travel in batumi

43 Things To Know Before You Travel To Batumi, Georgia

Last December I was invited to visit Batumi. I know a lot about the world, but I had never heard of this city before. So only when I started looking on Google I found out that my trip to Batumi would mark country number 86 on my list of visited countries. I always wanted to visit Georgia and this trip finally made it possible.

Batumi Tourism

It was a last minute trip at the beginning of December so I expected it would be super cold in Georgia, but it was not that bad at all. I stayed a little less than a week and learned a lot about the Georgia and Batumi tourism. There are so many cool things to know before you travel to Batumi and that is why I decided to come up with this blog post to let you know what to expect when you decide to visit Batumi in Georgia. Together with the Tourism Board I saw the coolest places in and around the city and most of all got in touch with the Georgian culture and got to meet lovely people.

Need Batumi hotel recommendations? I wrote an extensive guide about where to stay in Batumi . Click on the link to find the best hotel deals for every budget.

Where is Georgia?

Americans obviously mistake the country Georgia with their own state in the south of the USA. But the country Georgia lies northeast of Turkey in and between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea and borders Turkey, Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi. Click here to read a complete guide with tips for when you travel to Tbilisi . Also plan a visit to one of the most amazing places to go in Georgia. Take a look at the photos in my Kazbegi travel blog and I am sure you are willing to visit this amazing place.

Is Georgia in Europe or in Asia?

No one really seems to know an answer to the question if Georgia is part of Europe or Asia. Some say Europe reaches as far as the Caucasus Mountains range and in that case Georgia would be part of Europe. Regardless what international diplomacy decides, Georgians feel more European than Asian. Lately Georgia even joined forces with the European Union by signing a partnership agreement. Georgians are free to travel to all countries within the EU, but are not allowed to work. The first step to becoming official Europeans has been made.

Visa for Georgia

For all European passport holders it is free to go to Georgia and there are no visa restrictions. You get a stamp at the airport and are free to go. Even for Americans it is easy to enter Georgia and the great thing about it is that US citizens can stay up to 365 days in Georgia. Isn’t that only already a reason to travel to Georgia?

How to get to Batumi

Batumi Airport is the second biggest airport in Georgia and serves many international destinations like Dubai, Moscow, Istanbul, Kiev, Tel Aviv. Seasonal there are now also direct flights with Wizz Air from London, Dortmund, Berlin and many more to be added soon.

From Tbilisi to Batumi

There is also an extensive train connection between the capital Tbilisi and Batumi with very modern and new trains. You can travel from Tbilisi to Batumi in 4 hours for around $8.

Things to know when you visit Batumi Georgia

1. marijuana is decriminalized.

It is funny to start with this I know, but I am sorry I am Dutch and one of the first things I learned when I visited Batumi was that Marijuana is ldecriminalized very recently. Not that I smoke by the way! It is just when I say I am Dutch people start talking about it! The fact that it is decriminalized as one of the first countries in the world shows that Georgia is a very liberal and open country!

2. Las Vegas of the Black Sea

One of the first things you will notice when you travel to Batumi is that there are casinos everywhere. Therefore the city is sometimes called the Las Vegas of the Black Sea. Obviously Batumi tourism generates a lot of income from nearby Turkey that is only about 20 kilometers away and where gambling is forbidden.

3. Traveling to Batumi is very safe

I did not even think about it at first, to me it feels like walking around in a Western city. Safety issues simply never crossed my mind and that is a good sign. I walked through the city in the middle of the night, roaming the deserted streets with too much alcohol in my blood and I was not bothered taking a taxi as I felt completely safe. Even traveling to the outskirts of the city or local markets I felt totally safe.

4. Shy but friendly locals

Georgians are not like Americans and will probably not approach you on the streets. You will have to take the initiative. Not everyone speaks fluent English and that holds a lot of people back from speaking to you, but in fact the locals are super friendly and lovely people. If they don’t know what to say they offer you something like a tea or a piece of fruit or ask for a photo, just to show you that they are happy to meet you but aren’t able to speak English.

4. Second biggest city in Georgia

After the capital Tbilisi and Kutaisi, Batumi was always the third biggest city in Georgia, but that changed rapidly over the last years. The major development this city is going through pushed it to the 2nd biggest city in Georgia.

5. Located on the Black Sea

Its location bordering the Black Sea gives Batumi an important position in the economy of Georgia but also makes this city a popular tourist destination in summer for people looking to enjoy the best beaches in Georgia.

6. Climate Batumi

Because of its location on the Black Sea Batumi has a moderate climate all year round.  It doesn’t get freezing cold in winter neither scorching hot. Average temperature in winter is 5 degrees Celsius and summers will be around 25 degrees Celsius.

7. Own language

Georgia has its own language and I am sure you won’t understand a thing! English is widely spoken among youngsters but only in the city. Older people don’t speak English but do speak Russian. Whatever language you use if you smile Georgians will smile too.  

8. Currency in Georgia

Georgia recently became an EU ‘member’, but they don’t use the Euro. The Georgian currency is the Lari. 1 Lari  = 0,33 euro, so if you divide all prices by 3 you get euro prices. When you travel to Batumi there is no need to exchange money. There are ATMs everywhere around the cities or just walk into a casino.

9. Drive on the right side

In Georgia they drive on the right side of the road, but some cars have the wheel on the left side. Cars are imported from countries around and are all mixed up.

10. Religion is a thing

Georgians are still very religious and visiting the church with your family is normal. 80% of the people is Orthodox the other 20% is mainly Muslim. There are a couple cool churches in the center of the city and also see if you can visit the mosque when you are looking for things to do in Batumi.

11. No girls on Tinder

Good luck if you like to meet people through dating apps. Hardly any girl in Batumi uses Tinder or any similar app. Girls will find plenty guys online though. When I asked around how come I was told that it is normal to get married at an age of 22 and get kids.

12. Mom is god

Like in many cultures family is the number 1 thing that is important in life. According to Georgians, mom is God and family values are a very important thing in life. Family members always help each other out and someone always has a cousin that can solve a problem.

13. Meet the Tamada

Every meal has a toastmaster who is assigned to be the head of the table. This person called the Tamada will most likely stand up and open every meal with a toast. As a guest you don’t need to worry about being the Tamada, Georgians will surely take the lead and welcome you to their country with shots of Chacha.

14. Prepare for a Supra

An important part in Georgian culture is a Supra, a traditional Georgian feast. Everywhere you are invited they will serve you as much food as they can. Sometimes it feels a bit weird to see new servings coming when everyone is full. Supra means something like fill the tablecloth with dishes. You can ask them to stop serving food, but they won’t, it is their culture! :)

15. Georgian pizza is Khachapuri

This traditional Georgian dish is a cheese filled bread sometimes topped with an egg. It is served as a main course and extremely filling. My favorite Khachapuri is the simple one that looks like a pizza. There is a restaurant where you can make your own Khachapuri, it is in the city center and is called Grill Town. Fun for when you are asking yourself what to do in Batumi.

16. Drink Chacha

I am sure that during your trip to Batumi you will somehow stumble upon the term Chacha or even better you will taste it. This grape vodka is a clear kind of brandy that will be served before and after your meal. I can tell you it is strong!

17. Georgians like to drink

I would almost say alcohol is part of their culture. Everywhere you go you will be offered a drink or two. Chacha is the traditional drink but Georgia is the first country in the world that ever produced wine.

18. Wine culture

Internationally Georgian wine is not rated among the best in the world, but Georgia surely is a wine country. Georgians make there own wine and it is estimated that a family will produce about 200L wine per year. Airbnb’s for example often come with free wine! :)

Check out some amazingly affordable Airbnb lodging options in Batumi. Sign up for a new Airbnb account through this link and receive $40 off you first booking. If you already have an account simply sign up with a new email address. ;)

19. Georgian hangover cure

Will all that alcohol Georgians also found out what is the best remedy against a hangover: soup with Chacha! It almost made me throw up so it definitely did not work for me.

20. Cheap country to travel

If you travel to Batumi don’t expect to break the bank. Georgia is a cheap country to travel and I am sure it would be a good fit my to list of best countries to backpack the first time .

21. Prices in Batumi

For a local lunch, including a wine and a dessert expect to pay around 12-15 Lari. Taxis are incredibly cheap. For a 10-minute taxi ride you won’t pay more than 5 Lari. I took a taxi once and it was 3 Lira I gave him 10 Lari and he was over the moon. You can hire a driver for a day for around $25. He doubles as a guide and will show you the best places to see in Batumi.

22. Average income

An average income in Georgia lies somewhere between 700 and 900 Lari per month. That is a little more than $250 USD.

23. Tipping in Georgia

Service in restaurants in Batumi was overall good. Tipping is optional not standard. You can find the warm Georgian hospitality in every restaurant. Leaving a 10% tip feels more than fair!

24. Fast Wi-Fi everywhere

Almost everywhere I went in the city there is fast free Wi-Fi available. Restaurants, hotels and even ski lifts have an internet connection that is free to use.

25. Sim card for Georgia

If you travel to Batumi you can get a free sim card at the airport. At least that is what they claim. Of course nothing is free in this world. Click here for my article about the best Georgia sim card for tourists . For a couple bucks you will receive a lot of GB data so this is very much recommended. Keep those roaming costs at zero! If you are traveling onwards to Turkey these are my tips for the  best Turkey prepaid sim card  for travelers.

What to do around Batumi 

26. ski in the mountains around batumi.

With the highest peak in Europe, Mt Elbrus, only 200 kilometers away and Batumi being surrounded by mountains skiing is a popular thing to do in Batumi. When you land you can see the beach, the city and the mountains in one shot. Skiing is becoming a popular reason to travel to Batumi.

27. New ski resort in Goderdzi

Only recently they opened a new ski resort, 100 kilometers away from Batumi. Goderdzi ski resort is completely new and has some beautiful mountain lodges, empty slopes and loads of snow. A lift ticket including ski equipment rental cost about $15 per day.

Things to do in Batumi

28. take a ride with the cable car.

Definitely make sure you hop on the cable car when you visit Batumi. The ride will take you over the city and you can almost peak into peoples homes. From the top station you have incredible views over the city and its spectacular skyline. A round trip cost 10 Lari.

29. Visit Sameba

One of the coolest landmarks in Batumi is the Holy Trinity Church on top of the hill. It is a little bit of a drive uphill but the views are amazing and so is the church itself. Great spot to see the sunset!

30. Find a restaurant with Live Music

Georgians know how to sing and in some upscale restaurants you will find a singer performing. Totally worth it believe me! I can recommend going to Deliria Restaurant . Not only a super homey atmosphere and good food also a great live singing performance.

31. Go to the local market

Roaming around the local market is one of the coolest things to do in Batumi. This is a real authentic experience where locals come to buy their goods. This has nothing to do with souvenir shops or anything like in Thailand. This is a local market for fruits, meat, clothes, spices, cheese and many more things. The name is Batumis Bazari.

32. Visit the Gonio Fortress

Soak up some history at this castle just 4 kilometers from the Turkey border and only 10 minutes outside the city center of Batumi. The ruins here date back to before Christ.

33. Go to the beach

In summer Batumi is a bustling city because of its beaches. Kvariati is a good spot to go and considered one of the best beaches in Georgia. A trendy spot is Gonio where bars and clubs can be found at the beach. Iveria Beach  is another popular place to go in Batumi.

34. Ride the Ferris wheel

On the seaside next to the amazing skyline you will find the Batumi Panoramic Ferris Wheel . Definitely worth going for a ride as it hardly cost anything. One of the cooler things to do in Batumi at night as everything will lit up.

35. Have a drink in Clouds skybar

On the top floor of the Radisson Blu hotel you have the most amazing view over the city. Drinks up here are obviously more expensive but still moderate compared to Western prices.

36. See a traditional dance performance

I was really impressed witnessing a Georgian Folk Dance performance. Fast, skilled and performances that tell a story. Great show!

37. Nightlife Batumi

With a dozen casinos in the city there is always a place to go out. For the best nightclub head to Iveria Beach , Sector 21. Go to Boom Boom Beach if you are looking for a trendy bar when you visit Batumi.

38. Botanical Gardens

One of the best places to see in Batumi is the botanical garden . Away from the city in a quiet spot on the ocean. The views from the incredibly peaceful botanical gardens are incredible. Here you will also find kiwi trees and mandarin trees.

39. Storll through the City center

Batumi sightseeing starts with strolling through the city center and admiring all its churches and squares.

40. Be active

The city is developing rapidly and one of the amazing constructions is the 7-kilometer long boulevard along the beach. If you want to be active when you visit Batumi stroll along this boulevard or go for a run. This is the ultimate place to unwind when you travel to Batumi.

41. Sunset point at Liberté

At the end of the long boulevard there is a big sign saying Liberté. A great place to see the sun go down in the ocean. Surely this is one of the more romantic things to do in Batumi.

42. Rent a bike

A great way to do your Batumi sightseeing is on a bike. There are public bikes for rent across the city. All you have to do is download the app, register and for a small fee you can unlock your bike for the day.

43. Fish market

Even if you don’t like the smell of fish markets this a cool place to visit in Batumi. I am just always curious what kind of fish they locally catch, so I loved going to the fish market in Batumi .

All the fish here comes from the Black Sea. The local restaurants around are obviously a feast and Balagani fish restaurant is where I had one of the best meals in Batumi.

Totally forgot about the many waterfalls around Batumi. The Makhuntseti waterfall is the biggest and a popular tourist attraction in Batumi.

Some more random cool pictures I took on my trip to Batumi in winter 2018.

Where to stay in Batumi

Luxury: Radisson Blu , Hilton Batumi

Mid Range: Sky Tower Hotel

Budget: Hostel Everyday These are some quick Batumi accommodation recommendations, but if you want more info on where to stay in Batumi , click on the link or the picture below. In this blog post I will give you Batumi accommodation suggestions for every budget.

If you are also traveling around in Georgia I am sure you will end up in the capital as well. I explored Tbilisi in the 2 weeks I stayed there. This is my blog about Tbilisi with travel tips, phone numbers of good local tour guide and accommodation tips. Also remember the secret Georgia travel tip I gave you about a trip to Kazbegi . Click here to see this utterly stunning mountain village.

Please leave a comment and tell me if this was helpful or if you liked my photos. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me down below. And if you feel like sharing please feel free to share this article on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or Facebook. For you a small thing to do to me a huge difference. Thank you very much in advance.

Wander-Lush

35 Awesome Things to Do in Batumi, Georgia: The Ultimate Batumi Guide

Discover Batumi beyond the beach with my comprehensive city guide. Here are all the best things to do in Batumi (with a map included), plus the best Batumi restaurants , day trips and more!

The first time I visited Georgia’s Black Sea capital back in 2017, I didn’t exactly love it. When I returned and spent just over 4 months living in Batumi , the city grew on me in unexpected ways.

All the quirks and inconsistencies that baffled me the first time around are now the things I appreciate and adore. I’ve come to realise that Batumi is like several cities rolled into one; there are so many discrete pockets to discover, and only a couple of Batumi’s many faces have anything to do with sun, sand or surf.

Batumi may come off as superficial, but this city has real heart and soul .

Yes, there is a Batumi beyond the beach – that’s exactly what I want to show you with this updated Batumi blog. I hope this list of my favourite things to do in Batumi inspires you to delve beneath the surface of Georgia’s Black Sea resort city.

I’ve also included travel tips and a list of my favourite Batumi restaurants. Enjoy!

Essential reading for Georgia: – My Georgia travel guide – The best Georgia itinerary for 1-4 weeks – 35+ best places to visit in Georgia this year – What to pack for Georgia – 12 things you should know before you visit the Caucasus – Things to do in Tbilisi + Tbilisi day trips

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Is Batumi worth visiting?

Should you include Batumi on your Caucasus itinerary ? It’s a fair question, and one I get asked a lot.

Batumi is usually associated with three things: Beach, bikinis and booze. If that’s not your scene, it’s tempting to skip Batumi altogether.

I do think there’s something nourishing and rejuvenating about being by the water (even if it is a rocky beach you have to contend with).

I still remember arriving in Batumi for the first time by marshrutka from Kutaisi and rounding that last wooded hill to get my first glimpse of the Black Sea laid out like a blue satin tablecloth over the tops of the poplar trees. You have to admit it’s a pretty spectacular scene.

During Soviet times, Batumi was a popular summer retreat. Nowadays, it’s an important port. The city still has that seaside resort vibe and the summer crowds to back it up, but there’s another side to Batumi that I really wish more travellers took the time to experience.

Batumi is the capital of Adjara , an autonomous region with its own flag, its own dialect (which borrows some words from Turkish), and its own delicious, indulgent cuisine .

Adjara’s black-sand coastline, super-lush interior highlands and warm, humid climate sets it apart from other parts of Georgia. The history, culture and religious composition of the region is also very unique.

Beyond the beach, Batumi offers bizarre architecture , beautiful nature , an excellent cafe culture , vibrant markets , street art , and much more.

Outside the city, you’ll find everything from Roman ruins to one of the region’s biggest botanical gardens and easy hikes in some of Georgia’s best national parks (including the country’s first Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands). Many of these spots can easily be visited on a day trip from Batumi .

Where to stay in Batumi

Batumi is quite spread out, but it’s very easy to get around either by foot, bicycle or bus. The inner city is the best area to stay in Batumi – personally, I like the neighbourhood behind 6 May Park (this is where we lived).

Seaside Zone and Batumi Old Town are more lively and can be more expensive. You can also find some nice accommodations further south along the beach in the newer part of the city, New Boulevard.

Top choice: Kartuli Hotel (⭐ 9.1) – There’s one Batumi hotel I recommend above all others, and that’s Kartuli . Located on the 37th and 38th floors of the Orbi Beach Tower, this is a boutique-on-a-budget property with a flawless design (think street art murals and indoor hammocks) and a cool vibe. Best of all, every room has spectacular sea views.

Rates are extremely reasonable and include an excellent breakfast plus access to the hotel’s common spaces. This is truly one of Georgia’s best hotels.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com or read my full review of Kartuli .

Boutique hotel in the city centre: Mariinsky Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.0) – Mariinsky is a cute apartment-hotel with rooms that sleep up to six people. Suites are spacious, bathrooms modern, and the rooftop terrace is outstanding. The location three blocks back from the Boulevard, close to Batumi Old Town, is perfect for getting around on foot. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Self-contained apartment: Banana Apartments (⭐ 9.7) – Banana Apartments is located in my favourite Batumi neighbourhood, walking distance from great cafes and restaurants, grocery shops, and the boulevard. They offer three stylish, self-contained studio flats that sleep up to three people. Each one has a full kitchen and water views. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Luxury hotel: Radisson Blu (⭐ 8.5) – Just footsteps from both the main part of the boulevard and Batumi Old Town, the Radisson Blu has an unbeatable location. Rooms are big an elegantly furnished with spectacular water views. They also have a big outdoor pool, a spa, sky bar, and best of all an outstanding buffet breakfast. Check prices and availability on Booking.com or read my full review .

Budget: Hostel 47 (⭐ 9.8) – Popular Hostel 47 is located near the museum, walking distance from both the beach and the Old Town. There are three dorms to choose from (mixed or female-only) plus a shared kitchen-laundry and several outdoor common spaces. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

• For more options, check out my recommendations for the best guesthouses in Batumi and around Georgia .

35 awesome things to do in Batumi

There’s a lot to do in Batumi! For ease, I’ve divided this Batumi Guide into four parts:

• Overall best things to do in Batumi
• Things to do in Batumi when it rains
• Things to do around Batumi (Batumi day trips)

Things to do in Batumi at night

At the end, you’ll find a link to the Batumi map I created, recommended Batumi restaurants , plus more handy Batumi travel tips .

Overall best things to do in Batumi: Batumi highlights

As much as I love Batumi Beach – especially its sculptural outdoor showers and bright-red shacks – there’s so much more to Batumi.

Let’s start with the best overall things to do in Batumi beyond the beach.

1. Bike or walk along Batumi Boulevard

Batumi Boulevard is the city’s pride and joy. Laid out in 1884 and stretching for 7 kilometres along the seafront, it’s one of the oldest parts of Batumi and one of the largest parks of its kind in Europe.

The Boulevard area comprises a series of walking and cycling paths that thread their way through manicured gardens, past recreation zones and clusters of cafes. The wide Seafront Promenade hugs the Black Sea shoreline all the way from the lighthouse and port to the bottom of Lech and Maria Kachinsky Park.

When Batumi was part of Imperial Russia, the Boulevard was the spot to promenade with your parasole. During the 1990s, families gravitated to the Boulevard to escape the difficulties of daily life. Today, this is the place where all of Batumi comes to exercise, socialise and play.

The best way to explore Batumi Boulevard is to either walk from end to end, or to hire a bike from one of the vendors in the park and cycle (bike hire costs 5-8 GEL per hour). Electric scooters are also available. I recommend visiting in the early evening when the area is teaming with families and young couples. The vibe is wonderful.

Here are a couple of things to see as you make your way along Batumi Boulevard:

• Sculptures: There are dozens of sculptures scattered along the seafront, many of them romance-themed. The most famous Batumi sculpture, ‘Ali & Nino’, is an attraction in itself and features later on the list. Of all the weird sculptures and selfie spots, ‘Flip-flops on Eggs’ is probably my favourite!
• Batumi Octopus: Built in 1975 by architect: George Chakhava and mosaic artist Zurab Kapanadze, this massive three-dimensional Soviet-style mosaic sculpture has a cafe inside (formerly known as Cafe Fantasia). Locals call it ‘Octopus’ for obvious reasons. It was recently restored. You can find it here on the promenade in front of the Hilton.
• Japanese Garden : Just north of Octopus, in front of Batumi State University, there’s a beautiful pocket of Japanese-style garden replete with torii gate, red bridge, toro stone lanterns and maple trees.

• Batumi Summer Theatre: This is one of the most distinctive buildings on the Boulevard. The massive wooden structure is a replica of the old theatre that was built in 1949 and destroyed by fire in the 1990s. Shows take place in the summer months; times can be found here .
• Batumi Lighthouse: Located at the very end of the Boulevard in Miracle Park, this is one of the last relics of Batumi history in an area dominated by new buildings. A lighthouse has stood here since 1863. This latest iteration was constructed in 1882 and is a replica of the lighthouse in Sokhumi in occupied Abkhazia. (On a clear day, you can see the coast of Abkhazia when you’re standing on the waterfront near the lighthouse.)

There’s lots more to see around Miracle Park – I’ll cover a few more attractions in detail later.

2. Go for a stroll in the Batumi Botanical Garden

One of the largest botanical gardens in the region, this is a must-visit in Batumi. Inside the garden, you’ll find walking and hiking trails plus a series of panoramic viewpoints .

Batumi Botanical Garden was established in 1912 and was the most important facility of its kind in the Soviet Union. The location, an area known as Mtsvane Kontskhi (‘Green Cape’), is 12 kilometres north of the city centre and easily accessible by bus or taxi.

The gardens are set on a steep rise so be prepared for a lot of uphill walking – you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Black Sea once you get to the top. You can take an electric car to the end and walk back down if you choose.

The whole area is extremely lush and cool in summer, making it a great place to escape the heat of the beach.

• Read my guide to visiting Batumi Botanical Garden , including the best hiking trails and photo spots.

3. Join a walking tour to learn about Batumi’s past

One of the best ways to discover Batumi beyond its beach image is to learn a bit about the city’s history. For that, I highly recommend joining a walking tour.

Walking tours of Batumi combine old and new to give you a picture of how the city has evolved over the years. Having a local to feed you tidbits of information and answer your questions is really invaluable. I gained so much knowledge and perspective on our Batumi walking tour, it was one of the deciding factors that made me fall in love with the city.

This 3-hour walk provides a good overview of the inner city and is available year-round. Alternatively, local tour companies To Georgia and Budget Georgia organise evening walking tours during the summer high season. Check their Facebook pages for more details.

• Related: The best walking tours in Tbilisi .

4. Step back in time in Batumi Old Town

There’s nothing I love more than wandering around a picturesque old town with my camera. Batumi Old Town isn’t as big or atmospheric as Tbilisi’s, but there’s still some wonderful gems to be found.

The core of the Old Town is located at the eastern end of the city, between the port and leafy Gamsakhurdia Street (formerly Mariinsky Avenue, established in 1911) – you can identify it as the lemon-shaded area on Google Maps.

The cobbled streets running east-west are rich with Art Nouveau facades , Art Deco corner buildings and magnificent old houses with carved wooden doors and wrought iron balconies. Heritage architecture stretches all the way back to 6 May Park, so it’s worth walking down these streets as well.

Most of the buildings in the Old Town date to the end of the 19th century, but some look a lot older. As you walk, keep an eye out for the information panels that reveal black-and-white photographs of what some of the buildings and streets looked like at the turn of the century.

Here are a few highlights of Batumi Old Town:

• Apollo Theatre: This Art Nouveau building is probably Batumi’s most distinctive facade. Along with the Mon Plaisir in Kutaisi , the original Apollo was destroyed during Soviet times and later rebuilt (it still functions as a cinema house, more on that later). Just opposite, you’ll see another famous Batumi building, an apartment block nicknamed ‘Stalin’s House’ .
• Hotel O. Galogre: This grand corner building looks old, but it was actually finished in 2000! The local businessman behind it recently passed away so the fate of the hotel is up in the air.

• Inaishvili Residence: Built by a merchant in 1904, this is a typical example of a heritage Georgian interior – the likes of which you see all over Tbilisi’s Chugureti and Sololaki neighbourhoods . I didn’t get to visit the house myself, but there are some great photos of the frescoes here .
• Europe Square: Batumi’s biggest piazza is fringed by a strange blend of architectural styles. Because many of the newer buildings are done in the ‘Belle Époque’ style, it’s difficult to differentiate between old and new. But many of the facades around the square have been here for decades, most notably the old Post Office.

You can cover the entire Old Town at a slow pace in about an hour.

5. Gawk at Batumi’s wild modern architecture

The ostentatious buildings along Batumi’s waterfront are a complete juxtaposition to the classical facades in the Old Town. The strange silhouette of Batumi’s skyline is one of the reasons it’s been nicknamed ‘the Las Vegas of the Caucasus’.

In the 19th century, Batumi’s architects and benefactors took their cues from the West when moulding their city into a picture of European elegance. Fast forward to a future where city planners have let their imaginations run wild, and every building is a whacky utopian feat of glass and steel.

Modern civic buildings and highrise apartments range from the artful to the downright bizarre. Here are a couple of the most iconic Batumi buildings you need to see to believe:

• Alphabetic Tower: Probably the single strangest piece of Batumi architecture, Alphabetic Tower is a monument to the Georgian language. Characters from the alphabet wrap around the scaffold-like structure, culminating in a giant metallic orb. An elevator runs up the middle of the tower and there’s an observation deck at the top.
• Batumi Tower: At 35-storeys high, this is Batumi’s tallest building. It’s immediately recognisable because of the small gold-coloured Ferris Wheel embedded in the upper level (yep, really!). Batumi Tower was built under President Saakashvili and was supposed to house Batumi’s Technical University, but the plan never eventuated. The tower was recently purchased by private investors who want to turn it into a hotel.
• Chacha Tower: Another dream project that never became a reality, Chacha Tower was supposed to be one of Batumi’s biggest tourist attractions. The idea was to distribute free chacha (hard liquor) from four fountains at the tower’s base for an hour every week. For obvious reasons, it never really took off. Chacha Tower now sits dormant in Miracle Park.

• Batumi Piazza: This square was built in the image of an Italian piazza. Cafes and restaurants surround a central marble floor mosaic, one of the largest in Europe.
• Batumi Public Service Hall: In the early 2010s, Public Service Halls (or Houses of Justice) were built in all major cities across Georgia to streamline government services and increase transparency. Each one is completely distinct – Tbilisi’s ‘mushroom building’ is probably the most famous. Batumi’s Hall is a tall cylindrical building that was designed by Italian architect Michele de Lucchi.
• Batumi McDonald’s: Even the local McDonald’s is a display of architectural prowess! The restaurant at 9 Sherif Khimshiashvili Street was designed by Georgian architect Giorgi Khmaladze and is well regarded for its unusual shape and use of space. It looks a bit like a spaceship.

One of the most iconic buildings near Batumi is down the coast at the Sarpi Checkpoint . To see it, you need to take a bus or cycle down to the Turkish border (more on that later!).

6. Hunt down the best Batumi street art

From large-scale panoramas (including the single biggest mural in the country) right down to petite and difficult-to-spot gems, Batumi has some really amazing street art. Some are by local artists who take take their cues from the sea or Adjarian culture, while others have been painted by international artists from Iran, France and beyond.

The street art scene is one of the things that surprised me most about Batumi. You can find lots of murals in the Old Town and in the suburban streets around 6 May Park.

• Check out my Batumi street art guide and map .

7. Track down Batumi’s Soviet mosaics

If you’re into your Soviet-style mosaics and friezes, Batumi has a couple of notable examples that are worth tracking down.

Personally, I love the symbolism and craftsmanship behind these mosaics, even if they were created at a point in the country’s history many people would rather forget. A lot of Georgia’s mosaics are in disrepair or have vanished completely, prompting local initiatives such as Soviet Mosaics in Georgia to document and preserve them before it’s too late.

The most famous mosaic in Batumi is located outside the Dolphinarium . (As a side note, I advise against visiting the Dolphinarium. Later on, I’ll show you where to see wild dolphins in Batumi.)

Completed in 1974 by Georgian artists Zaur Tsuladze and Vaja Bjalava, the mosaic depicts a pod of dolphins and bikini-clad swimmers swirling around on one side, and a spiritual figure surrounded by several dolphins on the reverse.

There are two more examples of Soviet-style decoration that caught my eye. One is the pastel-coloured frieze around the doorway of the Batumi-Sochi high speed ferry passenger terminal near the Batumi Marina (above right). It shows sailing ships, ferries and aquatic motifs, with Poseidon in the centre.

The second one is a series of allegorical friezes (including Jason and the Golden Fleece) decorated with Georgian script (above left). It’s located near Rhino Coffee on Abashidze Avenue.

8. Indulge in Adjarian cuisine

One of the best things about spending time in Batumi is getting to try Adjarian cuisine. Like all regions of Georgia, Adjara has a number of unique dishes that are considered local specialities and traditionally prepared with local produce. In green, pastoral Adjara, dairy products are especially popular. I hope you like cheese!

Here are a few Adjarian foods that should be on your radar:

• Adjarian Khachapuri: The most famous version of Georgia’s khachapuri ‘cheese bread’, the boat-shaped Adjaruli Khachapuri has its roots in Adjara. Extremely decadent and rich, it’s served with molten cheese, melted butter and an oozing egg on top.
• Sinori: This dish consists of sheets of thin lavash bread combined with cottage cheese and butter. Pleated and arranged in upright scrolls before being baked, it presents wonderfully and tastes even better.
• Achma: Another type of khachapuri, Achma is local to Adjara and Abkhazia. It’s similar to Sinori but instead of sitting upright, the layers of dough are arranged like a lasagna. The crust is crispy and the inside is buttery and soft. Yum.

• Borano: My favourite thing to eat in Batumi is Borano , AKA Georgian fondue. Local to Adjara, this is a side dish made by combining local soft cheese ( Sulguni ) with hot butter so that it melts and stretches. Newer recipes combine the cheese with eggs, corn flour or potato to make the Borano a little lighter (I love the potato version).
• Iakhni: Similar to Kharcho , iakhni is a beef stew that uses nuts and spices to create a rich, thick sauce. It’s served in many Batumi restaurants but is traditionally eaten up the coast in the town of Kobuleti .
• Chirbuli: This breakfast dish reminds me of Turkish Menemen or Arabic Baid Tamat . It’s essentially eggs (either scrambled or sunny side up) smothered in a spicy sauce made with walnuts, tomatoes and herbs.
• Malakhto: The Adjarian version of Lobio is made from mashed red kidney beans combined with walnuts, spices and Isrimi , a sauce made from green grape juice.

