What to see in Nizhny Novgorod

Decided to relax in Nizhny Novgorod? Great!

Before your trip, read our comprehensive guide to Nizhny: we've gathered the most interesting sights, beautiful architectural structures, and best places for family tourists. At the end of the article, you'll find a ready-made itinerary for a one-day walk around Nizhny Novgorod and its surroundings.

How to get to Nizhny Novgorod

By plane

A plane is the fastest way to get to Nizhny Novgorod. The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. A flight from St. Petersburg to Nizhny Novgorodtakes a bit longer — 1 hour and 50 minutes. Prices start from 4,000 rubles and 5,000 rubles .

By train

A train to Nizhny Novgorodis not as fast, but it's romantic and cheap. On a seated "Lastochka" train, you can travel for 1,000 rubles and get there in four hours. Tickets for a regular train cost about 2,000 rubles for a reserved seat (platskart), and the journey takes five to six hours. It makes sense to pay more if the trip is overnight and you want to lie down. , the journey will take 14–22 hours. Tickets are accordingly more expensive — from 3,000 rubles for a reserved seat.

Where to stay in Nizhny Novgorod

Like any city, Nizhny offers accommodation for every budget.

Budget options

For example, a three-minute walk from the Kremlin, you can rent a bed in the Smile hostel for less than 1,000 rubles per night. It's cheap, and Nizhny Novgorod's attractions are nearby.

Nearby, in the very center of the city, you can rent a room in the two-star hotel "Rest Home": prices here start from 1,200 rubles per night. Each room has air conditioning, a refrigerator, a microwave, and Wi-Fi.

Four-star and above

The average bill in four-star hotels is from 5,000 rubles. At the Mercure hotel, you will be provided with a room with a private shower and parking for your personal car; there is also a restaurant, bar, and gym.

If we talk about five-star hotels, one of the best options is the Sheraton on Teatralnaya Square. A view of the Kremlin, a restaurant, a lounge bar, and spacious beds are the key to a comfortable stay in Nizhny. Prices start from 7,000 rubles per night.

Nizhny Novgorod Monuments and Sculptural Compositions

Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

The leader in the category "What to see in Nizhny Novgorod first" is the city's main attraction: the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. Its construction began in the early 16th century to defend against Tatar raids. The total length of the Kremlin wall is two kilometers. Exhibitions are held in some of the towers reinforcing the wall. Tickets are sold on the official website of the Kremlin, and its operating hours are from 10:00 to 20:00.

Address: Kremlin, 2.

Pushnikov Chambers

Burgomaster Pushnikov's House, or the Pushnikov Chambers, is a cultural heritage site of the peoples of the Russian Federation, located at Gogol Street, 52. To avoid the frequent fires of the 17th century, architects began building wattle-and-daub houses, which were then faced with adobe bricks. Initially, the chambers were a wooden tannery. After two fires, the Pushnikov brothers restored them and added a two-story stone building to the old structure, as well as several wooden production workshops. Thus, the styles of Russian Uzochye and Petrine Baroque were mixed in the architecture.

Peter the Great's House

Another great idea of what to visit in Nizhny Novgorod, a 15-minute walk from the Pushnikov Chambers. Here is another cultural heritage site of the peoples of the Russian Federation — Peter the Great's House. In 1695, on his way to the Azov campaign, the emperor stayed in the house of merchant Efim Chatygina. Today, the house looks completely different from how it was during Peter's time, but it certainly hasn't gotten worse. Only a bas-relief, installed in honor of the three hundredth anniversary of the Russian fleet's victory, reminds of the emperor's visit. Essentially, Peter's House is a two-story white stone chamber with two rooms.

Address: Pochainskaya St., 27.

River Station

Strolling along the Nizhne-Volzhskaya embankment, you will definitely notice an interesting ship-shaped building. This is the river station, built in the functionalist and minimalist styles according to the design of architect Mikhail Churilin. It was planned that the river station would resemble an aquarium and reflect the theme of water: architects added a lot of white color and glass walls to express the idea. Currently, it houses the offices of shipping companies.

Address: Markina Sq., 15A.

Main Fair House

The first building of the fair house was built in 1822 in the classical style but fell into disrepair. In its place, a new one appeared in 1889, executed in Russian style, with voluminous facade decor and towers with high tent roofs. From then until 1929, fairs and exhibitions were held there. During the Soviet era, many objects on the territory were destroyed, but the building retained its beauty.

Address: Sovnarkomovskaya St., 13.

Nizhny Novgorod Temples, Monasteries, Churches, and Cathedrals

Stroganov Church

Let's head from the river station to the Stroganov Church (sometimes called the Nativity Church). It was built in 1679 by order of merchant and salt factory owner Grigory Stroganov. The church looks like a painted toy in Baroque style: pink walls, arches, and cornices. The highlight of the temple is its five domes with colorful mosaics and crosses with openwork carvings. Elements that seem slightly alien to Baroque can also be seen on the facade, such as a weather vane on the bell tower or 19th-century German tower clocks.

