Where to Stay in Moscow – What You Need to Know
Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation and the second most populated city in Europe, right after Istanbul. The Russian capital is famous for its trade, politics and its display of Russian architecture, particularly its historic buildings such as the Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square, and the Moscow Kremlin. In this post, we will talk about the best areas to stay in Moscow.
Moscow is located on the banks of the Moscova River, in the western part of the country.
This huge city is the perfect mixture of prerevolutionary Russia decadence and modern metropolis infrastructure.
Its wide sidewalks make it an ideal city to wander. Its City Center is home to prerevolutionary buildings such as the Kremlin, the Red Square, and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Moscow is a city of true extremes, just like its weather. Here, the winter season seems to last forever, the streets are covered in snow almost every year, while March brings a wet and nostalgic spring until the arrival of summer when Moscow shows its warmest version.
The Russian capital is very well-connected by air and land. It has two international airports offering connections to Europe, Asia, and even some cities in America.
Moscow also has an impressive metro system connecting almost every corner of the city. If you choose to walk around, you must have a map at hand, hire a guide or, at least, have a well-located accommodation.
When it comes to the best areas to stay, you can’t go wrong if you choose any of he central neighborhoods. These are all close to the attractions, restaurants and train and metro stations.
If you want to explore the history of Moscow, Tsentralny, with excellent transport options, is for you (See accommodation in Tsentralny). If you’re looking to explore Moscow’s cultural scene, Basmanny is the perfect choice for you (See accommodation in Basmanny).
This is a list of the best places to stay in Moscow, Russia.
The Best Areas to Stay in Moscow
1. Recommended Area: Tsentralny (City Center)
Tsentralny’s official name is Central Administrative District of Moscow and it’s made up of the central districts within third road ring of the city.
This district is best known for the Red Square, an important part of the historical-cultural legacy of Russia. The reddish tone of the walls that give it its name.
The best way to see the square is with a night tour, to avoid lines and fully enjoy attractions such as the Kremlin, the Lenin Mausoleum, the Basilica of St. Basil, the Kazan Cathedral and the History Museum.
Tsentralny is a well-connected area of Moscow, with 8 metro stations and a large number of bus stops. Taking a taxi, although expensive, is also a great option for visitors.
Accommodation in Tsentralny tends to be exclusive and, therefore, accommodation costs in this area are high.
That said, you can find good deals on hotels during the low season, as long as there’s not an important event happening at the time.
What makes this the best area to stay in Moscow
- Centre of the city
- Historical buildings
- Red Square
- Great public transportation
- Best area for visitors
Hand-picked hotels in this area
Our Top PickNational Hotel is located just 200 meters from the Red Square, it offers views of the Moscow Kremlin, a free spa with an indoor pool and a rich breakfast buffet with international dishes.
Budget OptionWeekend Inn Apartments is a 3-minute walk from the Novokuznetskaya Metro Station and a 15-minute walk from the Moscow Kremlin. It offers air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV.
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Midrange Option
Kyznetskiy Inn Hotel is located in the center of Moscow, just a 2-minute walk from the Bolshoi Theater. Kuznetsky Inn features free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms have an elegant and classic décor with interiors in warm colors. They all have air conditioning.
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Luxury Option
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is located in the historical building of the Moskva Hotel, in the very center of Moscow, very close to the Kremlin, the Red Square and the Bolshoi Theater. There is also free WiFi.
2. Basmanny
Basmanny is located in the northwestern part of central Moscow, covering a part of the center within the limits of Vorontsovo Pole Street and Novaya Basmannaya Street.
This district is a popular spot in the Russian capital thanks to its museums, cultural venues, the theater, concert hall, cinemas, parks and gallery.
You can explore Basmanny on foot, or you can hop on the metro as it has stations throughout the entire district.
The most expensive hotels are those near the center of Basmanny..
Basmanny is one of the best areas to stay in Moscow if you want to immerse yourself in the culture of the Russian capital and get familiar with the artistic movement that this city has to offer.
What makes this the best area to stay in Moscow
- Cultural attractions
- Connected through train
- Pedestrian friendly
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya Hotel is located in Moscow, just 350 meters from Baumanskaya Metro Station. The accommodation is also located just 2 metro stops from the Kremlin and the Red Square. Free WiFi is available.
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Budget Option
Denisovsky Dvorik is located in Moscow, 3.6 km from Olympic Stadium, it offers free WiFi access and private parking. The rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom.
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Midrange Option
Hotel Bonjour at Kazakova offers free Wi-Fi access and is located in the center of Moscow, just a 10-minute walk from the Kurskaya Metro Station. The Red Square and the Kremlin are only 1 metro stop away.
