Best Vacation Apartments in Russia
When you’re planning a trip to Russia, picking the right place to stay can really lift your whole experience. We’re giving you the lowdown on hot spots for renting and what the prices are doing, so you can snag the best vacation apartments for tourists in Russia with ease.
Popular Rental Locations
Russia’s got some ace spots for short-term stays. Check out the buzz around these places:
Moscow
- Tverskoy District: Smack dab in the middle of Moscow’s buzz, where nightlife, shopping, and noshing are at their finest.
- North-Western Administrative Okrug: Chill vibes here but close enough to the city’s action.
- Arbat District: A tourist magnet with its old-school streets and cool cultural scenes.
Peek at some top short-term rentals in Moscow to get the inside scoop.
Saint Petersburg
- Nevsky Prospekt: Saint Pete’s main drag, brimming with shops, eats, and eye-popping history.
- Vasilievsky Island: Snap-worthy water views and near the must-see sights.
- Petrogradsky District: A mix of quirky buildings and close to big museums and parks.
Dig around for affordable apartments in St. Petersburg for short stays for more picks.
| Location | Average Price per Night (RUB) |
|---|---|
| Tverskoy District, Moscow | 8000 – 15000 |
| North-Western Administrative Okrug, Moscow | 6000 – 12000 |
| Arbat District, Moscow | 10000 – 18000 |
| Nevsky Prospekt, Saint Petersburg | 5000 – 10000 |
| Vasilievsky Island, Saint Petersburg | 4500 – 9500 |
| Petrogradsky District, Saint Petersburg | 4000 – 9000 |
Rental Price Trends
Getting the hang of rental prices makes budgeting for your Russian adventure a breeze.
Moscow
Prices in Moscow can swing with the area and what’s packed into the rental. Those spots we mentioned? Yeah, they’re priced up because they’re where it’s at. But, hotel price tags in Moscow get a shuffle now and then.
Saint Petersburg
Crashing in a flat in Saint Petersburg can save you a good 30% to 50% compared to a decent hotel. Like, a studio for six nights might run you about 33,000 rubles, while a bigger space can hit around 91,500 rubles (Quora).
| Description | Cost (RUB) |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment (6 nights) | 33,000 |
| Spacious Room (6 nights) | 91,500 |
| Weekly Food Budget for 2 People (self-cooking) | 4,000 – 5,000 |
Knowing this stuff can steer you right in picking short-term rental options for families in Russia or even luxury apartments for rent in Russia.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
Knowing the lay of the land when it comes to short-term rental rules in Russia can make or break your stay. With cities worldwide cracking down on these rentals, it’s key to be clued up on what you might face.
Accommodation Rules
Just like anywhere else, Russia has its own rulebook for short-term rentals. The idea is to keep the visitors happy while preserving local housing for the folks who live there year-round. Here’s the scoop:
Registration Needs
In hotspots like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, if you’re a host, you gotta register your property with the local gang—that’s the authorities. Skipping this step? Expect a slap on the wrist with fines and penalties.
Rental Time Limits
To stop folks from turning properties into permanent short-term stays, some areas have rules on how many days a year you can rent out your place. This isn’t a Russian-only deal—Berlin’s got a similar vibe with a 90-day limit on second homes.
Licenses and Permits
In some Russian spots, offering out your whole place might mean jumping through a few hoops, like getting a license or permit. London and Edinburgh have a similar gig—no permit, no rental (Euronews).
Zoning Stuff
Sometimes, local laws say where you can or can’t have short-term rentals. They might keep tourist haunts in certain districts to avoid upsetting the neighbours. Palma, Mallorca’s playing this game too—no tourist digs in apartment buildings there.
| City/Region | Restriction Type | Max Rental Days | Need a Permit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow | Registration Must-Do | Changes by Area | Yep |
| Saint Petersburg | Registration Must-Do | Changes by Area | Yep |
| London | Yearly Max | 90 Days | Yep |
| Berlin | Only Second Homes | 90 Days | Yep |
| Palma, Mallorca | Zoning Boundaries | N/A (Single-Fam Homes Only) | Yep |
Getting a grip on these rules could save you a lot of headaches when doing short-term rentals in Russia. Whether you’re diving into budget pads in St. Petersburg or hunting high-end apartments in Russia, knowing the dos and don’ts can make your stay smoother and legal.
If you’re sniffing around for the best vacation digs in Russia, take a look at our guides on prime short-term rentals in Moscow and family-friendly rental picks in Russia.
Featured Apartments in Saint Petersburg
Planning a trip to Russia? Don’t forget Saint Petersburg, a city that should definitely be on your list. The right apartment can transform your stay from “just alright” to “absolutely fantastic.”
