If you like to travel through Russian cities, then you will definitely need to visit Kazan. As you know, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, a millionth city, one of the most beautiful capitals of the Volga region.
The city has a very long and difficult story. Bulgarians founded, he was captured first by Tatar-Mongols, and after many years of their rule, was taken by Ivan Grozny.
All these milestones of historical events were reflected both in the city itself and on the searv-ethnicity of its inhabitants.
Population
Most of the population of Kazan now make up the Tatars that are confessing Islam. But should not be thought (as we did, going on the trip) that there all women will walk through the streets in long closed dresses and with hijabs on their heads, and men in tubages and beards. Everything is completely wrong. We rested in Kazan in May, when it was hot weather. Therefore, having arrived in shorts, we thought that we would be white corners and everyone would push with our fingers. Nothing like this happened. I was very surprised to see that my shorts in this city are not shortest.Women in the heads came across us exclusively near the mosque. That is, as it should be, in God's temple come in the appropriate clothes, while in ordinary modern life they do not dress.
The appearance of Kazan.
The second wiring was the fact that Kazan is really close to the metropolitan level than any other city of the Volga region (from those in which we have been). This is evidenced by a lot - the general view of the city, architecture, roads, many shopping and entertainment centers, metro.
There is no sea in Kazan, but there is one of the largest Russian rivers - Volga. Although I would not recommend swimming in the Volga, but a plus for citizens is the presence of sandy beaches near the river. In summer, these places are places of recreation of both residents and guests of the city.
When it is better to come to Kazan
You can go to Kazan at any time of the year, who is more like. In any case, from time to visits, the city will not lose their beauty and attractiveness for you. And in the winter, and in the summer period there is something to do and what to see. We were in Kazan and in winter, and in the summer (although not quite in summer, it was just hot in May). I liked there in both of our arrival. However, more comfortably walk around the city, of course, in a warm cloudless day.Architecture
Kazan has two indisputable advantages - this is the old heritage of the city, which was given to him from historical ancestors, and modern architectural masterpieces, most of which are the merit of the Universiade held here in 2013.
The historic part of the city is concentrated, as in most cities, in its central part. The ancient buildings include the buildings of the Kremlin, as well as many churches and temples, which are located here almost at every step.
Given that for the first time we visited Kazan to the Summer Universiade, and the second time - after, we have the opportunity to compare how much the city has changed during this period. The transformation, of course, is significant: new roads, bridge over the river, stadium, hotels, even whole residential neighborhoods. In general, there is exactly here than admiring.
Moreover, the construction of new facilities is still being conducted, the city continues to improve their appearance. In particular, during our last stay (May 2014), a construction was carried out on the embankment. As far as we understand, the discovery has not yet happened, as the works are not completed. But then it was clear that it would be very beautiful.
Entertainment
At the same time, there is and where to go and how to entertain yourself or your family. It will be mischievously either adult nor children. Many cafes, cinemas, pleasure zones are open in Kazan, there are amusement parks, singing fountains, circus, dolphinarium, water park, puppet theater, etc. etc.If you are going to relax in Kazan with children, then you should go in the summer, then you can use many types of entertainment, including river walks on the boat or steamer.
Shopping
In addition, your goal can be shopping. There are many large shopping centers, which present the goods of almost all famous brands. Getting into one shopping and entertainment center, you can imperceptibly spend the whole day there, making purchases. Naturally, there will be a variety of cafes, restaurants, cinema halls, etc.
Accommodation
It is worth noting that come to Kazan is better not for one day. In order not to hurry to walk around the city, have fun and shop, it will take at least 5-6 days. And if you are as well as we fall in love with this city or come here with children, then, most likely, you will not want to leave at all.You can stop in the hotel or in the private sector. If your holiday does not imply large spending, you can restrict ourselves to the room in the apartment with the owners.
Expensive
In Kazan, good roads are held everywhere. We have seen only in some courtyards. What is noteworthy, the city authorities could cope with the problem of parked cars along the streets. Created huge parking zones (paid, free, for individual categories of drivers). But I note that even paid parking lots have no transcendental prices, everything is neatly, modern, accessible, convenient.
At important intersections of the city, the traffic police officers are usually followed, so there are practically no violators. Also around the city installed cameras along the roads. In general, violate the rules here categorically impossible, if you do not want to go broke on fines.
Each city has its own features of traffic in the city. For example, in Kazan, a distinctive feature was the fact that there are very few left turns. That is, in order to get to the end point, you should think in advance the route, sometimes you have to do quite a long time. Those travelers who come to Kazan for the first time and move on their own car, such features may first seem inconvenient. But through Peru days you can get used to.
Summary
In Kazan, you should come to rest and for a couple of days (although this will be not enough), and for 2 weeks. Moreover, it will be interesting in any composition - a couple, with friends, family, and even alone.