Batumi is Georgia’s summer capital and one of the fastest-changing cities in the region. On the shore of the Black Sea, futuristic towers and glittering casinos rise beside a 19th-century old town, a seven-kilometre seaside boulevard and green subtropical hills. It is lively, affordable and easy to combine with a trip to Tbilisi. Here is our guide to Batumi, Georgia.
Where Batumi is and how to get there
Batumi lies in the Adjara region in south-west Georgia, just a few kilometres from the border with Turkey. You can fly directly into Batumi International Airport, just outside the city, or travel overland from Tbilisi by train, bus or car – the journey takes around five to six hours by train.
What to see in Batumi
The seafront and the centre
- Batumi Boulevard: the long seaside promenade, lined with parks, cafés, fountains and bike paths.
- The Alphabetic Tower: a striking tower decorated with the letters of the unique Georgian alphabet, with a viewing deck at the top.
- Ali and Nino: a moving steel sculpture of two lovers who glide together and apart – especially beautiful when lit up at night.
- Europe Square: the elegant heart of the old town, with its astronomical clock and the Medea statue.
- 6 May Park: a pleasant green park with a lake in the middle of the city.
- The port: the historic harbour, with views out over the Black Sea.
Culture and day trips
- Batumi Botanical Garden: one of the largest botanical gardens in the former Soviet Union, set on hills above the sea, with plants from around the world.
- Gonio Fortress: a Roman-era fortress south of the city, with archaeological finds and fine views.
- The Archaeological Museum: an introduction to the ancient history of the region.
- Mountain Adjara: waterfalls, old stone bridges and green mountain villages are an easy day trip inland.
Five recommended hotels in Batumi
- Radisson Blu Hotel Batumi: a luxury hotel with superb views of the Black Sea.
- Sheraton Batumi Hotel: a five-star hotel with excellent facilities, right by the sea – see our full Sheraton Batumi review.
- Hilton Batumi: a modern tower with panoramic views of the city and the sea.
- King Solomon: a mehadrin kosher hotel in Batumi, ideal for travellers who keep kosher.
- Wyndham Batumi: a modern hotel with spacious rooms and very good facilities.
Streets and shopping
Zubalashvili Street is a busy central street full of shops, cafés and restaurants. Batumi Mall is a modern centre with international brands, and Piazza Batumi is an Italian-style square with restaurants and entertainment. For more, see our guide to shopping in Batumi.
Tips for visiting Batumi
- When to go: summer (June to September) is beach season. Batumi has a humid subtropical climate, so expect rain at other times of year.
- The beach: beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, so water shoes help.
- Try the local food: do not miss Adjarian khachapuri, the boat-shaped cheese bread topped with egg and butter.
- Getting around: taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap, and bike paths run along the boulevard.
Batumi has something for everyone, from beaches and history to excellent food. To plan around the seasons, read the Batumi weather guide, and for the capital, see our Tbilisi travel guide.
