mission trip journal

10 JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR YOUR MISSION TRIP

Journaling isn’t for everyone, but it can be extremely helpful in processing your thoughts and writing out your feelings. Psychologists and therapists highly recommend journaling as a form of therapy. Not only that, but it’s also invaluable for your mental and emotional health. Here are 10 journal prompts for before, during, and after your mission trip. 

Journaling Before Your Mission Trip

10.) how are you feeling leading up to this mission trip write down everything you are feeling (nervous, excited, anxious, prepared, fearful, etc.).

Sometimes we think journaling has to be done in a nice leather-bound journal with perfect handwriting and each page should look well-organized and exactly like the previous one. But life doesn’t actually look like that. Life is messy, chaotic, and beautiful at the same time. By getting all of your feelings out on paper – no matter what they are – you will be able to see where you started and look back on it at the end of your trip. Hopefully, it will be encouraging to you.

9.) In what ways are you expecting the Lord to move in your life before, during, and after this trip?

Whether you expect it or not, the Lord will be working on this trip. So, it’s best to be expectant and pray specifically for Him to move in your heart and the hearts of the people you will meet. Write down these prayer requests, then look back on them when you return or even during your trip. 

8.) As you pray about your upcoming trip, what is one word you can choose to focus on, and why?

Your team might have a mission theme or word already but choosing one for yourself will tie in your own personality and help you stay focused on what really matters. For example, maybe you choose the word: serve. By reminding yourself daily of this word, you set your mind on being a servant like Christ and loving people the way He does – by serving them. 

Journaling During Your Mission Trip

7.) what is something the lord is teaching you in the midst of this trip .

If you started journaling prior to leaving for your trip, then the Lord may already be answering some of the prayers you prayed of being expectant for Him to teach you things. If you are just now starting, that’s okay too! In loving and serving His people, God will always be revealing more about Himself and teaching us. 

6.) Are there any unexpected cultural differences/similarities that stick out to you? What is something new you’ve learned about the place and/or the people?

We can learn so much from other people and cultures. You can journal about a landmark you visited, a few sentences you learned of a new language, a new food you ate, or how you can be a follower of Jesus across any culture. The Gospel is for all people of all nations, and we can be reminded of the Lord’s goodness, kindness, and faithfulness through interacting with others. 

I remember one time when I was on a mission trip, and we visited a church in the area. The church service wasn’t anything like what I had ever experienced in America. During the worship part, everyone sang as loud as they could (even if it didn’t sound good), jumped up and down dancing, and had huge smiles on their faces. The joy was so contagious that even though I didn’t understand the language, I couldn’t help but smile and sing along. It’s times like that I will never forget and something I think about often when I’m monotonously singing along to a worship song and how I can find joy in whatever moment I’m in.

5.) What has been one hard thing and one good or fun thing that you’ve experienced so far?

You can always write more than one thing for each of these, and you can do it daily. Essentially, you’re documenting a rose and also a thorn for the day or week. We can tend to remember the bad things that happen more than the good, so while you can document and process difficult things, don’t leave out the 

4.) Is there anything new you’ve learned about yourself? If so, what?

Answering this question doesn’t have to be super profound. It can be as simple as, “ I’ve learned I don’t like ____ type of food.” However, you can challenge yourself to go deeper as well and prayerfully ask the Lord what He wants you to learn about how He has made you. For example, maybe you learn that teaching to a group of people isn’t your gifting, but talking to them one-on-one is, or vice versa. 

Journaling After Your Mission Trip

3.) what are 3 takeaways from your trip that you want to remember.

You can always journal about more than 3 or less than 3 takeaways, but it’s important to process your trip and not just move on with your life and chalk it up to “a good experience.” Think about the key points from the trip or the stories that you’ve been sharing with friends and family since you’ve been back and write those down. 

2.) After everything you’ve experienced, how will the experiences from this trip change how you live moving forward?

An example of this might be deciding to change how you spend your money or think about material things after you visit a poor community. Or maybe after your trip you’ve decided that you feel called to the mission field and start working towards getting more involved with the missions’ team. 

1.) Tell the story of your mission trip.