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Luxury Option
Standart is located in the center of Moscow, a 2-minute walk from the Tverskaya, Pushkinskaya and Chekhovskaya metro stations. It has a spa and wellness center with a hammam, sauna, plunge pool and massages.
3. Arbat
Arbat is another one of the districts that make up the City Center, it covers the area between Mokhovaya Street up to Novoarbatsky Bridge on the Moskva River.
The district’s main hub is Arbat Street, a luminous, westernized and popular street.
Here, you can find some of the top hotels, shops, and restaurants in Moscow.
Arbat is home to significant attractions, such as the Church of St. Simeon from the seventeenth century, the Vajtagov theater, Fijátova House, the Pushkin house-museum and the monument of Turandot.
The most convenient train station in the area is is Kiev station, only 20 minutes away from Arbat Street.
This area has lots of tourist apartments, mini-hotels, and some prestigious hotel brands.
What makes this the best area to stay in Moscow
- Vajtágov Theater
- Well located
- Touristic attractions
- Church of St. Simeon
- Shops and entertainment
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Mercure Arbat Moscow is located in the famous Arbat district, a 2-minute walk from the Smolenskaya metro station. This elegant Moscow hotel includes a wellness center with gym and small sauna and free Wi-Fi.
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Budget Option
Bulgakov Mini-Hotel is located on the pedestrian Arbat Street, just a 2-minute walk from the Smolenskaya Metro Station in Moscow. Rooms at the Bulgakov Mini-Hotel are individually furnished and feature free Wi-Fi, a TV and a private bathroom.
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Midrange Option
Arbat Hotel is located in the center of Moscow and has a lovely garden, terrace, spacious rooms and breakfast included. Each of the Arbat Hotel’s comfortable rooms are equipped with a desk and air conditioning.
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Luxury Option
Russo-Balt Hotel is located in an elegant building dating from 1876, it has a private garden and is 100 meters from Arbatskaya Metro Station. In the mornings, a breakfast with organic products from the private farm is served in elegant surroundings. In the summer, breakfast is served in the property’s garden.
4. Zamoskvorechye
Zamoskvorechye is one of the largest districts in Moscow, located south of the Kremlin, between Zatsepa Street and the Paveletsky railway terminal where it borders Yakimanka.
Zamoskvorechye’s main attractions are the Church of Resurrection in Kadashi and the Church of St. Gregory of Neocaesarea.
Muscovites enjoy strolling along Zamoskvorechye’s wide sidewalks and visiting its many restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
Towards the center of the district lies the Paveletsky railway terminal and, around the terminal, there are some 3 and 4-star hotels, as well as other accommodation options at more reasonable prices.
Zamoskvorechye is a good district to stay thanks to its cheap accommodation and the connections offered by its train station.
What makes this the best area to stay in Moscow
- Paveletsky railway terminal
- Historical buildings
- Temples
- Great restaurants and pubs
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Wellion Paveletskaya is located in Moscow, 2 km from Zaryadye Park and 2.1 km from Gorky Park. The property is about 2.2 km from Saint Basil’s Cathedral, 2.3 km from Christ the Savior Cathedral and 2.3 km from the Kremlin. Guests can enjoy views of the city.
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Budget Option
Fregat at Paveletskaya is located in Moscow, less than 10 minutes walk from Paveletskaya metro station, which offers easy access to any point of the city. It has free Wi-Fi connection.
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Luxury Option
Courtyard by Marriott Moscow Paveletskaya Hotel is a 3-minute walk from Paveletsky Train Station, in the business area, and offers a modern interior, a restaurant with business lunches and a 24-hour reception. Free WiFi is available throughout the Courtyard by Marriott Moscow Paveletskaya Hotel. Domodedovo International Airport is 45 minutes by Aeroexpress train.
5. Tagansky
Not far from Arbat and right next to Yakimanka lies the Tagansky district.
Tagansky is located between the Moskva and Yauza rivers, near the mouth of the latter.
Taganskaya Square or Taganka Square and its theater are the most interesting attraction in the area.
A few meters away you’ll find one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city: The Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building.
The metro stations in the area are all strategically located very close to the relevant attractions in Tagansky.
Hotels are abundant in this area and most of them (even the most exclusive) have cheaper rates than those found in the City Center.
Tagansky is an excellent place to stay in Moscow, due to its transportation options and cheap accommodation.
What makes this the best area to stay in Moscow
- Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building
- Taganka Square
- Theater
- Metro stations nearby
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
The Rooms Boutique Hotel is a short drive from the city center of Moscow. The hotel is located in the Tagansky district of Moscow, close to Krutitsky and the Novospassky and Pokrov monasteries. The Taganskaya metro station is a 15-minute walk away.
