Nizhny Novgorod Russia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Historical Sites and Vibrant Culture of Nizhny Novgorod

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty Russian breakfast at Константин, located in the city center. This cozy cafe offers a variety of traditional dishes. (Konstantin Cafe, Bolshaya Pecherskaya ul., 63)
  • Visit the Kremlin of Nizhny Novgorod to appreciate its stunning architecture and learn about the region’s rich history. The Kremlin complex houses several museums like the Museum of History, Art, and Archeology of Nizhny Novgorod (ul. Kreml, 1)

Afternoon:

  • Explore Federation Square (Ploshchad Federsciji), one of the largest city squares in Europe, offering panoramic views of the Volga and Oka rivers. You can reach the square by taking a scenic stroll along the Embankment (Naberezhnaya Bolshoy Knyazvy ul.)
  • Visit St. Nicholas Fair, one of the oldest trade centers in Russia, for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Russian delicacies. (ulitsa Bolshaya Shcholkova, 10)

Evening:

  • Dine at Ресторан Столовая, a popular restaurant offering both Russian and European cuisine. Try their famous pelmeni (Russian dumplings). (Stołovaya, Bolshaya Pecherskaya ul., 58)
  • End your day with a visit to Gorky Park, an iconic riverside park filled with various attractions and events, making it a great place for both relaxation and entertainment.

Day 2: Discovering the Arts, Architecture, and Vibrant Nightlife of Nizhny Novgorod

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at Чайный дом, a charming tea house offering a selection of Russian teas, pastries, and light meals. (Tea House Chaijn Dom, Bolshaya Pecherskaya ul., 15)
  • Explore the Art Museum (ul. Maxim Gorkogo, 36), home to a vast collection of Russian artworks, including pieces by famous artists like Repin, Vasnetsov, and Kandinsky.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the impressive Church of St. Elijah the Prophet (Tserkov’ Prorocta Ilji Proroka), a neo-Russian Orthodox cathedral with beautiful frescoes and onion domes. (ul. Bolshaya Shcholkova, 12)
  • Head to Struminskaya Sloboda, an architectural reserve showcasing wooden houses built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Новая Москва, featuring a mix of modern and traditional Russian dishes. Don’t miss their borscht! (Novaia Moskva, ul. Bolshaya Pecherskaya ul., 29)
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Nizhny Novgorod by visiting one of its many bars and clubs, such as Чайный дом (Tea House Chaijn Dom), which transforms into a lively bar in the evening. Alternatively, you can explore the entertainment venues along Bolshaya Pecherskaya ul., known for its nightlife scene.

Things to Know:

  • Russian rubles are the official currency, and most places accept credit cards. It’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • The city is relatively safe but be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially around tourist attractions.
  • English is not widely spoken, so it may be helpful to learn a few basic Russian phrases or use translation apps.

Transportation:

  • Nizhny Novgorod has an extensive public transportation system consisting of trams, trolleybuses, and buses. You can purchase tickets at kiosks or from the driver (18 rubles per ride). Taxis are also widely available.
  • Walking is a great way to explore the city center, as many attractions are within walking distance of each other.