Traveltomtom<span>.</span>

43 Things To Know Before You Travel To Batumi, Georgia

city travel batumi

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.

goderdzi ski resorts batumi

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.

places to visit in batumi 2

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.

travel to batumi 2

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.

batumi to tbilisi by train

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.

visit batumi casinos

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.

batumi tourism

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.

local market batumis bazari

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.

batumi tourism 1

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.

batumi sightseeing

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.

travel to batumi 1

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.

batumi tourism churches

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.

food tour batumi

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! :)

supra batumi

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.

making khachapuri 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! :)

georgia wine culture

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.

batumi ski resort

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.

ski goderdzi

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.

places to visit in batumi 3

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!

travel to batumi sameba

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.

restaurant bautmi with live music

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.

batumi tourism 4

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.

gonio fortress batumi

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.

visit batumi 1

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.

ferris wheel batumi things to do

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.

skybar batumi radisson blu

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!

georgian folk dance performance

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.

botanical gardens batumi

39. Storll through the City center

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

visit batumi 3

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.

rent a bike in batumi

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 .

batumi sightseeing fish market

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.

fishmarket batumi

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

things to do in batumi waterfalls

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

city center batumi

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.

where to stay in batumi georgia

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.

Light and music fountain in  Batumi.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

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.

Your next trip starts here

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

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Batumi, Georgia - October 03, 2016: Fountains on Batumi boulevard. Seaside Park; Shutterstock ID 627260348; Your name (First / Last): Gemma Graham; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Georgia destination page masthead and POI images

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 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

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

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


Cable Car

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

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

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

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

city travel 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.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Batumi

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Batumi with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Red Fedora Diary

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.

Download this guide as a mobile app

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 1

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 2

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 3

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 4

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 .

Updates from Red Fedora Diary

Monthly newsletter gem-packed with new & behind-the-scene stories, exclusive updates, and travel news.

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

That’s Georgian for ‘Thank You’.

You’ll be getting emails from me shortly. And just in case, check the spam/junk folder too.

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.

Things to do in Batumi

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 5

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 6

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 7

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 8

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.

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 9

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 10

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 11

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 12

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 14

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 15

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 16

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 17

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.

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 19

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 20

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 21

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 22

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 24

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 26

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 28

  • 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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 30

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.

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 31

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 32

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 . 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 33

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 34

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 35

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 37

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 39

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 40

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 41

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 . 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 43

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 44

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.

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 45

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 46

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 48

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 49

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 51

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 53

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.

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 54

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 56

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 cafĂ© inside that was known as Cafe Fantasia back in the day.  

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 57

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 59

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 61

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 63

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 64

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 66

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 67

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 68

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.

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 69

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 70

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.

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 72

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 74

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 76

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.

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 78

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 80

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 81

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 82

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.

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 84

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 86

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. 

40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions 87

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

đŸš« 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.

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

đŸ“± 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 .

đŸ· 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 .

đŸ©ș 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.

things to do in batumi

Want more inspiration?

Spread the word!

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Nomadic Samuel Travel Blog - Travel Blog with Destination and City Guides!

Batumi Travel Guide: Things to Do in Batumi, Georgia

Nestled on the coastline of the Black Sea in Georgia, Batumi is a magnificent and captivating seaside city that beckons to travelers from across the globe. Known for its unparalleled natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history, Batumi is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience.

As you venture through the city’s enchanting streets, you’ll be struck by the many offerings that this seaside paradise has in store. With a myriad of activities that cater to varying interests, Batumi is the perfect place to discover something new and exciting. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historic landmarks or seeking relaxation on its pristine beaches , Batumi has something for everyone.

With its opulent architecture and fascinating monuments, Batumi is a city steeped in history. Visitors can explore the Batumi Boulevard, a picturesque promenade that stretches along the coast, and admire the towering Alphabetic Tower, which serves as a symbol of Georgia’s unique and distinctive alphabet. Those who wish to delve deeper into Batumi’s rich past can visit the Gonio Fortress, an ancient Roman site that dates back to the 1st century AD.

Beyond its historic landmarks, Batumi offers visitors an abundance of natural beauty. The city’s coastline is graced by turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and stunning views that will take your breath away. From the towering mountains that loom in the distance to the lush parks that dot the city, Batumi is a nature lover’s dream.

Of course, no visit to Batumi would be complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. With its fusion of European and Asian influences, Georgian cuisine is renowned for its flavorful spices, hearty meats, and succulent fruits. From savory khachapuri to sweet churchkhela, the dishes of Batumi will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

In this travel guide, we will explore the top things to do, places to eat, and sights to see in Batumi, as well as provide practical tips on transportation and accommodations to ensure that your journey is as seamless and delightful as possible. Get ready to embark on a journey through one of the most enchanting and captivating cities in the world – Batumi awaits!

Batumi Travel Guide: Things to do in Batumi, Georgia

Batumi City Guide: A Brief History Of Batumi, Georgia

Batumi’s rich history stretches back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 5,000 years. Over the centuries, the city has been ruled by various empires, including the Greeks, the Romans, and the Ottoman Turks.

In the 19th century, Batumi became an important port city and a hub of commerce and trade in the Caucasus region. Under the rule of the Russian Empire, the city was transformed into a cosmopolitan center, with grandiose architecture and a thriving cultural scene.

During the Soviet era, Batumi remained an important port city, serving as a key location for oil shipments from the Caspian Sea. The city underwent significant industrialization and modernization during this time, with many new factories and infrastructure projects being built.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Batumi experienced a period of economic hardship and political instability. However, in recent years, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation, with significant investment in infrastructure, tourism, and culture.

Today, Batumi is a vibrant and bustling city that showcases a unique blend of old-world charm and modernity. Its rich history and cultural heritage are evident throughout the city, with stunning architecture, fascinating landmarks, and a thriving arts scene.

Batumi Top Attractions and Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Sitting on the Black Sea , Batumi is Georgia’s second-largest city and its top tourist destination. With ocean, mountains, and a delightful subtropical climate , it has a long summer season.

There’s more to do than lounge by the seashore, though – its museums, churches, and public art will captivate you.

Come check out our Batumi travel guide as we cover the best things to do in Batumi, Georgia.

Soon after getting settled in Batumi, make the Borjgalo Ethnographic Museum your first stop. This institution is the work of Kemal Turmanidze – he built it with little in the way of government assistance.

Here, you’ll learn about the folklore of Georgia , its crafts, and its agricultural past. Kemal Turmanidze carved many of the wood pieces that you’ll see as you wander amid this museum’s exhibits. Each implement had either decorative or practical value during the pre-modern era.

As amazing as this place is, it can be a bit tricky to find. It is far from the centre of Batumi, so walking is out of the question. Take bus 39 or 132 from the city centre and tell the driver you want to go to the Ethnographic Museum.

Dig further into the past of this part of Georgia by exploring Batumi Archaeological Museum . It is one of the oldest museums in the entire country and focuses on local finds made by archaeologists. Despite its small size, curators have packed this building with artifacts. Over 22,000 items – from Stone Age tools to Roman-era dishes – await you here. For only a couple of Lari, this place represents excellent value for your travel dollar .

Georgia has hosted Christian churches dating back to the early days of the religion. If you’re looking for churches to explore in Batumi, start with the Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God . Its constructors built it in the Gothic Revival Style in the 19th century.

By the 20th century, though, it was forcibly occupied by the Soviets. Not fond of religion, they converted this hall of worship into a high voltage laboratory. As the Communists lost their grip on Georgia in 1989, the Georgian Orthodox Church assumed control of the building.

Today, despite its beautiful stained glass windows, most visitors are the faithful. As you sightsee, show respect for those worshipping. Dress conservatively and refrain from taking pictures of people without their permission.

The Church of St. Nicholas is another noteworthy Christian point of interest in Batumi. At over 150 years old, it is the oldest church in the city. Ilya Efremidi, then mayor of Batumi, was Greek in ethnicity. Shortly after his election, he spearheaded its construction, much to the glee of Batumi’s Greek Orthodox community.

Despite being a Christian church, it lacks an essential component. When Turkish authorities granted Mr Efremidi permission to build, it came with the condition that they exclude the bells. This issue didn’t take long to fix, though. In 1878, Russian military members took up a collection, buying the church the bells it lacked. It closed when the Bolsheviks took over in Moscow. However, persistent petitioning by locals reopened it in 1946.

Today, locals and visitors alike admire this church for its attractive frescoes and unique architecture. Like the Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God, the Church of St. Nicholas has a strict dress code. If you are wearing shorts, have exposed shoulders or chest, authorities will likely deny you entry.

Other Cultural Attractions: Trip to Batumi, Georgia

Take in incredible views of Batumi and the Black Sea by taking the Argo Cable Car into the hills. It’s a long ride, but once you reach the top, the photo ops will make up for it. The older parts of the city, its rapidly modernizing parts, and the ocean will have you clicking away.

Once you have gotten your fill, take in the view as you linger over a coffee. Before taking the return trip down, also check out their wine shop – Georgian vino is surprisingly good!

In Batumi, the average January high is 7 degrees Celsius, making snow rare. Because of this, a wide range of subtropical plants can grow, as you’ll see at the Batumi Botanical Garden . Botanist Andrey Krasnov created this park during the Russian era and served as a research garden during the reign of the Soviets.

Today, it plays host to 2,000 different species, 104 of them endemic to the Caucasus. Do note that the park is on a steep slope – their paths will give infrequent walkers a workout. Golf carts are available for the motion-impaired, or for those who tire easily.

After a long day sightseeing in the region, spend an evening on Batumi Boulevard . Here, you’ll find dancing fountains, cafes, beach bars, and more. However, the Ali and Nino Monument stands out. This slick moving sculpture of metal captures a tale of two star-crossed lovers. Ali, a soldier and Azerbaijani Muslim, longed to be with Nino, a Georgian princess. Fate kept them apart multiple times, and eventually, Ali died in a battle.

Even if you don’t know its backstory, its mesmerizing movements of this artwork will impress you just the same.

Top 10 Things To Do in Batumi, Georgia For Visitors

Top 10 things to do in Batumi, Georgia:

  • Stroll along Batumi Boulevard – This famous promenade runs along the coastline and offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea. The boulevard is lined with palm trees, flower beds, and fountains. It’s a great spot for a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride, and there are many cafes, restaurants, and bars to stop at and enjoy the sea breeze.
  • Visit the Alphabetic Tower – This stunning tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Batumi, standing at 130 meters tall. The tower is designed to resemble the Georgian alphabet and features an observation deck at the top, offering 360-degree views of the city and the sea.
  • Explore the Gonio Fortress – This ancient Roman fortress dates back to the 1st century AD and is located just a few kilometers outside of Batumi. The fortress was an important military stronghold for the Romans and played a key role in the region’s history. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the fortress’s fascinating history.
  • Visit the Batumi Botanical Garden – This breathtaking garden is located on the outskirts of the city and features over 5,000 species of plants from all over the world. The garden is divided into nine different sections, each with its own unique theme and design. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll and admire the stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and ponds.
  • Check out the Batumi Archaeological Museum – This museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts from the ancient history of Batumi and the surrounding region. The museum’s exhibits showcase everything from ancient pottery to jewelry and weapons, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past.
  • Enjoy the beaches – Batumi’s coastline offers a range of beaches for all kinds of visitors. From quiet and secluded spots to lively and bustling areas with restaurants, bars, and water sports activities, there is something for everyone. Some popular beaches include Kobuleti Beach, Sarpi Beach, and Gonio Beach.
  • Try Georgian cuisine – Georgian cuisine is known for its unique blend of European and Asian influences and is a must-try for any visitor to Batumi. Local dishes include khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), and shashlik (grilled meat skewers). Visitors can sample traditional Georgian food and wine in one of the many restaurants or cafes in the city.
  • Visit the Adjara State Museum – This museum showcases the art and culture of the Adjara region and houses a vast collection of traditional costumes, jewelry, and crafts. The museum’s exhibits also include paintings, sculptures, and photographs from local artists.
  • Take a boat tour – Batumi’s location on the Black Sea makes it an ideal destination for boat tours. Visitors can explore the coastline and nearby islands, take in the stunning views, and even try their hand at fishing.
  • Visit the Piazza Square – This charming square is located in the heart of Batumi and features stunning architecture, including a beautiful clock tower and colorful buildings. The square is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike and features a variety of cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

Khachapuri is Georgian cuisine that you can try

What To Eat and Drink in Batumi, Georgia

Batumi is a city that prides itself on its Georgian cuisine. Georgian cuisine is a melting pot of influences from the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Visitors to Batumi should make sure to try the following dishes and drinks:

  • Khinkali – These dumplings are a Georgian staple and come in a variety of fillings such as meat, cheese, and mushrooms. They are typically served hot and fresh, with a bit of sour cream or hot sauce on the side.
  • Khachapuri – This is a cheesy bread that is another Georgian favorite. It is often filled with sulguni cheese, butter, and eggs. Khachapuri can be found in many different shapes and sizes, depending on the region.
  • Chakhokhbili – This is a traditional Georgian chicken stew made with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is often served with a side of bread to soak up the delicious broth.
  • Lobio – This is a Georgian bean stew made with red kidney beans and flavored with herbs and spices. It is typically served with a side of Georgian bread.
  • Adjarian khachapuri – This version of khachapuri is a local specialty in Batumi. The bread is formed into a boat shape and filled with cheese, butter, and a raw egg on top. The egg is mixed in with the cheese and butter, and the bread is used to dip into the mixture.
  • Georgian wine – Georgia has a long history of winemaking, and its wine is considered among the best in the world. Some popular varieties include Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, and Rkatsiteli. Wine tastings and tours are available in and around Batumi.
  • Chacha – This is a traditional Georgian brandy made from grape pomace. It is often served as a digestif after a meal. Chacha is typically very strong and has a distinct flavor.
  • Tarragon soda – This is a refreshing drink made with tarragon syrup and sparkling water. It’s a popular non-alcoholic drink in Georgia, and can be found at many cafes and restaurants in Batumi.
  • Turkish coffee – Batumi’s location on the Black Sea has led to a strong Turkish influence in the city, and Turkish coffee is a popular drink. It’s a strong, rich coffee served in a small cup. It’s often accompanied by a piece of Turkish delight.
  • Tea – Georgian tea is grown in the nearby mountains and is considered among the best in the world. Black tea is the most popular variety and is often served with sugar and a slice of lemon. Green tea is also available and is often served with honey.
  • Kharcho – This is a hearty Georgian soup made with beef or lamb, rice, vegetables, and a spicy walnut sauce. It’s a filling and delicious meal, perfect for colder weather.
  • Churchkhela – This is a traditional Georgian candy made by dipping strings of nuts (usually walnuts or hazelnuts) into a grape juice and flour mixture. The strings are then hung up to dry, creating a chewy and sweet snack.
  • Pkhali – This is a dish made of finely chopped vegetables (usually spinach or beetroot) mixed with walnuts, herbs, and spices. It’s a healthy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for vegetarians.
  • Mtsvadi – This is a Georgian version of shish kebab , made with chunks of meat (usually pork or lamb) marinated in spices and grilled over an open flame. It’s often served with a side of grilled vegetables and a generous helping of Georgian bread.
  • Kebab – Batumi has a strong Turkish influence, and Turkish-style kebabs can be found throughout the city. These are usually made with marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) grilled on skewers and served with a side of rice or vegetables.
  • Baklava – This is a sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup. It’s a popular dessert in Batumi, and can be found at many cafes and restaurants.
  • Adjarian baklava – This is a Batumi specialty, and is a version of baklava filled with cream and honey syrup. It’s often served warm, and is a delicious way to end a meal.
  • Ajapsandali – This is a vegetable stew made with eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s a popular dish in Georgia and can be found at many restaurants in Batumi.
  • Puri – Georgian bread is a staple of the cuisine, and puri is a particularly popular variety. It’s a round, flat bread that’s baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. It’s delicious on its own or as a side to a meal.
  • Ostri – This is a hearty meat stew made with beef or lamb, onions, and spices. It’s a filling and delicious dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening in Batumi.

Top Restaurants In Batumi, Georgia

Here are some of the top restaurants to consider in Batumi, Georgia:

  • Black Lion – This is a popular restaurant that offers traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu includes a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Pelion – This is another popular restaurant in Batumi that serves Georgian cuisine. The menu includes a range of dishes, including kebabs, stews, and salads, and the portions are generous.
  • Ajarian House – This restaurant is known for its traditional Ajarian khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread that’s a Batumi specialty. The menu also includes other Georgian dishes, as well as a selection of wines and beers.
  • Batumuri – This restaurant offers a mix of Georgian and European cuisine, and has a wide selection of seafood dishes. The restaurant is located right on the Batumi Boulevard, with outdoor seating overlooking the sea.
  • Cafe City – This is a popular cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, pasta, and pizza.
  • Khinkali House – This restaurant specializes in khinkali, a Georgian dumpling filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. The khinkali are made fresh to order, and the menu also includes other Georgian dishes like khachapuri and lobio.
  • Art Cafe Home – This cafe is known for its cozy and artistic atmosphere, and serves a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and burgers. They also have a selection of cocktails and desserts.
  • Piazza Batumi – This restaurant is located in the heart of Batumi, and serves Italian cuisine , including pizza and pasta. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Azarphesha – This is a Middle Eastern restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including kebabs, falafel, and hummus. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.
  • La Brioche – This is a French-style bakery and cafe that offers a variety of pastries, breads, and sandwiches. The cafe has a cozy atmosphere, and is a great place to stop for a coffee and a snack.

Tours For Visitors To Batumi, Georgia

Here are some of the top tours for visitors to Batumi, Georgia:

  • Old Batumi Tour – This tour takes visitors through the old town of Batumi, where they can explore historic buildings and learn about the city’s past. The tour includes visits to the Batumi Archaeological Museum and the Gonio Fortress.
  • Wine Tour – This tour takes visitors to the nearby wine region of Adjara, where they can sample local wines and learn about the winemaking process. The tour includes visits to several wineries, as well as a traditional Georgian lunch.
  • Batumi Botanical Garden Tour – This tour takes visitors to the Batumi Botanical Garden, which is home to thousands of plant species from around the world. The tour includes a guided walk through the garden, and plenty of time to take in the beautiful scenery.
  • Mountain Village Tour – This tour takes visitors to the nearby mountain village of Makhuntseti, where they can explore traditional Georgian architecture and learn about local culture. The tour includes a visit to the Makhuntseti Waterfall and a traditional Georgian lunch.
  • Batumi Sea Tour – This tour takes visitors on a boat ride along the Batumi coast, where they can enjoy stunning views of the city from the sea. The tour includes a stop at a nearby beach for swimming and relaxation.
  • Batumi Nightlife Tour – This tour takes visitors to some of Batumi’s best bars and nightclubs, where they can experience the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. The tour includes a local guide, transportation, and entry to several venues.
  • Batumi Bike Tour – This tour takes visitors on a bike ride through the city, where they can explore the local sights and attractions. The tour includes bike rental, a local guide, and plenty of stops for photos and sightseeing.
  • Batumi Food Tour – This tour takes visitors on a culinary journey through the city, where they can sample traditional Georgian dishes and learn about local food culture. The tour includes visits to several restaurants and food markets, as well as a local guide.
  • Batumi Photography Tour – This tour takes visitors on a guided walk through the city, where they can capture stunning photos of Batumi’s architecture, landscape, and people. The tour includes a local photographer as a guide, and plenty of time to take photos and ask questions.
  • Batumi Day Trip to Adjara Mountains – This tour takes visitors on a day trip to the stunning Adjara Mountains, where they can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. The tour includes transportation, a local guide, and a picnic lunch.

Batumi Accommodations Guide: Hotels, Guesthouses and Hostels

Batumi offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some popular options:

  • Hilton Batumi – This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Batumi, just a few steps from the beach. It offers modern rooms and suites with sea views, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several dining options.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Batumi – This 5-star hotel is located on the Batumi Boulevard, overlooking the Black Sea. It offers stylish rooms and suites with sea views, as well as a rooftop restaurant, spa, and fitness center.
  • Sheraton Batumi Hotel – This 5-star hotel is located in the city center, close to the Batumi Dolphinarium and other popular attractions. It offers comfortable rooms and suites with sea views, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several dining options.
  • Divan Suites Batumi – This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Batumi, just a few steps from the beach. It offers spacious suites with sea views, as well as a rooftop restaurant, spa, and fitness center.
  • Hotel Intourist Palace – This 4-star hotel is located on the Batumi Boulevard, overlooking the Black Sea. It offers comfortable rooms and suites with sea views, as well as a spa, fitness center, and several dining options.
  • Batumi World Palace – This 4-star hotel is located in the city center, close to the Batumi Piazza and other popular attractions. It offers modern rooms and suites with sea views, as well as a spa, fitness center, and rooftop restaurant.
  • Old Batumi Hostel – This budget-friendly hostel is located in the old town of Batumi, close to several historic sites and attractions. It offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, as well as a communal kitchen and lounge area.
  • Batumi Sun Hostel – This budget-friendly hostel is located in the city center, just a few steps from the beach. It offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace and communal kitchen.
  • Green Cape Guest House – This budget-friendly guesthouse is located outside of Batumi, in the nearby village of Makhinjauri. It offers comfortable rooms and apartments with mountain views, as well as a garden and outdoor pool.
  • Art House – This budget-friendly guesthouse is located in the city center, close to several popular attractions. It offers colorful rooms and apartments with artistic touches, as well as a shared kitchen and lounge area.

Day Trips From Batumi, Georgia

Batumi is located in a beautiful region of Georgia, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes , historic sites, and charming towns. Here are some day trip ideas from Batumi:

  • Gonio Fortress – Located just a short drive from Batumi, Gonio Fortress is an ancient Roman fortress that dates back to the 1st century AD. It is one of the oldest and most well-preserved fortresses in Georgia, and offers great views of the surrounding area.
  • Makhuntseti Waterfall – This beautiful waterfall is located in the nearby village of Makhuntseti, just a short drive from Batumi. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful escape from the city.
  • Kvariati Beach – This lovely beach is located just a short drive from Batumi, in the nearby town of Kvariati. It offers beautiful views of the Black Sea and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
  • Kobuleti – This charming town is located just a short drive from Batumi and offers a more laid-back atmosphere than the bustling city. It is known for its beautiful beach, historic sites, and delicious food.
  • Mtirala National Park – This stunning national park is located just a short drive from Batumi and offers beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Batumi Botanical Garden – Located just a short drive from Batumi, the Batumi Botanical Garden is one of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Georgia. It is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers from all over the world.
  • Ureki – This small town is located just a short drive from Batumi and is known for its unique magnetic black sand beach. The beach is said to have healing properties and is a popular spot for relaxation and sunbathing.
  • Chakvi – This small town is located just a short drive from Batumi and is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • Sarpi Border – Located on the border between Georgia and Turkey, Sarpi is a small town that offers stunning views of the Black Sea and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk along the beach or explore the town’s historic sites.
  • Batumi Archaeological Museum – This museum is located in the heart of Batumi and showcases the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. It features exhibits on ancient artifacts, archaeology, and ethnography.
  • Chorokhi Delta – This beautiful delta is located just a short drive from Batumi and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a boat ride through the delta or explore the area on foot.
  • Machakhela National Park – This stunning national park is located in the nearby region of Adjara and offers beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Guria – This picturesque region is located just a short drive from Batumi and is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and delicious food. Visitors can explore charming towns and villages, taste local wines and cheeses, and enjoy traditional Georgian hospitality.
  • Green Cape – This scenic cape is located just a short drive from Batumi and offers stunning views of the Black Sea and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a relaxing walk along the beach or hike up to the lighthouse for even better views.
  • Gomis Mta – This stunning mountain is located just a short drive from Batumi and offers beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and a peaceful escape from the city.
  • Kobuleti Nature Reserve – This beautiful nature reserve is located just a short drive from Batumi and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a peaceful walk through the forest or explore the reserve on horseback.

Batumi Transportation Guide

Batumi is well-connected to other cities in Georgia and neighboring countries through various modes of transportation. Here is a transportation guide for getting around Batumi:

  • By plane: Batumi International Airport is the closest airport, located around 5 km from the city center. There are direct flights to Batumi from various cities in Europe and the Middle East.
  • By train: Batumi Central Train Station is the main railway station and connects Batumi to other major cities in Georgia, including Tbilisi and Kutaisi. The trains in Georgia are affordable and offer comfortable seating options.
  • By bus: Batumi is well-connected to other cities in Georgia through a network of bus services. There are also international bus services that connect Batumi to cities in neighboring countries such as Turkey and Azerbaijan.
  • By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Batumi and can be hailed from the street or booked through ride-sharing apps. It is advisable to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
  • By car: Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas of Batumi. Car rental services are available at the airport and in the city center.
  • By bicycle: Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Batumi, and many rental shops offer bicycles for rent at affordable rates.
  • By foot: Batumi is a pedestrian-friendly city, and many of the city’s main attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city and take in the beautiful views of the Black Sea .

Where To Visit After Your Trip To Batumi?

