Top attractions of Nizhny Novgorod with photos, names and descriptions

A city with a long history, ancient churches, merchant houses, industrial factories and picturesque Volga views - all this is about Nizhny Novgorod. The large Volga region center is one of the popular destinations of domestic tourism. Getting here is not difficult, but there really is something to see.

In 3 days you can get to know Nizhny Novgorod from different sides, visiting popular tourist spots and quiet ancient streets. You will visit different banks of the Volga and Oka, see the confluence of two rivers. You will have enough time to explore the best observation points and appreciate museum collections, as well as travel to nearby remarkable cities and surrounding areas.

First day

You should start your walk around the city from Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street , which is half pedestrian. On both sides you will see charming mansions, including the Central Bank building , which looks like a small castle. This street houses various shops and cafes, as well as a museum of the history of artistic crafts .

More details: Museum of the History of Arts and Crafts of the Novgorod Region

State Bank building Photo: © Sergey Vasilets

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya will lead you to the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin - the central architectural and historical complex with ancient buildings. Entrance to the territory is free. Having bought a ticket, you can climb the fortress walls and enter some of the towers. Walk around the territory and look at buildings from different centuries, go to the Archangel Michael Cathedral , which houses the remains of K. Minin, pay tribute to those who died in the Great Patriotic War at the memorial with an eternal flame. If you are a lover of Russian art, visit the Nizhny Novgorod Art Museum , which houses works by N. Roerich, I. Repin, I. Aivazovsky, I. Levitan, V. Vasnetsov, K. Malevich, A. Rodchenko and others. In many buildings of the Nizhny Novgorod complex The Kremlin now houses the authorities, there are monuments on the territory, and military equipment is displayed near the walls. For a detailed inspection of the Kremlin with the museum premises, it is worth setting aside about 3 hours.

More details: Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

Kremlin Photo: © Svetlana Aubekerova

Next, go to Minin and Pozharsky Square , examine the buildings located on it and go to the Chkalov Stairs , which offers stunning views of the Volga. Go down the stairs to the Nizhne-Volzhskaya embankment and walk along the river, looking at the mansions of past centuries located here. Then, near the Kanavinsky Bridge, go up and walk in the opposite direction along Rozhdestvenskaya Street . Here you will see architectural monuments of the 19th century. - apartment buildings and merchant mansions; there are also cafes and restaurants on the street. The dominant feature is Nativity Church with lush white stone decoration and colored dome tops.

Details: Minin and Pozharsky Square

Chkalovskaya staircase Photo: © Oksana Valerievna

Rozhdestvenskaya Street will take you to People's Unity Square , where there is a monument to Minin and Pozharsky , who led the people's militia against the Polish interventionists. The Church of John the Baptist , near which Minin called on the people to unite and liberate Moscow, was also restored here

Details: National Unity Square

National Unity Square Photo: © Maria Penina

You can watch the sunset on Fedorovsky embankment , located a 10-minute walk from National Unity Square. Despite the name, this embankment is not located near the river, but runs along a slope parallel to the Volga, offering a picturesque view of the water and the historical buildings below. The area is equipped with observation platforms with benches.

Detailed material on what to see in Nizhny Novgorod in 1 day

Fedorovsky embankment Photo: © Vladimir Shalaev

Main attractions

It is impossible to list all the attractions of the city; there are many of them both in the surrounding area and in the center. Let's get acquainted with the most visited places, which are presented with a photo, name and description.

Kremlin

The Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin is the main attraction of the city . It was founded in 1515 and was used as a defensive fortress. Currently, on the territory of the Kremlin there are: the city administration, an arbitration court, a philharmonic society, a post office, an art museum, the central registry office of the city, a restaurant and an alley of love. Many towers have been turned into museum premises.

The Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin is located at: pl. Minin and Pozharsky. Its doors are open to visitors from 10:00 to 20:00. The entrance is free. Tickets are purchased only for visiting exhibitions or exhibitions of the museum.

