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 has more than a thousand years. What to see in Kazan today? To begin acquaintance with the city is recommended from a trip to the embankment of Kazanka.
It offers an amazing panorama. On one side, the ancient Kremlin stands proudly. On the other side, modern skyscrapers huddle together. In the city, no one is surprised at the proximity of Orthodox churches and Muslim mosques. Representatives of various faiths are mixed in the crowd of local residents. The roadway is shared by noisy motorbikes, clumsy carriages and trams rattling with iron armor.
Transport
Independent travelers often ask themselves: “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 take flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don and other Russian settlements, as well as from foreign countries.
The local railway station serves dozens of long-distance trains. Volga provides water communication between the megalopolis and other river shipping centers. The highway leading to the city is wide and flat. It boasts a developed infrastructure. For independent travelers, there are gas stations, cafes and roadside shops, and places for recreation.
Quarters
Before you determine the list of what to see in Kazan, you need to identify the boundaries 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.
- Kirovsky.
- Novo-Savinsky.
- Moscow.
- Volga region.
Vakhitovsky
This area separates the riverbed from the center of Kazan, through which the famous Millennium Bridge is thrown . It is believed that the territory of Vakhitovsky concentrated the lion's share of attractions. So, if you are running out of time, and want to get to know the metropolis closer, 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 Theater.
- Museum of Local Lore.
- Petersburg street (pedestrian).
- Kazan Posad.
- Old Tatar settlement.
- River Station.
- Peter and Paul Cathedral.
As for hotels, in this part of the city there are mainly luxury hotels. The cost of living in them is high. But if you look, you can find budget options. Hostels and private hotels are concentrated next to the buildings of higher educational institutions, railway and river stations.
The hotel staff will not only give a warm welcome, but will also be happy to tell you what to see in Kazan for an independent tourist. Local information centers have city maps. Discounted sales of tickets to museums, theaters and concerts. Sometimes there are ads for renting apartments and rooms.
Kirovsky
Another urban area popular with travelers. It is located in the northwest of the municipality. From ancient times this quarter was called the District. It is quite large and green. Drowns in parks and squares. It is easy to breathe, and the nights are quiet and calm.
But what can you see in Kazan, once in the Kirov region? His calling card is the Volga floodplain. It offers a beautiful view of the historic city. There are few hotels in this part of Kazan, but they are. The cost of living in them is low.
Novo-Savinsky
This urban area is a territory that belongs to modern high-rises. It is the economic center of Kazan. In it, multi-story skyscrapers and sleeping quarters coexist side by side. Tower cranes can be seen everywhere. Construction does not end even after sunset. At the sites, powerful spotlights will turn on.
There are also important sports facilities that take part in international tournaments and championships. Proudly towering luxury residential complexes.
But what to see in Kazan in 2 days, once in the Novo-Savinsky district? Firstly, Kazan Arena is of great interest. This sports center was erected on the eve of the Universiade, which took place in Tatarstan in 2013. Next to it is the Palace of Underwater Sports. At a little distance one can see Tatneft-Arena, and behind it the Ak Bars Martial Arts Palace.
Secondly, in the Novo-Savinsky district there is a water park "Riviera", which regularly becomes the best water entertainment complex in Russia. Rumor has it that in this part of the city a new business center “Millennium-Zilant City” will appear 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 lots of shopping galleries and shops. They present collections of clothes, watches and accessories of all leading world brands.
In the sales season, discounts reach 70%. There is also an amusement park "Klay". It is famous for the mass of attractions and the Ferris wheel, whose height is fifty-five meters.
Hotels in this part of the city are much more modest than hotels concentrated near attractions. 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 Moscow region.
Volga
The quarters of this part of the city were built specifically for the reception and accommodation of guests and athletes of the Universiade, which took place in 2013. In the Volga region there are residential buildings of the village, shopping and entertainment centers, cafes and restaurants. Everything is new and modern. The Kazan Fair exhibition center rises immediately.
From here to the international airport is a stone's throw away. The choice of hotels is huge. Hotels in the Volga region for every taste and budget. There are luxurious apartments for the discerning audience and modest full-service hostels.
Kazan Kremlin
The main attraction of Kazan is in the historical center of the city. This colossal architectural ensemble, which is a reflection of the mixture of traditions of Russian and Tatar architects. The Kazan Kremlin occupies an area of over one and a half square kilometers.
