nuna travel cot playpen

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot Review

Read our Nuna Sena Aire travel cot review to see why it's a best buy

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‘It's easy to use and delivers a great night's sleep.’

Comfortable

Clever design

Multi-purpose

Pricey but an investment buy

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

Darryl Baker and her 10-month-old daughter Cole tested the Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot to see if it was worth flying off with.

The Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot is as impressive as it sounds: clever design, multi-functional and with an emphasis on comfort. ‘My baby was on cloud nine – quite literally – in this cot,’ said Darryl, who reviewed it for our travel cots buying guide. 

The cot comes with two levels: a higher, newborn insert which means you can easily lift very little ones in and out, while the lower level works for older children or as a playpen.

Luxury was certainly in mind and the travel cot has a slick design and a thick, padded mattress. While Darryl found the cot to be quite heavy and thought it would be difficult to use if you were lacking in space in your car boot, she believes it's worth it's £200-plus price tag. It’s ‘the Rolls-Royce of travel cots,’ she said.

VIEW AT VERY | £249.99

Weighs: 10kg | Age Range: Birth to 3 years

Unlike others on the market, the Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot is genuinely easy to pop open and fold away again. This is because of its zig-zag leg design, which means it pushes into place and can be folded away with one hand. 

‘Anyone who's ever had a fight with a travel cot will appreciate how superior this function is,’ said tester Darryl. The sides have a stylish black/grey mesh design so your baby is always easy to see while also being cocooned.

The mattress that comes with it is lovely and padded, which again sets it apart from the hard surfaces many babies sleep on with other travel cots. 

The finishing touch? An organic cotton sheet is included which is soft and gentle, especially on allergy-prone skin. The only downside that our tester found was how big this travel cot is. ‘Its large size and considerable weight will cause issues if you have limited space or are travelling alone,’ she said. ‘A large duffle-like bag is provided, but I found it quite heavy and had my husband handle it.’

Comfort and features

The standout feature of this travel cot is that it has a smaller bassinet upper section which is perfect for newborns and means you don’t have to bend down into the cot. Darryl thought this idea was ‘genius’. When your baby gets bigger – or if you want to use it as a playpen – this upper section can be removed.

In terms of comfort, our tester could not find fault. Using a travel cot can often mean broken sleep even when the baby is sleeping through, but not with this cot and its emphasis on comfort really pays off. 

‘This really is luxury; in fact, my toddler looked on with a hint of envy when she had to sleep on a sofa bed during a recent night away,’ she said. ‘The Air design claims to provide "unparalleled relaxation" and if my 10-month-old could talk, she'd agree.’

Value for money

At just under £250, the Nuna Sena Aire sits in the premium travel cot category and Darryl joked that, if you’re off on holiday, ‘this luxury product deserves a luxury destination!’

It is a really clever and comfortable travel cot though, and it has a price that reflects this. Darryl said that it would suit parents for whom budget and space isn’t an issue and who need a great bed for their baby while away from home. The fact that the newborn insert can be removed and it can be transformed into a playpen for older children means that it can be used when you get home from your travels too.

You might also like to read our Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot review – it’s our pick of the best travel cot overall, according to our parent reviews. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our baby product reviews .

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Charlotte Duck is an award-winning lifestyle and parenting journalist who writes who regularly writes for Tatler, the Evening Standard, Yahoo, and Hello Magazine about everything from royal hairstyles to fixed-rate mortgages. She was previously Kidswear Editor at M&S and worked in-house at Boden but, while she loves writing about beautiful children's clothes, she has three children who refuse to wear them. 

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Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot review: safe, sturdy and toddler-proof

With its breathable design, zip-off newborn bassinet and one-handed assembly, the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot has been designed with convenience and sleep-boosting technology in mind. But how did it fare when put to the test by busy mum-of-two Bethan and her active toddler?

By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Jun 11, 2024

Price on writing: £250 | Buy now from John Lewis | Buy now from Natural Baby Shower | Buy now from Mamas & Papas

Designed for maximum airflow thanks to mesh sides and ventilated mesh mattress

Easy to assemble (tester is 4'11 and found it a lot easier to manouevre than other travel cots)

Plenty of space inside for toddler without being overwhelmingly large

Comfortable

Comes with a travel bag which tester found to be very good

Tester didn't find much to make it stand out particularly from other travel cots

Price on writing: £250 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Size when assembled: L103cm x W76cm x H73cm | Size when folded: L30cm x W24cm x H86cm | Weight : 12kg

Read next: Find out how the Nuna Sena Aire measures up against more tried and tested travel cots , including the Bugaboo Stardust , Red Kite Sleeptight and Silver Cross Slumber with more in-depth reviews.

How we tested the Nuna Sena Aire

Mum-of-two Bethan put the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot through its paces over a testing period of four weeks. During this time her 20-month-old daughter used the cot primarily to sleep in. Bethan took extensive notes on the travel cot's safety, sturdiness, practicality, longevity and value for money.

How easy is the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot to assemble?

'I found it relatively easy to put up,' said Bethan. 'It came out of the box easily all in one go.'

I am only 4'11 so I can find travel cots difficult to set up as I dont have the arm span to pop it up. This was a lot easier than previous cots I have used.

Related : Find more bedtime essentials with our guides to the best baby monitors and newborn cribs

How big is the Nuna Sena Aire?

'When folded it feels like the usual travel cot size. It isn't too heavy - probably about the same weight as a folding lightweight pram I'd say.'

It's a decent size when assembled, but not overwhelmingly big. My daughter is 20 months and had plenty of room inside the cot when lying down all around her, top to bottom and sides.

Parent-tester Bethan

Nuna Sena Aire travel cot

Related : The best mattress protector , cot bed and white noise machine for peaceful nights

How comfortable is the Nuna Sena Aire?

'My daughter slept very well in the cot. There is a thin mattress which has padding that you put aroudn the sides of the travel cot when folded down. Though thin, it is sufficient for a few night's sleep.'

How sturdy is the travel cot?

'I found it to be very sturdy. My daughter stood up in the cot in the morning asking to be let out and I didn't have any fear of the cot budging or toppling.'

How well does the Nuna Sena Aire work as a playpen?

'I think the cot would work as a playpen for a younger baby.'

