Batumi is an intriguing mix of beach resort, bustling city, and ambitious development hub. I became curious about this city after meeting Georgia’s tourism reps at a travel fair in London, who spoke of modern skyscrapers and Black Sea charm. In reality, Batumi feels more chaotic than polished, with traffic, construction, and a skyline that doesn’t quite match the glossy brochures.
Yet, its contrasts are part of the appeal. Turkish influences, lively energy, and incredible food reflect centuries of cultural exchange. Flawed but fascinating, Batumi is a lively and unexpected destination worth stopping at on any trip to Georgia. At least for eating the best khinkali in the Country. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Take the first-hand experiences from this article with you wherever you go,
packed with extra tips and exclusive photos for less than the price of a coffee*!
*FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know About Batumi and the Autonomous Region of Ajara
Batumi is the second-largest city in Georgia and the capital of Adjara, a semi-autonomous region on the Black Sea coast with a distinct personality. Adjara, also spelt Ajara, has a strong Turkish influence from its time under Ottoman rule. You’ll notice it in the food, the architecture and the atmosphere.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA
Stay online everywhere in Georgia with Holafly eSIM and enjoy unlimited data, fast internet, no roaming: perfect for using Google Maps and sharing your trip as you go.
Travel worry-free with Heymondo travel insurance, so you can enjoy every moment of your Georgian adventure without stress.
In Batumi, mosques stand next to Orthodox churches, and you can grab a simit in the morning before heading to a Georgian wine bar in the evening. It feels different from the rest of the country, with its own rhythms and flavours that make it worth exploring.
Best Time to Visit Batumi: Seasonal Guide to Georgia’s Black Sea Resort
Batumi has a different feel in every season, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. I visited in June, and it was already sweltering, but still quiet enough to enjoy without the summer crowds. The city has a humid subtropical climate, so expect warm weather most of the year, with greenery everywhere.
Spring is lovely for flowers and relaxed sightseeing, summer is all about the sea and buzz, autumn is colourful and foodie-friendly, and even winter has a cosy, off-season vibe.
What to See in Batumi: Top Attractions, Iconic Statues and Places You Can’t Miss
In Batumi, bold modern architecture blends seamlessly with the charm of tradition. If you’re wondering what to see in this vibrant seaside city, get ready to stroll along its lively boulevard, admire iconic statues like Ali and Nino, explore futuristic towers, and lose yourself in the cobbled streets of the old town.
Every corner reveals something unexpected, from striking landmarks to quiet spots full of character. Keep reading to discover the top attractions you simply can’t miss, and create your own itinerary to experience this unique Georgian destination. Alternatively, you can participate in a Batumi walking tour and discover iconic landmarks with a guide.
Batumi Boulevard: Seaside Promenade and Urban Green Space
The Batumi Boulevard is one of the city’s most iconic spots, ideal for a leisurely seaside walk or a bike ride with stunning views. Stretching for over 7 km along the Black Sea, it’s lined with palm trees, sculptures, fountains and futuristic buildings that give Batumi its unique character.
The idea dates back to 1881, when a Prussian gardener was invited to design a coastal garden, later completed by a French landscaper. Today, it’s a lush urban park with four historic alleys and over 40,000 trees.
As you stroll along, you’ll pass landmarks like the Alphabet Tower, the peaceful Japanese Garden and the quirky Octopus café. I really enjoyed walking there, even in the summer heat. The wide, well-maintained paths make it easy to explore on foot or by bike.
In the evening, the boulevard takes on a completely different vibe. As the temperature cools, street vendors appear with snacks and glowing toys, and the entire promenade comes to life. It’s one of those places where you can take your time, stop for photos, or just enjoy the sea breeze and the lively atmosphere.
Batumi Octopus: Quirky Landmark on the Boulevard
One of the most unusual sights along Batumi Boulevard is the giant mosaic octopus. It’s impossible to miss and even more fun up close. Built in 1975 by architect George Chakhava and mosaic artist Zurab Kapanadze, this bold Soviet-style sculpture was originally a café.
Recently restored, the sculpture now looks vibrant and colourful again, a mix of art and architecture that feels both retro and futuristic. You’ll find it right on the promenade in front of the Hilton, and yes, there’s still a café inside if you’re curious to sit under the tentacles.
