Batumi can be explored through a variety of highlights: the historic Old Town, a long coastal promenade, the Botanical Garden and activities on the water. The boulevard stretches seven kilometres along the sea and offers cycle paths for leisurely rides along the coast. The city's sights add a cultural dimension. When planning, it therefore helps to start by asking whether you mainly want to explore streets and architectural history, spend time by the water, or combine both.
Old Town and sights
Old Batumi preserves traces of almost 2,000 years of history. Its streets bring together neoclassical, eclectic, Art Nouveau and Oriental elements. Those who want to take a close look at the architecture will find a range of different styles here rather than a single, uniform one.
Batumi's sights include Old Batumi and Batumi Piazza, the Alphabet Tower, Neptune Fountain, the Medea statue, the astronomical clock and historic colonnades. They also include the 1863 lighthouse, the sculptures Ali and Nino and Rotation, as well as the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Orta Jame Mosque and the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit. This selection includes historic buildings, distinctive landmarks and religious buildings, offering a variety of starting points for a culture-focused stay.
Boulevard and Botanical Garden
The seven-kilometre Batumi Boulevard runs along the sea. Its cycle paths are designed for relaxed rides along the coast. Around 45,000 trees and plants grow there, including 10,000 evergreens. The boulevard thus combines a long stretch by the water with a diverse range of plant life.
Batumi Botanical Garden lies about nine kilometres from the centre, on the subtropical slopes of Mtsvane Kontskhi. It stretches for just under a kilometre along the coast and includes three main parks, nine floristic areas and a Colchian reserve. Panoramic views over the city and coast are also part of its appeal. Its coastal setting and division into parks and areas give the garden a different focus from the urban boulevard.
Visitors can use an electric car for a leisurely tour of the garden, arrange a picnic or camping, and hire a guide. As these services may change, check their availability before your visit.
Yachts and excursions on the water
Batumi Yacht Club rents out yachts near the Alphabet Tower and the Ali and Nino monument. Yacht excursions from Batumi also include a route along the boulevard towards Gonio. This means that, alongside cycling by the shore, visitors can also choose excursions on the water. Operators and schedules may vary, so check the specific options in advance.
Getting there and city buses
Trains run from Tbilisi and Kutaisi to Batumi several times a day. They stop at Batumi Central railway station in the city centre. Frequency and schedules may change, so it is worth checking current connections before travelling.
Batumi's city buses are adapted for passengers with disabilities and equipped with digital timetable systems. As transport features may evolve, check the latest information relevant to your journey if needed.
A culinary look at Adjara
For a culinary perspective, it is also worth taking a look at Adjara. Kaimagi, a milk-based dish, is considered characteristic of the region and is typically served with mchadi and cheese. The mountainous way of life has made dairy products an important part of many regional dishes. A distinctive string cheese is also known in the highlands of Adjara.
Adjarian khachapuri is boat-shaped and associated with the region's fishing history. Tsolikouri wine is also produced in Adjara. These regional specialities add the cuisine of the wider destination to the picture of Batumi, without equating it with specific offerings in the city.
Choose hotels to suit your travel plans
Decide which experiences you want to shape your stay, then compare your plans with the specific hotel address. This way, your choice is guided by the places that matter to you.
Discover more destinations: Tsikhisdziri, Kobuleti, Tkhilnari, Makhinjauri, Gonio, Sarpi, Kvariati, Chakvi.
For the wider travel overview: Adjara.
