Why rent apartments in Serbia
Renting an apartment can be an excellent option for several reasons, both for tourists, business people, or anyone looking for short-term accommodation. Here are some key reasons why you might choose this option:
- More privacy and comfort – Short-term apartments offer more privacy than hotel rooms and are more spacious so you can enjoy more comfort.
- Flexibility of location and stay - An apartment offers flexibility in the duration of stay and the choice of location within the place of stay, given that apartments can be found both in the central parts of cities and on the outskirts.
- Wide choice in terms of prices and facilities - Apartments offer the widest price range and the most diverse facilities of all types of accommodation. Thus, the apartment can be a choice when you want more affordable accommodation with more modest amenities. Still, on the other hand, among the apartments, you can also find luxuriously equipped units with facilities such as saunas, jacuzzis, access to the swimming pool, wellness, and spa center.
- An excellent choice for long-term stays – an apartment or flat is the number one choice. They are equipped with a kitchen, so you can save on food costs by preparing it yourself. They are also equipped with washing machines and other necessary things to maintain the hygiene of the space.
- Cost-effectiveness – For longer stays or larger groups, renting an apartment is much more affordable than hotel rooms, especially if there are more people. Apartments are up to 50% cheaper than hotel accommodation. Larger apartments can accommodate up to 15 people, which hotels do not offer.
- Quick and easy booking – Booking an apartment is much simpler than booking a hotel, and the Bookaweb platform offers instant booking. This allows you to book accommodation immediately without needing the housing unit's owner to approve it. So, in this case, the reservation will be done in just a few clicks.
In general, short-term rental is an excellent solution for those who want greater freedom, privacy, and comfort, as well as lower costs compared to traditional hotel stays.
Short rental prices in Serbia
Apartment prices in Serbia depend primarily on the equipment and location of the apartment. Another factor that affects the cost is when the apartment is booked on the day. Thus, apartment prices rose in cities where festivals and manifestations were held during that period. If the apartment is on a popular weekend destination, the rental price will be higher during the weekend and the season.
The average price of an apartment in Serbia is €30 per night for two people.
It should be noted that the average price in larger cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad is slightly higher and is around €45 per night for two people. These are mostly studio apartments or one-room fully furnished apartments, such as the MausM studio in Zemun, the White Apartment in Zvezdara, Studio Dedinje 1 in Savski Venac, the two-bedroom apartment D&L also in Savski Venac, the Little Mermaid apartment in Šumice…
When it comes to Novi Sad, examples are the Sweet Home Center apartment in the Rotkvarija neighborhood, the two-room Mila apartment in Petrovaradin, the DiV 4 apartment near Futoški Park, and the Data Central Studio apartment in the Old Town.
The upper limit for apartments is around 300 €, and we are talking about apartments that offer luxury facilities, such as a jacuzzi, sauna, or the possibility of holding celebrations.
Prices for the New Year
Apartment prices and rental conditions for the New Year are different than usual. Thus, the price of an short-term apartments in this period is 100% higher, and accommodation cannot be rented for one night, but the minimum is usually three nights. Parties and organized gatherings are not allowed.
Best places for renting short-term apartments in Serbia
Although furnished apartments are primarily associated with cities, many can also be found in the mountains, by rivers, or in spas. The most famous locations for renting apartments in Serbia are:
Cities
Big cities: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac. These cities are visited throughout the year, so accommodation should be reserved 10-15 days before arrival.
These are also the host cities of major festivals (EXIT festival in Novi Sad, Arsenal Fest in Kragujevac, Nišville Jazz Festival in Niš, and Belgrade Beer Fest), and if you plan to stay in these cities during the festival period, you need to reserve accommodation several months in advance. This also applies to the New Year holiday period.
The period of holding festivals and New Year holidays is also when an apartment per day in these cities is more expensive than during the rest of the season.
Mountains
Mountain apartments are available in highly urbanized mountains. Thus, the most significant number of fully furnished apartments in Zlatibor and Kopaonik are in the central part of these mountains. The period from the second half of December to the first half of January, and especially around the New Year, is the peak of the season for these mountains, so if you plan to come in this period, you will need to reserve the apartment on the day several months in advance. Also, expect apartments to be 100% more expensive on New Year's Eve.