As humans, we can forget things very quickly. That’s why it’s so helpful to write all of it down so you can relive your memories and experiences later on. Who knows if maybe you’ll stumble upon your journal years down the road and be thankful for everything you’ve documented. You might even have multiple mission trip journals at that point.

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Mission Trip Journals

MISSION JOURNAL FEATURES:

7-10-7 format: 7 days of devotionals before departure; up to 10 days of reflection during; 7 days of devotion after the trip. Useful in training and orientation of the mission team before your departure date. Guide for the daily group debriefing important during the trip. Lots of blank, open pages for personal writing and reflection. 64 pages and spiral bound for easy use and durability in the field. Only $8.50. (For mission organizations interested in a discount for bulk quantities, contact [email protected].)

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Why Not? Let Your Light Shine: A Mission Trip Devotional Journal

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Free Bullet Journal Printables

Free Travel Journal Printables

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Discover the magic of free Bullet Journal printables designed to ignite your wanderlust and enhance your travel adventures.

In this lineup of free travel journal printables , you’ll find resources from talented creators who share your passion for exploration and creativity.

Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or documenting cherished memories from a weekend getaway, these printables offer a delightful way to capture every moment. Packed with vibrant designs and practical layouts, they make organizing your travels both fun and efficient.

So grab your favorite pen, and let’s embark on a journey where planning meets inspiration, one printable at a time!

Incorporating printables into your Bullet Journal is like giving your creativity a set of wings. They’re not just pretty designs on paper; they’re a powerhouse of organization and inspiration, especially when it comes to travel.

Imagine having a dedicated space in your journal where you can meticulously map out every detail of your upcoming adventure. From packing lists to itinerary templates, travel printables provide a structured way to prepare, ensuring nothing is left to chance.

This level of planning allows you to embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that you’ve thought of everything from your flight details to those must-see local attractions.

But the magic of travel printables doesn’t stop there. They transform into a canvas for preserving your most cherished memories. As you wander through bustling markets or marvel at breathtaking landscapes, your journal becomes a living scrapbook filled with ticket stubs, sketches, and personal reflections.

Each printable you fill out is a snapshot of your journey, capturing the essence of your experiences in a way that photos sometimes can’t. With spaces to jot down the day’s highlights or unexpected delights, these printables help you relive every moment long after you’ve returned home.

Moreover, using travel printables is an excellent way to make the most of each day on your travels. They serve as a daily guide, keeping your plans in sight and your goals in focus.

Whether it’s setting intentions for the day, jotting down places to eat, or listing activities to try, these printables ensure that you squeeze every drop of joy from your adventure. The flexibility to personalize your journal with stickers, doodles, and color codes enhances the experience, making each page uniquely yours.

In essence, printables in your Bullet Journal are more than just tools—they’re companions on your journey, inviting creativity, fostering reflection, and helping make every travel day count.

But before I share with you some of the finds for travel journal printables, let’s talk about actually using printables in your Bullet Journal.

This post may contain affiliate links. They will be of no extra expense for you, but I receive a small credit. Please see my  Disclosure  for more details. Thank you for supporting Masha Plans!

How To Use Printables In Your Bullet Journal

Adding printables to your Bullet Journal is pretty easy, but there are a few tricks to it. So, to ensure you do know how to do it and don’t feel intimidated by the task, here is how you do it.

And if you need a step-by-step guide, even with a video, be sure to check a link at the end of the post.

It’s all about making sure that printable fits snugly in your journal as if it were meant to be there. If the printable is already cozied up to an A5 size (the Bullet Journal’s best friend), you’re golden. If not, just make sure you toggle printing settings to A5.

Another part of adding printables is using the right supplies, so here are some of my top recommendations:

• High-quality printing paper. Especially if you’re planning to use any markers on your printables, you need to have a high-quality paper. Otherwise, it will damage your pens. I prefer using HP Premium Paper .
• Paper cutter. You can definitely just use scissors, but I find that you always get cleaner cuts if you use a paper cutter like this Firbon paper cutter .
• Corner rounder. I find that most journals have rounded corners, so it would be a fun idea to cut your printables the same way. You can do it yourself with a pair of sewing scissors like I do, but I would recommend using a corner rounder instead.

