Batumi is Georgia's main Black Sea resort and the capital of Adjara, where subtropical greenery sits next to futuristic skyscrapers. If you're wondering what to see in Batumi, this guide will help you plan a route: from the famous seaside boulevard and the moving "Ali and Nino" sculpture to the waterfalls and fortresses of mountainous Adjara. We'll add approximate prices in lari, seasonal advice and tips on how to get there.
The seaside boulevard and promenade
The heart of resort life is the Batumi Boulevard, stretching about 7 km along the sea. It's a lovely place to walk, cycle and watch the sunset.
What to see on the boulevard
- "Ali and Nino" — a moving 8-meter sculpture of two lovers who "pass" through each other every evening. A symbol of love divided by borders.
- The singing and dancing fountains by Lake Ardagani.
- The Ferris wheel and the Alphabet Tower with Georgian letters.
Bike rental — about 5–10 GEL per hour.
The Old Town and Piazza Square
Old Batumi is a maze of cozy streets with European and Eastern architecture. The central point is Piazza Square in the Venetian style, with mosaics, stained glass and a clock tower. Live music plays here in the evening.
Nearby is Europe Square with a monument to Medea holding the Golden Fleece, and an astronomical clock on a building.
Modern architecture
Batumi astonishes with its bold buildings:
- The Chacha Tower with a fountain that, legend has it, once poured chacha.
- The tower wrapped by a Ferris wheel — an unusual feat of engineering.
- Skyscrapers and hotels that form the city's recognizable skyline.
Beaches and the sea
Batumi's beaches are pebbled, with a quick drop-off into deep water. The swimming season runs from June to September, with the water warming to +24…+26 °C.
Where to swim
- The central beaches by the boulevard — convenient but crowded.
- Kvariati and Gonio south of Batumi — cleaner and calmer, popular with divers.
- Ureki to the north — famous for its magnetic black sands.
A sunbed with umbrella — roughly 10–20 GEL per day.
The botanical garden and cable car
Nine kilometers from the center lies the Batumi Botanical Garden — one of the largest in the region, with plants from all over the world on the seaside slopes. Entry is about 15 GEL; allow 2–3 hours to explore.
The Argo cable car opens up a panorama of the city, rising to Anuria mountain. A round-trip ticket is about 25–30 GEL, and there's a cafe and a viewing platform at the top.
The surroundings: mountainous Adjara
If you tire of the beach, head inland:
What to see nearby
- The Gonio-Apsaros Fortress — an ancient Roman stronghold 15 km from the city.
- The Makhuntseti waterfalls and the old arched bridge of Queen Tamar.
- A tasting of Adjarian wine and chacha at local wineries.
A one-day tour of mountainous Adjara costs roughly 60–120 GEL per person.
How to get there and when to go
- By plane — Batumi has an international airport.
- By train from Tbilisi — the express takes about 5–5.5 hours (tickets from 25–55 GEL).
- By marshrutka from Tbilisi or Kutaisi.
High season is July and August, when it's hot and crowded. The shoulder season in September is more pleasant: the sea is warm and prices are lower.
Conclusion
Batumi surprises with its contrasts: subtropics and skyscrapers, pebble beaches and mountain waterfalls, a Venetian square and moving sculptures. It's easy to combine a seaside holiday with excursions here. Planning a trip to the Black Sea? Explore our Georgia guides and put together the perfect summer itinerary.
Read also:
FAQ
Is Batumi worth visiting out of season?
Yes. In spring and autumn the city is beautiful, the fountains run and hotels are cheaper. In winter Batumi is quiet but atmospheric.
Is the sea clean in Batumi?
The center can get crowded; for cleaner water choose Kvariati and Gonio to the south.
How many days do I need in Batumi?
Two days are enough for the city, plus a day for mountainous Adjara.
Is Batumi suitable for families with children?
Yes: the boulevard with its rides, a dolphinarium, a water park and parks make it convenient for a family holiday.