Kazan, Russia 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Tatarstan

  • Morning: Arrive in Kazan and check-in at your hotel (recommendations below). Start your day with a hearty Russian breakfast at Krasnaya Strelets, a popular local café.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Kul Sharif Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Europe, and admire its beautiful architecture. Next, head to the Qol-Şärif Complex where you can find the Museum of Tatar History and the Tower of Soyembika.

  • Evening: Take a stroll along the picturesque Embankment of the Kazanka River. Enjoy a riverside dinner at Dyulger, a restaurant offering traditional Tatar cuisine with a modern twist.

Hotel Recommendation: Radisson Hotel, Kazan or Hotel Cortez, both centrally located and offer comfortable accommodations.

Day 2: Discovering Kazan Kremlin

  • Morning: Visit the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Annunciation Cathedral, Spassky Tower, and the Museum of Islamic Culture.

  • Afternoon: Take a leisurely boat trip on the Kazanka River to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Afterward, head to the Tatarstan Republic State Hermitage Museum to learn about the region’s rich history and culture.

  • Evening: Dine at Zara, a restaurant located in the old Tatar quarter, offering delicious Tatar dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 3: Day Trip to Sviyazhsk Island

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Sviyazhsk Island. Reachable by ferry or hydrofoil, this small island is home to several ancient churches and monasteries.

  • Afternoon: Return to Kazan and visit the Tatarskaya Sloboda (Tatar Quarter), where you can find traditional craft shops and enjoy local street food at Chibunki.

  • Evening: Have dinner at Kuzya, a restaurant offering contemporary Tatar cuisine in a trendy setting.

Day 4: Relaxation and Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Kazan at leisure. You might want to visit the Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex, take a cooking class for Tatar cuisine, or simply relax at a local park like Kazan Stadium Park.

  • Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Shawarma House, a popular spot for Middle Eastern food in Kazan. Afterward, prepare for your departure the next day.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is Russian, but many people also speak Tatar. English may not be widely spoken outside of tourist areas.
  • Kazan uses the Euro as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in the city, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • Public transportation in Kazan includes buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis are also readily available, although you should use reputable companies like Gorod taxi.
  • Russian visas may be required for many nationalities. Check the visa requirements for your country before traveling.

Tips:

  • Haggle in local markets and souvenir shops for the best prices.
  • Try as many traditional Tatar dishes as you can during your stay, such as pirogi, chak-chak, and pocha.
  • Respect local customs and traditions. Kazan is a multi-cultural city, and it’s essential to be mindful of this when visiting religious sites or interacting with locals.