The exhibition center "Kazanskaya Yarmarka" rises right there.
From here to the international airport is within easy reach. The choice of hotels is huge. Hotels in the Volga region for every taste and budget. There are luxurious apartments for the discerning public and modest full-service hostels.
Kazan Kremlin
The main attraction of Kazan is located in the historical center of the city. This colossal architectural ensemble, which is a reflection of the mixing of the traditions of Russian and Tatar architects. The Kazan Kremlin occupies an area of more than one and a half square kilometers.
The complex consists of a number of structures for various purposes:
- Kul-Sharif Mosque.
- Eight towers.
- Cannon yard.
- Annunciation Cathedral.
- Junker School.
- Places of presence.
- Savior Transfiguration Monastery.
Frommodern buildings that are located on the lands of the Kazan Kremlin, we can distinguish the Museum of Natural History, the Hermitage-Kazan, the WWII memorial, the Museum of Islam. The architectural complex rises on the right bank of the Volga.
Next to it there are public transport stops TSUM, "Bauman Street", "Central Stadium", "Sports Palace". Buses No. 6, 15, 29, 35, 37, 47 run past the Kremlin. Trolleybuses No. 1, 4, 10, 17, 18 run past the Kremlin. The nearest metro station is "Kremlevskaya". No tickets are required to enter the complex.
Annunciation Cathedral
The monastery yard is part of a single architectural ensemble of the Kazan Kremlin. It is considered the oldest building in the complex. The date of construction of the Annunciation Cathedral is considered to be the 16th century.
The walls of the church contain a unique collection of icons and manuscripts. The monastery courtyard is in charge of the ruins of pavements, buildings made of stone and wood, the Consistory and the Bishop's House.
Winter in Kazan
Sightseeing of the third capital of Russia is usually planned for the summer months. But what to see in Kazan in winter? This question is often asked by tourists to local residents. In their opinion, the rating of winter entertainments in Kazan is headed by the trip to the Kazan Riviera water park. On the territory of the water amusement park there are fifteen attractions for children and adults, steam rooms and baths, saunas and a hammam, a solarium.
It offers visitors a full-size outdoor pool "European". It works all year round. Nearby is a spacious sports center with aerobic andstrength trainers. The open-air arena invites residents of Kazan and guests of the city to skate to their heart's content. The area of ice is forty square meters. The club "Hermitage" is considered the leader of night entertainment.
To the question: "What to see in Kazan in winter?" locals respond with a recommendation to visit the Tugan Avalym restaurant entertainment complex. It is a real village with streets and wooden huts. Log bridges are thrown between squat houses, fountains beat.
At the disposal of the guests of the "Native Village" tables for playing Russian and American billiards, bowling, pancake, food court, disco with karaoke, children's animation. A special menu for kids has been developed. In January, an ice slide is poured on the street near the Tugan Avalym complex. There is a rental of inflatable "cheesecakes".
Still haven't decided what to see in Kazan in winter in 2 days? Plan a trip to the Kazan National Cultural Center. You can wander through the labyrinths of its galleries for hours. This is a complex that consists of several museums, a concert hall, an interactive exhibition and dozens of expositions at once.
Kazan's list of events includes performances by popular Russian actors and musicians. Politicians and artists come here. Important educational meetings are being held.
Fans of the gastronomic traditions of Tatarstan are advised to spend time in the Horriyat cafe. It is famous for its amazingly delicious tutyrma. Its chefs prepare fragrant stuffed goose, the recipe of which is kept secret. Continue youra gastronomic journey is possible in the House of Tatar Cuisine. Its assortment includes the most popular sweets and pastries:
- echpochmaki;
- belyashi;
- pancakes;
- chak-chak.
Waiters serve wine and jazz music plays in the evening. This is a stylish and trendy place in Kazan where locals bring their guests.
Hotels
To help independent travelers, experienced tourists have compiled a list of the most popular hotels in Kazan:
- Centre Hotel Kazan Kremlin.
- "Crystal".
- Tatar Inn.
- Seating Yard.
- "New".
- Park Inn by Radisson Kazan.
- Ibis Kazan.
- Timerkhan.
- "Art".
- Bon Ami.
- Kremlin.
- Mirage.
- "Luciano".
- Jazz Crossing.
- Hostel on Gorky.
- Crown.
- Riviera.
- "Maxim Gorky".
- Ramada Kazan City Center.
- "Mansion on Teatralnaya".
- Tatarstan.
Where to eat
Dozens of cafes and canteens of the city invite you to have a tasty and inexpensive meal. The following objects received the best ratings from visitors:
- "Sea buckthorn".
- "Good canteen".
- Tea House.
- Chuck-Chuck.
- Medina.
- "Shrovetide".
- Roof Cocktail Bar.
- Korzhik.
- Grillwood.
- Gyros.
- Old Barn.
- "Alan Ash".
- Agafredo.
- "Heat Fresh".