After exploring Batumi, there are many nearby destinations that are worth visiting. Here are some suggestions:

  • Kutaisi: The third-largest city in Georgia, Kutaisi is known for its ancient history and beautiful architecture. Visitors can explore the Bagrati Cathedral, the Gelati Monastery, and the Sataplia Nature Reserve.
  • Tbilisi: The capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the Old Town, visit the Narikala Fortress, and take a cable car ride to the top of Mtatsminda Mountain for stunning views of the city.
  • Mtskheta: Located just outside of Tbilisi, Mtskheta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Georgia. Visitors can explore the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the Jvari Monastery, and take a boat ride down the Mtkvari River.
  • Yerevan: The capital city of Armenia, Yerevan is a beautiful city known for its historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food. Visitors can explore the Armenian Genocide Museum, visit the Erebuni Fortress, and take a walk through the city’s many parks and gardens.
  • Trabzon: Located in Turkey, Trabzon is a beautiful coastal city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Sumela Monastery, and take a boat ride on the Black Sea.
  • Svaneti: Located in the high mountains of northwestern Georgia, Svaneti is a beautiful region known for its stunning landscapes and unique architecture. Visitors can hike to the remote village of Ushguli, explore the Mestia Museum, and take in the breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains.
  • Sochi: Located in Russia, Sochi is a popular resort town on the Black Sea. Visitors can enjoy the beaches, explore the Sochi Arboretum, and take a cable car ride to the top of the Akhun Mountain for stunning views of the area.
  • Baku: The capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku is a vibrant and modern city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Old City, visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, and take a walk along the Caspian Sea waterfront.
  • Gagra: Located in Abkhazia, a disputed territory between Georgia and Russia, Gagra is a popular resort town on the Black Sea. Visitors can enjoy the beaches, explore the Gagra Waterfall, and visit the Abkhazian State Museum.
  • Borjomi: Located in central Georgia, Borjomi is a picturesque town known for its mineral water and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can explore the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, visit the Romanovs Palace, and enjoy the famous Borjomi mineral water.
  • Istanbul: The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that straddles Eur ope and Asia. Visitors can explore the Hagia Sophia, visit the Topkapi Palace, and take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.
  • Vardzia: Located in southern Georgia, Vardzia is an ancient cave monastery that was carved into the side of a mountain. Visitors can explore the caves, visit the Church of the Dormition, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Tusheti: Located in the high mountains of northeastern Georgia, Tusheti is a remote and beautiful region known for its traditional way of life and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the village of Omalo, visit the Keselo Towers, and hike through the picturesque landscapes.
  • Black Sea Coast: The Black Sea coast of Georgia, Turkey, and Russia is dotted with picturesque towns and beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the coastal towns of Sinop, Rize, and Sochi, and enjoy the beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes .
  • Lake Sevan: Located in Armenia, Lake Sevan is a picturesque high-altitude lake that is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Visitors can enjoy the beaches, explore the Sevanavank Monastery, and take in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
  • Kars: Located in northeastern Turkey, Kars is a historic city known for its beautiful architecture and unique cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Kars Castle, visit the Ani Ruins, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
  • Sighnaghi: Located in eastern Georgia, Sighnaghi is a charming walled town known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the Alazani Valley. Visitors can explore the town’s historic streets, visit the Bodbe Monastery, and enjoy the delicious local wine.
  • Gobustan: Located in Azerbaijan, Gobustan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the world’s oldest rock art. Visitors can explore the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, visit the mud volcanoes, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Dilijan: Located in northeastern Armenia, Dilijan is a picturesque town known for its beautiful forests and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the Dilijan National Park, visit the Haghartsin Monastery, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
  • Khinalug: Located in the high mountains of northeastern Azerbaijan, Khinalug is a remote and beautiful village that is known for its unique culture and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the village, visit the Khinalug Museum, and hike through the picturesque landscapes.

Batumi boardwalk with views of the city in Georgia

Batumi Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

Nestled on the Black Sea coast of Georgia, Batumi is a picturesque city that captivates travelers with its endless beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It boasts a myriad of activities, from basking in the sun on its idyllic beaches to exploring its ancient landmarks and indulging in its flavorful cuisine.

With its dynamic nightlife, delectable dining options, and diverse outdoor activities, Batumi is a destination that caters to every kind of traveler. Its warm hospitality, deep-rooted heritage, and stunning scenery create an atmosphere of enchantment and leave a lasting impression on those who visit.

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Batumi by wandering through its old town, visiting its museums and galleries, or taking a scenic boat ride along the coast. Experience the adrenaline rush of paragliding, zip-lining, or rock climbing, or simply relax on one of its beautiful beaches while savoring a delicious local dish.

Batumi’s allure extends beyond its city limits, with easy access to nearby natural wonders like the majestic Caucasus Mountains, picturesque national parks, and charming neighboring towns.

Whether you seek a cultural excursion, an adventurous journey, or simply a relaxing getaway, Batumi is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Its captivating charm and unspoiled beauty make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

On the Black Sea’s coast, there lies a gem A city of beauty, called Batumi From the mountains high to the beaches low There’s something here for every soul

The old town’s cobblestone streets and charming squares Are steeped in history, secrets and tales While modern marvels like the cable car Offer a bird’s eye view of this city so far

Indulge in the flavors of local cuisine With spices, herbs and dishes to make you swoon From Adjaran khachapuri to sulguni cheese A foodie’s paradise, sure to please

The Batumi Boulevard, a long seafront stroll Is perfect for romance, peace or a simple goal While the city’s vibrant nightlife scene Is lively, electric and just so keen

For those who seek adventure and thrill There’s bungee jumping, paragliding and more still And for those who prefer nature’s calm There’s hiking , camping and a nearby palm

Batumi, a place of wonder and awe A destination that leaves you in awe So pack your bags, embark on your trip And let this city your senses grip.

city travel batumi

A Weekend in Batumi: Georgia’s Quirky Second City on the Coast

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.

city travel batumi

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.

city travel batumi

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.

city travel batumi

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.

Batumi Architecture

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.

Batumi Architecture

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. 

Batumi Architecture

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.

Batumi Architecture

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.

Archaeology Museum Batumi Guide

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.

Batumi Gonio Fortress

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. 

Batumi Gonio Fortress

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.

Batumi Gonio Fortress

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.

city travel batumi

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.

Argo Cable Car Batumi Guide

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.

Argo Cable Car Batumi Guide

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.

Argo Cable Car Batumi Guide

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.

city travel batumi

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.

city travel batumi

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.

Batumi Beach Batumi Guide

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.

Journal of Nomads

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.

Our guide to Batumi, the jewel of the Black Sea in Georgia. We lived here for three months and made a list of our favorite places and things to do! - Journal of Nomads

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - winter

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - beach

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Batumi Beach sunset

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 .

Batumi - Top things to do in Batumi - Batumi Boulevard

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - cycling path - Boulevard

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - bicycles

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - boulevard

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Miracle Park

3.Visit the Alphabet Tower

This metallic structure symbolizes the uniqueness of the Georgian alphabet.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Alphabet Tower

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Alphabet Tower

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Alphabet Tower

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Ali & Nino - Statue of Love

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…

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Ali & Nino - Statue of Love

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Ali & Nino

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Ferris Wheel

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Ferris Wheel

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Chacha Clock Tower

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Chacha Clock Tower

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Love sculpture

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Love sculpture

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Love scultpure

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Love sculpture

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Love Bridge - Batumi pier

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Dancing Fountains

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?

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Dancing Fountains

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…

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Outdoor Chess

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

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Boulevard - Greek column

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Sculpture

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - funny architecture

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Ferris Wheel Tower

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?

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - McDonald's

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Europe Square

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Europe Square

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

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Europe Square

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Old Batumi

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Batumi Harbour

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads -Nurigeli Lake

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Argo Cable Car

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Argo Cable Car

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads

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.

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

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).

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Chacha Time

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Chacha Time

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Chacha Time

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Nita's House

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.

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Batumi Fresh Bakery

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - batumi Fresh Bakery

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!

Batumi - Journal of Nomads -GoodWine

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”

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Batumi Beach

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:

Batumi - Journal of Nomads - Boulevard

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!

Our guide to Batumi, the jewel of the Black Sea in Georgia. We lived here for three months and made a list of our favorite places and things to do! - Journal of Nomads

*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

Comments are closed.

Download GPX file for this article

  • 1.1 Climate
  • 3.1 By plane
  • 3.4 By train
  • 3.5 By boat
  • 4.2 By bicycle
  • 5.1 Places of worship
  • 5.2 Museums
  • 5.3 Further afield
  • 6.1 Theatres
  • 8.1 Food markets
  • 8.3 Mid-range
  • 10.1 Budget
  • 10.2 Mid-range
  • 10.3 Splurge
  • 11 Stay safe
  • 12.1 Laundry
  • 13.1 Armenia
  • 13.2 Turkey

city travel batumi

Batumi is the capital city of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara in the country of Georgia . Batumi's coastal location and sub-tropical climate make it a popular holiday destination. It's the party capital of the region, with a nightlife to match, which increasingly includes big name international DJs on the beachfront clubs.

Understand [ edit ]

Expect to party on the beaches with Russians, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Iranians, Turks, Dutch, Germans, and, of course, Georgians.

Also, Batumi has an interesting architecture, mixing modern attempts with old architecture.

Climate [ edit ]

Batumi and its vicinity is one of the important tourism and resort zones on the Georgian Black Sea littoral. The climate is humid subtropical. The low annual range of temperature, with a mild winter and warm summer is a characteristic of the city and of the Georgian coast as well. The average annual temperature is 14.5°C. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is 7.1°C and in August, the warmest month, 23.2°C. The annual precipitation is 2,560 mm. Showers are frequent. It rarely snows but when it does, the snow melts easily. The average annual temperature of the sea is 16.7°C at the shore.

Talk [ edit ]

The official and majority language is Georgian . Nonetheless, English, Russian , and Turkish are also commonly spoken. Russian is spoken by most older Georgians, while English is spoken by many (though hardly most) younger ones. In addition, because of the large number of Turkish tourists, it's not uncommon for locals to speak Turkish, or at least simple Turkish phrases.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

The following airlines operate service to Batumi International Airport:

  • Air Arabia ( Sharjah ) (seasonal)
  • Aircompany Armenia ( Yerevan )
  • Belavia ( Minsk )
  • Buta Airways ( Baku )
  • flydubai ( Dubai ) (seasonal)
  • flynas ( Dammam (seasonal), Jeddah (seasonal), Riyadh )
  • Georgian Airways ( Tbilisi , Ben Gurion International Airport / Tel Aviv (seasonal), Yerevan (seasonal))
  • Pegasus Airlines ( Istanbul -Sabina Gokcen)
  • SCAT Airlines ( Aktau (seasonal), Astana )
  • SkyUp ( Kyiv -Boryspil, Kharkiv (seasonal), Lviv (seasonal), Odesa (seasonal), Zaporizhzhia (seasonal).
  • Sundor Airlines ( Tel Aviv ) (seasonal)
  • Turkish Airlines ( Istanbul -New Airport)
  • Vanilla Sky Airlines ( Tbilisi )
  • Yanair ( Kyiv -Zhuliany, Kharkiv (seasonal), Lviv (seasonal), Odesa (seasonal))

By bus [ edit ]

There are three bus/marshrutka stations in Batumi:

  • 41.64372 41.65037 2 Batumi Bus Station ( Old Bus Station ) ( close to the northern end of the promenade; just go east across the railway tracks ). This one has long distance marshrutkas to Kutaisi , Tbilisi , Poti , etc. ( updated Sep 2019 )
  • 41.643523 41.669375 3 Batumi Bus Terminal . Large buses to foreign destinations. ( updated Sep 2019 )
  • 41.64628 41.641832 4 Marshrutkas to Sarpi , Tbilisi Square . Sarpi : 2 lari, 20 min. ( updated Sep 2022 )

From specific destinations:

  • Tbilisi – Buses and marshrutkas operate regularly between Batumi and Tbilisi: 6-7 hr. 40 lari (Sep 2022). The scenery along the way is breathtaking.
  • Akhaltsikhe (via Khashuri) – 08:30, and 11:30. 6 hr. 20 lari.
  • Akhaltsikhe (via Khulo, Jun-Aug) – 10:00. 6 hr. 18 lari.
  • Borjomi – 1-2 early ones. 4Âœ hr. 17 lari.

From Turkey : Daily buses also operate between Trabzon or Istanbul and Batumi (or Sarpi ), with stops in Rize and the border crossing at Sarpi . Some coming from/going to Tbilisi . Check out Metro Turizm and LĂŒks Karadeniz . (Make sure you meet all visa requirements before crossing the border into Georgia .) Buses will generally wait for you the other side of the border, but marshrutkas are less reliable. From Sarpi you can take a minibus for 2 lari to bring you the short distance to the center of Batumi. The border in Sarpi is open 24/7.

By car [ edit ]

Batumi is on the E70 and S2 roads, which stretch north to Poti , and south into Turkey and along the Turkish coast to Samsun . The E97 road connects Batumi with Abkhazia , Russia and Crimea to the north, and also to Trabzon , Rize and AƟkale in Turkey to the south.

By train [ edit ]

  • 41.658497 41.677547 5 Batumi Central Station ( about two kilometres north of the centre ). 06:00–01:00 . Several local buses (No. 2, No. 15, No. 8, etc.) go by the station – check out the live traffic here .  

Georgian Railways operates several daily (+one night) fast trains between Batumi and Tbilisi . During the summer, an extra train Batumi-Tbilisi-Yerevan also operates. There are also slow trains to Kutaisi and Ozgureti, one pair each. Daily trains are typical by western standards. For the night trains, there are 3 classes: In first class, there are two people per cabin, the berths are a little short, narrow and hard but rather comfortable, and linen is provided. First class costs 40 lari, second class costs 23 lari, seats cost 13 lari (do not rely on the latter though, a check at the station in March '19 suggests that this option is not always available). Since the schedule changes quite often, you can check before hand on the Georgian Railways website - be careful with the simplified version of the timetable - the Georgian version tends to be updated more often than the foreign ones (check the last update timestamp on both to be sure). However, the ticket booking system always has correct times.

Train tickets can be bought online, which is the easiest as trains tend to fill up fast (except local ones). You can do it at the station or from an office in the old town at 5 General Mazniashvili St (between Melashvili and Abashidze). This office is very plain and nondescript with no signs in English. The door and window frames are green and some metal chairs are visible inside. Hours are 09:00 to 18:00.

Unless taking the slow train to/from Kutaisi or Ozgureti, reserve your seats in advance on the weekends, as many Georgians flock to the seaside.

Get around [ edit ]

Map

There is the usual choice of marshrutkas crossing the city in all directions. The newer city buses require a Batumi Card to be ridden. Yandex Maps has inner city bus connections for Batumi.

By bicycle [ edit ]

city travel batumi

An automatic bike sharing scheme, called BatumVelo is available to rent bicycles and ride along the beaches.

See [ edit ]

  • Black Sea . Enjoy the waves and admire the beach, the port, and the Ottoman -era clock tower  
  • 41.65408 41.63527 1 Music fountain ( Dancing Fountains ). A nice spectacle at night where fountains are operated to the sound of and music. ( updated Aug 2019 )
  • 41.64763 41.62344 2 Dolphinarium . Shows start at 16:00, 19:00, 21:00 (except M) . 20-25 lari . ( updated Jul 2018 )

Places of worship [ edit ]

Museums [ edit ], further afield [ edit ].

city travel batumi

  • 41.57183 41.85996 13 Makhuntseti Bridge and Waterfall ( Tamara Bridge ) ( take the bus to Keda from the Batumi Bus Station (2 lari) ). This is a nice half day trip with a great waterfall and an impressive strong bridge, even though she looks like collapsing every instance. In summer, people jump from the bridge into the water, so bring a towel if you dare. There is a nice 4-6-hr hike from Zeda Makhuntseti (up behind the waterfall) and then down into Kveda Makhuntseti again. Free . ( updated Nov 2019 )
  • 41.7683 41.75361 15 Petra Fortress , village Tsikhisdziti , ☏ +995 590 880 121 . M-Su 10:00-18:00 . Early medieval complex.  

Do [ edit ]

Walk along the 'Bulvar' and watch the beach. During daytime families and youngsters play, during nighttime it is the favourite place for couples and party-goers. There are a number of restaurants and bars both on the beach and a little inland. The area is generally safe, but watch out for pick-pocketing. Batumi also has many casinos, for visitors so inclined. These tend to have an over-21 policy.

  • Aqua Park , 12, Khimshiashvili St. ( 3 km from the city centre ), ☏ +995 422 210101 .  
  • Olympic Swimming Pool , Batumi Plaza Hotel, 50 Chavchavadze str . M-F 07:00-23:00, Sa-Su 09:00-21:00 .  
  • Boat tour ( in front of Panoramic Wheel ). Lots of boats offering boat tours. Yacht can also be chartered. from 15 lari .  

Theatres [ edit ]

Events [ edit ], hiking [ edit ].

  • Two Mountains Trail . Around Mt. Chakvistavi there are also other interesting hikes and trails available, like this one—even though not maintained very well. Download trail coordinates: GPX , KML . ( updated Mar 2023 )

Buy [ edit ]

The main (open-air) food and clothes market in the city is on the Eastern side, near the sea on the main (Chavchavadze) street. In poor weather the sellers move down side streets under umbrellas and are harder to spot, but still there. Vegetables and grains are much cheaper here than at the smaller indoor 'markets' dotted around the city.

As per usual in Georgia, prices are almost always slightly higher in the supermarkets than in the small family-run shops. This is counter to what most westerners will be used to. The difference is about 5–10%.

  • Goodwill Supermarket , Chavchavadze Avenue . Many goods not available in smaller shops. Many of the products come from Germany.  
  • Carrefour , Tbel-Abuseridze St ( Bus #12 ), ☏ +995 422 20 03 74 . Supermarket at the Black Sea Mall ( updated Jun 2018 )
  • Metro City Forum , 1 Lech and Maria Kaczynski Street , ☏ +995 577 14 17 14 . Shopping mall ( updated Jun 2018 )
  • Nikora Supermarket . Georgian supermarket chain operating at several locations in Batumi. ( updated Jun 2018 )

Eat [ edit ]

Western Georgia has plenty of local flavours, and a local specialty is a type of khachapuri named acharuli khachapuri (Ajarian khachapuri) that resembles a Viking boat, with the cheese all mixed up with an egg in the centre.

The (vegan) Georgian classic, lobiani (kidney bean paste in bread or pastry) is available at any small bakery around the city. Most are 1 lari but can be up to 1.50. Perhaps the best lobianis in the city are sold just north of the cross section of K. Gamsakhurdia and V. Gorgasali streets, in a nondescript bakery opposite Carpisa and Georgian Kitchen. Unlike other doughy lobianis in the city, they are triangular with flaky pastry. 1.20 lari (Mar 2019).

Food markets [ edit ]

  • 41.649112 41.663224 1 Fish market . Since Batumi is also a seaport, you have to try the fish here! Head to the local Fish Market, buy some of your choice and take with you to your ho(s)tel, or let it be prepared at one of the many restaurants there. Preparation costs 3-5 lari, plus the fish 20-30 lari per kg. Salmon is quite cheap, flounder a little more expensive. Take some Ojakhuri or mashed potatoes with the fish. Btw. it is better to buy the fish yourself, since the restaurants charge about twice the original price for the fish when ordered inside of the restaurant. And so you really know what you get. ( updated May 2022 )

Budget [ edit ]

All these are in the city center:

  • 41.647267 41.644003 2 Kozlovichi , 4 Chavchavadze St . Great atmospheric place in town. Homemade delicious food and local Batumi beer. Grandmothers cook very tasty. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 41.650426 41.637437 3 Maspindzeli-First Adjarian Restaurant , 35 Akhmed Melashvili St . Very nice place with good atmosphere and delicious Georgian cuisine. If you want to try perfect Adjarian dishes in town go here. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 41.649149 41.636022 4 Batumis Shawarma , Zurab Gorgiladze St . Excellent shawarma. Everything is very simple and delicious. ( updated Sep 2022 )
  • 41.648927 41.633945 5 Mary's Irish Bar Batumi , 8 Marjanishvili St . Tasty food: great burgers and delicious Irish breakfast. Vegetarian options available. Ten beer taps. Friendly and warm atmosphere. The most comfortable pub in town. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

  • Adjara , Kutaisi street 11 ( close to HB restaurant - a german style place (it's the only blue building in this area ). A wide variety of different kinds of local and international food (khachapuris, pkhalis, pakhlava etc.) If you crave for something sweet then their brownie is something for you. They have free Wi-Fi and a friendly English-speaking staff. ( updated May 2022 )
  • Literary cafe ( Cafe Literaturuli ), K. Gamsakhurdia St 18 ( near Europe Square (formerly Era Square) ). This upscale bookstore-cafe has a number of branches in Tbilisi (in Kala, Vake, Vera, and Saburtalo), but the Batumi location is all the more attractive given the relative dearth of good and service-oriented restaurants in Batumi. Coffees, cakes, and basic Georgian sandwiches (plus khachapuri and lobiani ) all available, although the menu seems more like a guideline to what might be available on any given day rather than a list of what's actually in the kitchen. ( updated May 2022 )
  • Cafe Privet iz Batuma , 39 Abashidze ( near Europe Square (formerly Era Square) ). This charming "colonial Russia" theme cafe is a Batumi institution, with Georgians as well as foreigners peopling its picturesque outdoor tables. The menu is short on hot dishes, but the many kinds of blinis are delicious. ( updated May 2022 )
  • Radio Kitchen & Bar , 11, Rustaveli str. ( on the main street ), ☏ +995555974977 . 15:00-00:00 . Good place to go if you are looking for non-Georgian food in Batumi. Good choice of wine and cocktails. Staff are very friendly. ( updated Jan 2018 )
  • Restaurant Sanremo , Restaurant Sanremo ( on the seaside, at the south end of the Batumi Boulevard walking path ). Elegant, with good Georgian and international food.  
  • 41.65126 41.64181 6 Munich ( მიუნჰენი ), 8 Merab Kostava St , ☏ +995 422 227284 . 10:00-02:00 . Restaurant with German traditional cuisine. Pizza, Seafood and Vegan dishes are also served. Paying: Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Cash. Restaurant has open-air seats also. A bit overpriced. US$15 for one course meal per person . ( updated May 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

  • 41.64922 41.6345 1 Mary's Irish Bar Batumi , 8 Marjanishvili St ( behind Art Museum ), ☏ +995 555 131 909 , [email protected] . M 11:00–00:00, Tu–Th 13:00–00:00, F Sa 13:00–01:00, Su 11:00–00:00 . Mary's Pub is an Irish Pub, opened in 2020 by an expat couple and a popular place among expats. It has a wide selection of drinks, such as local draft beer, European bottled beer, local wine, cocktails and spirits. Irish traditional dishes such as fish & chips, Irish Sunday roast, full Irish breakfast and classic pub bites. There are also weekly events and regular expat meetups. ( updated Mar 2022 )
  • 41.651444 41.638847 2 Sinner's Bar & Kitchen , 43 Baratashvili . Su–Th 15:00–01:00, F Sa 16:00–02:00 . Sinner's Bar has a unique menu with over 50 different shots, fire towers, drinking challenges, buckets of chicken wings and a great selection of draft & bottled beer in Batumi. ( updated Aug 2022 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Batumi increasingly attracts investors and well heeled visitors from Russia, Iran and Central Asia. The emphasis is on casinos and luxury hotels. Prices vary depending on proximity to the beach and level of service provided, but mostly depending on the season. For private accommodation, prices are from 40 lari for a double room including breakfast. But in winter you might get lucky and have one for 20 lari.

  • 41.650621 41.639771 2 Batumi Hostel ( [email protected] ), 13 Mazniashvili Street ( At the corner of Kostava Street ), ☏ +995 555 507 705 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Comfortable hostel in a nice house in the middle of the old town. Entrance is camouflaged. Discounts available in and from Friends Hostel in the old town of Tbilisi. Free Wi-Fi. Laundry. Private room also available. Two showers and bathroom, kitchen, view on piazza and sea from balcony. Seasonal property (opened for 2012 season in May). Dorm 20 lari .  
  • 41.650621 41.639771 3 Hostel in Batumi ( [email protected] ), M. Abashidze 39 ( One block from Europe Square,Above Cafe: Privet iz Batumi ), ☏ +995 577 98 5725 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Excellent place run by a Welshman, an American and a Georgian woman. This place is fun and relaxing, and in a great location. If you're adventurous sleep on the top level of the 3 storey bunkbeds. Dorm 25 lari .  
  • 41.647783 41.641775 4 Globus Hostel Batumi , 54 Mazniashvili str ( Formerly Rover Hostel. In the centre of Old Batumi, 2 blocks down from the Tbilisi square ), ☏ +995 593 59 60 96 (Call ahead or the door may be locked) , [email protected] . Check-out: 12:00 . Rooms are bright and clean. The hostel is new and fresh. Air conditioning, free laundry, free Wi-fi, free sheets and towels, free maps, free tea and coffee 24h. Discounts in local cafĂ©s and in Rover Hostel Tbilisi. Dorms: US$18 .  
  • Gulnasi's Guesthouse , 24/A Lermontov Street ( off Chavchavadze Street, minibus 25, 28, 45 from bus-station; minibus 20 or bus 101 from train station - get off at Lermontov ), ☏ +995 599 797224 , [email protected] . It's possible to use the kitchen; hot showers, Wi-Fi, free meals will be offered frequently. Outside the summer season the same place is also a school for small children but in the summer season the kids will be on vacation. This may be the best budget option with wheelchair access. From €10 .  
  • 41.643733 41.639961 5 Hostel Retro , Pushkin Street 92 ( from the train station, walk West along Pushkin street and look for the sign in Georgian/ English/ Russian ), ☏ +995 577 75 85 39 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:00-24:00 , check-out: 08:00-12:00 . One of the better hostels in the city, which has maintained its good rating over the years. Smallish, friendly. The owners and volunteers are welcoming and helpful. Great vibe to the place, seems to attract a real community of travellers. Excellent khachapuri from the bakery next door. Largely Russian-speaking but has friendly and fluent English-speaking volunteers, there are always at least a few English-speaking guests too. FB . 25 lari . ( updated Aug 2023 )
  • Sky Hostel , Inarisidze St. 16/59 ( Quite far out from the centre on the side of the city nearer Turkey upstairs in an old apartment building. ), ☏ +995 790 27 66 70 . A useful option if other places are full. Kitchen but no fridge. Wi-Fi and laundry are available. Most staff don't know a lot of English. Dorm 20 lari .  
  • Hotel EraPalace , 77 Z. Gorgiladze St ( on the former 'Era' St ), ☏ +995 577 50 45 06 , [email protected] . From 120 lari .  
  • Hotel Black Sea Star , 17 Zubalashvili St , ☏ +995 593 80 17 17 . Reasonably clean. A/C, wifi, breakfast available. View from balcony on top is noteworthy. 46 lari .  
  • Hotel Lavro , 29 Pushkin St ( between Tbilisis Moedani and Stalin Museum ), ☏ +995 558 55 14 53 . A room for with no bathroom costs 20 lari (summer 2005). Reasonably clean, hot water .  
  • Hotel Ritsa , Z.Gamxakhurdia Street, no. 16 , ☏ +995 593 41 42 93 . Clean, smart and modern hotel located in the old town. 60-100 lari for two people, breakfast included .  
  • Sputnik Boutique Hotel , Shervashidze Aghmarti, No: 28 , ☏ +995 422 276066 , [email protected] . Quiet environment, great view of Batumi. 70 lari for standard rooms with queen size beds .  

