Lviv apartment rental

Lviv Districts: Where to Rent an Apartment in Lviv For a Long & Short Stay

Last updated on July 3rd, 2023

Lviv is rightfully considered one of the most popular cities in Ukraine. Its unique architecture, well-developed infrastructure, a high level of safety for residents, and everything you need for a comfortable and pleasant life makes it a perfect destination not only to visit but to live in. If you are visiting or moving to this part of Ukraine and wondering where to rent an apartment in Lviv, I want to give you a few tips and talk about all city districts.

In total, there are 6 Lviv districts where people live. It is impossible to give unambiguous recommendations as to which of them is better to choose. There are a lot of subjective factors that influence the choice.

The thing to keep in mind is that Lviv (like all other cities in Ukraine) doesn’t have particularly dangerous or ghetto neighborhoods as cities in America or some European cities. Yeah, some neighborhoods within each district are better, others are worse but overall they are just fine in regards to safety. Some are not very comfortable or may not appeal to you (I personally don’t like a lot of areas in Lviv). However, don’t think they are particularly dangerous like those really unsafe parts of Istanbul

Therefore, in this article, I would love to go over all the existing areas in Lviv and talk about the main features of each of them. It will help you decide where to find your Lviv apartments for rent be it for a long-term or shorter stay.

I have been staying in Lviv long-term many times. But recently together with Mark, we brainstormed an idea to make a base in this city. We are having one base in Istanbul, Turkey and now thinking about another one in Ukraine (more on that later). So here is an honest review of all Lviv neighborhoods and a few statistics from recent polls.

Psst: Do you have more questions about Lviv or Ukraine? Check all my Ukraine posts here

NOTE: If you put in Gooogle Maps the name of each district, it will show you its borders. With Lviv city, Google is very exact. So you’ll have a clear understanding of where each district is. 


Please note: I am a member of the Airbnb Associates program and this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission when you book through my links.

Lviv Apartment Rental – Guide to All Lviv Districts  

Zaliznychnyi District – Renting an Apartment in Lviv Railway Station Area

rent an apartment in Lviv

Zaliznychnyi district in Lviv covers the southwestern part of the city. It’s called Zaliznychnyi which means ‘Railway’ because of the main railway station and several small stations there. It is in this area that Lviv Railway workers traditionally live.

Here, the daily rent of apartments, as well as hostels and hotels will have one of the lowest prices for accommodation. The reason for that is the distance from the historic center of the Old Town. A walk can take about 40 minutes. In 10-15 minutes, you can get there by public transport such as tram or city minibus.

In regards to long-term rentals, the price depends on a few factors. If a flat is located closer to Sknylivs’kyi Park and outlet ‘Pivdennyi’, it is going to be more expensive since that is a relatively new neighborhood with new and modern apartment complexes. The old part of this district is also more expensive because it’s considered historical and closer to Old Lviv.

It’s easy enough to find here a studio or even a 1-bedroom apartment for about $350 per month.

When I was checking the results of a recent poll when more than 5000 Lviv residents answered questions about the best areas where to live in Lviv, I was surprised to find out that they consider it to be less comfortable for a long-term apartment rental. They say that despite the convenient transport infrastructure, clean streets, and a lot of stores, this district has more old buildings and not-so-friendly neighbors.

Maybe, I can’t tell. At some point in my life, I have been staying in a neighborhood closer to the Taurus City hotel and loved it there. It was close to Old Town, to the park and also to many historical sites.

A Few Examples of Apartments For Rent in Zaliznychnyi district

If you are looking to rent a room or apartment in this district (monthly or daily), take a look at the following listings. They are all hand-picked by me, have excellent reviews, and are actually those places where I’d stay myself. 

Cozy apartment near the airport & train station – a good example of that part of Zaliznychnyi district where you live very close to the center with many shops and cafes around.

It is a very good location if you are not looking to stay/live in the center. The old part is not far (you can always walk to it or take public transportation), the railway station and airport are close, and there is even Sknilowski Park near where you can jog or go for a walk.

Bilya Taurusu – here is actually another example of an apartment in an absolutely excellent location. This is still considered to be a Zaliznychnyi district, however, this part is quiet, has old buildings (mixed with new), cafes nearby and within walking distance from Old Town. Ivan Franko park is pretty close too. 