My favourite restaurants in Batumi for traditional Adjarian food are:

• Laguna: Hands down the best Khachapuri Adjaruli in Batumi. There are a couple of different sizes and versions on this cafe’s menu, including one with less bread for the carb conscious!
• Retro: Another popular place for eating Khachapuri Adjaruli. Retro has several branches in Batumi and a restaurant in Tbilisi .
• BatuMarani: 90% of this restaurant’s menu is made up of Adjarian specialties prepared according to family recipes sourced from the villages around Batumi. You can try all the dishes mentioned above at BatuMarani – plus many more. As an added bonus, the decor here is really lovely and staff are extremely friendly.
• Cafe Adjara: The lunch set at this Old Town restaurant features small portions of six different Adjarian dishes, including Malakhto, Dolma, veal stew and Sinori.

Look out for more Batumi restaurant recommendations later!

9. Order the catch of the day at the Batumi Fish Market

There’s one more Adjarian specialty I forgot to mention: Seafood. Being right on the water, fish is a huge part of the diet here – and the fresher it is, the better.

A unique Batumi experience that’s beloved by locals is to pay a visit to the Batumi Fish Market. Here’s how it works: First, you enter the market part, a small room crowded with displays of brightly coloured sea fish, crabs and other goodies fresh off the trawlers out back. Pick whatever takes your fancy (red mullet is a popular choice) and take it to be scaled and cleaned.

Then it’s time to head next door to the restaurant section. Hand over your shopping bag to the chefs and they will fry it up for you while you wait. Sit down at one of the picnic tables and enjoy! It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

If the process sounds too overwhelming, browse the market then head out back to one of the restaurants on the waterfront, where you can order the same fish from an a-la-carte menu. Our favourite is Fishlandia (their garlic sauce is terrific).

Batumi Fish Market is located past the port, roughly 2.5 kilometres from the Old Town and Boulevard on the way to the Botanical Garden. You can get there by taking any of the Botanical Garden buses or a Bolt taxi. It’s open daily from 10am until 10pm.

10. Eat the best khinkali in Batumi at Khinkali Ludi

I’m giving this restaurant a special mention because it’s so unique and completely un-touristy. I spotted it from the bus window one day and decided to come back for a look – I’m so glad I did! The couple who run this place are incredibly kind, and the food is delicious. These are by far the best khinkali in Batumi!

There’s no menu, and staff don’t speak much English. But that’s OK, ordering is easy – just ask for a plate of Khinkali Kalakuri (pork and beef dumplings). I suggest 3-4 per person.

The dumplings are enormous and unlike any khinkali I’ve eaten anywhere else in Georgia (and trust me, I’ve tried a lot). The roughly shaped, perfectly-thin and flavoursome dough tells me they’re 100% handmade. The filling is almost equal parts herbs and minced meat, which is different to how kalakuri are usually made. In addition, they’re very spicy, with visible flecks of fresh and dried chilli.

They’re not as soupy as usual, hence why everyone eats them on their plate with a fork – totally unheard of in Georgia! We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw people cutting into their khinkali instead of grabbing them, but that’s the way it’s done here, and it works.

The restaurant only has six tables and as far as we could tell, it doesn’t have a name (ხინკალი ლუდი, ‘Khinkali Ludi’ is the name on the window and it means ‘Khinkali Beer’). You can find it behind Batumi Plaza (see my map for the exact location). Dumplings cost around 75 tetri each.

11. Browse the wonderful Batumi Market

One of my favourite things to do in Batumi is walk through the agricultural market (Batumi Bazaar). Like the Green Bazaar in Kutaisi and the Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi , the vibrant display of fresh produce, nuts, cheese and dried fruits is a window onto the area’s culinary culture .

The Batumi Central Market is mainly indoors, occupying a huge, light-filled warehouse. There are two levels: Downstairs is the fresh fruit and veg section with the butchers out back. Upstairs is for preserves, honey and churchkhela , with a separate cheese section and a small area for ground flour. You can also find loose leaf tobacco and locally grown tea leaves, and lots and lots of coffee and spices. 

Unlike other markets I’ve visited in Georgia, this one is extremely well organised and sparkling clean. Each produce section has its own marked area with a gorgeous hand-painted sign hanging above the row of stalls. You can also find interesting allegorical murals on some of the walls.

Stores continue outside and into the streets beyond, but the main part of the market is located behind the freight railway station, just up the road from the Bus Station, roughly 2 kilometres from the Old Town. To get there, take circle bus 1a from the Old Town or bus #12 from Chavchavadze Street.

12. Find ‘Laundry Lane’

You never quite know what to expect from Batumi weather, thus every spec of sunshine is something to be cherished. Torrential rain can last for days on end, so when the sun finally comes out, so does the laundry!

Every apartment block and alleyway throughout the city is strung with washing lines. There’s one particular spot where the laundry is laid on thick – to my eye, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in Batumi.

The apartment block in question, which I’ve nicknamed ‘Laundry Lane’, is located on Melikishvili Street. You can see the exact location on the map at the end of the post.

When photographing laundry and street scenes in Batumi or anywhere else in Georgia, just be mindful that people do live in these apartments.

13. Grab a cold glass of kvasi from a street vendor

You know it’s summertime in Batumi when the kvasi (kvass) vendors start popping up. Kvass is a fermented beverage made from brown bread. It has a very minimal alcoholic content and a fruity, refreshing taste. Think of it as Georgia’s answer to kombucha.

It’s a popular drink throughout Russia, Ukraine and the Baltics – and apparently in Batumi, too. It’s sold all over Georgia, but Batumi takes it to the next level. The cool thing is the way it’s served on-tap from bright yellow ‘tanks’ parked on every other street corner. I saw some photos online of kvass vendors in Estonia in the 1970s – not a whole lot has changed!

People flock to these fill-up points bearing empty bottles. You can also buy kvass by the glass for 25 tetri or so. I quite like the taste. Throwing back a cold, foamy glass of kvass is a bit of a Batumi institution.

Other Batumi snacks I swear by are:

• Adjarian baklava from Baklava House or Koklozina Adjarian Sweets
• Ice cream from Luca Polare
• Sweets from Dona Bakery (the best cake shop in town)

14. Ride the Argo Cable Car for a view

There are lots of vantage points around Batumi for a view of the city skyline, including from the top of Chacha Tower. In the eastern suburbs there are two small mountains that both offer amazing vistas. The first, Anuria mountain , is accessible by cableway.

As I’m sure you know, Georgia loves a good cableway. You can find cable cars everywhere, from the Soviet-era ‘steel coffins’ in Chiatura to the popular tourist ropeways in Tbilisi. Batumi’s Argo Cablecar was built to connect the port area with a mountaintop entertainment complex in 2013. It soars 250 metres above the city, offering magnificent views of the Black Sea.

The Batumi cable car is open year-round from 10am-9pm on weekdays and 11am-9pm on weekends. The bottom station is located on the waterfront, 650 metres from Miracle Park.

Return ticket prices fluctuate between 15 and 30 GEL per person depending on the season. I’ve found a couple of budget-friendly alternatives to the cable car that offer even better views – keep reading for more details.

15. Visit Batumi Sameba Church for an even better view

Personally, I think the views from Batumi Sameba Church (AKA Holy Trinity Cathedral) are even better than those from the Argo Cable Car. Plus it’s also a lot quieter and completely free to visit. I recommend taking a car up then walking back down.

Georgia is famous for its majestic mountain churches (including Gergeti Trinity ), and Batumi Sameba is one more to be counted among the most spectacular in the country. The church is located atop the opposing Trinity mountain . Its sand-coloured stone walls and glimmering domes can be seen from the port.

A church has been located on this site since the mid-19th century, but the building you see today was finished in 2002. The grounds also contain a nunnery and a large viewing platform that looks out in the direction of the Black Sea.

The church is open from 10am until 6pm in summer and closes early in winter. After hours, the complex is gated off – something we found out the hard way after showing up for sunset one night!

The nicest part about visiting the church, however, is walking back down the mountain. You pass through a series of pretty villages with panoramic views of Batumi’s skyline visible through the trees the whole way down. The walk is about 6 kilometres and took us roughly 2 hours when we did.

A Bolt taxi up to the church costs 7 GEL and takes around 30 minutes.

What to do in Batumi when it rains

Heavy rain and spontaneous thunderstorms are not unusual in Batumi (winter snow is also a thing!), so it’s a good idea to keep a few indoor activities up your sleeve.

While you can enjoy these next Batumi attractions in any weather, they’re especially well-suited to rainy days.

16. Bask in Batumi’s cafe culture

Turkish-style coffee is very popular in Batumi and this is what you’ll see most people sipping at street-side cafes. You’ll also see ‘sand coffee’ , coffee that’s brewed by heating the pot over a bed of hot beach sand.

In summertime, iced coffee with vanilla ice cream is the beverage of choice in Batumi. Privet iz Batuma and Shemoikhede Genatsvale both serve awesome iced coffees in tall glasses.

Batumi doesn’t have quite as many specialty cafes as Tbilisi, but a specialty coffee scene is definitely developing here. On a rainy day (or indeed a stifling hot day), nothing beats chilling out at a cafe for a couple of hours with a good book or your laptop for company.

My favourite Batumi cafes are:

• Rhino Coffee: Batumi’s first specialty coffee shop, Rhino roast their own beans and sell branded grounds as well as Italian-style coffee and bakery treats.
• Coffeetopia: This cafe has an incredible plasterwork interior that’s reminiscent of Cafe Leila in Tbilisi. Interestingly, a few scenes from the Soviet-Georgian film Love and Pigeons were shot here. Prices are quite high, but the quality of the coffee is pretty good.
• Erti Kava: One of Tbilisi’s best specialty cafes , Erti Kava opened a branch in Batumi Old Town in June 2020.
• Blue Elephant: This popular cafe serves great coffee and an all-day breakfast.
• Freeduchio: Decorated with colourful Frida Kahlo murals, Freeduchio has a cosy sitting room and a small footpath terrace where you can enjoy excellent coffee and light, healthy meals.
• Greejeen Coffee: Greejeen is a new specialty coffee house near the piazza, serving Shavi Coffee Roasters beans and delicious house-made cakes.

Leuville is another Batumi cafe with a beautiful interior, but I think it’s a bit overpriced and I didn’t like the taste of the coffee very much.

17. Visit a museum or gallery

There are several cultural institutions in Batumi that are perfect for whiling away a rainy afternoon. My favourite is the Batumi Archaeological Museum on Chavchavadze Street.

Spread over two levels, the museum exhibits artefacts uncovered on digs around Adjara, mainly from the Pichvanri Greek necropolis. These range from painted pottery to coins and gold jewellery, some of which has been dated to the 5th century BC. The collection of clay amphora and qvevri is particularly impressive. A lot of the signage is in English and staff are very helpful.

The Archaeological Museum is open daily (except Mondays) from 10am to 6pm. Entrance costs 6 GEL. More information here .

Other museums in Batumi worth visiting include:

• Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum: Located in the north of the city just past the railway station, this small museum documents interesting chapters of Batumi’s history – with a focus on the oil industry, printing and photography – through archival photos and documents. Highly recommended if you want to learn more about the legacy of the Nobel Brothers, the Rotschilds and Alexander Mantashev. More info here .
• The Museum of Adjara: Housed inside a beautiful heritage building from 1883, Adjara’s flagship museum reveals the history of the region through artefacts and displays arranged over two floors. More info here .
• The Museum of Art: Established in 1995, this small art gallery displays works by prominent Georgian painters including Niko Pirosmani and Lado Gudiashvili. More info here .
• Ethnographic Museum Borjgalo: This incredible museum is the work of one man, Kemal Turmanidze, who has made it his mission to preserve and showcase Adjarian culture. Immersive exhibits showcase woodcarving, costume and traditional dwellings. This museum is a great choice for families with kids. It’s located in the south of Batumi, on the way to Machakhela/Upper Adjara. More info here .

18. Visit the Orta Jame, Batumi’s last mosque

Around 30-40% of Adjarians follow Islam. Along with Pankisi Valley in Kakheti , Batumi is one of the few places in Georgia where you can hear the call to prayer humming over the rooftops.

Orta Jame, also referred to as Batumi Central Mosque , is the city’s only active mosque. The name means ‘Middle Mosque’ and comes from the fact that it used to be one of three. The white minaret towers above the Old Town and can be seen from any of the cobbled streets near the port, and the courtyard contains an interesting Shadirvan ablution fountain.

The Orta Mosque was built in 1866 and adorned with decorations fashioned by local craftsmen. It functioned as a house of prayer until 1935 when it was seized and turned into a military depot. In 1946, the mosque returned to its original function.

Visitors are welcome to go inside the mosque outside of prayer times. I highly recommend stopping off to see the interior, which features wood carvings and brightly coloured plasterwork.

Worshippers have been petitioning for years to expand the mosque or build a second one to accommodate more people, but their request is yet to be granted. The Orta Jame recently reopened after extensive renovations and today it looks even more vivid and impressive than in the photos above.

19. Pop into the Batumi Cathedral & Batumi Synagogue

Batumi’s biggest Orthodox Church, the Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral , is an imposing Gothic Revival church on the western fringe of the Old Town.

Built in 1897 with donations from the Zubalashvili brothers – a pair of wealthy merchants who financed dozens of hotels, shelters and public libraries around Georgia – it was originally used as a Catholic church. In the Soviet era, it was closed and used as a power station before being consecrated as an Orthodox church in 1989. Many of the frescoes that were destroyed through this process are now being restored.

The three-domed facade of the church is very distinct, as is the interior. If the gates are open, it’s worthwhile stepping inside for a quick look.

Also worth seeing is the Batumi Synagogue . Its history dates back to 1899 when the city’s Jewish population were given special permission by the Russian Emperor to build a house of worship.

Designed by Semyon Volkovich and completed in 1904, the massive building bares a resemblance to other Georgian synagogues in Oni and Kutaisi , but with a distinctive white-washed facade. The blue-and-white interior is minimal and very befitting of its seaside location.

The Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, a Roman Catholic Church, Orta Jame mosque and the Batumi Synagogue are all located within a few blocks of each other – something I’m told Batumi prides itself on as a mark of diversity and religious tolerance.

20. Shop for local souvenirs

If you want to pick up a special something to remember your time in Batumi, the city has a few boutiques and shops selling locally made products.

For the foodies, Agromania has a great range of wines, chacha and liqueurs plus locally grown Georgian tea, tangerine products, honey, artisanal cheeses, and more. They also sell hand-felted slippers by social enterprise My Sisters.

See what second-hand treasures you can turn up at Antiques in Batumi , and shop local fashion designers at Yuliko & Friends .

For traditional Georgian handicrafts such as lurji supra blue tablecloths, enamel and ceramics, I recommend saving your shopping for Tbilisi’s boutiques .

21. Watch a movie at the Apollo Cinema

As well as being one of Batumi’s most striking facades, the Apollo is the city’s only working cinema. The theatres are managed by Kinoafisha, and screenings are in Georgian, Russian and English. Check session times here .

Things to do around Batumi

Batumi is a terrific base for exploring Adjara, one of my favourite regions of Georgia. Once you’re done with the top city sights, these half-day excursions or full day trips from Batumi will show you the best the area has to offer.

• View a full list of the top 10 Batumi day trips (with detailed transport directions)

22. Explore Gonio Apsaros Fortress & Petra Fortress

One of the easiest side trips from Batumi is Gonio Apsaros Fortress. It’s located just 12 kilometres south of the city along the coast.

Gonio Apsaros is a well-preserved Roman fortification that dates back to the 1st century AD. A walk around the walled grounds reveals ruins from different epochs and a number of important burial sites. It only takes a hour or so to explore the fortress so it’s a good idea to combine it with a visit to Gonio Beach (a nice swimming beach in front of the castle), lunch at one of the seafood restaurants in town, or the hike up to Gonio Cross (more on that in a moment).

To get to Gonio, you can either join a guided excursion from the city , take local bus #16 or a taxi, or rent a bike and cycle down like we did. Entrance costs 5 GEL.

Petra Fortress is located in the opposite direction on the coast between Batumi Botanical Garden and Kobuleti . It’s not as well-known or popular as Gonio, but it’s still worth a visit, especially if you’re passing through on your way to Ureki. The popular Tsikhisdziri ‘Hidden Beach’ is located nearby.

Petra was constructed in the year 535 and is thought to be one of the castles mentioned in Shota Rustaveli’s epic poem The Knight in Panther’s Skin . The surrounding terraced gardens – the remains of a limonarium – look incredible from afar; on the ground, there are shaded walking paths leading you between the remains of a citadel, baths, farmhouses and soldiers’ barracks. Majestic sea views are available at every turn. Entrance costs 5 GEL.

23. Visit a nearby National Park

There are several national parks in Adjara region and neighbouring Guria that can be visited from Batumi in a day, including the four parks that make up Georgia’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site . All offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking and water activities.

The most popular national park near Batumi is Mtirala National Park . Located 30 kilometres north-east of the city, it’s known for its dense forests and mountain streams that are criss-crossed with picturesque rope bridges. There is a visitor’s centre in Chakvi village where you can find more information about trails and accommodation.

There are regular minibuses to Mtirala from Batumi (more information here ), or you can join a tour like this one , which combines a visit to the Botanical Garden along the way.

Kintrishi Nature Reserve is nestled further inland behind Mtirala National Park. The park is at a higher elevation than Mtirala so more dramatic mountains and ravines define the landscape here. Highlights include colourful rhododendron bushes, a series of pretty stone Tamari bridges and the gorgeous alpine Tbikeli Lake at the northern edge of the park, which can be accessed on a full-day 24km hike. Kintrishi is more remote so it’s advisable to take your own car.

In contrast to the highland parks, Kobuleti Nature Reserve is located close to the coast and is known for its marshy wetlands, sphagnum moss and nesting birds. There are boardwalk tracks, short hiking paths and a lookout tower you can use to navigate around the park. It’s easy to reach from Batumi in under an hour – first, take a north-bound van to Kobuleti then use public bus #1 to travel up to the entrance.

Kolkheti National Park , located 70 kilometres north of Batumi near the charming port city of Poti , boasts a huge wetland area and shimmering lake. Best explored by boat, it has been given the nickname ‘Georgia’s Amazon’ because of its thick forests and meandering waterways. It’s a bit tricker to access without a car, so I recommend joining a guided tour with transfers to and from the city ( this one includes kayaking on the smaller Okros Tba lake plus a spot of cycling).

My favourite national park in Adjara – one of the most unique landscapes in all of Georgia – is Machakhela National Park . This area along the Turkish border contains pockets of primary Colchis forest that provide a perfect backdrop to hiking trails and a very unique mountain culture. Villages along the valley have a fascinating history and heritage of flint gunmaking, and there’s an ethnographic museum and various craft workshops located within the park. 

We recently explored the area by scooter – it was one Batumi day trip I’ll never forget.

• Here’s my guide to visiting Machakhela National Park from Batumi .

24. Swim in Makhuntseti & Mirveti waterfalls

Nothing beats cooling off in an icy mountain spring on a hot Batumi day. Makhuntseti and Mirveti waterfalls are located south-east of Batumi, above Machakhela National Park. If you have your own wheels, you can visit both in an afternoon and see the nearby stone Tamari bridges at the same time.

In the summer months, Budget Georgia organises small group tours to the waterfalls for a reasonable price.

25. Hike to Gonio Cross for a panoramic sunset view

The best hike near Batumi is just down the coast above the town of Gonio and Gonio Apsaros Fortress.

Gonio Cross marks the site of a future Orthodox church high in the hills above the coast. There’s a road leading to the lookout point, but it’s much more fun to walk up via the small villages and forest paths. Sunset overlooking the sea from the viewing platform is nothing short of spectacular.

• Here’s my complete guide to the Gonio Cross trail , with a map and directions.

26. Go for a swim on the magnetic beach at Shekvetili

Batumi Beach isn’t the best beach for swimming – instead, you’ll want to head up or down the coast to one of the smaller towns. Kobuleti is a popular choice, but nothing beats the black sand beaches at Shekvetili and Ureki in neighbouring Guria region .

While most beaches around Batumi are pebble beaches, Shekvetili has a coarse black sand. It has magnetic properties which are said to have various healing properties. Also, the striking black sand looks great in photos!

To get to Ureki/Shekvetili from Batumi, you can either travel by marshrutka or by train. Vans depart from Batumi Bus Terminal regularly throughout the day. The 60 kilometre journey takes just over an hour.

Other things to see in Shekvetili include the Dendrological Park and the Miniature Park.

27. Pop down to Sarpi for a peek at Turkey

The Georgian border is only 20 kilometres south of Batumi, so if you fancy a view of Turkey , you can pop down to the last town on the Georgian side, Sarpi, for a look.

This is where you’ll find the Sarpi Checkpoint, one of Batumi’s most recognisable pieces of architecture.

I hired a bicycle and rode all the way down to the border. There is lots to see along the way. Another option is to public bus #14, which will take you from the city centre all the way to the border for the low price of 30 tetri (or around 80 tetri if you pay with an international debit card – coins are no longer accepted).

• Read my guide to cycling from Batumi to Sarpi via Gonio.

28. Drink Chkhaveri at a winery near Batumi

If you’re looking for a Batumi day trip that’s less active and more culture-focused, there are plenty of wineries and family vineyards to check out outside the city. Upper Adjara’s Wine Route winds through the mountains The thing to try here is Chkhaveri , a special regional rose made from local grapes.

Adjarian Wine House is a very popular restaurant, cellar and wedding venue 15 minutes’ from the city. But it’s quite commercial and has mixed reviews – which is why I suggest visiting a small family winery instead.

My top pick is Beridze Wine Cellar , located 20 minutes from Batumi in Makhinjauri. As well as Chkhaveri, winemaker Zaira uses Kvevari, Usakhelouri and other grapes to make natural wines. The family offers wine tastings on demand, Georgian cooking masterclasses, and sit-down supra-style lunches. Contact Zaira through Instagram or by phone to arrange a visit.

Other wineries on the way into Upper Adjara include Mirveti’s and DidWine . This wine tour from Batumi combines wine tastings with a visit to the nearby waterfalls and a family-style lunch.

If you have your own transport to head into the mountains, you’ll find dozens more family wineries in Upper Adjara around Keda and Khulo .

• Related: My guide to visiting Kakheti , Georgia’s main wine region.
• Also read: My Tbilisi wine guide .

In the warmer months, Batumi comes to life at sunset. The whole city undergoes a transformation as the sun drifts into the sea and the lights come on. After that, Batumi stays awake long into the night.

Here are my favourite things to do in Batumi at dusk and after dark.

29. Drinks at Batumi’s best sky bar

There are several sky bars in Batumi to choose from. The restaurant-lounge inside the Alphabet Tower is a popular choice, but honestly I think it’s overpriced (the elevator alone costs 15 GEL) and because the bar is completely glassed-in, the views and photo opportunities are not that good.

Umami at Clouds on the top level of the Radisson Blu Hotel is a much better choice. They have a mid-sized terrace that’s completely open, with views over the city and Black Sea. The bar serves local wines and cocktails, while the restaurant specialises in Asian cuisine (if you have a craving, this is for sure the best sushi in Batumi).

Stick around after sunset: If you think Batumi’s skyline looks striking during the day, wait until you see it lit up at night. Umami at Clouds is open daily from 11am until late. Call ahead to reserve a table or spot on the lounge outside.

For an alternative (free) view of the city skyline after dark, you can get a great photo of the Alphabetic Tower, Ferris wheel and Tower of Batumi all in a neon row if you position yourself on the waterfront further up the coast near the Railway Station.

30. Sundowners at Kartuli

Located at the opposite end of the city on the New Boulevard, Kartuli Hotel is the best place in Batumi to watch the sunset. The unobstructed views of the Black Sea and waterfront from the 37th floor are hard to beat.

Better yet, every room and common space of this high-rise hotel boasts panoramic views of the Black Sea. The sun sets directly in the hotel’s line of sight, which means you get a front seat every time.

If you’re a guest, you can watch the light show from the comfort of your private balcony or your bed. If not, Kartuli has a public bar where you can drop in for a sundowner. Cocktails, craft beers and local wines are all on the menu.

• Here’s my full review of Kartuli Hotel .

31. Go bar-hopping

Tbilisi might be the bar capital of Georgia but Batumi has some excellent offerings for wine, cocktail and craft beer lovers as well. Set aside a night to try the best of the best and experience Batumi nightlife.

Georgian Naturale Wine & Food (formerly Bu&Khari) is one of the best bars in Batumi and a must-visit if you’re a fan of Georgian vino. Owner Beka Minadze is an expert and can walk you through some incredible local and Kakhetian homemade wines (most are poured from unlabelled bottles, the real deal!). Organic and qvevri wines are a specialty. Also in the Old Town, Garage Wines matches local bottles with decadent cheese platters.

ChaCha Time and Sami Ludi Craft Beer Pub are two laid-back bars specialising in cocktails and beer respectively. If you want to socialise, Mary’s Irish Pub is popular among expats, Freespace has a fun vibe, and quirky Komuna is a local favourite.

32. Watch Ali & Nino embrace

Ali & Nino is a bit of a cliche but a Batumi must see nonetheless. Also known as the ‘Statue of Love’, the metal sculpture was created in 2010 by Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze. The two figures, Ali and Nino, come from the pages of Kurban Said’s terrific novel of the same name .

(Sidenote: If you’re planning a trip to the Caucasus and you haven’t read the novel, I highly recommend picking up a copy. It explores the relationship between Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan through the lens of a young couple’s Romeo-and-Juliet-style love story. The evocative descriptions of Baku and Tbilisi – plus the subtext of the novel – will greatly enrich your travel experience.)

Ali & Nino live at the top of the Boulevard near the Ferris wheel. You can visit any time of day, but it’s best to come at 7pm when the revolving platform starts moving. The two figures slide together, merging for an instant before drifting apart again.

33. Spot Batumi’s resident dolphins

The Seafront Promenade near Batumi Pier and Ali & Nino is the perfect spot to spy on Batumi’s resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. You can usually find them frolicking at golden hour around the sea port.

34. Watch the Dancing Fountains

At the opposite end of the Boulevard, in the artificial lagoon behind the stadium, there’s an evening show of a different kind.

The Dancing Fountains might be one of Batumi’s corniest attractions, but I secretly love it! Every night in summer at 8.30pm, music starts pumping through loudspeakers around the lagoon and the strip of fountains starts firing.

Spurts of water timed to the rhythm of Beethoven or Zorba the Greek shoot into the air. It’s a bit of fun to end the day.

35. See the sunset from the beach

This Batumi guide has been all about discovering the city ‘beyond the beach’, but I wanted to finish with a waterfront activity!

Batumi sunsets are the best in Georgia and honestly some of the most vivid I’ve seen anywhere in the world. I think it’s the combination of the glistening Black Sea reflection and the thick clouds that usually appear around sundown.

As long as it’s not too rainy, you’re all but guaranteed an epic sunset every night from west-facing Batumi Beach. The best part is that every sunset is totally different – one day it’s a mellow strawberry milkshake, the next day it’s a roaring burnt orange number.

I clocked up almost 150 Batumi sunsets while I was living in the city – but even one or two should be enough to convince you. There’s no better way to put a cap on your time in Batumi than with a beautiful sunset on the beach.

To help you make the most of your visit, I created a free map of all of the Batumi attractions, restaurants and bars mentioned here.

Click here to open it in Google Maps .

Where to eat in Batumi: Best Batumi restaurants & cafes

Aside from the restaurants and cafes already mentioned above, here are a few more recommendations for where to eat and drink in Batumi.

• Also read: The best restaurants in Tbilisi and Kutaisi .

A local favourite, Pirosmani serves immaculate khinkali and one of the best tomato and cucumber salads I’ve had anywhere in the country. We ate here on almost a weekly basis during our extended stay in Batumi.

If you’re after a good value, no-frills Georgian meal, Tavaduri is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. I loved sitting on the top level balcony overlooking the street. Meat is a specialty here – the chicken and pork mtsvadi skewers are cooked to order over coals in a cute little outdoor grill on the street outside the restaurant. You can smell it well before it arrives at your table!

Shemoikhede Genatsvale

This is a popular local joint in Batumi Old Town with a generous menu of Georgian fare. I didn’t love the khinkali, but their chirbuli is delicious. We came back several times to drink their amazing (and cheap) iced coffees.

Newly opened in 2021, Oval is the latest restaurant by Guram Baghdoshvilli (the same chef behind the popular Chveni restaurant in Tbilisi). You’ll find his famous Georgian Croquettes on the menu alongside Meskhetian and Tushetian regional specialties and local seafood, including Black Sea mussels with tarragon and white wine.

Blue Elephant

Aside from the buffet at Kartuli, Blue Elephant serves some of the best breakfasts in Batumi. Choose from eggs, gourmet toasts or cottage cheese pancakes. The coffee here is on-par with the best breakfast cafes in Tbilisi .

Privet iz Batuma

The wood-clad dining room at Privet iz Batuma (literally ‘Hi from Batumi’) harks back to the days when Batumi was a popular Soviet seaside resort. This is exactly the reputation Batumi is trying to shake, but this cafe plays on the theme in a quirky, nostalgic way.

The food is a total contrast – there are plenty of modern, fresh lunch options (including sandwiches) and great iced coffees. Save room for something sweet from the revolving cake cabinet.

Heart of Batumi

A Batumi favourite, this family style cafe serves up simple but delicious Georgian and Ukrainian dishes. Portions are a little smaller, making it another good option for a light lunch in Batumi.

Radio Cafe Batumi

This petite restaurant/bar serves Czech beer alongside a refined menu of European and Middle Eastern dishes. Steak is a popular choice; I can personally vouch for the exceptional house-made pasta.

Chacha Time

Chacha Time serves the best burgers in Batumi – hands down. The ‘Georgian Taste Burger’ with sulguni cheese and sour plum sauce is worth a try, but I usually opt for the classic cheeseburger. They also serve a selection of artisanal chacha plus cocktails, craft beer and wine.

If you fall in love with the flavour, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a Chacha Time in Tbilisi, too.

Fanfan Batumi

If you like your bistros pretty with a bit of a French flair, you’ll love Fanfan . The restaurant’s mismatched vintage decor complements a menu that pairs local seafood with Georgian flavours (e.g. walnut-stuffed trout).

Fanfan is one of the priciest Batumi restaurants on this list – save it for a special occasion.

Located inside a historic building on Rustaveli Street, BERN is another Batumi restaurant that comes highly recommended. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet but I will report back once I do!

Restaurant Bravo

Another venue with an extensive menu of can’t-go-wrong Georgian classics, Bravo is a good choice if you’re on a budget and just need a khinkali fix. Don’t let the faux-fancy decor put you off – prices here are very reasonable.

Shaurma is a bit of an institution in Batumi thanks to the Turkish influence. There are kebab joints on almost every corner, but we have it on good authority that MacShaurma is the best in the city. We only tried it once – it’s quite greasy, but it does hit the spot.

The blatant logo and branding always makes me chuckle. Watch out for the jalapenos!

Plan your visit to Batumi

How to get to batumi.

Being Georgia’s third-biggest city, Batumi is extremely well networked and can be reached from any other city or small town by either marshrutka van or train. There is an international airport in Batumi, but it’s quite small and has limited flights.

The best way to travel to Batumi from Tbilisi is by high-speed train. From Kutaisi, the fastest option is marshrutka van. For more information and instructions for buying tickets, check out my transport guides linked below.

• Complete guide on how to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi
• Complete guide on how to travel from Kutaisi to Batumi

When is the best time to visit Batumi?

Batumi is extremely seasonal – packed to the rafters with tourists in summer and comatose in winter. Plenty of people live here throughout the winter, so not everything closes down. Summer on the other hand is very hot and humid.

