Things to do in Kazan
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Syuyumbike Tower
Nearby, the slightly leaning 59m-high Syuyumbike Tower is named after a long-suffering princess who was married to three successive khans. Ivan the Terrible launched his siege of Kazan as a result of Syuyumbike's refusal to marry him - according to legend. To save her city, the princess agreed to marry the tsar, but only if he could build a tower higher than any other mosque in Kazan in a week.
Unfortunately for Syuyumbike, the tower was completed, driving her to jump to her death from its upper terrace shortly thereafter. Today, the tower competes with a rival landmark inside the kremlin.
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B
Lenin State University
At the foot of Kremlyovskaya ul, you can't miss the overbearing classical façade of the main building of Lenin State University, where Vlad Ilych himself was a student. Across the street, the statue of a young Lenin looks like he's on his way to class. However, the plaques don't tell us that he was actually expelled from the university for revolutionary activity and questionable connections.
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Bachelor’s Shelter
What a relief to escape the train station’s dingy neighbourhood by sneaking into this rabbit’s hole, which opens into a spotlessly white oasis of style with surrealist glass painting and coat-hangers shaped like wild garlic flowers. International food, including the inevitable sushi, is on the menu, and they’ve got the best latte this side of the Volga.
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C
Annunciation Cathedral
Completely renovated for the 2005 celebrations, the Annunciation Cathedral was originally designed by the same architect responsible for St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. The new iconostasis - designed in the Pskov style - is similar to that of the Assumption Cathedral inside the Moscow Kremlin.
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D
SS Peter & Paul Cathedral
Of Kazan’s several Orthodox churches, the most attractive is the SS Peter & Paul Cathedral, whose unusual architecture and heavily decorated facade defy style classifications. Built between 1723 and 1726, it commemorates Peter the Great’s visit in 1722.
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E
Theophany Church Belfry
Another landmark is the huge redbrick Theophany Church Belfry. A small chapel inside is dedicated to Russia’s first musical idol – the early 20th-century opera singer Fyodor Chaliapin, who started his career in the church’s choir.
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F
National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan
Opposite the kremlin’s main entrance, the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan occupies an ornate 1770 building. The museum has a range of exhibits, from Tatar history to water and wildlife to local artists.
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Kazan Askhane-Chai Yorty
This cheap eatery serves hearty Tatar food. Go for pastry – echpohmak with meat, bekken with cabbage, kystyby with mashed potatoes, or gubadiya with sweet rice and raisins.
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G
Capital Coffee House
Apart from making good coffee and nice international food (breakfast R150), these people promise to fix any cocktail, according to your recipe. There are three PCs with internet access (R30 for half an hour).
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Mayakovsky.Yellow Cardigan
It can be Tatar rap or punk bands singing covers of Soviet soundtrack faves, or something even more experimental in this club with a youthful crowd and decor inspired by artist Kasimir Malevich.
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Kul Sharif Mosque
The enormous Kul Sharif Mosque (town centre) was constructed on the site of a mosque by the same name, which was burnt and destroyed after Ivan the Terrible captured the city in 1552.
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Three Musketeers
This stylish basement club has a wide range of entertainment options, including pool tables, dance floor, live music and - for better or for worse - male and female striptease.
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Yakitoria
Moscow's favourite sushi bar has gone national, with this popular outlet on Kazan's main square. Service is pleasant and efficient, turning over tables at this bustling place.
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Cuba Libre
A convivial drinking den where you can chat to friendly bartenders and other visitors while sipping Kazan’s best mojitos. Wild Latin dancing may erupt at any moment.
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El Macho
Mexican food and Latin music are the attractions of this popular club. It varies from day to day, but live music and free salsa lessons are often on the program.
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Giuseppe
A lively place for pizza and pastas, cappuccinos and cannoli (sweet pastry tubes with a rich, creamy filling).
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Central Market
The colourful, sprawling central market is good for stocking up on snacks or just for browsing.
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BeerLozha
Ten beers on tap and a whole range of spicy sausages (mains R300 to R500) feature at this Bavarian beer bar.
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Sultan Kebap
A sign of special relations between Kazan and Istanbul, this is a home away from home for Turkish expats.
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Dom Knigi
A centrally located modern bookshop with a selection of maps and books in Tatar and foreign languages.
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Bookstore No 1
A centrally located bookshop with a good selection of maps, and books about Tatar history and culture.
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Meat Kick
Besides the sought-after salad bar, this place offers Western-style steakhouse fare.
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Maestro Kafe
Specialises in bliny and coffee; a great place for breakfast or a late-night snack.
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Soltanov Mosque
Near the central market is the Soltanov mosque, dating from 1867.
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