Best things to do in Batumi
1. Visit the Batumi Boulevard
Stretching for almost 7 kilometers along the coast, Batumi Boulevard is a must-visit attraction in the city. This beautifully landscaped park offers stunning views of the Black Sea and is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. You can also find various cafes, restaurants, and entertainment options along the boulevard.
2. Explore the Old Town
The charming Old Town of Batumi, is a perfect blend of ancient and modern architecture. It’s one of the most picturesque areas in the city with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and colorful houses adorned with beautiful balconies. Take a stroll through this area and discover the unique charm of Batumi’s past.
3. Visit the Ali and Nino Statue
The Ali and Nino love statue is a popular attraction in Batumi. It’s a larger-than-life masterpiece that depicts the love story between two fictional characters from different cultural backgrounds. The statue features 8-meter-tall moving figures, symbolizing the constant movement of love.
4. Try Your Luck at One of the Grand Casinos in Batumi
For those feeling lucky, Batumi is also home to many casinos. The city boasts several grand casinos where you can try your hand at various games like poker, blackjack, and roulette. Even if gambling isn’t your thing, these luxurious casinos offer a unique experience and are worth a visit.
You can visit the Casino for free, but remember to bring your passport. They will provide you with a card that you can load with money to play if you wish. However, there is no obligation to play.
5. Have a drink at Alphabetic tower
The Alphabetic tower is a unique landmark in Batumi that stands at 130 meters tall. It features 33 letters from the Georgian alphabet and offers incredible views of the city. You can take a ride to the top of the tower and enjoy a drink at the rotating restaurant while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
The ticket prices are 20 GEL for adults and 5 GEL for children. The cocktails are excellent, though not the cheapest.
6. Explore Batumi Botanical Garden
Located just 9 kilometers from the city, Batumi Botanical Garden is a paradise for nature lovers. The garden stretches over 111 hectares and features over 5,000 species of plants from all over the world.
7. Work out at one of the outdoor gyms
If you’re looking for a more active way to spend your time in Batumi, head to one of the many outdoor gyms. These open-air workout spots are free to use and some offer a beautiful view of the sea while you exercise.
8. Dancing Fountains
The Batumi dancing fountains perform nightly from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM on the Old Boulevard. The show combines music, lights, and water in a mesmerizing display that is perfect for all ages. Take a stroll along the boulevard and enjoy the colorful spectacle of the dancing fountains.
9. Enjoy Batumi’s Vibrant Nightlife
Batumi has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants offering a variety of entertainment options.
10. Head to the beach
Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming in the Black Sea, and enjoying water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing.
11. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Destinations
Prometheus Cave, Martvili Canyon & Okatse Canyon
They are all within a few hours’ drive from Batumi and offer stunning natural scenery. We didn’t manage to take this trip, but it’s on our list for our next visit to Georgia.
The Adjara Region
Batumi is located in the heart of the Adjara region which is known for its stunning landscapes and charming villages. Take a day trip to the nearby areas and explore the picturesque countryside and visit traditional Georgian wineries.
Trabzon, Turkey
For those looking to go beyond the borders of Georgia, a day trip to Trabzon, Turkey is easily accessible from Batumi. This bustling city offers a mix of cultures and attractions.
Svaneti Region
If you have more time to spare, a trip to the Svaneti region is highly recommended. This remote mountainous area is home to traditional villages, medieval towers, and breathtaking scenery. It’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
We highly recommend spending more time in that area, as it is approximately a 5-hour drive from Batumi without stops. However, if you are short on time, a day trip is still worthwhile. The journey from Batumi to Mestia is stunning, with numerous beautiful spots to explore along the way.
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Where to stay in Batumi?
Batumi offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. There are numerous towering skyscrapers offering small studios for rent. Additionally, the area boasts luxurious hotels with breathtaking views of the Black Sea, alongside budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels.
For a luxurious stay, consider these options: Le Meridien Batumi, Alliance Palace Batumi, and Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Batumi.
Where to eat in Batumi?
Breakfast & Brunch
Here are some of our favourite breakfast/brunch places:
Hedonist coffee & breakfast
Minimalist
Lovita
Blue Elephant Cafe
Lunch & Dinner
Batumi has a variety of options for lunch and dinner, including traditional Georgian food, as well as international cuisine. Some popular choices include: Umami at Clouds, 360 Sky Bar & Restaurant and Chacha time.
When should I visit Batumi?
The best time to visit Batumi is during the summer months of June, July, and August. These months offer the warmest weather and most activities and events taking place in the city. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in May or September when the crowds are smaller but the weather is still pleasant.
During winter (December-February), temperatures can drop significantly and many businesses may close for the season.
We visited at the beginning of May. The weather was generally nice, with some days being pleasantly warm while others were rainy and cold. For a beach trip, it’s best to visit later in the summer months.
How long to stay in Batumi?
The length of your stay in Batumi depends on your travel plans and personal preferences. If you’re only interested in seeing the main attractions and trying some local cuisine, a weekend trip would be sufficient. However, if you want to explore more of the surrounding areas, we recommend staying for at least 5-7 days.
How to get to Batumi?
Batumi is easily accessible by air, train, and bus.
Batumi Airport (BUS) provides direct flights to destinations such as Istanbul, Riga, Tel Aviv, Almaty, and Minsk, among others.
From Tbilisi:
The best way to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi is by train. Trains operate daily, both in the morning and afternoon, with fares set at 35 GEL for 2nd class, 75 GEL for 1st class, and 125 GEL for business class. The journey takes approximately 5 hours.
How to Get Around in Batumi?
Batumi is a small city, making it easy to navigate on foot. However, if you prefer public transportation, there are buses available for getting around the city.
The easiest way to get around is by using the Bolt app. A short drive in the city typically costs between 5-10 GEL.
Bikes are also available for rent, offering a fantastic way to explore the city while getting some exercise.
Is Batumi Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Batumi is a charming and unique city, offering a mix of modern and traditional elements. It’s also an excellent location for day trips to nearby attractions.
