Veliky Novgorod sits on the Volkhov River, a short distance downstream from Lake Ilmen, on the highway between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. It is one of Russia's oldest cities, and its historic core is compact enough that where you base yourself shapes how much of it you see on foot.
For a visitor, the city divides fairly simply. The Kremlin and the old core sit on one bank of the Volkhov, the main transport points and several places to stay sit on the other, and the river crossings tie the two together. This guide covers the areas the sources identify as practical bases, who each one suits, and what to expect at different price levels.
Best areas to stay in Veliky Novgorod
1. Central Veliky Novgorod, near the Kremlin
This is the old core, with the Kremlin and the historic centre within walking distance. It suits first-time visitors who want the main sights on their doorstep and who prefer to spend their time on foot rather than crossing the river. You find mid-range city-centre accommodation here, including options described as among the less expensive decent choices in the centre.
One practical point from the sources: staying in the central part of town puts you about a ten-minute walk from the Kremlin, so the historic core is reachable without transport.
2. Between the train station and the Kremlin
This strip sits on the same side as the station and the old core, which makes it convenient if you are arriving or leaving by train. It suits travellers who want to walk to both the station and the Kremlin rather than depend on a taxi or bus. Mid-range accommodation is found here.
One practical point from the sources: this area is about a ten-minute walk from each of the station and the Kremlin, which makes it one of the more balanced bases for a short stay.
3. East of the river, near Nikolskaja Street
The area just east of the Volkhov is a separate base from the Kremlin side, and it is where budget accommodation is found. It suits budget travellers and anyone who does not mind crossing the river to reach the historic core. You find dormitory-style budget places here.
One practical point from the sources: this area lies just east of the river, so reaching the Kremlin and the old core means crossing the Volkhov.
4. Across the river from the Kremlin, at Fedorovsky Ruchei
This area sits on the opposite bank from the Kremlin and is a quieter base away from the old core. It suits travellers who prefer a mid-range stay with a restaurant on site and do not mind a longer walk to the centre. Mid-range accommodation is found here.
One practical point from the sources: it is across the river from the Kremlin and roughly a thirty- to forty-minute walk from the train station, so plan on crossing the river to reach the main sights.
5. North of the city centre, east side of the river
This area lies north of the centre on the east bank and is where the city's top-class accommodation is found. It suits travellers looking for the widest range of amenities and who are willing to stay a moderate distance from the historic core. You find the most amenity-rich places to stay here.
One practical point from the sources: it sits a moderate distance from the city centre, so you should expect to travel to reach the Kremlin and the old core.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dormitory-style accommodation, including places just east of the river, with check-in and check-out times to confirm in advance.
- Mid-range: hotels in the central part of town and between the station and the Kremlin, some with en-suite rooms and restaurants on site; breakfast is sometimes included and sometimes charged separately.
- Splurge: the city's top-class hotel, north of the centre on the east side of the river, with the most amenities and a moderate distance from the centre.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in central Veliky Novgorod near the Kremlin. It puts the historic core within a short walk, so you spend your time seeing the city rather than crossing it. If you are arriving by train and want to walk to both the station and the Kremlin, the strip between the two is a close second.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the river should I stay on?
The Kremlin and the old core are on one bank, and several places to stay are on the other. Staying on the Kremlin side keeps the main sights within walking distance; staying east of the river or across from the Kremlin means crossing the Volkhov to reach them.
Is it practical to stay near the train station?
Yes. The area between the train station and the Kremlin is about a ten-minute walk from each, which makes it workable if you are arriving or leaving by train.
Where do budget travellers tend to stay?
Budget accommodation is found just east of the river, where dormitory-style places are available. Expect to cross the river to reach the Kremlin and the old core.
What is the difference between mid-range and splurge here?
Mid-range options sit in the central part of town and between the station and the Kremlin, some with en-suite rooms and restaurants. The splurge option is north of the centre on the east side of the river, with the most amenities and a moderate distance from the centre.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.