As the second largest city in Georgia, having overtaken Kutaisi in recent years, Batumi is a place you should definitely not miss. Like many cities along the Black Sea, it has an incredibly diverse culture, beautiful architecture, and a stunning coastline waiting for you to explore.
In this guide, I will highlight the most incredible things to do in Batumi and provide all the information you need to plan the perfect trip. Discover why Batumi is not just the "Dubai of the Black Sea" but so much more! Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Batumi:
- Batumi Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Batumi?
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11 Best Things to Do in Batumi
- Visit Europe Square
- Be Amazed By Batumi Piazza Square's Mosaic
- Watch Ali & Nino Statue Merge Together
- Hang Out at Batumi Beach
- Stroll Along Batumi Boulevard
- Track Down Cool Architecture Around Batumi
- Learn More About the Ajara People at Museums in Batumi
- Check Out Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral
- Relax at 6 May Park
- Watch Sunset at Argo Cable Car Top Station
- Explore Batumi Botanical Garden
- What to Eat and Drink in Batumi
- How to Get to Batumi?
- How to Get Around Batumi?
- What to Pack for Batumi?
- Further Reading for Georgia
Batumi Things to Do Map
11 Best Things to Do in Batumi
1. Visit Europe Square
Situated right in the heart of Batumi's Old Town, you'll find Europe Square, an expansive town square surrounded by stunning European-style buildings, unlike any other square you'll find in Georgia.
The square is surrounded by an impressive array of 19th and 20th-century architecture, fully restored to its glory. Standing at the center of the square, you will find a tall statue of Medea, a dancing fountain, and plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sit and relax.
When I first arrived in Batumi, I wandered around the old town and stumbled upon this square by chance. I was blown away by how different it felt compared to the town squares in Tbilisi or Kutaisi. This one feels much more European, while the others have a more Soviet-like atmosphere.
- Back2ME (Budget)
- Palm Hotel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Rooms Hotel Batumi (High-End)
- Martvili Canyon & Prometheus Cave Group Tour from Batumi (12 hours)
- Exploring the Outskirts of Batumi Tour (8 hours)
- Private Canyon & Cave Tour from Batumi (Martvili, Okatse, Prometheus) (8-9 hours)
Right at the eastern corner of the square, you will also find an astronomical clock built on the side of an incredible art-nouveau tower, which I think is one of the most beautiful buildings here, so be sure to check that out as well.
Where to Stay in Batumi?
2. Be Amazed By Batumi Piazza Square's Mosaic
Another impressive square you should visit is Batumi Piazza Square, a large open-air space surrounded by stunning European-style architecture, with cafés, restaurants, and shops to explore. With its tower and open-air square framed by European-style buildings, the resemblance to Venice's town square is almost uncanny!
The square is also known for its massive central mosaic of 106 square meters, which is considered the largest figurative marble mosaic in Europe. It was designed by a Georgian-Swiss artist with the concept of harmony between the sea and urban expanse, which exactly represents Batumi, in my opinion.
The mosaic is right at the center of the square and is made out of over 88 million marble cuts from 14 different countries. It is then brought here to be assembled into the incredible art piece you see here. It is an incredible sight to see, so be sure to drop by Batumi Piazza Square and check the mosaic out.
3. Watch Ali & Nino Statue Merge Together
It's now time to hit the beach, but before that, make sure you make your way to the famous Ali & Nino Statue, also known as the Statue of Love, and witness its mesmerizing union that happens every 10 minutes throughout the day. The statue is probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city!
The story that inspired the statue is tragic, much like the way the figures unite and then move apart again. According to the tale, during World War I, Ali, an Azerbaijani Muslim, falls in love with Nino, a Georgian princess. Sadly, after they finally come together, war strikes, and Ali is killed.
The story, written by an unknown Austrian author, inspired Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze to create this moving sculpture in 2010. The figures are made of stacked segments that slide through one another, merging and separating repeatedly each day. 😢 It's definitely one of the most recognizable landmarks in Georgia, so be sure to check the statue out before you hit the beach!
4. Hang Out at Batumi Beach
If you're looking to spend a few relaxing hours in Batumi, head to Batumi Beach, find a nice spot, and enjoy some sun and sea. Despite being a pebble beach, it doesn't stop locals and tourists from coming out in droves to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas available for you to use, and if you want to go swimming, be sure to bring water shoes to navigate the pebbly beach easily. Walking around barefoot can be quite painful!
