Best Places to Visit in Nizhny Novgorod

Founded in 1221, Nizhny Novgorod became one of Russia’s most distinguished political and economic centres. Although a closed Soviet city from 1945 until 1991, today it is the fifth largest city in Russia, a vibrant hub attracting visitors from all over the world. Walk the historical streets and wide embankments, visit cultural and artistic institutions, and learn about the industrial past and folk heritage of one of Russia’s oldest cities. What are the best things to see and do in Nizhny Novgorod?

Learn about Nizhny Novgorod’s medieval history

For a taste of medieval Russian history, visit the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. This site on the confluence of the mighty Volga and Okha Rivers was the nucleus of this important city. The Nizhny Kremlin was one of medieval Russia’s most formidable fortresses, allowing Nizhny Novgorod to be defended during the Mongol Conquest of Russia. Visit the Kremlin’s historical and religious sites such as the Cathedral of Archangel Michael, exhibitions in the Kremlin’s 13 towers and main square, and walk the fortress walls for gorgeous views of the rivers and city.

Discover Nizhny Novgorod’s industrial history

Delve into Nizhny Novgorod’s past as a centre of Russian industry for many centuries. At the Open-Air Locomotive Museum there are 15 steam engines from the early-to-mid 20th century. Visitors not only learn about the history of Russia’s railways but can explore the trains for themselves.

For those more interested in four-wheeled vehicles, take a trip to the GAZ History Museum to learn about the Gorky Automobile Plant, a joint venture between the Soviets and Ford and the production site of the first Soviet tank. See over 35,000 exhibits, including cars and military vehicles.

Explore the city streets and architectural marvels

Get a glimpse of Nizhny Novgorod’s vibrant and varied atmosphere with a stroll around the traditional city streets. The contrast of different architectural styles will appeal to all tastes, as wooden buildings meet glorious merchant mansions and sweeping classical boulevards are juxtaposed with striking street art.

Must-visit spots include the lively Rozhdestvenskaya and Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Streets, home to many restaurants, bars, and historical buildings. Some of Nizhny’s most striking architectural wonders include the State Bank, Rukavishnikov Estate, and the Nizhny Novgorod Fair, an enormous Classicist structure. This building housed the largest fair in the Russian Empire, with thousands of stalls; inside the building today you’ll find exhibitions about the history of Nizhny Novgorod.

Keep an eye out for many interesting statues dotted around Nizhny Novgorod’s streets – in particular the Gromozeka book characters, the Veselaya koza (funny goat), the monument to author Jules Verne in his iconic hot air balloon, and the monument to Minin and Pozharsky, defenders of Moscow against the Poles (whose remains lie in the Kremlin cathedral).

Enjoy the peaceful waterfront

As Nizhny Novgorod lies at the confluence of two great rivers, no visit would be complete without exploring the embankments of the Okha and Volga with a sunset stroll or even by bicycle. After 10 years of renovation, the Lower Volga Embankment has been beautifully constructed with terraced levels and wide footpaths tracing the riverbank. The Upper Volga Embankment is a traditional promenade: on one side lie ornate buildings; on the other the wide river. For spectacular views over the city and a peaceful atmosphere, take a walk to the Fedorovsky Embankment by the Kanavinsky Bridge, or ride the cable car for nearly 1 kilometre across the Volga. Nizhny Novgorod’s most famous waterfront attraction is the Chkalov Stairs, Russia’s longest staircase. Built to commemorate Soviet victory in Stalingrad, its 500 steps descend from the Kremlin to the Volga riverbank. And for a unique view of Nizhny Novgorod’s cityscape, why not take a cruise along the river?

Visit the city’s religious sites

As one of Russia’s ancient capitals, Nizhny Novgorod is home to some of the country’s most fascinating churches and religious sites. Probably the most spectacular is the Stroganov Church, towering over the riverbank with its wedding-cake layers and multicoloured domes. Two cathedrals are located on the site of the former fair: the Alexander Nevsky New Fair Cathedral, returned to its former glory after the destruction of the Soviet era; and the magnificent domed Spassky Old Fair Cathedral, designed by the architect of St Isaac’s Cathedral in St Petersburg. The Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist is one of the city’s most famous. This is the spot from which Kuzma Minin encouraged Nizhny’s inhabitants to rise up and defend Moscow. Lastly, the Pechersky Ascension Monastery on the banks of the Volga is one of Nizhny Novgorod’s most important spiritual centres. Admire its emerald green walls and domes contrasting with the snow white buildings, and pay a visit to the museum inside.

Discover Nizhny Novgorod’s artistic highlights

Nizhny Novgorod is not just home to historical and religious attractions but is a centre for culture and art of all kinds. The State Art Museum, located in the Baroque mansion of the city’s imperial governors, is one of Russia’s oldest museums. Explore international artwork spanning the 15th-20th centuries, including an extensive collection of Russian works by household names such as Ilya Repin, Boris Kustodiev, Natalia Goncharova and Kazimir Malevich.

At the other end of the artistic spectrum, a visit to the Arsenal National Centre of Contemporary Art is highly recommended. Nizhny’s only museum dedicated to modern art is housed in the former Kremlin arsenal. More than a museum, it is a research and cultural centre dedicated to modern artistic development, offering not just exhibitions but concerts, theatre performances, film nights and more.

Get a glimpse of Russian folk culture and traditions

Shchelokovsky Farm

Visit this fascinating ethnographic museum to learn about the history of everyday life and folk customs of people living in the Nizhny Novgorod Volga region, and admire the wooden village architecture spanning from the 1600 – 1800s. While there, take a stroll around the surrounding forest and discover its wildlife, protected by local environmental programmes.

Khokhlomskaya Rospis

Nizhny Novgorod’s most well-known folk craft is Khokhloma, a centuries-old painting style influenced by religious and Byzantine paintings, whereby intricate red and yellow designs depicting rural and folk motifs are painted onto wooden utensils and sculptures. To see Khokhloma for yourself, visit Khokhlomskaya Rospis, the enterprise continuing this craft today. Not only will you learn about the history of Khokhloma, but you can visit the masters’ workshops, try your hand at a Khokhloma masterclass, and purchase real Khokhloma products. To read more about this beautiful folk handicraft, check out Express to Russia’s article.