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya

This street is the most important in the city, connecting 4 squares. Here you can find many interesting sculptures and busts, majestic theaters and museums, cozy restaurants and cafes, modern shops and salons. There is always lively traffic here, street musicians play, artists draw, and a children's train runs. Vehicles are prohibited on the main street of the city, but it is always open for pedestrians.

Chkalov staircase

The Chkalov Stairs runs in the very center of the city and connects two embankments: Verkhne-Volzhskaya and Nizhne-Volzhskaya. It is shaped like a figure eight. If you count the steps on both sides, then there will be 560 of them, if you count from bottom to top, then 442. It starts from the monument to V. Chkalov and goes down to the monument to the “Hero” boat. At the intersection of the side slopes there are two observation platforms. It stretches along the Nizhne-Volzhskaya embankment.

Annunciation Monastery

The Annunciation Monastery is the oldest monastery in Nizhny Novgorod, built in the 13th century . On its territory there are 5 temples, a bell tower and a holy spring. At the monastery there are sewing and candle workshops, and an icon painting workshop. It is possible to order a personalized icon, buy books, utensils and video materials of church hymns, and become a participant in an excursion.

You can visit the monastery at the address: lane. Melnichny, 8 from 7:00 to 19:00. The entrance is free.

Literary Museum

This is the first museum in the world that presents museum collections and describes information about the life and work of the classic of world literature M.A. Gorky . It contains: a library, personal photographs and documents, as well as other things of the famous writer. The Literary Museum also has books and manuscripts of 19th-century writers from Nizhny Novgorod.

You can visit the museum at the address: st. Minina, 26. from 9:00 to 17:00, except Monday and Tuesday. Cost of visit: from 100 rub.

St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral

This is the oldest temple of the 17th century, located in the center of the Kremlin . The cathedral is illuminated in honor of the Archangel Michael and decorated with paintings and icons. The church and bell tower are connected together - this is one of the unique features of the building. The temple contains the remains of K. Minin.

The cathedral can be visited from 8:00 to 18:00 in winter and from 8:00 to 19:00 in summer at the address: Kremlin 2a. Entrance to Mikhailo - Archangel Cathedral is free.

Fedorovsky embankment

The Fedorovsky embankment offers the best view of the most historical buildings . Walking along it, starting from Ilyinka Street, you can see the majestic Kremlin towers, the snow-white Church of Elijah the Prophet, Rozhdestvenskaya Street with 35 historical monuments, A. Nevsky Cathedral, as well as the monument to M. Gorky, located at the very beginning of the Embankment.

Drama theatre

Nizhny Novgorod Drama Theater named after. M. Gorky is one of the oldest theaters in Russia . It is already more than 200 years old. This is the only theater that has staged all of M. Gorky's plays. Here they rent costumes and reserve a box for the entire theater season.

Located at: st. B. Pokrovskaya, 13. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 20:00. Cost: from 300 rub.

River Station

A complex of buildings serving river transport passengers, its shape similar to a river boat. Nowadays it does not work for its intended purpose. A large fountain and a monument in honor of the Heroes of the Volga Flotilla are installed on the square. From the River Station you can go on a river boat trip.

The river station is located at: pl. Markina, 15a. Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:00, Saturday, Sunday – closed. Cost of a boat trip: from 200 rubles.

Museum of Photography

The Museum of Photography is a cultural monument founded in the 19th century. Famous photographers worked here - A.O. Karelin and M.P. Dmitriev. The museum displays a selection of historical photographs, old cameras and other photographic devices , medals, letters and personal belongings of famous photographers. The museum hosts various exhibitions, seminars and master classes. There is a photo salon attached to it.

You can visit the Museum of Photography from 10:00 to 18:00 at the address: st. Piskunova, 9a. Cost: from 150 rub.

Second day

Three days in Nizhny Novgorod is enough time to get to know different parts of the city in detail. Therefore, we suggest that on the second day you explore the streets of the historical district, go to the other side, to Strelka, or take a ride on the cable car and visit the churches and monasteries that appeared here many centuries ago.

