Two Neighborhoods, One Decision
If you are looking for a modern, well-equipped apartment in Belgrade, chances are you will narrow your search to two neighborhoods: Belgrade Waterfront and West 65. Both are relatively new developments with contemporary architecture, secure buildings, and the kind of amenities — fast elevators, underground parking, air conditioning — that you expect from a 21st-century European city.
But despite their surface similarities, these two neighborhoods offer distinctly different experiences. Where you choose to stay will shape your trip in ways that matter: what you can walk to, what you see from your window, how your evenings unfold, and how easily you can reach the things that brought you to Belgrade in the first place.
At Koala Apartments, we operate properties in both locations — 8 apartments in West 65 and 10 in Belgrade Waterfront — because different guests need different things. This guide will help you figure out which one is right for you.
Belgrade Waterfront: The Overview
Belgrade Waterfront is a 3.5-billion-euro mixed-use development on the right bank of the Sava River, occupying a stretch of land that was previously an underused railway area between the Old Town and the river. The project includes residential towers, the Galerija Belgrade shopping mall, the Kula Belgrade tower (the tallest building in Serbia at 168 meters), restaurants, cafes, and the Sava Promenada — a beautifully designed riverside walkway that has become one of Belgrade's most popular gathering spots.
The key characteristic of Belgrade Waterfront is its connection to the historic center. You are on the Old Belgrade side of the river, within walking distance of Kalemegdan Fortress, Knez Mihailova Street, Republic Square, and the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. The neighborhood itself is lively, with restaurants and bars at your doorstep, and the promenada provides a constant sense of openness and proximity to the river.
The vibe: Polished, cosmopolitan, walkable. A blend of modern luxury and historic access.
West 65: The Overview
West 65 is a residential and commercial complex in New Belgrade, consisting of several sleek towers on the left bank of the Sava River. Located along Bulevar Mihajla Pupina, one of New Belgrade's main arteries, it sits in the heart of Belgrade's modern business district — close to the Sava Congress Center (Sava Centar), the Arena (Stark Arena), the Crowne Plaza and Hyatt hotels, and the large Delta City shopping mall.
The development is newer than much of New Belgrade's brutalist-era housing blocks, and it stands out architecturally. The apartments offer panoramic city views — many with striking vistas of the Belgrade skyline, the rivers, and the surrounding cityscape. The immediate area is more corporate and residential than touristy, which gives it a quieter, more private feel.
The vibe: Sleek, elevated, panoramic. A modern urban retreat with business-district convenience.
The Comparison
Here is how the two neighborhoods stack up across the categories that matter most to visitors:
Location and Access
Belgrade Waterfront is on the Old Belgrade side of the Sava River. Walking to Kalemegdan Fortress takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Republic Square is 15 minutes on foot. Skadarlija is roughly 20 minutes. You are essentially on the edge of the historic city center, which means sightseeing, cultural attractions, and the Old Town's restaurant scene are all within easy reach without needing transport.
West 65 is in New Belgrade, across the river from the Old Town. To reach Kalemegdan or Republic Square, you are looking at a 15-minute taxi or bus ride, or about 30 to 40 minutes on foot (crossing the Brankov Bridge). However, you are very close to New Belgrade's commercial zone: the Sava Congress Center is a 5-minute walk, the Arena is 10 minutes, and Delta City mall is about 10 minutes by car or a short bus ride.
Winner for tourists: Belgrade Waterfront Winner for business travelers: West 65
Views
Belgrade Waterfront apartments tend to offer river views (the Sava) and cityscapes looking toward New Belgrade or back toward the Old Town. The river is the star — especially at sunset, when the light on the water is genuinely beautiful.
West 65 apartments, particularly those on higher floors, offer some of the most dramatic panoramic views in Belgrade. From the upper levels, you can see across the entire city — the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Kalemegdan Fortress in the distance, and the sprawl of Belgrade extending in every direction. If skyline views matter to you, West 65 has a clear advantage.
Winner for river views: Belgrade Waterfront Winner for panoramic views: West 65
Restaurants and Dining
Belgrade Waterfront wins this category decisively. Between the restaurants on the promenada itself (Comunale, Sake Bar Devi, and others) and the walkable proximity to Old Belgrade's dining scene (Skadarlija, Dorcol, Savamala), you have dozens of excellent options within a 5- to 20-minute walk. The Galerija mall also has a solid food court and several sit-down restaurants.
West 65 has fewer dining options in the immediate vicinity. There are some restaurants in the building complex and nearby along the boulevard, but the variety and density do not compare to the Waterfront area. For a serious dinner out, you will likely take a short taxi ride to the Old Town or Waterfront.
Winner: Belgrade Waterfront
Nightlife
Belgrade Waterfront is closer to the famous splavovi (river clubs) that line the Sava, as well as the bars and clubs in Savamala and the Old Town. You can walk to a night out and walk home afterward — a significant practical advantage.
