Things to Do and See During CIPR and Tech-Friendly Weekend
Every year, during a few days in June, Nizhny Novgorod hosts the Digitalization of Industrial Russia conference — the most prestigious business event, ranking among the top five major events in Russia's digital economy. As part of the new city festival Tech-Friendly Weekend, representatives from business and creative industries share insights into how the professional environment is evolving with the introduction of new technologies.
If you're attending the conference and the festival as a guest or if you’re just overwhelmed by the variety of activities, Discover Nizhny has prepared a list of must-do things in the city this summer.
01
Take an Audio Tour by Electric Car around the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin
The quickest and most informative way to learn about the Kremlin is to take an audio tour in an electric car. The route will take you through the upper part of the Kremlin — from the Nikolskaya Tower to the Art Museum, passing through the Governor's Garden, the Eternal Flame, the Nizhny Novgorod Philharmonic, and the Manège, along the Kremlin walls. During the trip, you'll not only hear numerous stories and legends related to the thirteen towers of the Kremlin, but also admire its incredible architecture — all while riding quick as the wind! To get an almost bird’s eye view of the Kremlin after the tour, head to the observation deck of the Cathedral Bell Tower, which you can reach without climbing on foot, as the tower has an elevator.
02
Visit the International Biennale of Ecological Art
For the first time, Nizhny Novgorod is hosting such a large-scale international environmental event in the field of contemporary art, bringing together not only artists and curators but also philosophers and eco-initiative creators. As part of the biennale, you can visit exhibitions like Earthly / Planetary at the Arsenal and Bee Zone at the Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum | Russian Art, multimedia installations like Digital Hopes at the TSEKH* space, and see the main biennale project, Skin of the Earth, at the Yermolaevs' Hotel and the Mytny Market.
03
Take a Stroll Around the Strelka
Primarily, Strelka is a huge observation deck from which you can enjoy views of the historic part of the city and its river expanse. One of the best viewpoints is the amphitheater with the Strelka inscription at the cape, right where the two rivers (Volga and Oka) meet. The main attraction of Strelka is the incredible Packhouses, delicate metal structures that have been preserved from the former pavilions of the All-Russian Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896. Now, one of the two remaining buildings regularly hosts classical music concerts, and the unique feature of the hall is its transparent panoramic wall, offering a view of the city center. During CIPR, the exhibition hall will host a display of the legendary sculptor Sergey Konenkov, dubbed the ‘Russian Rodin’.
04
Ride the Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus
The legendary red (and green during CIPR) double-decker bus will race through the central streets, passing by the main landmarks. During the ride, you can enjoy panoramic views, listen to an audio guide, and most importantly, hop off at any stop, stroll around the city, and hop back on the bus throughout the day.
05
See the City from the Water
There’s no shortage of excursion boats in Nizhny Novgorod, and from the docks, boats regularly depart, allowing you to jump on and explore all the major viewpoints. You can choose an evening cruise with magnificent illumination visible only at night or opt for a trip with live music performances.
06
Try Local Specialties at the Best Restaurants in the City
Nizhny Novgorod is famous for its wide variety of restaurants offering a selection of dishes for all tastes and budgets. Choose restaurants where you can try local specialties and traditional cuisine. For example, the Red Wall restaurant, with its incredible view of the Kremlin from its terrace, or the modern Russian cuisine restaurant Yale, located in the Kostromin-Shushlyayev estate, with a museum-like interior. Reservations are essential!