You really only need good paper and a pair of scissors, but if you want more, get these. It’s really a great investment if you’re planning on using a lot of printables, plus they all are pretty affordable.

Now that using printables is not that scary anymore let’s look at those journal printables you came here for.

There are plenty of different travel journal printables, and I've got a large variety here for you. I also gathered printables from different creators so you can check different styles and aesthetics.

Let's dive in!

Masha Plans Free Printables

We're starting with a set of printables I've created for your travel journal. One is a page to help you stay on top of your daily journaling when you travel, and another is a set of stickers.

You can already get these and 50+ other free printables in the Resources Vault , and if you don't have your access yet simply click "get free printables".

Travel Notes Printables

I love how these travel notes come with different types of grids, so you can find one that you like the most. Travel notes also have a pretty vague header, so you can come up with different ideas on how to use these pages.

Free Printable Travel Pages

Here are a few beautiful free printable travel related pages, perfect to use in your Bullet Journal. I believe a travel bucket list and a packing list are the staples to have!

Free Printable Travel Journal Page

Here is a well-organized travel page to help you plan a perfect trip, since it includes all the information you need to ensure you get the best experience from it.

Free Travel Journal Template

This is an entire printable travel journal that includes many valuable pages to plan and record your next adventure. You can use them in your journal, or you can create an entire journal just from these printables.

Free Travel Bullet Journal Printable Stickers

Having pre-made pages is useful, for sure, but what about some stickers? Using these, you can create a customer travel page you want and add a colorful and fun decoration to it.

Free Printable Travel Journal

This set of printables has several pretty useful pages, like emergency information and things to do page. I also really like the cottage core feel of these printables with the beautiful flowers used to decorate them.

Free Printable Travel Checklist

Having a proper packing list is the secret to a great trip; you don't want to be in a constant state of anxiety that you forgot something. This printable will help you plan out everything you need to look your best and always have all you need for the best adventure.

FREE Travel Tracker Printable

Tracking your trip is always a fun idea, and I love having a visual representation of all the places I've visited. These printables give you a world map and a USA map to add to your travel journal and start ticking off places one by one.

Travel Journal Printable

A cute and doodly set of travel journal pages, and I absolutely adore this style. It will help you plan your trip, but it also adds a lot of fun with coloring and customizing these spreads.

Travel Journal Template

Last but not least is this printable page, which gives you an outline of the month so you can have a clear idea of where your trip fits. It also gives you ample space to plan the places to visit and things to do on your adventures.

Free Printable Travel Journal Pages

In case you got lost with all the options out there, I just wanted to mention once again that you can find travel journal pages and other printables in the Resources Vault .

If you don’t have access yet, you can always sign up in the form below.

Once you confirm your subscription, you’ll get the password to get 50+ free Bullet Journal printables, stickers, and worksheets to use right away.

If you’ve never used printables before, be sure to check my post How To Use Printables In Your Bullet Journal .

It’s pretty basic, and you can find all the supplies you need in my post Supplies For Using Bullet Journal Printables .

More Resources

Are you looking for more ideas and inspirations for travel pages or even maybe just more free printables? I’ve got you covered!

Check out these posts next:

• 15 Travel Journal Layout Inspirations
• Top Travel Journal Supplies for Your Next Adventure
• 60+ Free Bullet Journaling Printables

>>> What other printable pages are you looking for? Share with us in the comments!

Hope this post was interesting. If you find it so, please share! If you enjoy my content and want to show your appreciation, please consider supporting me with a cup of coffee .

And remember: Keep Bullet Journaling, and Don’t Be A Blob!

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Travel & Food, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews

Why You Should Add Kazan, Tatarstan to Your Trip to Russia

June 1, 2018 by Bino Leave a Comment

Ironically enough, the city that excited me the most during my trip to Russia was neither St. Petersburg nor Moscow. Sure, I was really looking forward to seeing St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square with my own eyes and to wander around the exhibits in the Hermitage but there was something about the Tatars, a Turkic people that call parts of Russia home, that really piqued my interest.