5. Stroll Along Batumi Boulevard
Along the coastline of the Black Sea, you’ll find the beautiful Batumi Boulevard, which stretches over 7 km parallel to the beach. This area is dotted with stunning art installations, flora and fauna, and monuments that are tourist attractions in their own right.
The idea of creating a garden by the coastline of Batumi began more than a century ago in 1881 when someone requested a gardener from Prussia to design and build the boulevard. Unfortunately, he died 3 years later and the construction was continued by a French gardener until completion.
Since then, the boulevard has been renovated and enlarged with the current state completely expanded to over 7 km long with 4 historic alleys, a bike path, and over 40,000 trees planted in 2009. Along the boulevard, you will find attractions like the Japanese Garden, Miracle Park, and Batumi Boulevard Fountains.
Be sure to check out the Batumi Boulevard Fountains between 9 PM and 2 AM to witness the spectacular light and sound show, where colorful lights illuminate the area, accompanied by music and laser displays.
6. Track Down Cool Architecture Around Batumi
As you arrive in Batumi, you will probably notice all the crazy-looking buildings and skyscrapers here. These cool pieces of architecture are what gave Batumi the "Dubai of the Black Sea" nickname, and there are quite a lot of them across town waiting for you to track down.
One of the most prominent ones is Batumi Alphabet Tower, a high-rise monument with a restaurant at the top and a great view of the coastline, Alliance Privilege, a stunning contemporary architectural complex with fluid and dynamic exterior that resembles a wave, and the most iconic of all, Batumi Tower Ferris Wheel, a hotel complex with a giant golden ferris wheel built into the facade.
One of my favorites is definitely Batumi Tower Ferris Wheel. I mean, how often do you see a giant Ferris wheel built into a skyscraper like this? I'd say, never, right? The Ferris wheel is hanging over the side of the skyscraper at around 100 meters above ground and it is equipped with 8 cabins that can fit a total of 40 people.
Unfortunately, it wasn't operational when I visited, but it would have been amazing to see the view of Batumi and its surroundings from up there! The winding streets of Batumi are filled with incredible architecture, like the O.Galogre Hotel with its Art Nouveau-style facade. Be sure to spend some time exploring and tracking down these beautiful buildings!
7. Learn More About the Ajara People at Museums in Batumi
There are many great museums in Batumi, but if you want to learn more about Adjara, another name for this region, and its culture and people, you can check out Ajara Khariton Akhvlediani Museum.
The museum houses over 180,000 artifacts, ranging from old photographs to art pieces discovered in this region of Georgia. It is divided into several exhibitions that trace the area's natural and social history, allowing you to explore for about an hour. Tickets cost around 6 GEL, and the museum is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Another awesome museum is Ajara Art Museum, which houses a beautiful collection of 19th to 20th century artworks by both Georgian and foreign artists. The museum is inside a beautiful historical building that was designed by a famous Georgian architect in 1949.
Inside, you’ll find some incredible art pieces, with my favorite being the stunning work by Nikoloz (Koka) Ignatov, a 20th-century painter. He created the piece shown in the picture above in 1997, just five years before his death. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is also 6 GEL.
8. Check Out Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral
Another unique piece of architecture you should check out is the Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral, an early 20th-century Orthodox church with a neo-Gothic architectural style that resembles Catholic churches more than the typical Georgian Orthodox design.
The church features three spires, vibrant stained glass windows, and a stunning orange interior adorned with decorated columns, frescoes, and chandeliers. The blend of neo-Gothic and Orthodox architectural styles is certainly something you don't see every day in Georgia.
The church is open daily from 8:30 AM to 7 PM, and entrance is free. While photography is usually not permitted inside, if you happen to visit during a wedding like I did, you may be able to snap some photos. The interior is truly worth seeing!
9. Relax at 6 May Park
The bustle and hustle of Batumi can get rather overwhelming at times, and if you are looking for a nice and quiet place to relax, away from the tourist crowds, I highly recommend you check out 6 May Park, an old garden with more than 130 years of history. Its construction began in 1881 as part of the plan to uplift the city's Boulevard area.
At the center of the park, you will find a freshwater lake, much like Central Park, but on a smaller scale. There are plenty of benches around the lake where you can relax in solitude. The locals often come here to escape the bustling city.