Had my daughter been younger I would have considered it a safe space in which to leave her during the day time.

Read next : The best swaddles , cot mattresses and Moses baskets according to parents

How long can you use the Sene Aire?

The Nuna Sena Aire travel cot is designed to be used from birth until the toddler weighs 15kg or is able to climb out.

My daughter is small for her age, so I think, if she doesn't learn how to climb out of her day-to-day cot, it will be big enough to use until she is at least around 2.5 years old, maybe even three.

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

Related : Bedtime essentials for the whole family, from the best toddler bed to top bunk beds and your next favourite mattress

How well does the Nuna Sena Aire travel?

'It comes with a very good bag which is big enough to actually fit the cot back into without hassle,' explained Bethan.

It isn't too heavy in my opinion and should fit length ways across the back of most boots so I would consider it transportable by car definitely.

Does the Nuna Sena Aire represent good value for money?

'I think that if you are going to use it frequently, yes.'

Overall verdict

'I think overall, the design and quality of the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot are very good. I felt confident with my daughter in it and in the morning it really wasn't budging with her standing up waiting to be picked up.

'However, it is pretty similar to other travel cots and there isn't anything which really stands out about it.'

Read next : The best night lights , mattress for kids and Moses basket mattresses according to Mumsnetters

About the author

Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy, baby care and general parenting-related content. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews, features buyers' guides.

She regularly reviews a wide range of parenting and lifestyle products for Mumsnet, from breast pumps to kettles , board games and cribs . Jenny is also a sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe ) and experienced journalist.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing – this includes recommendations from the Mumsnet Talk boards. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

All prices correct at time of publication

Nuna Sena Aire Review: Not Sponsored, Personally Tested

Comprehensive Nuna Sena Aire review covering setup, portability, washability, safety and my personal experience testing it at home

What is the Nuna Sena Aire?

The Nuna Sena Aire is one of the most popular pack and plays from Nuna Baby, a Dutch company known for extremely high quality baby gear, and for being a leader in producing non-toxic baby products.

Nuna Baby has two pack and plays in their product lineup: The Sena Aire and the Cove Aire Go (they also make an alternative version of the Sena Aire that is exclusive to Pottery Barn Kids [the PBK version has different color options], as well as selling the Sena Aire with a changer attachment ).

The Sena Aire is Nuna Baby’s largest pack and play. It’s incredibly easy to fold and unfold, and is incredibly unique in terms of how breathable it is, with mesh sides, a mesh floor, and a ventilated and breathable pack and play mattress.

Table of Contents

• Easy to fold and unfold
• One of the most breathable pack and plays on the market
• 360-degree visibility
• Excellent choice for hot climates or weather
• Greenguard Gold Certified
• Lightweight compared to traditional pack and plays
• Mattress off the floor for added comfort
• Firm but comfortable mattress
• Mattress cover is machine washable
• Travel bag isn't zipper secured, and fabric is thin
• Unclear if fabrics are Oeko-Tex Certified
• No zip-down side panel
• Less suitable for airline travel and longer trips

Nuna Sena Aire: Testing and Review

I bought my own Nuna Sena Aire for the purpose of writing this review. I bought it myself, with no freebies or discounts from Nuna. Below you’ll find my unsponsored, unbiased thoughts based on this personal experience.

Portability and Ease of Carrying

First, I considered how portable the Sena Aire is. While it’s pretty good for moving around the house and I can see how it would work on a road trip, I probably wouldn’t check this in on an airline for a trip abroad (for that, I’d get a Guava Lotus or BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light ).

It comes with a “one hand travel bag” included in the box.

Dimensions of the travel bag are 34″ long by 14.5″ wide by 10″ high. I got those measurements by measuring my actual Sena Aire in its included carry bag – not from official dimensions from the manufacturer (which may differ).

Overall, the travel bag included with the Sena Aire is adequate, but not amazing.

First of all, the fabric it’s made of is fairly lightweight, similar to the 4Moms play yard carry bag (which got ripped to shreds when checked on a short flight to LA).

Secondly, I don’t like that it doesn’t zip up – the top is a drawstring cinch closure, which feels less secure for traveling, especially when compared to something like the Bugaboo Stardust , BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light , or Guava Lotus , which all have substantial carry bags with strong zip closures.

Finally, the way the play yard sits in the bag makes for some uneven and awkward weight distribution, with one end of the unit tipping up or down when carrying it, making it a bit awkward to carry for longer periods, like on a trip.

As a short person (I’m 5 foot), I’d say this is fairly mediocre to carry. It’s not as bad for shorter people as the Bugaboo Stardust (which dragged on the floor for me, but would be great for a taller parent or user), but it’s not as convenient to carry as the BabyBjorn , the Guava Lotus , or even the 4Moms pack and play (the Breeze Plus and Breeze Go ).

It’s also worth considering the weight, especially if you plan on using this as a travel crib.

The Nuna Sena Aire weighs 20.8 pounds, without the bassinet. Compare that to other popular travel cribs and lightweight pack and plays, and the Nuna Sena Aire is a fair bit heavier than some of the lightest weight pack and plays on the market, such as the Guava or the BabyBjorn. However, it’s comparable to the 4moms Breeze Go.

• Phil & Teds Traveller : 7.5 pounds
• BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light : 13 pounds
• Guava Lotus Everywhere Crib : 15 pounds
• Bugaboo Stardust : 17.2 pounds
• Nuna Sena Aire : 20.8 pounds
• 4Moms Breeze Go : 23 pounds
• 4Moms Breeze Plus : 28.5 pounds (with bassinet and changer)

Nuna Sena Aire Setup

Theoretically, the Nuna Sena Aire folds easily with one hand. In my experience, however, it’s a bit of clunky to actually do this with one hand, likely due to the skid proof feet on the bottom of the play yard.

To open using two hands, you pull on the narrow edges at either end of the play yard to pull them open.

Then, using one hand, push down on the central pillar (called a “hub”).

With the bassinet attached, you also need to slip your hand through the slit on the bottom of the bassinet to the main play yard floor, and make sure the hub is fully pushed down.

To test how easy it is to set up the Nuna Sena Aire , I timed myself setting it up from start to finish. This included taking it out of the travel bag, setting it up, and placing the mattress correctly.

