You're Going to Love Kazan
The ancient capital of Kazan is Russia's third largest city. It's a thriving oil-rich metropolis, but Kazan's citizens still celebrate the language and folkways of the Tatar people, who came to the region in the 15th century.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kazan
1. Visit a World Heritage Site
Kazan's hilltop Kremlin was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Visit Kul Sharif Mosque, Annunciation Cathedral and Suyumbike Tower.
2. Buy a Traditional Souvenir
The pedestrian friendly Bauman Street is the place to buy everything from Matryoshka dolls to Tatar folk costumes.
3. Tour a Museum
Your choices include the artistic masterpieces at the Kazan branch of the world famous Hermitage or the quirky collection of communist kitsch at the Soviet Lifestyle Museum.
4. Take a Boat Trip
Enjoy leisurely views of the central Russian countryside during a two-hour boat trip on the Volga River.
5. Cheer the Home Team
Hoops-mad locals regularly pack the Basket-Hall arena to watch the Kazan Unics face off against a EuroLeague opponent.
When to Visit Kazan
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Visit Kazan in August or September. The temperatures average 70°F and there are jazz and opera festivals as well as a handicrafts fair.
How to Get to Kazan
Plane
Most international visitors will arrive via Kazan International Airport (KZN), which is 18 miles south of downtown. Visitors can take an Aeroexpress train to the Kazan Train Station for RUB40 or catch a taxi for around RUB500.
Train
Kazan Train Station is a main stop on the routes to and from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Siberia.
Car
Take the M7 highway east from Moscow or take the E22 west from Perm. Unscrupulous taxi drivers can drastically raise rates for foreign tourists, so it is best to choose wisely before booking a cab.
Bus
Long-distance routes to and from Kazan are mostly run by private companies, which can vary widely in reliability, times of operation and drop-off points. Check in advance to see if your chosen bus route stops at the Kazan airport.
Airlines serving Kazan
Where to stay in popular areas of Kazan
Most booked hotels in Kazan
How to Get Around Kazan
Public Transportation
There is a basic Metro service in central Kazan, and bus and tram lines run throughout the city. The cost for all public transport is RUB7.
Taxi
Taxis average a cost of RUB100 per trip and should be booked ahead of time.
Car
The Kremlin and Bauman Street are pedestrian-only zones, but the rest of Kazan is easily drive-able with ample parking. The average cost for a rental car is RUB3,834.
Car rental agencies in Kazan
The Cost of Living in Kazan
Shopping Streets
In addition to Bauman Street, there is the Koltso shopping mall and TSUM department store. Expect prices to be a bit higher than in the U.S.
Groceries and Other
In central Kazan, you can get the basic necessities at convenience stores or open-air markets. The Privolzhsky district has five supermarkets. A quart of milk costs RUB180 and a loaf of bread RUB21.
Where to Eat in Kazan
The cafeteria chain Dobraya Stolovaya offers basic Russian fare at affordable prices. Sample traditional Tatar cuisine such as creamy fish soup at Bilyar on Ulitsa Butlerova. The average price of a meal is RUB750.