There are also many facilities around the park that you can check out, such as Batumi Dolphinarium, an aquarium, and duck paddles that you can rent to explore the lake. If you are looking for a less crowded place to stroll in Batumi, be sure to check out 6 May Park.
10. Watch Sunset at Argo Cable Car Top Station
For the best viewpoint to watch the sunset, you can't go wrong with the viewpoint next to Restaurant Argo located on the hillside of Anuria Mountain overlooking Batumi and its coastline. The place is connected to Batumi's city center via a cable car, which is very easy to access.
To get to the viewpoint, you can catch the cable car from Argo Cable Car Station in the city. The roundtrip ticket should cost around 30 GEL, and it should take about 10 minutes before you arrive at Argo Cable Car Top Station.
From there, you can walk to the viewpoint without having to eat at the restaurant to have access to it. Unfortunately, there's not much to do up there except the viewpoint and the restaurant, which makes the 30 GEL price tag rather expensive for what you get, but if you are there at sunset, at least, you will get a wonderful experience.
The cable car operates daily from 10 AM to 10:30 PM. Expect a long queue to form at the station around sunset, so be sure to factor that into your travel time.
11. Explore Batumi Botanical Garden
A great place to visit as a half-day trip from the city is Batumi Botanical Garden, a massive green space located in the Green Cape area, a stunning coastal area 9 km north of Batumi.
The garden contains a slew of unique flora and fauna, a subtropical plant collection, centuries-old woody trees, and amazing panoramic views of the Black Sea. The garden covers over 108 hectares and is connected by small paved trails where you can either walk or take the shuttle bus around for a fee.
The park is dotted with many cool sculptures, art installations, and viewpoints that will keep you occupied for a few hours. You can also go ziplining along the coast, which is a pretty awesome way to experience the area. The ziplining will cost you 70 GEL per person and the starting point is here.
Since the garden is massive, expect to spend at least 2 - 3 hours here, including travel time. To get to Batumi Botanical Garden, you can take the bus number 31 from Baku Street Ropeway Bus Stop, which runs every 15 minutes. The bus will drop you off at the Green Cape entrance, which is the best entrance to start your exploration. The bus should take about 1 hour and cost 0.5 GEL. You can only pay with a credit card or transportation card.
You can also reach the garden by Bolt Taxi, which takes about 40 minutes and costs around 14 GEL. Be sure to select "Green Cape Side, Batumi Botanical Garden" as your drop-off point, as I believe it's the better entrance for exploring the garden on foot.
Once you arrive, it's about a 2-minute walk to the Green Cape entrance, where you can purchase an entrance ticket for 20 GEL and begin exploring the garden. The garden is open daily from 9 AM to 7:30 PM.
What to Eat and Drink in Batumi
1. Eat the Best Khinkali at Khinkali Ludi
Khinkali Ludi is undoubtedly one of the best places to try authentic khinkali. Dare I say, it might be the most delicious khinkali you will ever have in Georgia! This place is also very popular with locals, which is always a good sign when you’re looking for an authentic restaurant.
They don’t have a menu and only serve two things: khinkali and beer, priced at 1.2 GEL and 2 GEL, respectively, which is extremely cheap! When I visited, I was completely blown away by the taste. The khinkali here were well-seasoned and not dull-flavored like many I had tried elsewhere.
I approached the really nice lady running the place and ordered four khinkali, which arrived at my table in less than five minutes without any fuss. I loved it! If you’re looking for the best place to try khinkali in Batumi, Khinkali Ludi is the place to be.
2. Try Adjarian Khachapuri at Acharuli Khachapuri House
More often than not, when you see a picture of khachapuri online featuring bread with an egg and cheese in the middle, it’s usually Adjarian khachapuri, which originated from this region of Georgia. Other regions have their own takes on khachapuri, often served in a round shape similar to pizzas, so if you want to try the real Adjarian Khachapuri, you are going to love Acharuli Khachapuri House.
This popular restaurant serves a variety of Khachapuri as well as salads and pizzas, but you are going to want to try the delicious Adjarian Khachapuri. I ordered the small one for 12 GEL, and it was already filling enough for me.
They can take quite a while to prepare the khachapuri (it took 40 minutes for me), and the place can get pretty packed during lunchtime, so be sure to arrive before or after the lunch rush. The restaurant is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.
