Kazanmosque and cathedral in one kremlin — a thousand years of harmony

The white-stone kremlin on a hill — the only place in the world where a mosque and an Orthodox cathedral share the same foundation. Enter free through the Spassky Tower: azure domes of Kul Sharif Mosque, 16th-century Annunciation Cathedral, Söyembikä Tower leaning 1.9 m. Inside — a museum of Tatar history and panoramic views over the Kazanka.

One and a half kilometres of pedestrian pleasure from the Kremlin to Black Lake. Rub the cauldron of happiness — they say your wish comes true. Photograph the Kazan Cat by the Town Hall. Drop into Tasty Coffee, try Tatar pastries at Katyk and don't miss the chak-chak shop with tastings.

'Native Village' — a wooden ethnographic complex in the Old Tatar Settlement. Order echpochmak with lamb, balish — a large Tatar pie, tokmach soup and chak-chak for dessert. On Fridays and Saturdays — live performances by Tatar musicians and a folk dance ensemble. Book a table in advance.

Ivan the Terrible built this fortress in 24 days in 1551 — the pieces were prepared near Uglich and floated down the Volga. Now the small island (900 metres long) is a UNESCO site with monasteries, wooden churches and remarkable silence. The ferry from Kazan river port takes 40 minutes. Bring a picnic — the best view of the Volga and Sviyaga confluence.

The only mosque in Kazan to survive Soviet times. Built in 1767 under Catherine II — the first mosque permitted in Russia after the conquest. Architecture — a blend of Tatar Baroque and Classicism. Entry free (Friday — Muslims only). Nearby — the Old Tatar Settlement quarter with 19th-century wooden mansions.

One of the most beautiful 2018 World Cup stadiums — a pristine white bowl on the Kazanka riverbank seating 45,000. The behind-the-scenes tour takes 1.5 hours: dressing rooms, mixed zone, VIP boxes and stepping right onto the pitch. Home to Rubin — buy a match ticket early, the atmosphere created by Kazan fans is an experience in itself.

Sabantuy ('plough festival') — the main Tatar folk festival held in early July. The City Hippodrome transforms into a vast festival: horse races, belt wrestling kurash, sack races, climbing a pole for prizes. Thousands of Kazan residents in Tatar costumes, treats of peremyach and chak-chak. Entry — free.

Kazan's main market has existed since the 1920s. Everything here is authentic: kort — dried Tatar curd you won't find in supermarkets; homemade chak-chak in parchment; horse sausage kazylyk; kumis from the barrel. Come before noon — the richest selection. Two floors: lower — meat and dairy, upper — dried fruit, honey and Tatar sweets.

The St Petersburg Hermitage's satellite is located right inside the Kazan Kremlin. A contemporary building with permanent and temporary exhibitions from the main museum's collection. Exhibitions change every 3–4 months — check the schedule before your trip. After the museum — a walk along the Kremlin embankment with views of the Kazanka and Volga confluence.