Things To Do
in Nizhniy Novgorod

Siberian-style dumplings popular across Russia; in Nizhniy Novgorod you’ll find meat-filled pelmeni served with butter, sour cream or vinegar — available in cafés and specialist dumpling restaurants.

Must-Try!

Traditional Russian soups — shchi (cabbage soup) and solyanka (a rich, slightly sour meat or fish soup). Try them in family-style restaurants and canteens for authentic, budget-friendly versions.

Freshwater fish from the Volga-Oka basin — served smoked, fried or baked in mid-range and upscale restaurants along the embankment.

Baked or fried filled pastries and thin pancakes found at markets, bakeries and street kiosks — ideal for a quick snack while walking the city.

A bustling place to buy regional produce, smoked fish, dairy and baked goods; try pirozhki, vareniki and local cheeses from market stalls.

Street food options near pedestrian areas often include blini, grilled shashlik (meat skewers), and fast snacks — a convenient way to sample local flavors affordably.

A firm handshake and direct eye contact are typical when meeting; use formal greetings (Zdravstvuyte) with older people and business contacts. Using a person’s first name and patronymic shows respect in formal situations.

If invited to a local’s home, bring a small gift (flowers, sweets or a souvenir) and be prepared to remove your coat and sometimes shoes on entering; hosts may offer slippers.

Russians may be reserved with strangers; public displays of loud emotion or overly familiar behavior are less common than in some Western cultures. Respect religious sites by dressing modestly and speaking quietly.

Avoid heated political discussions with strangers; conversations about current geopolitics can be sensitive. It’s safer to stick to culture, food and travel topics with new acquaintances.

Tipping in restaurants is customary but not mandatory; leaving around 10% for good service is common in mid-range establishments, while rounding up or leaving small change works in cafés. Taxi drivers do not expect big tips; in hotels a small tip for bellhops or housekeeping is appreciated.

Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops; contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common. Cash (Russian rubles) remains useful for markets, small vendors and some taxis — ATMs are widely available across the city.

Warm, often pleasant weather (average highs around 20–25°C / 68–77°F). Long daylight hours make it the best time for sightseeing, river cruises and outdoor festivals; pack light layers and sun protection.

Crisp, colorful foliage and cooler temperatures (10–15°C early, dropping later). Expect more rain and shorter days — ideal for photography with autumn color but bring a waterproof jacket.

Cold, snowy and often below freezing (average -5 to -15°C / 23 to 5°F, colder in cold snaps). Dress warmly with insulated boots, coat, hat and gloves; some outdoor attractions remain open and the winter landscape is picturesque.

Thawing season with variable weather — early spring can be muddy and chilly, while late spring becomes pleasant for walks and outdoor cafés. Pack layers and waterproof footwear for unpredictable conditions.