It is separated from Vianen to the south by the river Lek and borders on IJsselstein in the southwest and Houten in the east.

Several national sports federations are housed in Nieuwegein, including the NeVoBo (volleyball), KNZB (swimming), NBb (basketball) and KNCB (cricket).

The new town was built for the expanding population of the city of Utrecht, and grew rapidly during the decades following its foundation.

This settlement received city rights in 1295 but was destroyed in 1333, in a war between the Bishop of Utrecht and the Count of Holland.

After the boards of Vreeswijk and Jutphaas had debated for some time about the name of the new municipality, they decided to name it after this old settlement - Nieuwegein meaning 'New Gein'.