It took me 1 minute and 34 seconds to setup my Nuna Sena Aire. That includes 19 seconds to get it out of the storage bag, and another 25 seconds to get it unfolded and ready to use. This was on my first try!

Comparing this to other pack and plays and travel cribs I’ve tested, the Nuna Sena Aire performs quite well in terms of speed of set up.

• Bugaboo Stardust : 32 seconds
• BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light : 1 minute and 16 seconds
• Nuna Sena Aire : 1 minute and 34 seconds
• Guava Lotus Everywhere Crib : 1 minute and 40 seconds
• 4Moms Breeze : 3 minutes and 4 seconds

The setup is quite easy, but I love that it also folds easily with one hand. When you’re ready to put it away, you simply grab the central hub and pull up to collapse the whole thing.

It takes me about 10 seconds to collapse mine.

Getting it back into the travel bag requires a bit more time and a little bit of wrestling. When I timed myself as a test, it took me 1 minute and 6 seconds to get the frame and mattress back into the carry bag.

Advanced air design™

The Nuna Sena Aire comes with something that Nuna calls advanced air design™, which more or less means it’s got excellent ventilation.

This includes ventilated mesh sides and base of the play yard and bassinet, as well as the ventilated mattress panels.

That’s right: the sides, floor and mattress are all made of mesh to ensure maximum air flow around your baby. This is great in any climate, but particularly desirable in climates with high heat and humidity.

Unlike many travel cribs, the mattress part of the play yard sits off the ground. This is likely slightly more comfortable for your kiddo, keeps them away from drafts along the floor, and is an additional feature to improve ventilation.

The Nuna Sena Aire is the only pack and play or travel crib I’m aware of that offers true, 360 degree ventilation via the mesh sides and base, as well as a mesh mattress.

Ventilated Mesh Mattress

The Sena Aire mattress has ventilated panels and a mesh mattress cover are two of the most unique features of this pack and play.

First of all, they make the mattress more breathable than most pack and play mattresses.

Whereas a number of companies have innovated to make more breathable crib mattresses (see: Organic Dream , Newton , and Naturepedic ), there aren’t a lot of companies working on breathable pack and play mattresses. In that regard, Nuna is setting the bar for other companies, and I expect we’ll see more breathable playard mattresses in the future.

The removable panel design also means the mattress is washable. By removing the ventilated panels (they come out completely), you can then throw the fabric part of the mattress (which consists of polyester mesh plus a thin layer of polyurethane foam , as far as I can tell) in the washing machine.

This is super handy and quite unique – since most pack and play mattresses have some sort of cardboard or particle board in them, they can’t be washed in the same way. The removable ventilated panels in the Nuna Aire are a true innovation.

Washability: How to Wash Nuna Sena Aire

In terms of washability, the Sena Aire has a leg up on traditional pack and plays (which are typically spot clean only ), but isn’t as washable as leading travel cribs (which typically have fabric units that detach from the frame to be machine washed).

The Sena’s fabric sides and floor don’t detach from the frame to wash, and the mesh fabric is spot clean only.

However, the mattress cover is washer safe. This is another great innovation from Nuna, as most pack and plays lack washer safe mattress covers (leaving you to either by a third-party mattress cover, which the manufacturers don’t recommend, or be left spot cleaning the mattress after every spit up or diaper leak ).

While the Nuna website mentions the mattress cover is wash and dryer safe, when I actually look at the care label on my Nuna Sena Aire mattress, it suggests its washer safe, but should be drip dried (hang to dry).

I recommend following the care label on your actual pack and play.

Greenguard Gold Certified with Non Toxic Materials

One of the things I love about Nuna as a brand is how committed the company is to creating safe, non toxic products for kids.

As of 2023, they’ve completely eliminated the use of fire retardants in their car seats: a massive achievement and a win for parents who want to reduce their kids’ exposure to harmful chemicals.

Likewise, the Sena Aire is completely fire retardant free, which offers a lot of peace of mind for parents who want to avoid these chemicals. It also doesn’t contain any PFAS chemicals, which are used by some companies to achieve for water resistance.

Additionally, this play yard is free from PVC (which are a source of phthalates ) and is Greenguard Gold certified (meaning it’s not a major source of VOCs ) and JPMA certified.

So what is the Sena Aire made of? According to Nuna Baby, the SENA Aire is made up of polyester (the outer material; aka the mesh sides and floor); polyester batting; and polyurethane foam.

Of these materials, I don’t love the use of polyurethane foam, but it’s pretty tough to get around it. Of all the pack and plays on the market, there’s only two that I’m aware of that are PU foam free: the Phil & Teds Traveller and the fairly new-to-market Uppababy Remi pack and play.

Nuna Sena Aire Safety

• Skid proof feet to keep the playard in place and minimize shifting or movement.
• It has a sturdy aluminum frame. When I test how stable it is by pushing the frame from side to side or back and forth, it holds steady against my pushes. I would classify it as extremely stable, and in side by side comparisons, it’s one of the best pack and plays I’ve tested in this regard.
• A GOTS Certified Organic Sheet is included in the box. If you want extras, they also sell their organic cotton sheet separately, so you can have one on the pack and play, and a spare in the cupboard or laundry.
• Previous versions of the Nuna Sena Aire used Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, but it’s unclear if the latest model still has Oeko-Tex certification.

Nuna Sena Aire Bassinet Review

The Nuna Sena Aire comes with bassinet, and you can use it in bassinet mode or play yard mode (without the bassinet).

One great feature about this bassinet is the fact that it folds with the frame. This is similar to the Bugaboo Stardust , that folds with the bassinet and the mattress. It’s quite unique, as most play yards require you to remove the bassinet attachment before folding and storing.

The bassinet uses a snap and clip system to attach to the main play yard frame. There are 4 snaps (one snap on each of the 4 sides of the top railing), and 4 clips (one on each corner of the top railing.

Overall the bassinet position is actually quite low, especially when compared to some other options, such as the 4Moms Breeze Plus . If a higher bassinet position is important to you, you might want to consider the Nuna Cove Go , or the 4moms Breeze Plus.

