Located on the Volga River, this historic Russian city has a 16th-century Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral. It's an important industrial center and transportation hub.
Nizhny Novgorod, Russia's fifth-largest city, sits at the meeting point of the Volga and Oka rivers. Its 16th-century Kremlin overlooks a cityscape filled with onion-domed churches, merchant mansions, and Soviet-era buildings. Walk through centuries-old monasteries, ride the longest cable car in Europe, or examine works by Aivazovsky and Levitan at the State Art Museum.
Exploring the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin
The red-brick Kremlin dominates Nizhny Novgorod's skyline. Built in the 16th century as a defense against Tatar invasions, this fortress now houses government buildings, the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, and several museums. Walk along its 2-kilometer walls for views of the city and rivers below. Inside the Kremlin, you'll find the Arsenal, a former military storehouse that now displays contemporary art exhibitions.
Architectural Highlights of Nizhny Novgorod
Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare, showcases 19th-century architecture. The ornate State Bank building resembles a medieval Russian palace, while the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands out with its blue and gold domes. For a different architectural style, visit the constructivist-designed Chkalov Stairs, which descend from the upper city to the Volga embankment in 560 steps.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
At the Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum, you'll find works by Russian artists such as Ivan Aivazovsky and Isaac Levitan, as well as European masters. The Nizhny Novgorod Region Museum, housed in a former merchant's mansion, presents exhibits on the area's development from prehistoric times to the present day. Visit the Sakharov Museum to learn about Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov and Soviet-era dissidence.
River Views and Recreation
Walk along the Volga embankment to watch river traffic and breathe in the fresh air. Take a ride on the Nizhny Novgorod cable car, which connects the city to the town of Bor across the Volga, for a unique view of the river landscape. In summer, river cruises allow you to explore the Volga and its surroundings. The Strelka, where the Volga and Oka rivers meet, hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Traditional Crafts and Folk Culture
Nizhny Novgorod craftspeople create Khokhloma, a style of wood painting featuring golden flowers and berries on a black or red background. See examples of this and other local handicrafts at the Museum of History of Artistic Crafts. At the Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life, an open-air museum, you can explore log houses, barns, and churches from the 17th to early 20th centuries, relocated from various parts of the Volga region.
Getting Around Nizhny Novgorod
Move around the city using buses, trams, and the metro. The metro is particularly useful for quickly crossing the river. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. Many of the main sights in the historic center are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