Compared to the Orthodox Christian majority that define most of Russia, Tatarstan (a republic within the Russian Federation) has a Muslim majority. The result is a hodgepodge of cultures. You have Russian with a distinct Turkic blend and this is manifested in the bilingual signs and varied cuisine in Kazan, its capital.

As it is a bit out of the way relative to the typical Russian itinerary , most people don’t visit Tatarstan at all. But if you have a couple of extra days to spare, I wholeheartedly recommend taking the 1.5 hour or so flight to Kazan for a slice of Russia that you definitely don’t see in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Without further ado, here are the top things you can do in Kazan.

Table of Contents

Kazan Kremlin

kazan kremlin

One of the more interesting kremlins that you’ll find in Russia is the one in Kazan. The diversity of religions is nowhere more apparent here where you can find an Orthodox church sitting within the same complex as a mosque. Don’t miss a visit to the striking Kul-Sharif Mosque which I would personally count as one of the most beautiful mosques I’ve ever seen both inside and out. If you come to the Kremlin in the day, you can also walk through the walls for a fee and obtain a higher view of the complex through the observation towers.

On the opposite side of the Kremlin, you will also find the Annunciation Cathedral and the leaning Suyumbike Tower which together form a fine ensemble of richly decorated buildings. If you walk out towards the bridge (Ulitsa Dekabristov), you can appreciate the fine views of the Kremlin. Better yet, hop on the ferris wheel from the Kyrlay Theme Park on the northern side of town to snap photos of the Kremlin from a high point.

Agricultural Palace

agricultural palace kazan

Don’t be misled by the name, the Agricultural Palace is a government building so it’s not really open to the public. It is listed here due to its highly instagrammable nature. You’ll find the curved angles of the building highly picturesque. A popular spot to take photos is from the small hill beside the palace itself.

National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan

national museum of the republic of tatarstan

Situated just outside the Kazan Kremlin, the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan is housed in a grand 18th century European style building. Inside, you’ll find Tatar arts and craft including fine jewellry and weapons used by the Tatar people.

St. Peter and Paul Cathedral

st. peter and paul cathedral kazan

Despite the many churches you’ll find scattered throughout Russia, a visit to the beautiful St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is highly recommended for its Naryshkin-style Baroque decor. Look closely at the windows of this 17th century church and you’ll find these decorated in unique floral patterns.

Bauman Street

bell tower in bauman street

Bauman Street is Kazan’s main shopping street and is busy in the day and floodlit at night. There is a good mix of shops and restaurants here. Despite being the tourist center of the city, the pedestrian-only street is refreshingly devoid of the tour groups that you encounter in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Towards the end, you will encounter the Epiphany Cathedral’s Bell Tower , a 74 meter high structure that you can climb for views.

Old Tatar Village

architecture in the old tatar village

One of the more charming areas in the city marks the spot where ethnic Tatars were forced to stay following the siege of Kazan in 1552. There are not a lot of old buildings left here but the ones that remain date from the 17th or 18th centuries and highly instagrammable with distinctive colorful patterns. The most prominent structures in the area are the Mardzhani Mosque  and the Apanaev Mosque one block away. If you walk towards the side of the lake, you’ll encounter this kitschy restaurant serving Tatar cuisine – Tatarskaya Usadba . My favorites are the nourishing soups and stews that go well especially during cold days. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try the horse meat which is cooked in a variety of ways.

Getting Here: Ulitsa Kayuma Nasyri is where the bulk of the older buildings are situated.

Temple of All Religions

temple of all religions

I visited the Temple of All Religions a month after it was razed by fire. Although the exterior is mostly intact, the inside was heavily damaged. There is no admission to enter although a gatekeeper asks for donations. The highlight of the place is its numerous and colorful towers, each dedicated to a different religion. Do note that the temple is a bit out of the way. I took an UBER here and I had some difficulty getting a ride back to town. Alternatively, you can take Bus #2 from the city center.

Where to Eat in Kazan

salmon tartare

Priyut Kholostyaka – Come here for variety. This restaurant has a wide range of Russian as well as European dishes and you can order from the iPads – they have an English menu as well.