Spas
Two of our most visited spas also offer visitors the most significant number of short rental apartments, namely Vrnjačka Banja and Sokobanja. The most significant number of apartments is located in the central parts of these spas and near wellness and spa centers. These spas are most visited during the summer, and they are a frequent choice for weekend trips, so for this period, it is necessary to book accommodation several months in advance. Also, Vrnjačka Banja hosts two big festivals, Lovefest (beginning of August) and Vrnjačka Carnival (in July), so even these festivals require reservations several months in advance.
By the rivers
The Danube is the river next to which the most apartments are available in the cities on this river. Thus, apartments next to the Danube are available in Belgrade and Smederevo, but also in smaller towns such as Kladovo, Golupac, Majdanpek, and Negotin.
By the lake
Lakes next to which you can find the most significant number of apartments for rent are Palićko and Perućačko, Zvorničko Lake, and Srebrno Lake (Silver Lake).
What is the best time of the year to rent an apartment?
Which period will be the best for renting an apartment depends on what kind of vacation you want. If you are looking for the best prices and a quieter stay, spring and autumn are your choice. However, if your goal is an active vacation and a lively environment, the summer months and the period around the holidays may be the best, although prices will be higher then.
- Winter – is a good time for everyone who enjoys New Year's markets, ice rinks, and numerous New Year's and Christmas parties. However, winter represents the season's peak for many destinations, especially the mountains in Serbia. Thus, mountains that are urbanized to a high degree, such as Zlatibor, Kopaonik, and Zlatar, although they offer many apartments, for a stay in the winter months, it is necessary to reserve an apartment several months in advance. The same applies to Belgrade and Novi Sad, while if you want to stay in Kragujevac or Niš, it is enough to book apartments for rent two months in advance.
- Summer – Considering that many of our citizens use the summer to vacation abroad, this can be a reasonable period for everyone who wants to avoid too many crowds. The most significant advantage of renting a short-term apartment during the summer is that this is the time when attractions, festivals, and events are in full swing. Our advice is to avoid traveling on weekends during the summer because that way you will also avoid traffic jams, which are prominent during this period. Highly urbanized spas such as Vrnjačka Banja and Sokobanja also offer many apartments. Still, summer is busiest for them, so accommodation in this period is somewhat more expensive.
- Autumn and spring – are great times of the year for all those who want to avoid big crowds. Temperatures during these seasons are pleasant, so the time can still be used for walks and city tours, and apartment prices are generally lower. Spring (April, May) and autumn (September, October) represent when tourism begins to grow but is not in full swing. The weather is still pleasant, and the destinations are not crowded with tourists. In some destinations, especially those entirely focused on summer tourism, some facilities and services may be closed or open for a reduced period.
Additional benefits when renting an apartment
Short-term apartments have long ceased to be just places to stay overnight, so in the race for guests, they are enriching their offer with additional facilities and amenities. It is important to point out that when renting an apartment with additional content, the use of the same is included in the price of the apartment, so there will be no additional or hidden costs.
The most important additional benefits and contents are:
- Lower prices – One of the most essential benefits distinguishing private accommodation from hotel accommodation is a discount for more extended stays. Depending on the period of stay, prices can be up to 50% lower than hotel rooms. Although the price of the apartments is 30-50% higher than the apartments that are rented only long-term, in the case of the flats, utilities are included in the price, and the vast majority of apartments have the option of additional washing of bed linen and cleaning of the apartment every 10 days. Every month, prices in Belgrade and Novi Sad amount to €600-700 with all expenses. In smaller towns, the prices are slightly more favorable and range from €400-600
- Additional facilities – such as terraces and parking, have become standard in renting an apartment for the day. For those who want something more luxurious, apartments with a jacuzzi or sauna are available, and it is also possible to rent apartments with an indoor swimming pool or a spa center.
- Pet-friendly apartments – If you are planning a trip with a pet, you will find pet-friendly apartments much easier than hotels.
- Stay for families – There are also family benefits for children in the form of a lower price or even a free stay. Apartments are generally more spacious than hotel rooms, which makes them more suitable for family stays, and some apartments provide their guests with baby cots free of charge.