boat tours georgetown

CAPITOL RIVER CRUISES

Celebrating over 30 years on the potomac, what we offer, our sightseeing tours are our most popular. cruise down the potomac river while enjoying historical narration on the landmarks, monuments and memorials. our vessels are also available for private charters great for any type of event, we've done it all.

Sightseeing Tours

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Crab Feast Charters

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Capitol River Cruises is a small family owned and operated Tour Boat Agency that has been cruising on the Potomac River in Washington, DC for 29 years!

We offer Sightseeing Boat Tours, Crab Feast Charters, Custom Private Charters and various types of Specialty Cruises. Our everyday Sightseeing Cruises are 45 minutes long. We depart every hour on the hour from Washington Harbor in Georgetown, cruise past the 14th St. Bridges and turn around near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. You'll learn all about the history of Washington, DC monuments, memorials, statues and the surrounding area. Our crab feast charters & custom private charters are perfect for company outings, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, celebrations, etc. Any type of event really, we've done it all!

What our customers had to say!

Had an awesome time. Great way to let your feet rest from all the walking. We even got to bring our pup & he loved it. Had a nice glass of wine and enjoyed the breeze from the water. I recommend this tour it’s a different way to see the monuments and memorials without walking a million miles.

-Alexis Suarez

We had an amazing time! We scheduled the Crab Boat for a ladies day out on the Potomac. The crew was very friendly and funny. The Captain played great music. The crabs were delicious! Even the side dishes were good. The weather was perfect. We would definitely cruise with them again.

-S. Haskins

Sightseeing Guide

BOOMERANG BOAT TOURS

Party yacht & pirate ship cruises, boat tours, & private charters in washington, dc, boomerang boat tours, party yacht & pirate ship cruises in washington, choose your dc boat tour.

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Boomerang Yacht Cruise

Enjoy a 21+ cruise aboard the Boomerang Party Yacht which includes premium open bar, water, sodas, pre-packaged snacks, fun music, and amazing DC views.

Pirate Ship Cruise

Enjoy a 21+ cruise aboard the Boomerang Pirate Ship which includes premium open bar, water, sodas, pre-packaged snacks, fun music, and amazing DC views.

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Family Fun Treasure Hunt Cruise

Ahoy there, young pirates! Get ready to embark on our interactive cruise, offering endless excitement and the perfect adventure for kids of all ages!

Private Boomerang Boat Charter

Our charters are perfect for any private party occasion like birthdays, work parties, engagement parties, graduation parties, wedding welcome parties, post wedding brunch cruises, corporate team building, and more!

Boomerang Sightseeing Cruise

Our one-hour sightseeing tour on the Potomac River promises to be an informative, entertaining, and visually captivating experience.

Boomerang Yacht Brunch Cruise

Embark on a captivating Brunch Cruise on the Potomac River with Boomerang Boat Tours! Indulge in a delicious brunch buffet catered by Northside Social, sip on cocktails from our premium open bar, and groove to tunes spun by our live DJ.

About Boomerang Boat Tours

Featured on The Travel Channel, MTV’s The Real World, ABC, and more, Boomerang has been a beloved fixture in the Washington, DC area since 2006! Initially renowned for our party bus services, the Boomerang Party Yacht, Party Boat, and Pirate Ship have steered our company from land to ‘sea.’

Setting sail in 2012, the Boomerang Boat fleet offers Potomac River cruises departing from the Georgetown Waterfront for nine months of the year. Explore our website and book your cruise today!

5-Star Boat Cruises in Washington, DC

I went on a beautiful sunset cruise for a fundraiser. Saw the National Mall from the Potomac at night, it was stunning! The crew members were polite and courteous. The boat docked with a large party group before our group and you would never have known there was another group on 5 minutes before because the boat was spotless.

Wondering what to do when you have friends in town? Boomerang Cruises! After a day of museums, and typical D.C. attractions, treat yourself! On the last trip, my friends had the best time enjoying cocktails, music, and an awesome view on the Potomac. Don't forget to ask the bartenders about the "Shot Ski!" It is a game-changer. Thank me later.

