In order to fully enjoy and feel the beauty of the parks and picturesque corners of the city, as well as to feel its atmosphere as a whole, it is best to choose the summer months for visiting. At this time, the weather is most favorable for excursions and hiking in the most popular places in the city.
Where can I relax in Kazan in the summer? During this period, the city hosts many cultural events. Of particular note is the wonderful Sabantuy national festival, the Great Bulgar festival and the festival of colors. In summer, life in the city is in full swing, but this does not mean that it is boring here at other times of the year.
Location and significance
The capital of Tatarstan, located on the left bank of the Volga - in the place where the Kazanka waters flow into it, is located at a distance of 797 kilometers from Moscow.
Since ancient times, Kazan is the most important city acting as an intermediary in trade between the West and the East. It also makes a significant contribution to the Russian economy, and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage cities.
City features
Before we decide where in Kazan to relax and have a great time so that only the most pleasant impressions remain about him, we will provide some information about him. The so-called "third capital of Russia", which recently celebrated its millennium, is both archaic and modern. In the capital of Tatarstan, as in a huge cauldron (by the way, the word "cauldron" in translation from Tatar means "cauldron"), the cultures of West and East, history, religion and mentality were mixed. For example, on the territory of one bank of the Kazanka there was an old Kremlin (XII century), and modern skyscrapers were located on the other.
Side by side, Orthodox churches and mosques coexist here. In the metro and in public transport, announcements and names of stops sound in three languages (Tatar, Russian and English). There are a lot of such examples.
The following are the most interesting places in Kazan, where you can relax with children.
City districts and attractions
The city consists of seven administrative districts, each of which has its own history and attractions.
1. Vakhitovsky district - in fact, is the old city of Kazan. This is the most tourist center of Kazan, where you can relax quite inexpensively and with benefit in terms of obtaining historical information. The main attractions: the Kazan Kremlin, the Old Tatar settlement, the Bauman pedestrian street, theaters, mosques, temples, monuments, squares, parks (including the M. Gorky Park with a singing colored fountain), etc.
2. Novo-Savinovsky - this is the second district of Kazan in terms of tourist importance. Most of it lies along the banks of the Kazanka. The Riviera Hotel is the tallest building in the district.
Significant places, including those where you can relax in Kazan with your children:
- Water Park "Riviera" - the largest water park in the country, full of numerous attractions.
- Victory Memorial Park is a vacation spot, which is one of the favorite among citizens. Here you can ride bicycles and roller skates, watch military equipment, ride a pond on boats and sit in one of the summer cafes.
- Sports facilities: Kazan-arena, 2013 Universiade facilities, water sports facilities.
- Family Center "Kazan" in the form of a bowl with an observation deck and a park area. It offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Kremlin and the entire historical part of the city.
- Beautiful promenade of the Kazanka River.
3. The Volga region is the largest sleeping area in Kazan. On its territory is located the Kazan Fair (a large exhibition complex where exhibitions of various kinds are held, both specialized and universal). There is also a multimedia park "Russia - My History".
4. Kirovsky district is the greenest region. The largest urban forest park Lebyazhye is located here, as well as many historical and cultural monuments.
Area Attractions:
- Holy Assumption Cathedral - the oldest monastery in the Volga region, founded in 1552 by Ivan IV the Terrible.
- Temple of all religions.
- Spider Web Park (rope) and Kirlay Amusement Park.
5. Aircraft manufacturing, Soviet and Moscow - these are areas where residential complexes are adjacent to industrial enterprises, but in them it is quite possible to find classes in accordance with interests.
For example, in the Sovetsky district, in addition to large shopping malls (including IKEA), there is a huge Hippodrome, where you can attend horse racing events and also ride horses.
A bit about summer walks in the historic city center
This is one of the places where in Kazan you can inexpensively relax with the whole family with children. The center of Kazan is a solid landmark where you can see everything, walking calmly on foot. Walking along Bauman Street (local Arbat) will allow you to listen to street artists, see paintings by local artists, and also sit in one of the many cozy cafes located almost at every step. Here you can also try local culinary dishes at the Tatar Cuisine House and other similar establishments.
The famous Kazan Kremlin can be approached from all sides of the city and from the side of Bauman Street. On the territory of the fortress is the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Islam, the Great Patriotic War Memorial, the Kazan Khans Mausoleum, cathedrals, the Hermitage-Kazan gallery, the famous Syuyumbike tower, Kul-Sharif - the main mosque of Tatarstan. Nearby is the area of the 1000th anniversary of the circus and the unique modern entertainment complex "Pyramid".
Raifa Monastery and Blue Lake
Tourists visiting Tatarstan should definitely take a fascinating out-of-town excursion to the Raifa Monastery, which is a historical and architectural complex, in which the holy spring of Raif is located.
Not far from it is a wonderful Blue Lake, the depth of which reaches 17 meters (diameter - 30 meters). The peculiarity of this reservoir is that the water in it at the same time of the year has the same temperature - plus 4 degrees. The unique lake is so beautiful that it is a favorite vacation spot for romantics and scuba diving enthusiasts.
Where to relax with children in Kazan?
Especially popular among children are water parks (including Riviera and Barionics), zoos (including touching ones), the wonderful Ekiyat puppet theater, trampoline centers, children's parks and many others. etc. Based on the wishes of the children, parents can make their own itinerary of the city, combining children's entertainment with cultural events. For example, walking along the main pedestrian street of Bauman, you can walk to the Kremlin, simultaneously visiting the Young Spectator Theater and the circus located in the same area. Both parents and children will enjoy this kind of vacation.
Separately, it should be noted puppet theater "Ekiyat", which is one of the most significant not only in Tatarstan, but also in Russia. Even outside this charming building attracts attention. It is a fairytale castle with wonderful towers, decorative columns and other interesting details. The facade of the theater is decorated with various fairy-tale characters.
The interior is also impressive - in the lobby instead of the usual seats are royal thrones, the walls are decorated with bright chandeliers.
Amusement park "Klay"
Where to relax in Kazan in the summer? On the banks of the Kazanka River, not far from the Kremlin, there is a wonderful recreation park “Kirlay”. Numerous attractions will appeal to children and adults. The Ferris wheel offers a beautiful view of the central historical part of Kazan. The park has a cafe with a real children's menu. Adults can enjoy Armenian cuisine.
It should be noted that the park is open to visitors all year round, but in the warm season (May-November) the largest part of the attractions is open. Children's contests and prize draws are held.
Finally
Where else to relax in Kazan? Tourists may also like the main republican holiday “Sabantuy”, which takes place annually in the beautiful Birch Grove near the village of Mirny in late June.
Children can also get a lot of pleasure from this interesting and fun event (fun children's games, contests, concerts, tasty dishes, etc.).