The complex consists of a number of structures for various purposes:
- Kul Sharif Mosque.
- Eight towers.
- Cannon Yard.
- Blagoveshchensky cathedral.
- Junkers College.
- Government locations.
- Transfiguration Monastery.
Of the modern buildings that are located on the lands of the Kazan Kremlin, one can distinguish the Museum of Natural History, the Hermitage-Kazan, the Great Patriotic War memorial, and the Museum of Islam. The architectural complex rises on the right bank of the Volga.
Next to it are the public transport stops of the Central Department Store, Bauman Street, Central Stadium, and Sports Palace. Buses No. 6, 15, 29, 35, 37, 47 ply. Trolleybuses No. 1, 4, 10, 17, 18 go past the Kremlin. The nearest metro station is Kremlin. No tickets are required to enter the complex.
Blagoveshchensky cathedral
The monastery courtyard is part of the unified architectural ensemble of the Kazan Kremlin. It is considered the oldest construction of the complex. The date of construction of the Annunciation Cathedral is considered the XVI century.
The walls of the church have a unique collection of icons and manuscripts. The monastery courtyard houses the ruins of pavements, stone and wood buildings, 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 the winter? This question is often asked by tourists to locals. In their opinion, the rating of winter entertainments in Kazan is headed by a trip to the Kazan Riviera water park. Fifteen attractions for children and adults, steam rooms and baths, saunas and a hammam, a solarium are located on the territory of the water entertainment park.
It features a full-size European outdoor pool. He works year-round. Nearby is a spacious sports center with aerobic and weight training rooms. The open-air arena invites you to skate on the skates of Kazan residents and visitors alike. The ice area is forty square meters. The Hermitage club is considered the leader in nightly entertainment.
To the question: “What to see in Kazan in winter?” locals respond with a recommendation to visit the Tugan Avalym restaurant and entertainment complex. It is a real village with streets and wooden huts. Log bridges are thrown between squat houses, fountains beat.
There are tables for playing Russian and American billiards, bowling, pancake, a food court, a disco with karaoke, and children's animation at the disposal of the Native Village guests. A special menu for kids has been developed. In January, an ice slide is poured on the street next to the Tugan Avalim complex. There is a hire of inflatable "cheesecakes".
Still not decided what to see in Kazan in winter in 2 days? Plan a trip to the National Cultural Center "Kazan". You can wander through the labyrinths of his galleries for hours. This is a complex that consists of several museums, a concert hall, an interactive exhibition and dozens of expositions.
The list of Kazan events consists of performances by popular Russian actors and musicians. Politicians and artists come here. Important educational meetings are held.
Fans of the gastronomic traditions of Tatarstan are advised to spend time in the Khorriyat cafe. It is famous for its amazingly delicious batik. His chefs cook a fragrant stuffed goose whose recipe is kept secret. You can continue your gastronomic journey in the Tatar Culinary House. His assortment includes the most popular sweets and pastries:
- echpochmaki;
- whites;
- pancakes;
- chuck chuck.
The waiters serve wine, and in the evening jazz music is played. This is a stylish and fashionable place in Kazan, in which locals bring their guests.
Hotels
To help independent travelers, experienced tourists have compiled a list of the most popular hotels in Kazan:
- "Center Hotel Kazan Kremlin".
- "Crystal".
- Tatar Inn.
- "Gostiny Dvor".
- "Novelty."
- "Park Inn Radisson Kazan."
- "Ibis Kazan".
- Timerkhan.
- "Art."
- Bon Ami.
- The Kremlin.
- "Mirage".
- "Luciano."
- "Crossroads of Jazz."
- "Hostel on Gorky."
- "Crown".
- "Riviera".
- "Maksim Gorky".
- "Ramada Kazan City Center".
- "Mansion on the Theater."
- "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 marks from visitors:
- "Sea buckthorn".
- "Good dining room."
- "Tea House".
- Chuck Chuck.
- "Medina."
- "Maslenitsa".
- Roof Cocktail Bar.
- "Korzhik".
- "Grillwood."
- Gyros.
- "Old Barn".
- Alan Ash.
- Agafredo.
- "Heat Fresh."