Apartment Types
Saint Petersburg dishes out a buffet of apartment choices, fit for every budget and taste. Let’s see what’s cooking:
| Apartment Type | Average Monthly Rent (Russian Rubles) | Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 20,000 | $278 |
| One-Bedroom | 30,000 | $416 |
| Two-Bedroom | 40,000 | $555 |
| Luxury | 70,000+ | $972+ |
—as per Digital Nomads World
Studio Apartments: Great for solo adventurers or couples who want a snug, pocket-friendly option. Picture a space where your living area, bed, and makeshift coffee station are just a hop away.
One-Bedroom Apartments: Craving space? Here’s some! These give you distinct sleeping and lounging quarters. Peace and quiet, guaranteed.
Two-Bedroom Apartments: Got a crew? Or toting kiddos? This is your jam: roomy, comfy, and friendship or family-proof.
Luxury Apartments: Oh, you fancy huh? Sparking a posh vibe, luxury pads roll out high-end perks, chic decor, and often boast jaw-dropping city views.
Looking to tighten the belt on spending? Have a look at our guide on affordable apartments in St. Petersburg for short stays.
Pet-Friendly Options
Trekking with your four-legged buddies? No sweat. This city has several “paw-some” options. Here’s where you and Fido can stay comfortably:
| Apartment | Location |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Apartment Canal Moika 40 | Central City |
| Solo On Nevsky Prospekt | Nevsky Prospekt Avenue |
—details by Cozycozy
Deluxe Apartment Canal Moika 40: Nestled in town centre, this upscale retreat is perfect for family (pets included). Enjoy nearby hotspots like Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum.
Solo On Nevsky Prospekt: Set right on bustling Nevsky Prospekt Avenue, it’s a paw-fect base for exploring history and local culture. Quick access to cafés, shops, and curious places for you and your pet to sniff out and enjoy.
Need more advice for pet-loving travelers? Check out our short-term rental options for families in Russia.
With these choices at hand, you can sort out the sweetest digs for travelers in Russia, making sure your jaunt in Saint Petersburg is tip-top. Enjoy the ride!
Planning Your Stay in Saint Petersburg
Local Attractions
Saint Petersburg, a dazzling gem in Russia, is more than just a dot on the map—it’s a trip back in time where history shakes hands with stunning architecture. If it’s on your radar, here’s where you’ll want to point your compass:
- The Bronze Horseman Statue: Ready to tip its hat to Peter the Great, this iconic monument is an absolute must.
- Menshikov Palace: Transport back to the early 1700s and peek into the swanky life of Russian aristocracy.
- Kunstkamera Museum: Not your average museum—it’s Russia’s first ever, flaunting a wild collection of curious knick-knacks.
- Peter and Paul Cathedral: Where the big wigs of Russian history, including Peter the Great himself, are laid to rest.
- Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum: Packed with more art and culture than you can shake a paintbrush at, this is one of the globe’s largest and oldest museums.
- Nevsky Prospekt: More than just a street—it’s a lively hub brimming with shops, cafes, and tales from yesteryears.
- Church of the Savior on Blood: Don’t miss the colorful mosaics and remarkable design of this jaw-dropping church.
Want all the juicy details? Digital Nomads World has got the goods.
Budgeting Tips
Alright, let’s talk kopeks and rubles. Making sure you don’t leave Saint Petersburg with a hole in your wallet is just as important as taking in the sights. Here’s how to keep your budget on a leash:
- Accommodation Costs:
- For those watching their wallet, renting flats trump hotels in price. A studio might set you back about 33,000 rubles for 6 nights, compared to a hotel’s whopping 91,500 rubles for the same stay (Quora).
- Here’s a lifeline to affordable apartments in St. Petersburg for short stays.
- Food Expenses:
- Cooking your own meals is a smart move. Stocking up on groceries for basics like milk, bread, and pasta for a week runs around 4,000 to 5,000 rubles.
- Sightseeing Costs:
- Got a knack for finding freebies? Some sights won’t cost a penny. Museums, however, can pinch; tickets range from 200 rubles for the Vodka Museum to 1,200 rubles if you want a guided tour of the Hermitage.
- Want to wander further? Bus trips to places like Kronstadt will set you back 2,000 to 5,000 rubles each (Quora).
- Overall Budget Estimate:
- For a basic week for two, prepare to shell out about 100,000 rubles. If you’d like a bit more comfort, aim for 200,000 rubles.
| Item | Estimated Cost (Rubles) |
|---|---|
| Studio Rental (6 nights) | 33,000 |
| Hotel Room (6 nights) | 91,500 |
| Food (7 days, cooking) | 4,000 – 5,000 |
| Museum Tickets | 200 – 1,200 |
| Bus Tours | 2,000 – 5,000 per person |
Hunting for more savvy saving tips? Look no further than our guide on tips for straightening curly hair for offbeat advice.
With a well-thought-out plan and a firm grip on your budget, Saint Petersburg can be your oyster. Dive into its rich history and feast your eyes on cultural treasures without stressing over your savings.