population: 1.257 million

extension: 425.2 square kilometers

Museums

Great! There are many museums to visit in Kazan, here are a few suggestions:

1. The State Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Tatarstan - This museum houses a collection of Russian and Tatar art.

2. The Kazan Kremlin - This ancient fortress has several museums within its walls, including the Kazan History Museum and the Museum of Islamic Culture.

3. The Museum of Soviet Life - This museum offers a glimpse into life in the Soviet Union during the 20th century.

If you're interested in visiting more museums of similar type, you may want to check out the Hermitage-Kazan Center or the Museum of Natural History and Ecology of the Republic of Tatarstan, both located in Kazan as well.

Food

Sure! Kazan has a rich culinary tradition, influenced by both Russian and Tatar cuisine. Here are some dishes that are popular and recommended by locals:

1. Chak-chak - A Tatar sweet made of fried dough pastry with honey or syrup.

2. Tatar pilaf (plov) - Rice cooked with meat, onions, spices, and sometimes dried fruits.

3. Echpochmak - A Tatar pastry filled with meat, onions, and potatoes.

4. Ukha - A Russian fish soup made with various types of freshwater fish, potatoes, onions, and carrots.

5. Shashlik - Marinated and grilled meat (usually lamb or pork) served with vegetables and bread.

6. Blini - Thin Russian pancakes served with sour cream, jam, honey or caviar.

7. Baursaki - Deep-fried dough balls, often served as an appetizer or snack.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can try in Kazan!

Activities

Sure, here are some popular activities among locals in Kazan:

1. Visit the Kazan Family Center "Kazan" - This is a multi-purpose cultural center that hosts various events such as concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.

2. Explore the streets of the Kazan's Old Town (Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda) - Here, you can find narrow streets with traditional Tatar houses, local cafes, and souvenir shops.

3. Take a boat tour on Kazanka River - This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy the beautiful views.

4. Visit the Central Market - This is a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, traditional Tatar sweets, and souvenirs.

5. Attend a Tatar folk show - There are several venues in Kazan where you can see traditional Tatar singing, dancing, and music performances.

6. Walk along the Millennium Bridge - This bridge offers panoramic views of the city and is especially beautiful at night when it's illuminated.

7. Enjoy Russian and Tatar cuisine - Kazan has a wide range of restaurants and cafes where you can try traditional Tatar and Russian dishes such as chak-chak, shashlik, pelmeni, and borscht.