3. Have Coffee at Rhino Coffee
If you are looking for a hip cafe to hang out at in Batumi, you can't go wrong with Rhino Coffee, one of the first cafes here that serve specialty coffee. I really dig the vibe here with fun and colorful decor, lots of people hanging out, and good music playing in the background.
They offer a variety of coffee and non-coffee drinks, both hot and cold, as well as pastries and delicious breakfast options, perfect for brunch. The cafe is open from 9 AM to 9 PM every day, so be sure to check them out while you are here.
How to Get to Batumi?
To get to Batumi, you can fly here from Istanbul via Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines, or you can get to Kutaisi or Tbilisi first and travel by land from there. You can browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find the cheapest flight from your home country to here.
Once you arrive at Batumi Airport, you can catch the bus #10 to the city center for 0.8 GEL. The bus runs every 15 minutes and takes about 20 - 30 minutes depending on the traffic. You can check the route here and see where you can get off to be closest to your accommodation. You can also hail a Bolt Taxi to take you directly to your accommodation. It should cost around 13-16 GEL for the trip.
If you are coming from Kutaisi or Tbilisi, you can take either the train or the bus to Batumi. While the train may take a bit longer, it is definitely more comfortable than the bus. However, it can be challenging to reserve a spot, as it gets booked up quickly. You can book tickets for the bus or train here: from Tbilisi, from Kutaisi.
The train and bus will drop you off at Batumi Central Railway Station, where you can catch bus #10 to the city center. It runs every 15 minutes and takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare is approximately 0.8 GEL per person.
How to Get Around Batumi?
By Walking: Most tourist attractions in Batumi are concentrated in the old town area, which is easily walkable, thanks to the beautiful boulevard that runs along the coastline.
By Bus: For further destinations like the Central Station (bus #10) and the Botanical Garden (bus #31), you can reach them by bus, though you'll need to do some research on which bus to take, as there isn’t much information available online. The fare is 0.8 GEL per trip, and they only accept credit cards or transport cards, no cash.
By Bolt Taxi: You can also rely on Bolt Taxi to get anywhere in the city quickly and comfortably for a relatively low price.
By Car: You can also rent a car from the airport and drive around Batumi. While the roads are generally in good condition, traffic can be quite heavy, and the narrow cobblestone streets in the old town can be challenging to navigate and find parking. However, you should be able to do everything in this guide without a car.
What to Pack for Batumi?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Batumi, Georgia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Batumi, Georgia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Georgia
I hope you found this Georgia travel guide useful. If you are looking for something to read to help with your Georgia trip planning even further, be sure to check out the articles below:
- For a complete itinerary to Georgia, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Georgia Itinerary.
- Tbilisi is definitely one of my favorite cities in the Caucasus with its vibrancy and liveliness that rival no one. If you are planning a trip here, be sure to check out our guide: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Tbilisi.
- Looking for a great day trip from Tbilisi? How about visiting the romantic wine region of Kakheti? Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Kakheti.
- Nestled between the rolling mountains of the Greater Caucasus Range, Kazbegi is hands down one of the best places to visit in Georgia. From the photogenic Gergeti Trinity Church to all the awesome hikes you can do, here is A Complete Travel Guide to Kazbegi.
- One of the best day trips you can make in Kazbegi is to visit Juta Valley and go hiking around one of the many hiking trails here. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Juta Valley.
- An alternative day trip you can make in Kazbegi is to spend a day hiking in Truso Valley, where stunning nature meets incredible history. To help you plan the ultimate trip, here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Truso Valley.
- As one of the oldest cities in Georgia, with a history spanning 3,000 years, Kutaisi has a ton of things for you to see and do. If you're planning a visit, be sure to check out our 10 best things to do in Kutaisi.
- Svaneti is one of the most beautiful regions in Georgia. It is home to not just beautiful mountains, but also the Svans with their rich history, and unique culture. If you want to visit Svaneti, this is the travel guide for you: A Complete Travel Guide to Svaneti
- One of the best hikes you can do in Svaneti is the Koruldi Lakse hike. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Koruldi Lakes
- For a complete list of things to do in Mestia, check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Mestia
- Ushguli is one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe, and it is a must-visit if you are exploring Svaneti. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Ushguli
- Wondering where to go after Georgia? Why not drop by Armenia or Azerbaijan afterward?
- For all articles about Georgia, visit our Georgia Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to the Caucasus Region? Check out all my articles about the region here: The Caucasus Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
1 Comments
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