Batumi Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Batumi, Georgia? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the best things to do, places to stay, and where to eat, all to help you make the most out of your trip.


Introduction to Batumi

Batumi is a stunning coastal city located in the southwestern region of Georgia. It is a popular tourist destination because of its perfect blend of nature and modern development. It’s known for its breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, rich culture, and diverse food scene.

List of Places to Visit in Batumi

If you’re planning a trip to Batumi, here are some of the top places you should visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Batumi Boulevard: This 7-kilometer long seaside walking promenade offers stunning views of the Black Sea and has numerous sculptures and fountains along the way.
  2. Adjara State Museum: This museum showcases the history and cultural heritage of the region.
  3. Gonio Fortress: An ancient Roman stronghold, the Gonio Fortress provides a great insight into the rich history of Batumi.
  4. Piazza Square: This plaza has an Italian charm with its colorful buildings and outdoor cafes.

Natural Attractions of Batumi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Makhuntseti Waterfall: A 30-meter-high waterfall surrounded by pristine forests and mountains.
  2. Mtirala National Park: One of the most biodiverse parks in the region, Mtirala offers great hiking trails, stunning vistas, and unique flora and fauna.
  3. Batumi Botanical Garden: One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, the Batumi Botanical Garden showcases flora from around the world.
  4. Batumi Dolphinarium: A must-visit for families, the dolphinarium offers dolphin shows and other aquatic animal exhibitions.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Batumi

Batumi has many hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Some of the most popular trails are:

  1. Chakvistavi Trail: This 17-kilometer trail in the Mtirala National Park is best for slightly experienced hikers, with the rewarding view of the Black Sea.
  2. Green Cape Trail: This easy 3-kilometer hike rewards hikers with stunning views of the Black Sea and the Batumi skyline.
  3. Batumi Botanical Garden Trail: This 4-kilometer trail within the botanical garden offers visitors a chance to see some of the world’s most exotic plants and flowers.

Best Things to Do in Batumi: Activities and Tours

Aside from exploring the city’s museums, natural parks, and other attractions, other popular activities in Batumi are:

  1. Beach Activities: With its stunning coastline, Batumi offers a variety of beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and jet-skiing.
  2. Cable Car Ride: A popular way to see the city from above, the Argo Cable Car takes passengers up to a height of 250 meters.
  3. Batumi Nightlife: The city comes alive at night with many nightclubs, bars, and restaurants that offer live music and DJs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Batumi

If you’re planning on spending a week in Batumi, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Batumi Boulevard, Gonio fortress, and Piazza Square
Day 2 Explore the Batumi Botanical Garden and have lunch at Atelier Art-Café
Day 3 Spend a day enjoying the beaches and water activities
Day 4 Explore Mtirala National Park and hike the Chakvistavi Trail
Day 5 Experience the Dolphinarium and cable car ride
Day 6 Visit the Adjara State Museum and Makhuntseti Waterfall
Day 7 Spend the day shopping in Batumi’s markets and souvenir shops

Food and Drink Scene of Batumi

Georgian cuisine is famous all over the world for its unique blend of flavors and spices. Batumi has many fine dining restaurants, cafes, and street food options where you can try traditional Georgian dishes.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Khinkali: Dumplings filled with meat or cheese
  2. Khachapuri: Cheese-filled bread
  3. Chakhokhbili: Chicken stew
  4. Lobiani: Bean-filled bread

Local Beverages

  1. Georgian Wine: Georgia is famous for its winemaking traditions dating back to 6000 BC
  2. Chacha: A potent grape-based brandy

Where to Stay in Batumi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Batumi has a variety of accommodation options available, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and guesthouses. Some of the top picks include:

  1. Hilton Batumi: A luxury hotel with stunning views of the Black Sea
  2. Batumi World Palace: A 5-star hotel with indoor and outdoor swimming pools
  3. Batumi Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel with a central location

What to Buy in Batumi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Batumi offers many unique souvenirs and local products that make great gifts or a reminder of your trip. Some top picks include:

  1. Georgian Wine: One of the most popular souvenirs from Georgia
  2. Handmade Souvenirs: Many shops in Batumi sell handmade pottery, fabrics, and trinkets.
  3. Ajarian Honey: Batumi is famous for its high-quality honey made from the nectar of local blossoms.

Local Culture and Customs of Batumi

Georgian culture is rich with traditions and historical significance. Respect for elders, hospitality, and strong family ties are highly valued in Georgian society. Guests are treated with utmost respect and are often invited to share a meal in Georgian homes.

Best Time to Visit Batumi

The best time to visit Batumi is from June to September when the weather is sunny and warm, and the sea is perfect for swimming. The offseason between November to March can be quite cold and rainy, but during these months, you will find better deals and fewer crowds in the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Batumi

Do:

  1. Respect cultural norms and heritage
  2. Dress modestly in religious places
  3. Try traditional Georgian cuisine and visit local markets

Don’t:

  1. Smoke in public places
  2. Show disrespect towards elders or officials
  3. Photograph people without their permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Batumi

Generally, Batumi is a safe city, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. However, tourists should exercise caution and take necessary precautions to avoid theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas.

Health in Batumi

Batumi has a high standard of health care, with many private and public hospitals and clinics. Visitors should carry adequate medical insurance and be cautious while swimming in the sea to avoid jellyfish stings.

Getting to Batumi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Batumi

Batumi International Airport is the closest airport to the city center, and it offers flights to many destinations in Europe and the Middle East.

Bus Stations Near Batumi

Batumi Central Bus Station is the hub for local and international buses in the area.

Other Options

Travelers can also reach Batumi by train or car.

How to Get Around in Batumi

Batumi is a compact city, and visitors can easily walk around the city center. Taxis, buses, and marshrutkas (mini-buses) are also available for visitors to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Batumi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re planning a longer trip, here are some other nearby destinations to include:

  1. Kutaisi: A historic city known for its unique architecture and cultural heritage.
  2. Tbilisi: The capital of Georgia, it is famous for its historical sites and vibrant food and drink scene.
  3. Svaneti: A stunning mountain region famous for its stunning vistas and medieval towers.

Conclusion

Batumi is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of nature, history, and culture. With its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant food scene, Batumi is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Georgia. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip and explore everything Batumi has to offer.

View of Batumi View of Batumi BatumVelo on the beach promenade. BatumVelo on the beach promenade. Tamara Bridge Tamara Bridge