Spring/autumn is a nice time to visit as it’s neither too busy nor too quiet. Late September/October is known as the ‘Velvet Season’ in Batumi and usually brings ideal weather conditions.

Batumi is notorious for rain and heavy thunderstorms – rather unfortunate for a city that prides itself on its beachfront. Rainy days are an inescapable reality, but it’s also what makes Adjara so beautiful and green.

How many days in Batumi?

If you want to explore the city at a reasonable pace and take a few day trips around Adjara, then I recommend spending 3-4 full days in Batumi.

As I already mentioned, the weather in Batumi is often far from ideal. If you’re coming for the beach and hiking, it might be an idea to incorporate a buffer day in case of cloudy skies.

Is Batumi safe?

Like elsewhere in Georgia, Batumi is generally very safe for tourists. Exercise the same common sense and caution as you would in any other big city.

• Read my safety tips for Georgia

Is Batumi expensive?

We find Batumi slightly more expensive than Kutaisi but slightly cheaper than Tbilisi. As always, it depends on your choice of accommodation and where you choose to eat. Prices are obviously inflated in high season, another reason to avoid travelling to Batumi at the peak of summer.

Transport within Batumi itself is cheap (as is standard across Georgia), but you’ll need to budget for entrance fees to some attractions.

• Read my guide to travel costs & saving money in Georgia

How to use the buses in Batumi

Batumi has a city bus network that you can use to travel around town and up and down the coast. Public buses run as far north as the Botanical Garden, and all the way south to the border at Sarpi.

Buses in Batumi do not accept coins, so you can’t buy a single paper ticket. Instead, you need to tap on. Dedicated Batumi rechargeable transport cards are available to purchase at Spar and Goodwill supermarkets. International credit/debit cards also work, but the fare is doubled. If you have a MetroMoney card for using public transport in Tbilisi , you can also use it in Batumi.

A single bus fare in Batumi costs 30 tetri .

Onward travel from Batumi

Svaneti (Mestia and Ushguli) lies directly north of Batumi and is an obvious choice for your next stop. We did this journey by marshrutka via Zugdidi . Staff at the tourist information office in Batumi are very helpful with explaining bus connections.

You can travel anywhere in Georgia by marshrutka or train within the space of a day, as long as you’re willing to wake up early.

If Batumi is your final stop in Georgia, it’s possible to travel onward to Trabzon or even Istanbul by bus via the border crossing at Sarpi. In summer, there are direct sleeper trains from Batumi to Yerevan .

And there you have it – all my favourite things to do in Batumi! What did I miss? Please leave your suggestions in the comments below.

You might also be interested in…

• The ultimate Georgia itinerary : Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
• Georgia Travel Guide : All of my 200+ posts plus my top travel tips
• Georgia travel tips : 25 essential things to know before you go
• Places to visit in Georgia : 50+ unique & underrated destinations around the country
• The best things to do in Tbilisi : Favourites, hidden gems & local picks
• 35+ best restaurants in Tbilisi : Where to eat Georgian food
• 15 best day trips from Tbilisi : With detailed transport instructions
• The best time to visit Georgia : Month-by-month guide to weather, festivals & events

Georgia essentials

Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend for Georgia. Check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Search for affordable flights to Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance (get 5% off when you book with my link).

SIM CARD: Magti is my preferred provider, with prices starting from 9 GEL/week for unlimited data. See this guide for all the details about buying a Georgian SIM card .

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Most flights into Georgia arrive in the early hours. For ease, pre-book a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel (from $17) or from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi (from $90) with my partners at GoTrip.ge.

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Georgia. Use it to find family guesthouses, private apartments, hostels and hotels around the country.

CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a rental car in Georgia – use the Local Rent website to book through a local agent (prices start from $20/day).

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Use Viator or Get Your Guide to browse a range of day trips and city tours. For off-beat programs, I recommend Friendly.ge (use the promocode wanderlush for 10% off). For in-depth day trips to Georgia’s wine regions, I recommend Eat This! Tours (use the promo code wanderlush for 5% off).

PRIVATE TRANSFERS: GoTrip.ge is a terrific service for booking a private professional driver and car for the day. Use it for A-to-B transfers, a customised round-trip itinerary, or a multi-day trip. You can stop wherever you like for as long as you like without the fixed price going up.

NEED SOME HELP?: Need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips? I offer a one-on-one consultation call service for Tbilisi and Georgia. More information and bookings here .

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47 comments.

thanks you for advising us to travel to batumi im anjoing batumi so much ttthhhaaannnkkksss for advising

Thanks for these articles. They are so helpful! A friend and I are travelling to Georgia from 30th July to 6th August. So far we’re thinking of spending maybe two days in Batumi, three in Tbilisi and one in Kutaisi. Would you suggest spending more or less time in any of these places or even suggest other destinations? I’m hoping for a mix of beach holiday, city break, nightlife and nature.

Hi Rob, there are literally thousands of other places I could recommend! Here is some inspiration for alternative destinations: https://wander-lush.org/best-unique-places-to-visit-in-georgia-country/

Yours is the most elaborate guide to Georgia. Thank you very much. I have a few questions about batumi though.

Are the batumi beaches paid ones?

Are there any beach cafes or restaurants?

Are there casinos in batumi?

And lastly, is vegetarian food available there?

Hi Birva, thank you!

To answer your questions: All Batumi beaches are free. There are cafes and restaurants on certain beaches, yes – Batumi Beach, Tsikhisdziri (Seaside Shukura) and Kvariati Beach come to mind. There are casinos, yes. And vegetarian options are available at every restaurant, as is the case with all of Georgia. Happy travels!

Thank you so much for your response. Much appreciated. Continue your blogs. It helps so many people like us.

Emily, I must say huge thanks for your blog, you are incredible, we are traveling in Georgia right now and your blog is the main “guide” for us, as it is much better than any other book guide I have read. thank you so much.

Aw, thank you Andrea! I am very grateful for the feedback. Hope you are enjoying Batumi and Georgia!

Thank you for all the work you put into your work. Your stuff is literally the best Georgian travel guide available on the internet.

Note: Rhino isn’t laptop friendly. They’re very strict about their no laptop policy.

Thanks so much! Yes, I heard about Rhino – already updated it! Thank you again!

I lived in Batumi for 5 months after fleeing Moscow due to the invasion of Ukraine. This blog has amazing advice and inspirational ideas about travelling around Georgia and Adjara especially. Thanks for creating such a great resource.

Thanks for your comment, Joe.

Hi emily my virtual guide in Georgia, I’m glad you keep updating every time lot’s of love. If you are still in batumi would love to meet you, I’m a student here

Thanks Rahul!

Hey Emily I love your website and the passion that exudes from your posts. I am taking my fiance on a trip to Georgia from late December to early January. It’s a 2-week trip and I was looking at adding Batumi to the trip (she loves seafood) and wondered if it was a good option in mid-winter. Would you recommend it at that time of the year?

Hi Clint, great to hear that you’re planning a winter trip to Georgia! Batumi is not as seasonal as other places on the coast so you’ll definitely find restaurants etc. still open. I quite like Batumi in winter because it’s nice and quiet!

Hi Emily Thanks for the prompt reply, it will definitely be up for consideration. Last question, is the fish market open in winter?

Yes I believe it’s open year-round! I last went in March and it was ticking along.

Hi Emily, we have been travelling around Georgia for a month and have used your blog extensively. I have read many blogs over the years travelling and I am not sure I have ever come across one so complete, objective and up to date. We have met many other travellers who also use it and it seems to be somewhat of a reference these days for travellers in Georgia Anyway, the reason I am commenting is to inform you that Rhino Cafe has gone full circle and no longer allows laptops at all (much to our frustration we only noticed the sign after paying). We were soon told by a member of staff we could not use our Ipad/laptops, despite the fact it was almost empty and the few other people were sat eyes glued to their phones (I think it would make more sense to just ban devices all together if their goal is to promote conversation). I am sure you will be able to update this so other followers of your blog don’t get caught out like us PS : We absolutely love Georgia but not feeling the charm of Batumi yet at all (feels like it is trying to be a mini Dubai or something and the monkeys/zebras caged up in the park is a very sad sight). I can imagine it feels a bit less tacky outside of summer

Hi Michael, thanks so much for your comment and kind words. I’m really glad the site has been helpful!

Sorry to hear that about Rhino. Some cafes in Tbilisi are taking a similar route now too. I will update my blurb!

Batumi is quite lovely in late autumn and spring, I hope you get a chance to revisit and experience it during low season!

Hi Emily thanks for this great list. A heads up, I saw on Google maps that Uolli is permanently closed, I didn’t walk past though

Thanks Kurt for the update! They have rebranded as Vartsikhe Marani and are still serving breakfast. I will check it out next time I visit.

Hi Emily, thank you so much for this helpful and magnificent blog! I’m currently visiting Batumi as a weekend getaway from Tbilisi and I enjoyed the botanical garden so much (including the “hiking trail”). It’s still the perfect time (20° in November 😍). I wondered whether you paid 66 dollar for the walking tour in the city? It’s the only one that pops up in my Get your Guide App. Best wishes! Mia

Hi Mia, that’s great to hear! It’s certainly warmer there than in Kutaisi!

The free walking tour is organised by this company – I’m not sure if they are running tours now (hopefully) but you can inquire/book through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/To.Georgia.ge

Our guide was Tornike – highly recommend him!

Such a great blog

I have a question though. Point number 10 where is this khinkali ludi. No one I am asking knows about it and Google maps is not showing. I am currently in batumi and would love to try it out so your prompt reply is appreciated

Hi Firas – the location is marked on the map I created, you can find it inside the post. Cheers!

Yes, Khinkali Ludi is easy to find as it has the same window as the photo. What I had were soupy like any other khinkali, too salty for my taste, the size was average not enormous, although I saw flakes of chilli peppers as in the article. Change of cooks or owners? A mug of beer and 5 khinkali (I ordered 5 after I saw others’ in average size) costed me gel7, whopping 40% more than similar hole in the wall places at Old Bus Terminal and Parekhi Market for gel 5. The best khinkali I had so far was at a basement restaurant (not listed on Google Maps, but takes credit cards) on pushkin st., across from Shumeruli restaurant for gel1 each plus 10% service charge.

More likely an adjustment for inflation than a change of owners, but it’s possible. Thank you for the recommendation, I’ll check this place out next time I’m in town!

Hi, thanks for the great blog! I went today to Khinkali Ludi and it was really good. Tasty unique homemade Khinkali with local experience. I will go this days again. I also ordered 5 and I payed 5gel.

Thanks very much for the update, Svenja! Glad you enjoyed the khinkali!

What a fantastic blog – one of the best & straightforward blogs I’ve ever read – great work & thank you X

Thanks for posting such a great Batumi guide! I’m literally pinning all your restaurants to my Google maps as we speak.

Great! I have a few more to check out on my next visit so you’ll have some new ones too 🙂 Thanks for the comment Ana, enjoy your time in Batumi!

Hi I’m from Georgia. Bravo👏👏👏. I just ended reading, in this blog is said about places wich most of Georgians don’t know or had never seen before. I’m really glad to hear that you’re enjoying Georgia. Your blog is the best instruction for traveling in Batumi not only for tourists, for Georgian people too ( who is visiting Batumi rarely.) Thank u so much and I hope everyone will enjoy with Georgia as u ❤️❤️❤️

I’m Georgian *

Thank you so much Temo, this makes me so happy to hear. I love your country very much (in case you couldn’t tell!) and am so happy to be here. I really enjoyed getting to know Batumi, I think it’s sometimes misunderstood. There’s a lot of places in Georgia I still have to see!

Take care, Emily

I’m a newcomer, if job allows me. It will be a year to 3 years max. The main office will be in the city of Batumi. I’m an American Immigrant of Philippine descent. From one of your blogger it mentioned there’s only one Chinese restaurant in Batumi. Hope to find more in the city. Thanks

Hi 🙂 I’m planning to visit Batumi in this October, and couldn’t find any useful info from the web until I found your blog! Thank you so much for sharing these tips!!! You are the best :3

Hi Dagyum! Thanks so much for the lovely comment. I’m glad to hear you found my blog helpful!

Please don’t hesitate to comment or email me if there’s anything else I can help with.

Have an awesome time in Batumi 😀

emily hi thanks for the blogs am going to georgia (as well as armenia and azerbaijan) in sept and oct, your blogs have been excellent and really helpful keep on writing.

Thanks Kris! Enjoy your trip!

Hello! I’m a new reader for your blog and I’m really happy that I tumbled here. I’m going to Georgia and your posts have been already very helpful! I can call myself a foodie and I have noticed that there is still not that much information about restaurants in Georgia so your post has really helped me to create a list of places where I want to fill my tummy. I will be traveling now in July and it will be me and my husband and his big family from Turkey all together and they are actually assuming that I know where to take them to eat. So thank you very much! I will continue following your writings. 🙂

Hi Christa! So glad to hear that. I’m in Armenia now, heading back to Tbilisi in a couple of weeks. Lots of new restaurants and cafes have opened since I was last in town, so I’ll be updating my posts in the coming weeks.

Enjoy your travels!!

Thank you for this. I have found your blog so useful for planning our trip to the Caucasus. It is beautiful to look at and a pleasure to read. We have just arrived in Batumi, in August so it is peak party season – busy but in the best way, very atmospheric, and proves a fabulous contrast to the mountains in Adjara where we have just come from. It’s only a few of hours drive away but we only met cows on our gorgeous hikes and no one spoke English in the only hotel in Goderji (Hotel Meteo – would recommend, not the cheapest but really lovely staff, peaceful, delicious plentiful food and breathtaking views, even if the beds could do with an upgrade!)

Hello Ruth!

Thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing this trip report! I’m really glad to hear that you’re enjoying Georgia so far!

Thanks again for the note—I’m sure other travellers will find this very helpful. I hope I can spend more time in Adjara in the future, too!

Best wishes and safe travels, Emily

I love Batumi! I was there a couple of times and will be returning in a few days. Looking forward to it and great read!

I love it too! Such an usual city. Have a great time, Pedro!

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With a backdrop of mist-wrapped hills and soaring snow-capped peaks, Georgia’s second city is a charismatic place with a charming Old Town and a fantastic subtropical climate. Fronted by the calm waters of the Black Sea, Georgia's main summer resort boasts a long beach and a vast and beautifully maintained corniche.

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Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Batumi Boulevard

Everyone soon finds themselves strolling along Batumis bulvari, the park strip fronting the main beach, originally laid out in 1884 and now stretching 7km…

Batumi Botanical Garden

Batumi’s Botanical Garden, 8km northeast of town, was founded in 1912 by Russian botanist Andrei Krasnov. With many subtropical and foreign species, it…

Batumi Archeological Museum

This excellent museum showcases some of the many valuable archaeological discoveries made in Adjara, particularly at the Gonio Apsaros Fortress. The main…

Ali & Nino

The 7m-high, ethereally moving, metal sculpture Woman and Man, by Tamar Kvesitadze, is universally known as Ali & Nino after the protagonists of Kurban…

This 2.6km-long cable car carries you up to a shopping-cafe-restaurant complex on Anuria Hill, 2586m above Batumi, for panoramic views over the city. It's…

Ortajame Mosque

Batumi’s only surviving mosque, built in the 1860s, is finely painted in pinks, greens and blues, with Quranic calligraphy on the walls – but is no longer…

Medea Monument

Towering over Evropas moedani is this striking portrayal of Medea, the local princess who would help her future husband Jason obtain the Golden Fleece. A…

Batumi Tower

Georgia's tallest building (even if much of it is its needle), the 200m-high Batumi Tower boasts a mini Ferris wheel of deeply questionable aesthetic…

Latest stories from Batumi

Dec 24, 2019 • 7 min read

The rich culture and diverse landscapes of Georgia belie its modest size. There are many reasons to visit this surprising country; here are six of them.

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40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions

Situated on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, Batumi is a vibrant city and a go-to summer destination for locals offering an interesting blend of old and ultra-modern architecture, culinary delights, and rich ancient history. And with plenty of things to do in Batumi, both in the city and around it, your time here will be pretty intriguing. 

Besides listing what to see in Batumi, this detailed and in-depth Batumi travel guide provides historical information about the city, how to get from Tbilisi to Batumi , the best time to visit Batumi, and what to pack, to name a few.

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This post includes affiliate links to products, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund my blog and bring more authentic articles to you 🙂   Learn more

Is Batumi worth visiting? 

Batumi is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, located southwest of Georgia and a mere 20 kilometers north of the Turkish border. The city finds itself in a subtropical zone, gracing the foothills of the majestic Caucasus Mountains. 

During the Soviet era, Batumi, or Adjara in general, was not a popular summer destination. Everyone would go to Abkhazia’s coastal towns, namely Sokhumi, Gagra, and Bichvinta, for their tropical scenery and pristine beaches. However, after the collapse of the USSR, followed by the civil war in Tbilisi and Abkhazia (now an occupied territory of Russia), we had to look for other coastal getaways. 

Over the past 15 years, Batumi has transformed into a thriving seaside resort adorned with a fascinating fusion of architectural wonders, opulent hotels, enticing culinary delights, and many attractions. 

With its impressive presence of international hotel chains, quirky skyscrapers, and alluring casinos, Batumi has rightfully earned its reputation as the “Las Vegas of the Black Sea,” or “Dubai of the Caucasus,” drawing in locals and visitors from neighboring countries. 

Peculiar buildings dot Batumi’s skyline, where ultra-modern skyscrapers mingle with restored classical 19th-century buildings of the Belle Époque, giving a glimpse of what the city looked like back in the day. 

Batumi is a feast for the eyes and a haven for culture enthusiasts. Dive into the vibrant arts scene, where galleries and museums showcase an impressive collection of contemporary art and historical artifacts. 

Discover the region’s flavors through its delicious cuisine, and when the heat becomes unbearable, escape to surrounding natural wonders. 

A brief history of Batumi

Batumi is much more than those above-mentioned nicknames. The current city is set on the site of an ancient Greek colony known as “Bathus” or “Bathys.” The name derives from the Greek words meaning ‘deep harbor.’ 

During the reign of Hadrian (c. 117-138 AD), Batumi transformed into a fortified Roman port. However, it was eventually abandoned in favor of the fortress of Petra (more on this below), established during the time of Justinian I (c. 527-565 AD). 

Occupied by the Roman-Byzantine forces and serving as a possession of the kingdom of Lazica, Batumi briefly came under the control of the Arabs, although their hold was not long-lasting. 

In 780, Lazica fell under the rule of the kingdom of Abkhazia through a dynastic union, leading to the eventual unification of the Georgian monarchy in the 11th century.

Batumi was captured by Ottomans and freed by Georgians several times between the 15th and 17th centuries. However, in 1703, Batumi was again under the Ottoman Empire’s sovereignty. Over the next century and a half, it flourished as a provincial port, serving as a vital gateway to the Empire’s hinterlands on the eastern periphery of the Black Sea. 

Following the Ottoman conquest, the previously predominantly Christian region underwent a process of Islamization. However, this halted and significantly reversed with the re-annexation of the area to Russian Imperial Georgia after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. 

The return to Russian rule marked a turning point in Batumi’s religious and cultural landscape and surroundings that is still present today. Upper Adjara, the mountainous area of the region, is still predominantly Muslim, with fascinating and gorgeous wooden mosques I haven’t seen elsewhere. 

Following Georgia’s reestablishment of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Aslan Abashidze became the head of Adjara’s governing council. Throughout the tumultuous 1990s, Abashidze maintained his grip on power while neighboring regions such as Abkhazia and South Ossetia sought to secede from the Georgian state. 

Instead, Abashidze transformed Adjara into his own personal “state,” making it a “free economic zone” with minimal trade restrictions. However, the customs duties and revenues generated from trade were directed towards Abashidze’s government rather than being channeled to Tbilisi. This arrangement allowed Abashidze to control the region’s economic affairs, further solidifying his influence within Adjara.

Following Rose Revolution in Tbilisi in 2003, the central Georgian government and opposition pressured him to resign in 2004. He relocated to Moscow, Russia, where he has resided ever since. On January 22, 2007, the Batumi city court delivered a verdict against Abashidze, finding him guilty of office misconduct and embezzlement. The court ruled that he had misused approximately 98.2 million GEL in state funds. Abashidze was sentenced to a 15-year prison term for his actions in absentia .

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Best time to visit Batumi

The best time to visit Batumi depends on your preferences. I don’t like spending the summer in Batumi because it’s overcrowded and expensive. 

For me, the best time to visit Batumi is off-season, particularly in spring and autumn. As the temperatures become milder and the colors of nature burst into a splendid display, these seasons offer a tranquil ambiance.

Spring and autumn allow you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s charm as the crowds thin out, making it easier to explore the attractions at your own pace and savor the hidden gems that Batumi offers. 

While I haven’t been to Batumi in winter, I’ve seen pretty magical photos of the snow-covered coast. 

What to pack for Batumi

When packing for Batumi, it’s essential to consider the varying seasons throughout the year. 

For the warmer seasons of spring and summer (April to September), pack lightweight and breathable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, dresses, flowy skirts , and swimwear , as temperatures can reach around 30C (86F). 

Remember essentials like sunscreen , sunglasses, and a fedora hat to protect yourself from the sun. Batumi beach has pebbles, so I advise you to bring water shoes or Crocs so you are comfortable getting in and out of the Black Sea. 

Even though Batumi is a summer destination, occasional rains might happen, so it’s always a good idea to pack a foldable, light raincoat . 

Pack layers like sweaters, jackets, and long pants in the cooler autumn and winter months (October to March). During these months, temperatures can drop to around 10C (50F) or lower. 

It’s also advisable to bring a raincoat or umbrella as rainfall is more frequent during these seasons. 

Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are necessary for exploring Batumi’s beautiful streets and attractions. I also throw in my North Face sandals . 

Bring a universal adapter if you come from a country that uses power plugs other than Type C. If you are into photography, a portable charger to charge your phone or electronics on the go also comes in handy when packing for Batumi. 

I also travel with my collapsible travel bottle and coffee cup from Stojo to minimize my footprint on the planet. 

How to Get to Batumi 

Situated 386 km from Tbilisi, reaching Batumi involves a car journey of approximately 5-6 hours due to the ongoing construction of the Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze highway. There are various public transportation options to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi. While you can read my detailed Tbilisi to Batumi transport guide , I’ll briefly explain it here. 

Tbilisi Batumi Train

The Tbilisi Batumi train is a prevalent and comfortable transportation mode for locals and tourists in Georgia. In recent years, Georgia introduced a relatively fast and modern two-story Stadler Train that operates several times. 

The train journey from Tbilisi to Batumi typically takes around 5 hours, providing a scenic and relaxing experience. Ticket prices vary depending on the class: second-class tickets are priced at 33 GEL, first-class tickets at 71 GEL, and a business class option is available for 120 GEL. 

Tbilisi to Batumi Bus 

Another convenient option for traveling from Tbilisi to Batumi is by bus, my second favorite mode of transportation. The buses, operated by Omnibus , offer comfort throughout the day. The buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected during your journey. However, the speed might not be ideal. A ticket for one way journey costs 40 GEL.

Tbilisi to Batumi Marshrutka 

Among the available transportation options, the marshrutka (minibus) is my least preferred choice due to its discomfort and sometimes reckless driving by drivers, which is more evident compared to the average Georgian driving style. 

Marshrutkas depart from Didube Bus Station, located near Didube Metro, every hour starting early in the morning and operating until late in the evening. The one-way fare for a marshrutka ride is approximately 35 GEL. One advantage of marshrutkas is that you don’t need to purchase tickets in advance; instead, you can show up at the station and pay the fare directly to the driver or the cashier.

Tbilisi to Batumi airplane

For those seeking a swift and convenient travel option, Tbilisi to Batumi flight departs daily. This efficient mode of transportation significantly reduces travel time, taking approximately 1 hour to reach your destination. The one-way ticket price for this air route is 155 GEL. Check tickets here .

Tbilisi to Batumi by car

For those who love road trips, a journey from Tbilisi to Batumi by car is a great option to explore Georgia’s stunning landscapes at your own pace. As mentioned above, the journey covers a distance of approximately 386 kilometers. It can be completed in around 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic, how many stops you make, and road conditions. 

If you want to rent a car in Georgia, I recommend LocalRent for affordable prices and excellent service. 

Private transfer from Tbilisi to Batumi

Gotrip.ge is a service enabling a private transfer in a comfortable car with reasonable prices. The drivers are very professional and adhere to safe driving standards.  

Where to stay in Batumi

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Batumi, you’re in for a treat, as the city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Batumi has everything if you seek luxurious hotels, cozy boutique establishments , or vibrant hostels.

Stay close to Old Batumi for a more authentic vibe. Most of the apartments you’ll see on the platforms are in New Batumi, which is still under heavy development, with many skyscrapers being constructed, making the area quite chaotic and unappealing. 

Radisson Blu Hotel Batumi : This five-star Batumi hotel offers a luxurious and elegant experience with breathtaking views of the Black Sea. The hotel features spacious rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. It is ideal for those seeking a lavish stay in the heart of Batumi.

Sheraton Batumi Hotel : Situated in a prime location near major attractions, this upscale hotel boasts stylish rooms with sea views, a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and a spa. It offers impeccable service, exquisite dining options, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a top choice for a memorable stay.

Hilton Batumi : Known for its modern design and superb amenities, the Hilton Batumi offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views, a fitness center, and multiple dining venues. Its central location, close to the beach, and high standards make it an excellent choice.

Boutique Hotel O. Galogre : This boutique hotel showcases a blend of modern and traditional design elements. The rooms are elegantly furnished, featuring comfortable amenities. The hotel offers a restaurant serving Georgian and European dishes, a bar, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Batumi.

Back2ME Hostel : this colorful hostel in Batumi offers travelers a comfortable and convenient stay. With its prime location, just 600 meters from Batumi Boulevard, you can easily access popular Batumi attractions. 

→ Can’t find something that suits your taste? Here are more hotels in Batumi .

Important Batumi travel tips

Batumi is a highly walkable city, allowing you to explore its streets and attractions on foot. The city’s well-connected public transport system of buses and minibusses provides an additional convenient option for getting around. 

Buses in Batumi feature the same card payment machines as in Tbilisi, making it easy to pay for your ride. However, it’s important to note that TBC bank debit cards and Tbilisi travel cards are not accepted if you’re traveling from Tbilisi by train and need to use public transport to reach the city center. 

In such a case, I suggest having a Metro Money card or a Bank of Georgia debit card for seamless payment.

To make your public transport experience smoother, purchase a Batumi transport card from the Tourist Center or various kiosks located throughout the city. The card costs 2 GEL; you can top it up at orange-colored self-payment machines with the desired amount for your transportation needs. Bus tickets in Batumi cost 30 Tetri.

You can use international debit/credit cards for payment, but be aware that they’ll charge you a bit more. For example, I was charged 80 Tetri for a bus ride when using my Wise Card .

Also, unlike Tbilisi public transport , Google Maps doesn’t show the schedule or the route of Batumi buses, so you’d need to ask the driver if they are going to your destination. 

If you need to leave your luggage somewhere, the only option is Batumi Central Railway Station. Unfortunately, the Lock&Go, conveniently located in the city center, shut down. The railway station’s luggage locker is on the ground floor next to the stairs leading to the rails. It costs 2 GEL to leave a small bag for 24 hours; the big one costs 4 GEL. 

If the brown door is locked, there’s a number to call for security to come and open it for you. Make sure you have cash; no card payments. A TBC ATM is inside the railway station if you need to withdraw.  

All the things to do in Batumi map

To save you time and energy, all the landmarks, spots, cafes, and restaurants explained here are in this Google Maps list you can save and refer to any time you want. 

Fun and wonderful things to do in Batumi 

Batumi boasts a delightful blend of modern and historic architecture, beautiful street art, elegant cafes and restaurants, and distinctive, quirky buildings. 

While the city may appear compact at first glance, attempting to explore everything on foot can be quite tiring as there are plenty of places to visit in Batumi. 

Fortunately, convenient and modern bus services traverse Batumi’s main streets, allowing you to hop on and off at your desired destinations easily. 

However, it’s worth noting that wandering the streets on foot often leads to discovering more intriguing and unique places that may be missed when relying solely on bus transportation. 

So, take the time to stroll through the charming streets and uncover its hidden treasures and wonderful things to do in Batumi. 

Marvel at the architectural gems of Old Batumi

Old Batumi is a treasure trove of architectural buildings, showcasing a captivating blend of styles from various eras. Strolling through the streets, beautifully restored 19th-century buildings adorned with intricate details and vibrant colors greet you at every corner. 

The European influences are evident in the neoclassical facades. These charming Art Nouveau buildings bring back the city’s glamorous past, while the Oriental motifs add a touch of exoticism to the cityscape. 

The Old Batumi area is between the port and Demetre Tavdadebuli Street. Its cobblestone streets, running east-west, showcase a delightful blend of architectural styles and magnificent old houses adorned with intricately carved wooden doors and wrought iron balconies. 

As you explore, you’ll find that the heritage architecture extends to 6 May Park, making wandering through these charming streets worthwhile.

Keep an eye out for the informative panels displaying black-and-white photographs, offering glimpses into what these buildings and streets looked like during the turn of the century.

Here are some historical buildings I have hunted down and are worth checking out: 

Building with Batumi written on it : right at the corner of Gogebashvili and Valenberg Streets, look up to admire a building with a pointed tower-like top and a Batumi written in big letters. 

Apollo Cinema : this is a highlight and iconic building of Batumi’s Old Town, featuring a distinctive Art Nouveau facade. Destroyed during Soviet times and later rebuilt, it serves as a cinema house. 

Hotel O.Galogre : the building, housing a hotel of the same name, is another architectural gem of Old Batumi that you don’t want to miss. 

Piazza Square : With its Italian-inspired architecture and bustling atmosphere, the iconic square is a must-visit spot that exudes charm and elegance. 

Piazza encompasses an area of approximately 5,700 square meters, drawing crowds with its beautiful mosaic floor (see more below), gorgeous carvings on the ceiling of passages, and stunning stained glass artwork on its buildings. 

The square comes alive during the high season with numerous tables and chairs set outside, creating a delightful ambiance to enjoy a coffee or a leisurely lunch. 

Administrative Building of Adjara : located at the intersection of K. Gamsakhurdia and M. Abashidze streets, the pastel peach-color house with Atlantis is another grand building of the area. Look up to see another massive sculpture looking down right at you. 

Nikoloz Sabashvili (Sabaev in some sources) owned the whole house a century ago. He was a businessman from Batumi with Georgian tea and citrus plantations in Chakvi and shops in Batumi. 

The sculptures and carving designs of the building were crafted by Serafime Pololikashvili, a painter-sculptor who mastered the skill in Paris back then. 

Europe Square: the largest square in Batumi, offers a unique fusion of architectural styles, where distinguishing between old and new can be slightly tricky because most Belle Époque-inspired buildings here are new. 

I especially love the building with the Astronomical Clock at the junction of Gamsakhurdia and Abashidze streets. Resembling the famous clock in Prague’s Old Town , albeit on a smaller scale and of more recent construction, it captivates visitors with its intricate design. In addition to displaying the current time, this remarkable clock also showcases the positions of the moon, the sun, the meridian, and the horizon. If you want a more detailed explanation, a plate on the opposite side shows what each icon and circle means. 

Puppet Theater : Memed Abashidze Street No. 49 hides one more cute building with an exceptional carved balcony. Once, the building was the home of a Batumi engineer, who built it with brick-colored stone at the beginning of the 20th century. 

Besides these remarkable buildings, always keep your eyes sharpened to find small details on the buildings. For instance, I would have missed the date, 1892, with the initials P and C in Russian letters on the crystal teal-colored gate at 14 Noe Zhordania Street . On the same building, under the balcony, you can still see a remnant of a sign of the building in Russian letters. 