I love going on the Boomerang Party Yacht. The staff is always friendly and helpful! The drinks are amazing! I would highly recommend for any event, we have been on for birthdays, going away parties, celebrations and just for a fun night out. The sunset cruises are highly recommended. Perfect views of the city and fun all around. Great way to meet new people in the area or have a fun night out in DC if you are visiting.

My twin sister and I chose the Boomerang Party Yacht to celebrate our 25th birthday! We had so much fun with our friends. It wasn't too crowded, nice views and the drinks were great. The staff was nice and funny. We had fun doing the limbo. I highly recommend the sunset cruise. Great to see DC in the evening and night. Book ahead because they do sell out!

I have been on the Boomerang Yacht's day, night, sunset, and brunch cruises with friends and it never disappoints! Great crew, bartenders, atmosphere, and views of DC. I have been in DC for almost 5 years and I always re-appreciate how great it is on these cruises- especially in the springtime. Highly recommend for anyone visiting or who lives in the area!

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Georgetown C&O Canal Boat Tours

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Learn about the fascinating history, technology and culture of the C&O Canal, and the surprising stories of the people who lived, worked and played here over the past two centuries. …

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Meh, but ok. I saw this advertised on a social media post, and was very excited. We made reservations about a month advance, and showed up on the correct day at the right time. First off, DC in the summer is hot. There are no fans, and no air conditioning. We were at the mercy of the elements praying for a breeze to waft through. The coolest part of the tour was the lock when the boat went from one spot to another. There were some interesting facts, however, I think it would've been a whole lot more fun, just to walk along side, the boat, and be in the fresh air. the highlight of the trip was seeing two turtles. I would not go back on this, and instead just walk along the canal.

This was fun boat ride, and we got to learn a bit of Georgetown and C&O Canal history. The boat ride is about an hour down and back up part of the canal. There is a tour guide on the boat who gives you history of the canal from how it was created to how it become a historical park, On the tour, you also get to experience what it is like going through a lock. That was a first for me and it was very interesting watching the boat rise and learning how the locks work. This tour gives great views of Georgetown too. The inside of the boat has benches along the sides and in the middle, they aren't comfy but it is a short ride. I would recommend getting to the boat about 15 minutes early to get a good spot on the boat. The boat also has a restroom I didn't use. For $25, I think this is an interesting experience when visiting Georgetown.

Missed opportunity! We embarked on what we assumed would be an educational and fun experience, instead we boarded a boat with no "Tale". I hoped there would be a deep-dive into the Who, What, Where and Why history of the boat and canal, but instead we were inundated with unnecessary political driven talking points. Do not waste your money. Walk along side of the boat as it runs its course and check it out for yourself. Huge disappointment.

I really enjoyed the Canal Tour available in Georgetown. Take a calming trip down the C&O canal, and transport yourself back hundreds of years, to the days when Georgetown was full of horses and mills. Pros: - Convenient location: Located on the C&O canal, on the towpath, this makes a great experience if you are in Georgetown and looking to do something in addition to eating or shopping. Rules are available 5 days a week, and rides last just about an hour. - Great for kids: There were many kids aboard, and I felt that they were definitely enjoying this experience, which seems very well suited for kids of all ages. - Informative: As you ride along, you receive a guided historical tour of the first mile of the Canal- you will hear details of the history, technology and culture of the C&O Canal, and also learn about the mechanics and operations of the canal. As I sat there listening, I really could imagine the canal over the years, and it definitely gave me a sense of perspective of the evolution of DC and Georgetown overall. -Relaxing and unique: A relaxing experience, not too fast or bumpy-- I recommend wining and dining in Georgetown, and then hopping aboard to get out of the sun and decompress a bit! -Inexpensive: This experience isn't too expensive-- it is $10 for children, $20 for adults, and $15 for senior and active military. If you remember, feel free to bring along a couple extra dollars for a tip! - Easy booking process: It is super easy to book your tickets online, and there are several tours available throughout the day. Also, you can cancel your booking, and get credit to use again if something comes up on your end. - Cons: No cons at all-- honestly such a wonderful and relaxing way to spend an hour! Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike.