Address: Rozhdestvenskaya St., 34.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This cathedral is easily visible from anywhere in Nizhny Novgorod. Its architecture is a mix: both Volga architectural solutions and classicism can be traced. For those who like to appreciate churches from the inside, we recommend looking at the icon of the All-Merciful Savior and the icon with a particle of the relics of Alexander Nevsky. If you have time, listen to the ringing of the "Cathedral" bell.

Address: Strelka St., 3A.

Pechersky Ascension Monastery

The Pechersky Ascension Monastery is part of the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese. It was founded in 1328–1330 by Saint Dionysius, a monk from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, who came to these lands with other monks. Initially, men settled here: their property was common, and they worked for sustenance. This continued until the 16th century when a landslide destroyed most of the monastic complex. Today, you will see an ensemble built here in 1630–1640 by architect Antip Konstantinov. Besides the monastery itself with its green roofs, we recommend visiting the Assumption Church, the Church of Peter and Paul, and the Museum of Diocese History. Tourists note that in summer it is pleasant to admire the work of the gardeners here: there is a lot of greenery and flowers on the territory.

Address: Privolzhskaya Sloboda, 108.

Church of the All-Merciful Savior

The red-brick Church of the All-Merciful Savior, built in the Russian architectural style, was erected in memory of the salvation of Emperor Alexander III's family after a train crash. It is built with three chapels (a chapel is an extension to the main part of the church. — Ed. note). The central part is dedicated to the All-Merciful Savior Not Made by Hands, the right chapel to Saint Apostle James, and the left chapel to the Moscow hierarchs Alexius and Peter, Saint Sergius of Radonezh, and Prophet Hosea.

During Soviet times, it served as a warehouse for the "Vesna" sewing factory. In 1992, the church was returned to believers. The interior decoration is also impressive: an atmosphere of tranquility, rare relics, and a unique interior. It houses the miraculous icon of Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, the icon of Saints Marcian and Martyrius, and a particle of the relics of Sergius of Radonezh.

Address: Maxim Gorky St., 177A.

Best Museums in Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum (NGKHM)

Several buildings are dedicated to the Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum. This is a great idea of what to see in Nizhny Novgorod in two days — it's better to have more time to leisurely explore all the halls.

The branch housing the Russian art exhibition is located at Kremlin, Bldg. 3. It stores paintings, icons, and works by the most famous masters of the 14th–19th centuries. The "Foreign Art" building, at Verkhne-Volzhskaya Embankment, 3, features permanent exhibitions and the VR exhibition of K. E. Makovsky's hall, which interests many. The third building, "20th Century Art," displays works from avant-garde and symbolism movements. This branch of the NGKHM is located at Minin and Pozharsky Square, 2/2.

Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday from 10:00 to 18:00; Thursday from 12:00 to 20:00; Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00.

Yurkovka Art Gallery

"Yurkovka" houses the works of artist A. N. Yurkov, hence the name of the gallery. The author created a unique technique called "floral mosaic." Yurkov completed over 200 works using leaves, seeds, plant petals, and glue.

Address: Sergievskaya St., 12.

Opening hours: Tuesday — Sunday from 13:00 to 18:00.

A. M. Gorky Apartment Museum

The museum in Maxim Gorky's last Nizhny Novgorod apartment has been operating since 1971. Once, the writer's family lived here in ten rooms, where he finished his play "The Lower Depths," and in his free time hosted numerous cultural and art figures. Among Gorky's visitors were, for example, L. N. Tolstoy, I. A. Bunin, A. P. Chekhov, K. S. Stanislavsky. The building — the former house of Baron Kirshbaum — is, by the way, a monument of federal historical and cultural significance in itself.

Address: Semashko St., 19.

Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday — Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00.

Russian Museum of Photography

The Russian Museum of Photography was founded in 1992 on public initiative, but in the early 21st century, it came under state patronage. It exhibits works by the founder of art photography, Andrey Karelin, the originator of the journalistic direction, Maxim Dmitriev, and other popular professionals in the field. The museum space includes several halls with a permanent exhibition and rooms with interactive exhibits. In total, the museum's collections number over 210,000 objects: these include daguerreotypes, positives and negatives, rare cameras, and albums by famous photographers.

Address: Piskunova St., 9A.

Opening hours: Tuesday — Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00.

Where to go with a child

"Galileo Wonderland Park"

The go-to place to visit with a child in Nizhny Novgorod is "Galileo." It's an engaging interactive museum for children where they will have an interesting and beneficial time. In "Wonderland Park," young visitors learn about the mechanisms of the surrounding world and the human body through games, and master classes and science shows are held. The "Laboratory of Wonders" deserves special attention. Here, your child, under the supervision of specialists, can mix chemical substances to get a reaction. The park offers the opportunity to celebrate a child's birthday, so if you've come to celebrate and are looking for a great place, keep this in mind.

Address: Kazanskoye Highway, 11, 3rd floor (TRK "Indigo-Life").

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00.