Advantages of this area:

– proximity to the railway station, especially for those who are traveling often;

– always a large selection of housing at affordable prices in excellent condition;

– there are lots of shops and markets in many neighborhoods which makes it easy to shop;

– proximity to some historical sights, the main one is the Church of Olha and Elizabeth;

Cons of staying in this area:

– remoteness from the historic center of the Old City. Those who will be working in the Old Town, if living in the southern or central part of Zaliznychnyi district, may find it challenging to commute all the time.

– depending on where exactly you’ll choose to live, you may need to use a taxi or get to the apartment on your own in the evening after 21.00. Public transport runs less frequently at that time;

– it is considered one of the least safe districts in Lviv;

– the quality of the roads here is also the worst. There are constant traffic jams that cause noise and bad quality of air.

– not enough parks, sports grounds, and places where it is possible to go with children or on a date. For that, you’d need to go to other places.

Shevchenkivskyi District – Renting a Flat in a New Complex Not Far From Ratusha

lviv apartment rental
apartment in lviv

This district covers the central-northern part of Lviv and is considered one of the least safe in Lviv, although there is a small number of stray animals. The majority who live here love this part of the city because it is a quiet place and at the same time it is easy to get to the center.

Walking in many neighborhoods in this district at night (especially alone and even for the guy) doesn’t feel always comfortable. A lot of neighborhoods are rather dark with not enough lanterns. 

The infrastructure here is average. It’s not the worst but also not the best. There are still enough grocery stores, markets, and pretty decent transportation. However, when we lived there, we noticed that there were not too many schools, cafes, and entertainment options. Besides the Beer Cultural Experience museum and only a couple of nice cafes, there was not much else.

Other people who live in the area point out to bad condition of sidewalks, pretty dirty streets, and the lack of bike paths.  

Examples of Airbnb Apartments For Rent in Shevchenkivskyi District

Scandinavian style apartment – this apartment is situated between Zaliznychnyi and Shevchenkivskyi district. The area around it has a lot of newly built apartment complexes. The apartment itself is simple but spacious. With Scandinavian furnishings, it looks both visually pleasing and practical. It has a beautiful view of St. George’s cathedral and even though is located farther away from the center, it doesn’t take much time to get to Old Town.

Cozy apartment in the north of Lviv – is a great example of a budget home (in a different part of the Shevchenkivskyi district) which works great for people who are looking to stay closer to the FORUM shopping center. The only disadvantage here is the location right next to railway tracks. On a long-term basis, staying anywhere here may be challenging for some people due to the noise coming from the railways.

The flat though is still a great option. It also comes at a very reasonable price. The host is open to long-term stays and gives extra discount in case you are looking to rent a place for a month or so.

Advantages of this area:

– definitely proximity to the city center. You can easily walk to it;

– a wide range of apartments for rent or purchase on the market at an average price;

– there is a big part of new apartment complexes built in Kleparow neighborhood. It is a dream location for many since you can be living almost in the center (10-15 minutes walking to the main square) in a completely new building which is rare in Lviv. 

Cons of staying in this area:

– not enough public transport routes to different parts of Lviv;

– not many schools or kindergartens to choose from. If you are moving with a family and plan to send your kids to a local school, there are not many options;

– also, there are not many areas for recreation, athletic fields, and entertainment options;

– depending on the area where you lice, you may need a car

– not as safe as other areas.

Halytskyi District – Apartments For Rent in Lviv Old City & Above

The smallest district of Lviv includes the historical center of the city and a number of neighborhoods that directly border it. Usually, when people talk about the Old Town, they imply the Halytskyi district.

It is definitely of the most popular areas among tourists within easy reach of Market Square, the Opera House, the Armenian Quarter, famous Lviv bars and restaurants, and different architectural gems. Everything here is close within 5-15 minutes reach, depending on the place of residence. 

People who choose to live here are usually romantics and connoisseurs of the charm of narrow stone streets, two-century-old houses, and architectural masterpieces. We were renting airbnbs here for the atmosphere of the oldest city.

Examples of Airbnb Apartments For Rent in Halytskyi District 

Cozy 1-Bdr Apartment in the Very Center – one of the modern apartments in Lviv city center is halfway between the Ratusha and Lychakiv cemetery. While the location is very central, there are tram tracks nearby.

For a short-term stay in Lviv, that shouldn’t be a problem to stay next to the tram line (unless you are very sensitive to that type of noise). But in the long-term, it may be a challenge. Trams in Lviv are very old (from ancient times), so the noise they make is really bad. Even during the day, they are the loudest among all traffic.

But as for the apartment, it is a lovely place for a short stay. It features a compact kitchen, a separate bedroom with an aquarium, and has lots of character.