Very close to the Puppet Theater, on M. Abashidze Street No 28 , you can find a pine green-colored residential house with a 1960 date plastered top. Gamsakhurdia Street also hides a pastel peach-colored house with a 1935 date written on it. 

Admire the gorgeous mosaic at Batumi Piazza

Designed by Georgian-Swiss artist Natali De Pita-Amirejibi, the mosaic gracing the floor of Batumi Piazza stands out as one of Europe’s largest figurative marble artworks. Crafted in 2010 at an Abu Dhabi workshop, this impressive mosaic spans 106 square meters in diameter. It is a remarkable feat, consisting of 88,244,735 tiles, each measuring just 1 square centimeter, meticulously cut and treated.

The intricate creation was later transported to Batumi, where it took 10 days to assemble the separate pieces, forming a stunning mosaic masterpiece on the Piazza.

While most tiles are made of marble, the sea goddess’s purple dress and the dark portion of the second goddess’s red dress feature ceramic tiles, adding a captivating touch of color and texture to the overall composition.

The mesmerizing design comprises eight circles of varying diameters, seamlessly interlocked, creating an illusion of water funnels on a tranquil surface. Each circle boasts a unique array of decorative ornaments and symbolic elements, enhancing the mosaic’s artistic allure.

Peek inside the Batumi Marine Station

Batumi Marine Station is home to a beautiful pastel-colored frieze adorning the entrance. This intricately designed piece showcases an array of sailing ships, ferries, and oceanic motifs, with the prominent figure of Poseidon at its center. 

The building used to serve passenger ferries to Varna in Bulgaria and Sochi in Russia, but since the pandemic, it has stopped. On my last visit in May 2023, there was no information about any timetable or schedule posted anywhere, and there was no one in the building at that time I could ask. 

Walk through Batumi Boulevard

One of the top things to do in Batumi is to walk its Boulevard leisurely. Originating in 1884, this iconic Boulevard stretches 7 kilometers along the picturesque seafront, making it one of Europe’s oldest and largest parks. 

Michael D’alfons, the famous French nobleman, was Batumi’s principal gardener and decorator during 1885-1889. His visionary efforts led to the establishment and transformation of Batumi Boulevard. With unwavering dedication, he converted previously impassable coastal areas into a stunning and lush garden, earning him the endearing title of “the good genius of Batumi coast” among his peers and contemporaries.

The boulevard area encompasses a network of scenic walking and cycling paths that wind through meticulously maintained gardens, recreational zones, and clusters of cafes. During the summer, the Boulevard becomes a bustling nightlife spot with plenty of beachfront bars and clubs. 

To fully experience Batumi Boulevard, you can take a stroll from end to end or rent a bike from one of the vendors in the park. Electric scooters are also available as an alternative mode of exploration. 

As you make your way along the Boulevard, there are several notable Batumi tourists attractions to discover:

Miracle Park: situated adjacent to Batumi Port, showcases an array of unique and unconventional buildings that display the distinctiveness of Batumi. There are a few important landmarks in Miracle Park that I have included below. 

Sculptures : numerous sculptures and contemporary art installations, many with a romantic theme and some quite quirky, adorn the seafront. There’s a piece with Georgian alphabet letters on colorful and slightly transparent tiles. Each tile and letter has a QR code that directs you to a YouTube video of a specific place or food known in Adjara that starts on that letter. It indeed is a fan way of getting to know the region. 

Japanese Garden : near Batumi State University lies a charming Japanese-style garden. Complete with a torii gate, a red bridge, toro stone lanterns, and maple trees; it offers a serene oasis of tranquility.

Batumi Summer Theatre : a distinctive landmark on the Boulevard, the grand wooden structure replicates the original theater built in 1949 and destroyed by fire in the 1990s. During the summer months, the theater hosts various shows and performances. 

Glare at the quirky buildings of the Batumi skyline

What amuses everyone in Batumi is its skyline, where unconventional and vibrant modern architecture graces the waterfront, creating a striking contrast to the classical facades of the Old Batumi. 

One of my favorite things to do in Batumi is to stare at these buildings ranging from artistic masterpieces to delightfully bizarre. Here are a few of my favorites: 

Alphabetic Tower : an impressive 135-meter tall structure resembling a DNA molecule is an eye-catcher among other peculiar architectural gems of Batumi. Wrapped around its circumference are all 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet, showcasing the rich linguistic heritage of the country. You can ascend the tower using the available lift to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Batumi and the captivating Black Sea. The observation deck also has a restaurant. 

• Opening hours : Panorama cafe – every day from 11 am to 12 pm; Restaurant Atmosphero – every day from 2 pm to 12 pm. 
• Lift ticket price : adults – 20 GEL; children from 7-12 years – 5 GEL; children under 7 FREE. 
• Note : even if you plan to sit at the restaurant, you still need to pay for the elevator. 

Batumi Tower : Rising majestically as the tallest building in Batumi, I think it is the most peculiar of them all and one of my favorites. The distinctive small, gold-colored Ferris Wheel embedded in its upper levels is what makes it so whimsical. Initially intended to house Batumi’s Technical University, private investors recently acquired the tower with plans to transform it into a hotel. Currently, there is a Casino on the ground floor. 

Chacha Tower : a 25-meter tall fountain with a clock meant to be the prominent Batumi sightseeing, but it never materialized with its function. As the name suggests, the tower was supposed to dispense free chacha , a highly alcoholic Georgian spirit, from four fountains at the tower’s base for a limited time each week.

Batumi Public Service Hall : serving as a hub for government services, Batumi Public Service Hall, next to Courtyard by Marriott hotel, showcases a unique cylindrical design crafted by acclaimed Italian architect Michele de Lucchi. 

See the symbol of everlasting love

Ali and Nino, a beautiful statue representing eternal love, is another remarkable sight at Miracle Park that deserves a separate listing. Crafted by a talented Georgian sculptor, this masterpiece takes inspiration from the renowned novel of the same name by Kurban Said . 

The novel narrates a tale of forbidden love between a Georgian Christian nobleman’s daughter and a Muslim Azeri boy, set against the backdrop of Baku. 

The two figures, standing tall at 8 meters each, gracefully move towards each other, merging into a single entity before parting ways, symbolizing the eternal cycle of love. It is a genuinely mesmerizing portrayal that embodies the enduring nature of affection. 

Don’t miss the historic Batumi Lighthouse

Among Miracle Park’s high-rise skyscrapers and surrounding monuments, it might be hard to notice the charming and not-that-tall historical Batumi Lighthouse. A lighthouse has stood here since 1863; the current replica was constructed in 1882. 

Enjoy breathtaking views from the Argo Cable Car

There are numerous vantage points in Batumi to admire the city skyline. However, for genuinely awe-inspiring vistas, take Argo Cable Car to Anuria Mountain from the center of Batumi. 

Connecting the port area with an entertainment complex atop the mountain, Argo Cable Car was constructed in 2013. It ascends 250 meters above the city, providing magnificent views of the Black Sea.

Located very close to Miracle Park, Argo Cable Car operates year-round daily.  

• Opening hours : every day, 11 am – 10 pm. The last cable car departs 30 minutes before closing.
• Entrance fee : 30 GEL round trip; children from 5 to 12 years – 7 GEL. 

Pop inside Batumi’s last Mosque

As I mentioned earlier at the beginning of the post, Batumi and Adjara are generally home to a significant Muslim population, with approximately 40% of Adjarians practicing Islam. 

If you’re interested in experiencing the city’s religious diversity, visiting Orta Jame, also known as Batumi Central Mosque, is a must. It stands as the sole active Mosque in Batumi.

The name “Orta Jame” translates to “Middle Mosque” and derives from its historical connection to a trio of mosques. Constructed in 1866, intricate decorations crafted by local artisans adorn the Mosque, which served as a place of worship until 1935, when it was seized and repurposed as a military depot. In 1946, it was restored to its original function as a mosque.

You can explore the Mosque’s interior outside of prayer times. Go inside to admire the exquisite wood carvings and vibrant, colorful decorations.

Visit Batumi Cathedral

The Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral, Batumi’s largest Orthodox Church, stands proudly on one of the edges of the Old Town. This impressive Gothic Revival structure, built in 1897, leaves a lasting impression. 

The church, intended initially as a Catholic church, was funded by the Zubalashvili brothers, prominent merchants known for their philanthropic works across Georgia. 

During the Soviet era, the cathedral was repurposed as a power station before being reconsecrated as an Orthodox church in 1989. 

The cathedral’s facade, adorned with three domes, is visually striking and sets it apart. The interior is equally captivating; frescos damaged during the transition were recently restored. 

Peek inside Batumi Sinagogue

In addition to the cathedral and Mosque, the city is also home to the Batumi Synagogue, which speaks to how ethnically diverse the city has always been. This synagogue is an important place of worship for the local Jewish community. 

In 1899, the Russian Emperor granted special permission to Batumi’s Jewish community to construct a place of worship, marking the beginning of the synagogue’s story.

Designed by Semyon Volkovich and completed in 1904, this grand structure shares architectural similarities with other Georgian synagogues in Oni and Kutaisi while showcasing a unique white-washed facade. Unlike the intricate details and colorful decorations of Kutaisi Synagogue, the Batumi one features a minimalistic interior with blue and white color touches. 

Extra tip : if you are after more religious sites to explore in Batumi, here are a few more to visit: Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, and Roman Catholic Church.

Prize McDonald’s building in Batumi

I typically never suggest visiting McDonald’s in my travel guides, but this one is special and unique, so bear with me for a second. 

Designed by renowned architect Giorgi Khmaladze, this futuristic glass structure stands out like a spaceship poised for flight. A reflective pool that gracefully flows around its perimeter accentuates its sleek lines. 

The shape and concept of the building earned it the prestigious title of Best Commercial Building in 2014 by ArchDaily, a prominent architecture website. 

Built directly above a gas station, guests dining inside are unaware of the nearby fuel pumps. A gently sloping garden provides a lush oasis within the dining area, doubling as a canopy for the gas station below.

Discover the vibrant street art in Batumi

For fellow street art enthusiasts, Batumi offers a delightful treasure trove of artistic masterpieces . Prepare to immerse yourself with stunning murals that adorn the city’s walls, equally beautiful as the vibrant murals of Tbilisi . 

Relax at 6 May park 

To escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a serene natural setting, a leisurely walk through 6 May Park is the perfect choice. 

Park, situated in the city’s heart, offers a tranquil environment centered around a picturesque lake. Benches are scattered throughout the park, providing cozy spots to sit and unwind. Don’t miss a statue of Padiko Gogitidze, the first female pilot from Adjara at the park entrance at the colonnades. 

6 May Park becomes livelier in the evening when locals come out to socialize and relax. It’s also an excellent spot to watch the sunset over the horizon and Batumi’s skyscrapers. 

Admire the sunset at Batumi beach

While Batumi beach is not an excellent choice for sunbathing and swimming, it’s ideal for watching sunsets. 

If the weather permits, you are almost guaranteed to witness a stunning sunset from Batumi beach each evening. The combination of the shimmering reflection of the Black Sea and the thick clouds that often gather during twilight creates an intriguing spectacle.

Here, sunsets are always different; one day, you might have beautiful pastel-colored pink and purple hues, while the next day, it could be a gradation of dark red and orange, as if the sky is on fire. 

I always pack a snack or maybe even a light dinner and sit down at pabble beach to watch the sky as the sun goes down. 

Experience Batumi nightlife

When the sun sets on the horizon, it’s time to experience the nightlife, and one of the best things to do in Batumi at night is to go on a short (or long) bar-hopping. 

As mentioned earlier, Batumi nightlife is much more vibrant and alive during the summer season, but even if you come outside of these months, there are a few places you can have a great time with a wide range of bars serving wine, craft beer, and cocktails. 

8000 Vintages is my favorite wine bar in Tbilisi I typically go to grab a bottle or even sit down for the evening. Another great choice is Bu&Khari offering a good selection of local (regional and national) homemade wines. 

Conte Bar , located at the corner of Gamsakhurdia and Memed Abashidze Streets, is a local favorite to hang out in the evenings. The bar serves cocktails and various drinks and has both inside and outdoor seating areas. 

ChaCha Time is a laid-back bar in Batumi offering cocktails based on chacha – Georgia’s high alcoholic spirit. 

However, if chacha is not something you can tolerate, next door, Sami Ludi Craft Beer has a wide selection of craft beers. 

Try Batumuri beer straight from the factory

The local Batumi brewery has been producing beer since 1951. After two years of constant renovation and reconstruction, they reopened in 2019 and implemented new modern, and improved machinery. 

Batumuri Ludi, or Batumi-type beer in English, is a slightly dark straw yellow color beer with a delicate and light taste. The best place to try the beer is from the factory window at 24 Tbel-Abuseridze Street, where you can see how staff pours it from gigantic tanks right before you. 

Things to do in Batumi for Soviet lovers

Uncover the fascinating soviet-era mosaics.

For those who appreciate Soviet-style mosaics, one of the things to do in Batumi is to check out a few remarkable examples of the bygone era. 

Despite representing a period in the country’s history that many would rather forget, I find these mosaics captivating in their symbolism and the artistry involved. Sadly, many mosaics in Georgia have fallen into disrepair or vanished entirely. 

One of Batumi’s most famous mosaics is outside the Batumi Dolphinarium . This is one of the Batumi sightseeing I don’t recommend visiting to see the Dolphins. 

Created in 1974 by Georgian artists Zaur Tsuladze and Vaja Bjalava, the mosaic depicts a lively scene of dolphins and swimsuit-clad swimmers gracefully intertwined on one side, while the other features a spiritual figure surrounded by several dolphins.

Next door courtyard of Batumi Aquarium also has a mosaic showing dolphins jumping out of the sea waves and three kids riding them. 

The entrances of two residential houses on Akhmeteli Street (No. 9 and 1) are adorned with various mosaics with similar marine themes. One has a dolphin with a red and white striped umbrella, while the second shows Poseidon with his trident in one hand while holding the helm. You can even see a small octopus on the left side at the bottom. 

Another mosaic entryway is at Pushkin Steet No. 39 near Komuna Hostel and Bar. Unlike many mosaics with dolphins, this one has a mixture of marine and astrology themes. Twelve zodiac signs in the circles surround one big boat in the center. 

The courtyard of Public School No. 4 at Pushkin Street 63 also has remnants of Soviet-era mosaics. 

If you have time to venture outside Batumi city center, Tsotne Dadiani Street has relatively destroyed Soviet-era mosaics that once adorned a kindergarten. 

See the Soviet-era bas relief with insurance theme

Located on Memed Abashidze 60, adjacent to Pinch Coffee, lies a captivating Soviet-era bas-relief with an insurance theme. Surprisingly, I had never truly taken notice of this artwork before, but upon closer inspection, I was fascinated by the abundance of intricate details it possessed.

The focal point of the relief is adorned with Georgian script, boldly proclaiming “Public Insurance,” from which the theme elegantly branches out, resembling a crossword puzzle, listing all the insurable aspects, thus providing an insightful thematic explanation. Additionally, two small square-shaped boxes display Russian letters.

The top trio of pieces elegantly showcase life, marriage, and accident insurance, while the four central sections concentrate on cattle, child, vehicle, and water transport insurance. Furniture insurance can be observed on the bottom left side. Unfortunately, the inscription on the bottom right side has been lost to time, preventing me from identifying the last piece. Sadly, I couldn’t find any information about the artwork either. 

Upon keen observation, I discovered the number 86 discreetly placed on the tree’s trunk, just above the lower right side, accompanied by a few letters nestled amidst the tree’s leaves. My assumption leads me to believe that “86” represents the date of the artwork’s creation, likely denoting the year 1986.

Find a hammer and sickle on a residential building 

I am a fan of peculiar Soviet things, so when I accidentally stumbled on a hammer and sickle sign on top of the residential building intertwined with the date at the intersection of Luka Asatiani and Parnavaz Mepe Streets, I had to include this in the post. Maybe you also find such things interesting. 

Gape at Batumi Octopus

Batumi Octopus is my favorite Soviet-era mosaic-covered piece, so I decided it deserves a particular spot in this Batumi travel blog. 

Designed by architect George Chakhava and mosaic artist Zurab Kapanadze in 1975, this impressive three-dimensional monument, often called the ‘Octopus’ by locals, houses a café inside that was known as Cafe Fantasia back in the day.  

After years of neglect and abandonment, the structure was restored a couple of years ago to house a cafe, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. While I suggest sitting down and enjoying the scenery with your preferred drink, I was surprised to see it turned into a “children’s playground” on my last visit without anyone telling them not to slide and run on them, not even the cafe staff or the security. 

Things to do in Batumi for foodies

Devour adjaruli khachapuri.

Adjarian Khachapuri is the famous boat-shaped Khachapuri that comes from Adjara. Once baked, a knob of butter and an egg yok is topped on the cheese. 

To eat, mix the butter and egg yolk with melted cheese to incorporate everything. Then break both ends and dip in the cheese-butter-egg mixture. You can continue breaking the sides to eat with your hands or use a knife and fork. 

The best place to eat Adjaruli Khachapuri in Batumi is Laguna , followed by Retro . If you are after an even more distinctive taste, try Acharuli Khachapuri House , where they bake it in a wood-fired oven. 

Savor the delights of other meals of Adjarian Cuisine

This region of Georgia boasts diverse dishes that showcase local ingredients and flavors. In the lush landscapes of Adjara, dairy products take center stage, where cheese is the primary ingredient in many Adjarian dishes. 

Sinori : this is my favorite Adjarian dish I never get bored of. Thin folded sheets of lavash bread with cottage cheese and butter baked in the oven create this tasty dish. 

Borano : I am still deciding if I like Borano or not. This Adjarian dish calls for Sulguni cheese melted in hot butter. Even though the cheese becomes stretchy and the description sounds interesting, I find it too buttery and gets cold almost instantly. 

Chaqondrili : beef prepared in white wine, spices, mountain herb qonadri (savory or Satureja herb), and tender beef broth, all baked in aluminum foil on ketsi clay pot. 

Achma : another version of Khachapuri native to Adjara and Abkhazia regions. The layers of dough are arranged like a lasagna with shredded cheese spread between them. 

Iakhni is a flavorful beef stew enriched with nuts and spices with a thick, rich sauce. 

Chirbuli : a breakfast dish that has similarities with Turkish Menemen. Scrambled or sunny-side-up eggs are fried in a tangy sauce made from walnuts, tomatoes, and herbs. 

One of the excellent places to try Adjaruli cuisine in Batumi is Lurji Supra . Their menu offers several staples, including Chaqondrili, Sinori, Achma, Adjaruli Khachapuri, and Iakhni. Adjaruli House is also quite decent. 

Enjoy the freshest fish at Batumi Fish Market

With its coastal location, Batumi boasts a fresh catch of the day from the Black Sea. 

Batumi Fish Market offers a wide array of various fish, crabs, and seafood options. However, note that most exotic seafood on display is imported and not caught in the Black Sea . Therefore, they might not be as fresh as you want them to be. Oto knows how to distinguish them, so I always trust his words. 

The safest bet would be the Black Sea Traut, Garfish, Seabass, Flounder, European anchovy, and mussels. 

I wouldn’t recommend eating oysters in Batumi as I have heard several people getting food poisoning from them. 

Once you find what you are looking for, you can ask them to clean it for you to take home and cook it. Otherwise, you can take them to a dining section behind the market, where skilled chefs will prepare them for you. 

Alternatively, you can also go to waterfront restaurants to enjoy the same products from their menu. Flandria and Blue Wave are favorites of many. 

Have breakfast at Blue Elephant 

This cute little cafe in Batumi is a famous spot for breakfast lovers in the heart of Batumi, next to Europe Square. 

Blue Elephant’s culinary offerings strike the perfect balance between casual and sophisticated. With meticulous attention to detail, they use organic ingredients in their meals and focus on European cuisine with an innovative touch developed by Elene Kakabadze, the Executive Chef. Her expertise lies in being well-versed in French and Italian techniques and blending classic Georgian flavors with modern fusion concepts. 

We loved our Shakshuka and Eggs Benedict with bacon. The flavors were on point, and the portion was quite filling. 

Shop for local products

It would be best to shop for typical souvenirs in Tbilisi as there are more options in the capital than in Batumi. However, if you like to get local produce as a souvenir or want to taste some during your stay in Batumi, Agromania is an excellent shop. 

The store offers a delightful selection of wines, chacha , liqueurs, jams, locally-grown Georgian tea, handmade soups, honey, artisanal cheeses, and spices, to name just a few. Here, you can find products explicitly made in the Adjara region and the rest of the country. 

Try Adjarian Baklava

One of the things to do in Batumi is to indulge in the delightful treat of Baklava. However, if you’ve tried Turkish Baklava, you’ll find that the Baklava here has its twist, setting it slightly apart from its neighboring counterpart. 

While the ingredients are almost identical, the climate, the preparation techniques, and the product’s taste make them so different. I find Turkish ones sweeter and soft with too much syrup, while Adjarian has more solid pastry and less syrup, but equally sweet. Baklava House is a great spot to get your treat on the go; unfortunately, they don’t have a sitting are. 

Things to do in Batumi when it rains

Batumi is known for its heavy rain and spontaneous thunderstorms. Having a few indoor activities ready ensures you maximize your time in the city. Of course, you can enjoy these sights regardless of the weather, but they mainly come in handy for rainy days.

Soak in Batumi’s vibrant cafe scene

Immerse yourself in Batumi’s lively cafe culture and discover the delightful coffee scene in the city. Turkish-style coffee is a popular choice among locals nationwide but is especially popular in Batumi. 

Like the fast-developing specialty coffee scene in Tbilisi , I was impressed by how many were there in Batumi during my last visit. 

Whether it rains in Batumi or it gets too hot for you, spending a few hours in a lovely cafe is a great escape and a break from all the Batumi sightseeing you’ve been doing. 

Here are some of my favorite cafes in Batumi:

Rhino Coffee : Batumi’s first specialty coffee shop roasts its beans and offers branded grounds and bakery treats. Currently, there are two branches of Rhino Coffee in Batumi – one at Khariton Akhvlediani Street and another at Melikishvili. 

Erti Kava Coffee Room : a specialty coffee chain founded by two Ukrainian ladies in Tbilisi that spread across Svaneti and Batumi.

Coffeetopia : I have passed by this place numerous times whenever I came to Batumi but never looked inside until my last visit. With its incredible interior of stunning plasterwork done in Oriental style, it’s lovely to sit inside and sip a coffee with a dessert. 

Ymuri Ceramic & Coffee : located close to Argo Cable Car and the Old Batumi, this small venue incorporates a coffee shop and a ceramic studio. Ymuri serves beans from Shavi Coffee in Tbilisi – my favorite coffee shop in the capital. This tiny space has several seating areas at the bar, as well as a blue sofa to sit comfortably and watch people pass by. 

Explore Batumi’s various museums 

The city has a rich cultural and historical heritage; therefore, visiting its diverse museums is one of the best things to do in Batumi when it rains. All the museums listed below have a QR code next to an exhibit that directs you to an English-language description, making it easy and helpful to tour around. The ticket price is 6 GEL for every museum. Alternatively, you can get a Museum Pass that grants you a one-time visit to five museums and is valid for 10 days. The pass costs 17 GEL. 

Batumi Archaeological Museum on Chavchavadze Street showcases artifacts discovered during excavations in Adjara, primarily from the Pichvanri Greek necropolis, in its exhibition halls spread across two floors. 

The collection includes remarkable finds dating back to the 5th century BC, from painted pottery to coins and gold jewelry. I especially loved the amphoras with typical Green decorations and a collection of qvevris . 

I went without any expectations to Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum, which was a complete surprise and a delight. Located close to Batumi Central railway station, this small museum delves into intriguing aspects of Batumi’s history, focusing on the oil industry, printing, Georgian tea , and photography.

Archival photos, documents, and personal memorabilia provide fascinating insights into the legacies of the Nobel Brothers, the Rothschilds, Alexander Mantashev (oil magnate), and Lau Dzhen Dzhau, a Chinese tea grower who developed Georgian tea. 

Adjara Art Museum is a joy for those who are into fine arts. Established in 1995, this art gallery showcases the works of renowned Georgian painters, including Niko Pirosmani, Rusudan Petviashvili, and Lado Gudiashvili. The museum’s intricate skylight with stained glass decorations adds a unique appeal. 

The Museum of the State of Adjara , housed in a beautiful heritage building from 1883, exhibits the region’s history through various historical and cultural artifacts across two floors. Here, you can find Lau Dzhen Dzhau more memorabilia, gorgeous massive vases from noble families, ethnographic items, labels of all the products produced in Batumi back in the day, maps of Batumi at the end of 19th century, beautiful paintings and fancy chess board, to name just a few. 

Remember to go into the courtyard to see the first tractor CT3 in Batumi, made in Stalingrad (today’s Volgograd) and imported to the city in 1934. Also, look at a massive whale skeleton that weighs between 60-80 tons and is 25 meters long. The whale was killed in Antarctica and was presented to the museum in 1962.

Enjoy a movie day at Apollo Cinema

Indulge in the cinematic experience by watching a movie at the famous Apollo Cinema in Batumi, the only operating movie theater in the city. You can check out the program on Kinoafisha or Tkt.ge, offering Georgian and English screenings. 

Check out Batumi Bazaar

One of the things to do in Batumi, no matter the weather, is to rummage through the agricultural bazaar. Like Green Bazaar in Kutaisi and the other bazaars in Tbilisi, this dynamic market offers a compelling glance into the region’s culinary culture.

Housed in a big warehouse, the Batumi Central Market is mainly an indoor market spanning two levels. The ground floor has a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and poultry. The second floor displays churchkhela, honey, and other preserves like pickles or homemade sauces. Additionally, you can buy local cheese, loose-leaf teas of the region, and spices. 

The Batumi Bazaar, located close to the Central Railway Station, is easily reached via circle bus 1a from Old Batumi or No.12 from Chavchavadze Street. 

What to see near Batumi

Batumi is an excellent hub for discovering the wonders of Adjara. After you’ve seen and experienced Batumi tourist attractions, you can embark on various full or half-day trips from the city . 

Escape to Botanical Garden

Visiting the Batumi Botanical Garden as a day trip from Batumi is an absolute must. Boasting vast grounds, it is one of the most extensive botanical gardens in the region. As you wander through, you’ll discover a network of walking and hiking trails that lead you to breathtaking panoramic viewpoints.

Established in 1912, the Batumi Botanical Garden held significant importance as a premier botanical facility during the Soviet Union era. Located in a picturesque area known as Mtsvane Kontskhi, or ‘Green Cape,’ the garden sits 12 kilometers from Batumi but is easily accessible by bus or taxi.

As the garden is laid out on a hill, expect a bit of uphill walking, but the vistas of the Black Sea from these walking trails make it worth it. 

However, if you can’t walk or prefer a more relaxed way to explore the garden, an electric car takes you from the entrance to the highest point. 

The Batumi Botanical Garden is an excellent escape from hot weather days since the lush greenery provides a calm and fresh breeze.

• Opening hours : every day, 9 am – 7:30 pm
• Entrance fee : Georgian citizens and residents – 10 GEL, foreigners – 20 GEL

Visit the enchanting Petra Fortress

Situated between Batumi Botanical Garden and Kobuleti lies the lesser-known but enchanting Petra Fortress. It is one of the top places to visit near Batumi due to its historical significance and beauty. 

Petra Fortress stands as a significant archaeological and historical complex in the region. Constructed during the 6th century under the patronage of Byzantine Emperor Justinian, this fortress held great strategic importance along the route connecting Georgia to Iran and Armenia. 

Exploring the remnants of this ancient stronghold allows you to immerse yourself in its rich history while marveling at the breathtaking panorama of the Black Sea. 

The allure of Petra is heightened by the lush greenery that blankets half of its ruins of a citadel, soldiers’ barracks, basilica, baths, and farmhouses, adding to its charm and creating a truly captivating sight from within and beyond its walls. I especially love its terrace-like exterior, completely covered in plants. 

• Opening hours : every day, 10 am – 6 pm
• Entrance fee : 5 GEL

Experience a magnetic beach

The neighboring region of Guria is home to several coastal towns with black magnetic sand beaches. Ureki and Shekvetili are local favorites for a more relaxed summer vacation than Batumi. Moreover, people with various health problems also frequent these sides of the Black Sea rather than the Adjara region. 

I am not a big Batumi beach fan, nor do I like Kobuleti (the second most popular summer destination in Adjara), so if I want to swim in the Black Sea, I always do it outside of Batumi and Kobuleti. My favorite spots are Shekvetili, Ukreki, or Sarpi, towards the border with Turkey. 

Your best option to reach Ureki or Shekvetil is to ride a marshrutka (minibus) from Batumi Bus Station. They depart daily and quite often during the day. The journey takes around one hour. Alternatively, if you’d like to be more flexible and travel comfortably, you can rent a car through LocalRent in Batumi. 

And suppose you have time besides sunbathing on a magnetic beach. In that case, Shekvetili has a few attractions, including a Georgia in Miniatures Park, Dendrological Park, Musicians Park, and a relatively new, Bali-inspired Social Space . 

Chase Makhuntseti waterfall

Go on a day trip from Batumi to the small village of Makhuntseti in Upper Adjara, located around 40 minutes away. 

The waterfall is extremely popular among tourists and big tour groups, so it often gets busy. However, it still is a fascinating short nature escape from Batumi. 

Hidden away from the main road, follow the directions to unveil the breathtaking sight of water cascading down a magnificent 36-meter-tall rock. It’s a genuinely mesmerizing natural spectacle that will leave you in awe.

Another fascinating attraction is the stone-arched bridge, conveniently located near the highway. This historic bridge, believed to have been built in the 12th century, connects the riverbanks and showcases remarkable architectural craftsmanship.

Step back in time to Gonio Fortress

Dating back to the 1st century AD, Gonio Apsaros Fortress is another remarkable well-preserved Roman fortification. Exploring the fortified grounds allows you to witness remnants from various historical periods and discover significant burial sites. With its compact size, you can easily explore the fortress within an hour. 

• Opening hours : every day; 10 am – 6 pm. 
• Entrance fee : 5 GEL. 

Explore an alternative national park 

One of the unique day trips from Batumi is definitely to Kobuleti Nature Reserve. This less-traveled and almost hidden natural gem of the Adjara region offers a different coastal experience, known for its marshy wetlands, abundant sphagnum moss, and thriving bird population.

Exploring the park is easy, with boardwalk tracks and a lookout tower providing excellent vantage points. 

You can get to Kobuleti via a marshrutka departing next to the Church of Holy Spirit in front of Batumi Port.

Read : 13 Top Day Trips from Batumi – Forts, Hills, Wetlands, & More

What to do in Batumi if you have more time

Get even better views from the church.

Batumi Sameba Church, also known as Holy Trinity Cathedral, perched on a hilltop, surpasses the panoramic views of the Argo Cable Car. Within the church grounds, a spacious viewing platform offers sweeping vistas toward the Black Sea.

While it’s a bit far from the city center but easily accessible via Bolt taxi, you can add this to your itinerary if you have enough time. 

The church is open from 10 am to 6 pm in the summer, and its operating hours are shorter in the winter months. Outside of the opening hours, the premises are closed with a gate, so you won’t be able to enjoy a scenic sunset anytime you want, sadly. 

On your way back, you can hike down the mountain and still enjoy the Batumi skyline while walking down. It should take up to two hours to return, depending on your pace. 

Ride a historic Khulo Cable Car

For adventure enthusiasts, the tranquil town of Khulo in Upper Adjara is home to the historic cable car connecting Khulo with the tiny village of Tago. 

Europe’s second-longest free-span cable car is an attraction that can’t be missed. This extraordinary Soviet-era transportation stretches nearly two kilometers, reaching 350 meters above the verdant treetops. 

Experience the thrill of a seven-minute ride that unveils the awe-inspiring beauty of the valley below. 