Strelka and Zapochainye

You can start the route of the second day by driving across the metro bridge across the Oka River to the other side. Near the railway station, look at the beautiful Tsar's Pavilion of the 19th century. and head to the Nizhny Novgorod Fair , which has been the site of major fairs since the 19th century. Now large-scale exhibitions are held here, the main fair house hosts the exhibition “Russia - My History”, and the Spassky Old Fair Cathedral .

Nizhny Novgorod Fair Photo: © Vladimir Shefer

Then go to Strelka and the New Fair Alexander Nevsky Cathedral , and also look at the Nizhny Novgorod stadium , built for the 2018 Football Championship. If you want to sit by the water and relax, you can go to Lake Meshcherskoye, a half-hour walk from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Then return along the Kanavinsky Bridge to the opposite bank, and you will find yourself in Zapochainye , or Ilyinskaya Sloboda. This is an area with many cultural heritage sites with the spirit of the 19th century. and even earlier buildings. Here, climb Gremyachaya Mountain from the observation deck near the Azimut Hotel and admire the view of Strelka. Next, go to several unique white-stone towers-monuments of the 17th century: these are the chambers of Ya. Pushnikov on the street. Gogol, the chambers of A. Olisov in Kruty Lane with the nearby Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God , as well as the house of Peter I (house of E. Chatygin) on the street. Pochainskaya, 27.

House of Peter I Photo: © Dmitry Markov

Wander along Ilyinskaya Street , you can also go to the street. Chernigovskaya by the river near the metro bridge, there are old houses and factory buildings here, this is not the most popular place among tourists, many buildings are in an abandoned and dilapidated state. But from here there are breathtaking sunset views. You can further walk along the Grebeshkovsky slope (Grebeshok) with a panoramic view of the Oka and Blagoveshchenskaya Sloboda. On this street you can also see colorful wooden houses with platbands.

Ilyinskaya street Photo: © Irina Lebedeva

Verkhne-Volzhskaya embankment and cable car

Another route option is a walk through the developed part of the city with beautiful mansions. Start your walk from the Verkhne-Volzhskaya embankment near the Chkalov Stairs . On one side of it is the Alexander Garden , on the other - various architectural structures in the style of post-constructivism, neoclassicism, modernism, eclecticism, etc.

You can go to one of the most luxurious buildings - the Rukavishnikov estate , which is the Nizhny Novgorod State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve. Inside, you can view the halls with recreated furnishings from merchant times, rich decor, stucco molding, gilding, and mirrors. In front of the estate there is a building with a radio laboratory museum .

Rukavishnikov Estate Photo: © Lyudmila_Klyopova

The road further leads to the cable car . In fact, it was created not for tourist entertainment, but to create an additional transport connection between Nizhny Novgorod and Bor. There are not many attractions on the other side, but along the way there are panoramic views of the city and the river. The Ascension Pechora Monastery is also clearly visible - the next point on the route. Its foundation dates back to the 14th century, but as a result of the collapse of the 16th century. Almost everything had to be restored. There is a museum attached to the monastery, and the bell tower is slightly tilted to the side. After visiting it, you can go down to Victory Park with exhibits of military equipment and again walk along the Nizhne-Volzhskaya embankment .

Detailed material on what to see in Nizhny Novgorod in 2 days

Cable car Photo: © Vladimir Shefer

The third day

What to see in Nizhny Novgorod in 3 days? After getting acquainted with the most iconic sights, you can devote the third day to the most interesting museums, stroll through places associated with famous natives of the city, or spend time in nature.

When planning how to spend your time, it’s worth checking out the weather in Nizhny Novgorod for 3 days. The website offers forecasts up to 14 days in advance.

According to the places of M. Gorky

Exploring Nizhny Novgorod on your own in 3 days, you will definitely come across places associated with the famous native of the city - Maxim Gorky. The city itself in Soviet times was called Gorky in honor of the writer. Literature fans can plan a route to the most famous memorable places.