Loft With the Balcony in Old Town – opposite side of the Old Town in Halytskyi district. The area is very central, although quieter than staying anywhere near the Ratusha. This Lviv airbnb with its split-tone beige color and generous windows sleeps up to three guests.

It features a fully equipped kitchen, wooden palate bed, a balcony, and tall windows that give an open, welcoming atmosphere. The best part about this flat is the location. It is an excellent option for people who need to rent a room in Lviv for 24 hours or more.

Advantages of this area:

– you live in a very historical center among the famous cultural and historical sights; All the houses here are very ancient with a peculiar layout. Many apartments have fireplaces and antique balconies, with beautiful views of old streets;

– from early morning until late night, you can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of cathedrals, churches, town halls, visit thematic museums and exhibitions;

– a large selection of conceptual cafes on each corner. If you are working online and love to go out every other night, this part is your heaven. There are just so many thematic restaurants and bars that you’ll need a few months at least to visit them;

– the opportunity to walk until late at night, without worrying about transport and safety. Most street cafes work until 22.00 not to disturb the peace of local residents;

– small shops and three big grocery stores make it easy to shop here;

– finding an apartment for rent in this part of the city means that you’ll be in the center of events. There is always something happening in Lviv, be it a fair, concert, or performance, and you can be the first one to enjoy it;

– good transport connection with the railway station, airport, and all other districts.

Cons of staying in this area:

– on some streets, the traffic is very busy, which can create noise and inconvenience. In summer, if there is no air conditioning and the windows face the roadway, it’s going to be loud inside the flat;

– Old Town apartments have a higher price which rises during some holidays and weekends. Long-term apartment rentals should have the same price. But if renting a flat monthly, expect to pay double (or more) during Christmas days, Easter, and May holidays;

– houses in Lviv Old Town have a dilapidated sewerage system. Here you can often feel a damp musty smell and for many apartments to have it is a norm. If the apartment has good repair with an air conditioner then there will be no such problems;

– prices in grocery stores in this district are higher than anywhere else in Lviv;

– the supply of water can be by the hour or with poor pressure. In this case usually, the apartment owners install a special pump in the bathrooms for pumping water to 3-4 floors. When securing your rental apartment, specify these points.

Syhivskyi District – Quiet and Peaceful Lviv Apartments 

renting apartment in lviv ukraine

Syhivskyi district is the youngest district of the city. Its construction and development began in the last quarter of the twentieth century and continue to this day. It stretches through the southeastern part of Lviv.

Finding an apartment for rent here will make every member of a family happy. Syhivskyi district, even though far from the center, has a sufficient number of entertainment places for parents, and a wide range of schools, kindergartens, sports clubs, playgrounds, etc for children of all ages. In addition to numerous specialized schools and kindergartens, there are a lot of clubs and after-school centers for the comprehensive development of the child.

This area is a quiet, peaceful, and ideal environment for living long-term, especially for people who appreciate staying away from crowds. Another bonus, it has more reasonable prices compared to housing in the center or other neighborhoods of Lviv. Oh, and one of our tour guides who lives here says that from many apartment complexes you can see the mountains. 

Based on the results of a poll (mentioned above) among residents, Syhiv has the largest number of combat sports for self-defense and is considered the cleanest neighborhood in the city.

Examples of Airbnb Apartments For Rent in Syhivskyi District

Red brick apartment in the south of Lviv – while being far from the city center, this apartment is situated in a quiet area with parks nearby. The neighborhood where it is in is actually very suburban and has quite a few private houses and the flat is modern and has everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The host is open to long stays, so feel free to send a message and ask for a discount. For short stays, it is great for those who plan to combine time in the city and travel to the Carpathian mountains

Advantages of this area:

– one of the safest and cleanest districts. The air is cleanest here;

– it’s a new and modern part where mostly young families and single professionals live;

– lowest prices for apartment rentals and buying new real estate in Lviv;

– a huge amount of stores and shopping centers;

– wide range of educational centers for children of all ages.

Cons of renting an apartment here:

– public transport is not as convenient and developed as anywhere else in Lviv. Getting to work in Old Lviv may take a lot of time;

– as a new modern district, it can be a disadvantage for some. There are no old historical buildings here, no museums and not many attractions.

Frankivskyi District – One of the Safest & Cleanest Places for Rent

Frankivskyi district covers the territory of the central-southern part of Lviv. Some of the largest streets in this area are Stepana Bandery, Heroiv UPA, Kulparkivska, Stryiska, and Naukova street. 

