Where to stay in Moscow? What are the best areas and hotels to stay in Moscow? What neighborhoods should you avoid on a trip to Moscow? One of the most populated cities in Europe, Moscow is a huge city: 13 million inhabitants (intra muros) and 2,542 km2! Without knowing the city well, it is easy to not realize the distances, and therefore stray too far from the city center and the interesting places to discover. So how to do? Here is what you need to know before choosing your accommodation in Moscow.
- Best areas / neighborhoods to stay in Moscow and neighborhoods to avoid 🗺
- Hotels to stay in Moscow 🛌
- Apartments where to sleep in Moscow 🛌
- Budget and tips for choosing accommodation in Moscow 🌟
1. Best areas where to stay in Moscow, what to avoid
The heart of Moscow. You can limit the center of Moscow with the “first ring”. This is the avenue that goes around downtown Moscow, in Russian: Sadovoie koltso (Садовое кольцо), in English Garden Ring and in French Garden Belt. The right bank of the Moskva River, where the Moscow Kremlin is located, is more dynamic.
Good to know. The most central point of Moscow is the Kremlin and more precisely the Teatralnaya station. You can then take this point as a point of reference for your research. By expanding your searches, you can benefit from lower rates. In this case, you should pay attention to the proximity of the hotel to a metro station, in order to facilitate travel.
1.1. Map of districts where to stay in Moscow: to be preferred on a first trip
1.2. Description of the main areas / districts of central Moscow
Beyond its convenience for travel and its proximity to the heart of Moscow, the district which is within the perimeter of the metro stations Tchistye prudy (Чистые пруды), Kitay Gorod (Китай город) and Kuznetsky most (Кузнецкий мост) is very dynamic and friendly. These are therefore the best areas to stay in Moscow on a trip.
The Arbat Street (улица Арбат) district in Moscow is close to the Kremlin and can be interesting for its restaurants, boutiques and shops. However, you will be separated from the Arbatskaya metro by a giant 6-lane boulevard. You should also know that it is a rather touristy street.
Very cute, the district of the Patriarch’s Ponds (Патриаршие пруды) can attract those who appreciate the small streets, trendy restaurants and the novel “Master and Margarita” by Bulgakov. This area is very good for those who like to walk a bit and take a stroll, since transport passes about 10 minutes from the pond and the metro stations are not close either. However, it takes only 30 minutes to walk to Red Square and the Kremlin. A really good area where to stay in Moscow!
The Kuznetsky Most district is the most central, but also touristy. The Zamoskvoretchiye district is interesting for the discovery of a quieter Moscow with beautiful old Moscow buildings and in particular the visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, but it is not the most practical for the rest of the visits.
2. Hotels in Moscow with good value for money 🛌
Selection criteria. Comfort is just as important as price and geolocation. The hotels and apartments selected below combine the three criteria.
2.1. Reasonably priced hotel near the Moscow Kremlin
The MIRROS hotel is a hotel close to the Kremlin walls, at less than 100 euros per night. Breakfast is a large buffet. The hotel offers double rooms, but also family rooms. The only problem: there are large avenues around and not necessarily a neighborhood where locals live. On the other hand, the proximity of the Kremlin: nothing to say!
2.2. Hotel where to sleep in Moscow in the heart of Kitaï-Gorod, one of the best districts of Moscow
Very well located, the Moss Boutique Hotel is a good place to stay when visiting Moscow. In the heart of Moscow, but at the same time quiet. The decoration of the rooms is modern and pleasant. Perfect for a romantic getaway in Moscow!
With lower rates and still in the same area, there is also the Boutique Hotel Chemodanov. Very good location, modern decoration, breakfast served on site. Ideal for a trip as a couple, but also as a family.
2.3. Stay near the Arbat street for visiting Moscow
A 15-minute walk from Red Square, near Arbat Street, there is the Mercure hotel: a safe bet! If you don’t want to take risks, it’s always good to take a hotel from a known chain.
2.4. Hotels around the Patriarch’s Ponds in Moscow
The Hotel De Paris is an excellent choice to stay in the area of the Patriarch’s ponds in Moscow. As its name suggests, the hotel is inspired by Paris, but you know it’s more about how Russians see Paris: Russian-style Paris! The breakfast is great, buffet style. You will be both in the heart of Moscow, but also quiet. We recommend!
Another very nice address: Bulgakov Residence! It is an ideal hotel for a great stay in Moscow.
3. Apartments to sleep in Moscow like a local 🛌
Apartments can also be an option if you wish to have a kitchen, for example. Here are some examples of well-located, well-equipped and practical apartments for visiting Moscow with family, friends or lovers. Perfect for immersing yourself in Moscow life!
- Mos near Pushkinskaya: a two-bedroom apartment that can accommodate up to 6 people. Very well located in Moscow, spacious and well equipped. A good place to stay in Moscow, if many of you come here.
- Mama Ro Apartments on Sakharova: several apartments with different styles, but all equipped with a kitchen and a lounge area. And in addition: very good location to sleep for visiting Moscow.
4. Tips for choosing the best place to stay for your trip in Moscow
We also wanted to share two things to know for choosing hotels or apartments where to stay in Moscow.
4.1. Price fluctuation for hotels in Moscow
In Moscow, there is not really any price seasonality. Prices do not fluctuate as much as in St. Petersburg between summer and the rest of the year. However, one can notice an increase during the periods of holidays and celebrations. Indeed, it is mainly visible during the first week of January, the festivals of May. Besides, if you go during these periods, these two articles could interest you: New year and Christmas in Moscow and Moscow in May.
Tariffs in Moscow in comparison with Saint Petersburg. From a general point of view, hotel rates in Moscow are clearly higher than in St. Petersburg. If you are making a trip to Moscow and St. Petersburg in a week, consider taking an overnight train to save. We wrote an article dedicated to trains between these two cities: Trains between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
4.2. Hotels in Moscow: how does it work?
You have a very wide range of choices for accommodation in Moscow, from exceptional rooms with a view of the Kremlin to minimalist hostels. The hotels follow the classic star ratings. There are no big surprises in terms of operation.
Breakfast. If the hotel offer does not suit you, then you can still have breakfast elsewhere. Many cafes offer them. For example, there are breakfasts for 500 rubles per person.
If you didn’t like any of the hotels we know, here is the map of all the hotels offered on the Booking:
Finding where to stay in Moscow is not easy, but easier if you know a few key elements such as the main districts or the reference point of the city center.
If you know good hotels where to stay in Moscow: share with us, we are interested! So don’t hesitate to add them in the comments.
What to do in Moscow?
- Visit Kremlin: map, tickets, what to see
- How to buy a ticket for Bolshoi Theater?
- How to get from airport to Moscow (public transport, taxi)?
- Tourist voucher for Russian visa
