Kazan Travel Guide

Due to the unstable situation and very high level of general risk, traveling to Russia may be dangerous. Read more

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, is a gem in the heart of Russia, celebrated for its unique blend of Russian and Tatar cultures. This vibrant city is a melting pot of traditions, religion, and modernity, making it an intriguing destination for travelers seeking diversity.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encapsulates Kazan's rich history. Inside its white limestone walls, visitors can admire the stunning Qolşärif Mosque, a symbol of Tatar heritage, and the Annunciation Cathedral, which represents Russian Orthodoxy. The Kremlin's architectural fusion is a testament to Kazan's role as a crossroads of civilizations.

Kazan's Bauman Street is the main thoroughfare, bustling with activity and lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. It's the perfect place to experience the city's lively atmosphere and to taste local delicacies such as chak-chak, a sweet Tatar treat, or hearty Russian pelmeni.

The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous theaters and galleries. The Galiaskar Kamal Tatar Academic Theatre and the Kazan State Conservatory are cultural institutions that offer a glimpse into the region's performing arts.

Kazan is not only about history and culture; it's also a city of sports. The impressive Kazan Arena hosted several matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the city is known for its passionate football and hockey fans. The Aquatics Palace is another state-of-the-art sports facility, reflecting Kazan's commitment to athletic excellence.

For families, the Kazan Riviera is a must-visit attraction. This massive entertainment complex features a water park, beach, hotel, and shopping center, providing fun for all ages.

Kazan's culinary scene is as diverse as its culture, with restaurants serving everything from traditional Tatar dishes to international cuisine. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to indulge in local specialties like horsemeat sausages or the savory pastry, echpochmak.

Local name: Казань Established: 1005 (1019 years ago)Population: 1.1 mil. (2019)Area: 164.21 mi²Elevation: 243 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 55°47'27"N, 49°7'7"E

Location

TatarstanRussia

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Kazan Top Attractions

Kazan Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kazan offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Kazan Kremlin, Qolşärif Mosque, Basket-Hall Kazan, Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Hilltop palace and museum complex
Kazan Kremlin
Nestled on the banks of the Volga River, the Kazan Kremlin stands as a majestic testament to the city's storied past. This historic fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is not only the heart of Kazan, but also a museum complex that beckons visitors with its blend of...
Blue-domed mosque on Kremlin site
Qolşärif Mosque
The Qolşärif Mosque stands as a majestic emblem of faith and history in the heart of Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. This grand mosque, which is one of the largest in Europe, is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the rich...
Sport venue • Sport • Arenas and stadiums
Basket-Hall Kazan
Basket-Hall Kazan is a modern sports arena located in the vibrant city of Kazan, Russia. This state-of-the-art venue is primarily known as a basketball arena and serves as the home court for the professional basketball club UNICS Kazan, which competes in the VTB United...

Church
Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross stands as a beacon of spiritual heritage in the vibrant city of Kazan, Russia. This Orthodox church is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the region.
Temple dedicated to multiple religions
Temple of All Religions
The Temple of All Religions, also known as the Universal Temple, is a unique architectural complex located in Kazan, the capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. This extraordinary structure is a harmonious blend of various architectural elements representing...
Cemetery
Arskoe Cemetery
Nestled in the heart of Kazan, Russia, Arskoe Cemetery stands as a silent guardian of history and a testament to the passage of time. Established in the 18th century, this cemetery is not only a final resting place for the departed but also a cultural and historical...
Mosque
Märcani Mosque
The Märcani Mosque stands as an emblem of cultural heritage in the city of Kazan, Russia. Constructed in 1766-1770, it is one of the oldest mosques in the region and a significant landmark for the local Tatar community. The mosque, also known as the Mosque of...
City views and an adjacent promenade
Kaban Lakes
The Kaban Lakes are a system of lakes in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia that includes Nizhny Kaban, Verkhny Kaban, and Sredny Kaban. With a combined area of 1.86 square kilometers, they comprise the biggest lake in Tatarstan.
Historic mosque with unique architecture
The Thousandth Anniversary of Islam Mosque
The Thousandth Anniversary of Islam Mosque or The Anniversary Mosque was built in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia to commemorate the thousandth anniversary of the conversion of the Volga Bulgars in to Islam in 922.
Mosque
Nurulla Mosque
The Nurulla Mosque is a mosque in Kazan, Russia.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Galiaskar Kamal Tatar Academic Theatre
The Galiaskar Kamal Tatar Academic Theatre is the leading Tatar theater in Kazan, Russia. Named after the playwright Galiaskar Kamal, it was founded on December 22, 1906.
Bridge
Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans Kazanka River, in Kazan, Russia. Its name originates from Kazan's thousandth anniversary, widely celebrated in 2005 and the shape of its M-like pylon.
Mosque
Äcem Mosque
Äcem Mosque; is a prominent cathedral mosque in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia. It is located in the southern part of the Old Tatar Quarter, a historic district populated by Tatars, and is one of about a dozen historical mosques in the district.
Mosque
Bornay Mosque
The Bornay Mosque, also spelled Burnayevskaya Mosque is a mosque in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia.
Historic walking areas • Street
Bauman Street
Bauman Street is a pedestrian street in the heart of Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, Russia. It is named after Nikolay Bauman, a Russian revolutionary, and is located in the central part of the city.
Mosque
Bulgar Mosque
Bulgar Mosque, is a mosque in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia. The building is located in a new part of the Tatar capital, in the Novo-Savinovsk district. The mosque is constructed in order to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the Islamisation of Volga-Bulgaria, and opened in 1993.
55°47'13"N • 49°7'11"E
Soviet Lifestyle Museum
Museum • Specialty museum
Library
National Library of the Republic of Tatarstan
The National Library of the Republic of Tatarstan is the main state book depository in Tatarstan for national, republican, Russian and foreign publications.
Tower
Söyembikä Tower
Söyembikä Tower, also called the Khan's Mosque, is probably the most familiar landmark and architectural symbol of Kazan. Once the highest structure of that city's kremlin, it used to be one of the so-called leaning towers. By 1990s, the inclination was 198 centimeters.