Splurge [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

Batumi is generally quite safe. Drivers are more careful than in Tbilisi and the police are reliable for the high number of tourists coming through the city. However, more caution should be taken with street beggars than in Tbilisi. Very young children are often used as pickpockets, especially around the area just south of Batumi Piazza, and beggars are generally more aggressive than in the capital.

Cope [ edit ]

Laundry [ edit ].

Many hostels and apartments have washing machines, but laundry and dry cleaning services are available.

  • 41.641981 41.617241 1 Diamond Shine ( დაიმონდ ჹაინ ), 118 Zurab Gorgiladze St ( Diamond Shine is near (but not inside) the Batumi Mall. It's in a ground-floor storefront location. ), ☏ +995 599 57 57 97 . 10:00-19:00 . The person on the phone did not speak English, but I was able to get a large plastic bag of clothes washed and folded with delivery for 30â‚Ÿ. They also offer dry cleaning. 30â‚Ÿ for wash-and-fold service . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Go next [ edit ]

  • Khulo — village in the mountains of Ajara, 3 hr drive east of Batumi
  • Kobuleti — sleepy nearby coastal town
  • Sarpi — border village with Turkey, 15 km south of Batumi
  • Tbilisi — the capital of Georgia
  • Kutaisi — historically the capital of western Georgia, Kutaisi is a must visit for its two UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Zugdidi — stopping off point on the way to Mestia and Svaneti. Marshrutkas run from the bus station.

Armenia [ edit ]

  • Direct trains to Yerevan run daily during summertime. The train leaves at 15:35 and you'll arrive to Yerevan around 07:30. Second class (coupe, 4 people) costs 93 lari.

Turkey [ edit ]

  • Direct buses from the terminal to various cities in Turkey . Coaches to Istanbul 60-80 lari depending on operator.
  • Trabzon , Turkey – From the old bus terminal, near the centre, there is a marshrutka that runs by Rize until Trabzon for 65 TL (June 2021)

city travel batumi

  • Has custom banner
  • Has map markers
  • Airport listing
  • Articles with dead external links
  • Has mapframe
  • See listing with no coordinates
  • Do listing with no coordinates
  • Buy listing with no coordinates
  • Eat listing with no coordinates
  • Sleep listing with no coordinates
  • Has routebox
  • Usable cities
  • Usable articles
  • City articles
  • Southwestern Georgia
  • All destination articles
  • Has Geo parameter
  • Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Batumi, a gem in western Georgia, is a popular destination for tourists all year round. Nestled in the stunning Ajara region along the Black Sea coastline, this city boasts a beautiful shoreline, rich history, diverse architecture, and a unique blend of mountain and sea activities, as well as wine and gastronomy.

The distinctive climate of Batumi, where the sea and mountain breezes mingle, creates a diverse flora that can be experienced at the Batumi Botanical Garden.

During your visit to Batumi, you can explore the charming old city, stroll along the iconic boulevard, and visit famous landmarks and monuments. In the summer, enjoy various water activities like parasailing and jet skiing, or embark on yacht trips, lake boating adventures, camping, and trekking – the list goes on.

Beyond its natural beauty, Batumi offers a vibrant nightlife scene with an array of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The city also hosts a range of cultural attractions, such as the Alphabet Tower, the Batumi Opera and Ballet Theater, and the Ethnographic Museum.

No matter the season, Batumi always has something new and exciting to offer, ensuring an unforgettable experience with friends and family.

ბათუმის მუნიáƒȘიპალიჱეჱი 13.jpg

an image, when javascript is unavailable

  • Motorcycles
  • Car of the Month
  • Destinations
  • Men’s Fashion
  • Watch Collector
  • Art & Collectibles
  • Vacation Homes
  • Celebrity Homes
  • New Construction
  • Home Design
  • Electronics
  • Fine Dining
  • Baja Bay Club
  • Costa Palmas
  • Fairmont Doha
  • Four Seasons Private Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia
  • Reynolds Lake Oconee
  • Scott Dunn Travel
  • Wilson Audio
  • 672 Wine Club
  • Sports & Leisure
  • Health & Wellness
  • Best of the Best
  • The Ultimate Gift Guide
  • Georgia (the Country) Is Having a Moment: Where to Stay and Play in Batumi, Its Thriving Seaside City

The “Las Vegas of the Black Sea,” Batumi is a vibrant, architecturally rich port near the Turkish boarder that shouldn't be overlooked.

Brett braley, brett braley's most recent stories.

  • Maeving’s Striking Electric Motorcycles Blend Retro Style With Modern Tech
  • 5 Pieces of British Hunting Gear That Look Great on and Off the Range
  • Share This Article

The city of Batumi in Georgia

Georgia —say it with us: the country, not the state—has buzz.

Related Stories

  • Facials, Massage, Psychotherapy? Why More Luxe Hotels Are Providing Onsite Shrinks for Guests
  • Finland Just Got Its First True 5-Star Hotel. Here’s a Look Inside.

Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Will Finally Be Complete in 2026 After More Than 140 Years

While most tourists flock to the nightclub and museum-rich capital city of Tbilisi, just a train ride away is the “Las Vegas of the Black Sea,” Batumi.

One reason for the projected growth is its year-round appeal. It has a temperate climate, with the Black Sea giving visitors a beachy backdrop throughout spring, summer, and fall. That fair-weather was even recognized last year as “Europe’s Leading All-Season Destination,” by the World Travel Association (WTA).

So, while Tbilisi is never a bad option, here’s our guide to hitting the jackpot in Batumi.

Is It Safe?

Yes, Georgia boarders Russia, which is conducting a war directly across the Black Sea in Ukraine. But no, there is no fighting here. If you are willing to visit Istanbul, there’s no reason Batumi shouldn’t also be on the menu. 

Getting There

Public art in Batumi.

Batumi does have their own international airport, with limited flights through Turkey, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. It may be worth your time to explore one of these countries as a stopover first before making Batumi the final leg of your trip, if you’d rather not spend 10 hours roundtrip of your vacation on a train.

When to Visit

Situated between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, Batumi has a prime location for near all-year-round travel. With a subtropical climate, the seaside breeze makes for a temperate summer while the Caucasus Mountains trap in moisture and offer a cooling effect to the region. The summer temperatures rarely exceed 85°F and winter temperatures hover around 40° with minimal risk of snowfall. 

city travel batumi

Like many port cities, Batumi is an eclectic mix of old and new. With vibrant architecture and culture, it rivals Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Tel Aviv in terms of personality.

So start simply and just walk around. 

Parks dot the city and their are 260 seaside acres of vegetation known as The Green Cape. Stop by the subtropical plant-stuff Batumi Botanical Garden, as well—you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a slice of Kauai. 

Visit the charming Old Town, which shows the characteristic architecture of 19th-century Georgia. For something a bit more modern, the 130-meter Alphabetic Tower is a double-helix structure that celebrates Georgian history and their unique writing system. For something a bit relaxing head to the Batumi Piazza, an Italian-style square designed to celebrate the cafe culture of the region. 

For a nightcap, Chacha Time offers their own menu of a Georgian favorite, grape vodka.

When you’re feeling a bit courageous after your second glass of chacha , it may now be time to enjoy a few hands at a local casino. 

Eclipse Casino is open 24/7 and has two spacious floors in an elevated, almost Art Deco style. International Casino Batumi, inside the Hilton in the city’s center, is smaller and more intimate with a European feel that tourists and locals seem to enjoy.

Where to Stay

The Rooms Hotel in Batumi

Batumi has a range of beautiful hotels. The Hilton is a marvel of architecture and hospitality. The Orbi Apart Hotel sits seaside with a rooftop pool and garden oasis. The most exciting newcomer is Rooms Hotel, a Georgia-based boutique brand that celebrates the cosmopolitan culture of the region. It will be fully operational this year.  

Read More On:

  • architecture

More Destinations

Sagrada Familia under construction

All the Sea’s a Stage: This Bonkers Entertainment Venue Aims to Bring Live Music and More to the Water

U2's Bono, British actor Stephen Fry and novelist Colm McCann.

How a Little-Known Dublin Book Fest Transformed Into an A-Lister Summer Favorite

The castle at Disneyland

Disney Superfans Are Spending Tens of Thousands of Dollars at the Parks. Here’s What They’re Buying.

magazine cover

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Destinations

Oceaya Floating Entertainment Venue

Oceaya in Photos

Robb Report Travel Masters 2023

Meet the Robb Report Travel Masters: 22 Renowned Specialists Who Can Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality

More from our brands, these louis vuitton trunks hold precious olympic cargo, disney breathes easy as ratings titan iowa advances to the sweet 16, fantastic fest horror hit ‘strange darling’ lands wide theatrical release from new bob yari venture (exclusive), africa’s leading fair 1-54 gains a foothold in asia with hong kong exhibition at christie’s, the best yoga blocks to support any practice, according to instructors.

Quantcast

city travel batumi

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE

SAUDI TRAVEL GUIDE

city travel batumi

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.

batumi georgia

Latest reads

Sheikha mahra's favourite holiday destinations, the 2024 middle east hotel openings we’re excited for, the 8 best emirates skywards credit cards for 2024, the coolest cafĂ©s and coffee shops in dubai , the discerning traveller's guide to visiting dubai.

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.

city travel batumi

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

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

batumi georgia, le meridien

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

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

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. 

city travel batumi

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.

city travel batumi

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. 

Batumi Botanical Garden

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.

Carna Dubai by Dario Cecchini

Uncategorized

Near+Far Best Restaurants: Carna by Dario Cecchini, Dubai

siro one za'abeel

Hotel Reviews

SIRO One Za’abeel review: Dubai’s first fitness and recovery hotel

ling ling dubai

Near+Far’s best restaurants: Ling Ling Dubai

rent a storage unit - travelling

Explore, Prepare, Thrive: Planning The Perfect Year Abroad Adventure

Partnership

Salalah Oman

Inspiration

A complete travel guide to Salalah, Oman’s summertime oasis

uzbekistan travel guide

Uzbekistan travel guide: What to see, do and where to stay in the cradle of the Silk Road

Alwadi Doha - MGallery Hotel Collection

Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection review: A chic and affordable escape

greek islands from the uae - mykonos

All the Greek Islands you can fly to directly this summer from the UAE

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental - arrival space

Feeling Well: The Spa, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

best iftar and suhoor in riyadh

The best places for suhoor and iftar in Riyadh this Ramadan

city travel batumi

For the latest, relevant, news for the luxury-loving independent travellers, where to go now, unmissable travel offers, travel tips and what to do, buy and see, direct to your inbox...

city travel batumi

@nearandfarmag

LIFE + STYLE

WHERE TO STAY

NEWS + TIPS

DESTINATIONS

INSPIRATION

Patina-Maldives-One-Bedroom-Beach-Pool-Villa-Pool (1) (1)

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

Image may contain: Text

A Visit to Batumi—Georgia’s Most Charming Seaside Town

By Ashley Schneider

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

This image may contain Human Person Symbol Logo and Trademark

Stretching between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, Georgia’s verdant landscape lies hushed. Sulfuric hot springs and smooth stone beaches offer the same unmatched beauty as when the Greeks and Byzantines traversed this land. Saperavi grape vines hang above streets. The wine is plentiful, as are the walnuts, filling large buckets for a couple bucks a pop. The robust Georgian mealtime tradition welcomes guests over piles of buttery khachapuri and red-ripened tomatoes. And while Western guests arrive to visit the country’s capital city, Tbilisi , in increasing numbers, the rest of the country awaits, undiscovered. Few have stumbled onto the golden solitude in a city like Batumi, a lazy seaside town where the beaches are welcoming, the food and wine delectable, and the culture ancient and vibrant.

“I think Batumi is unique with its synthesis of the mountain and sea. Surrounded by mountains in an arch-like shape: beginning in the north with the great Caucasus Mountains, which are very nicely visible in the springtime along the sea, to the east with the lesser Caucasus Mountains, and to the south, the Turkish mountains,” says Georgian native Erekle Chikvaidze. And to the west of Batumi? The brilliant blue Black Sea goes on for miles. The subtropical climate keeps the winters warm and the summers cool. “It’s sunny here, not only because the sun shines often, but also because in Batumi, the people are sunny, kind, bright, welcoming,” says Batumi native Lukas Pantshkava. Having recently made Batumi their home, young Russian couple Sergei and Liya agree, “Here, people will always help you, offer suggestions, and it’s not infrequent that some will invite you to visit when you’ve hardly known each other for a day.”

Furthermore, in the past 10 years, basic infrastructure has greatly improved, English has spread farther, and Georgians continue to share their culture openly and passionately. It won’t be long before the Western world catches on to the quiet, luxurious escape of the Georgian coast. Here, what you need to know before you visit:

Find a Place to Rest A nonstop flight to Batumi would be a rare sight to see. Often, more universally affordable flights stop over in Istanbul or Kiev. For a fully Georgian experience, fly into the metropolitan Tbilisi. Spend a day or two exploring the Georgian capital before taking a train through the resplendent countryside, ending at Batumi. Once there, accommodation options are plentiful, but for the most amenities, try international hotels such as the Hilton or Radisson Blu .

Take a Stroll Batumi’s dreamy climate nearly obligates visitors to spend as much time outside as possible, even if simply lounging on the beach. Alternatively, the Batumi Boulevard runs for four-plus miles along the coast—walk it in the afternoon and pass by some proud, old Georgian men locked in an intense game of chess. At the end of the boulevard, find the famous moving sculpture of Ali, an Azerbaijani Muslim, and Nino, a Georgian princess based on the tragic love story supposedly written by Kurban Said. Then climb the Alphabetic Tower , a sky-high monument decorated with the Georgian alphabet and offering panoramic city views like a Batumi-style Eiffel Tower. So far as walks go, locals universally agree on the extraordinary Batumi Botanic Garden , high above the Black Sea on steeply sloping hills just north of the city. Walk through a bamboo forest or rest beneath sequoia trees while gazing across the bright blue waters far below.

Conte

By Kerry McDermott

The 5 New Bob Haircuts To Know About In 2024

By Hannah Coates

Kate’s Heartfelt Plea for Privacy Should Force Us to Confront an Uncomfortable Truth

By Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

Get to Know Local Creatives at Conte On a corner in the old city, simple, bold red chairs and tables along the sidewalk echo the minimalist yet emphatic decor of Conte . The name means “contemporary,” inspired by Contemporary Art Space , the art gallery with which it shares space. “My husband and I always thought to open a small, family cafĂ© where people could come and relax, listen to good music, and simply hang out with their friends. Then, serendipitously, an invitation came from the gallery to open a cafĂ©, and we gladly agreed,” says Conte owner Maia Abashidze. Visit Conte in the evening for lively music, or people-watch on the old city sidewalks over an afternoon glass of wine. Every Saturday evening, the gallery hosts a film showing with a lecture by a local philosopher, and during the day, there are drawing lessons for children.

Have a Chacha Cocktail at Chacha Time At his bar Chacha Time , Vladislav Zubov is elevating Georgian moonshine—frequently compared to grape brandy or grappa—to a sippable status. “The reality is that home brewing here is not forbidden; moonshine is not made at night in a distant forest. Anyone can give it a go in the courtyard of their house. And, unfortunately, very often the result is a dubious product,” says Zubov. Chacha gets its name from the Georgian word for the grape pulp that makes up its essence. Historically, chacha burns. It’s a traditional alcohol that visitors try once and avoid forever after. But not under Zubov’s watch. After moving from Russia to Batumi and endlessly speaking with Georgians, testing chacha, and researching distilleries, he found that chacha can vary greatly in complexity and quality. His, naturally, is a refined brew—sip it alone or try one of the first-ever chacha cocktails.

Conte

Experience Famous Georgian Hospitality The most prominent aspect of Georgian culture is undoubtedly Georgian hospitality. Zubov adds, “For a Georgian, a guest—that is holy.” “In Georgia, a guest is the most important person in the house. As Georgians say, ‘A guest comes from God!’ which means that God sent you someone,” says Aleksander Molodoi, owner of the popular local restaurant Guests . Walking into Guests feels like walking into someone’s home: plaster charmingly falling away from brick, contemporary paintings adorning the walls. It is the perfect place to take a break from rich Georgian food (the menu is veggie-heavy with many European and Asian-inspired dishes), have a light teatime snack, and soak in an extension of the effervescent, hospitable Georgian spirit.

Image may contain Plant Market Fruit Food Bazaar and Shop

Eat Ajarian Khachapur in Adjara Batumi is the capital of Adjara, a section of land granted to Georgia under an agreement of protection for local Muslims. Thus, the region retained its autonomy and culture, which is on full display in its cuisine. One of its most popular contributions might be Ajarian khachapuri, a boat-shaped flatbread filled with molten cheese, raw egg, and a slab of butter. This local dish has grown so popular, a restaurant in Brooklyn devoted its entire concept to this cheesy dish. But where better to indulge in Ajarian khachapuri than the region itself? Batumi restaurant Retro arguably serves up the best one in town.

Set Aside Spa Time and Truly Relax In the country where natural sulphuric hot springs have created their own bathing tradition, a trip to Batumi would be remiss without time in the spa. Make a regular visit to the Finnish sauna at the Radisson Blu. Or pay a visit to the Eforea spa at the Hilton and try a Georgian Corn & Salt Scrub with Vichy. The current exchange rate of about two and a half lari to the dollar makes these spa treatments a steal, so there’s no reason not to turn every day into a spa day. Georgian visitors to the region often opt for an exclusively spa-centric vacation in towns just a few miles away from Batumi, such as the Georgia Palace Hotel & Spa in Kobuleti, which houses the Kerala Ayurvedic Centre, an excellent spot for kicking that last bit of tension.

Vogue Daily

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Architectural Digest.. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

Batumi Travel Guide – Georgia

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: March 19, 2023

city travel batumi

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 georgia

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

batumi tourism | batumi at night

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

how to get to batumi to tbilisi

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

things to do in batumi statue

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

batumi boulevard | 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

old town batumi

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

ferris wheel on skyscraper in batumi in georgia

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

love statue on batumi beaches

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

batumi city georgia | nino and ali statues

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

batumi beach 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

what to eat in georgia Khachapuri Adjaluri

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.

Batumi Georgia Travel Guide

  • Bosnia & Herzegovina Road Trip
  • 10 Places to Visit in Bulgaria
  • 17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

Travel Planning Resources

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:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

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.

You May Also Like

22 Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan in 2024

22 Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan in 2024

The 20 Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

The 20 Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

31 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka in 2024

31 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka in 2024

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.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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.

Join my Adventure: There's Room in My Backpack

Packing up the pieces pack logo, back pack, solo travel, puzzle piece with world

Packing up the Pieces

city travel batumi

What to Do in Batumi 2 Days in Georgia’s Seaside City

Looking to spend some time in Batumi, Georgia’s city on the Black Sea , but unsure what to do? Batumi can feel a little Vegas-like, with its big chain hotels, casinos, “ladies of the night,” and beaches. Many surrounding countries flee to this “Sin City” to participate in activities otherwise banned in their home countries. However, don’t let that deter a visit here.

Although many people escape to Batumi to relax on the beach and hit the casinos , there is a lot more to this peculiar city. Explore the many unique squares and understand the Ottoman influence by walking through the Turkish Quarter . Visit Ali and Nino on the boardwalk and appreciate some interesting buildings, monuments, and artwork. At night, appreciate the dancing fountains. On Day 2, relax on the beach, and eat as much food as possible. Batumi has an excellent food scene, and it’s easy to wander the city, finding hidden gems.

Here’s what to do in Batumi and how to make the most of this coastal city in just 2 days.

Table of Contents

Ways to reach batumi, day 1: what to do in batumi, day 2: what to do in batumi, sleeping in batumi, what to do in batumi: 2 days in georgia’s city on the sea.

Batumi is easy to reach from the capital city of Tbilisi and is a relaxing and welcomed break for hikers that just completed the Mestia to Ushguli 4 day trek in the Upper Svaneti Region .

From Tbilisi

Most people visit Batumi by train from Tbilisi . The train runs daily, is comfortable, fast, and convenient.

Before leaving Tbilisi.. . did you check off these Must-Do items from your bucket list?

Practical Info

  • 21, 19, Tsotne Dadiani St, Tbilisi
  • Departure Times: 8:00 & 17:20
  • One-Way Ticket: Around 25 GEL ($8.25 USD)
  • Duration: 5 Hours
  • Check the Current Schedules here in English

Travel Tip: Use the above link to check for additional trains running during the peak season.

From Mestia

Tired hikers come to Batumi from Mestia and the Upper Svaneti Region to relax for a few days at the beaches. The best way to reach Batumi from Mestia is to take a marshrutka to Zugdidi . These shared buses drop at the Zugdidi Central Train Station. From there, hop on another marshrutka to Batumi.

  • Departure Location: Zugdidi Main Railway Station
  • One-Way Ticket: Around 12 GEL ($4 USD)
  • Duration: 3 Hours
  • Verify the schedules with the drivers or at the Information Booth in the railway station

Travel Planning: The Best Georgia Highlights in 3 Weeks

sign, buildings, skyscraper, street light, plaza, benches, fountain, what to do in Batumi

Batumi first and foremost is a bustling port city. Sadly, many old neighborhoods are being demolished and high rise buildings are beginning to topple the skyline, many of which sit empty. Batumi is still trying to find its place in the modern tourism world, yet hold onto traditions. Like most cities in Georgia, Batumi is a mixture of old ways and new business ideas. Since 30% of the population follows the Muslim religion, there is a more prevalent fusion of East meets West than other regions of Georgia.

With these contrasts comes some unique city spaces , and a distinct Turkish Quarter . Take a stroll on the boardwalk and see the moving Ali and Nino statue , various monuments and interesting works of art, and peculiar buildings. At night, stop by one of many dancing fountains that display synchronized water shows.

Here are some activities to fill up a relaxed first day in Batumi.

Visit the City’s Unique Squares

Explore one of many “living rooms” of the city.

Europe Square

Europe Square may just be the “heart and soul” of Batumi. Within the square are benches, gardens, statues, contrasting styles of architecture, and some sort of local activity. Nearby is the peculiar astronomical clock . Surrounding the plaza are lively coffee shops, towering hotels, and restaurants with inviting patios.

Next, head to the neighboring Theater Square.

Theater Square

mermaid sculpture, skyscraper, fountain, building, sky, what to do in Batumi

This nearby square sees less visitors and really shows the contrasts within Batumi. Find the beautiful theater lined with gardens and fountains. The familiar communist block housing looms in the backdrop. Look for the mermaids in the fountain who appear to have water squirting from their breasts. These girls are quite risque for Georgia’s conservative Orthodox views.

Next, head towards Batumi Piazza.

Batumi Piazza

Batumi Piazza, mosaic, tiles, what to do in Batumi

Step into Italy… I mean, Batumi Piazza . This modern plaza was designed and feels like a forced version of Venice’s Piazza San Marco . The square can seem almost out of place. It’s worth a stroll through to glance at the tiled ground. Check out the beautiful mosaic made up of over 88 million tiles. Again, this plaza has multiple restaurants, cafes, and establishments serving up food and beverages at a higher than normal price.

Continue onto Kutaisi Street.

Stroll Through the Turkish District

Two blocks down is Kutaisi Street , the pulse of the Batumi’s Turkish District . On this street, find a working mosque, Turkish cafes, and authentic restaurants. Continue down the street and begin to see German beer gardens, Chinese noodle houses, Thai massage parlors, and Ukrainian restaurants. This street is a cultural hodgepodge of diversity.

Solo Traveler Tip: It’s best to avoid walking down this street alone at nighttime.