Nuna Sena Aire Playard Changer

The Nuna Sena Aire has an optional changer attachment that is only compatible with the Sena Aire (it won’t work with the Sena or the Cove Go ). I haven’t personally tried the changer, so can’t comment on how well it works vs similar competing products, such as the 4moms Breeze Plus.

Nuna Sena Aire Vs. Sena, Sena Mini, and Cove

If you’re shopping for a play yard and you’re set on Nuna, you’re probably wondering the difference between Nuna Sena and Aire, the Nuna Sena and Sena Aire vs Nuna Cove , and the Nuna Sena Mini vs Full Size.

Nuna Cove vs Sena and Sena Aire

Both the Nuna Sena Aire and the Cove have been around for a few years. The following information is current as of 2023, and applies to the Nuna Cove Aire Go , not the previous version which was called simply the Cove.

So what are the key differences between Nuna’s Sena Aire vs the Cove Aire Go? ?

• Weight: The Nuna Sena Aire is lighter than the Cove Go. The Sena Aire weighs 20.8 pounds without the bassinet vs Nuna Cove Go, which weighs 22 pounds without bassinet.
• Size: The Nuna Sena Aire is larger than the Cove Go, and the Cove Go is considerably narrower (5.5″ narrower). The Sena Aire measures 41.3″ long x 30″ wide x 29″ tall when assembled, vs the Nuna Cove Go which measures 40″ long x 24.5″ wide x 30″ tall. The Cove Go’s narrower footprint makes it a great choice for small spaces or as a bedside sleeper. The Cove Go is 1″ taller, meaning it may be slightly more awkward for shorter parents or caregivers to use.
• Bassinet Position: The Cove Go’s bassinet sits about 1″ to 2″ higher than on the Sena Aire. I emailed Nuna Baby, and they said the Cove Aire Go’s bassinet sits about 15″ off the floor, and the Sena Aire’s bassinet sits about 14″ off the floor (although, when I measure my Sena Aire, it’s more like 13″ according to my measurements).
• Weight Limit: Both the Nuna Sena Aire and Cove Go are suitable from birth to 15 pounds (bassinet) or 30 pounds / 35 inches in height, or until they start trying to climb out (play yard). There are no differences in terms of weight limit or when to stop using it with your child.
• Changer Attachment: The Nuna Sena Aire has an optional changer attachment that is suitable from birth to 24 pounds, or until baby can push up on their hands and knees. The Cove Go isn’t compatible with Nuna’s changer attachment.
• Napper: Previous versions of the Cove came with a napper; the Cove Go does not have a napper anymore. The Sena Aire also doesn’t have a napper. Safe sleep guidelines recommend not using a napper for your baby. If they fall asleep in an inclined position, transfer them to a sleep approved flat and firm sleep surface as soon as possible and leave them to sleep there!

Nuna Sena vs Aire

Nuna used to offer both the Sena and the Sena Aire. However, in the United States the company no longer lists the Sena in their product lineup, and only sells the Sena Aire (both the Sena and the Sena Aire are still available in Canada at the time of writing).

Nuna Sena Mini vs Full Size

Nuna used to offer a mini version of the Sena, the Nuna Sena Mini. However, the company discontinued the Sena Mini in 2002.

The old mini was smaller and lighter than the Sena or Sena Aire: 34.5″ long x 24″ wide x 26.4″ high, and weighing 17.6 pounds, vs the Sena Aire which measures 41.3″ long x 30″ wide x 29″ high, and weighs 20.8 pounds.

The new Nuna Cove Go is a suitable replacement for the Nuna Sena Mini, with a similar narrow profile (the Cove Go is 24.5″ wide, vs the Mini which was 24″ wide).

If you’re looking for a narrow pack and play specifically, the Bugaboo Stardust is another great option, measuring 25 inches wide.

Is the Nuna Sena Aire Worth It?

Based on my experience, I think the Nuna Sena Aire is one of the best all round pack and plays on the market, and certainly one of the best I’ve personally tested.

The breathability is second to none, making it a great choice for summer babies or anywhere with a hot and/or humid climate, or with occasional heat waves. It’s also a nice to have to put parents minds to ease when their little ones are sleeping, as it may help prevent babies from getting hot while asleep.

I also appreciate that the mattress is so washable – this gives it a huge leg-up on the 4Moms Breeze, in my opinion.

As a downside, I don’t think I’d choose the Sena Aire as a true travel crib. Road trip to grandma’s house? Sure. But I wouldn’t want to lug it through an airport or check it into the airline as baggage.

Based on my personal experience, the Sena Aire is best suited to using at home, as an everyday play yard, and is convenient to pack into the car when you need something on the go.

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Rest easy. After a busy day away from home, the last things you want to worry about are an uncooperative playard and a fussy tot. The chic Nuna SENA - thanks to the clever zigzag leg design - pops open easily into a soft, sturdy environment, and then refolds with just one hand for a quick getaway the next morning. The Sena series belongs to a Dutch-designed family of smart baby gear, so you know its revolutionary design is also evolutionary: growing beyond newborn through toddlerhood, and even doubling as a play space. Let the traveling begin.

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Features & Design

• Unique zigzag legs pop playard open quickly and easily; folds easily with one hand
• Bassinet conveniently folds with frame
• Lush, quilted mattress pad
• Made with certified Oeko-Tex® fabric
• Sturdy aluminum frame is easy to transport

Specifications & Manuals

• Playard: for children unable to climb out unassisted, up to 30 lbs and less than 35" tall.
• Bassinet: for babies unable to push up onto their hands and knees, up to 15 lbs *IMPORTANT: only the bassinet can be used for sleeping/napping, and not the playard.*
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29 September, 2015 / Nizhny Novgorod - the view from above .

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History of Nizhny Novgorod

Foundation of nizhny novgorod.

During the military campaigns of the Russian princes against the Volga Bulgaria, the place where the Oka River flows into the Volga was used as a gathering point for the Murom and Suzdal troops. In 1220, Grand Duke Yuri Vsevolodovich (the grandson of Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, the founder of Moscow) conducted a successful campaign against the Bulgars. After it, he “decided to strengthen this important place for Rus” and founded a town at the mouth of the Oka.

It was named Novgorod, which literally means “new town”. Later, the adjective “nizhny” (“lower”) was added to the name of the town in the Russian annals. This was probably done in order to distinguish it from the town of Novgorod (present Veliky Novgorod) and other Novgorods that existed at that time.