The Georgetown Heritage Society debuted their major restoration efforts earlier this year by launching C&O Canal Boat tours. Starting from Lock 4, we experienced a journey up the canal to gain an understanding of the importance of the canal & barge system in the 1800s. Our journey ended back at the starting point where we descended from Lock 4 to 3 in 8 minutes. What a tight squeeze that was! We had a great historical guide today. Unfortunately this was the last weekend as more work needs to be done with further dredging & restoration efforts so one day they can reopen again for tours. It was a great experience & glad we had the opportunity. Please help support the heritage society efforts to preserve & restore the great treasure in D.C.

See all photos from Kelly D. for Georgetown C&O Canal Boat Tours

Really enjoyed this slow paced historical tour The tour guides do a great job of bringing the canal system history to life. Really enjoyed Highly recommend Marina did a wonderful job and does many readings from period pieces to illustrate the history...

See all photos from Kori H. for Georgetown C&O Canal Boat Tours

My family and I took a tour this past weekend and yes, it was hot. The only reason I'm knocking a star off of the review is because there are no fans on the boat so it was very hot and humid. Definitely pack a small cooler with ice. The tour was very informative and there were items that the guide shared with everyone onboard. The highlight is going into the lock and rising. That was worth it, the kids enjoyed it. It was cool seeing everyone outside of the boat take pictures and video. I enjoyed seeing the buildings in old Georgetown and even liked the view of the Rosslyn skyline at the turnaround point. After reading the other reviews, yes you could walk along but I actually found the tour fun. The kids found it fun and even after living in the DMV for some time, I didn't know this existed. Besides, after 15 minutes on the tour, you hardly see anyone walking down the path. Sure, it can be viewed as a tourist trap but it was enjoyable, especially since it lasted exactly an hour. If the weather wasn't so hot, I would have liked to have been in the boat when the it goes down to it's original starting location, but weather wise, I was glad we were able to disembark earlier.

Not worth the money by a longshot. The tour guide gal tried, but when youre moving at 1 mile an hour and not seeing much but algae, graffiti, and bums, its pretty hard to salvage the experience.

This boat tour was not at all worth the money or the time. Rather boring, very cramped and, the big selling point of the tour, watching the locks in action, is completely invisible from on the vessel. Better to learn some canal history on the web and watch the lock operation from the bridge for free.

Fun and interesting but the accents were questionably offensive! Might want to have that sensitivity checked.

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A Georgetown canal boat tour offers a leisurely trip through the past

On a warm Friday afternoon, there’s nothing quite as tranquil as a lazy cruise through D.C. that lets you look at historic buildings from a new angle while enjoying the slight breeze and the feeling of being on the water. Or thinking about what this part of Georgetown must have smelled like in 1858 when, as our guide put it, there were “thousands of mules pooping up and down the towpath” we were moving alongside, causing all the kids aboard — and a good number of adults — to laugh out loud.

Welcome to the Georgetown Heritage, an 80-foot-long tour vessel launched last year and the first boat to carry visitors through Georgetown’s stretch of the C&O Canal for more than a decade. Over the course of an hour, it ferries passengers on a journey stretching just over a mile, from the canal’s visitors center on Thomas Jefferson Street NW to a basin on the other side of the Whitehurst Freeway, and back. (Sadly for longtime canal fans, there are no mules, which ceased to pull boats on the Georgetown stretch of the canal in 2010.)

The long, flat-topped boat is lined with wooden benches and has open sides with no windows, making it easier to take pictures, as long as you’re careful: “We had a couple of iPhones go into the water last year because people were hanging their arms outside of the boats,” our guide says during his safety spiel. “That’s almost as bad as a personal injury, right?”

We move through Georgetown at about two miles an hour — a pace that allows kids on the towpath to run along (and eventually outpace) the boat, but also gives us time to admire the bricked-up windows and old pulleys on the converted warehouses that line the canal and to think about how, before these buildings were offices and condos with water views, they buzzed with activity, loading and unloading cargo.