This street will come out near the Chacha Fountain . Yes, they say the chacha fountain spewed out Georgia’s beloved brandy for only one day. Follow along by the sea until you spot Ali and Nino .

Fall in Love with Ali and Nino

Ali and Nino statue, metal statue, moving statue, sunset, clouds, sky, what to do in Batumi

It’s hard to miss Ali and Nino dancing in front of the Black Sea. This romantic steel sculpture actually moves. They are modeled after a sad love story between Ali, a Muslim man from Azerbaijan, and Nino, a Christian princess from Georgia. These two lovers come from the actual story entitled “Ali and Nino,” written by Kurban Said . Watch these two figures merge into one, a cycle that completes every 10 minutes.

In this area is the iconic Ferris Wheel of Batumi, the lighthouse, and the iconic Alphabet Tower . This building is shaped like a genome of human DNA and has the entire Georgian alphabet intertwined on it. For a fee of 10 GEL ($3.25 USD), head up to the viewing tower for a different perspective of Batumi.

The best way to appreciate many of the above highlights of the city is to take the Batumi Walking Tour . The tour is the perfect introduction on what to do in Batumi.

  • Daily: 17:00
  • Location: Gogebashvili St, (Next to the Official Tourist Information Center)
  • Cost: Free , but the guides work hard for their tips! Share the love.
  • Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
  • Sign-up here!

Appreciate Batumi Boulevard and the Dancing Fountains

Dancing Fountains, Boulevard, skyscrapers, lights, fountain, building, night, street light, what to do in Batumi

On Batumi Boulevard , find the lively dancing fountains. After 20:00, the fountains start a synchronized program with a variety of different songs, lasers, and water display. The square is full of families and tourists escaping the “rowdy” night scene. There are quite a few fountains in the city, and many of them showcase nightly performances.

On Day 2, eat a hearty Batumi breakfast , relax at the beach, and enjoy all of the authentic and delicious food of the city.

Traditional Breakfast

Adjarian Khachapuri, bread, butter, tarragon lemonade, table cloth, glass, Batumi, Acharuli Khachapuri Center, what to do in Batumi, buildings, street post, sky

Being on the sea, many locals love starting the morning with the regional Adjarian Khachapuri. Batumi’s version is notorious for their homemade bread that is shaped like a boat. This classic dish is filled with delicious cheese, smothered with butter, and is topped with a perfectly barely cooked egg. Locals declare that the boat-like shaped bread is due to the fact that Batumi is a port town.

Skip the morning coffee and instead wash it down with a florescent green Tarragon Lemonade.

Relax on the Black Sea Beaches

After those morning calories, head to the beach to relax and take a dip in the Black Sea. Although the beaches are quite simple, it’s possible to rent chairs and umbrellas, as the beach is mostly rocky.

Make sure to casually stroll along the boardwalk. There are beautiful buildings surrounded by landscaped gardens. Look for the newly paved bike paths which follow along the seaside.

Tip: Move away from the city center to have quieter and cleaner beaches. Near the Batumi Central Station Railway are quiet and empty beaches with views of the city.

Eat & Then Eat Some More

K2 cafe, khinkali, wine, bowl, table, outdoor terrace, what to do in Batumi

Batumi boasts an incredible foodie scene. I was going to skip the city all together, until I heard fellow travelers raving about how amazing the food was. From modern coffee shops, traditional Georgian favorites, ethnic and fusion cuisine, and yummy pastries, Batumi will leave you searching for excuses just to stop and eat.

Foodie Guide: Where to Eat in Batumi

There are many big name American hotels offering rooms with casinos. However, the best way to help fuel the local economy is to stay at a family run guest house. Many of these homes are located in the city center and have warm families offering up that famous Georgian hospitality.

Budget travelers will love an authentic home-stay at Hostel in Batumi . Find large shared rooms in the city center, many of them with spacious balconies. The house mama is warm and inviting and makes for a simple, but memorable stay in the heart of Batumi.

Check availability for Hostel in Batumi here.

Two days is the perfect amount of time to discover Batumi, Georgia’s bizarre city on the sea. Most travelers come to Batumi to indulge in forbidden cultural activities of gambling and drinking; however, this Black Sea “sin city” offers so much more.

Explore the contrasting architecture and visit one of the many bustling squares of this old port city. Stroll through the Turkish Quarter and along the sprawling seaside. Fall in love with Ali and Nino and the distinctive buildings and art work that are scattered about the boardwalk. Of course, don’t forget to relax at the rocky beaches of the Black Sea. The best way to enjoy this diverse city is to eat at one of many delicious restaurants. Find a mixture of traditional, ethnic, and fusion cuisines.

Batumi is such a unique port city and is worth a day or two to explore.

Have you been to the coastal city of Batumi? What did you think of it? Was it worth a pit stop? Let me know in the comments below!

city travel batumi

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.

' src=

Hey, my name is Megs! I'm an adventure-seeking, wanna-be storyteller, with a wandering soul who is smitten with the diversity of this beautiful world. You can find me hiking in the mountains, eating delicious food, and seeking out the most authentic travel experiences possible. Experiences and memories are my most prized possessions. I love to slow travel and have been nomadic for over 12 years.

Similar Posts

Ollantaytambo Peru Guide | 10+ Absolute Best Things to Do

Ollantaytambo Peru Guide | 10+ Absolute Best Things to Do

10+ Best Things to Do in Mestia & What to Skip

10+ Best Things to Do in Mestia & What to Skip

The Best Things to Do in Vitoria-Gasteiz in 1 Day

The Best Things to Do in Vitoria-Gasteiz in 1 Day

5 Amazing Spots to Watch the Sunset in Prague

5 Amazing Spots to Watch the Sunset in Prague

Bucovina Monasteries Tour 2 of Romania’s Colorful Painted Churches

Bucovina Monasteries Tour 2 of Romania’s Colorful Painted Churches

15 Beautiful Camino de Santiago Cathedrals, Chapels, and Hidden Gems

15 Beautiful Camino de Santiago Cathedrals, Chapels, and Hidden Gems

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Weather Guides For Every Country In The World
  • Algeria: Two Week Journey
  • Cairo Travel Guide
  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • CĂŽte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Best Time to Visit
  • Entry Rules and Visa requirements
  • Salt Cathedral of ZipaquirĂĄ
  • Dominican Republic
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • El Salvador
  • Afghanistan
  • Bahrain Travel Guide
  • The Cook Islands
  • Aktau (Kazakhstan) Travel Guide
  • Roadtrip in Western Kyrgyzstan
  • Journey around Issyk-Kul
  • Pakistan travel guide
  • Albania Road Trip Guide
  • Albania’s Entry Rules
  • Yerevan Travel Guide
  • Faroe Islands
  • Suburbs of Paris

Batumi Travel Guide

  • Tbilisi Raves
  • Peloponesse Road Trip Guide
  • Modern Milanese architecture
  • Budva Travel Guide: Montenegro’s main resort
  • Montenegro Road Trip Guide
  • Transylvania
  • Veliky Ustyug Travel Guide: Meet the Ded Moroz
  • Belgrade’s Cultural Guide
  • Belgrade Off the Beaten Path
  • Road Trip Guide
  • From Grodno to Brest: a roadtrip
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Holy See (Vatican)
  • Liechtenstein
  • September 14, 2023

Batumi: the longest promenade in Europe, murals of the old town, and banana jungles on the Black Sea coast

The Georgian city of Batumi is known as a resort and port. In the summer, it is indeed crowded, but life bustles even off-season. What to see besides sunsets, where in the capital of Adjara they make delicious coffee, what to eat besides khinkali and khachapuri, and which beach in the vicinity is the cleanest? We tell you in our extensive guide.

In Batumi, there is a subtropical climate, so there is green foliage all year round, lush palms, and blooming camellias. It’s the southernmost city on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. Beyond it lies the border and Turkey. But Batumi is not just about the sea, wine, beach, dolphins, and other standard resort attractions. People come here to gamble in casinos, stroll through the old town, and appreciate its unique and kitschy modern architecture. Batumi tries to stand out among Georgian cities not only by its location but also by having the country’s tallest buildings and the longest promenade in Europe – all of this in our extensive guide to Batumi.

Table of Contents

Old Town – century-old mansions, cozy courtyards with hanging laundry, and the Turkish quarter

The first settlement in the place of modern Batumi was founded by the Greeks as early as the 7th-8th centuries BC. Over the past centuries, many have left their mark here: Romans, Turks, and Russians.

In the Old Town, you feel as if you’ve been transported 100-150 years back in time (if you ignore the cars and new buildings in the background): cobblestone streets, ancient houses with stucco work and wrought iron balconies, laundry hanging in cozy courtyards. You can simply wander the streets, admiring the old architecture. The Old Town is bordered by Rustaveli Avenue, and Chavchavadze and Melikishvili streets. Baratashvili Street, one of the main streets in the city, bisects Old Batumi.

In the Old Town, you feel as if you've been transported 100-150 years back in time (if you ignore the cars and new buildings in the background): cobblestone streets, ancient houses with stucco work and wrought iron balconies, laundry hanging in cozy courtyards.

Piazza Square emulates Venice’s main square with Romanesque-style buildings, stained glass windows, and columns. Here, you can enjoy coffee or gelato on the terrace of one of the cafes, and in the evening, listen to live music. The main tower of the square is adorned with musical clocks, which play a segment of the Georgian anthem every three hours. The center of the square is embellished with a large marble mosaic (106 mÂČ) by Natalia Amirejibi de Pita. She’s also the creator of mosaics in the presidential palace in Tbilisi, another one in Batumi, and is a co-founder of the foundation for the preservation of Soviet mosaics in Georgia – Ribi Rabo .

The center of the square is embellished with a large marble mosaic (106 mÂČ) by Natalia Amirejibi de Pita.

Opposite Piazza Square stands Batumi’s oldest church — the Church of Saint Nicholas. Its construction began in 1865, and in 1878, the first bell was brought, which remains in the church today. The cathedral is a rare example of the neo-Gothic style in this area. It’s a white stone building with rectangular pointed towers and large stained-glass windows, frescoes, and ancient icons inside. House number 23 on Gamsakhurdia Street is the Armenian church from 1885. Beside it grows a magnolia tree planted by Ivan Aivazovsky — the painter visited the city in 1890.

The cathedral is a rare example of the neo-Gothic style in this area. It's a white stone building with rectangular pointed towers and large stained-glass windows, frescoes, and ancient icons inside.

Batumi is only 15 kilometers away from the Turkish border and in earlier times was part of the neighboring Muslim state, so the influence of the East here is very significant. This is also true in terms of religion: about 30% of the Ajarians are Muslims, mainly residents of the rural areas. In the Kutaisi Street area, there’s a Turkish quarter with hookah bars, cats, and the Orta Jame Mosque — it was built during the Turkish rule in 1866.

The merchant Sabashvili’s house is adorned with statues of Atlanteans, moldings, and a tower with a spire on the roof. Diagonally from it, on Memed Abashidze Street, 25, stands the former bank building — with a corner tower and stained glass. Its unique feature is the working astronomical clock, which displays the phases of the Moon and other information about what is happening in the sky. Nearby, there are instructions on how to use it.

The merchant Sabashvili's house is adorned with statues of Atlanteans, moldings, and a tower with a spire on the roof

Not far away is the Art Nouveau “Apollo” cinema — the oldest in Batumi. The building, with its massive circular window, was originally constructed as a stable, but it was transformed into a cinema at the beginning of the last century. Today, movies are shown there in both Georgian and English.

The very center of the city is Europe Square, with a monument of Medea holding the Golden Fleece and a sculpture of the politician Memed Abashidze, thanks to whom Adjara was annexed to Georgia in the early 20th century. In the middle of the square is a dry fountain, and during winter, the main Christmas tree is placed there.

A bit further towards the sea, at the intersection of Konstantin Gamsakhurdia Street and Rustaveli Avenue is a Theatre Square. The Neptune fountain in the center is an exact replica of a fountain in Bologna, and the water jets shoot from the breasts of sirens.

The very center of the city is Europe Square, with a monument of Medea holding the Golden Fleece and a sculpture of the politician Memed Abashidze, thanks to whom Adjara was annexed to Georgia in the early 20th century. In the middle of the square is a dry fountain, and during winter, the main city Christmas tree is placed there.

New architecture – kitsch for some, a reason to visit Batumi for others

Many approach the city’s contemporary architecture with skepticism or even sarcasm, considering it tacky and ridiculous. However, it has already become a part of Batumi’s identity, so it’s impossible not to mention it. Most of the extravagant buildings are in the new part of the city. Near Lake Ardagan is the Justice House, built in the shape of an upside-down champagne bottle. On Sherif Khimshiashvili Street, there’s a replica of the Roman Colosseum, a restaurant in the shape of a windmill, an upside-down version of the White House, a love tower with a spiral staircase and an observation deck resembling the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

city travel batumi

In general, architects in Batumi really like to emulate European and other landmarks. For instance, the Sheraton hotel building resembles the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and nearby are buildings whose architects were clearly inspired by GaudĂ­’s creations. The Piazza Square imitates the Venetian one.

Not only the “Sheraton”, but other chain hotels also stand out for their architecture. For example, near the May 6th park, a Marriott is under construction, which is often humorously compared to a giant phallus. Another “Marriott” in the shape of the letter “O” is located near Lake Ardagan. Close to Europe Square, a uniquely shaped Radisson has been built; due to its jagged lines and nighttime illumination, it appears two-dimensional.

Not only the "Sheraton", but other chain hotels also stand out for their architecture. For example, near the May 6th park, a Marriott is under construction, which is often humorously compared to a giant phallus. Another "Marriott" in the shape of the letter "O" is located near Lake Ardagan.

The Batumi Tower residential complex can be seen from any part of the city — it’s the tallest building in Georgia. The tower, standing at a height of 245 meters with a small observation wheel on its spire, was intended to house the Batumi Technological University. However, in 2015, the Georgian-American project was shut down due to a lack of funding.

The Batumi Tower residential complex can be seen from any part of the city — it's the tallest building in Georgia. The tower stands at a height of 245 meters, with its distinctive feature being a small observation wheel on its spire.

The architecture of the “McDonald’s” on Khimshiashvili Street in the new part of the city is considered one of the most unique in the world. It’s a glass building with hanging gardens, a transparent roof, and tables nestled between flowerbeds; part of the building serves as a roof for the neighboring gas station.

The "McDonald's" on Khimshiashvili is a glass building with hanging gardens, a transparent roof, and tables situated between flower beds. Part of the building serves as a roof for the neighboring gas station.

Opposite “McDonald’s” is the controversial and even eerie “Magnolia”. This residential complex was built in 2010, but it looks about five times older — facades are worn out and stained from high humidity, poor-quality materials, and awkward sculptures in the courtyard. The building was supposed to be upscale, but it became the center of a scandal — five more floors were added to the nine-story structure, and the city council still hasn’t approved the building. Many locals refer to this complex as the main eyesore of the city, especially when contrasted with the tidy promenade.

A long walk along the sea: from the port to the airport, along the promenade and boulevard, with a stop at the main city park

Near the Batumi Bay and port is the lower station of the “Argo” cable car, which is considered one of the longest in Europe at 2,600 meters. The cable car leads to the top of Mount Anuria. There, at an altitude of 260 meters, one can enjoy a strong cup of coffee with a view of Batumi. A round trip ticket costs 30 lari ( 10.22 euros ). For those who love hiking, there is the option to ascend to the viewpoint without the cable car, through authentic villages with mandarin orchards. It is no more than six kilometers from the port.

Near the Batumi Bay and port is the lower station of the "Argo" cable car, which is considered one of the longest in Europe at 2,600 meters

Near the lower cable car station, one can view the ships in the port and observe fishermen on the shore. From here, one can begin the walk along the sea – it’s seven kilometers from the sea port to the airport. Here, bicycle, rollerblade, and electric scooter rentals are available. The promenade has a bicycle lane, which is part of the 50-kilometer circular route “Batumi – Mirveti – Batumi”.

Near the lower cable car station, one can view the ships in the port and observe fishermen on the shore.

Wonder Park: Ferris wheel, monument to Georgian women, and a late 19th-century lighthouse

Boat tours depart from Wonder Park (Miracle Park) for sea voyages. Renting an entire boat, which can accommodate a group of ten people, will cost 100 lari ( 34.08 euros ). During the sea tour, you can witness the sunset, see dolphins, and in summer, dive into the clear waters away from the shore.

Wonder Park was established on the site of a former Turkish fortress. It includes:

  • A Ferris wheel. It operates every day from ten in the morning without any days off. From the cabins, you get a view of the city and the bay. A ticket costs ten lari ( 3.41 euros ).
  • A lighthouse built in 1882. It used to stand at the very edge of the cape. However, during the construction of the promenade, a significant portion of the shoreline was filled in, so now it stands close to the pedestrian area.

A Ferris wheel and a lighthouse built in 1882, which used to stand at the very edge of the cape. During the construction of the promenade, a significant portion of the shoreline was filled in, and it ended up in the pedestrian area.

  • The 130-meter tall Alphabet Tower is a monument to the Georgian alphabet (Georgian script), which the Kartvelians (the self-name for Georgians) take pride in as one of the oldest in the world. The tower is built in the shape of a DNA spiral: the alphabet symbolizes the genetic code. You can ascend it using a panoramic elevator; the ascent is chargeable — 20 lari (6.82 euros). At the top, under a glass dome, there’s a bar, a restaurant, and an observation deck. The dome slowly makes a 360-degree rotation over the course of an hour.
  • The monument of Ali and Nino. Every day at 7 p.m., the figures come to life — approaching each other, merging, and then separating again. Sculptor Tamara Kvesitadze depicted the love story of a Muslim and a Christian — a Georgian princess, as described in the novel “Ali and Nino” by an unknown Azerbaijani writer.

The 130-meter tall Alphabet Tower is a monument to the Georgian alphabet (Georgian script), which the Kartvelians (the self-name for Georgians) take pride in as one of the oldest in the world.

In the park, there are several sculptures, huge sneakers for fun photos by the sea, and stone chairs. There are areas for skateboarding, rollerblading, cycling, and a stage with performances almost every summer day.

On the promenade, there are areas for skateboarding, rollerblading, biking, and a stage where performances take place almost every day during the summer

Promenade and Boulevard

From the Miracle Park along the sea, there’s a bustling stretch with souvenir shops, a shooting range, cafes, and after 800 meters you’ll reach the central pier and beach. It’s usually crowded: both locals and tourists love to watch the sunsets, and in summer they dive from it.

city travel batumi

Opposite the pier begins the Batumi Boulevard, some of its plants have been preserved since the 19th century. One of the entrances to the boulevard is adorned with a Greek-style colonnade. During Soviet times, it was considered one of the symbols of the city, so it was often depicted on postcards.

Opposite the pier begins the Batumi Boulevard, on which some plants have been preserved from the 19th century. One of the entrances to the boulevard is adorned with a colonnade in the Greek style

At the beginning of the boulevard, there’s a square with light and music fountains, a bamboo grove, and a wedding palace (whose shape reminds many of a pig’s head). In the registry office, you can legalize your relationship 24/7; you just need to find witnesses in advance, translate the documents, get them notarized, and submit a preliminary application to the Justice House. The certificate will be issued in the Georgian language.

In this part of the boulevard, there are many activities: tables for table tennis, tennis courts, billiards, chess, and sports areas. There’s also a bird nursery, home to swans, pelicans, and peacocks.

From the Miracle Park along the sea stretches a very lively area with souvenir shops, shooting ranges, and cafes.

May 6th Park and Dolphinarium

May 6th Park is a favorite place for both locals and tourists to stroll. Paths are laid around Lake Nuri Geli, and from the southern side, there is a beautiful view of the mountains.

In the May 6th Park, paths are laid around Lake Nuri Geli, and from the southern side, there is a beautiful view of the mountains

Almost opposite the entrance to the May 6th park on a residential building on Abashidze Street, there is a huge graffiti dedicated to the dog Kupata. This is a local landmark. The black and white stray dog, Kupata, lives here and became famous for helping children cross the road.

The Batumi Dolphinarium was once the only one in the entire Soviet Union and was featured in the movie “Love and Doves”. The local zoo has kangaroos, deer, primate sections, and various activities for children: attractions, pedal boats. There are many second-hand stores on the streets near the park.

Opposite the entrance to the May 6th Park, there is a large graffiti dedicated to the dog Kupate. The black and white stray dog Kupate lives here and became famous for helping children cross the road

New Boulevard and Lech and Maria KaczyƄski Park

After the May 6th Park begins the new part of Batumi’s boulevard. It starts brightly with musical fountains on Lake Ardagan. The lake has three islands connected by bridges. On the largest island is the Sunset Batumi restaurant, while the smaller ones are populated with willows and nesting birds. Next to the lake is an open-air miniature museum featuring replicas of traditional Adjarian houses.

When walking along the boulevard and promenade, consider bringing dog food with you. Friendly dogs are everywhere, and they love accompanying walkers. If the dog has a tag on its ear, it means the dog has been sterilized and vaccinated against rabies. One of Batumi’s animals even made it to Google Maps as an attraction: the well-fed dog Baton lives near a store on Pirosmani Street, about ten minutes’ walk from Lake Ardagan. Sometimes there’s even a line to pet him.

When walking along the boulevard and promenade, consider bringing dog food with you. Friendly dogs are everywhere, and they love accompanying walkers. If the dog has a tag on its ear, it means the dog has been sterilized and vaccinated against rabies.

The next point on the boulevard is the Lech and Maria KaczyƄski Park. This is a completely new part of the city; there are fewer tourists and activities here, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. The park has many alleys and flowerbeds, playgrounds, and also unique installations—huge flip-flops on eggs, the words “Where” and “Liberte” against the backdrop of the sea, fountains bursting from beneath the ground, and a stone labyrinth of desires.

The Lech and Maria KaczyƄski Park is a completely new part of the city, with fewer tourists and activities, creating a calmer atmosphere. Photo: Formaloi / Wikimedia.org

The final point of the promenade and boulevard is a platform near the airport. It’s one of Batumi’s most Instagrammable spots, where you can capture planes taking off or landing in the city. It’s best to go on weekdays for photos and videos, as it’s very crowded on weekends: wedding processions, bikers, and locals all flock here.

The Adjara Museum of Arts (Gorgiladze Street, 8) is a small two-story gallery with collections featuring works by Niko Pirosmani, Lado Gudiashvili, and David Kakabadze. In addition to paintings, the museum displays statues, sculptures, and engravings.

The Archaeological Museum (Chavchavadze Street, 77) has gathered more than 22,000 exhibits, including household items, jewelry, tools from various eras, dishes, and Colchis-era clay pitchers found in Adjara.

The “Bordjgalo” Ethnographic Museum is located outside the city, in the Kakhabeti village – a ten-minute drive from Batumi. The museum’s creator, Keman Turmanidze, has assembled models of Adjara’s residential houses, with mannequins depicting the lifestyles and folk crafts from various eras.

The creator of "Bordjgalo" has assembled models of Adjara's residential houses, and the mannequins depict the lifestyles and folk crafts from various eras. Photo: "Bordjgalo" Ethnographic Museum

Batumi has several theaters, but all the performances are in the Georgian language.

Summer Theater (Batumi Boulevard) . Most events take place in the summer because the building is not heated. Local groups, such as Jazz Big Bang, Geo Planet, and choreographic ensembles, perform here. Some concerts, festivals, and performances occasionally offer free admission.

Puppet Theater (Abashidze Avenue, 49). The performances in the theater are quite short, no more than 45 minutes. All performances are only in Georgian, but the plots are usually familiar to children from fairy tales.

Dramatic Theater (Rustaveli Avenue, 1). Besides plays and symphonic orchestra performances, you can visit the theater museum and see paintings on the ceiling and walls inspired by Rustaveli’s poem “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin”.

Center for Arts and Music (Odisea Dimitriadi Street, 1). It is often referred to as the music center, sometimes as the opera and ballet theater. This unique building with a semi-glass facade is located on the outskirts of the city. Mostly folk, opera, and symphonic concerts are held there, as well as performances by local groups.

In the summer, concert venues are spread throughout the city – on the boulevard, near the sea, on Europe Square, near the Alphabet Tower. You can often attend free performances, even by very famous artists, for example, the Mgzavrebi band. Popular artists from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus also come.

Surroundings

Sameba church.

10 kilometers away from Batumi

It’s about ten kilometers from the city center to the top of the mountain where the church stands. It’s best to visit Sameba in the first half of the day or on a cloudy day to avoid the blinding sun. Sunset is, of course, very beautiful, but you should consider that you will have to descend the serpentine in the twilight.

How to get there: You can take public transport for part of the way: buses No. 2 and 2a, minibuses No. 165 and 140 go from the city in that direction, and then you can walk. A taxi from the Old Town will cost between seven and ten lari (2.39–3.41 euros).

It's best to visit Sameba in the first half of the day or on a cloudy day to avoid the blinding sun

Cross in the Gonio Village

Another observation deck is located on the opposite side from the city, beyond the airport. Beautiful landscapes open up at sunset. On weekends, there are many wedding processions and tourists. Beneath the cross is the Gonio fortress with towers that are several millennia old. Inside, there is a small but interesting museum featuring items found during excavations in the area. Over the years, the fortress belonged to the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and the Russian Empire.

How to get there: You can approach the observation deck almost directly by taking minibus No. 181, which goes through the entire city via Chavchavadze and Pushkin streets. Alternatively, you can take bus No. 16 from the city towards Sarpi, get off at the “Avgia” stop, and walk from there or call a taxi. From this point, a taxi will cost between three and five lari (1.02–1.70 euros). The walk to the cross is about four kilometers. If you take a taxi directly from the city, the fare will be between 14 and 16 lari (4.77–5.45 euros).

