Conquering Kazan: the idea for an unforgettable weekend
If you have already thoroughly studied the classic sights of Kazan – the Kazan Kremlin, the Kul Sharif Mosque and the Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda, like us, we suggest immersing yourself in the atmosphere of interesting cultural places. This is especially true in the off-season, when unpredictable weather forces you to choose indoor locations.
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Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan. Within the walls of the building of the former cadet school there is a branch of the famous St. Petersburg “Hermitage” — Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan. Here is a unique collection of meteorites, minerals, fossil remains of dinosaurs and mammoths. Two floors and twelve halls guarantee exciting and educational leisure time. Pay attention to regularly updated temporary exhibitions that tell about the natural features of the Volga region and the ancient cultures of the region. The museum also offers interactive programs for children and adults, making the visit even more fun.
National Library of Tatarstan. One of the oldest libraries in Russia is located in a historical building known as the Ushkova House – a real architectural gem of the city. You can visit the library on daily excursions. Its collections contain more than three million documents, including over 100 thousand in the Tatar language. It houses ancient Turkic runic inscriptions, Uyghur writing, ancient alphabets in Arabic, Latin and Russian, as well as a light-dynamic installation assembled from more than two hundred letters representing the five alphabets of the national language of Tatarstan. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the library holds literary evenings, thematic exhibitions and master classes that will help you better understand the culture and history of the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the cozy book café at the library, where you can relax with a cup of tea and a rare book in your hands.
Chak-chak Museum. The married couple Dmitry and Raushaniya Polosin founded a unique private museum dedicated to chak-chak ten years ago. The idea for this space was born and realized in just two years thanks to the enthusiasm of the couple. The interior of a wealthy Tatar house 100-150 years ago has been recreated, filled with authentic artifacts – clothing, household items, and tools. Here you can not only view the exhibition, but also touch it with your hand, and be sure to try the famous chak-chak honey dessert. The museum often holds tastings and master classes on making chak-chak, which makes a visit especially interesting for families with children and lovers of culinary traditions. For those wishing to purchase a treat as a souvenir, there is a small shop with homemade sweets and souvenirs.
Where to eat deliciously
Restaurant “Chiram”. For those who are looking for standard echpochmak, “Chiram” – place No. 1. However, regular visitors may be surprised by the new location: the restaurant has moved from the embankment to the heart of the city – the Kazan Kremlin. Along with the location, the format of the establishment has also changed: the cuisine has taken a step away from tradition towards modernity. Horse meat is the main focus of the menu: classic kazy and kyzylyk, horse lard at tun mae, as well as innovative dishes, including tartare with adjika and baked beets, or horse meat steak with pickled vegetables and roasted pepper sauce. The center of the restaurant is the open kitchen, where you can watch the skill of the bakers as they flawlessly prepare meat and potato pies. There is also a tea studio with dozens of varieties of tea, including herbal blends, which are stored in large glass jars.
Lulua. The restaurant’s menu combines the cuisines of Morocco, Lebanon, Israel and Turkey. They serve classic meze – hummus, babaganoush, dolma, as well as Moroccan tagines with meat, poultry and seafood. Recently the menu was replenished with the “Tatarcha” page. with national dishes: kystybai, echpochmak, lentil soup with dried horse meat (argamak), as well as horse meat steak with pepper sauce and broccoli. Airy pyramids made from talkysh keleve dough are served with national tea with oregano.
If you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, try the Italian restaurant Gina, renowned for its excellent pasta dishes, such as crab paccheri. For dinner, the French establishment L’Elephant is an excellent choice, offering gougères with rillettes, snails with Provençal butter as an appetizer, and Burgundy veal cheeks for a main course. And the best way to start the morning is at the coffee shop Aulak, where breakfast is served 24 hours a day. They offer homemade Tatar eggs with tomatoes and roasted peppers, eggplant with kajmak, traditional red cottage cheese, and aromatic herbal tea. The coffee menu also features local flavors, such as oregano-based raf with baked milk. Comfortable Accommodation
Comfortable stay
The Somov hotel is housed in a historic building dating from 1852 on Mayakovsky Street, which was designated a regional cultural heritage site in 2018. The renovation has preserved the mansion’s original layout, and the rooms, although compact, are designed with particular respect for historical details: plaster cornices have been restored based on 19th-century designs, and a vibrant color palette reflects the spirit of the era.
Unlike the Somov, the Ma guest house is decorated in a discreet and soothing tone. The furniture and interior are made of natural wood, eliminating visual and light noise. All nine rooms are decorated in a minimalist Japanese style, featuring natural materials, warm lighting, and minimal furniture and decor. Each room is equipped with a kitchen, shower, and sitting area. The house is located on a quiet street in the historic center, within walking distance of the main cultural and culinary attractions.
What to buy for yourself and as a gift
What to buy as a gift and for yourself
“Holy” This brand was founded in 2013 by Kazan photographer Rustem Garipov and stylist Regina Safina. “Holy” does not adhere to classic seasonal collections, but releases about 20 new models every month. Today, items can also be purchased in Moscow on multi-brand platforms, but it is much more interesting to look at collections in the brand’s hometown. Pay attention to mesh bodysuits, leather down jackets and T-shirts with original prints.
Worthy. Tsatski. Jewelry brand by designer Ksenia Isakova, which is worth visiting when looking for gifts for younger sisters, daughters or girlfriends who love to feel younger. The jewelry is stylish and light, with motifs of daisies, jellyfish, stars and hearts, made of brass or nickel silver with the addition of natural stones and wood in the decor. Despite the intimate format, the brand has gained recognition not only among locals, but also among tourists who value originality. “Ushkova” earrings, inspired by the Ushkova House – the architectural symbol of Kazan, will be a wonderful souvenir or addition to your personal collection.
Conquering Kazan: the idea for an unforgettable weekend
