Kazan with its fascinating Kremlin, beautiful mosques, churches and museums, is unique for sightseeing – it is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Read our Kazan travel tips to get ready for your trip.
1. Facts and Figures
Kazan – the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan – is one of the largest Russian centres of culture, science and economy. The city shelters about 1100 thousand people of more than 100 nationality and covers area of about 425.3 square km located on the left bank of the Volga River and on both banks of the Kazanka River. Kazan’s history is closely linked with ancient civilization of Tatars and Bulgars. The city, located between Europe and Asia, connects East and West and keeps up the traditions of two great cultures. Kazan with its fascinating Kremlin, beautiful mosques, churches and museums, is unique for sightseeing – it is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Kazan is the city of theatres, museums, music, international festivals, newest technologies, business partnerships and rich scientific potential.
- Kazan uses Moscow time.
- Currency: Russian rouble. You can find information on currency exchange rates on the official website of the Central Bank of Russian Federation.
- Official languages of the Tatarstan Republic are – Tatar and Russian.
- Banks of Kazan approve following plastic cards for payment: Visa, MasterCard, MostCard, STB, UnionCard, EuroCard, American Express. State banks serve customers from 9.00 till 19.00 Monday to Friday and till 18.00 on Saturday. Sunday is a day off.
- Museums are open from 10.00 till 17.00 with Monday as a day off.
2. Public Transport - How to Use Public Transport in Kazan
Public transport In Kazan is very well developed. There are buses, trolleybuses, trams and metro. For all public transport, there is a single travel fare (25 rubles) and a method of payment. Many stops are equipped with electronic displays, which show the route numbers and time until the next transport arrives. In general, the public transport system in Kazan is very advanced, and you can even check buses on the map using a mobile application. In addition to the traditional public transport in Kazan, there are tourist buses on the system Hop-on, Hop-off.
3. Kazan City Pass - Where to Get It
A new project called “Kazan City Pass” was launched in Kazan. The “City Pass” is valid during 14 days since the moment of activation. The pass is issued in two options – for one and two persons. The cost of a pass for one person is 1349 roubles, for two persons – 2229 roubles. The owners of the pass can visit 5 of 24 city museums, a city tour including the Kazan Kremlin, use 5 trips in public transport, and also get discounts in souvenir shops, restaurants and trade centers of the capital of the Republic. It is all for free.
4. Shopping in Kazan
Kazan is not only the city of unique cultural monuments, but also a great shopping centre, where nearly every world brand of clothes, cosmetics, appliances and sports goods is available. And tourists never stop admiring the national souvenirs, like Kukmor felt boots or Kazan Cat. Remaining the city of peerless historical places, Kazan is also constantly developing its modern infrastructure, building the new roads, business and shopping centres. International chain stores such as IKEA, METRO and OBI; Moscow chains like Sportmaster, Adidas and Igromax; and more than 130 stores of the local producers operate in the city. Check them all here. There are several shopping centres in Kazan that provide everything needed both for the pleasurable shopping and the exciting family recreation. Children's playrooms and playgrounds, maternity rooms, cafés and cinemas.
5. What and Where to Eat in Kazan?
The Tatar cuisine has been developing for centuries under the influence of different cultures: both the forest North and the steppe South, the Russians and the Turks, Christianity and Islam. That has imposed very peculiar characteristics, which make it possible for the Tatar cuisine to preserve its identity. Beef and lamb are the most commonly used types of meat, whereas pork banned by Muslims is still not welcome. As for horse meat dishes that used to be popular once have been gradually receding into the past. Among vegetable dishes of the Tatar cuisine, there are few delicacies. Mushrooms are hardly ever used in traditional recipes, while dairy products are big in number. Read where to eat out in Kazan here.
6. Kazan Night Life
Kazan is full of bars and clubs to satisfy any taste. We have prepared a top list to attend and have unforgettable party.
The Best Kazan Night Clubs and Bars (with addresses).
7. Kazan Arena
Kazan became one of the host cities during FIFA Russia 2018. Don't miss a chance to visit Kazan Arena. How to get to the “Kazan Arena” Football Stadium.
Author: Anna Dorozhkina