The Gonio fortress with its towers is several millennia old. Over time, the fortress belonged to the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and the Russian Empire

Botanical Garden

10 kilometers from Batumi

The Botanical Garden is a must-see in Batumi. We advise allocating a whole day for it: the area is vast, and there’s also access to the beach — during the season, you can conclude your walk with a swim. The garden is divided into nine climate zones. It hosts plants from Mexico, Japan, the Himalayas, North America, and New Zealand. The botanical garden is most beautiful in May when everything is in bloom. But in November, kiwi and mandarins hang from the branches. The entrance fee is 20 lari (6.82 euros).

How to get there: Bus No. 10 or minibus No. 31, a taxi from Batumi costs about 10–15 lari (3.41–5.11 euros).

The botanical garden is divided into nine climate zones. It hosts plants from Mexico, Japan, the Himalayas, North America, and New Zealand. The botanical garden is most beautiful in May when everything is in bloom

15 kilometers from Batumi

Closer to the Turkish border are two resort towns – Sarpi and Kvariati. The only attractions there are clean beaches and the St. Andrew the First Called waterfall near the customs post.

Another clean but very crowded beach in the summer due to its exotic nature is in Tsikhisdziri. A long staircase through banana jungles leads to the sea.

How to get there: You can get to Tsikhisdziri on any minibus that goes to Kobuleti. A landmark on the map where you need to get off is the Castello Mare hotel. A taxi from Batumi to the Tsikhisdziri beach will cost from 20 lari (6.82 euros).

Closer to the Turkish border are two resort towns - Sarpi and Kvariati. The only attractions there are clean beaches and the St. Andrew the First Called waterfall near the customs post

Mtirala National Park

30 kilometers from Batumi

The “Mtirala” park is located about an hour’s drive from Batumi. Its name translates as “crying mountain” — and indeed, it receives more precipitation, is more humid and cooler than below. The park has two trekking trails. A seven-kilometer one for simple day trips, which has a manual cableway, a lake with icy mountain water, and a waterfall. And a longer route — 15 kilometers, where you can stay overnight in a tent.

In the "Mtirala" park, there are two trekking trails. One is seven kilometers long for simple day trips, featuring a manual cableway, a lake with icy mountain water, and a waterfall. The longer route is 15 kilometers, where you can stay overnight in a tent

Ispani Marshlands

A unique natural monument is located near Kobuleti – the Ispani marshlands. They are special because marshlands in a subtropical climate are a rarity. These are sphagnum bogs, covered with peat moss that effectively absorbs carbon dioxide, leading to the formation of peat. Additionally, the Ispani marshes are home to sedges, sundews, rhododendrons, and a rare species of fern. Migratory birds also favor these areas. For visitors, a two-kilometer trail has been laid out across the marsh, complete with an observation tower.

How to get there: To get to the marshlands, you need to reach Kobuleti – either by a direct minibus or a passing one from the city or by taxi, which costs from 20 lari (6.82 euros).

For visitors, a two-kilometer trail has been laid out across the Ispani marshland, complete with an observation tower

50 kilometers from Batumi

Near the village of Shekvetili, there are several parks. They are all within walking distance of each other.

Musicians’ Park. Admission is free, and it’s open 24/7. The area consists of an eucalyptus grove, where 37 statues of Georgian and globally famous singers are placed. These statues are equipped with motion sensors: as soon as you approach a sculpture, music from the artist begins to play through the speakers.

“Georgia in Miniature” Park. This park showcases around 50 miniatures of famous Georgian landmarks — palaces, fortresses, temples, cave cities. The entrance fee to the park is six lari (2.04 euros).

In the "Georgia in Miniatures" park, there are around 50 miniatures of famous Georgian landmarks - palaces, fortresses, temples, and cave cities

Dendropark. Admission is free. Various birds live on the premises — pink flamingos, parrots, herons, peacocks, and even lemurs, which visitors can feed. The park features a bamboo grove and rare trees brought from all over Georgia.

How to get there. You can reach Shekvetili by taking any minibus (marshrutka) that goes to Kutaisi, Poti, Tbilisi, or Ureki. The journey takes about an hour, and it costs seven lari (2.39 euros). Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which would cost around 40 lari (13.63 euros).

Transadjar Highway

If you’re looking for beautiful road landscapes, it’s worth taking a ride on the 160-kilometer Transadjar Highway. It connects Batumi with Akhaltsikhe and is considered one of the most scenic roads in the Caucasus. However, in winter and the off-season, the section after the village of Khulo is almost impassable because the road is rarely cleared. Even during the summer, it’s best to travel in a vehicle with high clearance, as the most challenging part of the road is unpaved.

Along the way, you can make several stops, for instance, at the waterfalls in Makhuntseti and Mirveti, near the 900-year-old stone bridge of Queen Tamar over the Adjaristsqali River, or visit the Green Lake.

On the way from Batumi to Akhaltsikhe, you can make several stops, for example, at the waterfalls in Makhuntseti and Mirveti, near the 900-year-old stone bridge of Queen Tamar over the Adjaristsqali River.

Winter sports enthusiasts can head to the Goderdzi ski resort, which is 110 kilometers from Batumi on the Transadjar Highway. The road up to Khulo is good, but beyond that, it’s an unpaved road, and the travel speed depends on the weather.

Eating and Drinking

With the arrival of Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians in Batumi, the food service has changed quite significantly. Visitors opened many new establishments. Traditional Georgian restaurants have been complemented by craft bars, third-wave coffee shops, and fast food. But let’s start with the traditional — where to eat khinkali and khachapuri.

There are many Georgian cuisine restaurants in the Old Town and on Pushkin Street. The menu is roughly the same everywhere.

There are many restaurants with Georgian cuisine in the Old Town and on Pushkin Street. One of the most popular is Pirosmani. Sometimes during the season, people even queue to get in. Photo: Pirosmani

Both tourists and locals give good reviews to restaurants Lurji Sufra , Retro , Kiziki , Tangerine Mangal . Porto Franko serves tasty khachapuri of different types, while Sisa-Tura offers Mingrelian cuisine. The Mingrelians love spicy food; there’s even a joke that they have breakfast with ajika sandwiches. Some of the most famous Mingrelian dishes are gomi, a cornmeal porridge with suluguni cheese, and a thick Mingrelian kharcho with walnuts.

Adjara is the birthplace of the most famous khachapuri, known as "Adjarian" or "boat", as tourists often call it. In 2019, khachapuri was granted the status of an intangible cultural heritage of Georgia

Batumi also has several Ukrainian restaurants with home-cooked meals: “Yak vdoma” , “U sester” , Bez Mezh , and “Ukraine” . For delicious pizza with Italian ingredients, try Aromi Italiani .

For breakfast, you can visit Provence , Place , Moloko , or Freeduchio .

To grab a coffee to-go or sit down with a cup of Americano and dessert, you can head to Nova , Greejeen.coffee , Oriental , Coffeetopia , or Mr. Niko .

In Batumi coffee shops, as befits third-wave coffee shops, in addition to regular drinks, they brew specialty coffee using alternative methods

A wide variety of desserts are available at the Dona café, and delicious natural ice cream can be found at the Luca Polare chain.

Bars are primarily concentrated in the Old Town. We recommend checking out the tinctures at Popey Craft Bar or the Stopka bar, having a chacha-based cocktail at Chacha Time , a traditional White Russian or Long Island at Meow Bar , experiencing the atmosphere of an Irish bar at Mary’s Pub , and for juicy burgers, head to Smoke Burgers & Bar.

Bars are primarily located in the Old Town. We recommend trying a cocktail based on chacha at Chacha Time

You can enjoy a glass of wine or buy a bottle of “Kindzmarauli” as a gift at 8000 Vintages , Symposium , or Midi Wine . You’ll find craft beer from local and Russian breweries at Sami Ludi and Bar Gosty . At the Batumuri brewery in Batumi, you can purchase fresh, locally brewed beer. It’s sold in containers starting from three liters.

You can have a glass of wine or buy a bottle of "Kindzmarauli" as a gift at 8000 Vintages, Symposium, Midi Wine

For seafood, head to the fish market . In local restaurants, for a small extra charge of five to ten lari (1.70–3.41 euros) per kilogram, they will prepare anything you choose from the stalls for you. Here, you can also dine with a sea view, ordering additional dishes or drinks from the menu.

For seafood, head to the fish market. In local restaurants, for a small surcharge of five to ten lari per kilogram, they will prepare everything you choose from the counters

Where to stay

The best areas for tourists are closer to the sea: the vicinity of the boulevard, May 6 Park, Rustaveli Avenue. The most atmospheric place to stay is in the Old Town. Here there are many apartments and hotels for any budget. Tourists have given good reviews about the five-star Divan hotel with its own spa center on Zhordania Street. A room for two here will cost from 160 lari (54.52 euros) . Tourists also praise the Boutique Hotel 32 on Gogebashvili Street near the port. A room for two here will cost 110 lari (37.48 euros) .

Slightly lower prices for housing can be found in the area of Chavchavadze, Pushkin Streets, and Tbilisi Square. There are no particular attractions here, it’s a bit noisy, further from the sea, but it’s almost the Old Town area, so you can stay here and save a bit. Staying in a hostel is the most budget-friendly option: from 18 lari per night (6.13 euros) . For example, hostels Retro or Masala .

The best areas for tourists are closer to the sea: the surroundings of the boulevard, May 6 park, and Rustaveli Avenue. The most atmospheric place to stay is in the Old Town

The liveliest, noisiest street is Rustaveli Avenue. It runs through the entire central part of the city – from the port, past May 6 Park, to the New Boulevard. Everything is nearby here – the sea, bars and restaurants, and attractions. On Rustaveli Avenue, there are chain hotels – Sheraton, Radisson, and Hilton. At Sheraton , a room for two costs 365 lari (124.38 euros) .

There are five-star hotels – for example, Intourist . It is located right next to Europe Square. Here, two guests can rent a room with breakfast for 120 lari (40.89 euros) .

Many daily rentals can be found in the area of the new boulevard and Khimshiashvili Street, where Rustaveli Avenue ends. There, apartments are rented in skyscrapers like Orbi, Alliance Palace, and other new buildings. The prices are quite reasonable – from 100 lari (34.08 euros) for a room with all amenities, there’s a large selection, most apartments have sea views, but it’s about a half-hour walk to the center.

Another good option not far from the center is Gorgiladze Street, or Gorky Street. It is located between the two noisiest central streets – Chavchavadze and Rustaveli Avenue. It’s relatively quiet, close to the sea, the park, and the Old Town, with average housing prices. You can find an apartment ranging from 75–125 lari per day (25.56–42.60 euros) .

Transportation in the City

Batumi is a small city, and often it’s faster to get around on foot than by public transport or taxi, especially during the tourist season. Georgians love to drive even for short distances, resulting in traffic jams that sometimes seem endless.

Public transportation in Batumi consists of buses and minibuses (marshrutkas). You pay for buses using a transport card, which you can get at the cashier’s desk in certain stores, at Bank of Georgia terminals, or at the office on Gorgasali, 55. You can top up the card at any white-orange terminal – there are many of them around the city. You can also pay for your ride with a Georgian bank card. A ride costs 30 tetri (0.10 euros) .

For minibuses (marshrutkas), you pay the driver in cash, with the fare ranging from 70 tetri to 1.5 lari (0.24–0.51 euros) depending on the distance.

You can check the bus arrival time using the Moovit app . Also, most bus stops have information displays.

Public transportation in Batumi consists of buses and minibuses (marshrutkas). You pay for buses using a transport card, which you can get at the cashier's desk in certain stores, at Bank of Georgia terminals, or at the office on Gorgasali, 55

Taxis. For short distances within the city center, the fare is usually between one and a half to two lari (0.51–0.68 euros). It’s rare for a ride within the city to cost more than five lari (1.70 euros), unless it’s during rush hour or in bad weather. Popular taxi services are “Yandex.Taxi”, “Maxim”, and Bolt.

Out of the city. If you need to travel outside of Batumi, minibuses to Kobuleti depart from the Holy Spirit Church ; for Tbilisi, they leave from Tbilisi Square on Chavchavadze; for Kutaisi, Khulo, and other destinations, they depart from the bus station ; and for Ureki and Poti, they leave from the parking lot opposite the lower cable car station.

How to get there

By plane. Batumi, a gem on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, is increasingly on the radar of international travelers. For those in Europe, airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, Belavia, Pegasus offer direct connections to Batumi International Airport (BUS) from cities like Istanbul, Budapest, Minsk. If you’re traveling from the USA, there aren’t direct flights to Batumi. However, a common route is to fly major carriers like Delta or American Airlines to European transit hubs such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Istanbul, and then catch a connecting flight with an airline like Turkish Airlines to Batumi. It’s worth noting that while some flights are available year-round, others might be seasonal, so always check the latest schedules.

From Kutaisi. Kutaisi sees many more flights than Batumi, especially from low-cost carriers originating from European cities. You don’t necessarily have to enter the city itself; direct buses go from the airport to Batumi, and their schedule is aligned with flight arrivals. A ticket costs 20 lari (6.82 euros).

From Tbilisi , the train is a convenient mode of transportation — it takes five hours and departs at 8:00, 10:25, and 17:05. A ticket starts at 35 lari (11.93 euros), which you can purchase on the Georgian Railways website if you have a foreign bank card, or at the train station. Additionally, minibuses to Batumi depart every hour from Tbilisi’s Didube station. The cost is the same as the train — 35 lari (11.93 euros). The journey is longer, around six to seven hours, depending on weather conditions and road situations. There are also several daily departures of large buses from the Turkish company Metro at the Ortachala station.

From Natakhari airport (30 kilometers from Tbilisi), 16-seat L-410 aircraft from the airline Vanilla Sky fly every day except Saturday. The departure from Natakhari is at 9:15, and the journey takes just over an hour. A ticket costs 125 lari (42.60 euro). The return flight from Batumi departs at 17:30.

From Tbilisi to Batumi, it's convenient to travel by train — it takes five hours and departs at 8:00, 10:25, and 17:05. A ticket costs from 35 lari.

From Turkey , one can also reach Batumi by bus. From Istanbul, there are buses that continue to Tbilisi; the journey takes 18 hours, and a ticket costs from 100 lari (34.08 euro). If you’re flying into Trabzon Airport (a city 200 kilometers from Batumi) or Rize, minibuses depart every hour to the border crossing at Sarpi. The cost is 130 lari (44.30 euros).

When to Visit

Batumi is located in a subtropical climate, so the comfort of staying here depends on the rainy season. In subtropics, torrential rains can last for several weeks; in the winter, snow occasionally falls but quickly melts as the daytime temperature never drops below zero. The most unpleasant month is usually March. Locals call it “ghiji marti,” which means “crazy March”. It often rains, storms are frequent at sea, and strong winds blow.

In winter, Batumi sometimes gets snow, but it melts quickly — the temperature doesn't drop below zero during the day. Photo: Ivars Utināns / Unsplash.com

The beach season lasts for a long time — from late April to early October. In mid-summer, it can get very hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 35 degrees Celsius. If you prefer to wander around the city more, it’s better to plan your trip in the spring or autumn.

  • Text: Tatiana Kolosova
  • Cover: Dmitry A. Mottl

Related posts:

  • How Tbilisi Became the Post-Soviet Rave Capital
  • Brașov: travel guide to the city and its neighborhoods
  • Kamchatka: “Island” of Volcanoes, Bears, and Red Caviar
  • Paleontological Museum in Moscow: A Brutalist Marvel Shaped Like an Ancient Fortress

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Paliparan

Travels Around the World

sunset batumi pier

Beautiful Batumi – The Pearl of Georgia’s Black Sea Coast

In this destination trip report we guide you through Batumi, the pearl of Georgia’s Black Sea coast.

The Georgian resort city of Batumi has always been immensely popular among travellers looking for seaside fun.

Already in the days when Georgia still was a republic within the Soviet Union, people from places as far as Siberia went here on their summer holiday.

Even after the collapse of the USSR, Batumi managed to retain its position as a premier holiday spot and tens of thousands of Ukrainians, Georgians, Russians and Armenians kept travelling here each summer to enjoy their summer vacation.

Although I did set foot in Batumi before some years prior, I never actually managed to properly visit the city.

Back then, I arrived in Batumi by bus from the Turkish city of Trabzon. Although I originally planned to stay for at least a night, the torrential rainfall along the Black Sea coast that day and the lousy weather forecasts made me change my mind and I decided instead to push on towards to Tbilisi immediately.

Fortunately, this time around the weather in Batumi was absolutely glorious and the old town looked bright and shiny under the blue skies.

batumi skyline accommodation guest house guesthouse

A traditional Georgian lunch

As my marshrutka ride from Kutaisi to Batumi was quite gruelling, the first order of business was to get some lunch. On advice of the receptionist at my wonderful Batumi apartment , I went to a nearby restaurant called Shemoikhede Genatsvale.

To start, I ordered some khinkali (Georgian dumplings which are usually filled with meat) and some basturma (air-dried cured beef which is highly seasoned).

If you want to eat khinkali like a true Georgian, you should never use cutlery but eat it with your hands.

You simply hold the khinkali by its knob, take a bit, and immediately suck out the juices inside the dumpling. It’s highly important that you do so, as otherwise the meaty juice from inside the khinkali will spill out all over you!

After you safely sucked out the juice with your first bite you can eat the rest of the khinkali, although you should make sure that you never eat the twisted knob where the pleats of the dumpling are joined together. This bit you simply discard on your plate and keep as some kind of badge of honour.

Next up was some Adjaran khachapuri (cheese bread), named after the Adjara region in which Batumi is located. There are some other regional khachapuri varieties too, which I explained in detail in my chapter about the city of Kutaisi , which is home to the Imeretian khachapuri.

The dough of the Adjaran khachapuri is formed in the shape of an open boat and its topped with a raw egg and a pat of butter.

Also this dish comes with its own rules of how you are supposed to eat it.

To eat an Adjaran khachapuri like a real Georgian, you first take out your knife to cut open the bread from the inside out, after which you mix the butter, egg and cheese inside the ‘boat’ with the dough of the bread.

Only after you finished with this you can start eating the damn thing. The Adjaran khachapuri is an absolute calorie bomb but my God, it is freaking delicious.

khinkali basturma georgian food

A walk around town

Fully energised by the khinkali, khachapuri and the beers, I began my walking tour around the old town of Batumi. I just love it to wander around aimlessly in cities, especially if they have the same compact size of Batumi which makes this perfectly feasible.

Of course, you pick a few points you want to see beforehand so you can orientate yourself a slight bit, but nothing really is better than just randomly wandering between those select point and following your eyes and intuition as what to see next.

I started off in the old town of Batumi, which is a wonderful mix of traditional Georgian and Tsarist Russian architecture.

In the old town of Batumi you can also find buildings in a lot of other old world architectural styles such as some lavishly decorated Art Nouveau and Neoclassical houses. Batumi’s architecture really is a curious but magnificent mix of different eras and styles.

What is special about Batumi is that even some of the more modern constructions, such as the astronomical clock on the restored façade of the old national bank building, ooze old world charm despite the fact that they are quite recent additions to the Batumi cityscape.

balcony old town batumi

Modern additions

Inside the old town you can also find a faux Italian-style piazza (square) with some appealing looking outdoor cafés and restaurants.

Nowadays, the city architecture is much more diverse than it was during the boom days some one-and-a-half century ago.

It does not take much effort to see what the most recent additions to Batumi’s skyline are when you walk around in the old town as high-rise apartment blocks as well as glitzy hotel and casino towers are never far away.

clock tower batumi

In and around Batumi’s old town there are a couple of interesting churches which you can visit.

The main religion in Georgia is Orthodox Christianity, with more than 80 percent of the population following the Georgian Orthodox Church, although in the region of Adjara there is also a large Sunni Muslim minority.

Perhaps the most interesting one of Batumi’s churches is the Cathedral of the Mother of God.

This church, built in Gothic Revival style in the early 20th century, started its life as a Catholic church, was used as a laboratory under Soviet rule, and was finally transferred to the Georgian Orthodox Church in 1989.

In the old town you can however also find a couple of interesting Armenian churches.

Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God

Central park

I walked a bit more around the curious architectural mix which is the old town of Batumi. There are just so many interesting buildings, cute cafés and restaurants as well as green parks to keep you entertained for a while.

The city’s central park features a neoclassical entrance, which is quite typical for parks in ex-Soviet countries like Georgia.

The park roughly forms the boundary between Batumi’s old town centre to the east and miles of modern apartment buildings and glitzy hotels towards the south-west.

Unless you are staying in one of those beach resorts or want to visit a certain restaurant or nightclub, there aren’t many reasons to venture all the way out there as a tourist.

batumi architecture old town

Batumi beach

As Batumi is of course best known as a summer beach destination, it was about time to check out the city beach.

From Central Park, the beach is just a stone throw away right at the other side of the main thoroughfare of Rustaveli Avenue and the beachside promenade.

Stretching across almost the entire city, Batumi’s beach is certainly wide and large and has plentiful space for all the holidaymakers. However, you shouldn’t expect too much of the actual beach itself.

If you are just looking for a beach holiday and the quality of the actual beach is of utmost importance to you, then Batumi will likely disappoint as its pebbly beach looks rather grey and grim and is without any natural shade.

In such a case, you would be better off visiting somewhere in Turkey or Greece where the beaches are more idyllic and of higher quality.

That said, the Black Sea water temperature is certainly good for a swim and Batumi does have an excellent summer holiday resort vibe.

batumi beach georgia

Seaside promenade

Even though the beach might disappoint, Batumi has such a brilliant summer atmosphere that I quickly forgot about the sub-average quality of its beach.

Tourists from all over Georgia and places further afield are having fun at the beach, the city’s open air bars and clubs are all full, and the seaside promenade is certainly lively with hundreds of people strolling across.

At Batumi’s seaside promenade and park, you can find plenty of food and drink stalls, funfair rides for the kids, as well as all kinds of street performers.

Even though it might not have a perfect beach, Batumi really has everything else you might want on a summer seaside holiday.

batumi boulevard

Virtue and vice

So far, I absolutely loved my time in Batumi and with every minute which passed the city grew more on me.

I was a bit dehydrated at this point so I sat down in a simple pavement café with plastic chairs for a tasty pint of beer (0.5L for less than 1 euro) to quench my thirst.

My seat had a good view of some Georgian police officers who stood on the cobblestoned road next to their flashy police car and motorbike which both looked like they came straight out of a Hollywood film.

The story behind the Georgian police is actually an interesting one. In the years following Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union, the police had a bad reputation for massive corruption and general unreliability while crime rates soared across the country.

When Mikheil Saakashvili became President of Georgia in 2008, he launched some sweeping reforms to westernise the country.

While some of Saakashvili’s policies are still hotly debated and can be rather controversial among Georgians, there is arguable one reform which did won universal acclaim: The complete overhaul of the national police.

Saakashvili, who was educated at some prestigious universities in the United States, basically fired the entire Georgian police squad. He then rehired some of them again from scratch (mostly young officers who had not been corrupted by communism) and filled the ranks with brand new recruits.

Police stations were literally torn down across Georgia and replaced by new glass buildings which allowed the people to actually look inside what the cops were doing behind their desks. Needless to say, it was also the perfect metaphor for a new era of transparency.

Old Soviet-era Ladas were replaced by shiny police cars which wouldn’t look out of place in a garage in Houston, Texas.

The changes were massively successful and they have turned the police in a trusted national institution and Georgia into a safe country to visit.

Although Batumi does have a dark side as well, with organised crime syndicates involved in smuggling and prostitution (which attracts thousands of men from neighbouring Turkey and the wider Middle East seeking sex), the city is as safe as any other major tourist resort in this part of the world.

When you walk along the beach and promenade or the old town and all the main sights, you certainly feel like you are in a family-friendly holiday destination.

police georgia

Vodka tower

After the beer, I continued my walk towards the port of Batumi, passing by such sights as the city’s theatre and the rather unusual Alphabet Tower, which has a revolving restaurant and observation deck in a glass sphere on top DNA-shaped pillars.

At the entrance of the port you will also encounter the Soviet-era ‘morskoy vokzal’ (maritime station) and the Chacha Tower, which is a replica of the famous clocktower in Izmir, Turkey.

The Chacha Tower is named after ‘chacha’ – Georgian grape vodka which can easily reach an alcohol level of 65%.

The tower was built by the Batumi city council in 2012 to highlight the Georgian national firewater and there even used to be chacha coming out of the four fountains of the tower!

Sadly, the chacha taps of the fountains were closed indefinitely when I made my visit to Batumi and it didn’t look like they would ever be opened again.

boulevard batumi palms

Together with the harbour of the city of Poti some 75 kilometres to the north, the port of Batumi is the main freight hub of both Georgia as well as the entire greater Caucasus region.

The port of Batumi is located just a stone throw away from the old town and you can almost freely walk along the quays. It’s a wonderful place to watch the shipping traffic and to admire the magnificent natural surroundings of Batumi.

This part of the Black Sea coastline (from Trabzon in Turkey all the way towards Russian-occupied Abkhazia) has a subtropical climate as there is a high amount of year-round precipitation.

Standing in the harbour, you can clearly see the lush backdrop of densely forested, green hills – a direct result of the unique Black Sea microclimate.

