The Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda is usually believed to have originated in the 16th – 17th centuries. Today it is a favourite place for walks and recreation for both local residents and tourists. The Sloboda begins at the Kamal Tatar State Drama Theatre where plays are staged in Tatar with simultaneous translation to Russian and English.

Along the picturesque embankment of the Kaban Lake you will find numerous restaurants and coffee shops, most of them serving traditional Tatar food. Walking along the embankment, you can turn to the right, for instance, at the Pereulok Fatikha Karima and find yourself on the pedestrian Ulitsa Kayuma Nasyri which has a number of authentic old houses and mosques.

Historically the Sloboda was a residential neighbourhood of Tatar intellectuals and prominent people: educators, poets, authors, artists, imams and well-known merchants. Of particular interest are: Şihabetdin Märcani's House, the Yunusov-Apanayev House, Shamil's House with the museum of Tatar poet Ğabdulla Tuqay, the Kayum Nasyri Memorial House, the Yusupov House and many others.

Alongside the streets of the Sloboda you will find hotels, authentic souvenir shops and stores with popular Tatar craftwork items. Here you can purchase unusual handmade souvenirs, try the local cuisine and fit on traditional Tatar costumes.