Things To Do
in Batumi
Batumi is a lively Black Sea city in western Georgia where a palm-lined promenade meets futuristic towers and a revived historic core. It blends seaside charm with lush gardens, a dramatic hillside backdrop, and a cosmopolitan dining and nightlife scene. The city is famous for its botanical garden, the Alphabet Tower, and a long, walkable seafront that shifts from old-town romance to modern skylines.
With a humid subtropical climate and abundant greenery, Batumi feels like a breezy, green getaway year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Batumi's vibrant historic center, where you'll encounter stunning architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries. Don't miss the iconic Piazza, adorned with colorful buildings and a central fountain that invites you to pause and soak in the atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Georgian breakfast at a local café, perhaps trying some khachapuri, before heading out to explore more.
After lunch, visit the Batumi Archaeological Museum to learn about the region's rich history and see fascinating artifacts from ancient civilizations. Following your museum visit, take a walk along the Batumi Boulevard, where palm trees sway and the sea breeze refreshes your spirit. Stop by the Alphabet Tower, a unique structure celebrating the Georgian script, and take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
As the sun sets, dine at a seaside restaurant, savoring local specialties like fresh seafood and Georgian wines. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the beach, where the sound of crashing waves and the glittering lights of the city create a magical ambiance. Conclude your evening by watching the mesmerizing fountain show at the adjacent park, a perfect way to end your first day in Batumi.
Spend your morning relaxing on Batumi's pebbled beaches, soaking up the sun and enjoying the refreshing Black Sea waters. Rent a sunbed and umbrella for comfort, or try your hand at some exciting water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding. Enjoy a light snack from a nearby beach kiosk, perhaps some fresh fruit or a refreshing drink, as you watch the waves roll in.
After lunch at a beachside café featuring local cuisine, participate in a beach volleyball game or join a surfing lesson if you're feeling adventurous. The warm sun and vibrant atmosphere on the beach will invigorate your spirits, helping you make new friends with fellow tourists and locals alike. As the afternoon progresses, take a leisurely swim or simply relax by reading a book under the shade.
As evening approaches, enjoy a beach bonfire, mingling with other travelers while roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. Head to a nearby beach bar for dinner, where you can relish grilled fish and traditional Georgian side dishes. End the day by watching the sunset over the horizon, casting beautiful colors across the sky and reflecting on the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🛏️Hostel bed (dorm) | $12-25 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two | $25-50 |
| 🚕Taxi (short ride) | $6-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal charm with diverse architecture and a modern waterfront
- Friendly locals, wine culture, and abundant fresh seafood
- High summer crowds and humidity
- Frequent rain showers and navigation can be tricky during peak season
- "Gamarjoba" - Hello
- "Madloba" - Thank you
- "Ki" - Yes
- "Ara" - No
- "Gtxovt" - Please
- "Ukatsravad" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sad aris tualeti?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Sakhli?" - Is there a hotel nearby?
Places to Visit in Batumi
Visit one of these nice places.
A dynamic bronze sculpture by the seafront, perfect for twilight and reflective shots with waves in the background.
A striking tower on the Fountains Square area with panoramic city views; great for daytime and night photography.
Palm-lined promenades, fountains, and sea views along the Black Sea—ideal for long-exposure sunsets.
Historic and architectural focal points with statues and lighting that create atmospheric photos.
Terraced slopes and coastlines offer lush greenery and blue sea backdrops for sweeping landscape shots.
Food in Batumi
Batumi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A cheese-filled bread boat; Batumi-style variants are abundant in bakeries and casual eateries.
Must-Try!
A boat-shaped bread topped with cheese and a runny egg—best enjoyed hot and shared at the table.
Georgian dumplings stuffed with spiced meat; plenty of stalls and restaurants offer them with herbs and pepper.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A hub for fresh seafood, produce, herbs, and regional products; great for sampling peppers, greens, and local sweets.
Street vendors offer quick bites like simit-like bread, pastries, and grilled snacks—perfect for a casual lunch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Warm greetings, polite conduct, and a welcoming attitude are valued; hosts often go out of their way to assist visitors.
Sharing wine and toasts is a typical part of meals; join the toasts with respect and appreciation.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches or mosques.
In busy areas, be mindful of space and queue appropriately.
Safety
Tipping in Batumi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping around 5-10% in restaurants is common if service is good; many locals round up in casual cafes. Cash tips are appreciated but cards are accepted in most places.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops; the local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). Contactless payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with peak beach activity; expect long days and lively evenings along the boulevard. Bring sun protection and water gear; occasional rain showers can occur.
Mild to warm days with quieter streets and golden light; great for city walks and gardens; showers still possible.
Mild coastal winter with reduced outdoor activity; the seaside is quieter, but indoor venues and cafes stay lively.
Pleasant temperatures, blooming parks, and gradually warming seas; good for strolling and photography with soft light.
Batumi at Night
Hiking in Batumi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Lush, humid forest trails with waterfalls and viewpoints; day hikes range from 2-6 hours.
Coastal and pine-forest trails around the fortress with sea views.
Ridge walks and forest trails offering panoramic valley views and wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Batumi by plane.
Small international airport offering seasonal and year-round flights; taxi or bus into the city center takes about 15-20 minutes.
Georgia's main international gateway about 370 km from Batumi; connections to multiple international destinations; transfer by bus, train, or private transfer.
Smaller airport with regional flights; about 220 km from Batumi; drive or train to Batumi.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, with a vibrant local culture and religious diversity.
Significant minority communities contributing to markets, cuisine, and everyday life.
A steady influx of travelers, seasonal residents, and language diversity, especially in summer.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular nationally and in local clubs; strong city support and weekend games.
Swimming, jet-skiing, parasailing, and boat tours along the coastline.
Common in local clubs and recreation centers; many courts and indoor venues available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Batumi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Georgian dishes are vegetable-forward; opt for khachapuri without meat, grilled vegetables, lobio (bean stews), and fresh salads; inform kitchen about no meat or dairy if needed.