The dark rain clouds which I saw in the far distance were proof how fickle the weather in Batumi can be.

Fortunately, this time around I was lucky enough to only have sunny and warm days during my visit, but as I knew from my previous trip to Batumi it could have easily been torrential rains for a couple of days in a row.

port batumi

At the place where the seaside promenade ends and the harbour starts, you can find the lower station of the Argo Cable Car.

During the cable car ride up into the hills you can enjoy some fantastic views over the modern Batumi skyline, the old town houses, as well as the entire harbour.

When I looked down towards the city and the sea, I realised how much Batumi has changed in recent years, as most of the buildings which now make up the Batumi skyline weren’t yet there when I last visited.

During the last few years, Batumi really made a remarkable metamorphosis as it changed from a slightly decayed port city into a perfectly renovated, glitzy resort, one which can even be described as some kind of miniature version of Dubai on the Black Sea.

Once you reach the upper cable car station, make sure that you walk towards the back so that you can also admire the panoramic views over the green hills in the interior.

At the upper station you can also find a small entertainment complex with some overpriced restaurants and cafĂ©s – you are better off taking the cable car down again once you have admired the views.

cable car batumi harbour view

Although I managed to jump into the first available cable car on my way up, there was however quite a queue going back down and I had to wait half an hour until it was my turn.

Fortunately, the wait wasn’t too bad as I ended up having a fun talk in the queue with a Russian family which has been visiting Batumi for years.

Once I was back down, I opted to sit down at the first waterfront restaurant I could find as I was getting quite hungry.

The first place I encountered was a restaurant called Sanapiro, and it certainly did not disappoint. From the terrace there were some breath-taking sunset views over the harbour and my food (grilled trout in orange sauce) was good too.

Also the price was a pleasant surprise, as for the food and the half litre of Georgian white wine I didn’t pay more than 5 or 6 euro combined.

fishermen batumi port harbour

Evening walk

After the tasty meal I wandered back to the seaside promenade, which by this time became even more crowded than it was during the day.

It seemed that each and every holidaymaker in town, including dozens of families with children, were out for a 10pm stroll before going to bed or hitting the pubs and clubs of Batumi.

There were certainly plenty of good reasons for taking such an evening stroll. The twilight views were absolutely superb and there are plenty of cool activities for young and old at the seaside promenade.

At the promenade, you can find a giant Ferris Wheel, sunset cruise departures, live music and other street artists, lots of stalls selling drinks, candies and toys, and a lot of other entertainment options.

The Batumi seashore basically has everything you need to round to round up a perfect summer day or to get one of those long summer nights started.

batumi ferris wheel

Ali and Nino statue

One of the most interesting sights you will encounter at the promenade is the revolving statue of Ali and Nino, which depictures the tales from a classic Caucasus novel about a love story between a Muslim Azerbaijani boy and a Christian Georgian girl.

The statue is made in such way that both figures at first stand far apart, but eventually merge into each other, becoming one.

After watching a full rotation of the statues, I was pretty much exhausted from the long day exploring the city.

I decided to just go back to my apartment, drink a wee bit of the complimentary homemade red wine which I received from the host, and to hit my bed relatively early.

ali nino statue batumi

Morning walk

The next morning I woke up early as there were still some things I wanted to see and do in Batumi on my second day in town.

My top priority for today was a visit to the Batumi botanical gardens. However, my first priority was to buy some coffee and some pastries from a nearby bakery so I could have some breakfast on my balcony.

Although I’m certainly not a morning person, I do however always have lots of energy when I’m on holiday in a sunny destination.

And when you stay in a place that is as beautiful as Batumi’s old town, it is certainly not a crime to get out of bed early and have a walk around a still-empty city centre while the sun is shining in your face.

old town batumi

Reaching the botanical gardens

The botanical gardens are located at the far north-eastern edge of Batumi, so you need to take a taxi or public transport to reach it.

From the old town, I took marshrutka (minibus) number 31, which took about 40 minutes to complete its journey.

The marshrutka drops you off at the parking lot, from where you have to cross a railway line to reach the ticket booth at the park entrance.

railway line georgia batumi

Batumi’s botanical gardens are located on top of a cape on the northern outskirts of the city.

Close to the entrance of the botanical gardens is also a small pier and a quite decent pebble beach – which surely looked more appealing than the Batumi city beach itself.

Unfortunately I did not have my swimming shorts with me, but otherwise it would make for a nice combination with the gardens.

It certainly looked like a nice place where you could linger for quite a while longer given the fact there were also a couple of open-air bars and restaurants around the parking lot and the beach.

cape batumi

Subtropical flowers

The grounds of the Batumi botanical gardens are large and it can easily take a few hours if you want to see everything.

As I already wrote before, the unique subtropical microclimate and high amounts of year-round precipitation has created some unique vegetation at this side of the Black Sea.

Whether its palm trees or exotic-looking flowers, you can find a lot of beauty in the botanical gardens of Batumi.

However, the highlight of the park is in my opinion the observation platform at the top of the cape from where you have great views over the coastline.

The botanical gardens were certainly lovely to visit and they make for a nice half-day trip out of Batumi.

batumi botanical gardens

After my visit to the botanical gardens, I took a marshrutka back to Batumi.

As I was dropped off near the same restaurant (Sanapiro) where I had dinner the day before, I decided to eat there again as the food and location were great and I wasn’t really in the mood to walk more.

Given that I was quite hungry, I opted for both some khachapuri and some potatoes, pork and veggie stew in a clay pot. I washed it away with a surprisingly good bottle of sparkling rosé which featured on the menu for just 4 euro.

It’s not without reason why I like Georgia so much!

harbour batumi

After the big lunch (although it might have been the bottle of sparkling wine as well) I felt a bit tired so I went back to my apartment for a siesta.

Fortunately, I woke up with enough time to spare to get out of the house to watch the sunset.

Given how beautiful the colours of the sky already were the previous day, I figured that I could get an even better sunset view today if I made sure that I was at a better location with completely unobstructed views towards the west.

I figured that the Batumi pier would be the best location for sunset views based on a quick look on the map and my impressions during the last days.

Already on my way to the pier the sunset colours looked amazing. Once I hit the beach the colours really started to explode in lovely shades of blue, purple, red and orange.

I slowly headed towards the pier – where the sunset indeed turned out to be quite an amazing sight. What a gorgeous end to my stay in Batumi!

batumi sunset

Garlic chicken

As I would only leave Batumi the following morning, I still had an entire evening ahead of me to have some fun in town.

After eating some shkmeruli – a traditional Georgian dish of chicken in some kind of garlic-milk sauce – it was time to hit some of the old town bars for a couple of shots of chacha and some nargila (waterpipe) and tea to end the evening.

What a fantastic two days in Batumi I had – I really wished I could stay for a couple of days longer at that very moment.

city centre batumi

Located on the subtropical shores of the Black Sea, Batumi is an amazingly beautiful and lively seaside destination which will easily please a wide variety of travellers looking for some summer fun.

The city centre of Batumi is extremely well-kept and offers an intriguing mix of magnificent old-world architecture, modern skyscrapers and gaudy Mar-a-Lago-like casino and hotel resorts.

Whether you are walking in the cobblestoned streets of the old town, stroll around the beachside promenade or sit down in the bustling port, Batumi is certainly a diverse and happening city.

If you are just looking for the perfect beach, then Batumi is likely to disappoint as its large pebble beach isn’t the most attractive. However, there is so much else to see and do in Batumi to make up for this.

Whether you take the cable car up into the hills, visit the beautiful botanical gardens, or just laze the day away with a bottle of wine at a seaside cafĂ©, you certainly won’t get bored easily in fun-loving Batumi.

Batumi has enough to offer to families with young children, older travellers as well as young backpackers – and when you walk around the promenade you can clearly see how much everyone is enjoying their summer holiday in the city.

I certainly found Batumi an unexpectedly fantastic summer destination myself and I ended up loving its easy-going holiday vibe.

Whether you visit for a summer vacation with your family, for the history, the great food or some nightlife fun, Batumi surely has it all covered in summer.

Trip report index

This article is part of the ‘ Khachapuri & Kebabs: A Summer Trip to Georgia and Turkey ‘ trip report, which consists of the following chapters:

1. Review: Wizz Air Bucharest to Kutaisi (Airbus A320) 2. A Day in Kutaisi, the Charming Capital of Imereti 3. Caves, Churches and Monasteries – A Kutaisi Day Trip 4. Review: My Warm Guest House, Batumi, Georgia 5. Beautiful Batumi – The Pearl of Georgia’s Black Sea Coast (current chapter) 6. From Georgia to Turkey: Batumi to Kars by Bus 7. Review: Kars Konak Hotel, Kars, Turkey 8. A Day Trip From Kars to the Ancient Armenian City of Ani 9. Goose, Cheese and Russian Remnants: A Visit to Kars, Turkey 10. Review: Dogu Express Night Train Kars to Ankara, Turkey 11.  Review: AnadoluJet Ankara to Izmir (Boeing 737-800) 12.  Review: Ege Palas Business Hotel, Izmir, Turkey 13. Izmir: Turkey’s Most Liberal and Liveable City 14. Ancient Ephesus: An Easy Day Trip From Izmir 15. A Visit to the Hilltop Wine Village of Sirince 16. A Beach Trip From Izmir to Cesme and Ilica 17. Foça: A Beautiful Seaside Town to Visit From Izmir 18. Flying Back Home With Atlasglobal and TAROM

  • ← The Fortified Church of Homorod (Hamruden), Brasov County
  • Review: Ryanair Bucharest to Chania (Boeing 737-800) →

Avatar photo

Koen works as a freelance journalist covering south-eastern Europe and is the founding father and editor-in-chief of Paliparan. As a contributor to some major Fleet Street newspapers and some lesser known publications in the Balkans, he travels thousands of miles each year for work as well as on his personal holidays. Whether it is horse riding in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan mountains, exploring the backstreets of Bogotá, or sipping a glass of moschofilero in a Greek beachside taverna, Koen loves to immerse himself into the local culture, explore new places and eat and drink himself around the world.

2 thoughts on “ Beautiful Batumi – The Pearl of Georgia’s Black Sea Coast ”

' src=

Looks great Koen – but is Batumi a bit short on beer ;-)?

Avatar photo

When you’re in Georgia you simply drink wine Pete. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.. 😉 I’ll leave the beers for countries where they can brew a proper pint! (not saying Georgian beer is bad, but it’s just rather unremarkable lager)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Wander-Lush

10 Best Day Trips From Batumi: Waterfalls, Magnetic Beaches, Wineries & More

A comprehensive guide to the best DIY day trips from Batumi and guided Batumi day tours with recommended itineraries and transport instructions.

Western Georgia’s Adjara region is truly one of the most magnificent parts of the country . In Adjara, it’s all eyes on Batumi – Georgia’s second-largest city and main hub on the Black Sea – but what many travellers don’t realise is that you can use Batumi as a base for exploring the Lesser Caucasus mountains, national parks, and more remote sections of the coast .

There are dozens of places in Adjara and neighbouring Guria region that you can visit from Batumi without the need to spend too long on the road.

Whether you’re looking for hiking trails and charming alpine villages or ancient Roman fortresses, whether you want to kayak through the marshy wetlands of Georgia’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site , swim on magnetic black-sand beaches or do a wine tasting, you can find it all within close proximity of the city.

I had the opportunity to explore this area extensively when I was living in Batumi . This guide brings together 10 of my favourite Batumi day trips with recommended things to do and tips for getting around by van, taxi or car.

  • Also read: 15 best day trips from Tbilisi

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.

How to plan a day trip from Batumi

First, let me quickly run through your transport options for getting around Adjara. This is a broad overview – in the next section you’ll find more detailed transport instructions for each of the 10 day trips.

Organised day tours from Batumi

Joining a small group or private tour with a guide and transfers included is by far the easiest option. I recommend using either Get Your Guide or Viator to search and book tours in Georgia . There are limited offerings for Batumi right now, but new tours are added every month.

In the next section I’ve included links to some of my favourites.

→ Browse all available Batumi day tours on Get Your Guide .

→ Browse Batumi day trips available on Viator .

Private transfers with GoTrip

If you don’t want to join a tour but you want the flexibility of having your own wheels, GoTrip is a convenient and budget-friendly way to venture beyond Batumi for the day. Think of it as a long-distance Uber – it essentially matches you with a professional driver and vehicle, giving you complete flexibility to plan your own one-way or return route. You won’t have a guide as such, but in my experience your driver will be more than happy to give you tips and info along the way.

When you design your itinerary on GoTrip , you’re free to put in as many stops as you desire. If the platform doesn’t recognise a location, just leave the address in the notes for your driver to see. The final price is set in advance so there’s no need to negotiate, and you can make extra photo stops and food stops whenever you want without the cost going up.

→ Visit the GoTrip website to design your own Batumi day trip itinerary .

Public transport (city bus/marshrutka van/train)

Many of the day excursions from Batumi on this list can be done using public transport – city buses, intercity marshrutka vans and trains. This requires a bit more forward-planning as schedules are sometimes hard to come by and times are flexible. On the plus side, it’s a very budget-friendly way to get around.

I’ve included public transport directions for many of the destinations below. I always recommend you double check times and fares in-person before you travel, either at the station or at the Tourist Information Centre on Gogebashv i li Street .

If you don’t have a Batumi bus card, you can pay for city buses using any chipped international debit/credit card. Simply tap on at the machine on-board the bus when you board (no need to tap off). Fares cost 30 tetri with a Batumi transport card or ~80 tetri with an international card.

→ See city bus routes here on Moovit .

→ See the location of Batumi Bus Terminal (the ‘old bus station’) here .

→ See the location of Batumi Central Station (for trains) here .

People sit on a black stone beach on Georgia's Black Sea Coast.

Hiring a bicycle in Batumi

As long as you’re not venturing too far, you might like to hire a bicycle and ride up or down the coast. Bike vendors set up all along the park and waterfront in the centre of Batumi. Expect to pay around 5-15 GEL to hire a city bike for a full day.

Note that it’s mandatory to ride on the designated bike paths in the centre of Batumi. Take extra care if cycling on the road and try to avoid the inner-city traffic. Unfortunately most rentals don’t include safety helmets.

Batumi day trips with a hire car

If you want complete freedom, your best option is to hire a car. I recommend using Local Rent to search and compare rentals from local agents. Manual and auto, sedans and 4WDs are all available – usually for a very reasonable daily rate.

Before you hit the road, make sure you read up on these tips for driving in Georgia .

→ Visit the Local Rent website to find your wheels .

Map of Batumi day trips

Here is a quick map I put together of the 10 day trips covered in this guide. If you want to save the map to your Google Drive for later, select the star icon below the title.

10 best day trips from Batumi

1. mtsvane kontskhi.

  • Distance from Batumi: 12 kilometres / 7.5 miles
  • Travel time by road: 30-40 minutes (one-way)
  • Great for: Nature, easy hikes, swimming, fresh seafood

A man stands on a tree bridge inside Batumi Botnical Garden.

Mtsvane Kontskhi or ‘Green Cape’ is located just north of central Batumi along the coast. This area is best known for the Batumi Botanical Garden , an easy excursion from the city and a must-visit on any trip to Georgia . You can quite easily turn a 2 or 3-hour visit to the gardens into an easy full-day trip by exploring more of the cape.

The Botanical Garden features easy hiking trails and lookout points where you get wonderful views of the Black Sea. After the gardens, head down to the beach directly underneath the cliffs to grab a drink and a bite to eat at Restauran Bungalow Green Cape before finding a spot to lay down your towel on Mtsvane Kontskhi Beach . 

This little patch of black-pebble shore isn’t the best swimming beach in the area (I’ll reveal that secret later on!), but it’s one of the nicest places to dip your toes so close to the city. There’s also a photogenic jetty here. Makhinjauri Beach is a little further down the coast, back towards the city, and another good option for swimming.

Before heading back to Batumi, stop off at the Batumi Fish Market , a 10-minute drive from the beach. Browse the market and see what fresh-caught fish takes your fancy then have one of the restaurateurs next door cook it up while you wait. My favourite restaurant is Fishlandia .

There is plenty of seating along the beach where you can relax and enjoy your meal. If the timing is right, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful sunset over the sea .

→ Read my tips for visiting Batumi Botanical Garden .

How to get to Mtsvane Kontskhi from Batumi

There are regular city marshrutka vans from downtown Batumi to Mtsvane Kontskhi, terminating at the lower entrance to the Botanical Garden. Buses #10 and #10a run all the way along Gogebashvili Street, stopping outside the Dolphinarium and near the cable car. Tickets cost 1 GEL per person.

For a hassle-free transfer to and from Mtsvane Kontskhi with as many stops along the way as you desire, a car and driver costs 25 USD round-trip when you book through GoTrip .

→ Book a GoTrip transfer to Mtsvane Kontskhi here .

2. Mtirala National Park

  • Distance from Batumi: 30 kilometres / 18.5 miles
  • Travel time by road: 60 minutes (one-way)
  • Great for: Nature & hiking

A road winds through leafy green Mtirala National Park near Batumi.

Mtirala is probably the best-known national park near Batumi. Located north-east of the city, it can be reached in around an hour from downtown, making it ideal for a short spring or summer side trip.

Mtirala is known for its ancient Colchis forests and is incredibly dense, with high humidity and frequent rainfall (Mtirala means ‘to cry’ in Georgian, a nod to the often wet conditions). The whole area is brimming with diverse flora and fauna, including brown bears.

In July 2021, Mtirala was named Georgia’s first Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site . Along with Kolkheti National Park and the Kintrishi and Kobuleti Protected Areas, it forms part of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands .

Start in Chakvistavi village , where the park administration office is located. Here you can pick up a map (or a guide) and get information about weather conditions. Once inside the park, there are two hiking trails to choose from. The first is an easy 7km loop that leads you to the river gorge where you can ride a cable car before continuing to the park’s most famous spot, Tsablnari waterfall . The longer Tsivtskaro trail takes 2 days and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Food options are limited but there are several picnic areas within the park so it’s recommended to bring lunch with you. If you prefer not to walk, you can also explore parts of the park by car.

How to get to Mtirala National Park from Batumi

There is no reliable public transport connection between Batumi and Mtirala. Shuttle buses run to nearby Khala village four times daily, but from there you’ll need to walk 7km or take a taxi to reach the visitor’s centre.

Another option is to take a Kobuleti-bound van to Chavki from the bus station for 1 GEL then a taxi the rest of the way (20-30 GEL one-way). There are direct vans to Chakvistavi on Mondays and Fridays only, departing from Batumi at 7.30am and returning at 5.50pm. Find more information about vans and shuttles here .

The easiest way to get to Mtirala is by taxi. A regular taxi off the street should cost 90-120 GEL return, or you can book a driver for just 30 USD/car round-trip on GoTrip .

→ Book a GoTrip transfer to Mtirala here .

Mtirala day tour from Batumi

This private hiking tour with Pin Georgia covers the Chestnut Forest Trail, a local Adjarian honey tasting and a visit to the waterfall. The price includes transfers to and from Batumi.

→ See prices here on Viator .

3. Machakhela National Park

  • Distance from Batumi: 27 kilometres / 17 miles
  • Travel time by road: 40-60 minutes (one-way)
  • Great for: Nature & culture

A man rides a scooter through Georgia's Machakhela National Park.

Machakhela is more remote and sees far fewer tourists than Mtirala. I personally prefer Machakhela because it combines nature with fascinating local culture and history .

Machakhela is located south of Batumi and runs along the Turkish border. Another Colchic forest, the landscape is hilly and overwhelmingly green, with ambling streams, high lookout points and towering waterfalls.

There are several villages within the park, one of them has a terrific local lore museum set inside a converted mosque . Another must-do is to visit a Machakhela gunsmith’s workshop where artisans like Zaza Nagervadze still produce flint guns the old-fashioned way.

There’s also a stone ‘Tamara’ bridge , a pillbox gun left over from the Ottoman wars, and a few other interesting landmarks to spot within the park. There is a new Visitors’ Centre where you can find maps and information. I recommend visiting with a tour group that will organise lunch for you – eating a home-cooked Adjarian meal of Sinori cheese pie and Borano buttery cheese in Machakhela is an absolute treat.

If you want to hang around for breakfast, there are several guesthouses that would be happy to host you.

→ Read all about my experience visiting Machakhela from Batumi .

How to get to Machakhela from Batumi

I highly recommend a scooter tour of Machakhela with Tsitsaka Moto . The full-day itinerary includes transfers to and from Batumi by car, lunch and moped hire.

We’re not confident drivers so we had two drivers take us around when we visited. It was great fun and we got to see almost everything the park has to offer within the course of a day.

→ Check prices and availability for the moped tour here on Viator .

If you want to hike in the national park, this full-day trip includes transfers from Batumi and a private experienced guide to accompany you on the 8km Mtavarangelozi hiking trail.

→ Check prices and availability for the hiking tour here on Viator .

If you prefer to visit Machakhela independently, a car and driver for the day costs 35 USD/car round-trip when booked through GoTrip .

→ Book a GoTrip transfer to Machakhela here .

4. Gonio Apsaros Fortress, Kvariati Beach & Sarpi

  • Distance from Batumi: 19 kilometres / 12 miles
  • Travel time by road: 30 minutes (one-way)
  • Great for: History, swimming, hiking, sunset

A modern building at the Georgia-Turkey border in Sarpi.

If you want to swim and lounge sans crowds and pollution, there are some lovely beaches south of Batumi en route to the Turkish border. Kvariati is one of my favourites – it’s not super secluded but it’s still quiet compared to Batumi Beach and the setting is stunning. This is the last beach on the Georgian side of the Black Sea Coast . After Kvariati, steep, overgrown cliffs rise up from the sea, marking the end of the shoreline.

There are a few waterfalls behind the beach that you can see from the main road and a huge religious statue (you can’t miss it). A must-do in the area is to eat at Cafe Rakushkebi Fridastan , a gorgeous little seafood place on Kvariati Beach.

After Kvariati, continue down a few more kilometres to Sarpi and the iconic wave-shaped Sarpi Border Checkpoint building. There is also a small museum in Sarpi where you can learn about the local Laz community.

Gonio Cross at dusk.

On the way back to Batumi, stop in at Gonio Apsaros Fortress (open daily until 6pm). The open-air museum here contains the remnants of a fortified Roman city that dates back to the 2nd century AD. If you have time for a short hike, Gonio Cross sits in the hills above the fortress and offers stunning views of the Black Sea.

It’s an easy trail (with a few little twists and turns – see my guide below for info) and is particularly rewarding if you time your ascent for sunset . It’s also possible to drive up to the cross if you prefer.

→ Read my detailed guide to the Gonio Cross Hike .

How to get to Gonio/Kvariati/Sarpi from Batumi

This day trip can quite easily be done by bicycle or by using city bus #16 to hop up and down the coast.

→ Read this guide to cycling to Sarpi from Batumi .

Alternatively, you could organise a Batumi-Gonio-Kvariati-Sarpi-Batumi transfer. Prices start from just 25 USD/car round-trip when you book through GoTrip .

→ Book a GoTrip transfer here .

Day tour to Gonio Fortress

If you’re interested in history and you want to concentrate your energy on Gonio Fortress, then consider a dedicated day trip with a guide. This tour lasts for 6 hours and includes a visit to Gonio followed by Makhuntseti waterfall and a wine tasting.

→ Book here through Get Your Guide or here through Viator .

5. Kobuleti, Petra Fortress & Tsikhisdziri Hidden Beach

  • Distance from Batumi: 30 kilometres / 19 miles
  • Travel time by road: 45 minutes (one-way)
  • Great for: History, urbexing, swimming, families with kids

Kobuleti Museum, a small regional museum in Adjara, Georgia.

Travelling the opposite way, north along the coast, you’ll find even more glorious swimming beaches plus another set of ruins. The 6th-century Petra Fortress isn’t as well-preserved as Gonio but it’s fun to explore nonetheless. The sea views from the top are spectacular, and the castle is surrounded by leafy arbours (the remains of an old limonarium) with shaded walking paths.

Directly in front of the fortress you’ll find Tsikhisdziri Hidden Beach , a lovely stretch of black rock beach with a sea arch, a dramatic cliff backdrop and a swimming platform. This is a local favourite and a nice place to take a morning dip. In summer 2021, a cool restaurant-bar called Shukura opened up at Tsikhisdziri.

Petra and Tsikhisdziri are an ideal pit stop on the way up to Kobuleti , a seaside town 40 minutes north of Batumi. Popular in Soviet times , Kobuleti has a long stretch of grey, gravely beach and clean water for swimming. There are several abandoned Brutalist-style hotels on the waterfront that attract photographers and urbexers. The main street has dozens of cafes, bars, and a few cool Soviet-era mosaics . Learn more in this guide: Things to do in Kobuleti .

Kobuleti Museum (open Tues-Sun) displays artefacts unearthed at Petra and is worth a quick look-in. I also recommend eating lunch in Kobuleti at Taraghana Fish , a popular seafood joint on the water.

The final stop on this day trip itinerary is the UNESCO-Listed Kobuleti Nature Reserve , a wetland area known for its peat bogs and population of Eurasian otters. Paths and a short elevated boardwalk winds its way through the reserve, with a lookout tower where you can take aerial photos of the pancake-flat landscape. The easiest way to get to the park is by taking bus #1 north from the centre of Kobuleti. The entrance is a short walk from the main road.