Once in Tago, you can walk to Glamping Tago for spectacular views and have lunch in their Yurt restaurant, offering delicious Adjarian and European meals. If you have enough time, you can stay overnight, but lunch is perfectly doable as there are few dining options in Khulo. 

To reach Khulo, catch a marshrutka from Batumi Bus Station. The journey takes around 2:30 minutes one way. The vans depart daily, every hour from 8 am till 12 pm, and then every 30 minutes until evening. The exact schedule applies to the Khulo Batumi trip. The ticket costs 7 GEL. 

The cable car operates from 9 am to 6 pm and has one hour break from 1 pm to 2 pm. The journey costs only 5 GEL both ways. 

Hike nearby national parks

If you love hiking, then several national parks in Adjara should be on your list. 

One of the most popular national parks near Batumi is Mtirala National Park , located about 30 kilometers from the city. The park, known for its dense forests and picturesque mountain streams, has adorable rope bridges offering an exquisite experience. The visitor’s center is in Chakvi village, which should be your first stop to register and get information. 

Further inland lies Kintrishi Nature Reserve , at a higher elevation than Mtirala, boasting dramatic mountains, gorges, and vibrant rhododendron bushes. It is home to beautiful stone Tamari bridges and beautiful alpine Tbikeli Lake, accessed through a full-day 24-kilometer hike. If you want to hike here, I advise having your car as the park is more remote than others.

My Favorite Travel Resources

To ease your travel planning, check out all the posts about Georgia travel . Additionally, here are some of the websites and services I use when preparing for my next adventure anywhere in the world.

✈ Book affordable flights on WayAway , a platform that shows the best flight deals, tours, and hotels. With a WayAway Plus membership, you can earn cashback . Get 10% off with code: RFD10

🚫 Get compensation for up to 700$ with Airhelp if your flight was canceled or delayed within the last 3 years.

🚗 Rent a car at Local Rent for affordable prices and convenient service.

❣ Pre-book a private car transfer with GoTrip from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel or any other city across Georgia.

💻 Get a VPN from Surfshark to protect your devices from hackers when using public Wi-Fi when traveling.

📱 Install the Airalo app , which provides local eSIMs for a more affordable internet connection when traveling. Get 3 USD with code: BAIA2592 .

💸 Use Wise to withdraw money in local currency without hidden fees and avoid high exchange rates. On top, you might get a Visa or Mastercard debit card .

🍷 For some of the best, expat-designed wine tours check out Eat!ThisTours . Get a 5% discount with code RFD5 .

🏨 Find budget-friendly deals on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com .

🩺 Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance, SafetyWing , covering COVID .

☀ Book in advance some of the best city walks, cultural experiences, and day tours to maximize your stay and experience here.

Want more inspiration?

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im georgian and im glad to see article about my mother city. its a really nice guide for those who want to visit batumi. all the necessary information is written nicely.

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Top Things to Do in Batumi, Georgia – Our Guide to a Perfect Stay

What are the top things to do in Batumi? Here is our guide to the best things to do and the best places to visit in Batumi. Keep reading this article to make the best out of your visit to Batumi, Georgia’s fascinating city on the coast of the Black Sea.

The first time we saw Batumi, Georgia’s second-largest city, it wasn’t really love at first sight. It gave us the impression of a little Las Vegas where tourists from Turkey and Russia would gamble the night away in its casinos.

We had just crossed the border with Turkey and didn’t bother taking the time to visit the city center. Instead, we continued hitchhiking towards Tbilisi . We never thought we would return to Batumi one day and fall in love with it!

Four months later we went back for a brief visit. The only reason why we gave the city a second chance was because a friend had asked us to go on a trip to Batumi with her.

Well, it was Niko who convinced me to go because at first, I didn’t really feel like it. And I’m glad he did! I didn’t realize how much I had missed the fresh sea breeze that welcomed us as soon as we arrived in this coastal city.

It was in the middle of winter but the sun was shining, the weather was sweet and yes, it made me want to move my itchy feet!

We loved the city so much that after just spending one day Niko and I both decided we would live there for a few months.

Now, three months later our time in Batumi came to an end. We moved to another part of Georgia for our final chapter in this country and although I’m excited about the change, I know I’ll miss this city a lot.

I’ve seen how the winter covered Batumi in a beautiful white coat (see Winter Wonderland in Batumi ) and how spring put it in bloom. It almost feels like saying goodbye to a lover with whom I had a short romance.

Before leaving though we’ve decided to help other travelers fall in love with this city. We wrote a short guide to the best activities and fun things to do in Batumi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Things you need to know before visiting Batumi

Where is batumi.

Batumi is located on the coast of the Black Sea in the western part of Georgia. The city is around 20 km north-east of the Turkish border.

Batumi is the main city in the region of Adjara, a region in southwest Georgia. It’s also the third largest city in Georgia.

The city is known as the party capital of the region and it’s the place young Georgians and foreign tourists come to visit when they’re looking for a warm sea, cool clubs and a never-ending holiday atmosphere.

A bit of history about Batumi

Batumi is located on the site of an ancient Greek colony called ”Bathus”. The colony was later captured by the romans. The site was at different periods occupied by romans, arabs, and finally came under the control of Georgian monarchy in the 11th century.

A few recommendations and tips before visiting Batumi

Traveling in Batumi is becoming easier and easier since more Georgians now speak English. Remember though that a big part of the population still speaks only Georgian and Russian. Learning a few words or expressions in those languages before visiting the country will definitely be handy.

If learning languages is not your thing, I would recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Russian phrasebook and dictionary . It’s packed with thousands of sentences that will help you in different situations and scenarios such as ordering food or finding a place to stay.

I would also recommend getting a map software on your phone that works offline.

Maps.me has helped us navigate the narrow streets of Batumi and many other Georgian cities.

One of the cool features of Maps.me is that it can be used both online and offline. Connect to the wifi at your hostel and download a map of the part Batumi you wish to explore. This map works with the GPS chip in your phone so it will continue working, even when you’re offline.

Is Batumi safe?

Batumi is a very safe city. We often wandered its little streets until sunrise and we felt totally safe. Winter is a particularly good time to do this as the city is almost empty of tourists.

I would only recommend avoiding the outskirts of Batumi going towards the Turkish border. This part of Batumi is often frequented by prostitutes and it can be a bit dangerous especially after dark.

Top things to do in Batumi

My fondness for Batumi is based on personal experiences and I wouldn’t want to create high expectations for anyone who’s interested in paying this city a visit. Note that Niko and I were living there during the low season (between October and April) when the city wasn’t overrun by tourists.

Our impressions could have been completely different during summer but in case I aroused your curiosity and you’re considering a trip, I made a list of our favorite places and things we did in Batumi.

And nope, it doesn’t include gambling in the casinos or partying in the countless night clubs (it’s not exactly our kind of thing…).

Have a look at this video to see what Batumi looks like in the Spring:

1. Go to the beach

The Batumi beach should absolutely be included in your list of fun things to do in Batumi. The fresh sea air was one of the main reasons why we chose to live in Batumi after spending five months in the capital city of Georgia.

It wasn’t exactly the right season to sunbath on the rocky beach or swim in the salty waters of the Black Sea but it was definitely very pleasant to walk for hours along the seashore, especially during sunset.

The beach of Batumi was a bit rocky but we loved it…

We heard that the beach can be very crowded during summer but if you come any other time outside the high season, you’ll be able to enjoy precious moments of peace and quiet.

The beach of Batumi also has a super long boulevard that runs parallel to it. It was Niko’s favorite place to go for a jog in the evening.

2. Walk, run or cycle on one of the longest seaside boulevards in Europe

The Batumi Seafront Boulevard was my favorite place to go for a walk after a long day of teaching online .

It’s 7 kilometers long and you can either choose to walk on the pavement next to the rocky beach or through the line of trees in the park. Niko loved going there for his morning or evening runs.

If you don’t like walking long distances but you want to see the whole boulevard, there are various bicycle rental points so you can always bike along the cycling path!

Oh, and the best thing is there are no cars around, just the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, waves breaking on the shore, birds whistling in the trees and the screams of little kids wanting ice-cream.

Here is the location of the Seafront Boulevard in Batumi:

We’d recommend starting the walk along the boulevard in Miracle Park, which is near the Sea Port of Batumi. The park is famous for the Alphabet Tower, the Statue of Love, the Ferris Wheel and the Chacha Clock Tower.

3.Visit the Alphabet Tower

This metallic structure symbolizes the uniqueness of the Georgian alphabet.

The tower combines the two helix strands of the human DNA with the 33 letters of the alphabet, a representation of how the Georgian language is part of the people.

You can even go on an elevator that will bring you to the top. There’s always some music on the ground floor and, cheesy as we are, Niko and I sometimes danced to the tunes of ballads playing.

This is where you’ll find the Alphabetic tower:

4.The Statue of Love aka Ali & Nino

Talking of romance. One of the most famous statues in Batumi is the Statue of Love.

It’s an eight-meter steel sculpture of a man and a woman created by the Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze. She made this moving metal artwork in 2010, inspired by the tragic love story of Ali and Nino based on the novel by Kurban Said.

The story is very similar to that of Romeo and Juliet.

Spending time with your love near this statue is one of the top things to do in Batumi…

The moving statue tells the romance of Ali, an Azerbaijani Muslim and Nino, a Christian Georgian princess. The story is set in Baku (Azerbaijan) between 1918 and 1920.

Their families resisted their love because of their different cultural and religious backgrounds but when Ali and Nino finally found a way to be together, the first World War hit home and Ali was killed during the invasion of Soviet Russia. Yes, very sad story!

Each day the two figures slide towards each other, but after merging into a brief embrace their segments pass between each other and the statues move away from one another. They can never truly connect…

It is said that the statues come to life once a day at 7 pm but you can’t really count on that. The first time we went to see the statue, the figures kept their ground and didn’t even move one inch.

Other days we saw them moving during day time. I guess you should just go and hope you came at the right time to see them merge into one piece every 10 minutes. Evening time is the best as the figures are illuminated with colorful lighting effects.

Here is where you’ll find the statue of Ali and Nino:

5. Enjoy a panoramic view of Batumi from the Ferris Wheel

We went a few times for a ride on the Ferris Wheel. It costs only 3 GEL and it gives a beautiful panoramic view of the city, the beach and the port.

It closes at night but then it’s just nice to get hypnotized by the lighting effects of the wheel. Be warned if you’re under mind-altering substances, you might spend hours staring at the buzzing colors!

Here is the location of the Ferris wheel in Batumi:

6. The Chacha Clock Tower

This 25-meter clock tower is known as the “Chacha Tower”. Chacha is the national drink of Georgia, a strong spirit distilled from the grape residue (pomace) left after making wine.

Some compare it to grappa, vodka or brandy. The Chacha Tower was the brainchild of the city government with the intention of creating a tower fountain, where instead of water the Georgian chacha would flow to give everyone (citizens and tourists) the opportunity to taste it.

Every day at 7pm, the tower would dispense chacha for free. Wait, what?! Free booze?! Oh Georgia, how wonderful art thou!

Unfortunately, we’re also dealing with Georgian time here, which means you can’t predict when it will actually work (remember Ali and Nino). Until today we haven’t seen any chacha coming out of the fountain. Maybe they ran out?

Oh wait, we’re in Georgia, no way they would run out of alcohol! But your best bet to try chacha is to go to the Chacha Time bar or make friends with the locals.

They’ll always have a plastic bottle filled with chacha lying around and they’ll be more than happy to share it with you. Trust me when I tell you that chacha flows freely in this country! No need for a fountain here!

To find the chacha tower, follow this map:

7. Get charmed by the beautiful statues of love along the Boulevard

As soon as you walk from Miracle Park further along the Boulevard (or stagger, depending on if the chacha fountain was working or not) you can already see the first of many love sculptures you’ll come across.

I told you that Batumi was the city of love! This theme is captured across the whole boulevard through a series of fascinating sculptures, each with their own romantic story to tell.

You’ll see themed statues bearing red love hearts such as a man skating, playing golf or down on one knee proposing to the love of his life.

There are also a few sculptures made by the Georgian artist Irakli Tsuladze, such as “Me, You and Batumi”, which you can find in the Miracle Park or “First Love”along the shoreline.

And while you’re on your romantic walk, don’t forget to visit The Love Bridge on the Batumi Pier for a nice view over the sea on one side and the skyline of the city on the other.

The Batumi Pier is the perfect place to admire the sea in Batumi…

8. Enjoy the dancing fountains at night and the giant chessboard

There are two places where you can find musical dancing fountains at night. One is in the park across from the Love Bridge, the other one is installed in the Ardagani Lake, a 30-minute walk from the Love Bridge.

As soon as the sun sets, the fountains will give you a real dance and light spectacle! Instead of watching a movie on our laptop, we went to the park or to the lake to see these fountains in action.

Every night they danced to the musical soundtrack of pop, rock and classical music. They were even rocking on the famous tunes of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell!” and spinning on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.

Literally every night they were putting on a different show! Are you starting to understand why I loved this place so much?

Niko and I are the kind of people who prefer watching dancing fountains instead of going to a night club and dance until the early hours.

Now I’m going to spice up our wild image even more by telling you that we often went playing a mega game of chess with the Large Outdoor Chess Set in the park next to the fountains. That is if we weren’t chasing the toddlers who liked to interfere with our game by running off with some of the chess pieces…

The longer you walk on and around the boulevard, the more statues, little parks and features you’ll discover.

With every walk, I discovered a few new sculptures and I was often wondering whether I had overlooked them the previous time or if they were recently added.

I still have the feeling I haven’t seen them all!

Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I loved the wonderful and weird architecture of the buildings in Batumi. I secretly suspected that some of the architects were high on drugs (or maybe drank too much chacha) when they designed these buildings.

Two of them really caught my attention. The first one was a high pointy tower that has a Ferris wheel on the upper floors. The building was intended to be the Batumi Technical University but the 35-floor building never met the education standards.

Now there are plans to make it into a hotel. I bet the hotel guests will love to go on a ride on that Ferris wheel!

The second one is the local McDonald’s. This building has been nominated as the coolest McDonald’s in the world.

The exterior is covered by 460 glass panels while the entire building is surrounded by a reflecting pool.

And if you think that’s pretty awesome, wait until you see the interior design… It has an open-air patio that features a large expanse of vegetation.

You almost feel like you’re in a vegan restaurant but the contrast couldn’t be bigger. Maybe this is a way to make the customers feel healthy while eating a greasy burger?

10. Visit Disney Land in Europe Square

Okay, it’s not really Disney Land but the colorful buildings around Europe Square somehow reminded me of a little fairy-tale place. I liked sitting there to enjoy the atmosphere and the beauty of the buildings.

At night the square becomes even more colorful when it’s illuminated (they really love colorful lights in Batumi!) The square got its name when Batumi joined the Assembly of European Nations.

It definitely has a very European touch to it (the architectural style also reminded me of my hometown Bruges).

Here is the location of the Europe Square in Batumi:

11. Get lost in the streets of Batumi

Just like walking on the Boulevard, you can find hidden features while wandering the streets in Batumi. There are two main shopping streets where it can be chaotic but if you go through the little streets, you might come across some nice surprises.

There are small green parks everywhere, fountains, statues and several beautiful churches. And it’s especially nice to get lost in the old part of the city!

12. Go fishing or visit the fish market

We didn’t really go fishing but we liked hanging out with the fishermen at the harbor of Batumi. And if you’re nice, they might give you a go with their rod and share a drink with you.

There are also small boats in the harbor that offer you (fishing) trips. I don’t know how much they charge but you can always bargain with the captain.

If fishing is not your thing but you enjoy eating fresh fish, you can always go to the Batumi Fish Market. It’s a fun experience and very cheap: buy the fish or seafood you like, hand it over to the vendor and they will clean the fish right in front of you.

If you want, you can go to the eatery next to the market where they will prepare the fish for you. You just have to tell the woman you bought a ‘catch’ and wait for your meal.

Here is where you can enjoy fresh fish in Batumi:

13. Relax in 6 May Park

6 May Park is Batumi’s first garden and one of Georgia’s oldest public parks. It has a small zoo, an aquarium and a dolphinarium.

It was the first dolphinarium in the whole Soviet Union. It wasn’t open when we were there and honestly we don’t like to support places where animals live in captivity.

What we did like was walking around the lake in the center of the park. It is named Nurigeli Lake and it has a tragic story. According to a legend, a baby boy named Nuri fell into the lake and drowned.

The baby’s mother used to visit the lake every day and called out to her baby “Nuri Geli”, which means “Nuri I am waiting for you”. I so hope that this was just a story!

Here is the location of the lake:

14. Take a ride on the Argo Cable Car

A great way to have an aerial view over Batumi is by taking the Argo Cable Car that will give you a fascinating view over the city.

The ticket is 10 GEL per person for a roundtrip in winter and 15 GEL during summer, a bit pricey knowing that you can have a good meal for this money in a restaurant but I would still recommend you to do it.

Not just for the panoramic view on the top station’s deck but for the 2.5 kilometers ride over the city that gives you a nice overview of the old and shabby parts mixed with the modern and new sites of Batumi.

The entrance of the Argo Cable Car is located in Gogebashvili Street near the Sea Port and is open daily from 11 am to 1 am.

Here is the starting point of the cable car:

15. Enjoy a stroll in Batumi Botanical Garden

This is one of the biggest and richest botanical gardens in the world. The garden was the brainchild of the Russian botanist Andrey Nikolayevich Krasnov.

It officially opened in 1912, covers and area of 111 hectares and is divided into nine sections displaying flora from different parts of the world.

The garden is located near Mtsvane Kontskhi (Green Cape) resort. You can take marshrutka (minibus) number 150 or 31 from Parnavaz Mepe Street of Tbilisi Square in Batumi to get there.

The Garden is open from 8 am until 9 pm and an entrance ticket costs 6 GEL.

16. Enjoy a chacha cocktail in Chacha Time

“Every time is a chacha time!” This is the slogan of the Chacha Time bar in Old Batumi (Giorgi Mazniashvili St, 5).

We discovered this bar during one of our walks and found the symbol of the mustache quite funny.

Out of curiosity we went into this cozy bar and had a look at the menu. The majority of the drinks are based on chacha and the cocktail menu is hilarious!

You can find cocktails like chachito (mojito), chacha tonic (gin & tonic), chacha on the beach (sex on the beach), chachacolada (pinacolada),… Just be careful though when you start drinking it! It’s a very strong spirit!

This is where Chacha Time is located in Batumi:

17. Have a delicious meal at Nita’s House

There are many restaurants and coffee-shops in Batumi, which all vary in prices. We discovered Nita’s House  (on the corner of Rustaveli Str. and Dumbadze Str, close to Europe Square) during our second night there.

We normally don’t eat out much as we stick to a budget but in Nita’s House you can have a delicious meal for two for only 15 GEL.

There’s a variety of Western food (the Caesar Pizza and Club Sandwich with fries were our favorites) and Georgian food (the famous Adjara Khadjapuri ).

We loved the atmosphere in this small restaurant and came here once a week to treat ourselves to a delicious dinner. We kind of became regulars here.

18. Treat yourself to tasty fresh pastries at the Fresh Bakery Batumi and a good glass of wine in Goodwine.

We met the owners of Fresh Bakery Batumi and GoodWine during our trip to Svaneti . They are really cool people from Ukraine who started their business in Batumi a few years ago.

We met them a few times, tried their goodies and definitely approved! The name Fresh Bakery says it all: every day they bake freshly made pastries, ideal to treat yourself to a good breakfast or a snack if you get hungry from all the walking in the city center (address: 54/62 Gorgiladze str.).

Ask for Ruslan (the owner) and say hello from us!

GoodWine is a small wine shop located on the Batumi Boulevard near the Batumi Pier. If you’d be thirsty after a long walk or want to treat yourself to a bottle or cup of wine while enjoying the sunset, definitely pay Sergei (the owner) a visit and send him our regards.

You can buy a glass of some of the best wine for 1 GEL!

19. Go on a guided day trip from Batumi or take a guided tour of Batumi

There are some beautiful national parks worth visiting near Batumi. If you want to relax in nature during your visit to Batumi, you should definitely include these guided tours on your trip:

From Batumi: Gonio Castle and Adjarian Highland Tour

Adjara: Batumi Botanical Garden & Mtirala National Park

If you would like a guided city tour of Batumi, this is the tour we recommend:

Batumi: City Highlights & Batumi Boulevard Walking Tour

Where to stay in Batumi – What are the best hostels in Batumi?

Batumi is a city that is worth taking the time to discover so you’ll want to stay there at least a night or two.

Batumi has a wide choice of hostels for budget travelers who want to save money to explore during the day and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening.

It’s a city that can get pretty expensive during the summer holidays but there are still a few comfortable and more importantly, affordable places where you can stay.

Most hostels will charge you around 15 – 20 GEL ($6 – $8) for a night in a dorm. Here are some of the hostels that we recommend in Batumi:

Back2Me is the perfect fusion of what you’d typically expect from a hostel (bunk beds and communal spaces) with modern, slick design.

It’s the ideal hostel for digital nomads with its high-speed internet and perfect communal working spaces. The cleanliness of the rooms is impeccable and this hostel is very quiet at night.

Back2Me is in a great location. It’s just a few steps from all the hot spots in Batumi and it’s really close to the beach.

The beds of the hostel are super comfortable and they all come with curtains that give you a bit of extra privacy.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Back2Me”

This hostel is in an old building but the decoration inside is fantastic as you can see in these pictures . The look of this hostel reminded me of traditional Canadian wooden houses. It feels very cozy and relaxing.

The rooms are super spacious and some of them have large windows creating a very nice atmosphere.

The kitchen is very well furnished and it’s easy to cook anything you’d want there. Hostel Catrin is conveniently located next to some awesome restaurants and a supermarket in Batumi.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Catrin”

• Calypso Hostel

This hostel is in a super quiet neighborhood of Batumi. It’s very clean and modern.

It’s also very quiet at night. It’s the perfect place to book if you want long peaceful sleep. The owner is very helpful and will help you with any questions you might have concerning things to do in Batumi.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Calypso Hostel”

If you travel as a couple and like more privacy, there’s a great guesthouse in the city center we would recommend:

• My Warm Guest House

This Guesthouse has large, spacious rooms with balconies that give a great view on the city center. The comfort of the rooms is on par with what the best hotels in the country would provide.

The location of this guesthouse is perfect to see all the beautiful sights of Batumi.

Click to check out rates and availability for “My Warm Guest House”

Where to eat in Batumi – What are the best restaurants in Batumi?

If you’re a foodie who enjoys discovering savory dishes, Batumi will not disappoint you. the restaurants in the city serve excellent traditional Georgian dishes and some European specialties as well.

Apart from Anita’s place (see above), we also recommend these great restaurants in Batumi:

• Heart of Batumi

This restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy savory shashlik in Batumi. The pork meat is cooked just right and with the perfect blend of spices.

The semi-sweet wine served here has a pleasant aroma and is extremely affordable (just 16 gel per litre!). There are tons of different dishes and options available on the menu.

Our favorites were the baked eggplant, the Borsch (a beet soup) and the ojaxuri (fried potatoes with meat).

It’s better to come early in the evening before the restaurant completely fills up.

Here is the location of Heart of Batumi:

Laguna is another one of our top restaurants in Batumi. If you’re wondering where to eat the best Khajapuri in Batumi, you’ll find it in Laguna.

This restaurant has all the variations of this traditional Georgian dish you could possibly imagine.

Here is where you’ll eat the best Khajapuri in Georgia:

How to get to Batumi?

You can hitchhike like us which is very easy in Georgia but if you don’t like this, there are three more options (prices based from Tbilisi to Batumi):

You can take the train which will cost you 18 GEL ($7) or a bus which is 25 GEL ($10).

If you want to travel like the locals, you can try to catch a mashrutka (mini bus) that leaves from Didube or Railway Station in Tbilisi (20 GEL/ $10) or at the McDonald’s in Kutaisi (10 GEL/$5).

This is where you’ll find the train station in Tbilisi:

Writing this post brought back some great memories and I will always treasure our time in Batumi.

I hope this list will be helpful if you’re planning to visit this crazy and unique city.

I hope you’ll have the same positive experiences we did. Let us know in the comments if you’re planning to go there or what you thought of Batumi. If you would add any other places or activities to this list, let us know!

*This article contains affiliate links. If you book a hotel/hostel or purchase one of the recommended products through our website, we’ll receive a small commission at no extra costs for you. This way you’re helping us writing more informative and awesome guides like this. Thank you!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – GEORGIA TRAVEL TIPS:

• Everything you need to know about traveling independently in Georgia (visa, how to get to and around Georgia, where to stay,…):

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Backpacking in Georgia

• Plan your trip to Georgia:

The best of Georgia in 15 days – 3 complete Travel Itineraries 

• Georgia travel costs:

Georgia on a budget – How much does it cost to travel to Georgia 

• Hiking in Georgia:

7 Beautiful off-the-beaten-path Hikes

• Skiing in Georgia:

Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia

• Hitchhiking in Georgia:

Hitchhiking in Georgia – the good, the bad and the untold stories

• Our Georgian city guides:

Top Things to Do in Batumi – Our Guide to a Perfect Stay

Top Things to Do in Tbilisi – Our Guide to a Fantastic Time in Tbilisi

GEORGIA TRAVEL RESOURCES:

• Accommodation & Lodging:  Booking.com & Airbnb
• Car rental in Georgia:  Rentalcars.com
• Travel Insurance for Georgia:  World Nomads
• Detailed guides about hiking in Georgia: Caucasus Trekking
• Lonely Planet Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
• Georgia Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture
• Georgia, a guide to the Cradle of Wine
• The First toast is to peace: travels in the South Caucasus

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20 Cool Things to do in Batumi, Georgia

Batumi, Georgia is known as the seaside resort, one of the most popular on the Black Sea, and one of the must-visit places in Georgia and the Caucasus region. But the city has so much more to offer than just the beach holidays and is so much better than it seems at first.

I’ve been to Batumi three times so far and I know I will be back there again, it is such a great destination.

I put together this guide to the best things to do in Batumi so you can get to know the city better and see more than just the seaside. Read on and find out what to do in Batumi!

Batumi essentials

• Airport transfer: Pre-book the airport transfer from Batumi airport to your accommodation in Batumi here .
• Where to stay in Batumi: Boulevard Hotel Batumi (9.1/10) / Hotel Monarch (9.3/10)
• Best Batumi tour: Batumi City highlights- private Walking City Tour
• Best day trip from Batumi: GETAWAY From Batumi
• Get insured for your trip to Georgia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Where is Batumi

Batumi is located on the Georgian part of the Black Sea coast, not far from the border with Turkey (20 km). Tbilisi , the capital of Georgia is 380 km away.

Why visit Batumi

The majority of tourists visiting Batumi come here for the seaside holidays but there are more reasons to visit Batumi .

There is a really lovely old town with some impressive old buildings, but also modern architecture is very interesting. You can eat here some delicious and fresh seafood. Batumi is such a vibrant place with so many great things to do.

The surrounding area is stunning with lush vegetation, beautiful views, and a national park only a short ride away from the city.

Best time to visit Batumi

In the summer months, Batumi is a busy holiday destination, attracting not only local tourists but many more, especially from Armenia , Russia or Gulf countries. If you don’t like crowds on the beach and especially on the seaside promenade you should avoid visiting Batumi in July and August.

I’ve been to Batumi twice in autumn (October and November) and I really enjoyed it. There were not that many tourists around but the weather was good enough to spend some time at the beach.

I believe spring must be a good time for a trip to Batumi, with all the amazing vegetation blossoming.

How to get to Batumi

Getting to Batumi is rather easy. The city has its own airport but it is used mostly by the charter flights.

The nearest popular airport is Kutaisi, served by low-cost airlines from numerous European destinations. There are direct buses from/to Kutaisi airport, connected with the flights so you don’t need to worry about your transportation to Batumi. You can get the tickets at the airport, you will find the Georgian Bus booth right in front of the exit from the customs.

From the city of Kutaisi there are marshrutkas (minibusses) every hour from 7 am to 7 pm. The journey takes around 2,5 hours.

The best way to get from Tbilisi to Batumi is by train (you don’t want to spend 6 hours or more in the cramped marshrutka). There are both day and night connections and the travel time is around 5 hours (a bit more in the overnight trains). Trains are comfortable and it should be a pleasant journey. You can find the current trains schedule here .

There are also regular buses connection Tbilisi and Batumi as well as a flight but I still believe a train is the best option.

Where to stay in Batumi

Batumi offers a variety of accommodation and everyone can a suitable place to stay in. If you visit Batumi in the summertime I advise looking for the accommodation ahead of time so you can score the best options. Outside of the season, you can get very good deals on Batumi accommodation.

Here are some recommended places to stay in Batumi

• Hotel Bloom (9,6/10) on Booking – I stayed there the last time and I can wholeheartedly recommend the place!
• Back2ME Hostel (9,4/10 on Booking)
• Mariinsky ApartHotel (9,3/10 on Booking)
• Wyndham Batumi (9,1/10 on Booking)
• and many more!

Things to do in Batumi

And now let’s talk about Batumi attractions that you can’t miss when visiting the city.

Wander around the Old Town

The Old Town in Batumi isn’t very big but it surely is a charming place to wander around. Originally it was built in the 19th century when Batumi was an important port along the route from the Caspian Sea to Europe and many of the impressive buildings still date back to that time. The Batumi Old Town was recently restored and can enchant you easily.

The streets are long, straight, and very picturesque. The center of the Old Town is Piazza – the hidden square built in the Italian style with outdoor cafes, shops, and the beautiful mosaic in the center (it is considered the largest marble mosaic in Europe!). Another place you can’t miss, a bit on the side from the old Town, is Europe Square with the statue of Medea and some impressive buildings around.

The best way to discover the Old Town in Batumi is to wander around aimlessly – you won’t get lost but you might find some real gems here.

Admire the art nouveau architecture

One of the things that have surprised me the most in Batumi was the incredible art nouveau architecture. I’m a big fan of this style so finding more and more amazing buildings was pure joy for me.

Some of the buildings (like Cinema Apollo) were already renovated, while others wait for their turn but nevertheless you can admire what masterpiece the art nouveau architecture in Batumi is.

The most beautiful buildings I found were Cinema Apollo (Memed Abashidze Ave 17), building on the corner of Zviad Gamsakhurdia and Merab Kostava streets and building at 25 Memed Abashidze Ave, near Europe Square but there are many more of them.

Enjoy Batumi street art scene

Another thing you might not expect from Batumi is the thriving street art scene. You can find some great works all over the city but most of them are around the Old Town. There are big impressive murals (like the one on the sidewall of the university building at Rustaveli Avenue), cool stencils, and even a well-known lamb known from the Tbilisi street art scene.

For a few years now the annual street art festival takes place in Batumi, bringing local and international artists who create amazing works on the walls all over the city. I bet you will find many of them when discovering Batumi.

Compare how Batumi used to look like and how it is now

When wandering around the Old town and Europe Square you will find old pictures showing how Batumi used to look like in the past, at the beginning of the 20th century. Comparing them with the current look will show you perfectly that Batumi is more than just a seaside resort, the city actually has a big historical value.

Drink from the chacha fountain

A couple of years ago Batumi was in the news all over the world announcing the opening of the fountain with chacha, a strong local brandy made from grapes.

At first, each day at 7 in the evening you could try free chacha pouring from the fountain. Then it was changed to once a week and during my last trip to Batumi, the fountain seemed to be not working at all (but it was in November so that could have been the reason).

But even if you can’t drink from the fountain you should try chacha anyway – it’s strong but good and one shoot of it won’t hurt you. You can find chacha bars in the Old Town of Batumi.

The fountain itself is interesting anyway – it’s the replica of the clock tower that used to stand in the very same spot near the harbor at the beginning of the 20th century.