Things to See and Do in Kazan by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Kazan.

Active

Central Stadium
Kazan
Sport venueSportSport complex
TatNeft Arena
Kazan
Sport venueSport
Basket-Hall Kazan
Kazan
Sport venueSportArenas and stadiums
Ak Bars Arena
Kazan
Sport venueSportFootball
Palace of Water Sports
Kazan
SportSport venue

Mosque

Qolşärif Mosque
KazanBlue-domed mosque on Kremlin site
MosqueSacred and religious sites
Temple of All Religions
KazanTemple dedicated to multiple religions
ChurchSynagogue
Märcani Mosque
Kazan
Mosque
The Thousandth Anniversary of Islam Mosque
KazanHistoric mosque with unique architecture
Mosque
Nurulla Mosque
Kazan
Mosque

Show all

Church

Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Kazan
Church
Temple of All Religions
KazanTemple dedicated to multiple religions
ChurchSynagogue
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
KazanNotable 1700s Russian Orthodox cathedral
ChurchArchitecture
Blagovesenskij sobor
Kazan
Church
Hram sv. Mucenicy Paraskevy Patnicy
Kazan
Church

Show all

Museum

Kazan Kremlin
KazanHilltop palace and museum complex
Museum
Soviet Lifestyle Museum
Kazan
MuseumSpecialty museum
Gosudarstvennyj muzej izobrazitelnyh iskusstv Respubliki Tatarstan
Kazan
MuseumArt museumArt gallery
National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan
Kazan
MuseumSpecialty museum
Muzej Boratynskogo
Kazan
Museum

Show all

Universities and schools

Kazan Federal University
Kazan
Universities and schools
Alexander Butlerov Chemistry Institute
Kazan
Universities and schools
Kazan Suvorov Military School
Kazan
Universities and schools
Kazan Conservatory
Kazan
Universities and schools
Kazan State Finance and Economics Institute
Kazan
Universities and schools

Show all

Other categories

Memorial

Day trips

Kazan – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kazan, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Sea Eye Lake, Lake Yalchik (Mariy Chodra National Park), V. P. Engel'gardt Astronomical Observatory.

29 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Sea Eye Lake
Lake Oka, also known as Sea Eye Lake, is one of the most picturesque and mysterious places in Russia. Located deep within the Siberian taiga, this crater lake captivates with its pristine clarity and unusual, almost mystical natural conditions.
31 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Lake Yalchik, Mariy Chodra National Park
Lake Yalchik is the largest lake in Mari El, Russia, located in the Marii Chodra national park. Lake Yalchik plays a major role in tourism in region and several tourist centres are located here. It is renowned locally for its clean and warm water.
12 milesW
Observatories and planetariums
V. P. Engel'gardt Astronomical Observatory
The V. P. Engel'gardt Astronomical Observatory stands as a beacon of scientific exploration in Russia, nestled within the historical city of Kazan. Established in 1901, it is not only a testament to the country's rich tradition in the field of astronomy but also serves...
35 milesNW
Tree
Pugachov's Oak, Mariy Chodra National Park
Pugachev's Oak is a major tree in Marii Chodra national park, Mari El Republic, Russian Federation. It is estimated to date to about 1500, is 1.2 m in diameter, and 26 m high.
18 milesW
55°46'11"N • 48°39'33"E
Sviazskij Ioanno-Predtecenskij monastyr, Sviyazhsk
Church

Show all

Best Time To Visit Kazan

Learn when is the best time to travel to Kazan weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June and July. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in February and March. Most of it rains in June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Kazan?

The top attractions to visit in Kazan are:

What is the best time to visit Kazan?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June and July. While the coldest is in January and February.