How to get to Kobuleti from Batumi

The high-speed train to Tbilisi departs Batumi at 8.30am and stops in Kobuleti before it turns inland. I don’t necessarily recommend taking the train, however, as tickets are quite expensive (from 31 GEL per person).

Instead, take one of the marshrutka minivans that depart from Batumi’s bus station for Kobuleti throughout the day. Vans bound for Ureki and Poti may also stop in Kobuleti – just ask the driver before you board. Tickets should cost around 3-5 GEL per person.

If you want to stop at Petra and Tsikhisdziri along the way, the more convenient option is to book a transfer to Kobuleti on GoTrip . Prices start from just 30 USD/car round-trip.

→ Book a GoTrip transfer to Kobuleti here .

6. Makhuntseti & Mirveti waterfalls

  • Travel time by road: 45-60 minutes (one-way)
  • Great for: Swimming, relaxing, picnicking

Makhuntseti waterfall, a tall waterfall surrounded by leafy green trees.

For a cool escape from the city, these twin waterfalls are located in the foothills of Upper Adjara, inland from Batumi and close to Machakhela. Though very beautiful, I must warn you that this is definitely one of the more ‘touristy’ day trips on this list and in my experience, the area is usually quite crowded – especially in summer.

Makhuntseti is a tall waterfall with a swimming hole set back from the main road and accessed via a short, easy trail. On the opposite side of the road, you’ll see Makhuntseti Bridge – a beautiful hemispheric stone Tamara bridge. There are plenty of cafes and eateries in the area.

Mirveti is located closer to Batumi and is a bit more secluded. The falls are shorter but still very beautiful. Mirveti Arch Bridge , another stone bridge, is located nearby.

Makhuntseti is only an hour from Batumi by road. If you have time to spare, you can easily combine this day trip with the next itinerary and enjoy a wine tasting or two while you’re in the area.

How to get to the waterfalls from Batumi

To reach the Makhuntseti Waterfall from Batumi, you can take a Khulo-bound van from old Batumi bus station (departs every 30 minutes from 8am; 7-10 GEL) and ask the driver to drop you off early, just after Kveda Makhuntseti.

Mirveti is 17km away so it’s not possible to walk between the two – instead, you’ll need to take a Batumi-bound van back to Acharistskali then walk or take a taxi the rest of the way.

More conveniently, you could hire a car and driver for the day. Prices start from just 31 USD round-trip when you book through GoTrip .

→ Book a GoTrip transfer to the waterfalls here .

Day tour to the waterfalls from Batumi

In the warmer months, local tour company Budget Georgia runs daily group trips to the waterfalls departing in the afternoon for around 50 USD per person. Private day tours are available on request.

→ Check availability and book your seat here on Viator .

→ Enquire about this tour directly and mention Wander-Lush to get 10% off.

7. Adjarian Wine Route

  • Travel time by road: 40-75 minutes (one-way)
  • Great for: Adjarian wine & food

A winery in Adjara, with an outdoor seating around and mountains in the backdrop.

Kakheti may be Georgia’s main wine region but grapes grow all over the country, including in mountainous Upper Adjara. By all accounts, this is an up-and-coming destination for wine tourism in Georgia, with more family Maranis added to the Adjara Wine Route every year.

Most are located in the high-altitude alpine Adjara around Keda Municipality (more in the next itinerary). If you’re after a quick side trip from Batumi, there are a few notable wineries that are close to Batumi, including Mirveti’s, Chateau Iveri, and Adjarian Wine House.

Adjarian Wine House is a vineyard, restaurant and function centre set on a sprawling property. It’s extremely popular and receives bus loads of tourists every day – but I’ve heard that in recent years the quality of service and the wine-tasting experience has gone downhill.

For something more intimate, Mirveti’s Winery is a small, family run business set in a beautiful wooden house near the waterfall and arched bridge of the same name (35 minutes from Batumi). Chateau Iveri is a bit further along the mountain road (around 1 hour from Batumi), but definitely worth the drive! The views are out of this world. Both offer wine tastings and home-cooked meals for walk-in visitors. I recommend calling ahead a day or two in advance to arrange your visit.

For something closer to home, Beridze Wine Cellar in Makhinjauri (20 minutes north of Batumi) is a traditional family winery producing natural qvevri wines and oak-aged chacha. Wine degustations, supra-style lunches and khachapuri, khinkali and churchkhela masterclasses are available. Contact them via phone to arrange your visit.

A man hunched over a Georgian qvevri at a winery near Batumi.

Adjara is synonymous with two wine varieties in particular: Tsolikauri and Chkhaveri , a dry white and dry pink respectively. Winemakers in this part of the country use different grapes but the same Qvevri technology as in the east. If you missed out on a wine tasting in Tbilisi , sipping vino in the lush highlands of Adjara will more than make up for it.

If you’re serious about wine, consider pressing further into Upper Adjara to visit the wineries around Keda. Highlights include Lado Shavishvili’s Wine Cellar and Wine Cellar Brother’s Avaliani . Find more information about the Adjarian Wine Route here .

How to get to Adjarian Wine House from Batumi

To get to Adjarian Wine House from Batumi, you can take a Bolt taxi for around 25 GEL one-way. Note that you may have some difficulty getting a car back, but the winery should be able to help with that.

A GoTrip car will cost you around 27 USD/car round-trip, including a stop at Mirveti’s.

→ Book a GoTrip transfer to Adjarian Wine House here .

8. Keda & Merisi (Upper Adjara)

  • Distance from Batumi: 50 kilometres / 31 miles
  • Travel time by road: 2-2.5 hours (one-way)
  • Great for: Cute villages, Soviet history, Adjarian food, fresh air, incredible mountain scenery

A mountain village in Upper Adjara, with wooden houses and washing on the line.

Mountainous Adjara is a treasure trove of pretty alpine villages and a total contrast to the hubbub of the Black Sea Coast. In summer, many people head this way to take advantage of the fresh air and cooler temperatures.

Keda is located a little deeper in the mountains past Makhuntseti Waterfall. There are wineries, hiking trails, painted mosques and some terrific local restaurants to enjoy in the area.

Merisi is a smaller village east of Keda famously known for the ultra-popular Eco House Merisi . If you’re tempted to stretch out your day trip and spend the night in Upper Adjara, this high-altitude guest house with an outdoor hot tub overlooking the mountains and valleys is a real treat.

There are also some terrific glamping spots in Upper Adjara, including Glamping Tago .

If you decide to hire a car and driver and you make an early start from Batumi, you could also visit Khulo , Upper Adjara’s biggest town (roughly 2.5-3 hours by road one-way) to ride the old cable car and visit the mosque .

There is only one asphalt road into Upper Adjara and parts of it may be closed in winter if there is heavy snowfall. I recommend doing this day trip in late spring, summer or fall. 

How to get to Keda & Merisi from Batumi

Marshrutka vans depart from Batumi old bus station for Khulo every 30 minutes from 8am until 8pm. The ticket price is around 6 GEL and the driver can drop you off early in Keda on request. To get to Merisi, you’ll need to take a taxi from Keda.

Prices start from just 45 USD/car round-trip when you book through GoTrip . Note that there are limited drivers available because you need a larger vehicle with high clearance for this road.

→ Book a GoTrip transfer to Keda & Merisi here .

9. Kolkheti National Park & Poti

  • Distance from Batumi: 75 kilometres / 47 miles
  • Travel time by road: 1 hour (one-way)
  • Great for: Nature, fresh air, history

Wetlands and tall grass in Kolkheti national park near Batumi.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kolkheti National Park is one of the most unique landscapes in Georgia. Located north of Batumi, it covers almost 34,000 hectares of protected wetlands and lakes across neighbouring Samegrelo and Guria regions.

This is prime habitat for water birds (more than 200 native and migratory species nest here). Along with Javakheti in southern Georgia , it’s one of the country’s premier bird watching destinations.

The best way to explore the national park is by getting out on the water. Boat tours of lake Paliastomi and the Pichori River are available, or you can hire a kayak and navigate the Churia Nature Paddling Trail, an easy 9-kilometre loop that takes you deep into the Amazon-like wetlands. Advance bookings are essential.

If you prefer to stay on land, hiking and horse riding are also on offer. There is a long track through the park that can be done by bicycle , but you’ll need to bring your own wheels.

This area also has historical importance as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Colchis , the first Georgian state that was founded in 2000 BC. Displays at the Kolkheti Culture Museum in the nearby city of Poti contain artefacts from this period.

The port city of Poti is worth a wander around – climb to the top of the historic lighthouse for a view, track down the Soviet-era mosaics and Brutalist architecture , and take in the sea panoramas on the long beach front .

How to get to Kolkheti & Poti from Batumi

Marshrutka vans depart Batumi bus station for Poti throughout the day, at least every hour starting from 8am. To reach the main entrance of Kolkheti National Park, a 6-minute drive from Poti, you can take a taxi from the centre.

Alternatively, prices start from just 50 USD/car round-trip when you book through GoTrip .

→ Book a GoTrip transfer to Poti here .

10. Shekvetili & Ureki beach

  • Distance from Batumi: 47 kilometres / 29 miles
  • Great for: Beaches, swimming, families with kids

Sunset over the beach in Shekvetili, Georgia.

Located roughly halfway between Kobuleti and Kolkheti, Shekvetili and Ureki are two of the most popular swimming spots on Georgia’s Black Sea.

This section of coast – part of Guria region – has sandy beaches rather than stone or pebble beaches like you see closer to Batumi. It’s not just any old sand, either – black in colour and ‘magnetic’ , it’s rich in iron ore minerals and is believed to have healing properties.

Shekvetili Beach backs onto a forest and is the nicer of the two in my humble opinion. Other things to do in the area include the Miniature Park (an open-air museum with tiny replicas of Georgia’s most important churches and historical landmarks – it’s really wonderful and worth visiting) and Shekvetili Dendrological Park , the inspiration behind the film Taming the Garden . At Nellie’s restaurant in Shekvetili is one of my favourite places to eat in the area. The trout is outstanding.

A miniature model of a church at the Miniature Park in Shevetili, Georgia.

Ureki Beach is a little more crowded. There are lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from, but prices here tend to be quite high (especially in summer).

How to get to Shekvetili & Ureki from Batumi

To get to Shekvetili, take a Poti-bound van from Batumi and jump out early. The beach, Miniature Park and restaurant are all within walking distance or you can take a taxi. Ureki Beach is another 20 minutes up the coast by car. To get there, you can either take another van or hire a taxi.

Prices start from just 45 USD/car round-trip when you book through GoTrip .

→ Book a GoTrip transfer to Shekvetili & Ureki here .

Where to stay in Batumi

I recommend staying close to the waterfront and Batumi Old Town. Nice accommodations can also be found at the opposite end of the seafront on the New Boulevard. For more information, see my detailed guide to the best areas to stay in Batumi .

Here are my top picks:

A modern suite at Kartuli Hotel in Batumi.

TOP CHOICE: Kartuli Hotel (⭐ 9.1). Located on the 37-38th floors of a skyscraper on the New Boulevard, Kartuli commands spectacular views of the sea and city. Rooms are minimal and beautifully designed. Kartuli is one of the coolest hotels in Georgia!

A rooftop terrace at a boutique hotel in Batumi.

BOUTIQUE: Mariinsky Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.0). This cute apart-hotel has spacious rooms, modern ensuites, and an outstanding rooftop terrace. The location three blocks back from the Boulevard, close to Batumi Old Town, is perfect for getting around on foot.

Banana Apartments self-contained accommodation in Batumi.

SELF-CONTAINED: Banana Apartments (⭐ 9.7). Banana Apartments offers three stylish, self-contained studio flats that sleep up to three people. Each one has a full kitchen, new bathroom, and water views.

Shared kitchen in a colourful hostel in Batumi, Georgia.

BUDGET: Hostel 47 (⭐ 9.8). Located near the museum, this popular hostel is 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.

The pool at the Radisson Blu Batumi hotel.

SPLASH OUT: Radisson Blu (⭐ 8.5). Located footsteps from both the main part of the boulevard and Batumi Old Town, this hotel offers polished rooms with great views, an outdoor pool, and an outstanding buffet breakfast.

More Batumi travel resources

  • My complete city guide to Batumi – the best things to do, see, eat & drink
  • Batumi street art guide & interactive map
  • Guide to visiting the Batumi Botanical Garden
  • Guide to the Gonio Cross trail , Batumi’s best hike
  • Cycling from Batumi to Sarpi and the Turkish border
  • Guide to visiting Machakhela National Park from Batumi
  • Batumi Airport transport & arrivals guide

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 .

also im gonna sidetrack a little, would you suggest walking from the city centre to the batumi train station if time is of no issue?

thanks again!

Hi Sherman, it’s not really a good idea as it’s a very busy road with lots of trucks. Honestly it’s bad enough driving it, personally I wouldn’t want to be on foot. If you can find an alternative backroad then sure!

Hi Emily, thanks for your post. you mentioned bus #16, so where do i catch bus #16 to sarpi from batumi city centre? thank you.

Hi Sherman, it runs along Khimshiashvili Street. Tourist Info in Batumi also have a city map with the bus routes if you want to pick one up.

Cheapest Price with CityTravel!

Find the cheapest flights, reserve it and buy it! the only way to find the cheapest flights.

CityTravel Mobile Application

Find the cheapest flight ticket by downloading our mobile application

Black Sea Holiday: This Resort Is Funky Enough To Attract Anyone!

This unique city draws curious visitors from all over the world to explore its unique attractions, so if you're into funky, it's the place for you.

Georgia is a small country with a lot up its sleeve. It is famous as being an ancient land of impressive tales, delicious food, isolated monasteries, and massive mountain ranges. But that's not all, it has a coastline along the Black Sea and this is a magnet for holidaymakers in the region.

Batumi is the second or third largest city in Georgia (it is still quite a small city). It is situated in the subtropical zone of the Black Sea at the foot of the Caucasus. Batumi is just another reason why Georgia was first in Lemming's list of emerging destinations in 2020 .

The Funky City of Batumi

Batumi is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara within Georgia and is a must-see for anyone visiting the country (just visit in the summer season).

The city is incredibly funky. The city has built itself around tourism and gambling and has been called The Las Vegas of the Black Sea - but don't expect anything like the real Las Vegas!

  • See: Be Sure to See The Iconic Statue of Ali & Nino (Odd Rotating Armless Statues of a Man and Woman That Don't Touch)

Perhaps the funkiest thing about Batumi is the mismatch of architecture. Here it is possible to see old architecture from the 1800s (sometimes with the facades restored sometimes not), brutalist Soviet architecture, futuristic space architecture (like their space-age McDonalds in Batumi ), various forms of artistic architecture (like their Alphabet tower and their Ali & Nino Statue, and droves of other architectural styles thrown in too - like classical Greek and Roman architecture.

  • Population: Around 170,000
  • Famous For: Gambling, The Black Sea, Thai Massages, Subtropical Climate, Funky Architecture

The little city is one of the strangest cities one will see. There is a notable seaport and so as one relaxes on the beach one can see large container ships come into port. The beach is also pebbly - there is no sand.

As one gazes into the Black Sea from the beach it is sometimes possible to see scores of dolphins swimming and flocking just a few meters away.

  • Dolphinarium: If One Would Like To See a Dolphin Show, Check Out Their Dolphinariumm (Shows are In English)

Related:  What To Know About Georgia's Cuisine, Which Was Once Regarded As The Best In The Soviet Union

The Draw of Batumi

Batumi has been significantly changed since 2010 and has grown into a regional destination. Georgia was always a famed holiday destination during the Soviet Union and many families and holidaymakers continue to flock from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

  • Soviet Times: The Black Sea Region Was Always A Major Holiday Destination for Soviets

Its rise in the world of gambling has drawn many Turkish tourists and other tourists from the Middle Eastern region. They are often drawn by the many casinos, low prices, nightlife, and many Thai massage parlors (often these parlors offer 'extra' services).

The city has a well-developed promenade that runs much the length of the city. There are plenty of shops, games, stalls, and attractions dotting this promenade. Stroll down in the summer and enjoy the subtropical weather with a rather exotic idea of what a "Las Vegas on the Beach" should look like.

  • Promenade: The Promenade Along The Black Sea is Well Developed
  • When To Visit: The Summer or Later Spring Months (Don't Go in The Winter)

Come in the summer or later spring months. During the winter the city is nearly deserted and the weather is often very bad. In the winter there is often snow or it is just cold and miserable.

Related:  The Republic Of Georgia And Why It Is An Unknown Paradise

The Upsidedown White House - Up & Down Restaurant

In Batumi, one will find a building built in the form of an upside-down White House. Inside one will find many things upside dangling from the ceiling. There are upside-down tables, stairwells, sinks, and even toilets. This restaurant alone is enough to set the scene for what to expect in the funky city of Batumi. One Tripadvisor reviewer summed it up succinctly.

" Very unusual building I would say that it's simply impossible to understand what architect wanted to express. Live music and very warm local hospitality all together made good atmosphere... "

Andrey L - Tripadvisor

Roman Fort of Gonio Fortress

If one would like to take a break from this funky town, then just out of Batumi is the well-preserved Gonio fortress (previously called Apsarus or Apsaros). It is 15 kilometers south of Batumi and only 4 kilometers north of the Turkish border.

In the 2nd century AD, it was part of a well-fortified Roman city within the region then known as Colchis. It is an example of a Roman fortification that sat on the very edge of their far-flung empire.

  • Roman Fort: It Is One of The Remotest of Roman Forts

Next:  Here's Why You Should Be Planning A Trip To Georgia... The Country, Not The State

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes

This Is the Best U.S. City to Live in for 2024

A mid-size city in Illinois took the top prize in a recent survey by Niche.com.

city travel batumi

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

If you’re looking to move this year, you are not alone. Last year, a survey found that over a quarter of people either have specific plans to relocate or want to do so in the future. And according to data by the U.S. Census Bureau, 25.6 million Americans, or almost eight percent of the population, moved in 2023 , with many seeking better education and a more family-friendly environment. 

If these are also important factors for you, consider relocating to Naperville, Illinois. This city of about 150,000, west of Chicago, was just named the best place to live in 2024 by Niche.com (it was also on our Best Places to Live in Illinois list, as recommended by real estate experts). The study takes into account overall livability criteria like crime rates, housing trends, employment statistics, school system, and access to amenities in over 220 cities across the nation.

“With outstanding quantitative and qualitative scores across many of the categories we use to evaluate cities, Naperville secured this year’s top spot for best cities to live in America for the first time ever after years on the rise,” Luke Skurman, CEO at Nich, told Travel+Leisure. Skurman added the city ranked first in the public schools and family-friendly places categories and was third in the housing category.

Naperville dates back to the 1800s, and its long history is reflected in the variety of architectural styles that define its cityscape. It sits on the banks of the DuPage River, and its scenic riverfront is one of the main attractions drawing residents and visitors alike. With multiple sports complexes, miles of hiking trails, and a couple of forest preserves, the city offers plenty of year-round outdoor recreation. 

Because Naperville is just 35 miles west of Chicago, its residents also have access to the Windy City’s job market and economic opportunities, resulting in a median household income that is almost twice the nation’s average, according to Niche . However, unlike other cities with excellent public school systems and family amenities, housing prices have not reached stratospheric levels. Zillow data shows that the median home value in Naperville is $538,826. However, that number is ten percent higher than last year, so prices are on the rise. 

Second on Niche’s list is The Woodlands in Texas. This community north of Houston came on top in the housing category and was recently highlighted as one of the most affordable places to retire in the South . The median home value here is $303,00 2, which is below the national average. 

And the bronze medal goes to Cambridge, Massachusetts. This Boston suburb, which is home to several top-rated universities, including Harvard and MIT, ranked first in the Best Cities for Young Professionals category. However, with a median home price of $962,679, it received a low score in the housing category.

You can see the full ranking of Niche’s tenth annual report at niche.com .

Visiting an eclipse city? Here’s what to do after the sun reemerges.

Locals share their favorite places to eat and explore in these cities of totality.

A brief blanket of darkness will cover the skies and street lamps will burn midday, as a total solar eclipse stretches across North America on April 8. The phenomenon occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, causing, for a matter of minutes, a full block of the sun.

Since the next full solar eclipse isn’t predicted to be visible from the contiguous United States again for 20 years, this year’s experience tops many travelers’ list. In fact, up to 3.7 million people are predicted to travel from outside to inside the path of totality come April. Some were booking more than a year in advance .

NASA has outlined 13 cities that fall within the path of totality and make for some of the event’s best vantage points, including Dallas, Little Rock, Buffalo, and Burlington, Vt. We tapped locals in some of these cities for some of their best recommendations on what to eat, see and do in their hometowns once the sun reemerges.

Totality: 1:40 to 1:44 p.m. Central time

With one of the longest durations along the path of totality in the United States, Dallas will be packed with visitors. Organizations throughout the city will host viewing parties and events, including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science , which has invited over 20 astronomers for an event full of science activities, food and music, plus chances to explore the museum’s interactive stargazing experiences.

The Dallas Arboretum has partnered with retired NASA astronaut Alvin Drew for its party, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum , with an unobstructed location near Love Field, is hosting a family-friendly viewing event. Totality Dallas is a three-day festival hosted at Samuell Farm in Mesquite, Tex., just east of Dallas.

Tanner Agar , owner of Rye and Apothecary restaurants, moved to Dallas in 2011 to attend Texas Christian University and after spending time abroad, he returned to the city to get into the restaurant business. “I thought it was a great place to make a name for myself as a chef and restaurateur,” he said in an email. Just before the eclipse, Agar plans to launch an Alice in Wonderland menu at Apothecary, a cocktail bar known for its creative concoctions. “If you’ve traveled to see the eclipse, you’re clearly looking to be surprised and delighted,” he said.

2024 total solar eclipse

city travel batumi

Agar recommends visiting the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which is marking 60 years since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. For a taste of classic Texas, he recommends swinging by The Stockyards in Fort Worth, a historic area that has shopping, dining and still hosts cattle drives. “You can get custom-made boots and go two-stepping at the largest honkey tonk in the world,” he said, “after you attend the rodeo, of course.”

Little Rock

Totality: 1:51 to 1:54 p.m. Central time

With its dark skies and top-notch state parks, Arkansas is a major draw for the eclipse crowd. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host a special event with food trucks, access to telescopes and activities for kids, like creating pinhole viewing boxes. Snap a photo of the eclipse with a free phone adapter. For hiking trails and high-altitude vantage points, Pinnacle Mountain State Park , just outside of the city limits, will be a popular draw.

While in Little Rock, visit the trendy South on Main (SoMa) District and stop by the Esse Purse Museum , a special collection that examines the role of a woman’s purse as more than an accessory. Grab a cone of “Arkansas Mud” at Loblolly Creamery , and sample baleadas and other Honduran and Latin American street food at El Sur . SoMa in the Dark is a multiday eclipse event featuring pop-ups, markets, a nighttime parade and an evening glow run.

Evansville, Ind.

Totality: 2:02 to 2:05 p.m. Central time

Evansville, Ind., is positioned on a bend of the Ohio River, just north of the Kentucky line. Given its riverfront location and full-dome planetarium show, the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science will be a popular eclipse-viewing vantage point. Learn about the sun, moon and stars at the immersive eclipse 2024 show.

Continue your connection with nature at Wesselman Woods , the largest tract of urban old-growth forest in the country. Wesselman will host a free multicultural festival on April 8, with food trucks and live music. Wesselman Woods Marketing Director Kristina Arwood is a native Evansvillian and recommends stopping for a slice of coconut cream pie at Pie Pan , an all-day breakfast diner and bakery.

For a slice of history, head north of town to The Log Inn , a historic stagecoach stop built in 1825, and the oldest restaurant in Indiana. It’s said that Abraham Lincoln stopped here in 1844 while campaigning for Henry Clay. Order family style and get a sampling of ham, fried chicken or roast beef. Sides, such as German potato salad and fried potatoes, point to the region’s rich German heritage. For another dose of history, visit Angel Mounds , a state historic site honoring the Mississippians who inhabited the area hundreds of years ago.

Totality: 3:13 to 3:17 p.m. Eastern time

Destiny Thomas is a Cleveland native and astronomer at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History , where they recently premiered a planetarium show, Meeting Totality. The museum will also host a watch party on April 8. For another prime viewing spot, Thomas recommends Observatory Park, just under an hour’s drive east of the city. “The area is free of light pollution, providing incredible and breathtaking views of the cosmos, and it’s within the path of totality,” she said in an email.

Before or after the big event, Thomas says not to miss the city’s most famous attraction, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . Lisa Vinciquerra, director of production and live events at the hall, has lived in Cleveland for 30 years and recommends the Cleveland Museum of Art . For great cocktails and healthy Latin fare, she likes downtown’s LULO Kitchen .

Thomas also recommends the Cleveland Botanical Garden. “I find it incredibly relaxing and serene,” she said. The Madagascar Glasshouse , home to the largest collection of baobab trees in the United States, is there.

Douglas Katz, chef at Amba in Ohio City and Zhug in Cleveland Heights, recommends the city’s many parks, which will host an eclipse-related speaker series , workshops and viewing parties. His favorite is Edgewater on the lakefront.

He also recommends stopping by the University Circle area: “It is filled with cultural institutions, plus world-class art, architecture and food, and it’s home to Severance Music Center, home of the renowned Cleveland Orchestra,” he said in an email. The orchestra will partner with the Great Lakes Science Center and NASA’s Glenn Research Center for Total Eclipse Fest , with a free concert on April 7.

