Planning a trip to Batumi and searching for must-do activities? Look no further. Our guide to the best “things to do in Batumi” will help you explore its natural beauty, dive into its rich culture, and enjoy seaside leisure without getting lost in the clutter of endless options. This guide will walk you through selected highlights, from serene gardens to lively cultural scenes, ensuring your visit to Batumi is nothing short of unforgettable.
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1. Dive into Adjarian Culture
First things first – Let’s dive into some must-try Adjarian dishes when you’re in Batumi!
Savouring Adjarian Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes
Visiting Batumi and the Adjara region wouldn’t be complete without trying the local cuisine. Adjarian food is known for its rich flavours and unique takes on Georgian classics, offering a culinary journey that’s both satisfying and unforgettable.
Must try local dishes include:
- Adjarian Khachapuri: Perhaps the most famous dish from Adjara, Adjarian Khachapuri is a boat-shaped bread filled with gooey cheese, topped with a raw egg and a dollop of butter. It’s rich, comforting, and a must-try for any visitor.
- Borano: A dish that embodies the region’s love for dairy, Borano is made by melting sulguni cheese in butter. It’s a simple yet decadent dish that pairs wonderfully with fresh bread.
- Sinori: This unique dish features thin layers of dough, often rolled with cottage cheese and doused in melted butter, then baked until golden. Sinori is typically served as a breakfast dish but is delicious at any time of day.
- Achma: A more substantial cousin of khachapuri, Achma is a multi-layered cheese pie with a soft, lasagna-like texture. Each bite is a celebration of buttery pastry and rich cheese.
- Chirbuli: A popular breakfast dish in Adjara, Chirbuli is a hearty egg scramble with walnuts, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a flavourful way to start your day, offering a taste of the region’s fresh, vibrant ingredients.
- Adjarian Shilaplavi: This rice dish is similar to a pilaf, cooked with chunks of meat (usually beef or lamb), onions, and carrots. It’s a comforting dish, perfect for those looking to explore the savoury side of Adjarian cuisine.
Each of these dishes showcases the rich culinary traditions of Adjara, where fresh, local ingredients are transformed into memorable meals. As you explore Batumi and its surroundings, be sure to seek out these authentic Adjarian flavours in local restaurants — they are as much a part of the region’s culture as its scenic landscapes and historic sites.
Best Restaurants to Visit in Batumi
Batumi’s food scene is packed with diverse flavours, from local Georgian dishes to international cuisine. For the best Adjarian khachapuri, Retro is our top pick. Known for its perfectly baked, cheesy boats, Retro is a must-visit for this iconic dish.
For a more upscale restaurant experience, head to 360 Sky Bar, offering panoramic views along with a mix of Georgian and European cuisine. If you’re after fresh seafood, then you absolutely have to head to the local fish market, serving up the catch of the day in a laid-back setting.
No matter your taste, Batumi’s restaurant scene has something for everyone
2. Batumi’s Beaches
The Black Sea coast is a playground for both sun-seekers and adventurers, with the city’s beaches and boulevard setting the scene for your coastal adventures.
Sunbathe on Batumi Beach
Relax on the pebbled shores of Batumi Beach, where the warmth of the sun and the gentle sound of the sea create a perfect atmosphere. With city comforts just steps away, you can go from sunbathing to enjoying fresh seafood at beachside spots like Marina, all while taking in the stunning views of Batumi’s coastline.
Try Water Sports
Green Cape Beach offers plenty of water sports for adventure seekers. You can try jet skiing, parasailing, and more while enjoying great views of Batumi’s southern coastline.
This spot is perfect for anyone looking for some fun and excitement by the water.
Walk the Batumi Boulevard
As evening sets in, Batumi Boulevard comes alive with cosy cafes and soft lighting. Take a stroll along the seafront promenade, where the city skyline blends with the peaceful evening sky. At the eastern end, the warm air is filled with the buzz of laughter and conversation along the Black Sea coast.
Ali and Nino Statue
The Ali and Nino statue near the Turkish border tells a timeless story of love and cultural unity. Inspired by Kurban Said’s novel, this moving sculpture reflects Batumi’s blend of diverse cultures.
Every 10 minutes, the figures slowly come together in a touching embrace, symbolizing the union of traditions and the enduring power of love
3. Exploring Batumi’s Botanical Gardens
Nestled on the lush slopes overlooking the Black Sea, the Batumi Botanical Garden is an emerald treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Established over a century ago and sprawling across 111 hectares, this batumi institution is more than just a collection of plants—it’s a living, breathing museum where botany meets artistry, punctuated by majestic sea views.
Stroll Through Themed Gardens
Take a leisurely stroll through the themed gardens, each inspired by a different part of the world. From the peacefulness of the Japanese garden, with its calm lake and swaying bamboo, to the vibrant colours of Mediterranean plants, it’s like embarking on a global botanical journey—all within walking distance.
4. Historical Heart of Batumi
Batumi’s historic centre is filled with Art Nouveau facades and wrought-iron balconies, each reflecting the city’s past.
Europe Square
Europe Square, known locally as Era Square, is surrounded by impressive 19th and 20th-century architecture. At its centre stands the statue of Medea, with her golden fleece symbolizing the ancient kingdom of Colchis.
This square is the heart of the city, where culture, community, and history come together.
