A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Nizhny Novgorod for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hydra or Nizhny Novgorod?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Hydra or Nizhny Novgorod? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Hydra or Nizhny Novgorod?

Hydra

The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod, commonly referred to as simply Nizhny, is the fifth largest city in Russia. It has a population of over 1.2 million and it is the primary economic and cultural center for the Volga region. The city dates back to 1221 and it sits at the intersection of the Volga and Oka Rivers. It became popular with tourists back in 1817 when the Makaryev Monastery Fair was moved to the city. The city continued to grow in popularity and by the middle of the 19th century it was a major trade center for the country. During the Soviet Union times the city became an industrial center as trade connections were abandoned.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Nizhny Novgorod, we can see that Hydra is more expensive. And not only is Nizhny Novgorod much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nizhny Novgorod would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nizhny Novgorod and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hydra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hydra than you might in Nizhny Novgorod.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Nizhny Novgorod Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Nizhny Novgorod?

Nizhny Novgorod has a larger population, and is about 560 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Nizhny Novgorod, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Hydra or Nizhny Novgorod?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hydra or Nizhny Novgorod in the Summer?

Both Nizhny Novgorod and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Nizhny Novgorod. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Nizhny Novgorod averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Nizhny Novgorod. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nizhny Novgorod receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Nizhny Novgorod in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Nizhny Novgorod. Most visitors come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hydra is generally much warmer than Nizhny Novgorod. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Nizhny Novgorod fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Nizhny Novgorod. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nizhny Novgorod receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Nizhny Novgorod in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Nizhny Novgorod. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nizhny Novgorod in the winter. Hydra is much warmer than Nizhny Novgorod in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Nizhny Novgorod fluctuates around -10°C (13°F).

Hydra usually gets more rain in January than Nizhny Novgorod. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nizhny Novgorod receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Nizhny Novgorod in the Spring?

Both Nizhny Novgorod and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

In the spring, Hydra is much warmer than Nizhny Novgorod. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Nizhny Novgorod averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Nizhny Novgorod. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nizhny Novgorod receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nizhny Novgorod and Hydra