Kazan

The must see Kazan attractions are the UNESCO listed Kazan Kremlin, home to the magnificent Kul Sharif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral. Stroll pedestrian Bauman Street, visit the leaning Suyumbike Tower, explore the Old Tatar Quarter for traditional architecture and cuisine, and take a Volga River cruise during the summer months.

The best time to visit Kazan is May to September, with mild temperatures, long daylight hours and the Volga River at its most beautiful. June and July offer the warmest weather. Winter is properly cold but magical, with ice festivals on the Volga and snowy views of the Kremlin walls.

The Aeroexpress train connects Kazan International Airport to the central railway station in about 30 minutes for around 200 roubles, making it the simplest option. Alternatively, book a taxi through the Yango app for a 25 minute door to door ride with upfront English language pricing.

The Kazan Kremlin is open daily and free to enter through the main gates. Individual museums and the Kul Sharif Mosque require separate tickets, available at the on site visitor centre or online via the official Kremlin Museum website. Plan at least half a day to see the major sites, including the Annunciation Cathedral.

Kazan is widely considered Russia's most Muslim friendly city, with a majority Tatar Muslim heritage, ubiquitous halal dining, beautiful mosques and prayer facilities at major attractions and hotels. The Kazan Kremlin is the only UNESCO site where a grand mosque and Orthodox cathedral coexist, symbolising centuries of religious harmony.