Piazza Batumi
Visit Piazza Batumi, a lively square filled with the aromas of local dishes wafting from restaurants and the sound of live music. Surrounded by historic charm, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine or catch a spontaneous performance. Piazza Batumi is where we love to go for a night out.
Visit the Adjara Art Museum
Step into the Adjara Art Museum, and immerse yourself in art that spans centuries. The museum is housed in a historic building, and features masterpieces from the famous Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani and Lado Gudiashvili.
5. Culinary Delights and Nightlife
Batumi’s nights are just as vibrant as its days, offering traditional Georgian feasts alongside a lively nightlife. Whether you prefer a quiet evening with wine or dancing until dawn, Batumi has something for everyone to enjoy.
Sip Local Wine at a Wine Bar
Experience the best of Georgian winemaking at a cosy wine bar, where each glass reflects the region’s rich traditions and fertile valleys. There are also plenty of just regular bars in Batumi as well where you can get beer, cocktails and of course Chacha. One of our favourite bars is Chacha time – drop in and see what they have on offer.
Casinos
No article about Batumi would be complete without mentioning the city’s many casinos, which have earned it the nickname “Las Vegas of the Black Sea.” While they’re a big part of Batumi’s nightlife and attract plenty of visitors, we’ll admit it’s not really our scene, so we haven’t checked them out ourselves. For those who enjoy a bit of gaming, there’s no shortage of options, but we’ve focused our time elsewhere in Batumi.
6. Shopping and Souvenirs
Beyond the beaches and boulevards, Batumi’s shopping scene is filled with souvenirs and contemporary fashion. Whether you’re after a keepsake or the latest trends, the city’s shops and boutiques have something for every taste and budget.
Modern Malls and Boutiques
Batumi’s modern malls and chic boutiques are a shopper’s paradise, offering a blend of international brands and local designers. Here, you can:
Browse the latest fashions
Seek out unique Georgian creations
find gifts and souvenirs for friends and family back home.
7. Take A Day Trip from Batumi to Guria: Tea Plantations and Wine Adventures
Just a short drive from Batumi, the Guria region beckons with its lush landscapes and a rich tapestry of agricultural traditions. Known for its historical tea plantations and emerging wineries, Guria offers a perfect day trip for those looking to dive into Georgia’s lesser-known but equally fascinating rural heritage.
Wander Through Historic Tea Plantations
Guria has a long history of tea cultivation, dating back to the 19th century when the first tea plants were introduced to Georgia. The region’s subtropical climate, with its warm temperatures and abundant rainfall, creates ideal conditions for tea growing. Today, you can visit several historic tea plantations that are reviving this age-old tradition, producing organic, hand-picked teas that carry the distinctive flavours of the region.
During your visit, take a guided tour through the green fields where workers expertly pluck tea leaves by hand, preserving the artisanal methods passed down through generations. Learn about the process of tea production, from leaf to cup, and participate in a tea-tasting session where you’ll sample a range of teas—green, black, and herbal (we had blueberry)—each offering a unique taste of Guria’s terroir.
Discover Guria’s Emerging Wineries
The region is home to several small, family-run wineries that are beginning to gain recognition for their quality wines, crafted using both ancient qvevri methods and modern techniques. Here, grape varieties like Chkhaveri—a pink-skinned grape native to the area—shine, producing wines that are as distinctive as they are delicious. We honestly tried so many unique grape varieties here that even we’d never heard of. Now we have – and we were impressed!
You can spend the afternoon visiting one or two of these boutique wineries, where you can explore the maranis (cellars), and enjoy guided tastings. Just note that many of the winemakers don’t speak English so try and get a driver/guide who can translate for you.
Soak in the Scenic Beauty
Guria’s natural beauty is truly captivating, with rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers offering stunning views at every turn. As you journey through tea plantations and wineries, take in the sights — Guria’s landscapes are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Practical Tips for Your Day Trip
- Transportation: It’s best to arrange for a car hire or hire a driver from Batumi if you plan to visit some wineries, as public transport options to these rural areas can be limited.
- Timing: Call ahead to check winery and plantation opening hours, as some may require advance booking.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for walking, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended, as you’ll likely be spending some time outdoors.
A day trip to Guria offers a delightful blend of culture, nature, and gastronomy, making it an unique escape for those looking to experience the authentic flavours and traditions of Georgia beyond the usual tourist trails. We had a lovely day – highly recommend visiting.
Top Hotels to Stay at in Batumi
Batumi offers a mix of luxury, comfort, and unique stays to suit every traveller. For a five-star experience, Hilton Batumi is a top choice, featuring rooms with modern amenities, a rooftop bar, and stunning sea views. Nearby, Sheraton Batumi combines elegant design with exceptional service, set in an iconic tower overlooking the Black Sea.
If you’re looking for boutique charm, Le Port Boutique Apart Hotel offers stylish rooms with a blend of modern comfort and local flair. For those wanting to stay in the heart of the city, Station 22 Hotel provides easy access to Batumi’s key attractions.
Lastly, for a budget-friendly yet comfortable option, Batumi Surf Hostel offers a cosy atmosphere and great location near Europe Square. Whether you prefer luxury or something more low-key, Batumi has a range of hotels to make your stay memorable.
From the lush greenery of Batumi’s Botanical Garden to the vibrant nightlife, Batumi is full of surprises. Whether you’re here to enjoy the flavours, relax by the sea, or explore something new, Batumi offers a diverse and memorable experience.