Find Soviet mosaics

If you like Soviet architecture (I do!) you will find some great remnants of it in Batumi. Unlike the great Soviet buildings in Tbilisi , Batumi has some really amazing old mosaics that will impress everyone.

They are often with the marine theme (we are at the seaside after all) – you can find the prettiest Neptunes at the entrance to the block of flats at Akhmeteli Street (behind the Batumi Theater) or near the Dolphinarium.

The biggest mosaic masterpiece I’ve ever seen is the giant octopus that serves as the cafe. It’s located between the university and the sea and it’s impossible to miss it – it will bring your attention right away with its gaudy colors and funky shape.

Enjoy the local cafe scene

Fans of coffee will be pleased to know there are some decent cafes in Batumi. The local scene isn’t as exceptional as Tbilisi cafes but has some good moments. There are also plenty of outdoor cafes where you can hang out on a sunny day.

My favorite cafes in Batumi were Coffeetopia, Literaturuli Cafe, Cafe Privet iz Batuma, and Free Space.

See the iconic Ali and Nino Statue

Right in front of the Ferris wheel, you can find the super creative Ali and Nino statue. The name refers to the famous Caucasian book, “Ali and Nino” by Kurban Said – a tragic love story of the young Azeri guy and a Georgian princess from the times of First World War.

The statues are moving, changing their position every few minutes, and even going through each other. This is such a fascinating spectacle to see!

Admire the landscape of Ajara

While you are at Ali and Nino statue don’t miss the beautiful view of the Ajarian landscape with rolling hills going down into the Black Sea. This is such a mesmerizing view to observe, one of the best you will find in central Batumi. I spent there way too much time, simply staring at the beautiful landscape in front of me.

Visit the incredible Botanical Garden

The best place to get closer to the spectacular nature is the Batumi Botanical Garden. It is located a bit away from the center (around 9 km), but getting there isn’t too difficult and definitely worth the trouble. You can take bus no 31 or a taxi for some 15-20 lari to reach the botanical garden.

Since Batumi is located in the subtropical climate it’s very easy to grow all kinds of vegetation there. And you can find it all in the botanical garden.

It is divided into three parts and while you can discover the place using the small electric trains I recommend walking around so you can see all the wonders that grow there.

You can spend here a few hours and still that will not be enough to discover everything. This is such a perfect getaway to escape from the busy center of Batumi.

Take the cable car to see Batumi from above

For the best views of Batumi and surroundings that take Argo cable car to the nearby Anuria mountain. The journey takes some 15 minutes and already along the way you can admire some nice views.

From the upper station of the cable car, you can see the skyline of central Batumi, the hills of the Ajara region and the endless waters of the Black Sea.

I took the cable car just before the sunset and the whole city was covered in the soft orange color – what a spectacular view that was!

Visit the local farmers market

If you would like to get a glimpse into the local life I recommend visiting the local farmers market. It’s located a bit away from the center (less than 2 km) but it’s worth the trip since it’s such a unique place, so different from the downtown Batumi.

You can get here all the best Georgian goodies: fresh products, aromatic spices, juicy fruits and vegetables and more.

There is a railway line going right through the middle of the market so when the train is coming the sellers need to hide away their products quickly.

You can also find a seafood market in Batumi, near the harbor, where you can eat fresh fish right after purchasing it.

See one of the prettiest McDonald’s in the world

Did you know that Batumi has one of the prettiest McDonald’s restaurants in the world? Unlike McDonald’s located in the old, historical buildings (like in Porto, Portugal , or Subotica, Serbia ), this one has a modern design created by the local Georgian architect Giorgi Khmaladze.

The building looks like a ship and was made from 460 glass panels. Inside, in the upper part, you can find the small green patio and the whole building is surrounded by the pond.

The building won numerous awards and got worldwide recognition so even if you are not a fan of McDonald’s it’s still worth seeing their restaurant in Batumi. It is located at 9 Sherif Khimshiashvili Street, not far from the seaside promenade.

Enjoy the interesting architecture of Batumi

One of the first things that come to everyone’s mind when thinking of Batumi is the interesting modern architecture you can find especially along the seaside promenade.

In recent years the city has been going through the major development and today you can see some really crazy architectural ideas here, such as the hotel in the shape of the Colosseum or the new ancient temple.

The most impressive, however, is the tower of the Technical University, with a little Ferris wheel incorporated up high. If you like modern architecture you will surely find some great buildings around Batumi.

Relax at the beach

While there are so many great things to do in Batumi let’s not forget about the beach. After all the city is a popular seaside destination with a long beach where you can relax after all the sightseeing (or simply relax with no reason at all).

Unfortunately, it’s a stony beach but you can rent a sunbed for an affordable price and spend the whole day relaxing (that’s what I did more than once in Batumi and I’m not much of the beach person).

Enjoy the seaside vibe

There is no denying that the Black Sea plays an important role in Batumi. Here you can enjoy the seaside vibe to the fullest – you can observe fishermen at work, you can go for long walks along the sea and in the summertime, when Batumi turns into the busy seaside resort, you can enjoy its vibrant atmosphere until late night hours.

My favorite time to visit Batumi is in the autumn when the crowds are gone and the city turns into this calm place where you can smell the fresh salty air.

Enjoy Georgian food

Georgian cuisine has, hands down, some of the most delicious dishes you will ever eat and you can try them in Batumi.

The most popular one is Adjarian kchachapuri – the local variation of the famous Georgian bread with cheese, here served in the shape of a boat with the egg yolk and a bit of butter (you need to mix them together before eating). But you can get here all the other yummy Georgian dishes – my favorite are badrijani (fried eggplant with walnut sauce), lobio (mashed red beans with spices), ajapsandali (ragout made of eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes) and a simple salad made from tomatoes and cucumbers.

There are plenty of restaurants serving Georgian food in Batumi, some are fancier than others but I found the best food and prices at Shemoikhede Genatsvale (8 Noe Zhordania St). When I visited the last time it was packed with locals.

Walk along the seaside promenade

One of the best things to do in Batumi is to walk the seaside promenade. It’s long, at least a few kilometers (I’ve never walked all of it, the farthest I went was Lech and Maria Kaczyński Park which is some 4 km away from the Old Town) and it’s such a pleasant place.

The promenade is lined with trees, there are some funky sculptures along the way and you can see and hear the sea all the time. Every time I’m in Batumi I end up there at least a few times per day.

Find picturesque laundry

If you go a bit into the city, beyond the Old Town and the beach, you will see a normal part of Batumi with blocks of flats typical for Eastern Europe and former Soviet countries (after all this is the city with almost 170 thousand inhabitants).

On sunny days you can spot there picturesque laundry hanging between buildings. It’s such a random yet pretty sight, my second favorite laundry view after Yerevan, Armenia .

Take the day trip from Batumi

While Batumi itself is a great city to visit you can also use it as a base to some day trips around.

Ajara, the Georgian region Batumi is the capital of, is a marvelous area with some spectacular places you don’t want to miss. The nearby Mtirala National Park offers pristine mountains, lush forests, wild rivers, hidden waterfalls and stone bridges built centuries ago.

Even if it’s only a short ride away from Batumi it’s like a completely different world. Some parts of it as well as the area closer to the border with Turkey seem like the forgotten places where life goes slowly and views take your breath away.

Another easy day trip from Batumi is the fortress Gonio, located only 15 km away from the city, near the border with Turkey. The fortress was first mentioned in the 1st century AD and the legend says that Saint Matthias, one of the twelve apostles was buried there.

Many people visit Batumi as one of the day trips from Kutaisi (it’s around 2,5-hour drive) but you can go in the reverse direction and besides Kutaisi see also other amazing places near the city. There are old monasteries, former Soviet spa town Tskaltubo , caves and canyons.

Final thoughts on visiting Batumi

As you can see there are so many more Batumi attractions than just the seaside. You can easily spend a few days in the city, relaxing but also discovering the area – isn’t this the perfect combination of holidays?

I really enjoyed each of my trips to Batumi, even the one in July, and I’m looking forward to visiting the city again. Be sure to include Batumi in your Georgian itinerary, you don’t want to miss it!

Further reading

Georgia and the Caucasus are very high on my list of favorite places and I travel there at least a few times per year for almost 10 years now. I wrote many more articles about the Caucasus, you might find them interesting too:

• Tbilisi guide – 21 Tbilisi travel tips to make your trip easier
• 15 reasons to visit Georgia – the amazing emerging destination
• Buying a SIM card in Georgia – all you need to know
• 18 Amazing Places to Visit in Armenia
• 31 Amazing Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia
• 50 pictures that will inspire you to visit Baku, Azerbaijan

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Batumi

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Georgia here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Georgia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Location of Batumi

Batumi is a large international port city on the southeastern shore of the Black Sea and is the administrative center of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara .

Located 350 kilometers from the capital in the western part of Georgia, you can get to Batumi by air, car, bus, or train. It is also possible to reach Batumi from Europe or Asia through the many ferries and cruises that depart from the port.

Sights to See in Batumi

In addition to the obvious appeal of the Black Sea, Batumi is famous for its ancient port, unique architecture, and European squares with their incredible sculptures. One of those statues, the Boy with Pipes, is considered a symbol of the city. You can find this statue in a brick niche of a historical house in Old Batumi.

When in Batumi there are so many sights to see. You’re going to want to add Piazza Batumi, the Marriage and Justice Hall, the Alphabetic Tower , Neptune Fountain, Medea Statue, Astronomical Clock, Batumi Colonnades, the famous lighthouse built in 1863, and the fantastic statues of Ali and Nino , and Rotation to your Batumi itinerary.

You should also make time to walk down Batumi Boulevard and see some of the city’s historic monuments like Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God, Batumi’s Orta Jame mosque, and the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit.

Popular Activities

In addition to history and architecture, Batumi also hosts many popular concerts and festivals. For example, more than 30,000 people from around the world attended the Maroon 5 concert held in Miracle Square right on the water. Batumi also hosts the annual Black Sea International Jazz Festival, whose attendees have included Marcus Miller, Tania Maria, Maceo Parker, Roy Hargrove, Macy Gray, Stanley Jordan, Larry Graham, John Scofield, Al Jarreau, Mike Stern, Victor Wooten, Snoop Dogg, Liv Warfield, Lisa Stansfield, Quincy Jones, Jamiroquai, and many other stars.

Here you can also participate in many fun leisure and adventure activities like water parks, horse-riding clubs, the dolphinarium , a diving center, a giant Ferris wheel, boat and bicycle trips, flyboarding, and paragliding.

An All Weather City

Batumi is a city where not even the rain can ruin your vacation. Hear the echo of your footsteps on the city’s cobbled streets mixing with the sound of raindrops, and breathe in the smell of the sea, acacia, and magnolia as it mixes with the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee prepared in quaint seaside cafés.

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE

SAUDI TRAVEL GUIDE

Europe , Inspiration

The ultimate travel guide to batumi: georgia’s black sea summer resort town.

What to see and do in Georgia’s coastal second city home to great beaches, palm-lined boulevards and fascinating faded grandeur

Isabella Sullivan

22 june 2023.

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Verdant, misty hills, snowy peaks and sunny shingled beaches, it’s not hard to see why Batumi is known as the Pearl of the Black Sea. This charming coastal settlement is Georgia’ s second city and busiest seaside resort, located on the coast of the country’s Ajara region and one of the most beautiful and fascinating ports in the Caucasus. During the summer months, once sleepy streets – most notably the Batumi Bulvari – lined by trees and fading art nouveau buildings come alive with parties, concerts, exhibitions, pop-ups and sun seekers.

Batumi has a long and fascinating history dating back 2,000 years, ruled by the Ancient Greeks , Ottomans, Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union before Georgia gained independence. Relics of each rule are still present in the city. The city is a colourful jumble of ancient sites, Belle Époque grandeur, modern hotels , and tower blocks – the latter only cropping up in recent years. This diversity has made Batumi such a welcoming and tolerant destination, and travellers will find mosques , churches and synagogues lying in perfect harmony. Cultural monuments are a plenty, along with medieval arched bridges, beautiful lakes and nearby traditional villages – all transporting visitors back in time. Of course, Batumi is also a modern metropolis, and swanky new boutique hotels , art galleries, trendy coffee shops , and speakeasies are rapidly growing across the city as part of a newfound construction boom.

Batumi benefits from a year-round sub-tropic climate, and as a result, the city is peppered with remarkable green spaces. UNESCO even recognises three National Parks as World’s Natural Heritage sites. With a direct 3.5-hour flight from Dubai on Emirates and Flydubai , and just a four-hour train journey from Tbilisi , it’s never been easier to visit Georgia’s charming resort city from the Middle East. Here’s what to do in Batumi this summer.

Where to stay in Batumi, Georgia

Sheraton Batumi

As the first international hotel brand to set up in Batumi, Sheraton Batumi ’s state-of-the-art design leaves passers in awe, drawing inspiration from its white lighthouse tower exterior from the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria. The hotel lies just 1,000 feet away from the leafy Batumi Boulevard and is home to the largest outdoor and indoor pool in Batumi, the poolside filled with modish travellers lolling and frolicking. The hotel also offers hand-crafted cocktails and premium Georgian grape alongside trays of grills to be enjoyed at the 360-sky bar and restaurant – offering views across the whole city.  book now

Colosseum Marina Hotel 

The Colosseum Marina is a five-star luxury hotel nestled on a private beachfront strip in the west of Batumi, built to resemble the grand Colosseum of ancient Rome. Ten stories house 101 guest rooms and suites, most with gorgeous sea views and plush, spacious interiors. Guests can relax after a day exploring in the hotel’s five-star wellness club with indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, training room and spa or dine in its European-Georgian restaurant, complete with outdoor terrace.  book now

Le Meridien Batumi

Located just moments from the twinkling Black Sea, Le Meridien Batumi is the perfect stay for families and romantic couples. The hotel is known for its five-star spa facility specialising in massages (and massage lessons) along with several unique treatments and children’s services, and its sprawling outdoor pool is one of the best in the city. Guests are encouraged to try local Batumi cuisine offered alongside contemporary French dishes at the Brasserie restaurant or channel the spirit of the 1950s at the stylish Latitude Bar.  book now

Best restaurants in Batumi, Georgia

Ambassadori Batumi

Italiphiles will feel right at home at Ambassadori, the city’s most revered Italian eatery dubbed the “most authentic Italian food in all of Georgia”. Just a short walk from the old dancing fountain, its menu offers everything from classic Margarita pizza to baked peppers marinated in caramelised wine vinegar, with a bolstered wine menu to match. 

Terrassa Askaneli

Best known for its house wine collection and club extension, the Terrassa Askaneli impresses with its exquisite combination of Caucasian and Asian dishes. A must-try remains the Sadj Kaurma, a chicken dish prepared on an iron plate.

Located in the heart of Europe Square, chic European eatery offers a stripped-back industrial chic experience with al fresco seating for dining under the stars. Top dishes include some of the best adjarian khachapuri (fluffy bread stuffed with cheese and egg) and beef and veal khinkali (Georgian dumplings). 

Adjarian Wine House

Just a short journey inland, and guests will find one of the most charming establishments on the Black Sea Coast; the 18th-century ruined manor house-turned-winery that is Adjarian Wine House. Against a backdrop of lush greenery, the winery restaurant serves locally produced wine paired with delights like Kari , a local chicken dish plated on diced pineapples. 

What to see in Batumi, Georgia

Alphabet tower.

At 130 meters high and adorned with 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet, The Alphabet Tower stands tall above the city as a beacon of Georgian Identity. At the top is a rotating panoramic restaurant offering some of the most impressive views of the Black Sea. 

Gonio Fortress

South of Batumi at the mouth of the Chorokhi River, travellers will find the remains of an Ancient Roman fortification, the 1st-century Gonio Fortress. A remarkable example of Roman-Byzantine military architecture, the fortress spans 47,000 sq metres and is protected by high stone walls and 18 towers. A fascinating museum also lies at the heart of the site.

Petra Castle (Fortress)

Built in the year 535 by John Stathegos in the territory of the village Tsikhisdziri, supposedly considered an inaccessible fortress, its location and nostalgic structure itself make it worth the trip; if not the possibility of getting a glimpse of what remains from the preserved antique baths, soldiers’ residents as well as the basilica of the 6 th -7th century.

Batumi Botanical Garden

Nowhere is this lush climate’s benefits more apparent than at the Batumi Botanical Garden, a subtropical oasis of plants, trees and flowers overlooking the sparkling blue sea. As one of the oldest and most important plant research facilities of the region today, the Garden is home to over 2,000 different species, spread through the different walking and off-road hiking trails; it makes for a peaceful morning stroll. Popular amongst visitors for the Canary date palms and Australian Gums, the heart and soul remains the 125-year-old flowering magnolia that cannot be missed. 

Makhuntseti Waterfall

One of the most popular sights, the Makhutseti waterfall is accessed easiest through a short trail from the main road; on the opposite side of the road stands the Makhutseti Bridge laced in hemispheric store; there are lots of options surrounding it for a quick bite.

Batumi Piazza

A favourite gathering spot amongst the locals is the Batumi Piazza, surrounded by popular cafes and eateries. Inspired by the Italian piazza, with mosaic floors and stained-glass patterns making, it a landmark for visitors to dine at.

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Batumi Travel Guide – Georgia

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: March 19, 2023

Located on the shore of the Black Sea, the relatively new city of Batumi is the prime tourist destination in Georgia , for both locals and Russians.

Batumi is home to the finest beaches in Georgia (if we don’t count Abkhazia as part of Georgia), the best dining scene and the craziest nightlife.

Loved by many, but hated by others, Batumi may not be the ideal backpacking destination you dreamed of when planning your trip to Georgia.

But beyond all the resort life, the city has surprisingly managed to keep a certain charm and character.

Table of Contents

BATUMI TRAVEL GUIDE

This guide contains everything you need to know to visit Batumi, including things to see and many other tips.

Batumi, the gambling resort capital of the Black Sea, home to the largest amount of trashy tourism I have ever seen in the region.

A city where it is impossible to walk along the promenade without hearing the horrendous, loud music coming from the absolutely tasteless beach bars. 

A city where you are constantly seeing half-naked, pot-bellied Russian tourists getting drunk at whatever time during the day. 

A city which, despite belonging to one of the poorest countries in Europe, spends millions in building extravagant, pointless monuments.

Batumi is a Dubai-wannabe, the antithesis of everything we believe in, our principles and, at first, not a place we’d like to travel to. 

But guess what: We liked it!

OUR PERSONAL TAKE ON BATUMI

Yes, we actually liked it because we like weird stuff and Batumi has a hell lot of it.

The truth is that we didn’t like it because of its resorts, casinos and crazy parties but because we managed to see it from a different perspective, like how can the most traditional country in Europe build a massive skyscraper with a Ferris wheel attached to it.

We liked it because, due to its proximity to Turkey, Batumi has significant cultural differences, ranging from a large Georgian Muslim population to plenty of Turkish-style cafés serving Turkish coffee and food. 

We liked it because the Old City of Batumi has a real soul, and the youth generation living there are modern, Tbilisi-like minded people.

Interesting fact

During the Soviet Union, the resort capital of the country used to be Sukhumi.

It was the capital of the unrecognized Republic of Abkhazia, a city and a region that received hundreds of thousands of tourists coming from all over the USSR including the Soviet elite.

Following the Georgian-Abkhazian war, shortly after the USSR dissolution, and its independence, Georgia decided to move the resort capital to Batumi.

Then the real building boom starting in 2009. 

Furthermore, besides being Las Vegas of the Black Sea, Batumi has a history to tell.

In fact, with its natural harbor, this used to be a Greek trading colony and actually, Batumi comes from the Greek words bathys limen , which literally means deep harbor . 

Batumi isn’t our favorite place to travel in Georgia but we seriously enjoyed our time there, and we strongly recommend visiting it.

Because Batumi is a weird anthropological study and experience, so different from anything you have seen before.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BATUMI

I think Batumi can be visited all year long.

But it depends on what you like.

If you are interested in the beach and swimming, you should come in summer.

If, like us, you are interested in just hanging around, then you can come at any time.

Actually, outside of summer (shoulder season) would be the ideal time because it is less crowded, less hot, and prices are lower.

HOW TO GET TO BATUMI

From Tbilisi

If you are traveling from Tbilisi , the best way to get there is by train but, in summer, remember to book a few days in advance because tickets sell out quickly. 

The train leaves from Station Square, and it is a double-decker, modern train. A 2nd class ticket costs 25GEL, and 1st class 60GEL. 

The train leaves you at Makhinjauri, which is 4km away from Batumi. A taxi would cost you 10-15GEL but, if you go out of the station and cross the main road, there is a bus that passes continuously and drops you off downtown.

How to buy train tickets: You can buy them at the train station one or two days before departure but the easiest way is to buy them online through this website .

Sitting on the shore of the Black Sea, Odessa is one of the largest cities in Ukraine, and a city that is connected to Batumi by ferry.

There are 2 companies offering the ferry service, Ukrferry and Ferrysped , and detailed schedules may be found on their websites.

A ticket costs roughly 100USD and the journey takes around 24 hours but, depending on the weather conditions, it can take more, sometimes 1 or 2 additional days. This means that the ferry journey is not for those who travel on a tight schedule.

Batumi has an international airport with several daily connections to Middle Eastern  cities, such as Dubai, as well as other destinations in Europe.

HOW TO GET AROUND BATUMI

To be honest, everything within Batumi is in walking distance, so you don’t really need to take public transportation, taxis or anything like that.

The only reason to use it would be if you wanted to go to the beach and botanical garden in Mtsvane Kontskhi, which is a couple of kilometers away and, in that case, you can take a marshrutka for 1 or 2GEL.

BATUMI TRAVEL GUIDE: THINGS TO DO AND MORE

Besides hanging out in the Old City, which is what I recommend you do in the evening, Batumi is about walking around and visiting the several weird monuments, buildings, and European-like squares.

1. Alphabet Tower

The promenade is dominated by an extravagant 130-meter tower, wrapped up in the Georgian alphabet.

The big ball on the top is actually a fancy, rotating bar/restaurant.

I bet it is expensive but you can go up and see it for yourself. 

2. Europe Square

Something about fake cities is that they name things after places they’d like to be related to.

Europe Square in Batumi is a clear example of this.

In fact, with its majestic buildings and architecture, Europe Square really looks like a square from Central Europe.

By the way, this is the center of town and a convenient spot to start your self-guided walking tour.

3. Piazza Venecia

Another example of an area which has been built ad hoc for tourists.

Piazza Venecia tries to resemble Piazza San Marco in Venice .

Of course it has some particularly kitsch architecture, it has expensive restaurants and an Irish Pub. 

4. Skyscraper with a Ferris wheel

That’s the most bizarre building in Batumi and one of the weirdest I have ever seen.

Basically, this is a very tall building that has a giant Ferris wheel attached to the very top.

It belongs to Hotel Meridien but it is not open yet and has been under construction for ages.

5. Ferris wheel

For only 5GEL you can go up this 55-meter Ferris wheel and see Batumi from above. Highly recommended.

6. Love statues on the boulevard

They claim that Batumi is the City of Love, which makes them not very original because they also call Sighnaghi (another town in Georgia) the City of Love.

In any case, love statues featuring hearts and stuff like that are all over the city, the most interesting ones being along the boulevard.

7. Nino & Ali

This metal, moving statue is pretty weird and draws the attention of hundreds of tourists.

Basically, it is based on the novel of Kurban Said, the local version of Romeo & Juliet, the love story of a Christian Georgian girl and a Muslim Azeri boy.

8. Batumi Botanical Gardens

This is no regular botanical garden but, apparently, it has one of the largest varieties of flora in the world, including Mexican and Japanese gardens.

Like I said in the transportation section, it is a bit out of town, 9km exactly.

To get there, take a marshrutka from Chavchavadze street, very close to the center. The entrance fee for the garden is 15GEL. 

9. Beach at Mtsvane Kontskhi

In my opinion, this is the best Batumi beach, which is right next to the Botanical Garden.

We spent the full day in this area, starting with the Botanical Garden, followed by drinking beers at one of the beach bars and then passing out on the sand. 

10. Chacha Tower

Apparently, this 25-meter towers spills actual chacha every day at 7pm, for about 10 minutes, but we were there at that time and nothing came out.

Then we learned that until recently, it spills just once in a while, on selected dates. 

11. Orta Jame Mosque

This is a regular mosque like any you may see in Turkey but it is quite an unusual building for Georgia.

And it always receives the large community of Muslim Georgians that characterizes this region. 

WHERE TO STAY IN BATUMI

Backpacker hostel.

Hostel in Batumi – One of the top-rated hostels in town, with a friendly backpacker atmosphere, good facilities, and the best location.

Budget Guest House

Avtos Guest House – A traditional house with very comfy beds and spacious rooms and a super hospitable local family.

Mid-range hotel

Boutique Hotel 32 – A cute boutique hotel with amazing breakfast and location.

Wyndham Batumi – The best-rated luxury hotel in Batumi.

WHERE TO EAT IN BATUMI

Do you know the popular cheese boat named Khachapuri Adjaluri ?

Well, Adjaluri is named after the province Adjara, whose capital is Batumi. Yes, you guessed it right, the Khachapuri Adjaluri comes from Batumi and here you can find the finest in the country, therefore in the world.

Retro (Best restaurant for Khachapuri Adjaluri)

This restaurant is renowned for serving one of the very best.

They also opened a Retro restaurant in Tbilisi, in Sarbutalo, which was right next to our house.

I can confirm that it is the best Khachapuri Adjaluri I have ever had.

Café Adjara (Traditional food from Adjara region)

I recommend this place because they served us good quality local food from the region and it was busy with locals.

For Georgian standards, it is a bit pricey and I think we paid 35GEL per person, including some wine.

Heart of Batumi  (Georgian food with an international twist)

Another great place frequented by both local and tourists.

Author Bio – From Sudan to Pakistan, Syria and Central Asia, for the last few years, Joan Torres has been traveling non-stop to real off the beaten track destinations which don’t tend to be on most traveler’s bucket list.

He tells about it on his blog Against the Compass , where he writes extremely comprehensive and useful travel guides, as well as inspiring travel stories. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram .

Enjoy this Batumi Travel Guide? Save it to Pinterest for Future Reference.

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Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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2 thoughts on “Batumi Travel Guide – Georgia”

Do you know if there’s a Georgian restaurant in Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. or even Maryland or Virginia?

I miss georgian food. Everything tasted so natural. Btw. I really like how your website design changed.

Top things to do in Batumi, Georgia

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• things-to-do-in-batumi-georgia

written by Rebecca Hall

updated 24.12.2019

Georgia, nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, is well known for its strong traditions and the vintage appeal of its capital, Tbilisi. Until recently the country was mostly frequented by tourists from neighbouring Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Take in the grandeur of Europe Square and Piazza Square

Stroll batumi boulevard, explore the technological museum, batumi botanical gardens, gonio apsaros fortress, makhuntseti bridge and waterfall, getting to batumi.

Increasingly the country is becoming popular with tourists from Western Europe too. While many people head to Tbilisi – the charming Black Sea resort of Batumi is worth exploring too. Batumi, nicknamed the Las Vegas of Eurasia, offers a mix of fading grandeur and modern amenities. With almost every 5* chain hotel sporting a casino, it’s little wonder how the resort gained its reputation as the gambling capital of the Near East. Here are our top things to do in Batumi, Georgia and why the city should definitely be on your Georgia itinerary .

In the centre of the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where boutique hotels are adorned with ornate balconies, the 170-year-old statue of Medea – Greek sorceress – is a symbol of Georgia's connections to the world of Ancient European world. Soak in the atmosphere then stroll past the elaborate astronomical clock that tells the time plus gives the position of sun, moon and planets, to lively Piazza Square. The Piazza is distinctly Italian in its design and in the summer the square often plays host to concerts by international artists.

Originally constructed in 1884, Batumi Boulevard runs for 7km along the waterfront and is lined with cafés, restaurants and cycle paths. From here you can take a trip out to sea to see the ‘Symbol of Batumi’ – the Black Sea dolphins. It’s a pleasant stroll any time of the day and a great place for families to hang out.

Stop by the 130-metre high Alphabetic Tower, built in 2012 to celebrate the uniqueness of the Georgian alphabet. The 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet scroll around the outside. There's a revolving restaurant and viewing platform built into a dome at the top of the tower.

It’s impossible to miss the Ferris Wheel on the harbour, especially as it’s gaudily lit at night – thus confirming Batumi the Las Vegas comparison. Take a ride if you fancy, but make sure you check out the nearby Statue of Love. The moving 8-metre steel structure by Georgian sculptor Tamara Kvesitadze Ali and Nino from the famous 1937 novel of the same name by Azerbaijani author Kurban Said.

Tamara Kvesitadze's sculpture the Statue of Love © Batumi Tourism Board

Once the business office of the Swedish Nobel brothers – when they started their own business transporting oil from Baku to Batumi via the Black Sea – the Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum (to use its official name) is packed with early inventions and machines dating from the late 19th century to the present day. You’ll find out all about the history of the Black Sea itself, the brothers’ historical link to the region and Batumi as an oil trading city.

For trips to Batumi and the rest of Georgia – get in touch . Rough Guides can connect you with experienced local travel experts to plan and book a fully customised trip

10km north of Batumi on the “Green Cape” of Mtsvane Kontskhi overlooking the Black Sea you’ll find to the Botanical Gardens. Opened in 1912, the gardens travel bring to life nine geographical areas with over 5,000 different species of plants over 274 acres. Various paths travel through the grounds which you can stroll at your leisure – or hop on one of the electric carts doing the rounds if you prefer.

The view from Batumi Botanical Gardens is spectacular © Batumi Tourism Board

Related articles from the blog

14km south of Batumi, at the mouth of the Chorokhi river and only 3km north of the Turkish border, sits the 1st Century AD Gonio Apsaros Fortress. The fortress is now a ruin but the walls and gate are still intact and it’s worth a visit. Legend has it that St. Matthew – one of the Twelve Apostles – was buried here. If you're here in warm weather make time to visit one of the several clean beaches in the small village of Gonio itself.

Possibly one of the most well-known sites in Georgia, adorning many a tourist brochure, Makhuntseti Bridge is a stone arch that extends 20 meters over the Ajaristskali river in Makhuntseti village. Stroll across to enjoy spectacular views of the tree-covered Lesser Caucasus mountains. During autumn the leaf colours are stunning.

In Makhuntseti village you'll find locals peddling their wares, such as Churchkhela – a Georgian sweet made of a long string of nuts repeatedly dipped in various juices such as pomegranate or grape and then dried. A healthier version of a Snickers bar, it's delicious!

The 29km car journey to Makhuntseti will take you through gorgeous Georgian scenery and past the Adjarian Wine House where you can stop to learn how the centuries-old Georgian wine is produced.

The countryside around Batumi is full of picturesque spots like Kintrishi national park © Batumi Tourism Board

To get from Tbilisi to Batumi you can travel by train, plane or car. The five-hour train journey passes through some spectacular countryside and trains are clean and modern. From the UK, Kutaisi is closer to hand, just 2 hours from Batumi. There are direct flights to Kutaisi from Stansted Airport with Wizz air.

Rebecca is a travel writer and author of first time novel 'Girl Gone Greek' - now an award-winning script. She's been living in Greece for the last 12 years and has updated Rough Guides to Greece, the Greek Islands and Portugal and has bylines for print and digital media such as Telegraph Travel, Sunday Times Travel Magazine, World Nomads, Trip Savvy and various inflight magazines such as easyJet Traveller and Ethiopian Airlines, to name but a few. Follow her @BeyondBex on Twitter and Instagram .

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A Weekend in Batumi: Georgia’s Quirky Second City on the Coast

Last Updated on: 29th May 2021, 07:10 am

Batumi, Georgia’s second-largest city, may be thousands of years old, but it now very much represents the ‘new’ Georgia. Skyscrapers are popping up at a staggering rate, while the city is often dubbed the ‘Las Vegas of the Caucasus.’ But in this Batumi guide, we’ll be digging a bit deeper beneath the surface, covering what the coastal city has to offer beyond its casinos.