West 65 is further from the main nightlife zones. While New Belgrade has some bars and late-night spots, the concentration and variety do not match what is available across the river. A taxi to the main nightlife areas costs 5 to 8 euros and takes about 10 minutes.
Winner: Belgrade Waterfront
Transport
Belgrade Waterfront is well-served by buses and is within taxi distance of the main train and bus stations (the central bus station is actually very close). The airport is about 20 to 30 minutes by car.
West 65 sits on a major boulevard with excellent bus connections across the city. It is also slightly closer to the airport (about 15 to 25 minutes by car) and very close to the main highway connections. If you are renting a car, New Belgrade is generally easier to navigate by car than the narrow streets of Old Belgrade.
Winner (public transit): Tie Winner (driving and airport access): West 65
Apartment Size and Value
As a general rule, apartments in West 65 tend to offer more square meters for the price compared to equivalent apartments in Belgrade Waterfront. The Waterfront commands a premium due to its location and the cachet of the development. This is not a dramatic difference, but if you are looking for a larger space — particularly for a longer stay — West 65 often delivers better value.
Winner: West 65
Pro Tip: If you are staying for a week or longer, the extra space in a West 65 apartment can make a meaningful difference to your comfort, especially if you are working remotely and need room to spread out.
Who Should Stay Where
Business Travelers: West 65
If you are visiting Belgrade for a conference at the Sava Congress Center, meetings in the New Belgrade business district, or events at the Arena, West 65 is the practical choice. You are minutes from the key business venues, the apartments are quiet and well-suited to early mornings and focused work, and the proximity to the highway means efficient airport transfers.
Tourists and First-Time Visitors: Belgrade Waterfront
If this is your first visit to Belgrade and you want to see the city's highlights on foot, Belgrade Waterfront is the clear pick. You can walk to the fortress, the bohemian quarter, the main museums, and the shopping streets without ever needing a taxi. The promenada gives you a beautiful daily walking route, and the restaurants at your doorstep mean you are never far from a great meal.
Families: Belgrade Waterfront
The Sava Promenada is ideal for families — flat, wide, safe, and with playgrounds and green spaces along the way. Galerija mall has everything you might need, from a supermarket to kids' clothing stores to a cinema. The walkability factor also reduces the logistical headache of getting small children in and out of taxis.
Digital Nomads and Long-Term Stays: West 65
For stays of a month or more, West 65's larger apartments, better value, and quieter environment make it a strong choice. You get more space to set up a home office, the neighborhood is calm enough for focused work, and the cost savings over Waterfront add up meaningfully over a longer period. You can always take a taxi to the Waterfront or Old Town when you want to go out — it is a short ride, not a major expedition.
Couples: Either One
This genuinely depends on your priorities. Belgrade Waterfront is more romantic in the classic sense — evening walks along the river, dinner on a promenada terrace, proximity to cocktail bars and cultural attractions. West 65 offers stunning city views from higher floors, a more private and serene atmosphere, and a sense of being above the city together. Both work beautifully.
Koala Apartments Has You Covered in Both
The beauty of Koala Apartments is that you do not have to compromise. We operate 8 apartments in the West 65 complex and 10 apartments in Belgrade Waterfront, all maintained to the same standard: modern furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, high-speed WiFi, fresh linens, and seamless self check-in.
Every apartment has been selected for its quality, its views, and its ability to provide a genuinely comfortable base for your time in Belgrade. Whether you are a business traveler who needs to be near the congress center, a couple looking for a romantic riverside getaway, or a digital nomad setting up shop for a month, we have the right apartment in the right location.
A Quick Summary
| Feature | Belgrade Waterfront | West 65 | |---|---|---| | Location | Old Belgrade side, on the river | New Belgrade, business district | | Walk to Old Town | 15-25 minutes | 30-40 minutes (or 15 min by taxi) | | Views | River and city | Panoramic skyline | | Restaurants nearby | Excellent (many options) | Limited (some options) | | Nightlife proximity | Walkable | Short taxi ride | | Airport distance | 20-30 min | 15-25 min | | Apartment size | Standard modern | Often larger | | Best for | Tourists, families, couples | Business, nomads, long stays | | Koala Apartments units | 10 apartments | 8 apartments |
Make Your Choice
The good news is that there is no wrong answer here. Both neighborhoods are modern, safe, and well-equipped. Belgrade is not a sprawling megacity — even if you pick "the wrong one," you are never more than a short ride from wherever you want to be.
Browse our apartments by location on the Koala Apartments website. Filter by Belgrade Waterfront or West 65, check the photos and floor plans, and book directly for the best rates and a smooth self check-in experience. And if you are still unsure, send us a message — we are happy to help you choose based on your specific plans and priorities.