Restaurant Hemingway – upscale restaurant located in the Bauman Street area. Excellent service and authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

Tatarskaya Usadba -It may look kitschy from the outside but the food is quite delicious. Come here for the warm Tatar atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Kazan

Frequently cited as the best hotel in Kazan, the Ramada Kazan City Center is located near some trendy restaurants and just two blocks away from TSUM Department Store. Rooms are spacious and the breakfast has relatively good variety for its price.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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Kazan Travel Guide - Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Kazan Travel Guide – Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Craving a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring trip to a place of ancient histories, visually spectacular, and spiritual marvels? The Kazan Travel Guide has everything you need to get just that.

Kazan is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic, also known as Russia’s third capital. Just an hour-and-a-half flight away from Moscow, this beautiful and thriving metropolis has a centuries-old history. Founded in 1005, Kazan is one of Russia’s oldest cities (older than Moscow) with sites and architecture reminiscent of its glorious 12th-century reign by the river Kazanka. The multiethnic region is famous for the harmonious co-existence of many different religions, whose sculpted sacred sites are some of the world’s most beautiful buildings. You’ll find a sublime fusion of Tatar and Russian culture in this city, creating a glorious melting pot of different cultures. Whilst predominantly Muslim, you will find all religious backgrounds within the republic. Discover how easy it is to be entranced by the captivating Kazan – it is even worth making a detour on the Trans-Siberian Railway for.

This Kazan Travel Guide will help you plan everything down to preferred months of travel according to seasonal highlights, main attractions, meals from our pick of Tatar cuisine delicacies, methods of transport, and activities from morning until noon.

Table of Contents

Why travel to Russia’s Kazan?

Kazan kremlin.

This UNESCO listed fortified citadel is the most familiar landmark of Kazan. Kazan Kremlin is full of cozy parks, picturesque streets, delectable foods, and beautiful sites. Take a tour through the only surviving Tatar fortress in Russia and lose yourself in its Middle Ages era splendor with this heritage-listed site. Many of the Kremlin’s architectural wonders are sculpted by the famous Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Shirjay, recruited by the Tzar. Kazan Kremlin is also home to the Söyembikä Tower and museums, where Kazan’s extensive history and legends take centre-stage. Many also flock to the multi-faith place of worship for its glorious sculpted sacred sites such as Kul Sharif Mosque.

Söyembikä Tower

Kazan’s tiered tower of Soyembika, also known as the leaning tower or ‘Khan’s Mosque’ is the highlight of Kazan Kremlin. Its construction is recorded by scholars to date back as far as the 16th century, whose age-old history is expressed in some of its majestic colonial architecture. The colours are stunning in summer, and even in winter, the snow creates a fairytale-like scene. Once inside, you should pay attention to the haram carpet and elaborate details on the ceiling. Romantic and mystic legends surround the tower and the only woman to rule the Kazan Khanate for which it’s named after. It is said to be the same tower that led the beautiful Princess Syuyumbike to her death, built for her by Ivan the Terrible who seized Kazan in 1552 and then demanded they wed. Others tell a different history of a Soyembika forcibly detained here by Muscovite forces, before being taken to Kasimov where she died. For those interested in its story, be wary of self-nominated guides- the official Kazan guides are a purchase worth making. Despite its tragic history, many locals believe if you touch the tower and make a wish it will come true.

Kul Sharif Mosque

The Kul Sharif Mosque is Kazan Kremlin’s main mosque and one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. You will hardly be able to take your eyes off this one-of-a-kind structure. This attraction is not just for Muslims. It is open to all Kazan’s travellers, but it is preferred that women have their hair covered during their visit. The Kul Sharif Mosque takes the place of a former mosque conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. From outside, the majestic lotus-flowered dome landmark sits atop a hill overlooking Kazan. Inside, it’s fitted with a modern yet classical interior where you can pray with the names of 99 gods inscribed on ceilings and window glass. On the ground floor is a Museum of Islam, where a tour in English may be available if there’s an English-speaking docent on shift. Otherwise, there are booklets in English that explain the whole exhibit. Whilst everything is free to all visitors, they ask you pay 3 rubles for shoe slip-covers to help keep its floors clean. It is recommended you go in the morning to avoid a queue to visit the Kul Sharif Mosque, boasting a reputation as one of the best mosques in the world.