The first section of the canal opened to boat traffic in 1830, and construction finished in 1850. As they cruise, visitors learn about the backbreaking work, done mainly by immigrants, to construct the canal, and get to handle drill bits and tools similar to those used. But they hear about much more than the canal itself: There’s a dramatic reading from the autobiography of James Curry, who used the towpath to escape slavery; diary excerpts that explain what families who worked on the canal would have eaten (lots of eels and turtles — “eeeew!”); and a poem written by a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a government program that restored sections of the derelict canal during the Great Depression.

This history lesson is interactive, which leads to surprises: The guide asks the crowd to imagine the names of some of the captains who piloted barges on the canal in the 1800s. “Josiah!” “Horace!” people on the benches shout, before the host asks, “What about Kate? Or Nancy?” and begins reading names of women who were captains or worked as lock keepers.

(I’m not surprised to learn afterward that the script from which guides read was developed with field trips in mind, “so a lot of the information that folks will hear on the tour is tied to public school standards,” says S. Rex Carnegie, Georgetown Heritage’s director of education and partnerships.)

It’s a placid journey down and back, with views of ducks swimming and a stellar, surprisingly green view of Rosslyn and the Key Bridge at the end of the first leg, which should be your cue to switch sides on the boat and enjoy some different scenery on the ride back.

The one exception to this otherwise relaxing voyage is the trip through a lock, which marks either the start or end of each tour. The C&O Canal runs 184.5 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland, Md., and over the course of the journey, the elevation climbs more than 600 feet. To help boats ascend, they enter 74 locks, a series of chambers that act like steps along the towpath. As the Georgetown Heritage enters a lock and a gate closes behind it, water rushes in. The flow causes the boat to sway from side to side, slamming into the stone walls as the water level — and the boat — rise higher, much to the excited delight and “WHOA!”s of younger passengers.

For Carnegie, these explorations of Georgetown are personal: “I grew up here, and I never even knew that there was a canal boat program,” he says. “I’m sure there are a lot of people throughout the city who don’t even know that there’s a canal, let alone that they can take a boat. We want folks all over the city to feel like the canal belongs to them, just as much as it belongs to the folks in Georgetown.”

The Georgetown Heritage’s return this year was a pleasant surprise, since the other Georgetown Heritage — the community organization behind the boat — had announced last fall that tours were going to be suspended, probably until 2025, because the canal needed to be drained “for an estimated 30 months to allow for a major restoration of Locks 1, 2, and 5, as well as critical valve and wall repairs.”

That vital work “has not been pushed back or rescheduled,” explains Christiana Hanson, the chief of interpretation, education and volunteers for the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Instead, the National Park Service is “going through the normal solicitation and preparation process for large-scale projects,” and a vendor for the work is expected to be chosen this year. “We don’t have a specific date for rehabilitation work beginning at this time,” Hanson says, “though there is a possibility that its start will mean a shorter boat season.”

That’s your cue to set aside some time — maybe a lazy weekend jaunt or a midweek afternoon excursion with the kids — before the chance dries up.

Boat tours are offered at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Tours depart from the C&O Canal visitors center, 1057 Thomas Jefferson St. NW. georgetownheritage.org . Tickets are $15-$25 for adults; $10-$20 for seniors, teachers and active-duty military; and $8-$12 for ages 2 to 18. Reservations are strongly suggested.

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Potomac Tiki Club – Georgetown

Georgetown Tiki Boat Booze Cruises

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We’ll cruise past some of DC’s most iconic attractions. Passengers will enjoy breathtaking views of the Watergate Hotel, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Key Bridge, Georgetown University, and the boat parties up at 3 sisters! For night cruises, see all the monuments lit up as their glow glistens across the water.

Monday-Thursday: $50/Person Friday-Sunday: $60/Person

*Please note that pricing may change for holiday weekends and special events.

Cruise Details

Group Size: 8 – 18 People (Not sure how many people? Book for at least 8 and add or remove additional people at any time leading up to your ride! It’s okay to have less than 8 people, but the minimum price point starts at 8. Select a cruise and review the cruise details before booking.) Duration: 1 hr 45 Mins Bathroom Break: The vessel comes equipped with a private bathroom on board.