Frankivskyi district can be divided into two parts. First goes from the street of Stepana Bandera to the railway station and consists of low-rise and cottage buildings. The second part is bounded by the quadrangle of Volodymyra Velykoho-Kulparkivska-Naukova-Stryiska streets which intersect with Knyahyni Ol’hy street and mainly has low-cost, concrete-paneled apartment buildings developed in the Soviet Union during the early 1960s. 

Frankivskyi district is one of the youngest districts of Lviv with the best infrastructure in the entire city. There are many schools and kindergartens here, various educational centers, two universities, a few parks, many playgrounds and places for walking. The biggest number of stores, markets, and entertainment venues are also here. It also has a huge number of nice cafes and restaurants.

Another important factor of this district is safety. According to many locals and various polls, this is a part of Lviv where the cleanest and safest streets are.

Examples of Airbnb Apartments For Rent in Frankivskyi District

Historical Studio not far from the Cathedral of St. George – in fact, this is a flat that Mark and I booked for ourselves. And it is amazing. The location is central, although at first sight doesn’t seem like that. Buildings here are of Austro-Hungarian style. Many cafes and stores are nearby.

The apartment also deserves special attention, if you are looking to rent a room for a night or a few. While it has all modern appliances, it is made in the old style with an atmosphere of an old traditional Lviv house. Antique furniture and decor add to the historical charm, but a modern bathroom, smart kitchen, and comfortable bed create a perfect balance between heritage and present-day.

Modern & New 2-Bd Flat in Avalon – and here is another airbnb example in a more distant (from the railway station and center) neighborhood. Even though it is located not far from the railway station, it is considered to be in Frankivskyi district. This is a spacious and bright apartment with panoramic windows, a balcony and terrace in a newly built apartment complex. The neighborhood where this apartment is in consists of modern apartment buildings and good infrastructure. A shopping center, bus stops, and some cafes are located nearby.

Advantages of this area:

– a very safe and clean district as well as the best housing and communal services workers;

– excellent infrastructure with a large selection of shops and entertainment venues;

– it is perfect for an active lifestyle since there are many sports grounds, parks, and squares;

– convenient transportation – you can get to all parts of Lviv at any time of the day and night.

Disadvantages of renting an apartment here:

– one of the biggest shortcomings of the area is transport interchange when repairing roads and that happens here a few times a year.

– while there are a lot of parks, compared to the number of roads and heavy traffic, the air quality is bad here.

Lychakivskyi District – Old Lviv & Green Spaces

apartment rental lviv daily

Okay, and here is the last neighborhood on the list which has some of the most interesting and unique architecture in Lviv. Each building here is like a piece of art and holds a lot of history. There are a few centuries-old mansions from different eras where rich and famous lived and even a few former mini castles.

We rented a flat here (in this part) and it was a perfect location. Although it was on the border with the Halytskyi district which meant we were in the old part.

If you are looking to rent an apartment in Lviv in the Lychakivskyi district and be closer to the center, I highly recommend you check the area I mention all the way to Eurohotel and Om Nom Nom vegan cafe. Also, the area near the LH Hotel & Spa has incredibly lovely streets with old houses and paving stones.

Yet, with the number of old houses, there are not many flats available here. It may take a while to find apartments for rent monthly.

Among all the features, it’s being said that the Lychakivskyi district has pretty poor infrastructure and public transport. Among all 6 districts, it is one of the least clean and has fewer outlets with shops. The Eastern part has quite a few medical centers and hospitals and entertainment options.

Examples of Apartments For Rent in Lychakivskyi District

Modern Apartment – a home with a good concept. Think about it as a modern retreat away from hustle and bustle. While this apartment is not centrally located, it is still very easy to reach the old city. It’s beautiful, clean, stylish, and very cozy.

The location of this home is perfect for long stays. Why? Because it is still in the old part of Lviv and close to all the historical sites but at the same time, it is not far from the nature reserves and parks. Plus, the infrastructure here is very well-developed. 

Ukrainian style apartment – with a stained glass chandelier and doors, decorations in the form of a small village house, the stove-fireplace, and wooden furniture that create a historical charm. This home is located in a different part of the Lychakivskyi district which also a good place to live on a long-term basis. 

Advantages of this area:

– proximity to the center;

– beautiful architecture;

– a few huge parks and many green spaces for walking, biking, and recreation;

– a large number of entertainment options and cultural activities.