Temple of All Religions

For those interested in the spiritual marvels of Russia, it is also recommended you see the Temple of all Religions located along the Volga river of Kazan . This is under construction, so it’s not a must-see, but worth the visit if you have time to kill before taking a train or bus. It boasts 16 towers all for various different religions- a stunning sight to behold from the outside.

Baumana street

The Baumana Street is the main tourist and pedestrian zone between the Kremlin and Tokai Square. Tatarstan restaurants, stalls of street painters, boutiques, souvenir shops, fountains that fulfil wishes and kiosks are just a few of its gems that are ready to assure your every need and charm your socks off. Monuments and fountains make for a perfect photo backdrop, with statuary ranging from a bronze carriage of Catherine II to the “thick lazy Cat of Kazan”, a tribute to its feline protectors who fended off mice. Whilst mingling with the locals, the rich chimes of Kazan’s bell tower help bring the vibrant Arbat to life. Baumana street’s historical attractions include houses of the 19 th century, a monument to Feodor Chaliapin, and a Russian baroque style Epiphany cathedral. For opportunists seeking for the perfect Russian souvenir, Baumana street is the place to buy everything: Matryoshka dolls, Tatar folk costumes, and one particular favourite of tourists is the Tatar national male headwear “Tubeteika”. This is a street that never sleeps- when the sun sets, it becomes a hub for nightlife.

Palace of Farmers

The Palace of Farmers is a vast and regal building like something out of a fairytale. Despite being a recent addition to Kazan’s collection of ancient sites, it looks to be built well over a century ago. This eclectic architectural piece boasts elements of Classicism style, the Second Empire, and the Belle Epoque. A magnificent, 65-foot tall bronze tree sculpture grows in the archway of the palace’s façade- a sight that makes for a mesmerizing photo backdrop. This is a governmental building related to agriculture, so the interior is not accessible. However, it’s worthwhile just to see its magnificently sculpted exterior. Located adjacent to the Kremlin and Kazan river embankment, the Farmer’s Palace makes for beguiling scenery for your riverside stroll. Manicured gardens out front create a serene, relaxing space in the summer sunshine, the site’s most popular season. When the sun sets, the Palace of Farmers comes alive with an array of spectacular light displays.

Raifa Monastery

Whilst known as one of the largest monasteries in Russia, Raifa Monastery had humble beginnings as a place of solitude where monastic followers could dedicate themselves to God. Found in a serene location by Sumy Lakes in a lush pine forest, this centuries-old site has been rebuilt time and time again. Its history tells of temple destruction, brutal plundering, arson, and has once made a home for juvenile delinquents. The history behind the monastery’s name is no exception to this trail of tragedies. In fact, the hermitage was established and named in memory of holy fathers tortured in Sinai and Raithu. Abandoned for over half a century, the ruins have been given new life with well doted on additions. This includes the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Cathedral of God’s Mother of Georgia, the Church of the Ss Reverend Fathers and bell tower, with beautiful onion-domed architecture and intricate iconography. It’s free to wander monastery grounds, where small shops and cafes populate the area. Arrive at this stunning rural monastery via a 40-minute drive from Kazan (with some free parking available), bus tour, or a scenic boat trip.

Sviyazhsk Island

Sviyazhsk Island, or “Conqueror City”, began as a fortress for Ivan the Terrible in 1551 when Kazan was an unassailable fortress. Frozen in time, visiting the Island is like going through a time machine with no fewer than 37 cultural-historical monuments. Its religious marvels are a must-see. Trinity Church is the last of its kind in Sviyazhsk- a wooden structure dating back to the time of Ivan the Terrible. Axe marks made by Yaroslavl carpenters can still be seen. The Dormition Cathedral boasts a glorious collection of 16th-century frescos. Its most famed is St Christopher with a horse’s head- a fresco that tells the story of a saint so handsome he pleaded to God for ugliness, to avoid unwanted attention from women. However, these monasteries have seen their fair share of horrors- the Soviet political repression saw them turn into prisons, concentration camps, and psychiatric hospitals. A local museum, Sviyazhsk State Museum of History and Architecture, is no stranger to these horrors. Here, inmates and prisoners were executed and their belongings are still on display in abandoned cells inside. A monument to the victims of political repression forms a two-meter-tall marble slab on the island.

