Saratov vs Nizhny Novgorod: Which's Better For Tourists?
I had a trip to Saratov recently, so it was a good opportunity to compare it to Nizhny Novgorod from the tourist's point of view.
Saratov and Nizhny have much in common. Both towns stand on the Volga, have similar climate (a bit warmer in Saratov), comparable size and age (Saratov is a little bit smaller and younger).
Now about distinctions.
Streets and buildings in Saratov were definitely more dirty and in worse condition.
Traffic jams were a big problem of Saratov. We commuted a lot during our trip, and I can't remember us moving free for 5 minutes straight. Nizhny Novgorod hasn't solved the traffic problem completely yet, but in recent years we had seen serious improvements. Nowadays you can cross the town before you begin to hate outnumbered starts and stops.
Having said that, in Saratov drivers are more fast and dangerous. It's a common tendency for all towns of Russia: in southern regions of the country drivers are 'hotter'. In Saint Petersburg, one of the most northern cities, they are the most careful and calm; in Krasnodar and the Caucasus – the most southern – road craziness reaches its maximum.
Hotel service in Saratov was worse than in Nizhny Novgorod. The receptionists and the stuff at the room service and restaurants was nice in both towns, but in Saratov they had less opportunities to cater for guests' special needs and made huge mistakes, such as breaking guests' privacy and comfort. For example, the hotel I checked in was going through modernization, and construction workers were walking outside the windows – an embarrassing thing. And for the first night the room was cold because heat was off and they didn't do anything to help me.
Nevertheless, people of Saratov were polite, soft and helpful, as in the most parts of Russian province.
For me, the most great thing about Saratov was the river. Saratov stands on the Volga downstream of Nizhny about 1200 km, so the river is much wider here, with outnumbered islands, lakes and twirly shoreline. It's great for weekend boating and other outdoor activities.
Be careful at the airport of Saratov. The automated announcement system was not perfect, so I nearly missed my plane.
In the past, there were towns that I was leaving with a thought 'goodbye nice place, it would be great to live here for a while'. Being back in NN after Saratov trip, I thought 'home, sweet home' with relief. May be I spent too little time in Saratov? But for now, these three words are the best resume for my trip. Home, sweet home.
Saratov and Nizhny have much in common. Both towns stand on the Volga, have similar climate (a bit warmer in Saratov), comparable size and age (Saratov is a little bit smaller and younger).
Now about distinctions.
Streets and buildings in Saratov were definitely more dirty and in worse condition.
Traffic jams were a big problem of Saratov. We commuted a lot during our trip, and I can't remember us moving free for 5 minutes straight. Nizhny Novgorod hasn't solved the traffic problem completely yet, but in recent years we had seen serious improvements. Nowadays you can cross the town before you begin to hate outnumbered starts and stops.
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| Chapaeva str. in Saratov. |
Hotel service in Saratov was worse than in Nizhny Novgorod. The receptionists and the stuff at the room service and restaurants was nice in both towns, but in Saratov they had less opportunities to cater for guests' special needs and made huge mistakes, such as breaking guests' privacy and comfort. For example, the hotel I checked in was going through modernization, and construction workers were walking outside the windows – an embarrassing thing. And for the first night the room was cold because heat was off and they didn't do anything to help me.
Nevertheless, people of Saratov were polite, soft and helpful, as in the most parts of Russian province.
For me, the most great thing about Saratov was the river. Saratov stands on the Volga downstream of Nizhny about 1200 km, so the river is much wider here, with outnumbered islands, lakes and twirly shoreline. It's great for weekend boating and other outdoor activities.
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| I'm afraid that photos wouldn't give you a real impression how wider the Volga is in the Saratov (below) than in Nizhny Novgorod (above). |
In the past, there were towns that I was leaving with a thought 'goodbye nice place, it would be great to live here for a while'. Being back in NN after Saratov trip, I thought 'home, sweet home' with relief. May be I spent too little time in Saratov? But for now, these three words are the best resume for my trip. Home, sweet home.
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