If time allows, Katz also suggests stopping by the Cleveland Cultural Gardens , tucked inside the 254-acre Rockefeller Park. “They represent many of the immigrants and settlers throughout Cleveland’s history,” he said. Of interest to eclipse-seekers, the Polish Garden features astronomer Nicholaus Copernicus.

Totality: 3:18 to 3:22 p.m. Eastern time

Buffalo is toward the end of the eclipse arc in the United States. Marc Moscato, owner of Buffalo Bike Tours, offers a chicken wing tour , where you can meet John Young’s daughter — Lina Brown Young — and purchase specialty “mumbo sauce.” If weather permits, head over to Tifft Nature Preserve , a 264-acre park with five miles of trails and boardwalks, just five minutes from downtown.

Buffalo native Michelle Kearns, a former reporter who now works for the visitor’s bureau, recommends a visit to the emerging museum district, which includes the Buffalo AKG Art Museum , one of the oldest museums in the country. Its art collection ranges from works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Jackson Pollack and Andy Warhol.

Grab a quick bite at Cornelia inside the museum (Kearns recommends a breakfast sandwich), or sit at the Sculpture Bar and sip a glass of wine or cocktail while viewing the sculpture garden. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is another draw with immersive art installations and glass.

And since “Where can I find the wings?” is a question almost every local gets, Kearns recommends Gabriel’s Gate , “a beloved stop” in the center of the city’s Allentown District. She also recommends Cole’s restaurant , within walking distance of the art museums. Stop by for a burger or signature wings. During brunch, order a Buffalo Bloody, made with Frank’s RedHot sauce and blue cheese.

Burlington, Vt.

Totality timeline: 3:26 to 3:29 p.m. Eastern time

Burlington will play host to dozens of eclipse events . Longtime Vermont resident Sas Stewart is the founder of Adventure Dinner, a company that curates and hosts unique food and drink experiences across the state. “I like to call them secret dinners in unexpected places,” she said. For the eclipse, she plans to host pop-up experiences after hours at one of Burlington’s most popular restaurants, The Grey Jay, run by chef Cara Chigazola Tobin . “It will be four courses inspired by our neighbors to the north, on the heels of the sugaring season in Vermont and Quebec,” Stewart said.

While in town, Stewart recommends Tobin’s Honey Road , which features eastern Mediterranean cuisine. “They have sticky wings that are stupid good,” Stewart said. “And the kale salad is amazing.” For a quick and cozy stop, she recommends Manhattan Pizza & Pub. She also describes having recently had a “perfect Sunday afternoon” at Onion City Chicken and Oyster, where she enjoyed oysters, hot crab dip and a martini.

For an artistic experience, Stewart suggests visiting AO Glass to take a glass-blowing class or watch the intricate process during open studio hours. She also recommends the Burlington waterfront. “Part of what makes it really cool is that it’s contiguous,” she said. “Nothing can be built there, so the best views are at public parks.”

Luis Calderin, 49, is originally from Miami, but now calls Burlington home. With chef Oscar Arencibia, he opened Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine , inspired by South Beach and 1950s Havana. “I’d say we have one of the best Cuban sandwiches, Cubanos, north of Miami,” he said. “It’s one of our signature offerings, and our mojito menu is a pillar of the business.”

Calderin describes it as a “tropical-chic atmosphere.” “It sits on the lake, overlooking the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, so it’s super picturesque,” he said.

Calderin is also a DJ and recommends Pure Pop Records for music lovers. “It’s the hub of the music scene here, just a classic record store,” he said. “It’s laid back, and the people who work there are super knowledgeable on all types of music, from international to our local bands.” Phish was founded in Burlington.

He also recommends a factory tour of Burton Snowboards , which was founded in Vermont in 1977. For a quality cup of joe, Calderin heads to Muddy Waters Cafe . “I get a double espresso with any of their blends, and they have my favorite coconut macaroons,” he said.

For a lunch place that’s “quintessentially Burlington,” he wouldn’t miss Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup . “Burlington is a mix of college students, young families, professionals, but it’s also a bit of hippie, progressive politics, and it’s becoming more global, so it’s changing quite a bit” he said. “Burlington is a small, progressive little city.”

Virginia Brown is a freelance writer based in Little Rock. You can follow her on Instagram at vb.writes.

city travel batumi

  • Share full article

A wall surrounds a rectangle of raked gravel, with some rocks standing in various spots.

Gardens of Stone, Moss, Sand: 4 Moments of Zen in Kyoto

The city’s dry gardens seem timeless, but as these relatively new versions show, their design is still evolving. They offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed city.

Kyoto’s dry gardens forgo plants and flowers and instead use elements like gravel, rocks and moss to create contemplative environments. Credit... Andrew Faulk for The New York Times

Supported by

Paula Deitz

By Paula Deitz

  • March 26, 2024

Once, when the Buddha was asked to preach about a flower he was presented, he instead “gazed at it in silence,” according to the British garden designer Sophie Walker in her book “The Japanese Garden.” In this spiritual moment Zen Buddhism was born, inspiring the serene and eternal dry or rock gardens called karesansui.

Unlike a garden designed for strolling, which directs visitors along a defined path to take in scenic views and teahouses, a dry garden is viewed while seated on a veranda above, offering the heightened experience of traveling through it in the imagination, revealing its essence in meditation.

With rocks artfully placed along expanses of fine gravel raked by monks into ripples representing water, they are sources for contemplation, whether they refer to a specific landscape or are serenely abstract. Ryoan-ji, which dates to about 1500, is the supreme example of the latter among Kyoto temples, with its 15 low rocks in five clusters set in pools of moss within an enclosed rectangle of raked gravel. The puzzle is that only 14 are visible at any one time, no matter where you sit to view it.

People sit in a row underneath an overhanging roof. In front of them a corner of a rectangular space filled with gravel and isolated rocks can be seen.

Change in Kyoto, Japan’s major city of temple gardens, is a quiet evolution. But a tour of several dry gardens designed within the last century — and even within the last few years — demonstrates that the Zen tradition is timeless when it comes to landscape design, and that moments of contemplation are still possible, even as the crowds grow bigger.

Upon arrival at the Zen monastery complex Daitoku-ji, in northern Kyoto, I headed to Zuiho-in, one of its 22 subtemples. The temple was founded in 1319, and then in 1546, the powerful feudal lord Sorin Otomo dedicated it to his family. This was during the period of Spanish and Portuguese missionaries in Japan. Like others, Otomo converted to Christianity but remained inspired by Zen Buddhism.

I entered along angled walkways until I arrived at Zuiho-in’s temple veranda to view the main dry garden. Though the style may at first appear traditional, this garden was designed in the 1960s by Mirei Shigemori, a landscape architect whose training was in the Japanese cultural arts: conducting the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and landscape ink and wash painting. As the Western Modernist movement entered Japan, he adopted it in combination with traditional arts and became determined to revolutionize a garden aesthetic that had remained fixed for hundreds of years. He succeeded in designing more than 200 gardens in Japan and even worked with the Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi on a UNESCO garden, collecting stones in Japan that Noguchi set in the garden at the organization’s Paris headquarters.

In the Zuiho-in garden, the gravel swirls are raked into high peaks as if far out at sea, with a chain of jagged pointed rocks like islands leading to a mossy peninsula crested by a massive stone representing Mount Horai, where, according to Taoist mythology, the heroes called the Eight Immortals, who fought for justice, reside. Referring to Otomo’s Christianity, rocks in a second garden define a cross, and three rows of squarish stones embedded in sand elsewhere in the garden could be seen as Shigemori’s Modernist signature.

Across town, in the Higashiyama district, the Philosopher’s Walk is a pedestrian path along the picturesque Lake Biwa Canal. First opened in 1890, it is believed to be named for a Kyoto University philosophy professor who strolled there while meditating. As you walk along it, depending on the season, the swift current below carries brilliant autumnal leaves or delicate cherry blossoms shed from trees lining the banks.

Honen-in, one of several Buddhist temples along the Philosopher’s Walk, is particularly popular in autumn, with its grand staircase and entry gate framed by vast canopies of fiery red Japanese maple trees. Two large, rectangular white-sand mounds along the central path are periodically raked by monks into new designs; last fall, a maple leaf was outlined on one and a ginkgo leaf on the other against backgrounds of ridges.

The high priest, Kajita Shinsho, who lives there with his family, had a private courtyard with a veranda that needed a garden, and last March he engaged Marc Peter Keane, an American landscape architect now living in Kyoto, to design it. A graduate of Cornell University, Mr. Keane has lived in Japan for almost 20 years and specializes in Japanese garden design. Like Shigemori, he has immersed himself in Japanese culture. His home and studio are now permanently in Kyoto.

Only three old, gnarled camellia trees remained on the rectangular site, with blossoms in season ranging from dark rose to pale pink and white. Mr. Keane’s idea was to represent the constant flux of nature, exemplified for him by the carbon cycle — the process by which carbon travels from the air into organisms and back into air. His garden, titled “Empty River,” creates what he described as “a physical expression of this invisible cycle through a river of pure carbon charcoal.”

He traced by foot a narrow serpentine “river” that winds around the roots and trunks of the camellias, and with the short charcoal sticks he placed in the long groove, it cuts a strong black line through a blend of fine brown and white gravel. There are no rocks, only small stones framing the courtyard and plantings, with Andromeda ferns in the corners. Its starkness is its beauty, softened only when camellia petals are strewed across the gravel in April.

Mr. Keane compares this distillation of design and materials to a haiku, the Japanese three-lined poem. But like the gardens of old, it also expresses the Buddhist concept of emptiness.

At Tofuku-ji , a temple, in the city’s southeastern district, Shigemori designed the garden of the Hojo, the Abbot’s Hall, as early as 1939, using materials found on site. His avant-garde vocabulary of straight lines and grids may have seemed sensational then, but it is beloved now for its harmonious vitality.

From the first veranda, you overlook the southern garden, with clusters of mostly jagged vertical rocks and ripples of raked gravel radiating out, terminating at the far end with five mossy mounds like sacred mountains in the sea. In the western garden, squarely trimmed azaleas alternate with square fields of white gravel, reflecting ancient land-division customs. Azaleas in Japan are closely clipped, so these bloom in gorgeous flat surfaces of deep pink.

Next, a vast checkerboard field of leftover square paving stones embedded in a carpet of moss seems to dwindle off to infinity in the northern garden. And finally, to the east, a pattern of stone pillar foundations recreates the Big Dipper constellation, with gravel raked in concentric circles around each pillar to emphasize its individuality.

Ukifune Garden

Mr. Keane’s 2022 Ukifune Garden (Drifting Boat Garden) is an allegorical interpretation of the chapter by the same name from “The Tale of Genji,” Murasaki Shikibu’s 11th-century novel about Prince Hikaru or “Shining” Genji, and his tempestuous romantic and political life at court.

Mr. Keane designed it as the Zen courtyard garden of the Genji Kyoto hotel, opened in April 2022, on the banks of the Kamo River, near where Genji builds his own grand estate and gardens in the book. Designed by the American architect Geoffrey P. Moussas, who also lives in Kyoto, the hotel’s plan incorporates the indoor-outdoor characteristics of Kyoto’s old merchant houses.

Mr. Keane was inspired by the “Genji” scene in which one of two powerful dignitaries vying for the favor of Ukifune, a woman of 22, travels through a snowstorm and absconds with her by boat on the Uji River. As they pass the Isle of Orange Trees, she recites a poem in which she likens herself to the drifting boat: “The enduring hue of the Isle of Orange Trees may well never change,/ yet there is no knowing now where the drifting boat is bound.”

Mr. Keane consulted with John Carpenter, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s curator of Japanese art, who told him of the late-16th-century “Genji” screen painting by Tosa Mitsuyoshi in the museum’s collection illustrating this famous scene. A copy of the panel now hangs in Kyoto next to the garden.

Mr. Keane installed a swerving “river” with gray river stones set ingeniously on edge rather than flat, giving the flow a greater sense of direction. The garden is set between two wings of the hotel, and the “water” appears to tumble down like a waterfall from one building into the next with a wide, flat steel bridge above, a viewing platform bringing the design to life. The banks on either side are densely planted with maple trees, lady palms, ferns and ground-cover moss. And a boat-shaped stone carries a large patch of moss, which Mr. Keane interprets as Earth drifting through the galaxy.

The gardens at Zuiho-in and the Tofuku-ji Abbot’s Hall garden require tickets. The entrance fee at both is 400 Japanese yen for adults (about $2.65) and 300 yen for children (about $2).

General admission to Honen-in is free, except for during the spring and fall opening weeks, which usually fall during the first week of April and the third week of November and cost 500 yen for spring and 800 yen for fall. The Empty River garden can be visited during those weeks.

The Genji Kyoto hotel garden is free to visit.

If you get hungry while touring gardens, Izusen , a restaurant in the Daiji-in subtemple of the Daitoku-ji monastery complex, offers multiple local specialties in set menus beautifully presented in mostly lacquered red bowls, which nest when empty. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. by reservation; 4,370 to 8,050 yen. It is near Zuiho-in.

Also by reservation, Yudofu Kisaki, a restaurant between the entrance to Honen-in and the Philosopher’s Walk, has vegetarian and tofu specialties. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., last order at 6 p.m.; 4,370 to 8,050 yen.

For a companionable book to read on your tour, the Nobel Prize-winning novelist Yasunari Kawabata’s post-World War II novel “The Rainbow” is newly available in English. Several chapters take place in Kyoto, and it can feel as though you are traveling together, often in the same gardens. Kawabata’s knowledge of plants was formidable, and the simplicity of his descriptions both natural and direct: “On the lawn in front of the gate, in the shadows of the pine trees, dandelions and lotuses were in bloom. A double-flowered camellia had blossomed in front of the bamboo fence.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Advertisement

Mass. transparency issues: Healey’s travel schedule highlights bigger problem | Analysis

  • Updated: Mar. 25, 2024, 3:23 p.m. |
  • Published: Mar. 25, 2024, 1:33 p.m.

Maura Healey announces pardons

Gov. Maura Healey announces details of her proposed blanket pardon for simple cannabis, joined by, from left, Senate President Karen Spilka, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Cannabis Control Commission acting Chair Ava Callender Concepcion. (SAM DRYSDALE / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE) State House News Service

If it did nothing else, last week’s heated public debate over Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s personal travel schedule prompted a badly needed conversation around what remains a glaring weakness in a state that’s widely viewed as a bastion of progressivism.

And that’s a disconcerting lack of transparency at nearly every level of state government.

From closed-door votes and a secretive legislative process to state officials who argue they’re exempt from the state’s open records law and the ongoing fight over whether the Legislature can be audited , it can be tough for the average citizen to keep tabs on what their elected officials are doing.

“There is no other state in the country that needs a greater reminder of the virtues of increased government transparency as much as Massachusetts,” Paul D. Craney, a spokesperson for the business-friendly Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance , said in a statement earlier this month, as Sunshine Week kicked off across the commonwealth.

To review, Healey, a Democrat who took office in 2023 vowing to be more transparent than her Republican predecessor, was forced to abruptly backpedal on her office’s tight-lipped travel policy, saying she’d provide information about her personal travel upon request and after the fact, WBUR and other outlets reported.

The pivot came after the Democratic governor left the state for four days last month, with her office refusing to disclose where she went , according to the Boston Globe.

And that was a pivot from an earlier pivot last November, when the administration announced it would stop providing advance notice on Healey’s personal travel, WBUR reported.

As it turns out, the long-weekend jaunt to Puerto Rico was a birthday gift from Healey’s partner, Joanna Lydgate, the administration later said.

“The governor’s focus is on balancing the need to protect the privacy and security of her family while also providing information to the public,” administration spokesperson Karissa Hand said in a statement.

Now, you can argue that the taxpayers don’t need to know where Healey’s spending her downtime. But they do deserve some form of a heads-up, not only because they’re shouldering some portion of the cost, but also because there are succession concerns.

Under state law. Lt. Gov Kim Driscoll assumes Healey’s duties when she’s out of state. If they’re both out of town, Secretary of State William L. Galvin steps in, as was the case during one weekend in February . The voters, at minimum, deserve to know who’s flying the plane, even if they don’t notice a difference in the quality of the flight.

Then there’s the majority-Democrat Legislature, which made news last week for announcing that a joint House-Senate conference committee would meet publicly to hash out the differences over a gun violence reform bill.

In many states, such as Montana, for instance , that’s norm — and not the exception. But that’s not the case in Massachusetts, where legislative leaders routinely meet behind closed doors to reconcile their differences, and only go public when they have a deal to announce.

That tendency toward opacity also comes amid new reporting that the number of roll call votes in the state House has declined steadily over the last few years, depriving voters of the chance to know how their elected representatives are voting on critical issues.

As of earlier this month, the House had held 81 roll call votes during the current, two-year legislative session, The Eagle-Tribune newspaper reported.

That’s down from the 105 it held in the 2021-22 session, and less than the 313 held during the 2017-18 session, the newspaper reported. The same held true in the Senate, which also has had fewer recorded votes, the newspaper reported.

“While these numbers are outrageous, they are not entirely surprising; the sharp drop in roll call votes is part and parcel of a larger trend of concentrating power on Beacon Hill,” Erin Leahy, executive director of the group Act on Mass., told the Eagle-Tribune.

And all this matter because it comes at a time when the public’s faith in institutions, across the spectrum, continues to take a historic beating .

And for a state that’s already gotten failing grades for its transparency , the commonwealth can scarcely afford any more own goals.

More on Politics

  • Family members assail light sentences in Holyoke Soldiers’ Home pandemic neglect case
  • McGovern, U.S. House Minority Leader Jeffries talk inequality, hunger in Worcester
  • RFK Jr. chooses Nicole Shanahan, Calif. lawyer, for vice president pick
  • Legislative audit would be 'body check' to separation of powers, experts warn
  • Springfield’s Cybersecurity Center promises students ‘hands-on experience with real-world problems’

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas has a roundtrip itinerary scheduled to depart Baltimore on April 12, according to the cruise line’s website. “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” a spokesperson for the line said in an email. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April. 

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride.

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

IMAGES

  1. Batumi

    city travel batumi

  2. Batumi Travel guide

    city travel batumi

  3. Batumi

    city travel batumi

  4. How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway to Batumi

    city travel batumi

  5. Batumi 2021: los 10 mejores tours y actividades (con fotos)

    city travel batumi

  6. 5 days trip to Batumi by Backpack Tours GE

    city travel batumi

VIDEO

  1. Batumi

  2. Batumi [4 K] Drone Footage

  3. Places to visit in Georgia 🇬đŸ‡Ș I Exploring Batumi and Tbilisi 🧳

  4. ⏩ Beautiful Batumi City 2024 🇬đŸ‡ȘđŸ‡ȘđŸ‡ș #georgia #tbilisi #batumi #europe #ĐłŃ€ŃƒĐ·ĐžŃ

  5. Batumi. Georgia Black Sea Resort (4k)

  6. Batumi City

COMMENTS

  1. 43 Things To Know Before You Travel To Batumi, Georgia

    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.

  2. 35 Awesome Things to Do in Batumi, Georgia: Beyond the Beach

    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.

  3. Batumi travel

    Batumi. Georgia, Europe. 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.

  4. City Travel

    City Travel, Batumi. 464 likes. CITY TRAVEL BATUMI founded in 2019, is proud of its ambitious and result-oriented team, thriving to implement innovations - Owned by Metro Holding Georgia...

  5. 23 Best Things to Do in Batumi, Georgia (in 2024)

    The best views in Batumi are found on the edge of town. 📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am - 7:30 pm daily | Entrance: â‚Ÿ 30 adults, â‚Ÿ 7 children 5 - 12. A ride on the Argo Cable Car offers the best views of town hands down. The lower station near the harbor spans over 1.5 miles to the upper station on Anuria Mountain.

  6. 40 Wonderful Things to Do in Batumi with Map & Directions

    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.

  7. Batumi Travel Guide: Things to Do in Batumi, Georgia

    Batumi Travel Guide: Final Thoughts. Nestled on the Black Sea coast of Georgia, Batumi is a picturesque city that captivates travelers with its endless beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It boasts a myriad of activities, from basking in the sun on its idyllic beaches to exploring its ancient landmarks and indulging in its flavorful cuisine.

  8. A Weekend in Batumi: Georgia's Quirky Second City on the Coast

    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 ...

  9. Top Things To Do In Batumi, Georgia

    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.

  10. Batumi

    View of Batumi. Batumi is the capital city of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara in the country of Georgia.Batumi's coastal location and sub-tropical climate make it a popular holiday destination. It's the party capital of the region, with a nightlife to match, which increasingly includes big name international DJs on the beachfront clubs.

  11. Batumi

    Batumi. Batumi, a gem in western Georgia, is a popular destination for tourists all year round. Nestled in the stunning Ajara region along the Black Sea coastline, this city boasts a beautiful shoreline, rich history, diverse architecture, and a unique blend of mountain and sea activities, as well as wine and gastronomy.

  12. Where to Stay and Play in Batumi, Georgia's Thriving Second City

    While most tourists flock to the nightclub and museum-rich capital city of Tbilisi, just a train ride away is the "Las Vegas of the Black Sea," Batumi.. Known for its casinos, luxury hotels ...

  13. A travel guide to Batumi: Georgia's Black Sea summer resort city

    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 ...

  14. A Visit to Batumi—Georgia's Most Charming Seaside Town

    Few have stumbled onto the golden solitude in a city like Batumi, a lazy seaside town where the beaches are welcoming, the food and wine delectable, and the culture ancient and vibrant. "I think ...

  15. Batumi Travel Guide

    Batumi Travel Guide - Georgia. 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.

  16. What to Do in Batumi 2 Days in Georgia's Seaside City

    Looking to spend some time in Batumi, Georgia's city on the Black Sea, but unsure what to do? ... Travel Planning: The Best Georgia Highlights in 3 Weeks. Day 1: What to Do in Batumi Europe Square is the heart and soul of Batumi. Batumi first and foremost is a bustling port city. Sadly, many old neighborhoods are being demolished and high ...

  17. Batumi (Georgia) Travel Guide

    Batumi: the longest promenade in Europe, murals of the old town, and banana jungles on the Black Sea coast The Georgian city of Batumi is known as a resort and port. In the summer, it is indeed crowded, but life bustles even off-season. What to see besides sunsets, where in the capital of Adjara they
 Read More »Batumi Travel Guide

  18. Batumi

    Harbour. Together with the harbour of the city of Poti some 75 kilometres to the north, the port of Batumi is the main freight hub of both Georgia as well as the entire greater Caucasus region. The port of Batumi is located just a stone throw away from the old town and you can almost freely walk along the quays.

  19. 10 Best Day Trips From Batumi (With Map & Directions)

    Private transfers with GoTrip. Public transport (city bus/marshrutka van/train) Hiring a bicycle in Batumi. Batumi day trips with a hire car. Map of Batumi day trips. 10 best day trips from Batumi. 1. Mtsvane Kontskhi. 2.

  20. City Travel

    City Travel, Batumi. 462 likes. CITY TRAVEL BATUMI founded in 2019, is proud of its ambitious and result-oriented team, thriving to

  21. City Travel

    City Travel, Batumi. 461 likes. CITY TRAVEL BATUMI founded in 2019, is proud of its ambitious and result-oriented team, thriving to

  22. Tour: Domestic Tour, International Tour, Culture Tour

    You can continue to the next page for the total amount. Buy domestic, international daily and package tours. Cyprus tours, fair tours and european cup matches tour and more.

  23. Black Sea Holiday: This Resort Is Funky Enough To Attract Anyone!

    The Funky City of Batumi Batumi is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara within Georgia and is a must-see for anyone visiting the country (just visit in the summer season). ... Things To Do & Travel Guides 10 Oldest National Parks In The US Feb 17, 2024. 7 National Parks Within Driving Distance Of New York City Feb 17, 2024. 3 Scenic ...

  24. This Is the Best U.S. City to Live in for 2024

    This city of about 150,000, west of Chicago, was just named the best place to live in 2024 by Niche.com (it was also on our Best Places to Live in Illinois list, as recommended by real estate ...

  25. Visiting an eclipse totality city? Here's what to do eat, see and do

    Totality: 3:18 to 3:22 p.m. Eastern time. Buffalo is toward the end of the eclipse arc in the United States. Marc Moscato, owner of Buffalo Bike Tours, offers a chicken wing tour, where you can ...

  26. Bird Flu Reaches Cattle; Virus Found In Milk From 3 States

    Search City or Zip Code. 26. Today. Hourly. 10 Day. Radar. Video. Try Premium free for 7 days. Learn More. Advertisement ... Travel. Now Playing. Bird Flu Detected In Cow's Milk 00:32.

  27. 4 Kyoto Gardens to Find a Moment of Zen

    Zuiho-in. The dry garden at Zuiho-in may at first appear traditional, but it was designed in the 1960s by Mirei Shigemori. Andrew Faulk for The New York Times. Upon arrival at the Zen monastery ...

  28. Mass. transparency issues: Healey's travel schedule ...

    Enter City and State or Zip Code. Submit. Subscribe. Unlimited Digital Access - Start Today for $1 - Expires 4/1/24 ... was forced to abruptly backpedal on her office's tight-lipped travel ...

  29. Baltimore bridge collapse is already impacting travel: What to know

    Travel is being impacted by Tuesday's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city ...

  30. American Express Global Business Travel buys CWT for $570M

    CWT, the business travel company once owned by Minnesota's Carlson family, will be acquired by American Express Global Business Travel, an even bigger player in B2B travel services, in a $570 ...