From the park to them. Gorky with a monument to the writer, head along the street named in his honor to house No. 33 on the street. Kovalikhinskaya - this is where M. Gorky was born. Then the road goes to the writer’s museum-apartment on the street. Semashko, 19. The next point is a literary museum dedicated to the life and work of Gorky, as well as other Nizhny Novgorod writers. In this beautiful mansion you can see the exquisite decoration of rooms that have nothing to do with Gorky - this is the legacy of the former owner of the house V. Burmistrova. Take a look at People's Unity Square , where Bugrov's former rooming house - the prototype of the scene of the play "At the Lower Depths".

Bugrov's House Photo: © Sergey Vasilets

Then go to the Postal Congress, where Kashirin's house . Here, with his grandfather, the writer spent his childhood years. Inside there is a museum with a recreated environment of family life. In front of the house is a monument to Alyosha Peshkov (the writer’s real name). You can end the day at the observation deck on the Fedorovsky embankment near the monument to Maxim Gorky , looking into the distance. Another option for evening leisure is to watch a performance based on one of the writer’s plays at the Gorky Drama Theater on Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street.

Kashirin's house Photo: © Lyudmila_Klyopova

Park "Switzerland"

If in two days you have had enough walking and visiting ancient buildings, then on the third day you can get out into nature. For example, to the Switzerland park with a panoramic view of the Oka River. There are attractions on the territory: a 40 m high Ferris wheel, traditional carousels, a train, trampolines and more extreme entertainment. Here you can also have a snack in one of the cafes.

The park lives up to its name - both locals and tourists speak of it as a very picturesque place where you can spend the whole day. On major holidays, “Switzerland” hosts mass events.

More details: Switzerland Park

Park "Switzerland" Photo: © Svetlana Sarycheva

Unusual museums

Large industrial production is located in Nizhny Novgorod. If you are interested in technology, then here you will find fascinating museums with unusual exhibits. They are located on the banks of the Oka River, opposite the historical center with the Kremlin. Another unusual museum is located near the city center and is a former prison.

Museum of History "GAZ"

You can see rare cars produced at the Gorky Automobile Plant in the last century at the GAZ History Museum . Part of the exhibition is dedicated to the history of the plant, but the first floor with more than 30 machines is of greatest interest.

In addition to cars, the museum displays various items from the Soviet era. There are no interactive elements here, you cannot touch the cars. Nevertheless, both children and adults are interested in looking at the Chaika, Volga, BTR and other models of the Russian automobile industry.

More details: GAZ History Museum

GAZ History Museum Photo: © Igor Butyrskii

Museum "Steam Locomotives of Russia"

The Steam Locomotive Museum in Nizhny Novgorod is an open-air exhibition at the Nizhny Novgorod - Sortirovochnaya railway station. You can inspect about 20 examples of used steam locomotives completely free of charge. Among them are both domestic and foreign models of equipment with information plates.

Next to the street exhibits there is a museum of the history and development of the Gorky Railway in the former Palace of Culture of Railway Workers. There are models, photographs, and a separate stand dedicated to the contribution of railway workers to the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

More details: Museum "Steam Locomotives of Russia"

Museum of Steam Locomotives Photo: © Sergey Vasilets

Nizhny Novgorod prison

The Nizhny Novgorod prison complex is currently a museum. The prison was built in the 19th century, when a large number of revolutionary convicts were kept here. Then prisoners of war of the First World War were housed here, and after the revolution it was a warehouse. During the Great Patriotic War, a hospital was based in the building.

On the territory you can see solitary and general cells, a punishment cell, and a local church. Visiting is only with a guided tour upon prior request. The guide will tell you about the famous prisoners of the Nizhny Novgorod prison - M. Gorky, V. Korolenko, Y. Sverdlov and others. The city prison building itself resembles a medieval castle.

Review materials: Guide to Nizhny Novgorod

Sights of Nizhny Novgorod

Museums of Nizhny Novgorod

New Fair Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Photo: © Lyudmila_Klyopova

Where to go with children?