The following locations can be visited over the span of a few days, though beach lovers may prefer to extend their stay and take things slow. While Batumi’s museums, art and wacky architecture can all be found within the center, attractions like the Botanical Garden and Gonio Fortress require short trips out of town.

Batumi Botanical Garden

Batumi’s top attraction is, without a doubt, its Botanical Garden, located around 10 km north of the city. Divided into 9 geographical zones, it’s home to over 2,000 species of plants from places like the Himalayas, Japan, Mexico, Australia, and of course, the Caucasus.

But it’s much more than your typical botanical garden, and it shouldn’t be compared with those of Tbilisi or Kutaisi . The Batumi Botanical Garden functions as its own little forest, complete with hiking trails and fantastic views of the Black Sea. As such, be sure to put on some decent shoes and prepare snacks and water before your visit.

Entry costs 15 GEL and visitors are provided with a map. Not only does it show you where the various zones are, but also different walking routes and hiking trails you can choose from.

I started by seeing the highlights along the main, well-paved trail which makes up the A route. But sometime after the Japanese garden, I found myself walking on dirt trails amidst a dense forest. 

It was a nice little hiking experience, and certainly not something I’d expect from a botanical garden. While I wasn’t paying attention to the map for most of my visit, I later realized that I’d been traversing the ‘J’ hiking path.

One of the park’s main highlights is the Liriodendron Bridge, a natural bridge formed by a collapsed tulip tree. It’s situated within the North American Zone and labeled on the map. As long as you take your time, the walk across isn’t as daunting as it may seem.

GETTING THERE: The Batumi Botanical Garden is accessible by either public minibus or taxi/ridesharing. Note that the garden has two entries, one to the south and another all the way to the north. 

To get there from the city center, you can hail bus 31 which departs from behind the Dolphinarium. There should be a bus departing every 15 minutes or so.

As I was based about 20 minutes on foot down the coast from the Dolphinarium, I decided to get there using the Bolt ridesharing app. The ride only cost me about 12 GEL, and I was dropped off at the south entrance.

After exploring the park, I found myself at the opposite northern end. I asked the staff where the nearest bus stop was, and they told me it’d be a walk of 1 km further north. It was easy to find and a bus luckily appeared right when I made it to the bus stop.

While I’m not sure exactly where buses depart from near the south entrance, it’s supposed to be the same place as wherever it is they drop you off. If confused, the staff should be able to help.

Batumi Architecture

Central Batumi is a pretty weird place. It looks as if someone went wild with a virtual city-building simulation, plopping down a bunch of elaborate yet completely unrelated buildings within the same zone.

Within one small section of the city, you can find castle-like cathedrals, curvy steel skyscrapers and gaudy post-Soviet towers.

Across the street from Europe Square is the Astronomical Clock, one of the city’s most impressive buildings. As the name suggests, it features an astronomical clock on its side, while the overall structure resembles something you’d find in Central Europe. 

While clearly inspired by classical architecture, it was commissioned in 2010 for an exorbitant fee of 1,700,000 GEL (over $525,000). It’s certainly a nice change from all the steel and glass skyscrapers that are popping up around town, though.

One of the main landmarks of Europe Square is a towering statue of Medea, the mythical daughter of the Colchian king Aetes. The Batumi region was once situated within the ancient kingdom of Colchis, famous for its role in the legend of Jason and the Argonauts .

In the Greek myth, Jason and his crew managed to retrieve the Golden Fleece with help from the princess and sorceress Medea. Appropriately, the statue here depicts her holding up the legendary fleece.

While the story is ancient, the statue is new. It was created by Georgian sculptor Davit Khmaladze and was erected here in 2007. 

In the Miracle Park area just by the beach is Chacha Tower. Added in 2012, it’s a replica of Izmir’s iconic Clock Tower, but lacks the level of detail of the Aegean original. 

Nearby is the Batumi Lighthouse and also the Disney-esque blue-and-white skyscraper known as the Black Sea Technological University Batumi Tower. 

The 200-meter high building was commissioned by former Georgian president Saakashvili who was also responsible for many other garish constructions throughout the country. Look closely and you’ll see a mini ferris wheel attached to its side!

Also in the Miracle Park area is Alphabet Tower, quite frankly one of the city’s ugliest landmarks. It at least pays tribute to the Georgian alphabet, a beautiful and unique script.

Near the entrance to Batumi Boulevard is the Wedding Palace, also known as the Register Office. It’s a small yet stylish building which seems to resemble an aquatic animal.

Those into more of a classical style should check out the Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral on the opposite side of Europe Square. While now an Orthodox Church, it was originally built as a Catholic one at the beginning of the 20th century.

During your visit, also be sure to walk around the Old Town area which is full of charming and well-preserved buildings.

The Batumi Archaeology Museum

The Batumi Archaeology Museum may not be a must-visit for everyone, but it’s certainly worth a stop for ancient history lovers. 

After all, as mentioned above, this region once belonged to the ancient kingdom of Colchis. And the museum houses an impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts, attesting to the close relationship the two civilizations once had.

Also on display are things like prehistoric skulls, a wide variety of coins and of course, plenty of Christian artifacts.

The museum is open 10:00-18:00 daily except on Mondays, and only costs 3 GEL to enter.

Gonio Fortress

For a much more immersive history lesson, don’t miss Gonio Fortress, a short drive out of town on the way to the Sarpi border crossing. The fortress, which is 222 meters long by 195 m wide, once marked the eastern frontier of the vast Roman Empire. 

Even before that, there was a thriving town at the spot which might be as old as the 8th century BC. Nothing but the fortress remains today, however.

Walking around inside, you can see the foundations of various buildings and even some wooden replicas of old Roman weapons. All but one of the towers was off-limits during my visit, but they should open up in the future once restorations are complete.

Additionally, an on-site museum provides further information on Gonio and its history. 

While it may not be the most elaborate Roman ruin, especially compared with what you can find in neighboring Turkey, Gonio also makes for a quiet break from the hectic city center. There are plenty of shaded benches on which to relax, and it doesn’t seem to get very crowded.

Gonio Fortress also has some religious significance. It’s believed to house the remains of St. Matthias, a Christian apostle who replaced Judas following his betrayal of Jesus. Ancient historical records indicate that Matthias came to this region to preach the gospel but was ultimately stoned to death.

There’s a small mausoleum marking his supposed grave. But while alternative sources claim that he died in Ethiopia, digging up the remains for further testing has been prohibited by the Georgian government.

GETTING THERE: You should be able to hop on a Sarpi border-bound minibus from the city center and tell the driver to drop you off at Gonio. I just decided to hire a driver using the Bolt app, which was incredibly cheap at under 7 GEL each way.

Entry to Gonio Fortress costs 15 GEL.

The Argo Cable Car

Looking for somewhere to get a clear panoramic view of the city, I kept seeing the Argo Cable Car get mentioned in various Batumi guides. And so one free afternoon, I went ahead and paid the 15 GEL fee for the ride up, with little idea of what awaited me at the top.

The views from the cable car were indeed excellent. You can clearly see the modern city skyline together with the green mountains of the surrounding Adjara region.

But not content with only taking photos through the glass window, I was hoping for even greater open-air views from the upper platform.

Arriving at the top, I was disappointed to see that visitors are stuck within a small area with no possible exit except to ride back down. It’s a literal tourist trap! 

To make matters more frustrating, the fence surrounding the platform really obscures the view, and photographers will have a tough time getting a clear shot. They even put a cross up there which partially blocks the central skyline.

Of course, the company who runs the cableway set up some gift shops and a small restaurant. Figuring that I might as well sit down for a cup of coffee, the waiter was nowhere to be found, and so I left after less than 15 minutes.

From the cable car, you can get a clear view of the hilltop Sameba Church in the distance. I presume that that’s the place you want to go to get some amazing, unobstructed views of the city. 

Unfortunately, I never ended up making it, but you might want to give it a try if you have the time and transportation means.

More Around Central Batumi

During your time in the city, be sure to check out the Ali & Nino statue, one of the most popular public art pieces in the country. It was inspired by a beloved Georgian tale about Nino, a Christian princess, who fell in love with Ali, a Muslim soldier. Much like Romeo and Juliet, the story details their struggle to be together.

Every evening at 19:00, the two figures slowly move closer to one another but then pass through each other entirely. I happened to walk by in the afternoon and didn’t end up seeing the ‘performance.’ But what surprised me was how much smaller the sculpture appears in person compared with how monumental it looks in promotional photographs.

Batumi is also a great place to check out street art and you can find colorful murals all over the city center. But while I made the effort to find most of them, the city contains a lot less murals than Tbilisi overall. As such, I didn’t feel compelled to create a standalone guide.

But if you’re interested, check out this great guide by Wander-Lush which details how to find the works pictured below and more.

No Batumi guide would be complete without mentioning the city’s beaches. There are plenty of places around town from which to access the water regardless of where you’re staying. The peninsula around the city center is lined with beaches, and so is the southern part of the city. If you’re looking for quiet, the villages closer to the border all have beaches as well.

While I made an effort to swim as much as I could during my two-week stay, Batumi’s beaches aren’t exactly ideal. They’re comprised of large rocks that are uncomfortable to walk or lie on (though lounge chairs can be rented for a fee). On top of that, the Black Sea waves tend to be quite rough.

It is, at least, nice to have beaches at all in this mostly mountainous country. Just don’t make a great effort to come to Batumi only for the chance to swim. If you’re coming to this part of the world from far away, you’ll have a much better time at the beaches of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast .

Additional Info

After traveling all across Georgia, I put off Batumi until the very end. I’d read that all summer, it mainly functioned as a casino and resort town. And in the winter, it’s said to be almost totally dead.

I finally made the visit after deciding to travel onward to Turkey overland, and I stayed for awhile to really get a feel for the place. But after two weeks of both sightseeing and relaxing on the beach, my feelings are mixed.

Construction is taking place everywhere, and it’s unclear what the master plan for the city is supposed to be. They seem to be aiming for a skyline akin to Hong Kong’s. 

But while the city does already have some nice parks, there doesn’t currently seem to be much, if any, regard for concepts like urban planning. It appears that officials haven’t learned from the convoluted mess that’s become of Tbilisi.

Be that as it may, there are certainly some great attractions in Batumi, while the surrounding area is beautiful. But are they enough to warrant a visit?

If you’re on a shorter trip, then Batumi is not worth the visit. Aside from Tbilisi and Kutaisi, focus your energy on visiting the mountains , the scenic Kakheti region and the historical cave towns . Then, if you have some extra days left over, Batumi might be worth a visit.

However, if you’re going to or from Turkey via the land border , then yes, Batumi is worth checking out for at least a couple of days.

And for longer term stays, Batumi is a greener and slightly less hectic alternative to Tbilisi. But I think Kutaisi would be a more pleasant place to live than either.

As Georgia’s second-largest city, you can easily get to Batumi from Tbilisi or Kutaisi, and minibuses run all the time from either. Just show up at the bus terminal and you should be able to find a Batumi-bound bus within minutes.

In my case, I was traveling with a lot of luggage, so I opted for a coach bus. Coach buses are actually very rare in Georgia, but Tbilisi-Batumi is one of the few routes for which they exist.

I went with Metro Georgia, the Georgian branch of one of Turkey’s most prominent bus companies. It wasn’t all that comfortable, and the seats were narrower than the coach buses I’d use in Turkey. But the journey was mostly fine overall, and we reached the city with no major issues in about 6.5 hours.

You can buy tickets online or with the app. From Tbilisi to Batumi I only paid 20 GEL.

There doesn’t seem to be any public transport from the Bus Terminal to the city center (at least not that I observed), but you can easily call for a driver with the Bolt or Yandex apps.

Batumi is also accessible from either Tbilisi or Kutaisi by train.

While Batumi is spread out along the coast, its ‘city center’ is in the north. In this general area you can find the Old Town, Europe Square and Miracle Park all within a short distance from one another. So staying around here would be ideal.

Just be sure to check the hotel reviews to make sure it’s not located directly above a noisy bar or nightclub!

Before my visit, I’d kept reading how much smaller Batumi is compared with Tbilisi. While this is technically true, I underestimated its size and made the mistake of not giving much thought to my location. As long as I was by the beach I’d be fine, I thought.

I stayed in the southern part of the city near (but not in) the Orbi Plaza apartment complexes. While I had easy access to the beach and plenty of restaurants, it was still a good 20-30 minute walk to the central attractions mentioned above. This definitely got old after awhile.

As for the place I stayed in, I’m not going to name it, but it was a very highly-rated rental apartment on Booking.com . Despite the rave reviews, it turned out to be a terrible and downright strange experience. While I was in a private apartment, the owners were my neighbors and I could hear everything from their flat.

Throughout my stay, I was woken up by shouting and sometimes wailing as late as 2 or 3 am. Every single night. Sadly, I found out they were dealing with some kind of family tragedy, so I wasn’t really in a position to complain. But it just goes to show that you can’t always trust a high rating.

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Tourism in Batumi

Ajara - Georgia

Hotels in Batumi

A beautiful part of Georgia, the Ajara region is waiting to host you and make you discover why we are ‘‘Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’’. Ajara’s breath-taking nature is full of diversity and includes four seasons. Our mountains stand close to the sky and make you feel in harmony with nature and the picturesque Black Sea coastline is often crowded with tourists enjoying their holidays during the summertime. Besides the sea, visitors especially admire the region’s pristine and unaltered nature , which has lots to offer to eco-tourist lovers. Explore the trip to the crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Batumi City, known as the Pearl of the Black Sea is located on the coast of the Ajara region of Georgia, awarded by the World Travel Awards as “Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination”. Batumi has more than 2,000 years of history and a lot to offer to its visitors from all around the world. This vibrant city invites you to experience the contrast between ancient sites and modern lifestyles. 

Due to its all-year-round subtropical and mild climate, Batumi is distinguished by its remarkably green nature. Batumi has a 19th-century Botanical Garden , marked with rare species and the city is surrounded by three National Parks, which have recently been recognized by UNESCO as World’s Natural Heritage sites. The architecture of the city was shaped and designed by European architects in the 19th century when Batumi became a port city called “Porto Franco” (freeport). Batumi’s frontline stretches 7 km at the Batumi Boulevard. Batumi is home to diverse cultures and religions , where Christian Orthodox, Catholic, or Armenian churches, Mosques, and Synagogues have lived in harmony throughout the centuries, a way of life that can be a good example for our contemporary world today. 

Batumi has a splendid mix of beautiful scenery, a composition of the sea and high mountains, ancient cultural monuments, monasteries, mediaeval arch bridges, beautiful lakes, and authentic villages, which will make you travel in time. Nowadays, Batumi with its cutting-edge architecture, European-style squares and streets, world-class brand hotels, and old city cafes, turned into a cultural hub and often hosts major regional events, international artists, art exhibitions, and world sports championships. Including, its legendary hospitality is inspirational with a different flavour of the wine and undiscovered cuisine. 

If you want to get acquainted with the history of the city, you should take a walk in old Batumi. Here you will fully feel the charm of European architecture of the XIX-XX centuries, typical for Batumi. You will cross the paved streets and find yourself in old Batumi. The houses decorated with exquisite carvings are mostly two- and three-storied, with flower pots on the balconies, and the houses have beautiful, colourful doors. In the evenings, street lights are lit and old Batumi becomes even more thrilling. You will never get lost in the old part of the city, for this, you need to know one little secret of old Batumi - all the main streets lead to the sea, to the port, which is historically the most important place in the city. That is why Batumi is called a city that looks at the sea .

Batumi Boulevard is an attractive and crowded area. Its development was started by German, French and Georgian gardeners at the end of the XIX century. During the day here you can stroll through the alleys of coniferous trees, here you can taste the famous Batumi coffee and local cuisine, and enjoy the sea view.

If you decide to visit museums, visit the Archaeological Museum. In the museum, you will find ancient gold jewellery found in Ajara, the delicacy of which is still surprising. Every piece of jewellery has its history, behind this history stand the Colchians and the Hellenes, who lived on the territory of Ajara twenty or more centuries ago. In addition to the gold fund, the museum preserves the Greek necropolis of the V-IV centuries and Archaeological materials of the 5th century Colchian cemetery and Hellenism. You can also buy copies of some of the items in the museum. Another interesting place, 12 kilometres from Batumi, is the Gonio-Apsaros Museum-Reserve, a historic fortress that has been of interest to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires for centuries. Another place we recommend visiting is Batumi Botanical Garden, where you can admire 11 hectares including 107 species of roses and 67 species of camellias. Blooming roses and camellias in the alleys of century-old trees, parks, and panoramas overlooking the sea, make this place unforgettable. From the view of the Botanical Garden, you can see the famous bay of Batumi and the new contours of the city, skyscrapers, and towers.

Batumi has its rhythm and this rhythm is felt everywhere, both in the historic streets and in the newer part of the city, where modern architecture will show you a new look at Batumi. Here the glass skyscrapers reflect the sun coming into the Black Sea, and due to their exquisite shapes, several buildings are even called the architecture of the future. Near the beach, there is a 130-metre-high tower with the letters of the Georgian alphabet, and near the tower is the "Park of Wonders", one of the most romantic places in Batumi, where, by the sea, there is a moving statue of a couple in love. Batumi offers a great choice for nightlife lovers : some like to walk on the Batumi boulevard, where various brightly lit music fountains dance all night, some are attracted to nightclubs, some - Batumi casinos, some in the summer, prefer to have fun in the seaside bungalow. And do not forget to look at Batumi from above. The cable car starts at the old port of the city, which leads to the mountain, 256 metres above sea level. Here, from a panoramic view, you can enjoy the view of Batumi, the contrast of mountains and sea.

Batumi is waiting for you !

Best hotels

Hotel Bloom   ★★ ★★

Located in the best-rated area in Batumi

This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach

Orbi City Hotel   ★★ ★★★

 Located on the beachfront in Batumi

This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service

Sheraton Batumi   ★★ ★★★

This 5-star hotel is located in Batumi city Center

Spa area with indoor and outdoor swimming pools

Kartuli Hotel   ★★ ★★

This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach

Certain rooms also offer a kitchen with a fridge

The Grand Gloria Hotel   ★★ ★★★

This property is 1 minute walk from the beach

indoor & outdoor swimming pools with SPA center

Tapis Rouge   ★★ ★ ★★

The property is close to popular attractions

Features views of the mountain

Batumi & Ajara region

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Activities & tours

A four seasons destination.

During the springtime, you’ll find Ajara in bloom. The mountains, fields, gardens, and city markets are given a new life, bursting with colours.

Summer is the most festive time of year in Ajara, with colourful cultural shows throughout the region, the chance to hike high in the highlands of Ajara, and lovely coastal areas, where you can enjoy the sea. The average temperature in summer is 20-30 C and it is pleasantly warm during these months. Ajara is home to several coastal towns, such as Sarpi, Kvariati, Gonio, Chakvi, and Kobuleti which are packed with tourists during summer.  

Autumn is another magical time of year in Ajara, with multi-colored trees, harvest activities, and incredibly pleasant temperatures. According to the Georgians themselves, the best time to visit Ajara is September. One of the main reasons is weather conditions. Warm days continue until October due to a subtropical climate, which provides excellent conditions for seaside holidays, rural tourism, and wine tourism. But by the end of October, it can be cooler and rainy, though you will spend an unforgettable time enjoying the foliage.

The winter is a great time for visiting Ajara as well, especially for the New Year's holiday or winter sports activities. Ajara is an excellent destination for winter sports. Just 110 km from Batumi lies Goderdzi Ski Resort, situated 2,200m above sea level. It’s covered with soft and dry snow from November till the end of May, which gives great skiing conditions. There are several types of accommodation types: luxury hotels, cottages, and guesthouses.

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5 best things to do in Batumi

20/12/2021 by Roobens Leave a Comment

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I didn’t plan to go to Batumi. The original plan was to go to Caucasus, starting with Georgia and its capital, Tbilisi . And from there go straight to Armenia. But I had been hearing about all the things to do in Batumi, how great the city was. “ Are you going to Georgia? Go to Batumi! ” “ Batumi is awesome! ” “ Where are you going in Georgia? Tbilisi and probably Batumi right? ” It started in Moldova , but I kept hearing about this city in Ukraine, especially in Odessa . That’s why before getting there, I already knew going to Batumi was one of the best things to do in Georgia .

Table of Contents

Description of Batumi

All right all right, let’s go to Batumi to see how it is! That’s the advantage of traveling solo , you go wherever you want to go, you just follow your desires. No compromises, no concessions, you do what you want to do, no time constraints. After Odessa, here I am on the other side of the Black Sea, in Georgia. I was told later that there is a ferry going to Batumi from Odessa, and the ride takes two days. If I only knew earlier, I would have probably taken the ferry…

So here I am, again on the seaside, and I have to say it feels really good. There’s a long pedestrianized road, 7 kilometers long (4.5 miles), alongside the beach. It’s very enjoyable to walk along the beach on this road. People savor their ice cream there, others are jogging along, or just taking a walk. There are also some outdoor nightclubs for the party animals.

Batumi is sometimes rightly called ” The Las Vegas of Georgia “. There are a lot (I mean… a LOT!) of casinos in the city. And those casinos are full of Turkish guys. It’s because gambling is forbidden in Turkey, and the Turkish border is only 15 kilometers away (10 miles). People from Turkey go to Batumi with a lot of money to spend in the evening, make it rain in the casinos, and then go back home during the night or early in the morning. Since the demand from the Turkish guys is really high, more and more casinos are being built. It’s a vicious/virtuous circle.

With the casinos, you can also add in this landscape hotels all over the place, and I don’t even count all those under construction (literally everywhere!). Now you understand why Batumi is compared to Las Vegas. A guy from Georgia told me “ Man, if you want to invest money, you have to do it now! Prices are going to skyrocket in a few years! I already bought five apartments, two of them last year for almost nothing. They already gained an important added value. ” A few days to relax yeah. Buy an apartment I don’t know…

As usual in the cities on the seaside and where the weather is nice, people are relaxed. People greet me again in the street, with “ Yo! ” and also some “ How are you bro? “. Some kids point at me, say hi! Some children 7-8 years old, come talk to me in a perfect English. Some girls, 14-15 years old, also come to me… Every five minutes, a taxi slows down alongside me, honks at me and asks “ Where do you want to go? ” “ I’m walking, thanks. ” I’m clearly not from the area…

I think I ran into two or three black guys, who all came to talk to me when they saw me. Mostly from West Africa. We’ve all been through the same things. Some kids who all came to us to beg for money as soon as they catch sight of us. Damn they are taught in the cradle who they have to harass “ You can see this guy comes from far away! That means he has money! Don’t let him go! “. Also in bars, someone from the staff who pretends to be interested in your story. Asking you where you’re from, what are you doing, if you’re alone, if you have a wife, kids… And then proudly repeats everything to his/her workmates. I tend to stare at the person while he/she repeats everything (usually in your blind spot, but looking at you), it makes them feel uncomfortable.

Admittedly, there are not that many things to do in Batumi, but let’s find out more about this city!

What to do in Batumi

The alphabetic tower.

The iconic tower of Batumi is the alphabetic tower . Construction began in 2010, and the tower was completed in December 2011. It’s a 130-meter high tower, emblematic of the city. It’s also a point of reference, because you can see it from far away. On the tower, you can see the 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet. An elevator gets you on top of the tower, to have a nice view of the city. There’s also a restaurant in the tower.

The botanical garden

One of the places Batumi is really proud of is the botanical garden . I’m not gonna lie, this is not really the kind of places I enjoy going, but for those who are interested, this garden is tremendous, and you’ll see plants and trees from all over the world. You can get there for 8 lari (a little bit less than 3 euros).

Other things to do in Batumi

Take some time to have a walk in the old town and admire Europe Square. The architecture is so unusual, you’re gonna love it! You can also visit Orta Jame mosque , it’s open to visitors. It’s quite small but beautiful. Needless to say, have a walk on Batumi Boulevard along the beach. And you shouldn’t miss the Batumi Fish market !

And of course, take your time to wander around downtown Batumi, really charming! Enjoy the long road alongside the beach, and don’t forget to listen to this song by Filipinki, a Polish girls band from the 1960s! If you spend some time in the country, check out this list of places to visit in Georgia !

How to get to Batumi

You can get to Batumi by plane. Click here to check the latest flight prices. If you’re in Odessa in Ukraine, there are ferries going to Batumi. If you’re in Tbilisi or Yerevan , there are marchoutkas (vans) going to Batumi.

How to get around in Batumi

If you’re in the city center, you can visit Batumi by foot. Otherwise there are also marchoutkas.

Where to stay in Batumi

If you’re traveling on a budget, the Hostel in Batumi is for you. So cheap! Click here to book your stay . If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, the Boutique Hotel 32 is clean, well-located, and the staff is awesome! Click here to book your stay . If you’re into luxury hotels, the Wyndham Batumi is the place to be. Click here to book your stay . Otherwise click here to check what are the hotels available in Batumi.

Finally, if you prefer to stay in an apartment, click here to check the apartments available on Airbnb.

Batumi travel tips

• Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
• Do not leave home without a travel insurance ! Here’s why buy travel insurance !
• Want a tailor-made trip to Georgia? Get a free quote here !
• Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it. Here’s why use a VPN when traveling .
• Georgia is an affordable travel destination !

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Daily Sabah

• Environment
• Expat Corner

2 days in Batumi: Ultimate itinerary to travel Georgia's border town

By buse keskin.

Here is a guide for spending two great days in Georgia's Batumi, a city where modern and tradition blend, stretching along the fascinating seafront of the Black Sea coast

Located on the border of northeastern Türkiye, Georgia is a perfect destination for those who want to experience history amid verdant mountains and rising skyscrapers.

As a popular holiday destination, especially in the summer, Batumi dazzles its visitors as it baffled me to see how the amalgamation of ancient and modern leaving traces of the transition from a Soviet country to now an autonomous land.

Even though people prefer to visit Batumi during holidays to swim in the Black Sea's magnificent beaches, I had a chance to see the rain-drenched streets in rainy weather, making the place a unique destination that can be visited in each season, offering something different each season.

Here is a quick guide for those who would like to enjoy the city in two days.

Batumi Boulevard

Stretching for 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) along the fascinating seafront of the Black Sea coast, the boulevard was built in 1881. The area comprises walking and cycling paths as well as greenery offering a great view as you walk. However, when it rains, the boulevard looks beautiful and those who like walking in the rain can enjoy a stroll.

The tree-lined boulevard begins at Miracle Park, which includes the Ferris wheel, a lighthouse built in 1882, and the Alphabetic Tower – a 130-meter (426-feet) high futuristic structure that symbolizes the authenticity of the Georgian alphabet and the sovereignty of the people.

The path continues south as it unfurls the city with a new facade as the newly built skyscrapers sprouting high, yet the starting point where it connects to the Batumi Old Town offers a more authentic journey for its visitors.

Moving statues: Ali & Nino

Created by artist Tamara Kvesitadze, the sculpture of Ali and Nino commemorates the impossible love of a Christian princess and a Muslim boy who fell apart during the Bolshevik Revolution in famous writer Kurban Said's novel "Ali and Nino: A Love Story." Ali and Nino stand majestically along the Batumi waterfront on the Black Sea coast in Georgia, merging at every 10-minute interval.

The work is known to be designed in 2007 but installed in 2010. Made of steel discs, it weighs 7 tons and is 8 meters high as its construction took 10 months and a computer controls both figures.

Batumi Old Town

The old town is a perfect place to discover on foot amid elegant and unique buildings. I will list some iconic places that you shouldn't miss.

Europe Square is one of the most beautiful places in the area. Completed in 2007, the statue of Medea, the granddaughter of the Greek sun god Helios, holding a golden fleece, is a symbol of Georgia's ancient ties with Europe and cultural connections with many ancient civilizations.

The Astronomical Clock, made in Germany, adorns the restored facade of the former Georgian National Bank on Memed Abashidzade Street. The most important feature of the watch is that it indicates the positions of the sun, moon, Zodiac constellations, and planets. Another feature of the watch is that it has a different melody for every hour.

Within the borders of the old town, two prominent churches were closed during the reign of the Soviets and passed to the government's control. One of them is St. Nicholas Church, a cult memorial dating back to 150 years ago. The Batumi Orthodox Church also called the Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God, another historical landmark built in 1898, enthralls with its neo-Gothic architecture the moment you walk in.

Surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars, the Italian-style "Piazza" square was designed by the famous Georgian architect Vazha Orbeladze and was built in Old Batumi in 2009.

The Batumi Archaeological Museum takes visitors on a historical journey with the artifacts dating back to Stone, Eneolithic-Early Bronze, Late Bronze, and Iron Ages found in the territory of Adjara. The museum also has a rich gold fund, where the samples of Colchian, Kartvelian-speaking tribes ancestral to the contemporary Georgians, goldsmiths occupy an important place.

Land of pastry & cheese

Georgia is famous for its pastries, the quintessential food, some even included in intangible cultural heritage such as khinkali and khachapuri. Also, in most of the food you will come across a type of cheese.

Khachapuri is a pizza-like pastry, as every region has its version of this dish. I had a chance to eat the Viking-boat-shaped one from the Adjara region, which was overflowing with cheese. Also, there are thousands of small street shops where you can buy different versions of khachapuri as you pass by. Yet I strongly recommend eating the Adjarian version in one of the restaurants in the old town.

As an aficionado of Turkish dumplings, I was quite excited to try khinkali, as its reputation precedes its name. Yet I must say that I would surely prefer the Turkish version.

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• travel guide

About Batumi

Batumi is located in Adjara , western Georgia. It is a wonderful seaside city with glittering beaches and attractive surroundings. The territory of Batumi was even populated in the Bronze Age. There was life during the antiquity period here, and the population had trade links with neighboring and distant countries.

Ancient history, light and dynamic architecture, sunny seaside, boulevard, Batumi Botanical Garden, delicious Adjarian cuisine and many entertaining places, cultural or leisure destinations make this city incredible and it attracts many visitors. It is very popular not only across the republic but also across the region.

Geography and climate

Batumi is the administrative center of Adjara Autonomous Republic. It consists of administrative units of Old Batumi, Rustaveli, Bagrationi, Agmashenebeli, Javakhishvili, Tamari, Khimshiashvili, Boni-Gorodoki, Airport, Kakhaberi, Batumi, Gonio - Kvariati and Green Cape. The main part of the city lies to the south of the Gulf of Batumi and the northern part of the Kakhaberi plain, the rest of the city lies to the east and northeast of the Gulf - along the Bartskhani and Korolistskali rivers.

Batumi is a major international port on the southeastern coast of the Black Sea . There is a natural lake in Batumi, which is part of Batumi Park. Subtropical vegetation is widely spread in the city and its surroundings. Artificially cultivated parks, tea and citrus plantations are common. There are Colchis natural fortress and brushwood in some places.

There is a humid subtropical climate here with warm summers and winters without snow. The average annual temperature in January is 7.1 ° C and in August it is 23.2 ° C.

What to see

You should start visiting Batumi by exploring its streets and the architecture of the XIX-XX centuries. You can visit all the main religious buildings (Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Islam, Judaism). According to the ancient history of Adjara, Batumi Archaeological Museum is very interesting, with its unique materials (coins of Georgian and foreign origin, bronze, glass and ceramics, etc.) from the Bronze Age Including A.C. medieval times.

This sunny, seaside city is unimagin able without a boulevard, fountains, modern architecture, yachts and the landscape of sunset. And the last, the greenery of Batumi Botanical Garden , with its diverse vegetation and beautiful sceneries, will definitely give you tranquility and admiration.