Food & Drink Policies

We offer alcohol for purchase on board our tiki boat cruises so they aren’t BYOB.  For an uncorking fee of $8/bottle, passengers are welcome to bring their own wine and champagne. We will have small snacks such as chips available for purchase, but passengers are welcome to bring their own food (BYOF) to enjoy their cruise !

• Goose Island IPA (5.9% ABV)………… $7.50
• Michelob Ultra (4.2% ABV)………… $4.00
• LandShark Lager (4.3% ABV)………… $6.00
• Sea Suite Cruises Lager (4% ABV)………… $5.00 Our very own local lager handcrafted for nautical nonsense in collaboration with Fairwinds Brewing in Lorton, VA.
• High Noon - Vodka (4.5% ABV)………… $6.00
• High Noon - Tequila (4.5% ABV)………… $7.00
• Cutwater Rum Mint Mojito (5.9% ABV)………… $8.00
• Cutwater Tequila Margarita (12.5% ABV)………… $8.50

Ask about our Daily Specials! Please drink responsibly.

Passengers will be picked up and dropped off on the docks at Washington Harbour right outside of Nick’s Riverside Grill . The dock runs a strict schedule for commercial vessels. As such, it is critical that all passengers arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time so we can check ID’s, load up, and get underway. Traffic is always an issue in DC, so plan accordingly! There are a number of great bars and restaurants at Washington Harbour to enjoy if you get there too early.

POTOMAC TIKI CLUB – GEORGETOWN 3100 K St NW Washington DC 20007 United States Phone: +12026563336 Email: [email protected]

Nearby Cruises:

• Potomac Paddle Club - Georgetown
• Potomac Paddle Club - Navy Yard
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• Potomac Tiki Club - Navy Yard (Tikito)
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Early Season Discount: Save $5/person if your desired   cruise date is on a Mon-Thurs before 4/26 , limited slots available! ( Valid for Potomac Tiki Club – Georgetown)

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Georgetown canal boat tours face uncertain future after NPS ends partnership

Scott Gelman | [email protected]

April 11, 2024, 8:00 PM

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There are lingering questions about the future of Georgetown’s C&O canal boat tours, after the National Park Service announced it’s ending its philanthropic agreement with the nonprofit Georgetown Heritage .

Last month, NPS said the agreement is being terminated effective April 29. However, in a statement, the agency said the move doesn’t “change the operation of the canal boat in Georgetown.”

D.C.’s government paid for the construction of the canal boat and Georgetown Heritage, the nonprofit that works to improve National Parks in Georgetown, owns it. The organization operates the boat under a separate agreement with the Park Service.

Maggie Downing, Georgetown Heritage’s executive vice president, said the group’s ownership of the boat isn’t in jeopardy, “but what it will take for us to be able to raise the money and keep this organization going is certainly going to be challenging in the next couple of years,” she said.

“We do remain committed to owning and operating the boat,” Downing said. “But I think it may be a difficult path getting there.”

The nonprofit will have some time to work toward that goal. The boat won’t be operating for the next two years while repairs are made to the canal. The soonest the boat would be able to return to the canal is 2026, Downing said.

About 40,000 people have participated in the tours over the two seasons they were offered, according to Downing.

“It’s a really leisurely experience to look out and see Georgetown from a different vantage point, and to learn about the history, to hear the stories of the people who built the canal and who lived their lives along the canal,” Downing said.

Georgetown Heritage operates the boat under a cooperating agreement with the Park Service. The Philanthropic Partnership Agreement allowed the nonprofit to fundraise for projects in the park.

The group had plans to make accessibility improvements along the towpath, and to install “recreational opportunities down at the aqueduct, a dock for canoeing and kayaking along the canal,” Downing said.

“The cancellation of the Philanthropic Partnership Agreement really puts the future of any of those improvements to the park in danger,” Downing said.

In its March statement, the Park Service said terminating a philanthropic agreement is rare and happens “only after exhausting all other avenues to try to resolve the issues.”

“There have been multiple violations of the Philanthropic Partnership Agreement that have led to irreconcilable differences in the partnership, making it impossible to maintain the collaborative relationship necessary to accomplish mutually identified goals as required by the PPA,” the Park Service said in a statement to WTOP. “Georgetown Heritage has promoted actions that disregard the NPS mandate to protect park resources.”