Children, like adults, need new experiences, and gaining knowledge will not be superfluous. What attractions can you visit with the whole family?

1. Sormovsky Park . On its territory there are attractions, playgrounds, fountains, the Limpopo Zoo, a dolphinarium and an outdoor water park.
2. Puppet Theatre . It’s convenient that the performances are divided by age categories; there are even performances for the little ones. Performances are divided according to the age of the child. The theater's repertoire includes: “The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights”, “The Hawk”, “Royal Box”, “Ruslan and Lyudmila”, “At the Command of the Pike” and many other interesting productions.
3. Steam Locomotive Museum . A huge plus is that visiting and taking photographs with the exhibits is free. The museum houses 15 examples of steam locomotives produced in different countries, up to the first half of the 20th century. You can take photos with the exhibits for free.
4. Park "Switzerland" . On its territory there is a cafe, the Mishutka zoo, various attractions, a horse riding area and playgrounds.

Alternative routes for the third day

A trip to Nizhny Novgorod for 3 days is an opportunity for you to see not only the city, but also the region. It's worth considering a day trip to neighboring cities with equally amazing sights. If you intend to spend all your days within the city, then there is still a lot of interesting things to do.

Gorodets and Semenov

After visiting the wooden towers, did you want to know more about the life of ancient Rus'? In this case, consider a trip to Gorodets and Semenov - cities of traditional folk crafts. Original colored houses with carved frames, a city of craftsmen and a museum quarter (samovars, household items, folk crafts, gingerbread production), as well as stunning Volga views - all this awaits you in Gorodets. And in Semenovo you will go to the Khokhloma painting factory and the Museum of Folk Life .

In detail: sights of Gorodets and Semenov

Gorodets Photo: © Anna Kuzmina

Diveevo

In the Nizhny Novgorod region there is a place revered by Orthodox believers - the Diveyevo Monastery , founded in the 18th century. On the territory there are several temples, cathedrals and churches, and a 70-meter bell tower.

Pilgrims from different cities and countries come here, believing in miracles of healing as a result of application to the relics of Seraphim of Sarov and the power of local sources. Other valuable shrines are also kept in the temples. The complex occupies a large area, there are houses for pilgrims.

Details: Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery

Diveyevo Monastery Photo: © Elena Akimova

Shchelokovsky farm

Within the city there is an architectural and ethnographic museum-reserve "Shchelokovsky Farm" . Here you can see monuments of wooden architecture of the 17th - 20th centuries. open air. The museum can be visited at any time of the year.

On the territory there are huts, barns, mills, a bathhouse, a church, and a well. All exhibits were brought from different districts of the Nizhny Novgorod region. You can order an interactive program or a thematic excursion. The farm is located in a picturesque forest park, and its attraction is also cascading ponds with recreation areas.

Details: Shchelokovsky farm

Where to go from Nizhny Novgorod for two days

Ancient cities can also be explored in other places in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Very popular are trips to Gorodets , famous for various crafts: gingerbread making, painting, wood carving, embroidery, etc. There is a whole museum quarter, and the city is also famous for its beautiful nature, you can visit an equestrian club and a landscape park. Although many people come here for 1 day, you can spend 2 full days, slowly getting acquainted with the preserved craft traditions.

For a couple of days you can go to Diveevo , where the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveevo Monastery, . The vast territory contains several temples that house valuable religious shrines. It will be possible to stay in pilgrim buildings.

In the region there is a protected natural area Ichalkovsky Bor , with the permission of the administration you can set up a camp here. The journey by car from Nizhny Novgorod will take approximately 2 hours. In the summer it is cool in the forest, and in the winter it is warmer than in the surrounding area. The area here is dotted with grottoes, gaps, and caves. The most famous Ichalkovsky caves are: Kholodnaya, Bezymyannaya, Studencheskaya, Teplaya, some of them have deep lakes.