• Batumi Botanical garden
• Batumi Archaeological Museum
• Art state museum of Adjara
• Khariton Akhvlediani state Museum of Adjara
• Batumi Boulevard
• Batumi sea port
• Dancing fountain
• Batumi Dolphinarium
• Batumi Panoramic Wheel
• Ali and Nino Monument
• Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Batumi
• St. Nikoloz church
• Holy Trinity church of Batumi
• Catholic church

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Budget tours in Georgia

Group tours in georgia.

• Tours in Caucasus
• Tours on holidays

Pilgrim tours in Georgia

Wine tours in georgia, grand tours in georgia, active tours in georgia.

• Spa Resorts in Georgia
• Excursions in Tbilisi
• Excursions in Batumi
• Georgia travel & tourism news

Tours in Georgia

Tours in Georgia is a best way to discover the culture and traditions of Georgia. "Batumi Travel" offers great deals on a variety of tours and attractions . To view the full list of our  tours  go to the directory or select a  tour  category that you are interested. On our site are  group tours, gastronomic and wine tours, tours on holidays, honeymoon trips to Georgia, corporate tours.  We are offering completely organized  tours  which have already received many positive and approving reviews. S ightseeing tours  are updating every time and we are offering to our tourist’s  profitable promotions and low prices.

Tours on holidays in Georgia

Tours to Caucasus

Private daily tours in Georgia

Private daily tours in Georgia   tour operator "Batumi Travel" offers from Tbilisi and Batumi. Day tours in Georgia are conducted by professional English-speaking tour guides. You can check out prices of excursions in Georgia from Tbilisi and Batumi, to read guest reviews and to make reservation directly on site by writting to us. We conduct tours without any additional costs. In case if you don't find excursion you are interested in email us and we will offer personal tour.

Tbilisi city tour and Mtskheta

Tour to Svaneti and Ushguli from Batumi

Tour to Kakheti from Tbilisi

Batumi city tour and mountainous Adjara

Tour to Ananuri and Gergeti

Tour to Martvili and Okatse canyons from Batumi

Tour to Vardzia and Rabati castle

Tour to Dadiani Palace and Inguri Dam

Batumi photos.

Why you should visit Georgia.

Cultural Landmark

Historical sites, buildings, monasteries, and fortresses - this is the hallmark of Georgia. The monuments of Georgia attracted people from all over the world on Georgian land since ages.

Cuisine and Wine

Georgian cuisine is a truly uniquely phenomenon. Local dishes can be called a real art. Georgian wine remains the cultural heritage of the country for many centuries.

Georgian hospitality

Georgian hospitality, or the fact that you are feeling in Georgia like at home. Georgians are extremely friendly and benevolent nation, and Georgian hospitality is well known all over the world.

Georgian language

The Georgian language is one of the most beautiful and unusual language, but at the same time it is too difficult. It is in the list of 10 most ancient and living languages of the Planet.

Georgia’s Resorts

Georgia is famous for its resorts. An existence of a lot of resorts on a small site area such as spa and balneology, mountain-skiing, boat, mud-cure and mineral hot resorts.

Culture and traditions

Georgia is a country with an ancient and rich culture; it is famous with its traditions from the beginning of times. Each region of Georgia differs with it originality and habits and traditions.

How to order tour on web site? You can choose one of the following tour or we can organize the one, which will fit your request. In order to form the tour you need to send application form or to contact directly an operator at +995 555 90 58 58 (Viber, Whatsup).  We will answer any of your questions, edit program according to your request and work out final costs.

Travelling using our tours cheaper that travelling by yourself. It is no need to visit tour-agency to choose cheap and convenient tour; all information is available online on our website. Among with that buying online tour is cheaper than in office, since agency is having rental costs, managers’ fees etc.

Let us discuss the pros in case of buying online tours:

• Cheaper than in office or the same price
• Quicker it is no need to drive across the town
• Reliable as payment can be mad upon arrival
• You choose by yourself. You do not need any agent consultation who recommend tours with bigger commissions
• Customer care 24/7
• Nice discount when buying without agent (intermediary)

Always plan your holidays in advance. Do not wait for summer to buy tours in Georgia. Since last minute travel offers are always cheaper.

How to pay for the tours in Georgia? So you had already decided the tour program, discussed all details with our manager and remains only to pay for the tour? We are offering you to pay the tour when it will be convenient to you.  For legal entities 21 working days before the book tour. As per private customers, you can buy tour online and pay for it on the day of arrival.

Do I need Visa to Georgia? Do I really need visa to visit Georgia? The question is very popular to those who never had been visit Georgia. Georgia introduced simplified system of visa regime since 2015. Visa free regime is valid for a year.

• Europe countries

It is not complete list. If you have not found your country in the list please contact us and we will send you a full list.

However, the following countries still need a visa:

• People’s Republic of China
• Afghanistan

Residents of those countries are required to pay for a visa to Georgia, which costs 50$ and is valid for only 90 days

Trip to Georgia with a child Georgia is one of the safest countries, so most tourists come to Georgia to relax with children. Let's look at what documents are needed for a child when visiting Georgia:

• The child must have his own passport. If there is no passport, the child must be entered with a photo necessarily pasted in the passport of one of the parents. Be sure, regardless of age, must be stamped passport and visa service. This method is valid up to 14 years
• In the biometric passport of children will not be able to enter-everyone will have to do their own, as well as upon reaching 14 years.
• Birth certificate-not required, but just in case you can take. If the child and the accompanying parent have different surnames or travel on their own passport, it is recommended to have a birth certificate or a notarized copy. This is not a mandatory requirement, but may be necessary to confirm the relationship.
• Whether it is necessary to do the power of attorney (to take permission) for children if they go with one of parents - no, since 2015 this moment was abolished. But if the second parent has imposed an official ban on the departure of the child abroad, this issue will have to be resolved in court. Trip to Georgia with a child Georgia is one of the safest countries, so most tourists come to Georgia to relax with children. Let's look at what documents are needed for a child when visiting Georgia:
• Whether it is necessary to do the power of attorney (to take permission) for children if they go with one of parents - no, since 2015 this moment was abolished. But if the second parent has imposed an official ban on the departure of the child abroad, this issue will have to be resolved in court.
• SPC (Registration certificate) is required.
• Driver's license - can be both old-fashioned and international-it does not matter.
• Car insurance is required to travel to Georgia from 01.03.2018.
• The need for a power of attorney for the machine is discussed in the next branch.

How much costs car insurance in Georgia?

The package of insurance products varies according to the vehicle category, each product category has four types of duration: 15 days, 30 days, 90 days, 1 year. Price are in GEL.

Where you can buy car insurance in Georgia?

How to Buy insurance online on the official website - in the upper right corner, select the Russian language, then in the center of the screen the desired vehicle and the time for which you want to insure it, then click on the right yellow button "Buy" and follow the instructions. Payment is made by Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards.

How to get insurance online if your car is not listed on the website.

• In the sales offices of the insurance company. At the moment they are open near the checkpoint "Kazbegi" (Upper Lars), "Lagodekhi", "Red bridge", "Sadakhlo", "Guguti", "Kartsakhi", "Vale", "Sarpi" (branch is located between Gonio and Batumi) and Ninotsminda.
• At Liberty Bank branches
• Via payment terminal (Paybox) TBC Bank.
• In Armenia to buy auto insurance to travel to Georgia at branch "Rosgosstrakh".
• The head office is located at the address: Tbilisi, I. Mosashvili street (I. Mosashvili st.), Build 24; hotline telephone:+995 322 30 1111; e-mail: [email protected]

It is necessary to execute an insurance. When an accident occurs, be sure to call the police (112)

As a rule, tourists do not have any problems when visiting Georgia.  Even if you have violated the rules of entry and are in the country more than the prescribed period You just pay a fine on the road.

What you need to pay attention to: if you visit South Ossetia or Abkhazia before this trip, you will not be able to enter Georgia. Border services, seeing in your passport marks about staying in the territory of these republics, simply will not allow you to cross the border of Georgia. Therefore, you should carefully plan the course of your trip in advance.

If you want to visit South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Georgia, a trip to Georgia must be the first.

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Georgia Travel Advisory

The dialing code of Georgia is +995

• Police: 112
• Fire brigade: 112
• Ambulance: 112
• Railway Station: 0322 199010 / 1331
• Tbilisi Airport information center: 0322 31 03 41 / 0322 31 04 21
• Batumi Airport information center: 0422 235100
• Georgia Information center 118-09

In case of offences, you must contact the police.

Internet zone:.ge

Electric power: 220V AC, 50 A; standard double plug socket.

U.S. Embassy Tbilisi 29 Georgian-American Friendship Avenue Didi Dighomi  Tbilisi, 0131, Georgia  Telephone: +995 32227-70-00 Fax: (995 32) 253-23-10

Delegation of the European Union to Georgia

In 2005, the President and the government of Georgia decided to cancel the transition to winter time. However, there is no time zone division in Georgia and the time is the same throughout the country. Time zone-UTC+04: 00. ______________ 

The territory of Georgia is located within two climatic zones: Mediterranean in the East and subtropical in the West, the Average temperature in winter is +4.. 8°C, +24.. 27 °C-in summer. In the mountains, the climate is more harsh, with hot summers to (+38.. 40 °C) and cold winter (-15.. 20°C).

The national currency is lari (GEL), which consists of 100 tetri.

Credit cards are accepted in hotels, major chain stores and restaurants, especially in the capital and major cities. However, there may be problems with paying by card in small shops and hotels of economy class, in small towns. In this case, you can withdraw money from an ATM or exchange cash for gel.

To change currency, the lari is possible in banks and exchange offices, as rubles, hryvnia, dollars, euros. When exchanging dollars and euros, you can slightly win on the exchange rate; also note that finding an exchange office that works with rubles will be a little more difficult. However, they can always be exchanged in large banks, for example, in Bank of Georgia, which has branches at each station of the Tbilisi metro and in every Georgian city.

In case of unforeseen expenses in Georgia, you can get money from any of the numerous money transfer systems, for example, Western Union, Contact, Unistream, Moneygram, Golden crown, etc.

The official language is Georgian. The majority of the population understands and speaks Russian well, with foreigners speaking mostly English. __________________

Georgia adopted Christianity in the 14th century. Today there is complete freedom of religion. The main religion of the country is Christianity, although the churches coexist peacefully with synagogues and mosques. Concessions are mainly represented by Armenian-Gregorian and Catholic Christianity, Sunni and Shiite Muslims, and Judaism.

Georgia is located on the South side of the Caucasus range, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is bordered on the West by the Black sea, on the North by the Russian Federation, on the South – East by Azerbaijan, and on the South by Armenia and Turkey. Georgia is located at one of the oldest transport crossroads, which connected the countries of Europe and Asia. Georgia was part of the great silk road. Through the Black sea Georgia connects with other black sea countries, and through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles opens the Mediterranean Sea. The Strait of Gibraltar connects with the world and the countries of Eastern and Central Europe open across the Danube river. The Capital Of Georgia Is Tbilisi.

Most popular sights of Georgia

Georgia travel & tourism news

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Georgia named as 7-th safest country worldwide

From Czech to Georgia. Czech Republic puts Georgia on safe country list

New rope adventure attraction opens in Mtirala National Park

Can we help you , +995 555 90 5858.

Time in Tbilisi: April 13, 2024 01:36

Georgia’s Black Sea city Batumi among European Best Destinations’ 2024 “trendiest” list

Georgia’s Black Sea city of Batumi has been selected among the “trendiest” visitor locations of this year of European Best Destinations - website dedicated to travel and culture across the continent. Photo: EvaL Miko

Georgia’s Black Sea city of Batumi has been selected among the “trendiest” visitor locations of this year of European Best Destinations - website dedicated to travel and culture across the continent.

Over one million travellers from 172 countries were surveyed about their selections for the best destinations, city breaks, nature getaways, sunny holidays, cultural and gastronomic holidays in Europe for the list.

The website then revealed the 20 most-voted-for locations out of 500 destinations, with Batumi included in the final selection along the likes of Marbella in Spain, Geneva in Switzerland and Thassos in Greece.

Forget Barcelona and Berlin, Batumi is so much more surprising, more exciting, more affordable and more exotic” - the article noted about the western Georgian city, which is also described as an “extraordinary destination” that “offers the best of Europe” with affordable prices and well-preserved authenticity.

The article highlights the “remarkable” green natural environment of the city, its diverse cultural and religious heritage and a mix of beautiful scenery and ancient cultural monuments.

The piece also notes the modern Batumi has turned into a cultural hub hosting major events, international artists, exhibitions and sports competitions.  

The American magazine Forbes has included the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi in the list of 10 of the best places in Europe to spend New Year's Eve.

European Best Destinations, the most visited website dedicated to travel and culture in Europe, has listed Georgia’s capital Tbilisi among the 20 best destinations to celebrate New Year in Europe.

fDi Intelligence, a publication on foreign direct investments, on Thursday published its flagship European Cities and Regions of the Future ranking, where the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi was included in the top 10 in two categories. 

National Geographic named a ski tour UNESCO sites in Georgia among 20 great adventures for 2024 in an annual Best of the World feature, which lists “the streets of Paris, the snowy mountains of the Caucasus in Georgia, the ancient rock art of Algeria” among top destinations.

Woman&Home

9 hidden gems in Europe for a unique, energizing and inspiring vacation

Posted: October 21, 2023 | Last updated: October 21, 2023

Whether you want to unwind, be immersed in breathtaking scenery, or eat your way through delightful dishes, these hidden gems in Europe provide it all…

The best hidden gems in Europe include pretty much everything needed for a well-rounded vacation.

The vast and varied countries of Europe truly offer it all - whether you’re after white sand beaches, scenic hikes, remote mountain villages, or European islands, chances are you won’t have to look far.

And while most of us are well acquainted with where to go for an exciting European city break, the more unique destinations of Europe require a little extra planning, so if you’re hankering after a trip that’s slightly off-the-beaten-track, these are some of the best hidden gems in Europe for nature, great food, and some of the world’s most beautiful hotels.

Alpine hikes and Mont Blanc views in Megève, France

Anyone who appreciates the spectacle of a good mountain range will be familiar with the awe-inspiring Mont Blanc. Famed for its dramatic shape the peak has been drawing adventurers, nature lovers, and die-hard climbing fans for centuries, but of course, you don’t need to be a climber to fall in love with this epic mountain too.

Mont Blanc sits close to Megève, a quaint alpine village that provides an idyllic escape and the perfect introduction to the French Alps. Close to the Swiss border, Megève is one of the best places to visit in August on account of fewer tourists and sun-filled days, which makes hiking the nearby trails much easier.

Where to stay in Megève: The only place to book into in this picture-perfect town is Four Seasons Megève, a hotel as majestic as its whimsical surroundings. With indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room, and the most luxurious spa we’ve come across of late, once you’ve arrived at this dreamy mountain sanctuary you’ll really struggle to leave. Staff are on hand to cater to your every need, whether that’s advising on spa treatments (we’d recommend ‘A Walk through Megève’), booking horse-drawn carriage rides to view the mighty Mont Blanc, or taking a guided meditation amongst the wildflower strew meadows. Bedrooms impress with cream and taupe colour palettes, luxury bedding, niche artwork, and expansive terraces, while the gigantic bathrooms overflow with Codage products, and feature bathtubs with a view and Japanese-style toilets. A wonderful buffet breakfast is included with delightful pastries that are baked on-site each and every morning. Double rooms start at $538 (£431) and can be booked through the hotel directly.

Travel tip: There are so many good restaurants in Megève you’ll be spoilt for choice. One unmissable dining experience however has to be Kaito at Four Seasons Megève. Pre-dinner we’d recommend an aperitif on the terrace at Bar Edmond where the sunset views are just breathtaking, then head inside where the impressive menu takes diners on a journey through Asia with melt-in-the-mouth translucent yellowtail, wagyu gyozas, and seabass with yuzu sashimi.

Artà, Mallorca

The island of Mallorca definitely isn’t a ‘hidden gem’ since tourists and holidaymakers have been heading here for centuries, but Artà, on the other hand - tucked away inland from the east coast - certainly is. This creative little village has an abundance of delightful restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops - make a beeline for Café Parisiene’s secret garden or Forn Nou’s rooftop restaurant for sublime dishes and sweeping views - but it’s also home to one of Mallorca’s oldest streets and the Talayotic settlement of Ses Païsses. Dating back to the Bronze Age this fascinating site is open every day but Sunday, costs just two euros to enter, and is deeply fascinating.

Where to stay in Artà : A short drive from Artà past gnarled ancient olive trees sits Carossa Hotel & Spa , a gorgeous old finca that’s been transformed into a boutique hotel complete with indoor and outdoor pools and remarkable spa. Opt for a suite set back beyond the main building and if you’re lucky you might just catch a glimpse of the turquoise sea from your very own terrace. Rooms are simply decorated in neutral tones but feature all of the mod cons of a five-star hotel; expansive bathrooms, minibar, turndown service, and complementary fruit. The two huge pools are a real treat, but guests can also unwind in the hotel’s sauna, ice room, or spa. Both on-site restaurants are highly recommended, don’t miss the Iberico jamon. Prices start from $301 (£249) per night including a buffet breakfast.

Travel tip: Hire a car to make the most of your time in Artà and the glorious surrounding areas.

Batumi, Georgia

Georgia’s Black Sea resort is so under the radar chances are you’ll have never heard of this intriguing port city but that’s all about to change. This vast and bizarre seaside town features the wildest selection of buildings, monuments, and sculptures including a number of open-air modern art seemingly dedicated to love, much of the soviet era architecture Georgia is known for, and a handful of quirky buildings. At night make a beeline for ‘Ali and Nino’ a gorgeous moving love monument dedicated to forbidden love. The mechanical metal sculpture features a couple who slowly move toward each other before merging as a single entity. Spend a day strolling through the city's perfectly manicured parks before sitting down to a feast of typical Georgian food including meat dumplings known as khinkhali or an authentic Adjarian khachapuri (a kind of boat-shaped cheese and butter pizza topped with an egg).

Where to stay in Batumi : One of Georgia’s coolest hotel chains Rooms Hotels has just opened its first seaside property in Batumi, making it the only place to stay in the city. Sitting right on the seafront with views out across the Black Sea the hotel wows with its scale and design. The 123 rooms and suites have a 70s aesthetic with low textured cream sofas, stunning light fittings, spacious bathrooms featuring Grown Alchemist bath products, and retro details throughout. The hotel aims to offer guests an elevated experience for travelers who appreciate natural materials, and contemporary interiors. The hotel’s bar and restaurant feel like they were plucked straight from a Wes Anderson movie, but there’s also a beautiful swimming pool, well-equipped gym, and hotel shop selling neat books, clothing, and accessories. Prices start from $79 (£64) per night including breakfast.

Travel tip: You can fly directly to Batumi from Istanbul or Tel Aviv, or it’s easy to hop on a minivan departing hourly from Tbilisi.

Spain’s iconic Camino de Santiago

If you’re after a vacation like no other the Camino de Santiago or Way of St James is one of the most spiritual places in the world, and without a doubt a bucket-list trip. The walk, in its entirety, takes in Portugal and France as well as Spain, but the Spanish trails provide the perfect introduction to this monumental trek. What started as a religious pilgrimage now draws nature lovers, adventurers, or anyone who appreciates a good stroll. Historically, devotees would walk to Santiago de Compostela in Northwest Spain from their hometowns. Today, nine routes have become the most popular due to the unique sites along the way. One of the shortest, yet arguably the most rewarding is the Camino Primitivo (the original way). This walk takes roughly two weeks to complete and is ridiculously beautiful with mountain views and quaint villages. Along the way there’s an abundance of albergues to rest your head - these converted buildings are basically hostels for pilgrims, and while they aren’t the most luxurious of accommodations, they provide a warm and cheap place to sleep at the end of each day.

Where to stay along the route: It’s a good idea to book a more luxurious hotel at the start and end of your trip. In Oviedo, Hotel Fruela is a sound option with doubles starting at a bargain $62 (£50) a night on Booking.com, while A Quinta da Auga in Santiago wows with immaculate bedrooms housed in an elegant 18th-century building. Double room rates start at $305 (£248) per night and can be booked directly through the hotel.

Travel tip: The Camino de Santiago is one of the best places to visit when the weather starts to improve but the scorching heat of summer is yet to hit.

The lesser known Greek Islands for blissed out vibes and white sand beaches

Figuring out which of the best Greek Islands to visit is a much-debated topic - there are 227 picturesque inhabited islands after all - which is why it makes sense to combine a few of them for a trip of a lifetime. Upper and lower Koufonisia are two tiny islands that were somewhat of a ‘secret’ for years. Now, they're a bit better known, but the laid-back feel and brilliantly translucent sea that surrounds them still makes Koufonisia a dream destination to get away from it all. And from Koufonisia it’s easy to take a boat to the untouched isle of Schinoussa where bright white buildings with blue shutters, simple tavernas, and an easy way of life await. Then lazily head over to Iraklia to visit olive and almond groves before sampling some of the most beautiful Greek food imaginable. There are no cars on Iraklia which only adds to its charm - walk or cycle to see all this underrated diamond-shaped island has to offer.

Where to stay: Sitting on a hill with views out across the Aegean Sea, Schinoza Luxury Suites provide the perfect remedy for anyone wanting to seriously unwind. Rooms come with a private pool or jacuzzi, while the restaurant creates dishes with local virgin olive oil and organic fruits and vegetables. Rooms start from $152 (£124) a night on Booking.com.

Travel tip: The Greek Islands provide some of the best places to visit when the sea is still warm but visitors start to thin out.

Italy’s Lombardy region for restaurant offerings that will make you cry with delight

For excellent traditional Italian dishes, the Lombardy region of Italy is one of the absolute best places to visit in Europe. Due to the large volume of rice paddies (42% of Italian rice production is in Lombardy), the trademark dish of the region is risotto, often cooked with mushrooms and sausage. This luxuriously decadent dish should never be rushed - when cooking or eating - and will often be served as a first plate, before meat or fish. Saffron is added to the much-lauded Risotto Alla Milanese, which gives it a gloriously rich yellow color. Order this unmissable dish at Valentino Legend Milano, where the restaurant's version has outstanding reviews with many hailing Valentino’s risottos as the best in Italy. Aside from risotto, Lombardy is also known for polenta and hearty meat stews, particularly bruscitti, made with pieces of leftover meat braised in wine and fennel seeds. A good place to sample bruscitti and polenta is Trattoria Parietti in Bergamo.

Where to stay in the region: Owners Lidia and Maximiliano have transformed their family home into Palazzo Albricci Peregrini, an intimate hotel with just six stunning rooms. Location here is paramount as the property sits elegantly on the shores of Lake Como, while rooms feature exposed wooden beams and plush sofas. Doubles start from $400 (£325) per night and can be booked through Mrandmrssmith.com. Elsewhere in the region, Bergamo is a good base with much fewer tourists than say Milan or Como, here you’ll find the enchanting Gombit Hotel, a design-led hotel in a renovated medieval building, doubles start from $305 (£248) a night and can be booked on Booking.com.

Travel tip: Rent a car to explore the region as public transport can be sometimes unpredictable, especially in the smaller towns and villages.

Lakeside luxury in Austria for an A-list detox retreat

What do Tracey Emin, Naomi Campbell, and Rebel Wilson have in common? The answer… they’ve all checked into VIVAMAYR - one of the world’s leading luxury health retreats - on more than one occasion. This one isn't strictly a hidden gem, but it's definitely a unique choice and not the first destination that springs to mind when you think about where to travel in Austria.

Famed for its no-nonsense approach to shaking up eating habits, extolling the benefits of walking, and a serious detoxification process, this place has a reputation for stale bread dinners and making residents chew, chew, and chew some more (it helps with digestion). Unless you’ve just won the lottery VIVAMAYR is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because stays here do not come cheap, we’re talking $337 (£273) a night - and that’s before you start adding on the cost of vitamins, daily treatments, and flights. Plus, the recommended stay is a week, minimum.

But according to its celebrity clients, it’s more than worth it with Rebel remarking, “if you want to boost your immune system, this is the place to be”. Guests at the clinic can take advantage of saltwater swimming pools, infrared cabins, and steam baths and try out numerous treatments such as cryotherapy and therapeutic massage. But VIVAMAYR also strongly believes in the healing benefits of nature which is why both their clinics sit on the edge of crystalline lakes with daily walks and swims being highly encouraged.

Where to stay: There are two VIVAMAYR clinics in Austria, Maria Wörth and Altaussee - both can be booked directly through the website.

Travel tip: Switch off your laptop and phone while on retreat, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reset, recharge, and really get back to the core of yourself.

Whale watching in the Azores

Whales are in abundance in the waters that surround the Azores during spring making it one of the best places to visit for a seriously life-affirming trip. To combine whale spotting trips with a hefty dose of culture, ancient architecture, and great food the island of São Miguel (Ilha Verde) is a pretty place to start with the north coast being a particularly good area to spot blue whales. Book a boat trip with one of the many companies dotted across the island to ensure getting that elusive tail fin shot, Picos De Aventura is a reputable company to book with.

Notable buildings to look out for on São Miguel include the intricately tiled Portas da Cidade and symmetrical chapel Nossa Senhora da Paz, but there are also volcanic peaks and turquoise lakes to explore when you’re ready to get back to nature.

Where to stay in the Azores: The suites and villas at White combine natural fabrics, muted tones, and unique artwork. There are just 11 rooms providing an intimate and exclusive feel, while the pool with views out to sea really wows. Double rooms start from $284 (£232) and can be booked through Booking.com.

Travel tip: Azores cuisine is hearty and rich, look out for cozido, a type of slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew.

Recharge and reset beside remote Lopota Lake, Georgia

While it’s debated whether Georgia actually sits in Europe or Asia, most travelers and experts agree that this unique and fascinating country is at least partly European due to being a member of the UN and the Council of Europe. Georgia's mountain views are not too dissimilar to some of England's peaks, so if you love UK walking holidays add this glorious country to the top of your vacation list.

Kakheti is the main winemaking region and is easy to visit on a day trip from Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi, but we’d recommend making this area your base - at least for a few days - to really appreciate its rugged beauty. Lopota Lake is a place you can really get away from it all, surrounded by picturesque vineyards, glorious mountain views, and the loudest frogs we’ve ever heard. This area is all about pure relaxation with plenty of wine-tasting opportunities to boot, but there are also some amazing horse trekking paths and hikes should you wish to get active.

Where to stay in Georgia: Within the Kakheti region, family-run Lopota Lake Resort and Spa not only has seven amazing swimming pools, but also impresses with its own wine cellar, knowledgable sommelier (Gabriel), four restaurants, a Slavic bathhouse, and the prettiest lake views imaginable. Rooms start from $238 (£188) per night, book through Booking.com.

Travel tip: Eating out in Georgia is relatively inexpensive so always consider leaving a tip where possible.

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From Baku to Batumi, Indian traveller hits the unexplored trail

• Many Indians, looking for a short trip or a quick ski holiday for their upcoming summer break, are choosing to go to these places instead of enduring a long wait for a Schengen visa for Europe

NEW DELHI : Baku. Khinaliq. Batumi. Tbilisi. Gudauri. Heard of them? No? Well, the first two cities are in Azerbaijan, and the next three in Georgia, both part of the erstwhile Soviet Union, and now independent countries with exotic fare for the international tourist.

And Indians are taking note. Travel portal Thomas Cook, for instance, has seen demand for Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan sectors increase 300-500% versus pre-pandemic levels for its business, said Rajeev Kale, president and country head for holidays, MICE, visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited. Other agencies, too, report similar eye-popping numbers.

Many Indians, looking for a short trip or a quick ski holiday for their upcoming summer break, are choosing to go to these places instead of enduring a long wait for a Schengen visa for Europe, say travel planners. Short, direct flights from India, inexpensive hotel tariffs (even the luxury hotels are cheaper than in India) and the fact that such places are less explored, are turning out to be big magnets. Of course, traditional Europe tours have not lost their charm either.

For Georgia, India is a top 10 country by international visitors, accounting for about 100,000 travellers annually. This figure has grown 74% from before the pandemic in 2019, per the country's official tourism statistics. Similarly, India is the fourth most important market for Azerbaijan, accounting for 33,600 travellers a quarter or about 130,000 annually, up 258% from 2019 when comparing January-March 2024 to the same period that year, according to the official data of the tourism body.

Shivaz Rai, non-executive director at visa processing agency DUDigital Global, said the demand is quite high for visas. While he did not share exact figures, he said Uzbekistan saw 200% growth in Indian visitors in 2023 compared to the previous year. Azerbaijan saw 1.9 times increase in Indian tourists during the same period. And Georgia is expecting to see around 50% growth in 2024. 

“Last year, we inked a deal with the Georgian embassy in India. We've observed a 15% surge in growth for this quarter—January to March—which has seen a significant acceleration as the season kicks off, with heightened interest from large groups, when compared to that of previous quarter," he said.

Radhika Khanijo, founder and travel designer at Delhi-based Welgrow Travel, said it was only in 2023 that her company began to sell these destinations; there was no demand for them before the pandemic.

“The draw for most of our HNI travellers is that they have already been to Singapore, Bali, Bangkok, etc., and these locations are ideal for short celebrations over 3-4 nights because of the direct air connectivity," she said. “Some of them work out to be lower in cost than travelling to a high-end hotel in India. Most of these locations also have luxury hotels chains like the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton and because of online visas or quick visas, these trips can be planned quite quickly."

Take this group of HNIs from Delhi, which is getting ready for a short four-night stag trip to Baku this month. Fourteen rooms have been booked in the plush Ritz Carlton hotel for a cheaper-than-India $175 a night or approximately ₹ 15,000. The itinerary is for a small birthday celebration. 

Another small group in Delhi, which returned from Baku last month, had no particular agenda. “We wanted to just have a quick friends trip to take a break from work," said Nipun Singh, 30, an entrepreneur who runs a clothing startup. "The cost was similar to if we had taken a trip within India and stayed at a nice hotel here. This way we got to see a new country."

Meanwhile, online travel agency Yatra has witnessed an increase in queries to these markets in the range of 20-25% and a year-on-year increase in bookings of 10-15%. On the platform, travellers typically spend ₹ 1-1.2 lakh for a package to Croatia, about ₹ 60,000 to Kazakhstan, and approximately ₹ 40,000 to Chiang Mai (in Thailand). Croatia's appeal lies in its coastline and medieval towns, made more attractive by an easier visa process compared to Schengen countries, a company spokesperson told Mint.

For MakeMyTrip, another online travel agency, the growth is similar. Some of these destinations have grown more than fourfold over their pre-covid booking numbers.

However, Saujanya Shrivastava, chief operating officer of flights, holidays and GCC at the online travel agency, said while these destinations are part of the natural progression of travel location choices, they are not alternatives to the traditional European travel, which continues to remain as popular. This becomes clear when they look at the cohorts of travellers booking through them. “It is the same category of travellers—couples, families, and larger groups between 20 and 40 years—that are frequenting (both) the traditional European locations and emerging destinations," he said.

Another nuance from MakeMyTrip is that a quarter of all Indian travellers on its platform are now taking more than three trips annually, according to Shrivastava. This means many of them are now taking more than one international trip every year, leading to the rise in popularity of these destinations as accessible alternatives to traditional Schengen destinations such as France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, among others.

Within the larger travel context, the interest in Indian tourists from these countries makes sense. The travel industry is taking note of the booming Indian outbound market. A report by business advisory Nangia Andersen titled “Outbound Tourism in India" predicts a surge in Indian travellers at 11.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2023 and 2032, with the market reaching a value of $44.8 billion by 2032. In 2022, the market size was $15.163 billion.

The report also highlights the increasing travel appetite of Indians. Before the pandemic, in 2019, around 27 million Indians travelled abroad. While travel was impacted in the intervening years, the report reflected a strong recovery in 2023, with 18 million Indians vacationing overseas according to data from the ministry of home affairs. These figures paint a promising picture for the future of Indian outbound tourism.

• #travel and tourism industry

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