Nizhny Novgorod is one of Russia’s most historic and scenic cities, located at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers. Along with Samara, Kazan, and Volgograd, it forms part of the Volga-Vyatka region. The city gained international attention as a host city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its stunning new stadium and rich cultural heritage to visitors from around the world.
Nizhny Novgorod Stadium: A Masterpiece of Modern Sports Architecture
The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium stands as one of the most impressive sports venues in Russia. Located near the Strelka metro station, this arena was widely regarded as one of the finest stadium projects built for the 2018 World Cup. The designers achieved something remarkable by combining cutting-edge FIFA-standard technologies with elements that reflect the city’s natural and cultural identity:
- Football — the heart of the stadium’s purpose
- Water — representing the two great rivers that define Nizhny Novgorod
- Wind — symbolizing the open landscapes and climate of the Volga region
Stadium Design and Key Features
This remarkable stadium was constructed at a cost of 17.9 billion roubles on 85 hectares of land near the meeting point of the Oka and Volga rivers. Despite its modern design, the arena complements the surrounding historical buildings and integrates seamlessly into the urban environment. Key features of the stadium include:
- Semi-transparent facade — decorated with triangular pads across the entire perimeter
- Pedestrian staircases — tangentially designed to lead visitors to the aisles
- Evening illumination — highlighting the plasticity and airiness of the structure
- Recreational area — the Strelka territory transformed into a pedestrian boulevard
The stadium’s repressed architectural style was intentionally chosen to respect the historical sites in the surrounding area while still creating a visually striking landmark.
Stadium Capacity and Current Use
During the 2018 World Cup, the stadium accommodated 45,000 spectators. Following the tournament, the capacity was reduced to 35,000 seats. Today, it serves as the home arena for the local football club and continues to host various entertainment events and concerts throughout the year.
2018 FIFA World Cup Matches in Nizhny Novgorod
The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium hosted several exciting matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Here is the complete list of group stage games that took place at this venue:
- Sweden vs South Korea (Group F) — June 18, Monday at 3:00 PM (15:00)
- Argentina vs Croatia (Group D) — June 21, Thursday at 9:00 PM (21:00)
- England vs Panama (Group G) — June 24, Sunday at 3:00 PM (15:00)
- Switzerland vs Costa Rica (Group E) — June 27, Wednesday at 9:00 PM (21:00)
In addition to these group stage matches, Nizhny Novgorod also hosted a Round of 16 match on July 1st and a quarterfinal on July 6th, making it one of the key venues for the tournament.
How to Rent a Car in Nizhny Novgorod: Complete Guide
Renting a car in Nizhny Novgorod is a convenient way to explore the city and its surroundings. Here’s what you need to know before booking your vehicle:
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- National driving license
- International Driving Permit (recommended)
Typical Requirements
- Minimum age: 25 years old (varies by company)
- Driving experience: At least 3 years
- Payment: Rental cost plus security deposit upfront
Booking Options
You can book a car online in advance through company websites that offer 24/7 booking services. Alternatively, renting directly at the airport typically takes no more than 15 minutes. When picking up your vehicle, remember to:
- Read the rental agreement carefully
- Choose appropriate insurance coverage
- Inspect the car for existing damages
- Check mileage restrictions (some companies offer unlimited mileage)
- Consider adding GPS navigation for unfamiliar routes
Recommended Car Rental Companies
- RENT-NN
- Car rental NN (Прокат авто НН)
- Car rental (Аренда автомобилей)
- Emae Car rental (Ё-маё)
- Vokrug Sveta (Вокруг Света) — offers rentals for drivers under 20 with less than one year of experience
Top Attractions and Things to See in Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod is a remarkable city that blends the charm of a historic Volga merchant town with the energy of a major urban centre. Situated at the confluence of two great Russian rivers — the Volga and the Oka — the city offers endless opportunities for exploration. From ancient streets and scenic embankments to historic churches and beautiful landscape parks, there’s something for every visitor.
Rozhdestvenskaya Street: A Journey Through Architectural History
One of the must-see locations in Nizhny Novgorod is Rozhdestvenskaya Street. This historic thoroughfare stretches from National Unity Square along the lower bank of the Volga River to the Oka and continues along it. What makes this street special:
- Outstanding examples of 18th and 19th-century urban architecture
- 35 architectural monuments along the street
- Buildings dating back to the 17th century — remarkably rare for Volga cities
- Well-preserved historical streetscape that has remained largely unchanged
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The most prominent landmark on Rozhdestvenskaya Street is the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as the Christmas Church or Stroganov Church. This stunning building represents one of the finest examples of Stroganov style — a distinctive variation of Russian Baroque architecture. The church was commissioned by the wealthy merchant Grigory Stroganov, whose name became synonymous with this unique architectural style.
Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street: The Heart of Nizhny Novgorod
Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street serves as the main thoroughfare of Nizhny Novgorod, connecting the Square of Minin and Pozharsky with Lyadov Square. Here are the key facts about this iconic street:
- Became the city’s main street at the end of the 18th century
- Historically considered a nobility street (ordinary people were not permitted here before the revolution)
- Named after the Church of the Intercession (Pokrov)
- Over two kilometres long with most of it designated as pedestrian-only
Notable Landmarks on Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street
- Trade Union House — designed in elegant French Baroque style
- Former Upper-Posad Chambers of Commerce — featuring busts of Tolstoy, Pushkin, and Dostoevsky
- Art crafts salon — selling various traditional handicrafts
- Puppet Theatre
- Gorky Dramatic Theatre
In the evening, Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street becomes particularly enchanting. Take your time strolling toward the Kremlin and then continue to the famous Chkalov Stairs.
Chkalov Stairs: A Monumental Staircase with 650 Steps
The Chkalov Stairs is a monumental eight-shaped construction featuring 650 steps that connects the Square of Minin and Pozharsky with the banks of the Volga River. Important facts about this landmark:
- Built: 1943, following the Battle of Stalingrad
- Named after: Valery Chkalov, a famous test pilot born in Nizhny Novgorod province
- Historic achievement: Chkalov completed a non-stop flight from Moscow to Vancouver via the North Pole in 1937
Europe’s Longest Cableway: Spectacular Views Over the Volga
Nizhny Novgorod boasts the longest cableway in Europe, stretching across the wide Volga River. This aerial tramway connects the city centre with the town of Bor, where visitors can explore the scenic hills of the Moss mountains. The panoramic views of the city and river from the cableway provide one of the most memorable and breathtaking experiences available to visitors.
Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin: The Historic Heart of the City
The Kremlin is the most significant historical attraction in Nizhny Novgorod. Construction began at the start of the 16th century, creating an entire fortified city designed to protect against Tatar raids. Key features of the Kremlin:
- Wall length: Two kilometres
- Original towers: 13 (12 remain standing today)
- Historical function: Military fortress with permanent garrison and large arsenal
- Current use: Administrative and cultural centre
The Twelve Towers of the Kremlin
- Georgievskaya Tower
- Borisoglebskaya Tower
- Zachatskaya Tower
- Belaya Tower
- Ivanovskaya Tower
- Chasovaya Tower
- Severnaya Tower
- Taynitskaya Tower
- Koromyslova Tower
- Nikolskaya Tower
- Kladovaya Tower
- Dmitrovskaya Tower
What You’ll Find Inside the Kremlin
- Arbitration Court and Prosecution Office
- Civil Registry Office
- City Duma (council building)
- Philharmonic Hall
- Art Museum
- Historic Post Office and Guardhouse
- Eternal Fire memorial
- Walk of Love
- Several cafes and restaurants
Additional Must-See Attractions in Nizhny Novgorod
Beyond the major landmarks, Nizhny Novgorod (often called simply “Nizhny” by locals) offers numerous other attractions worth exploring:
Historical and Religious Sites
- Nizhny Novgorod Ostrog (historic prison)
- Pechersky Monastery
- Holy Cross Monastery
- Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
- Cabin of Peter the Great
- The State Bank building
Museums and Cultural Venues
- Rukavishnikov’s Mansion
- Bugrov House
- “Electric vitamins” exhibition
- Kvarki Museum (science museum)
- “Locomotives of Russia” museum
Parks and Recreation
- Nizhny Novgorod Fair
- Fedorovsky embankment
- Upper Volga embankment (best panoramic views)
- “Switzerland” park
- Botanic Garden
- Zoo
- Planetarium
- Children’s railway
Traditional Crafts and Artistic Heritage
Nizhny Novgorod is renowned as the birthplace of Khokhloma painting, a traditional Russian decorative art featuring striking red, gold, and black patterns. The region is also famous for its lace-making traditions and intricate bone-carved articles. Artists have long been drawn to this city for its unique views — the most spectacular panoramas can be enjoyed from the Upper Volga embankment, while those seeking creative inspiration often visit “Switzerland” park.
Explore Nizhny Novgorod by Car
With so many attractions spread across this beautiful city, having your own transportation makes exploring much more convenient. Whether you want to visit historic monasteries, scenic viewpoints, or venture into the surrounding countryside, a rental car gives you the freedom to see everything at your own pace.
If you still don’t have an International Driving Permit, apply for it here. We offer fast processing and secure payment. With our IDP, you can drive confidently everywhere in the world!
Published May 21, 2018 • 9m to read
