During the summer, Batumi is buzzing with tourists. But if you can manage to avoid the crowds, there are plenty of fun things to do in this seaside city.
A good way to while away an afternoon is with a stroll around Batumi Boulevard, a seven-kilometer promenade that runs along the waterfront. It’s lined with cafes and restaurants and is a popular place for relaxing or exercising.
Gonio Cross
A pearl along the Black Sea, Gonio is a picturesque Georgian seaside resort with a blend of sea and mountain climate. Its crystal-clear waters and pristine nature make it the perfect place for a relaxing holiday with the family.
The Gonio Cross is the most famous Georgian monument, and is a must-visit for all travelers to Batumi. Built 2,000 years ago, it’s a rare link to the country’s ancient past, and was declared a museum-reserve by the Georgian government in 1994.
On top of the cross, you can also climb to an observation deck where you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views over the entire town and surrounding mountains. There are also a few information signs that tell you about the history of the cross and the surrounding area.
To get to the cross, walk down the road until you see a path that leads straight up. Follow it, tracing a red dirt trail to the top of the hill. After a few minutes, you’ll arrive at a clearing.
It’s a lovely walk and a great way to get out into the Georgian countryside. The path winds through vines and ferns, with plenty of places to stop and take in the views.
In the summer, many cafes and restaurants open up along Gonio Beach where you can enjoy fresh Adjarian cuisine and seafood. There are also some fine Georgian wines to try.
It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Georgia in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Batumi Airport you can rent a car from 17 euros per day, in Tbilisi airport - from 18 euros per day.
Batumi Beach
Batumi Beach is one of the city's most popular attractions, attracting visitors from all over the world. It's a great place to take a dip in the sea or relax on a sun lounger while watching the waves pound the shore.
However, if you want to see more of the city's best things to do, you'll need to venture beyond the beachfront and head inland. For starters, a walk through Batumi's Old Town lets you soak up the heritage of this Georgian capital.
This area is filled with historic buildings, some dating back to the 19th century, and others exhibiting modern Belle Epoque styles. The architecture is varied and incredibly interesting.
You'll also find the oldest museum in Georgia, which houses artifacts from different eras. If you're interested in archeology, you can spend a few hours exploring this small but impressive collection.
Another good option for a day trip from Batumi is the ancient ruins of Gonio, located on the border with Turkey. This ancient fortress was a Roman outpost, and it's worth exploring the ruins before spending a relaxing day on the beach.
The Batumi Botanical Gardens are also worth visiting, as they're home to a wide range of plants from around the world. You can visit the garden on foot or by bike.
Ali & Nino
One of the top things to do in Batumi is see Ali & Nino, an ethereal moving metal sculpture created by Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze. The artwork is based on the novel Ali and Nino by Kurban Said, a story of love between Azerbaijani Muslim Ali and Georgian Princess Nino.
The 7-meter long, almost translucent and made of steel figures of Ali and Nino slowly move towards each other, creating a single integral piece for a brief moment. They’re a breathtaking sight to behold and it’s easy to see why they’ve become one of the most famous attractions in Batumi.
As you walk along the seafront promenade, you’ll spot various monuments and contrasting styles of architecture as well as the curious astronomical clock. There’s also Europe Square, a hive of activity and cultural hodgepodge.
Another great place to go in Batumi is the Ethnographic Museum Borjgalo, which showcases Adjarian culture through immersive exhibits. Exhibits here showcase woodcarving, costumes and traditional dwellings from the region.
There are also plenty of wineries and family vineyards to check out outside the city. You can head up to Upper Adjara for a day trip or take the local Wine Route. Be sure to try Chkhaveri, a special regional rose made from the grapes of the Upper Adjara region.
Seafront Promenade
The Seafront Promenade is Batumi’s most famous attraction and has long been a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. Begun in the late 1800s as a public park, this enchanting promenade has expanded to more than triple its original length and now consists of colorful fountains, tennis courts, colonnades, modern sculpture, light sculptures, and the Alphabet Tower--all imbued with a spirit of fun, romance, and whimsy.
One of the best ways to enjoy the seafront promenade is by renting a bike and riding along the marked lanes across Batumi Boulevard, stopping to admire the dancing fountains, the stunning Ali & Nino statue, and soaking in the panoramic views of the Black Sea. You can also head over to the Botanical Gardens, where you’ll find walking and hiking trails plus a collection of scenic viewpoints.
When it comes to eating in Batumi, there are many delicious local dishes you can try. A popular choice is khinkali, a dumpling made from mutton (the meat can be seasoned with various spices), as well as buglama, a lamb stew.
Several restaurants are located in the old town of Batumi. You can find a variety of cuisines here, including Indian and Georgian food.
The city also has many bars where you can enjoy local wine, cocktails, and craft beer. Among the best are Georgian Naturale Wine & Food, Bu&Khari, Garage Wines, and ChaCha Time.
Dancing Fountains
One of the best things to do in Batumi is visit the Dancing Fountains. Installed back in 2009, this lake attracts crowds each evening when the water moves and changes colour to the rhythm of music.
The show is usually held after sunset; if you want to watch the dancing fountains you'll need to walk around the lake, though. The fountains 'dance' to a soundtrack of modern pop, rock and classical music, so it's well worth checking out at night for a special effect.
A fun way to spend a summer evening in Batumi is to head over to the dancing fountains at Ardagani Lake. This is a major tourist attraction in the country's third largest city, and is a lovely place to relax after a long day exploring.
To get to the dancing fountains, you'll need to pass by Batumi Boulevard - an elegant road with lots of cute cafes and carts selling local food. The Boulevard also includes the Dolphinarium, a seafront promenade and a handful of other attractions.
Another must-see on the Boulevard is the Batumi Summer Theater. This Soviet-style structure is one of the most distinctive buildings on the Boulevard and features a wooden facade that's been built without nails!
It's one of the best places to see Batumi's famous resident pod of dolphins frolicking in the sea. You can often spy them from the Seafront Promenade near the sea port and Ali & Nino.
Fish Market
Batumi is one of the most attractive places on the Black Sea coast and is a great choice for tourists looking for some fun activities. You can find beaches, luxury hotels, casinos, amazing restaurants, a night-life scene and sunny weather!
In recent years, Batumi has received massive internal and external investments that have changed the city from a rather bland to an impressive and exciting place to visit. The city is constantly being upgraded and you can see new buildings on every corner with unusual shapes or special lighting.
The Fish Market in Batumi is the largest in Georgia and it's a must-visit for seafood lovers. Located on the waterfront, it offers a variety of different types of fish, including salmon, oysters, octopus, crabs, prawns, dorado and sturgeon.
It is also a popular spot for a romantic walk, as you can enjoy the view of the city on the other side. There are a few musical fountains installed here as well, so don't miss them!
You can also try kvass, which is a fermented beverage made from brown bread. It has very minimal alcoholic content and a delicious, fruity flavour.
Batumi is a great place to explore and get a feel for the unique Adjara region of Georgia. There are plenty of half-day excursions and full day trips from Batumi that will show you more of the area than just the city sights. For instance, Gonio Apsaros Fortress is 12 kilometres south of Batumi and you can take a boat tour to the stunning Kolkheti National Park, which is 70 kilometres north of Batumi.