Russia's Kazan city is popular with the young

The Kremlin is where tourists usually flock to for pictures, souvenirs and the country's history. Photo: AFP Photo/Luis Acosta

The city of Kazan is nestled deep in the Russian provinces, 800km from Moscow. Yet far from being a backwater, it’s a city that is increasingly popular with young people and tourists, one that combines tradition and optimism about the future.

The World Cup host city has become known far beyond the country’s borders as a location for international sporting events. The cultural melting pot is now a firm fixture in guidebooks to Russia.