Non-banal Nizhny Novgorod: 10 interesting places for seasoned travelers — map

      Nizhny Novgorod will never cease to amaze its guests. Undoubtedly, those who come here for the first time strive to visit the main attractions: the Kremlin, Bolshaya Pokrovskaya, the Chkalov Stairs, the Rukavishnikov Estate... But there are people who return to the city on the Volga again and again, constantly finding something new for themselves. The editorial team of IA "In the City N" has compiled a top-10 list of non-banal yet interesting places that will allow tourists to discover Nizhny Novgorod from an unexpected side.

      Warehouse at the Strelka

      The amazing lace-like structures at the Strelka — a legacy of the All-Russian Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896 — could have disappeared without a trace if it weren't for the concern of the Nizhny Novgorod residents. After the event ended, these objects were used for a long time as storage facilities for the river port, and after its closure, they began to deteriorate. Before the World Cup, there were plans to demolish them. However, city defenders stood up for the unique structures, and today they have become real points of attraction.

      After restoration, a concert hall opened in one of the warehouses. Visitors — as well as the invited stars performing here — have repeatedly noted the interesting acoustics for both orchestras and solo performances. The second warehouse houses an exhibition space. The exhibitions change regularly — here you can get acquainted with classical painting as well as works by contemporary authors.

      Protected Quarters

      The Protected Quarters are atmospheric areas where old houses from the late 19th to early 20th centuries have been preserved, inviting leisurely walks and immersion in the history of the city. One of them is located near the Church of the Three Saints, within the boundaries of Korolenko, Slavyanskaya, and Studenaya streets. Here, wooden buildings with carved window frames, gardens with ancient trees, and quiet courtyards have survived. In some of them, you can peek in and see how Nizhny Novgorod residents lived more than a hundred years ago. The quarter regularly hosts excursions for children and adults, concerts, exhibitions, and other events.

      The second such area is located at the intersection of Studenaya and Zvezdinka streets near the Catholic church. This quarter began to transform not long ago, with original photo zones (for example, "Mirror Courtyard") and unusual art objects appearing. The buildings themselves are still awaiting restoration, but even in their current form, they can impress with their original architecture and a touch of antiquity.

      Aquapark "Okeanis"

      Want some water adventures that take your breath away? Then your path leads to "Okeanis" — an aquapark and thermal complex that has been hugely popular among both residents and guests of Nizhny Novgorod for several years now. Inside, there are 17 slides, eight for children and nine for adults, one of which reaches a height of 18.6 meters. Each has its own features. Experiment, try everything, and find what you like.

      Particular attention should be paid to the "Royal Cobra" — the only indoor slide of its kind in Europe that twists under the ceiling like a giant snake. You can ride it on inflatable rings either alone or in pairs. And for those who find that insufficient, we recommend the "Rocket Loop": a start from a cabin with an opening hatch, a moment of weightlessness — and a sharp plunge into a steep loop of a closed tube.

      But "Okeanis" is not just about extreme experiences. For family recreation, there is a whole play complex with water guns, rope bridges, noisy waterfalls, and a barrel that loves to unexpectedly tip over and delight all the little visitors.

      In the vast thermal complex, cultures from different countries are combined: an Egyptian hammam, a Finnish sauna, Greek, Tyrolean, Alpine steam rooms, and of course, a Russian bath. You can choose from 21 baths and 12 hydro-massage pools with varying water temperatures. You can embark on a round-the-world journey through wellness rituals without leaving Nizhny Novgorod. And for those who love maximum relaxation, you can go for a massage or choose a spa program.

      Kremlin Funicular

      Two years ago, a new attraction appeared in Nizhny Novgorod — a funicular that connects the Kremlin with the People's Unity Square. The length of the route is 130 meters. Interestingly, a funicular operated at this site back in the late 19th century: it was built on the eve of the All-Russian Exhibition of 1896 and operated using so-called water ballast, which weighed down the carriage to descend under pressure while the other ascended. However, the structure was later lost. In modern times, it was decided to restore the funicular.

      The lift has two stations — upper and lower, connected by a tunnel. The descent or ascent takes no more than five minutes, but it allows you to see familiar places from a new angle and touch history. At the upper station, you can sit in a café, learn how the funicular was created, and see part of its authentic structure discovered during archaeological excavations.

      Kozhevennaya Street

      After descending on the funicular, be sure to check out Kozhevennaya Street — it's just a stone's throw away. This unique area has preserved masterpieces of 19th-century architecture. Here you can see a building with six columns, where the "Stolby" tea house for the poor used to be, opened at the initiative of writer Maxim Gorky, a former orphanage, and other interesting buildings.

      In one of the houses, the "Night Shelter Apartment" museum is open. Researchers of Gorky's work claim that it was here he created the characters for his play "The Lower Depths" (16+), observing the lives of the quarter's inhabitants. In modern times, Kozhevennaya has seen the emergence of numerous art objects that tourists love to photograph. Sculptor Alexey Shchitov created figures of a merchant, a vendor, a janitor, a knife sharpener, the wanderer Luka, and street children. Recently, the "Gorky Bench" appeared.

      The walls of the old houses are adorned with bas-reliefs depicting characters from "The Lower Depths" and paintings by artist Leonid Kolosov, who captured the life and everyday life of Nizhny Novgorod residents at the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries. Recently, city residents proposed to grant Kozhevennaya the status of a museum street. However, a final decision has not yet been made. But if this happens, it will become the first museum street in Russia.

      Malaya Pokrovskaya

      Old houses have also been preserved on Malaya Pokrovskaya Street, which has recently become pedestrian. Many buildings are adorned with stucco, and each house has its own story. One of the most beautiful is the mansion of merchant Ikonnikov, which now houses the marriage registration office. The building where music critic Alexander Ulybyshev once lived is also interesting.

      In general, the architecture of Malaya Pokrovskaya is a harmonious blend of different eras and styles. In addition to houses from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, there are also Soviet and modern buildings. For example, the bank next to the marriage registration office was built between 1993 and 1995, but many tourists mistakenly take it for an ancient structure. It resembles a fairy-tale treasure chest. Recently, a monument to a wallet was installed in front of it.

      By the way, in the future, original art objects for wedding photo sessions are promised to be installed on Malaya Pokrovskaya — another reason to visit it.

      Shchelokovsky Khutor

      For those who prefer to relax in nature, a visit to Shchelokovsky Khutor is a must. Here you can stroll through the forest, get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the Nizhny Novgorod region, walk along the eco-trail, and in warm weather — swim in the lake. The area has created a beach recreation zone with sun loungers, changing rooms, and children's playgrounds. There are three water bodies in total.

      Also at Shchelokovsky Khutor, there is a unique open-air museum of wooden architecture. It features more than a dozen exhibits, the oldest of which dates back to the late 17th century. Here you can see peasant houses, two wooden churches, and buildings that were essential for any household in the past — sheepfolds, barns, baths, and a well with a stepping wheel. Recently, a late 19th-century gristmill was restored. It produced not flour, as many think, but groats. The territory of Shchelokovsky Khutor regularly hosts folk festivals, historical reenactment festivals, sports competitions, and other events.

      Theater "Vera"

      Families with children should definitely visit the "Vera" theater. It is located on Meshchersky Boulevard. The unique theater grew out of an amateur studio founded in 1976 by its permanent leader, Vera Gorshkova. The troupe performed at various venues, and in 1993, it received its own building, where it still operates today.

      The repertoire of "Vera" includes performances for children of different ages, as well as for adults. These are magical fairy tales, productions based on works by Russian and foreign classics, historical performances, and interactive shows. It will be interesting for both toddlers