The Ancient City of Bolgar

Not far from Kazan, Russia’s mysterious Muslim City, Bolgar, dates back to the 7th and 15th centuries. With such a powerful history, this Eurasian metropolis is one of Russia’s first UNESCO listed sites. It’s served as the capital of the Mongol Golden Horde, ruled by the founder of the Timurids Empire, and even the Prince of Moscow. A 1969 excavation for the State Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve saw the city turned into a huge open-air museum.  Stone citadels, mosques, and tombs are some of its jaw-dropping remains from its glory days. Other attractions include the Khan’s palace, White Mosque, the hidden healing well of Gabdrakhman, a 700-year-old burial chamber for Bolgar nobility, and an interactive bread museum. The city of Bolgar has great religious significance, once the center of Islamic civilization in Europe. Here, you can find the largest printed Kora in the world weighing at 500kg. Bolgar remains a sacred pilgrimage destination to Tatar Muslims. The city of Bolgar is a three hours’ drive from Kazan along the scenic route of the river Volga.

Kazan from a boat

Kazan’s river station is flocked to by tourists eager to experience the scenic water route along the city’s shores. Travelling through Kazan with a Volga River boat trip is filled with incredible landscapes and jaw-dropping scenes. Gorgeous views of some of the city’s beloved icons include the Kazan Kremlin, whose structure sparkles like a jewel in the sun in all its Russian glory. The comfortable steam-ships on the rivers and lakes of Russia depart a few times a day to make for regular service (12:00, 15:00, and 19:00 on most days). Two-hour boat trips without stops, with a guided tour along Kazan’s coast. A total of 9 dams choke the river and halt its waters to a standstill- a glistening, magical scene that is a magnet for artists, writers and explorers. By its shores, the Volga river is a favourite for camping, relaxing, fishing, and swimming.

Kazan Cuisine Guide: A Foodie’s Haven

Kazan is the central home of Russia’s Tatar cuisine, boasting many restaurants and cafes that have earned its keep in the hearts of foodies across the globe. This Kazan Travel Guide will convince you why this is a haven for Russian and eastern cuisine.

Museum of Chak-Chak

The Museum of Chak-Chak (Çäkçäk) is named after the mouth-watering honey-baked balls of doughy goodness, a delicacy served at celebrations and festivities. This museum-turned food establishment is dedicated to traditional Tatar foods and drinks, particularly their national sweet foods. Bashkir dishes, chak-chak, bursak, and kak-tosh made from almonds are some of the recipes derived from Tatar enlightener kayum nasyri. These are only some of the most popular must-try dishes that cannot go unsampled. Here, guests drink tea and sample desserts whilst guides tell stories of the ancient Tatar people’s way of life, tradition and customs. If you want to learn the secret to cooking the perfect Tatar dish, this is the place to be.

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii (restaurant)

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii, or House of Tatar Cuisine, is one of the oldest national restaurants that has earnt its place in the heart of foodies from across the globe. Its dishes are based on Yunus Akhmetzyanov’s time-tested recipes and traditions – a beloved local guardian of traditional Tatar cuisine. Here you can find confectionary like Tatar sweets, and authentic dishes such as:

• Echpochmak: These are triangle-shaped pastries stuffed with mince and potatoes. A small hole remains at the top of the stuffed and folded dough. Halfway through the oven baking process, the pastries are filled with a spoonful of broth, ensuring that the meat (stuffed raw) is moist and tender.
• Gubadiya: Layered pie which contains cottage cheese or quark, minced beef or lamb and boiled egg, which is combined with raisins or mixed dried fruits (such as figs, prunes and apricots). This filling is then covered with melted butter before being baked into a mouthwatering dessert.
• Kazylyk: Originating from Tatar nomadic culture, this dish is a horse meat sausage which has been traditionally cured by air-drying in the sun and wind. It is often spiced with coriander or cumin, served in thin slices with pickled sliced onions
• Talkysh kaleve: This intricate dessert involves honey and sugar spun into a stringy fairy-floss which is then moulded into miniature cones and coated with a powder of melted butter and flour
• Manti: Tatar dumplings made from either spiced lamb, beef or horse meat, which can be mixed with pumpkin or squash depending on the region. They can be boiled or steamed in their own juices, typically served with butter, sour cream, onion sauce or red pepper powder.

