Batumi

ბათუმი

The vibrant seaside capital of Adjara, known for its eclectic modern skyline, subtropical boulevard and lively nightlife. It blends belle-époque architecture, casinos and Black Sea beaches into Georgia's premier summer resort city.

Things to do

• Stroll Batumi Boulevard — Walk or cycle the long seaside promenade lined with palms, fountains, cafes and modern sculptures along the Black Sea.
• See the Ali and Nino statue — Watch the two moving metal figures slowly merge and pass through each other in a poignant kinetic sculpture of doomed lovers.
• Ride the Argo cable car — Take the cableway up to Anuria Mountain for panoramic views over the city, harbor and coastline.
• Explore Piazza Square — Admire the Italian-inspired plaza with mosaics, a clock tower and lively restaurants in the old town.
• Visit the Batumi Botanical Garden — Wander subtropical plant collections from around the world on a hillside overlooking the sea just north of the city.
• Watch the dancing fountains — Catch the evening light-and-music show at the Dancing Fountains on Ardagani Lake.
• Relax on the Black Sea beach — Sunbathe or swim off the pebbly city beach right beside the boulevard in the warm summer months.
• See the Old Town and Europe Square — Explore restored 19th-century belle-époque buildings and the statue of Medea holding the Golden Fleece.

Food to try

• Acharuli khachapuri — The boat-shaped Adjarian cheese bread topped with a runny egg and butter, born in this very region.
• Borano — A rich Adjarian dish of melted sulguni cheese cooked in clarified butter, eaten by dipping bread.
• Achma — A layered lasagna-like pasta and cheese bake that is a comforting Adjarian specialty.
• Fresh Black Sea fish — Try grilled or fried local catch like kefali or barabulka at seaside restaurants.
• Chacha — Sample the potent Georgian grape spirit, often offered as a welcoming toast.
• Churchkhela — Buy strings of nuts dipped in thickened grape juice sold along the boulevard as a sweet snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Rain comes often — Batumi is one of the wettest cities in Georgia, so pack an umbrella even in summer.
• Respect the supra toast tradition — At a feast a tamada (toastmaster) leads toasts, and it is polite to wait and drink together.
• Adjara's Muslim heritage — The region has a notable Muslim population, so dress modestly when visiting mosques like the Orta Jame.
• Cash and marshrutkas — Carry some lari cash for small vendors and use shared minibuses or taxis to reach nearby sights cheaply.

Nearby

• Batumi Botanical Garden — 8 km
• Gonio-Apsaros Fortress — 10 km
• Mtirala National Park — 22 km
• Kobuleti — 22 km