Cheap Flights To Kazan

Kazan is the capital of the autonomous Russian Republic of Tatarstan. Branded as the 3rd capital of Russia, this 1000-year-old city presents an exceptional cultural and economic importance to the region. Situated between the west and east, it was at one time the trade centre of the Golden Horde. Today, it'a beautiful city with a turbulent past.

The historical interchange of religious faith and traditions created a spectacular urban landscape revealing the mixture of architectural styles. It's not often you will find a place where traditional Orthodox cathedrals stand alongside elegant white Islamic mosques. A visit to the Kul Sharif Mosque will reveal the delicate past of Islamic tradition the same way as the Hermitage gallery displays some of the most important pieces from Russia's art collections.

The modern life in Kazan is buzzing. Wandering around the city can be like a walk in the park if you visit the Flower Festival. If you wish to experience the more urban side of the city, the Baumont street is the ultimate shopping destination as well as a social hub; mingle with locals and city guests in one of the numerous bars and restaurants serving mouthwatering traditional Tatar and Russian cuisine.

Things To Do

Today, Kazan is reaping the benefits from being culturally diverse. Whether you enjoy quietly exploring the local history or mingling with locals in a late-night bar, the city always has something to offer.

• Take in artworks at The Hermitage

The Kazan Hermitage is related to the famous Hermitage gallery in St. Petersburg. Located in the former cadet academy, the stunning 19th-century architectural masterpiece hosts all-year exhibitions, some of which are transported from St Petersburg.

• The Kul Sharif Mosque is a modern testament to Tatarstan's Islamic heritage. Completed in 2005, the Mosque provides a glimpse into the turbulent history of Islam in Russia. Under the picture-perfect, lotus-flower-shaped dome, the museum showcases religious relics and artefacts as well reveals a stunning panorama of the city.

• Bauman Street is the busiest pedestrian street in Kazan. By day, the historic street is an indulging shopper's heaven as well as a promenade to discover architectural gems. By night, the street transforms into the bustling night-life district packed with nightclubs, shisha bars and restaurants to keep you entertained into the early hours.

Calendar Of Events

The best way to experience the rich culture of the city is to enjoy one of the many festivals and annual events which take place in Kazan.

• The Flower Festival. This is an annual flower show celebrating the best landscape designs and featuring over 6.5million flowers all over the city. Each year the participants from around Russia are invited to realise their visions of modern landscape design through creating breathtaking floral compositions from June to mid-September.

• International Festival of Classic Ballet. This was named after Rudolf Nuriyev and is one of the most important cultural events taking place in State Tatar. It takes place every May and hosts some of the best performances from leading ballet dancers.

• Tatar Folk Dinner Show. This takes place from the 30th of April until the 1st of October in the Folklore Village. The spectacular theatrical performances reveal the rich Tatar culture and history through song and dance acts, and these could be followed by decadent traditional Tatar dinner to seal the evening.