The founding of Nizhny Novgorod was the beginning of an active expansion of Russian influence in the Mordovian lands. Two white-stone churches were built in the fortress, including the Cathedral of the Archangel (1227) - evidence of the special role that the town had in the system of lands of Vladimir-Suzdal Rus. However, the Mongol invasion stopped further development.

Information about Nizhny Novgorod of the 13th century is extremely scarce. But it is known that after the invasion it revived relatively quickly. Nizhny Novgorod is constantly mentioned in Russian chronicles as a major political and economic center of North-Eastern Rus and a spiritual center of Orthodoxy in the Volga region. The town was often the object of conflicts between Moscow and Tver.

In 1392, the Moscow prince Vasily I received a jarlig for the Nizhny Novgorod Principality and captured Nizhny Novgorod. The final annexation of Nizhny Novgorod to the possessions of Moscow took place in the late 1440s.

More Historical Facts…

Nizhny Novgorod in the 16th-18th centuries

Under Ivan III and Vasily III, the town played the role of a border post and was a gathering place for military campaigns against the Kazan Khanate. In 1508-1515, the stone kremlin was built. After the capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible, the border role of Nizhny Novgorod became insignificant. At the same time, Nizhny Novgorod became the center of trade between Russia and the East and a large shipbuilding center.

In September 1611, during the Time of Troubles, the Second People’s Militia was organized in Nizhny Novgorod to fight the Poles who were able to establish control over Moscow. The militia consisted of detachments of townspeople, peasants of the central and northern regions of the Tsardom of Russia. The leaders were the Nizhny Novgorod merchant Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky (the monument to them is installed on Red Square in Moscow). In October 1612, the militia was able to completely liberate Moscow.

In the 17th century, a schism occurred in the Orthodox Church under Patriarch Nikon. It led to the formation of numerous settlements of Old Believers in the vicinity of Nizhny Novgorod. In 1695, during his Azov campaign, Peter I arrived in Nizhny Novgorod. In 1719, as a result of his administrative-territorial reforms, the town became the center of a separate Nizhny Novgorod Governorate. In 1722, setting off on the Persian campaign, Nizhny Novgorod was again visited by Peter I. Here he celebrated his 50th birthday.

In 1767, Nizhny Novgorod was visited by Empress Catherine II. During her stay in the town, she met the famous local mechanic and inventor Ivan Kulibin. After her visit, a new regular town plan was approved. The first town theater was built in 1798. Later, it became known as Nikolaevsky, in honor of Emperor Nicholas I.

Nizhny Novgorod in the 19th century

At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, Nizhny Novgorod became a major scientific and cultural center of the Russian Empire. In 1811, the population of Nizhny Novgorod was about 14,400 people. In 1817, the Makaryev Fair, the largest fair of the Russian Empire, was moved to the village of Kunavino (one of the districts of today’s Nizhny Novgorod). Before that, it was organized every year near the Makaryevsky Monastery, which burned down a year earlier. From that time on, it began to be called the Nizhny Novgorod Fair. Thanks to it, the rapid economic development of the town and adjacent villages began.

After Emperor Nicholas I visited the town in 1834, the large-scale reconstruction of Nizhny Novgorod began. In 1847, a water supply system appeared in the town and the first fountain was built. Private buildings in the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin were demolished and new administrative buildings appeared in their place. A lot of new buildings, streets, boulevards, and gardens were built.

In 1849, a large industrial enterprise was founded in the village of Sormovo (another district of today’s Nizhny Novgorod). Later, it became known as the Sormovo plant. It was producing river steamers, various railway cars, steam locomotives, and trams. Thanks to the plant, Sormovo soon turned into a large village of workers. In 1862, the construction of the Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod railway was completed. In 1863, the population of the city was 41,500 people.

In 1896, the city hosted the All-Russian Trade and Industrial Exhibition. The radio receiver of the engineer A.S. Popov, the hyperboloid tower of the engineer V.G. Shukhov were demonstrated at the exhibition, as well as the first Russian car of the Frese and Yakovlev factories.

Nizhny Novgorod in the first half of the 20th century

In 1914, about 111,000 people lived in Nizhny Novgorod. In 1917, during the First World War, the Warsaw Polytechnic Institute was evacuated to this city, on the basis of which the Nizhny Novgorod Polytechnic Institute was created.

On October 7, 1932, Nizhny Novgorod was renamed Gorky due to the 40th anniversary of the literary and social activities of the writer Maxim Gorky. In 1933, the first permanent bridge across the Oka River was built. The railway bridge across the Volga was constructed too. Thanks to this, it became possible to go by rail through Gorky to the Urals and Siberia.

The 1930s were a period of rapid industrialization. In 1932, the largest industrial enterprise in the city was opened - the Gorky Automobile Plant (GAZ), an important object of the Soviet defense industry. In the 1930s-1940s, the city was even referred to as “Russian Detroit”. By 1939, the population of Nizhny Novgorod increased to about 644,000 people.

Every fourth resident of the Gorky region (about 822 thousand people) fought on the fronts of the Second World War. Of these, more than 350 thousand people did not return from the battlefields - they were killed, went missing or died from wounds in hospitals.

In June 1943, three large raids of German bombers were carried out on Gorky. The main target of air strikes was the Gorky Automobile Plant, which as a result was almost completely destroyed. It was rebuilt only in the middle of 1944. Over 500,000 wounded were treated in dozens of hospitals during the war years.

The city was an important center for the production of weapons. During the Second World War, every second Soviet car, every third tank and every fourth artillery piece were produced at Gorky’s plants. In total, about 38 thousand tanks, self-propelled guns, armored vehicles, 43 thousand mortars, 16 thousand aircraft, 22 submarines, 109 thousand cars, more than 85 thousand radio stations, as well as 101 thousand artillery pieces and 1,165 Katyusha multiple rocket launchers were produced in Gorky.