The agreement, Downing said, was terminated because “current leadership at the park no longer wants to pursue these projects.”

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Scott Gelman is a digital editor and writer for WTOP. A South Florida native, Scott graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019. During his time in College Park, he worked for The Diamondback, the school’s student newspaper.

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C&O Canal

Industrial past meets modern urban oasis

The historic C&O Canal and its towpath run 184.5 miles into Cumberland, Md.–the first mile of which is through Georgetown . Today, this serene urban oasis south of M Street offers one-hour boat tours of the Canal, is a popular running and cycling path, and the perfect picnic area for residents, office employees, and weekend visitors who prefer to sit, stay awhile, and even spot some wildlife.

Along the C&O Canal’s side streets, including Grace Street and Thomas Jefferson, you’ll find some of the best bakeries, coffee and tacos in town, as well as recreational opportunities, architectural gems, and remnants of the neighborhood’s industrial history.

C&O Canal Boat Tours

Georgetown Heritage is welcoming a new Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal boat to Georgetown for the first time in nearly a decade! The new Canal boat program is part of Georgetown Heritage’s multi-year restoration and revitalization efforts in partnership with National Park Service, the District of Columbia Government and the Georgetown Business Improvement District.

Boat rides are available Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm, through October 2022, offering one-hour guided historical tours along the first mile of the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP). Visitors will learn about the fascinating history, technology and culture of the Canal, and the surprising stories of the people who lived, worked and played here over the past two centuries.

Visit the  Georgetown Heritage website  to learn more, and book your tickets!

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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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''Abau effect'' by Ivanov: quick trip to Tatarstan for four days and $500

On 15 March, the Tatarstan State Committee for Tourism presented a new branded route ''Tatarstan: 1001 Delights''. Within four days, tourists are promised to be shown key objects of our republic not in the usual format of a ''point-to-point bus trip'' but close communication with locals during excursions, master classes, unobtrusive class of the Tatar language and acquaintances with the history of Turkic dishes in halal establishments. Realnoe Vremya's report tells the details how the ''abau effect'' will be made for ''a bit raised price'' for Tatarstan guests.

It's called a wow effect in English, in Tatar, it's ''abau'' effect

The route ''Tatarstan: 1001 Delights'', which was presented in Marhaba halal restaurant (the visit to oligarch Ayrat Bashirov's establishment is included in the tour) will last for four days and include three cities – Kazan, Sviyazhsk and Bolgar. Groups of up to ten people are made, while a personal attaché will accompany them. In addition, the guide will also have a function of acquainting guests with the Tatar language.

Chairman of the Tatarstan State Committee for Tourism Sergey Ivanov explained the difference of the new branded tour from already existing. According to the speaker, the routes that exist now in Tatarstan focus on certain objects only (a tourist goes on a bus, he is brought to one point, then to another one and so on), while the creators of the new tour decided to go further.

The route ''Tatarstan: 1001 Delights'' will last for four days and include three cities

''Now tourism develops all over the world to get the greatest experience as a traveller. People don't want to be tourists – they want to be travellers. In other words, they want to discover something new to them, they want individualisation, they want to learn local lifestyle, live like locals, try what locals eat. The new route was precisely created in accordance with world trends,'' Ivanov explained. ''A person must go home and say: ''Yes, the Kremlin is beautiful, Bolgar is beautiful, the mosque is beautiful, but during the trip, I took a sword in my hands, put chain mail on, tried to be a medieval knight, I crossed a river by boat like 300 years ago, I knew what the traditional tea ceremony is, I knew how people eat chak-chak and so on.''

As director of the Tatarstan Tourism Development Centre Dilbar Sadykova explained, the programme is built with a visit to tourist sites and sightseeing points that are known to many people. However, the manner of presentation and dialogue will be unique: ''It's important for us that every traveller takes pleasant impressions and emotions. It's called a wow effect in English, but in Tatar, it's ''abau'' effect.