Cons of renting an apartment here:

– this neighborhood has the worst public transport infrastructure. There are not many transport options available at night and existing ones during the day go only in a few directions;

– prices for housing are on the more expensive side. Perhaps the reason for that is a rather central location and old historic homes;

– if you live in an old Austrian house, expect to face all its “diseases”: water and lighting outages, old porches, and musty smell.

Where to Find Lviv Apartments For Rent Monthly

If you are looking to stay in Lviv for a long period of time as a nomad or someone who works remotely, you may want to find a home outside Airbnb. The best resources for that are: OLX website or local Facebook groups. Another thing to mention is that in Lviv when renting an apartment through a broker, you have to pay for his/her services the same sum as a monthly apartment rent is. Not 50% or 25% as in many countries, but whole amount 100%.

OLX website as well as those FB groups that I share below rent apartments directly from owners. Although no, there are some listings on OLX that come from brokers but most come from owners. So when looking through these resources, you can save a decent amount of money.

OLX is only in Ukrainian and Russian languages, so it may be difficult to find a home without a local’s help. However, I always recommend my English-speaking clients use an automated translator. Another option for finding Lviv apartments for monthly rent is through Facebook groups. Some of those I use (and those that offer to rent a room in Lviv or the entire house, not just an apartment) are No Makler group, Rent in Lviv, Lviv apartment rent from adequate hosts

NOTE: These facebook groups are also in the Ukrainian language. But, do not get discouraged. If Facebook doesn’t offer you to translate it into English (or your language), translate it on your own. There are a lot of very beautiful apartments and houses at a very good price. For example, new two-bedroom apartments in a central location can go for about $350-$400 per month. You will never be able to find the same deal through Airbnb or FB groups for foreigners. 

If you don’t mind paying the agent or your monthly budget is higher, check this group in English – Lviv apartments for expats

 

More Ukraine Travel Resources 

Planning a trip to Ukraine? Read my very comprehensive article about what to expect from Ukraine when it comes to prices, quality of life, and lifestyle. 

Best Cities to Visit in Ukraine – top cities to see and what to avoid.

Where to Eat in Lviv – the best restaurants and cafes with Ukrainian and international food. Incredible Lviv breakfast places post is here. And if you would love to go on a day getaway from Lviv, get inspired after reading my tips on the best day trips from Lviv.

First time in the city? Check my post about unusual places to visit in Lviv.

And here is another detailed post about Lviv best coffee spots

Lviv Apartment Rental guide - best place to rent a flat
 
 

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2 Comments

  1. I rented an Airbnb not far from the Center this past September. It was rather small, and dank – and paid about $367 US for the month…Came with an Out of tune Piano. I’m a Musician, so THAT was Painful! I would like to return again after January 2022…for a long-term stay. As an American – what is the best area for me to live (I would like to be close to the Center, but not in the center. Close to the Universities, and Music Conservatory. What can I expect to pay in monthly rent for a small, but cozy place? Thank You.

    1. Hi Mark,

      If you need an apartment for the long-term, don’t rent through Airbnb. I don’t know what happened but lately, prices there are so inflated, it’s ridiculous. They are mainly oriented on short-term visitors now. If you paid $367 just recently finding a flat through this platform, then I am pretty sure that the quality was very low because for this much money you can’t get anything decent through them.

      But when renting on a long-term basis (min 6 months) outside Airbnb or similar aggregator, $400 per month will get you a nice apartment. It won’t be big, most likely a 1-bedroom flat, but it will have a recent renovation, more or less new furniture and can be not far from the center and bus or tram stop.

      Better get in touch with a broker to find out what’s now on the market. I can recommend this guy, his name is Rostyslav and he is wonderful. He speaks English and can help you rent or buy a flat and will answer all the questions you have. Another agent I know is Vasilisa who also speaks English and she often posts listings on her page.

      As for the price, I don’t know what your requirements for the apartment are but on average, if you want to stay closer to Lviv conservatory (that would be Lychakiv neighborhood or near Stryyskyy park) I’d budget at least $400 per month + utilities. Although, if you rent in January after the holidays when it is a low season, prices may be lower too.
      Agents usually charge a one month fee for their services when finding a flat for at least 6 months. But if you need it for 3 months, negotiate the price and ask to pay less, at least half of that. Working with an agent as a foreigner is much better since you’ll have a local by your side who will be also able to help you solve any issues with the owner (if they occur during the stay).

      I hope that helps!

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