Nizhny Novgorod after the Second World War

In 1946, the first GAZ-M-20 “Pobeda” passenger car and the GAZ-51 truck left the assembly line of the Gorky Automobile Plant. In 1949, the construction of the monumental Chkalov Stairs connecting the Upper Volga and Lower Volga embankments was completed in the historic center of Nizhny Novgorod. On August 4, 1959, the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR “On the closure of the city of Gorky for visiting by foreigners” was issued. In 1962, the population of Gorky exceeded 1 million people.

On January 18, 1970, a radiation accident occurred at the Krasnoe Sormovo plant. During the construction of a nuclear submarine, an unauthorized launch of the reactor took place. After working at prohibitive power for about 10-15 seconds, it partially collapsed. Hundreds of workers were exposed to the radioactive release. In total, over one thousand people took part in the liquidation of the consequences of the accident and were exposed to radiation.

In 1985, a subway was opened in Gorky. In 1980-1986, Andrei Sakharov, a world famous nuclear physicist, Nobel laureate, and activist, was in exile in Gorky to prevent his contacts with foreigners. In the early 1990s, the “closed city” status was lifted and the city became accessible to foreigners. On October 22, 1990, Gorky was renamed back to Nizhny Novgorod. In 1991, the population of the city reached its maximum - 1,445,000 people.

At the end of the 20th century, the information technology sphere began to actively develop in the city. In the 2000s, a transport problem arose because of the insufficient carrying capacity of the Nizhny Novgorod bridges connecting the lower part of the city and the upper one.

In February 2012, the Nizhny Novgorod Volga Aerial Tramway was opened. This 3661-meter-long gondola lift cable car connected Nizhny Novgorod with the town of Bor. Its daily passenger traffic is about 5,000 people. In 2013, the city electric train was launched - an alternative to the subway line from Sormovo to Moskovsky railway station.

Nizhny Novgorod hosted 6 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2018 . A new stadium was built, the old river port was demolished, a new park and embankments were created. Large-scale restoration of old streets and buildings took place, new museums were opened, hotels were built, and parks were reconstructed.

Streets of Nizhny Novgorod

One sunny summer day in Nizhniy Novgorod

Author: Denis Plekhanov

Apartment buildings in Nizhny Novgorod

Author: Eugene Ivanov

On the street in Nizhny Novgorod

Author: Sergey S. Kazenyuk

Nizhny Novgorod - Features

Nizhny Novgorod is located about 425 km east of Moscow, at the confluence of the two largest waterways of the European part of Russia - the Volga and Oka rivers. The city is divided by the Oka into two parts. The length of Nizhny Novgorod along the Oka is 20 km, along the Volga - about 30 km.

The climate in Nizhny Novgorod is moderately continental, with cold, long winters and warm, relatively short summers. The average temperature in January is minus 8.9 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 19.4 degrees Celsius.

A red deer is depicted on the coat of arms and flag of Nizhny Novgorod, which is a symbol of nobility, purity, life, wisdom, and justice. The City Day is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday in August.

In January 2019, Nizhny Novgorod was recognized as the best city in Russia in terms of quality of life. It took first place among Russian cities and 109th in the world in terms of quality of life. The rating was compiled by the site numbeo.com, which specializes in statistics on the cost of living and consumer prices in different countries of the world.

When compiling the rating, the purchasing power of the population, safety, health care, the cost of living, the ratio of real estate prices to the population’s income, traffic congestion, the level of environmental pollution, and climate were taken into account.

The main branches of the local industry are the production of cars and weapons, shipbuilding. Nizhny Novgorod is also one of the IT centers of Russia.

Nizhny Novgorod is a major transport hub. The city has a railway station, a river station, a cargo port, several berths for transshipment of goods. Strigino International Airport named after V.P. Chkalov offers regular flights to such cities as Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Samara, St. Petersburg, Sochi, and a number of others.

Public transport in Nizhny Novgorod plays a very important role in ensuring the life of the city. At the same time, its work is hampered by the distribution of its population on the city’s territory, large daily migrations, a very high concentration of passenger traffic on the bridges across the Oka River, and the lack of an all-encompassing system of high-speed transport. There are municipal buses, fixed-route minibuses, trams, trolleybuses, the city train, and subway.

The tourist potential of Nizhny Novgorod is quite high. According to UNESCO, it is one of the most valuable historical cities in the world. In total, there are more than 600 unique historical, architectural and cultural monuments in Nizhny Novgorod, a variety of museums. The best time to visit Nizhny Novgorod is summer.

One of the alternative ways to visit Nizhny Novgorod is to take a river cruise along the Volga River. Travelers will find exciting excursions and meals in traditional Russian taverns. It will also be interesting to come during one of the many fairs or ethnographic festivals that are held in the city.

Main Attractions of Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin (1508-1515) - a fortress in the historic center of Nizhny Novgorod and its oldest part, the main architectural complex of the city located on the right high bank, at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers. To date, all 13 towers of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin have been preserved or have been restored. The thickness of the wall at the base reaches 5 meters. There are exhibitions in the towers of the fortress; a section of the wall is open for tourists to visit.

In the past, there were several churches on the territory of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. Today, only the Archangel Michael Cathedral has survived, built no later than the middle of the 16th century and rebuilt in 1628-1631 - the oldest surviving building in the kremlin. There is the grave of Kuzma Minin inside it.

An excellent view of the Volga River and Strelka (the confluence of the Oka and Volga) opens from the walls of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. Here you can also see a collection of military equipment from the Second World War.

Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum - one of the oldest museums in Russia, the largest museum of fine arts in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The Governor’s Palace on the territory of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin houses a permanent exhibition of Russian art and a collection of artistic silver.

In the House of the Merchant and Benefactor D.V. Sirotkin (Verkhnevolzhskaya Embankment, 3), an exposition of Western European art is presented and, separately, the painting by K.E. Makovsky “The appeal of Kuzma Minin to the citizens of Nizhny Novgorod” - one of the largest paintings on a historical theme in Russia (698x594 cm).

Chkalov Stairs (1943-1949) - a monumental staircase in the form of a figure eight in the historic center of Nizhny Novgorod. Connecting the Upper Volga (Verkhnevolzhskaya) and Lower Volga (Nizhnevolzhskaya) embankments, it is one of the longest stairs in Russia. It starts from the observation deck at the monument to Valery Chkalov (the famous Soviet pilot who made the first non-stop flight from the USSR to the USA via the North Pole), next to the St. George Tower of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin.

Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street - the main street of Nizhny Novgorod built up with noble mansions of the past centuries. A large part of Bolshaya Pokrovskaya is reserved for the pedestrian zone and is analogous to the pedestrian Arbat Street in Moscow. There are a lot of historic houses, cafes, souvenir shops, boutiques, monuments, and sculptures here. The length of the street is over 2 km.

The building of the State Bank (Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street, 26), resembling a medieval palace, is an outstanding architectural monument built in the Russian Revival style in 1911-1913. In the Museum of Old Equipment and Tools (Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street, 43), you can see unique exhibits, hear their history, and even touch them.

Fedorovsky Embankment - one of the most beautiful embankments in Nizhny Novgorod and the best observation deck in the city. Everything is perfectly visible from this embankment: the old part of the city, the river station with a park, the Kanavinsky bridge - one of the oldest in the city, and, of course, the opposite bank of the Oka River with the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the confluence of the Oka and Volga. People also come here to watch the sunset.

Nizhny Novgorod Volga Aerial Tramway . This cable car, 3661 meters long, connects the high right bank of the Volga River, where the historic part of Nizhny Novgorod is located, with the town of Bor. It has the largest unsupported span over the water surface in Europe - 861 meters.

A one way trip during which you can admire the picturesque views of Nizhny Novgorod and the Volga River takes 15 minutes. It is better to use it in good sunny weather, because in windy weather, the movement of the cabins can be stopped. Sennaya Square on Kazanskaya Embankment.

Nizhny Novgorod State Museum of History and Architecture (1875-1877). Also known as the Mansion of S.M. Rukavishnikov, it is an architectural ensemble built in the eclectic style in the historic center of Nizhny Novgorod, one of the most important and famous architectural monuments of this city. Guided tours are held in the premises, allowing you to learn about the life of the former owners of the mansion, as well as look at the historical expositions of different years. Verkhnevolzhskaya Embankment, 7.

Main Palace of Nizhny Novgorod Fair - a luxurious building constructed in the forms of Old Russian architecture of the 17th century. Today, exhibitions of various formats are held here, as well as the multimedia exposition “Russia - my history” dedicated mainly to the history of Nizhny Novgorod starting from the Finno-Ugric peoples. Sovnarkomovskaya Street, 13.

Museum of the History of the Gorky Automobile Plant . The museum houses expositions telling about the history and development of the Gorky Automobile Plant. In total, there are over 40,000 exhibits. Here you can see a collection of Soviet vintage cars, which includes “Chaika”, “Volga”, the truck “GAZ-51”, and a lot of others. Lenina Avenue, 95.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (1868-1881) - the most noticeable sight of the lower part of Nizhny Novgorod, which can be seen from all observation decks of the upper city. The church, 87 meters high, was built on the site of the Nizhny Novgorod Fair at the expense of merchants, who wanted to perpetuate the visit of Emperor Alexander II. Strelka Street, 3a.

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1696-1719) - one of the best examples of the Stroganov Baroque, an architectural monument of federal significance. From a distance, this colorful building looks like a sugar gingerbread with “candy” domes and decorated with stone flowers, pears and apples. Rozhdestvenskaya Street, 34.

Pechersky Ascension Monastery - one of the most interesting places in Nizhny Novgorod, where you can feel the spirit of the city. Most of the monastery buildings date back to the first half of the 17th century. A lot of beautiful photographs can be taken here. Privolzhskaya Sloboda Street, 108.

Limpopo Zoo - the first private zoo in Russia. More than 270 species of animals live here, 25 of which are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. It is located on the territory of the Sormovsky Park on an area of 7.1 hectares. Yaroshenko Street, 7b.

Architectural and Ethnographic Museum-Reserve “Shcholokovskiy Khutor” . The exposition of this museum is represented by 16 objects of rural architecture: residential houses, barns, mills and churches of the 17th-19th centuries brought from the northern districts of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The facades of the houses are decorated with traditional relief carvings. In the premises of the houses, interiors with authentic items of peasant life have been restored. Gorbatovskaya Street, 41.

Nizhny Novgorod city of Russia photos

Pictures of nizhny novgorod.

Chkalov Stairs and the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

Author: Sergey Bulanov

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Nizhny Novgorod

Author: Evgeniy Balashov

Shopping and office center Smart in Nizhny Novgorod

Author: Diman Lazarev

Sights of Nizhny Novgorod

Annunciation Monastery - the oldest monastery in Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod Cathedral Mosque

Church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God Joy of All Who Sorrow in Nizhny Novgorod

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7 incredible ways to enjoy Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod (420 km east of Moscow) is welcoming tourists who is ready for adventure in the medieval city.

1. Walk along the downtown embankment

French journalist and explorer Erwann Pensec spent one year in Nizhny Novgorod and said it was the best year of his life. “The city is very calm even in the center and people are very friendly there, they are always ready to help,” said Erwann. “That’s why you can walk down the streets without fear of getting lost.”

Erwann’s favorite place in the city is Verkhne-Volzhskaya (Upper Volga) Embankment. “From this place you can enjoy the horizon, endless forests, and the vast Volga River.”

If you look down from this embankment you’ll see the lower embankment. To get there just go down the Chkalov Staircase, the longest in Russia with 560 steps, and one of the city’s famous landmarks.

2. Look inside the kremlin walls

The kremlin in Nizhny Novgorod was built in the 16th century. The fortress is reminiscent of a stone necklace spread over the slopes of Chasovaya (Sentry) Hill. In the early 17th century, Nizhny Novgorod turned into a bastion of resistance against Polish invasion. A volunteer army led by Kuzma Minin and Prince Pozharsky marched from its gates, driving out the Polish troops during the Time of Troubles and in the process helping to keep Muscovy on the map. Now the kremlin operates as a museum.

German journalist Peggy Lohse found an interesting museum of contemporary art inside the kremlin called Arsenal. “Besides interesting exhibitions there’s a bookstore, where you can buy books on constructivism, art, and local history. And don’t forget to drink the raf coffee in the museum’s café!”

3. Soak up the spirit of cozy streets and yards

There are two main tourist centers in Nizhny Novgorod: On Rozhdestvenskaya Street and Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street. The local manager Yulia Petushkova strongly recommends discovering the small lanes and yards on Rozhdestvenskaya.

