Batumi is the capital of the Adjara region, which borders Turkey. There are mosques in the city center, as well as a small Turkish quarter. There are many Turkish kebab shops and barber shops in the city.
Batumi is called the new Dubai, because a lot of new investment real estate is being built in the city. You will find a large number of ultra-modern high-rise apart-hotels and hotels that are adjacent to unsightly residential buildings.
Be prepared for the fact that Batumi can rain quite a lot. The city is in a tropical natural zone, there can be heavy, prolonged downpours. Our experience has shown that at least a few days out of a week's vacation will probably not be suitable for swimming.
Piazza Square
Sights
Central square
This is a modern square, which is made in the style of old European ones. The surrounding buildings house hotels, and on the ground floors there are restaurants. Every fifteen minutes the chimes strike here, and several times a day something like a cuckoo comes out of the tower. And in the evenings there is live music.
A tall and very beautiful cathedral from the early 20th century in the city center. We were surprised to find a Catholic cathedral in Batumi, especially one of such size and beauty.
The beach stretches along the entire city. The best quality is closer to the old town, where it’s well-maintained with changing rooms and showers. The further south you go, the less maintained it gets. The sea warms up quite nicely by June, so swimming will be pleasant.
The installation symbolizes love despite the barriers and prejudices that exist. In 10 minutes, a couple moves closer to each other, passes through, and then separates. The sculptor was inspired by the eponymous novel about lovers who lived during World War I.
Historical garden with thousands of trees and shrubs
The garden is quite large, so be prepared that walking through it in one direction will take over an hour. We returned by golf cart because a heavy rain started. All the trees in the garden are labeled. There's even a towering sequoia. You can reach the garden by taxi or bus. Highly recommended!
The lake is located next to the world’s largest apartment complex, Orbi, which includes four 50-story buildings with apartments. There are always many tourists here because the lake features a charming fountain that dances to music. If you haven’t seen fountains at Dubai Mall, this is definitely worth a visit.
A lot of tourists stroll here, as the surrounding towering high-rises are entirely dedicated to tourists. In the middle of the alley, you can walk through the Black Sea Arch and head towards the modern football stadium.
While strolling along the Alley of Heroes in the evening, make sure to pass through the Black Sea Arch to see the stunning lighting of the stadium’s unique modern shapes. The main football match in Georgia is the derby between the capital’s and Batumi’s Dynamo. Near the stadium, we managed to find a square where Euro 2024 matches were broadcast on a big screen.
A place where huge airliners literally land on top of you. An indescribable feeling of power as they fly right above you. Planes fly frequently, but you can always schedule a plane meeting thanks to the Flightradar app.
The entire surface of the tower is covered with Georgian alphabet letters. At the top, there is an observation deck and a restaurant. Don’t worry about the height, as you can take an elevator to the top.
A quirky building in the city center with a Ferris wheel instead of a clock. As it turns out, the wheel doesn’t work. Inside the building, there are many apartments available for rent. The building also houses a casino.
A lovely quiet spot away from the city center. We especially recommend the eggplant assortment with walnuts. However, other hearty Georgian dishes are also abundant here.
A restaurant notable for its unique presentation, offering modernized Georgian dishes. We recommend trying shkmeruli, which is served here in an entirely unconventional way.
One of the most beautiful McDonald's buildings we've seen. The building combines a gas station and a restaurant of the popular chain. On the top floor, there's a real garden. A delightful island of futurism amidst ugly high-rises.
Here we tasted a delicious and very hearty Georgian kharcho. We also recommend trying an unusual dish called Madame Bovary, which is prepared and served in a special skillet called ketsi.
You will surely be satisfied with Georgian cuisine and might want to try something new. Here, you'll be served authentic Belarusian cuisine: draniki, kvass, and borscht with garlic and mustard. A magnificent and atmospheric spot.
This is where the train to Tbilisi arrives and departs. You can also use this train to reach other interesting cities in Georgia—Kutaisi, Gori, and Kobuleti.
Batumi will definitely not leave you indifferent. We definitely recommend visiting it as part of your trip to Georgia.
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