Airbnb is a rental platform that connects people looking for a temporary place to stay with property owners offering apartments, houses or rooms. It was founded in 2008 and has since grown into one of the most popular ways to book accommodation anywhere in the world. Airbnb apartments range from tiny studios to luxury villas, and this guide explains how to pick a good one, book it safely and get the most out of your stay.
Why rent Airbnb apartments?
Price and a feeling of home
Airbnb apartments are often cheaper than hotels in the same area, which leaves more of your budget for experiences during the trip. They also feel more like home. You usually get an equipped kitchen, so you can cook your own meals and settle in properly.
Variety and a local experience
The platform lists places all over the world, from small, quirky hideaways to grand villas, so you can match the place to the trip, whether you are after rest or adventure. Staying in a residential building also brings you closer to local life. Many hosts are happy to recommend places and attractions that are less touristy.
How to find the right apartment
Four things are worth checking before anything else:
- Location: choose somewhere central or close to the sights you plan to visit. You will save time and money on transport and see more of the area.
- Price: set a budget in advance and search within it. Remember to include extras such as cleaning and service fees.
- Reviews: read what previous guests wrote about the apartment and the host. A long run of positive reviews is a good sign of a quality place and a considerate host.
- Photos and description: go through them carefully and pay attention to details such as room size, kitchen equipment and other facilities.
Tips for booking safely
Message the host before you book. Ask your questions and make sure the place fits your needs; a quick, helpful reply also tells you the host will be available if something goes wrong.
Read the cancellation policy, the terms and the house rules, and be clear about your options if you need to cancel or change the booking. Make sure the photos look reliable and match what is actually on offer. If in doubt, ask for more photos or a video.
Never pay or communicate outside the Airbnb platform – it is a common scam, and you lose the platform’s protection. Finally, do not settle for the first option you find. Compare several apartments, their reviews and their prices to make sure you are getting good value. Our guide to making a safe reservation covers the same ground for hotels.
Airbnb apartments vs. hotels
Privacy is the first difference. In an apartment you have a private space and do not share public areas with other guests. Hotels, for their part, offer services such as gyms, pools and room service, while Airbnb gives you a kitchen and room to spread out. Some listings do come with extras like a private pool or a hot tub.
On cost, apartments usually work out cheaper, especially for families and groups, and often give more for the money. The hosting experience is different too: you see the place in a more authentic way and may get local recommendations straight from the host. For a fuller comparison, see hotel, apartment or Airbnb: how to choose.
The world’s strongest Airbnb destinations
Europe
- Paris, France: a huge choice, including apartments with Eiffel Tower views and picturesque neighbourhoods such as Montmartre. See our Paris travel guide.
- Barcelona, Spain: apartments in the historic centre with easy access to beaches, restaurants and cultural sights – though the city has announced plans to phase out tourist apartment licences, so check that a listing is licensed.
- Rome, Italy: classic Italian design and views of landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Vatican. See our Rome travel guide.
- London, England: options in the centre and in fashionable districts such as Shoreditch and Camden.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: distinctive apartments overlooking the historic canals and the city’s gardens. Note that Amsterdam limits whole-home rentals to a set number of nights per year.
- Berlin, Germany: central locations such as Mitte and Kreuzberg, close to museums, galleries and nightlife.
Further afield
- New York, USA: strict rules introduced in 2023 limit most stays of under 30 days to rooms in a host’s own home, so whole-apartment options are now scarce.
- Los Angeles, USA: apartments in sought-after spots such as Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
- Tokyo, Japan: a blend of tradition and innovation, with apartments near temples and modern shopping centres.
- Sydney, Australia: places with views of the Opera House and the city’s beaches.
Getting the most out of your stay
Book early to secure availability for your dates; in busy periods and popular areas the good apartments fill up fast. Research the neighbourhood to find restaurants, shops and interesting sights, using local maps and sites such as TripAdvisor.
Keep communication with the host open during your stay, and do not hesitate to get in touch if there is a problem or a question. When you leave, write a review. It helps future guests make an informed decision and tells the host what to improve and what you particularly liked.
Who Airbnb works especially well for
Families often find that a spacious apartment with a full kitchen, sometimes with a private garden, is the most comfortable and secure setup for travelling with children. Couples use the platform to find romantic places for anniversaries and getaways: country houses, mountain cabins or apartments with a sea view.
Travellers looking for something out of the ordinary have plenty to choose from as well. Desert tents and treehouses in the forest are the kind of stay you will not find in a regular hotel.
In summary
Renting through Airbnb is an excellent way to find comfortable, good-value and unusual places to stay all over the world. Check the reviews, talk to the host and plan ahead, and you give yourself the best chance of a successful and safe stay.