In the evenings, your wining and dining with this Bauman street food will be accompanied by live music and the opportunity for master classes about preparing national dishes.

Kazan Travel Guide: Summer Highlights

Months & temperature.

  June, July, August: +24 – +27 C

Summer is by far the most popular and most frequented time of year to trek to Russia’s glorious Kazan city. The bustling, sunny and comfortable seasons of June, July and August are some of the best months to travel here. July is its hottest month at an average of 27 degrees- the perfect time to bask by the mesmerising Volga River.

The Sabantuy Tatar National Festival in June is jam-packed with competitions, sports events, dances, feasts, and music. This holiday hallmarks the end of spring crop planting and draws crowds of up to 40,000 in Kazan’s village of Mirny. Competitions of sportsmanship draw contenders near and far, both amateur and professional, in games like the egg-and-spoon race, sack races, horse races, and wrestling matches. Contenders for the more professional scenes like wrestling can earn prizes varying from home electronics to cars. The wrestling champion is declared ‘Batyr’ and lifts an overweight ram onto his (or her) shoulders for the cheering crowd. This festival is a marvel to behold, especially witnessing it for the very first time.

Similar to this: See also International handicraft festival ‘Spasskaya Yarmarka’ in August, Elabuga city

Kazan Travel Guide: Winter Highlights

  November, December, January, February – 0 to -10 C

For those far-reaching globetrotters, here is your chance for a true white Christmas- Kazan in Winter gets especially chilly in November, December, January, and February, the coldest months to travel. In November and December, there is a high chance of snow. Besides public holidays, winter outings mean fewer crowds, fewer queues and a more serene, quiet atmosphere.

The Nardugan Pagan Holiday Festival is popular in Kazan as an annual celebration honouring the winter solace. According to the ancient Tatar calendar, the birth of the Sun is December 22. This begins weeklong festivities and celebrations acknowledging the awakening of nature and the beauty of life. Dancing, traditional costumes, theatrical performances, Tatar baker’s delicacies, and fortune tellers are part of the joyous festivities.

For those creative art buffs interested in the sophisticated art forms of ballet and opera, see Kazan’s Shalyapin International Opera Festival (February), and the International Festival of Classical Ballet, Rudolf Nureyev Dance Festival (May).

Kazan Travel Guide: How to Get There

Kazan international airport.

Kazan’s international airport in the Laishevsky district is the only one in Russia that secured a win in the World Airport Awards of 2018. It’s equipped with paid and free parking, medical facilities, free Wi-Fi, shops, cafés and restaurants, a post office and more whilst being English friendly. The train terminal of inner-city travel is located within the airport. Find out more about travel options via the air through the Russian Official  Kazan Aero site, Aeroflot Airlines, or plan your trip with Google Flights.

Railway station

For visitors travelling to Kazan from within Russia, the Russian railway is connected to the city’s two main stations: Kazan-Passazhirskaya and Vosstanie-Passazhirskaja station. Trains from the Russian cities  Moscow , Yekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, St. Petersburg , Novosibirsk and Adler pass by these stations. The railway stations are fitted to meet your every need, supplying luggage storage, baby changing facilities, tourist info desks, ATMs, cafes and more.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Kazan is one of the top must-see stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway . The traditional Russian Trans-Siberian Railway route stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, and has Kazan as one of its main stops. Even if you weren’t planning on visiting Kazan but will be making your way through the Trans-Siberian Railway, this is a detour you won’t regret making. Kazan is a 1000-year-old ancient city, still full of life, and the perfect place to lose yourself in (but not too lost, because their diverse transport system will be sure to get you back on track).

Enjoy a short Kazan city tour via this entertaining video:

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Mission Trip Journal: Documenting Faith-based Short-term Projects Up to 14 Days (Christian Travel Diary) Paperback – June 3, 2019

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