Japanese Garden in Batumi: A Quiet Oasis by the Coast
Just north of the Octopus sculpture, right in front of Batumi State University, you’ll find a small but charming Japanese-style garden. It features all the classic elements: red torii gate, arched bridge, stone lanterns, and maple trees.
I expected the garden to be bigger, but it’s really no larger than a series of flowerbeds. Still, it’s beautifully designed and creates a peaceful corner that feels miles away from the busy seafront. Tourists love stopping here for a photo, and it’s a lovely little spot to pause during your stroll.
Batumi Lighthouse: Historic Beacon of the Black Sea Coast
At the far end of Batumi Boulevard, stands one of the city’s oldest landmarks, the Batumi Lighthouse. While the surrounding area has undergone dramatic changes, with futuristic towers and public art installations, the lighthouse remains a quiet reminder of Batumi’s maritime heritage.
A lighthouse has stood on this spot since 1863, but the current version was built in 1882. It’s actually a replica of the lighthouse in Sokhumi, in the region of Abkhazia. On a clear day, if you look out from the waterfront near the lighthouse, you might even catch a glimpse of the Abkhazian coast across the sea.
Batumi Old Town: Cobblestone Streets and 19th-Century Architecture
Batumi’s Old Town might not have the size or ambience of Tbilisi’s, but it still hides some beautiful surprises. Tucked between the port and Gamsakhurdia Street, once known as Mariinsky Avenue, the historic centre is easily spotted on Google Maps.
This part of the city is full of charm, with cobbled streets that run east to west and a mix of architectural styles. You’ll find Art Nouveau façades, elegant Art Deco corners, and grand old houses with carved wooden doors and intricate wrought iron balconies. Most buildings date back to the late 19th century, though some feel even older.
One of the things I loved most was that the area is small enough to explore on foot, but every street has its own character. I recommend taking your time and not being afraid to wander around.
Europe Square is a grand open space that feels more like a Western European piazza than a typical Georgian square. Surrounded by beautifully restored 19th- and 20th-century buildings, it’s easily one of the most elegant and photogenic corners of the city.
Another impressive square to visit in Batumi is Batumi Piazza, a striking open-air space surrounded by elegant European-style buildings. With its tall clock tower, cobbled flooring, and charming cafés and restaurants, it feels like stepping into a little piece of Italy right in the heart of the city. At the centre of the square, you’ll find one of Batumi’s most remarkable artworks: a massive figurative marble mosaic measuring 106 square metres.
Alphabet Tower: Symbol of Georgian Identity on the Black Sea Coast
One of the most prominent landmarks in Batumi is the Alphabet Tower, a high-rise monument with a restaurant at the top and a great view of the coastline. Probably the single strangest piece of Batumi architecture, the Alphabet Tower is a monument to the Georgian language.
Characters from the alphabet wrap around the scaffold-like structure, culminating in a giant metallic orb. An elevator runs up the middle of the tower, and there’s an observation deck at the top.
However, as with other tourist attractions in Batumi, working hours are not clear. I didn’t see people queuing around in the morning, so I presumed it was closed.
Ali and Nino Statue: The Moving Love Story of Batumi
Before heading to the beach, don’t miss one of Batumi’s most iconic landmarks: the Ali and Nino Statue, also known as the Statue of Love. Every 10 minutes, the two metal figures slowly move toward each other, merge in a brief embrace, then slide apart again. It’s a mesmerising performance that repeats all day long.
The sculpture is based on the novel Ali and Nino written by Kurban Said, which tells the tragic love story between a Muslim Azerbaijani boy and a Christian Georgian girl in Baku during the years 1914–1920. Their love, much like the sculpture, is destined yet impossible, torn between cultures, religions and the politics of the time.
The statue was created in 2010 by Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze to capture this bittersweet story in motion.
It’s featured everywhere as one of the most recognisable landmarks in Georgia, so I imagined it would be huge. In reality, it’s much smaller than I expected, especially when compared to the nearby Alphabet Tower. Still, despite its size, it remains a powerful and poetic symbol of Batumi and is definitely worth seeing up close.
Batumi Tower Ferris Wheel: Panoramic Rides Above the City Skyline
One of the most striking sights in Batumi is the Batumi Tower Ferris Wheel, a skyscraper with a giant golden Ferris wheel built directly into its façade. The wheel hangs around 100 metres above the ground and features eight cabins that can carry up to 40 people in total.
