Nizhny Novgorod is a sprawling city of Brutalist architecture and traditional timber houses set at the junction of the Volga and Oka rivers. Explore the city’s medieval fort and Baroque churches, ride in a cable car and dine on local cuisine at one of the traditional restaurants.

Things to do

The historical center of Nizhny Novgorod is at Kremlin, a majestic medieval fortress that contains displays of military artifacts, including vehicles from World War II. Walk around the ramparts, then visit Pechersky Monastery across the road and see its 14th-century leaning tower and the extraordinary painted walls inside the chapel.

The city has a number of impressive museums, the most popular being the State Art Museum, which has a significant collection of classical Russian paintings. You can also see vintage cameras, old photos of Nizhny Novgorod and a demonstration of magic lanterns at The Russian Museum of Photography.

Cross the expanse of the Volga on the Nizhny Novgorod Cableway, a gondola lift with spectacular views over the city and along the river. Impressive views can also be seen from the top of the Chkalov Staircase, a Soviet-era monument of more than 1,500 steps commemorating pilot Valery Chkalov.

Nizhny Novgorod’s shopping and dining is centered around Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street. Hunt for souvenirs in the boutique shops, watch the jugglers and puppet theatre performances, then stop for a drink in one of the bohemian cafes or stylish bars.

Getting around

Flights to Nizhny Novgorod land at Strigino Airport, a 40-minute drive from the city center. There is a comprehensive public transport system composed of buses, trams, light rail lines and a metro. The city’s compact streets also make exploring on foot quite easy.