Limpopo Zoo

A guaranteed way to delight a child is to take them to see animals. The private "Limpopo" zoo features about 270 species of animals, including some from the Red Book. We are sure that you yourself wouldn't mind gazing at capybaras, llamas, alpacas, lemurs, and turtles. In addition, there is a botanical garden with tropical plants on the park's territory, where you can relax after a walk through the zoo.

Address: Yaroshenko St., 7B.

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 20:00.

Oceanis Water Park

If you're wondering where to go in Nizhny Novgorod that's interesting for both children and adults, this is the place for you. The former are offered eight slides of various heights, swimming pools, and discounted tickets. Parents also have plenty to do here: you can go to a bar, a restaurant, or ride the "Royal Cobra" slide, which is 14.64 meters high. A spa resort is located next door, so mothers can safely leave their children with their fathers and go for beauty treatments. What could be better for a weekend?

Address: Gagarin Ave., 35, Bldg. 1.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium

The first digital planetarium in Russia: here they show films, give lectures, display Saturn's rings through a telescope, and allow visitors to practice docking a spacecraft with the ISS on a special simulator. Also, at the Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium, you can try food directly from tubes. It will appeal to both toddlers and older children.

Address: Revolyutsionnaya St., 20.

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday from 10:00 to 17:00, Wednesday — Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00.

Best places for a walk

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya is the main street of Nizhny Novgorod. It connects four squares: Minin and Pozharsky, Teatralnaya, Gorky, and Lyadova. Walking along it, you will get a complete impression of the city's architecture. Here, every corner, courtyard, and gate is a separate work of art. Shopaholics will also enjoy Bolshaya Pokrovskaya: there are both stores of popular fashion houses and vintage shops. Be sure to take a photo against the backdrop of the State Bank and Drama Theater buildings — their appearance is truly captivating.

Nizhny Novgorod Cable Car

An idea of what to see in Nizhny Novgorod and its surroundings. The cable car in Nizhny is considered the longest in Europe (3,661 m). It is not only a tourist attraction but also an effective means of transport for Nizhny Novgorod residents. With the cable car, they can reach the satellite city of Bor in 12.5 minutes. Of course, a beautiful panoramic view of the Volga is guaranteed here.

Address: Kazanskaya Embankment, 8A.

Rukavishnikov Estate

This estate, reminiscent of majestic St. Petersburg buildings, was erected in 1877 by order of merchant Rukavishnikov. Lion heads and atlantes supporting the balcony adorn the facade. Inside, a museum was opened in 1918, where you can learn the history of the Rukavishnikov family and admire the interiors of the former merchant's house.

Address: Verkhne-Volzhskaya Embankment, 7.

Opening hours: Tuesday — Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.

Chkalov Staircase

You can add some sport to your walk here — by climbing the 150-meter Chkalov Staircase, which connects the Nizhne-Volzhskaya and Verkhne-Volzhskaya embankments. It is one of the longest in Russia — you will have to climb 560 steps.

It sounds like a challenging task, but you don't have to climb all the way to the top. The staircase is quite wide and designed in a figure-eight shape: you can take a break on one side without disturbing those walking on the other.

What to bring from Nizhny Novgorod

We've compiled a top-5 list of souvenirs you can buy for your loved ones in Nizhny Novgorod.

• Khokhloma tableware: will appeal to those who love to host breakfasts and always await your return home. Plates, mugs with bright national patterns are a must-have for a cozy breakfast.
• Stone and bone products: an anhydrite bear figurine or combs made from animal bones? Choose based on who you are giving the gift to.
• Balakhna lace scarves and tablecloths. This weaving technique appeared among local craftswomen after being inspired by French lace ornaments. Grandma will definitely appreciate it!
• Sormovo candies: "Bird's Milk," "Kara-Kum," "Lastochka," and other confectionery delights are already waiting for you in Nizhny. We believe this is a good gift for children.
• Coloring postcards with Nizhny Novgorod наличники (window casings). A very cool souvenir that allows you to escape reality for a while. By coloring small details, we calm our nervous system. The result is a very cute postcard that will add a highlight to your refrigerator or photo wall.

How to spend one day in Nizhny Novgorod

As promised, we share a ready-made itinerary to quickly guide you on what to see in Nizhny Novgorod in one day. We start our journey from the base: the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. From there, we move along the picturesque Nizhne-Volzhskaya Embankment. Here we admire the Stroganov Church with its mosaic domes. We continue: we walk past the 800th Anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod Park and arrive at another sanctuary — the majestic Annunciation Monastery for Men, founded in the early 13th century. The next stop is the Church of the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is built in the Russian Baroque style and is a cultural heritage site of the peoples of the Russian Federation. We move towards the charming "Kashirin's House" museum, dedicated to the childhood years of writer Maxim Gorky. Be sure to look inside if you want to feel the atmosphere of childhood at your grandmother's in the village. Finally, we suggest appreciating the exterior of Peter the Great's House. We conclude our journey at the Hustle bar, where excellent burgers and french fries are served.

We wish you a great trip to Nizhny Novgorod! Afterwards, you can explore the Golden Ring of Russia: what to see and do — we've covered it in the Blog.