Apartment Botero

You know what really surprised me about Apartment Botero? It’s one of those places that actually lives up to its name – there’s legitimate art everywhere, and I mean the good stuff, not those generic hotel prints that make you want to look away. Being on the 6th floor in Novi Beograd, you get these sweeping views over the Danube that honestly make you forget you’re in what locals still call “New Belgrade” (even though it’s been around since the ’70s).

The location is pretty brilliant if you know Belgrade at all. You’re right on Antifašističke borbe, which sounds intimidating but it’s actually this wide, tree-lined street that feels more residential than touristy – which means you’ll hear kids playing in the courtyard below rather than drunk tourists at 3am. The building itself has that solid Yugoslav-era construction, so the walls are thick and you won’t hear your neighbors through paper-thin walls like in newer places. Getting up to the 6th floor means elevator rides, obviously, but the building’s well-maintained and the hallways don’t have that musty smell you sometimes get in older Belgrade apartments.

What really sets this place apart is how it balances being in Novi Beograd – which gives you space to breathe and actual parking spots – while still being connected to everything that matters. You’re maybe 15 minutes by tram to Knez Mihailova pedestrian zone, and honestly, that distance is perfect because you can dive into the chaos of old town Belgrade during the day then retreat back to this quieter side of the river when you’ve had enough of the crowds. The nearby Delta City mall might not sound exciting, but trust me, having a decent grocery store and pharmacy within walking distance actually matters when you’re staying somewhere for more than a night or two. Plus, the riverfront is close enough for evening walks – there’s something about watching the sunset reflect off those Brutalist apartment blocks that’s oddly beautiful, especially if you’re into that architectural aesthetic. The apartment itself feels more like staying at a design-conscious friend’s place rather than a typical hotel room, and with a 9 rating from actual guests, it’s clear I’m not the only one who appreciates when someone puts real thought into creating a space that works for travelers who want something beyond the standard hotel experience.