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Budget Option
Mini-Hotel Entrance N2 is located in the Tagansky district of Moscow, 700 meters from the Taganskaya and Marksistskaya metro stations. Free WiFi access is available in all areas.
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Luxury Option
The Rooms Boutique Hotel is in the center of Moscow, a 10-minute walk from the Taganskaya and Marksistskaya metro stations. The Red Square and the Kremlin are less than 3 km away. Free WiFi is available in all areas. The bright rooms have a flat-screen cable TV. The bathroom includes a hairdryer, slippers, bathrobe and free toiletries.
6. Dorogomilovo
Dorogomilovo is located 9 km from the centrer of Moscow, in the west part of the city.
The neighborhood is a quieter alternative to the busy and hectic rhythm of downtown Moscow, however, it has large some beautiful landmarks such a the Arc de Triomphe among its attractions.
If famous Moscow hotels are your thing, the classic Radisson Royal Hotel is an option to take into account when looking for accommodation in this area.
Kiev metro station makes it easy to travel from this point to any corner of Moscow.
Hotels in Dorogomilovo are usually cheap compared to those in the center of the city.
Dorogomilovo is a good place to stay in Moscow if you are looking for tranquility during your visit.
What makes this the best area to stay in Moscow
- Arc de Triomphe
- Cheaper accommodation options
- Good public transportation
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Novotel Moscow Kievskaya has a swimming pool, sauna and hammam and is located in Moscow, opposite the Kievsky Train Station offering direct connections to Vnukovo International Airport.
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Budget Option
Kutuzov House on Kutuzovsky prospekt is located next to the Moskva River and opposite the Moscow-City business center, offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.
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Luxury Option
Radisson Royal Hotel is located in a Stalinist skyscraper located at the intersection between Kutuzovskiy Prospekt and Novy Arbat in Moscow. It offers free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and modern spa facilities.
7. Begovoy
Begovoy is a district in northern Moscow. It is located near the third road ring.
This neighborhood is a part of Tsentralny, but it is still a quiet area compared to the rest of the more central neighborhoods.
Although Begovoy does not many have many relevant or popular attractions, it is still a convenient location to stay thanks to its good metro connections.
The Impressionist Museum is one of the most popular places in Begovoy. It displays outstanding works of art.
Belorussky station offers fast and safe routes.
Accommodation in this area is pretty varied.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel is located north of the city center of Moscow, a 10-minute walk from the Dinamo metro station and the Dinamo stadium. Rooms at the Renaissance Moscow Monarch Center Hotel have a modern design and the hotel provides free Wi-Fi in all areas.
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Budget Option
Mini-Hotel Belorusskay is located in Moscow, a 10-minute walk from the Belorusskaya Metro Station. It offers free WiFi. It has spacious rooms with a window. There is also a fully equipped shared kitchen. The private bathroom includes towels and laundry facilities are available.
8. Khamovniki – Luzhniki Stadium
Khamovniki is located south of the center of Moscow, right on the banks of the Moskva River.
This districts houses tourist attractions such as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Novodevichy convent and the modern Luzhniki Olympic Stadium.
The stadium is famous for hosting international football matches, World Athletics Championships and the opening and closing of the 2018 World Cup.
Khamovniki is the best area to enjoy sporting events in Moscow.
The Golden Mile, located in the same neighborhood, is not only the most expensive area of the district but also in central Moscow.
Khamovniki district is home to many uoscale hotels, as well as some luxury apartments.
What makes this the best area to stay in Moscow
- Luzhniki Stadium
- Historical buildings
- Great transportation
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Hotel Korston Moscow is located in a green area on the Gorriones Hill and offers personal butler service. It offers several bars and restaurants, panoramic views of Moscow and free Wi-Fi.
9. Spartak Stadium- Tushino
The Spartak Stadium or Otkrytie Arena is located in north of Moscow, in the Tushino district.
In the past, Tushino was just a small town, but now it enjoys a certain popularity among football fans in Russia.
The Otkrytie Arena is a sports complex consisting of a football stadium, two ice hockey stadiums, a tennis academy, a water sports center and several schools.
Its facilities were recently renovated, as well as its train connections.
Tushinskaya metro station makes it easy to move around in Tushino, with bus stations and other transportation alternatives as options.
Tushino is one of the best areas to stay in Moscow for sport events.
What makes this the best area to stay in Moscow
- Spartak Stadium
- Athletic complex
- Great public transportation
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Hotel Tchaikovsky is located in a historic building in Kaliningrad, 2 km from the city center, it offers a breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, free private parking and a café serving Russian and French cuisine.
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