This unusual structure is part of a hotel complex and stands out as one of the city’s boldest architectural statements. It’s also one of my favourite highlights, both surreal and fascinating to see up close. When I visited, the Ferris wheel wasn’t operating, and it wasn’t clear when or if it would start up again. Still, it’s an impressive sight from below and must offer a spectacular view over Batumi and the Black Sea when in use.
Batumi McDonald’s: Unique Design by Georgian Architect Giorgi Khmaladze
Even Batumi’s McDonald’s stands out for its bold and futuristic architecture. Located at 9 Sherif Khimshiashvili Street, this striking building was designed by Georgian architect Giorgi Khmaladze and is often praised for its unusual shape and clever use of space.
With its sweeping curves and glass walls, it resembles a spaceship more than a fast-food restaurant. The design cleverly integrates floor-to-ceiling windows, lush greenery, and a dramatic overhanging roof.
It’s one of the most unusual McDonald’s locations you’ll ever come across, and it’s worth a stop even if you’re not planning to grab a burger. Honestly, I really loved spending time there sipping a cold drink!
Religious Sites to Visit in Batumi: Mosque, Cathedral and Synagogue
Batumi is a multicultural city, and its religious landmarks reflect this rich diversity.
In the old town, you’ll find the Batumi Mosque, with its elegant minaret and peaceful courtyard. Just a short walk away stands the impressive Cathedral of the Mother of God, a neo-Gothic church built in the late 19th century. Not far from there, the Batumi Synagogue provides another glimpse into the city’s rich and layered history.
Each place is still active and open to visitors, making it easy to explore Batumi’s spiritual heritage while wandering through its central streets.
Batumi Archaeological Museum: Discover Georgia’s Ancient Past
The Batumi Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest in Georgia and a great place to explore the region’s deep and fascinating history. Housed in a modest building in the city centre, the museum features a well-curated collection of artefacts dating from the Stone Age to the medieval period.
There, you’ll find everything from ancient tools and pottery to gold jewellery, coins, and figurines uncovered during excavations in Adjara. I didn’t visit it, but it’s worth a visit if you’re curious about Georgia’s ancient roots.
What to Eat in Batumi: Traditional Georgian Dishes, Street Food and Local Wines
One of the best things about spending time in Batumi is discovering the flavours of Adjarian cuisine. Like every region of Georgia, Adjara has its own specialities, often prepared with fresh local produce. If you like cheese, you’re in for a treat.
The star dish is Adjarian khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with molten cheese, butter, and a raw egg cracked on top. It’s rich, filling, and absolutely delicious. You’ll also find generous plates of khinkali, juicy dumplings filled with meat or mushrooms, alongside Turkish-style kebabs and fresh Black Sea fish.
Don’t miss borano, a lesser-known Adjarian dish made with melted cheese and butter, traditionally eaten in the mountains. To drink, Georgian wine is a must. Even casual seaside restaurants often have a good selection, including qvevri wines made in clay pots using ancient methods.
Batumi’s food scene is a great reflection of the region itself: warm, generous, and full of personality! In Batumi, I had the best khinkali of my whole trip in Georgia at the Tavaduri Restaurant. Here, my travel mate and I discovered the famous Georgian hospitality. We started talking with two friends at the table near us, and they offered us some steamed and fried khinkali to teach us the different kinds of them.
Best Places to Stay in Batumi: Hotels, Apartments and Homes for Every Budget
Batumi offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury towers to cosy guesthouses and budget-friendly apartments. Whether you’re after sea views or a quiet base in the Old Town, you’ll find something to suit your plans, but it’s worth doing a bit of research before booking.
One quirky feature to keep in mind is that many hotels and guesthouses only offer double beds. That’s perfectly fine if you travel as a couple, less so if you travel with a friend. As I discovered during my trip, it is uncommon to travel with friends in Georgia, and so there is a lack of twin beds.
Booking platforms don’t always reflect the actual layout, so it’s a good idea to message the host in advance if you need an extra bed. New hotels often look amazing in photos, but construction noise is a common issue.
My four-star hotel had a rooftop pool that looked stunning online, but in reality, it was freezing cold and directly in front of a new building site. Constant drilling made it impossible to relax. The gym and sauna were another let-down. Open to external visitors, they were always crowded and far from the peaceful wellness experience we’d hoped for.
