Kazan

Lying on the banks of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tartarstan, a semi-autonomous region. It blends Tartar and Slavic cultures, best seen in the Kazan Kremlin, parts of which date back to the 16th century. As it is a vast complex, highlights include the Tower of Soyembika, the Annunciation Cathedral, the Hermitage, the Kul Sharif Mosque (a beautiful white building with tall minarets topped with sky-blue), and more. The extremely colorful Temple of All Religions is inspired by sixteen different faiths, while Bauman Street is where to go out for a good time, as it features both beautiful sights (being one of the oldest streets in the city), and is filled with restaurants, clubs, and bars.