“They are very atmospheric and unusual,” she said. “These streets have not been rebuilt for 150 years, so the buildings remain untouched. They are beautiful for their chaotic nature. Hidden there are interesting art objects and cozy coffee houses.”

Yulia also recommends walking down Chernigovskaya Street in the direction of the metro bridge to the world-famous water tower, which was painted by famous street artist Nikita Nomerz.

4. Ride the cable car

The longest cable car above water in Europe exists here and it’s worth jumping on for the views of the town of Bor. Here you can visit the new Pax Romana Park where you can see historical reenactments and take part in festivals and various events.

5. Visit the Museum of Photography

Erwann and Peggy recommend a visit to the  Russian Museum of Photography on Piskunova Street. “On the first floor you’ll find cool vintage gadgets, photos of the Tsarists family, 19th century landscapes and of course, Soviet ideological pictures,” said Peggy. “On the second floor, there will be exhibitions of local artists. Actually, the museum is rather big.”

Traveling with children or interested in science? “You should definitely visit the Kvarki Museum of Science and planetarium near the railway station,” advises Erwann.

6. Get underground  

Only seven Russian cities have a metro. The underground in Nizhny Novgorod is Russia’s shallowest, with stations located no deeper than 20 m. The first stations were opened in 1985 and now the subway has two lines and 14 stops.

“My favorite station is Dvigatel Revolyutsii (Engine of the Revolution) on the red line,” said Yulia. “The locals especially love it because of the impressive name, which honors a diesel engine factory.”

7. Have the best Russian lunch

Blini   and   syrniki   for breakfast,   vatrushki   for brunch, traditional Russian cabbage   schi   for lunch, and if you can fit anything else in try beef stroganoff and   kulebyaka   for dinner. There are a lot of places in the city offering tasty food where you can find traditional Russian menus. Most of them are located on Rozhdestvenskaya and Bolshaya Pokrovskaya street.

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Best Places to Visit in Nizhny Novgorod

What are the best places to visit in nizhny novgorod.

• For medieval history : The Novgorod Kremlin, the nucleus of the city and a beacon of Russian power. Visit the fortress’s 13 towers, walk its walls for views of the city and river, and visit the exhibitions inside
• For industrial history : Visit the Open-Air Locomotive Museum to explore steam trains from the first half of the 20th century, or the GAZ History Museum to learn about the Gorky Automobile Factory, where the first Russian tank was created
• For beautiful streets and buildings : Nizhny is a marvel of contrasting architectural styles. Explore Rozhdestvenskaya and Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Streets, admire the State Bank, merchant mansions and Main Fair, and keep an eye out for many quirky statues
• For waterfront relaxation : Explore the Lower and Upper Volga Embankments, admire beautiful views from the Fedorovsky Embankment and cable car, and visit Russia’s longest stairs at the Chkhalov Staircase
• For religious sites : Visit the spectacular Stroganov Church, the more austere Spassky Old Fair Cathedral, the famous Church of the Nativity, and the Pechersky Ascension Monastery, one of the city’s spiritual centres
• For artistic highlights : Visit the State Art Museum’s collection of 15th-20th century European art, and discover the National Centre of Contemporary Art in the Kremlin’s former arsenal For folk culture: See traditional village architecture and learn about folk life at the Shchelokovsky Farm ethnographic museum, and discover the famous folk handicraft, Khokhloma, at the Khokhlomskaya Rospis factory and museum

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

Address: Ploshad  Minina and Pozharskogo, Nizhy Novgorod

Discover Nizhny Novgorod’s industrial history

Address: 1V, Utitsa Gorokhovetskaya,  Nizhy Novgorod Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00 Mon-Sun

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.

Address: 95, Prospekt Lenina,  Nizhy Novgorod Opening hours: 09:00 - 16:00 Mon-Sat

Explore the city streets and architectural marvels

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

Visit the city’s religious sites

Discover Nizhny Novgorod’s artistic highlights

Address: 3, Kreml, Nizhny Novgorod

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.

Address: 6, Kreml, Nizhny Novgorod

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.

Address: 41, Gorbatovskaya Ulitsa, Nizhny Novgorod Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 Tue-Sun

Khokhlomskaya Rospis

Address: 18, Ulitsa Chkalova, Semenov, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00 Mon-Fri

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Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

You are here, about nizhny novgorod.

If you are still wondering, whether Nizhny Novgorod travel would be something you'd like to experience, let us help you - it would. This colorful Russian city full of cultural heritage might exceed your expectations since it has something to offer for everyone.

Reasons to Travel to Nizhny Novgorod

Art enthusiasts will surely enjoy the State Gorky Literature Museum which was named after the great Russian author Maxim Gorky. Bet you didn't know that Nizhny Novgorod was his birthplace? Do not worry, now you do.

There are also multiple art galleries and installations such as The Blogger's Bench which provides free Wi-Fi access if you are in the mood of blogging about your experience.

The musician community will not be disappointed as well, as the city has multiple live music bars and cafes open for the public and is often the place where great concerts are staged. If you are not that into art, there are plenty of other places worth putting on your Nizhny Novgorod itinerary, f.e., the grand red-brick Kremlin.

The Cathedral of Archangel Michael, which is actually the only church that has stood the test of time in Kremlin, along with multiple ancient towers is what makes this site a must-see. By the way, the magnificent church of St. Elijah is right around the corner, so make sure to make a little detour during your Nizhny Novgorod tour after seeing the Kremlin.

Another thing you should not miss during your Nizhny Novgorod sightseeing is the panorama of Strelka, overlooking the amazing view of the confluence of the rivers Oka and Volga and also the Fedorovsky Embankment, a perfect place for a stroll in the evening.

If you want to take a look at the scene from a different angle, hop on a boat trip along the two rivers! Nowadays Nizhny Novgorod is the fifth-largest city in the Russian Federation, somehow managing to maintain the unique heritage alongside its cultural versatility, thus looking at pictures is not enough, feel like exploring it yourself?

Best Things to Do in Nizhny Novgorod

• Witness the ancient Novgorod Kremlin
• Get inspired by the scenic panoramas of the Volga River
• Explore diverse museums of Nizhny Novgorod

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