In the hotel buildings, you can also find apartments for tourists. Often in Batumi, the best skyscrapers are half hotel, half apartment. You can find these apartments on booking platforms like Booking.com.
Within the Old City, you can also find guesthouses and apartments available on Airbnb. They can be an excellent option for local charm and home-cooked food, but also a risky choice because they may be outdated and lack modern features.
Overall, Batumi has plenty of great stays; you just need to choose carefully and be open to an eventual disappointment. Even checking recent reviews, you can’t avoid unpleasant surprises. My terrible hotel was rated 8.9 out of 9!
Top Day Trips and Attractions to Visit Around Batumi: Explore Adjara and Beyond
From Batumi, you can easily escape the city and explore the incredible nature and culture just beyond. From the top of the Argo Cable Car, you already get a sense of how green and mountainous Adjara is.
Day trips from Batumi take you to waterfalls, ancient fortresses, quiet beaches, and even tea plantations. Some of the highlights are the national parks and protected areas, such as Mtirala National Park, Kintrishi Nature Reserve, Machakhela National Park, and Kobuleti Nature Reserve. They are perfect if you enjoy walking in nature and want to discover a lesser-known aspect of Georgia.
To explore Batumi, you can rent a car, as I did, or join a tour from Batumi. When driving in Georgia, you’ll find many rental car companies in the tourist areas. Still, I preferred renting from a reputable company, such as DiscoverCars, and buying full coverage protection.
If you prefer not to drive, I recommend a day tour from Batumi to the waterfalls or a tour of Mtirala National Park. You can book them online to ensure you buy from a legitimate tour operator.
The (Dis)organised Side of Batumi: Tips for Visitors Navigating the City
What makes Batumi fascinating is its unfinished, unpredictable energy, and the sense of what it might become in just a few years. Between glass towers and slick casinos, you’ll find roadworks, construction sites, and abandoned buildings still waiting for their turn. At night, street vendors pop up all along Batumi Boulevard, turning the promenade into a mix of glowing toys, snacks, and music.
Kebab stalls stand next to fancy restaurants, and polished high-rises overlook empty lots. If you’re looking for a perfectly manicured destination, Batumi might frustrate you, but if you enjoy contrasts and surprises, you’ll probably like it.
Batumi Random Opening Hours: What’s Open, What’s Closed and When to Visit
One of the quirks of visiting Batumi is figuring out when things are actually open. Many attractions, including museums and towers, have irregular or unclear opening hours. During my trip, I couldn’t make sense of the schedules. Most places don’t advertise them clearly, either online or on-site.
For example, the Ferris wheel is often shut without warning, and you might find a museum closed in the middle of the day. What’s worse, the tourist office never replied to my email when I was organising this trip, despite making contact at the London tourist fair some months before
The best approach is to stay flexible. If something’s closed, just go with the flow and enjoy the beach, wander through a nearby park, or treat yourself to another plate of khinkali.
Boat Trips in Batumi: Spontaneous Cruises and Seaside Surprises
Although Batumi is a port city, don’t expect a polished tourist marina. While boat tours are available, the booking and boarding process can feel confusing.
Along the harbour, you’ll find stalls offering excursions. Still, it’s not always clear what’s on offer or when the boats actually depart. Schedules tend to be flexible, and sometimes boats leave late, or not at all.
Still, if you go with the flow and embrace the laid-back vibe, you might end up on a spontaneous sunset cruise, complete with loud music, toasts of Georgian wine, and a very Batumi-style adventure.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Batumi
Batumi is a city of contrasts: glamorous yet chaotic, modern yet still in transition. It’s not the kind of place where everything works perfectly, but that’s precisely what makes it so memorable. Between the sea, the mountains, the food, and the unexpected surprises around every corner, Batumi offers a travel experience full of character and charm, as you can read in my Batumi Travel Guide (if you can’t buy my guide on Amazon.com due to geographical restrictions, just seek it on your local Amazon website).
If you come with an open mind, a flexible itinerary, and a sense of humour, you’ll find plenty to love, from sunset strolls along the boulevard to hidden corners of history and nature just beyond the city. Feel free to share in the comments if you’d like to visit Batumi right now, or if you’d prefer to wait until the last skyscraper is built, and the city will finally be the Dubai of the Caucasus.
