To gauge the scale, it should be noted that 1 ruble is worth 29 euro cents.
Recently, the tourism industry in Belarus has come under the spotlight of government attention: authorities aim to transform this sector into a source of stable income, which is reflected in the national development program until 2030. The success of domestic tourism directly depends on the short-term rental market in the country's most popular locations. "Belsat" studied the available offers for daily apartment rentals in the most sought-after cities and compared the offers.
Tourism in Belarus already accounts for about 2.4% of GDP, but Belarusian officials are confident that the sector's potential is much greater – it is no coincidence that the recently adopted National Program, which was thoroughly analyzed by "Belsat," states that the share of tourism in the country's GDP should reach 4.5% by 2030. The main driver of this process could be the Belarusians themselves. According to data for 2024, independent travelers dominate domestic tourism – their share reached a record 94.5%. However, most of these trips remain day excursions (about 87%), creating a paradox: people travel but do not stay overnight.
"It is precisely the increase in the duration of trips, along with the growth in tourist flow, that should ensure an increase in GDP contribution," said Elena Volontsevich, head of the service sector development department at the Research Economic Institute of the Ministry of Economy. But is the infrastructure ready for tourists to stay in the city for 2-3 days?
The problem lies in the unevenness. Today, up to 70% of the entire tourist flow is concentrated on the "gold standard": Minsk, Mir and Nesvizh castles, Brest Hero-Fortress, Khatyn, and national parks. The main peak of occupancy – from May to September and during holidays – leads to local overtourism and, consequently, to a rise in rental prices, Volontsevich noted. The market reacts instantly to this demand: if earlier a tourist was offered just a bed, by 2025, the trend is "apartments with character" in historical centers, apartments with beautiful views and a "wow effect," which is already becoming an important element of travel.
We analyzed the offers in the apartment rental market to understand: how much does it cost today to stay in the most popular tourist spots in the country, where, as a rule, the largest price gaps are observed, and is it really cheaper to vacation in the regions than in the capital? Data at the end of 2025 allows us to compare the tourist popularity of cities with the prices set by landlords.
Minsk: The Undisputed Hegemon
The capital remains unrivaled by a colossal margin: according to the "Kufar. Padarozhy" service, guests spent more than 181,000 overnight stays in it throughout 2025. Accordingly, this massive demand has generated the most diverse market in the country.
For price comparison, we searched for weekend apartments based on one person (the most common type of travel, according to statistics).
For the capital, the "Kufar" website (the most popular resource for choosing short-term rentals) listed 970 offers. As for prices, the budget segment fluctuates around 70-80 rubles, which are mainly one-bedroom apartments in sleeping areas (Frunzensky, Zavodsky, Moskovsky), often located far from the metro. The "Minsk-Mir" area has become a real hub for daily rentals, where many such studio apartments can be seen, leading to significant competition among owners. For example, on Prospekt Mira, a small "capsule" with a living area of 10 square meters is rented for 93.5 rubles: the furniture includes a bed, an ascetic stool, and half a table built into the wall, with the peculiar feature of a ban on parties (and this is in 10 m²). But this is for those who seek exoticism; nearby, one can find a more budget-friendly and practical option starting from 77 rubles on Brilevskaya (near the "Aerodromnaya" metro station), in a well-maintained apartment with good repairs.
The middle class ranges from 90 to 140 rubles. This seems to be the most popular segment. It includes apartments near the metro, as well as in new districts like "Minsk-Mir." In this segment, guests receive modern repairs and a full set of household appliances.
The premium segment starts from 180-200 rubles and higher: apartments in the historical center (Karl Marx Street, Nemiga, Independence Avenue). Prices here can reach 400-500 rubles per day, especially when it comes to designer lofts, multi-room apartments, or apartments "with atmosphere" – special interiors or antique furniture.
Grodno vs. Brest
An interesting duel unfolds in the west of the country. Grodno outpaces Brest in the number of overnight stays (almost 50,000 against 40,000).
Tourists are attracted here by the "historical atmosphere," and the market responds with offers of apartments in authentic buildings in the center. This is the second most popular tourist center after Minsk, with the average rental cost per day around 75-95 rubles.
In Grodno, "Kufar" listed almost 480 offers. In the historical center (Sovetskaya Street, Eliza Ozheshko, Zamkovaya), prices start from 110-130 rubles and can exceed 200 rubles for apartments with a view of the Farny Church. This segment is for tourists coming for the "atmosphere." In new districts and sleeping areas (Deyatovka, Olshanka, Vishnevets), decent options can be found for 60-85 rubles. At the same time, it is evident that many commercial projects have emerged for the reconstruction of old buildings for rental. Such options start from 160 rubles and higher.
Brest lags behind Grodno by a hundred in the number of offers (388 on "Kufar"), with the average cost of an apartment per day here being higher than in Grodno – 80-100 rubles. The pedestrian Soviet area and the waterfront represent the so-called golden mile of Brest. Prices for quality apartments here start from 100-120 rubles. Modern panel buildings and new constructions offer spacious apartments for 65-85 rubles – this will likely be a choice for families with children who need space and parking availability.
Eastern Serenity
Vitebsk and Gomel are among the top 5 most sought-after destinations in Belarus, while Mogilev closes the main ranking with just over 22,000 overnight stays.
The larger number of offers in Vitebsk (163) is more of a summer echo of the "Slavic Bazaar." Even in the off-season, Vitebsk remains quite wallet-friendly for tourists. The average cost per day is 65-85 rubles. Even in the historical center (Suvorov Street, Lenin, the Town Hall area), options can be found for 80-100 rubles. This is a very competitive price compared to similar locations in Grodno or Minsk. The further into the "sleeping areas," the more neat and simple options for 55-70 rubles. And if one wants apartments with designer renovations and a view of the Dvina, they will have to pay 120 rubles, but compared to the capital or Grodno, this is quite a pleasant price.
Steady Growth
Comparing data from early 2025 with early 2026 ultimately shows a steady increase in rental prices in all regional centers of Belarus, averaging 10-18%. The most noticeable lower limit has shifted in Vitebsk and Mogilev, where the cost of neat apartments now starts from 55-65 rubles (a year ago – from 45-50). Grodno and Brest demonstrate an increase of approximately 12-15%, solidifying their status as popular tourist hubs.
Minsk holds a special place, having entered the top 10 most sought-after destinations for New Year's vacations among Russians, alongside Moscow and St. Petersburg. At the same time, the Belarusian capital has become the absolute leader in accommodation costs: the average rate during the holiday season reached a record 340 Belarusian rubles. Such a price gap may be attributed to the high concentration of the premium segment and the frantic demand among foreign guests.