About 90 km from the forest is the estate of Baron Jomini . The owner of the estate was a Swiss who served in the Russian army under Alexander I. In front of the house there is a beautiful park and an ethnic village. You can only view the estate from the outside, upon prior request. You can combine the trip with a tour of the Pashkov estate of the 19th century. The main house, unfortunately, has been practically destroyed; cellars and other outbuildings have been preserved.

Excursions from Nizhny Novgorod to Arzamas , Boldino , Makaryevo , Murom

Tours around Nizhny Novgorod for 3 days

In order not to worry whether you will have time to visit all the most picturesque places, and not to indulge in doubts about how best to organize each day of the trip, you can book an excursion with a ready-made route. There are offers with a sightseeing tour of the city or walks along individual streets.

You can choose the topic of the tour that interests you and learn the literary or merchant history of the city, visit the most atmospheric and charming streets, or go to natural attractions. Excursions take place by car, bus, or on foot.

Tours around Nizhny Novgorod on the portal Experts.Tourister.Ru

Ascension Pechersky Monastery Photo: © Natalya Starostina

Stories, routes and tourist tips

What to see in Nizhny Novgorod in three days? The large number of attractions makes your eyes wide open and it’s difficult to choose what is worth paying attention to on your trip. It seems that there is enough time, but you don’t want to miss something worthwhile if there are several days ahead. Stories from travelers will help you plan your route. In their materials, they share their experiences and impressions of the trip to Nizhny Novgorod, post photographs and descriptions of what they saw. Based on such recommendations, it is easier to imagine how to organize each day of travel.

A series of materials from Maria Penina about exploring Nizhny Novgorod in 3 days:

• 1 day
• Day 2
• Day 3

Photo albums of tourists:

• Tatyana Vasilyeva - 3 days in Nizhny Novgorod
• Sergey Vasilets – Nizhny Novgorod – upper and lower

All tourist reviews about trips to Nizhny Novgorod

Rukavishnikov Estate Photo: © Lyudmila_Klyopova

Where to stay in Nizhny Novgorod

For city guests in Nizhny Novgorod there are more than a hundred hotels, several hundred apartments and a good selection of hostels. Hotels are mostly uncategorized or 3-star; there are excellent 4-5 stars for demanding travelers. Hotels from the Accor, Marriott, Hilton, and Azimut chains are also represented.

In addition to the variety in prices, interiors and services, housing in Nizhny Novgorod can please you with a pleasant view of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, picturesque city landscapes with the Volga and green expanses beyond the river.

• Nizhny Novgorod Hotels
• Hostels for Budget Travelers
• Flats and apartments

See also the thematic selection of Tourister.Ru:

• Country hotels and recreation centers in Nizhny Novgorod and the Nizhny Novgorod region

One way to save on travel is to book accommodation on Booking.com with cashbackCashback promotion on Tourister.Ru

Olisov Chambers Photo: © Lyudmila_Klyopova

Where to go from Nizhny Novgorod

From Nizhny Novgorod you can make short trips to neighboring cities. For example, go to Arzamas , a city with many churches, which is also called a corner of Moscow. Another option is to go to Bolshoye Boldino , where A.S. Pushkin lived. Also popular is a tour to Makaryevo with the ancient monastery of the 15th century, where large fairs originated before they were moved to Nizhny Novgorod. You can also go to the legendary city of Murom with ancient temples.

If you are planning to go to another city for a few days, then you can consider longer distances - for example, visit Vladimir , Yoshkar-Ola , Cheboksary , Yaroslavl , Kazan .

All excursions from Nizhny Novgorod

A little about the city

Nizhny Novgorod is located in central Russia . It was founded by Yuri Vsevolodovich in 1221. It is located at the confluence of two rivers: the Oka and the Volga, which is called “Strelka”. The city has a length along the Oka - 20 km, along the Volga - 30 km. The population is 1,264,075 people.

The city has many parks and gardens, 12 rivers flow through it and there are 33 lakes, the largest of which is Meshcherskoye. The climate in Nizhny Novgorod is temperate continental. In winter, temperatures reach -15°, but can drop to -30°. Summer is usually warm and sunny , with temperatures around +20°.