''The prices are probably higher than standard group tours to Tatarstan''

A tour price varies depending on accommodation. If you book a single bed in three-star Nogay hotel, the tour will cost 30,990 rubles (a double is 25,990). Four-star Relita for one person is 31,990 (an option for two people is cheaper again – 26,990 rubles). Five-star Mirazh with accommodation for one person will be 40,990 rubles (the option for two is 32,990). Sergey Ivanov fairly notes: ''The prices are probably higher than standard group tours to Tatarstan. But our task is not to compete with standard products.''

Dilbar Sadykov also commented on the tour's price by announcing the data on how much tourists spent while staying in Tatarstan: ''Men, by the way, spend about 26,000 rubles, while women – a bit less – 23,000 rubles. There is a question: ''Is it because they travel with men or alone?'' Sergey Ivanov replied with a joke: ''Men pay in Tatarstan.''

Dilbar Sadykova explained lasting trips were a difficulty for many travellers

For the mentioned sums, guests will have the following programme: on the first day, tourists will acquaint with the history of Tatar cuisine in a halal restaurant in which they will be treated to not only chorba, manty and other dishes but also told their history and revealed secrets of ancient recipes. We need to note that alcohol is strictly prohibited in the establishment (different teas are the main option), also there is a room for prayer. Then the guests go on tour to the Kazan Kremlin where they will meet Tatar Queen Syuyumbike who will tell them about the Kremlin's secrets. Then there will be a walk by cycle rickshaw on the embankment, a visit to the big wheel and, finally, a tea ceremony where the guests will acquaint with Tatar traditions through interaction and a costumed show.

The second day is dedicated to the trip to Sviyazhsk where the locals will tell the tourists the island's legends. The guests will also taste Russia cuisine, horse yard and Sviyazhsk workshops. The third day is optional – a trip to Bolgar or ''soaking'' in a spa complex. As Dilbar Sadykova explained, such a decision was made because lasting trips are a difficulty for many travellers: ''In general, the route is oriented to the audience from 25 to 35 years. But one can have a rest in the spa complex for body and soul on the third day and then visit Urban Panorama complex and exhibitions of the office of the State Hermitage on the third day, so it will suit all.''

The last day is dedicated to Tatarstan pleasures: guests will go on an excursion to the Old Tatar Settlement accompanied by Grandma and Grandpa who will also acquaint the guests with the Tatar language, songs and cuisine. The travellers will also go for a walk on the Kaban embankment, know the 18 th- century architecture. And degustation of Tatarstan liquors in Arysh Maye museum shop is the final point.''

According to the chairman of the Tatarstan State Committee for Tourism, the route was created together with the local community of tour operators

''If we successfully work this year, we plan to present it in the international market''

According to the chairman of the Tatarstan State Committee for Tourism, the route was created together with the local community of tour operators: ''Now five tourism companies fulfil it (Kazan Travel Bureau, Travel&Work, Persona Grata, Sputnik-Hermes-Kazan and Kazan Tourism and Information Centre). We offered all companies, five tour operators replied, and we started to work. We hope there will be a certain number of tourists by the first date of the tour, and then we will gain speed.''

''This year we plan to present our route in the Russian market. It's clear it's not a mass product. But we want it to become a brand,'' said Ivanov. ''The number of visits next year can be bigger, the number of groups can also increase. If we successfully work this year, we plan to present it to the international market. There will be probably small changes because foreign tourists are different from ours, domestic ones.''

Dilbar Sadykova notes that after Tatarstan accepts the first group of tourists on the new route, some corrections can be made, and even new places can appear.

''Of course, we want to show all places in Tatarstan: Chistopol, Yelabuga, Tetyushi and so on. Somebody is interested, for instance, in oil extraction in Almetyevsk. But the tour's task is to show key places for four days. There already was a project of the tour that had more points. But analysis showed that such an option doesn't completely suit for a holiday in a normal regime. I think after hosting the first group, there will be some amendments. There is also an idea to launch branded routes and visit other places,'' Sadykova concluded.

• Maksim Platonov

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Realnoe Vremya is an online newspaper, providing business news and sectoral analytics, up-to-date information about the development of economy and technology in Tatarstan, Russia and the whole world. Every day Realnoe Vremya’s Editorial board prepares materials and interviews with the leaders of different sectors and markets on the most relevant topics.

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