20 Best Things to Do in Batumi: Beaches, Food, and More

20 things to do in Batumi, Georgia

1. Visit Batumi Piazza Square

If you’re wondering what to see in Batumi Old Town as an architecture lover, Batumi Piazza is a great place to start. Inspired by Italian architecture, the Piazza quickly became one of the must-see places in Batumi since its opening in 2010.

The square’s highlights are the beautiful clock tower and the impressive mosaics. The space hosts several boutiques, hotels, and restaurants, and feels like a little corner of Venice in Georgia.

The square is also used as an evocative venue for events such as concerts and exhibitions. Some singers, like Plácido Domingo and Sting, have performed in the Piazza.

2. Stroll Along Seafront Promenade – One of Batumi’s Top Attractions

One of Batumi’s top attractions is, without a doubt, the 6 km-long Seafront Promenade. You can walk for hours, enjoying the views of Batumi and the sea breeze with every step.

Start at the Batumi Pier, which offers fantastic views of the Black Sea. Nearby, you will find Tolia, a cute ice cream shop. As you follow the promenade, you will pass the Engage Statue, a romantic sculpture of two lovers facing the sea.

Make sure you plan your visit for late afternoon, as this is also one of the top places in Batumi to take pictures at sunset. You’ll pass several beaches, including Mastercard Beach, the popular Batumi Beach, and the more relaxed Aquapark Beach.

If you are in the mood to walk, walk all the way to the Restaurant Tower and Ardagani Lake (which we will discuss later in the article). I would also recommend visiting the Japanese garden to discover some hidden gems in Batumi.

3. Discover the Ali and Nino Statue

Every Batumi travel guide will tell you to see the Ali and Nino Statue. This modern installation is inspired by the novel where Ali, a Muslim boy, and Nino, a Christian Georgian princess, are separated during the Bolshevik invasion.

Ali and Nino are no ordinary statues. Designed by Tamara Kvesitadze, the installation is located on the beautiful waterfront. Every evening at 7 pm, a computer-controlled mechanism makes the statues move toward each other and join in a kiss. 

The entire motion lasts about 10 minutes, ending with the two figures merging and then moving apart again, just like in their story. At night, it’s often illuminated, while during the day it shines brightly in the sunlight.

4. Explore Europe Square and the Iconic Black-Gold Roof

Europe Square is one of the most important historical landmarks to visit in Batumi, especially for its beautiful architecture.The square is surrounded by stunning palaces and offers views of modern skyscrapers.

The square is home to the Medea statue, which honors the mythological figure who, according to legend, helped bring the Golden Fleece to ancient Georgia. 

Around the square, you’ll find a mix of 19th-century buildings and newer structures that reflect European influences. You can’t miss the iconic Black-Gold Roof building. It features a beautiful design, unique gold details on the roof, and a stained glass balcony.

Many hotels, bars, and restaurants fill the square, creating a lively atmosphere. It’s also common to find street artists performing, making it the heart and soul of the Adjarian capital.

5. Walk Down Memed Abashidze Avenue

Memed Abashidze Avenue is one of the best places to explore in Batumi to truly appreciate the artistic soul of the capital of Ajara. The avenue connects the Seafront to the 6th of May Park and is packed with beautiful palaces, restaurants, boutiques, and sightseeing spots.

Starting from the park side, you’ll appreciate the architecture of the Bank of Georgia. As you move toward the sea, you’ll find Biblusi Gallery, a bookstore with books in many languages and a cozy café inside, perfect for a break during your Batumi vacation. 

Right in front of Biblusi Gallery, there’s also the public library. Aesthetic lovers and foodies might want to stop at the beautiful Cafe Daphna, located near Europe Square.

As you pass the beautiful Europe Square, you’ll shortly reach Apollo Cinema. This isn’t a major tourist attraction, but the facade is stunning. As you walk closer to the sea, you will find a lot of cool street art and picturesque corners.

6. Ride the Argo Cable Car – Batumi Sightseeing from Above

If you’re a photographer and wondering what to do in Batumi to take a perfect panoramic photo of the city, then you have to ride the Argo Cable Car.

The cable car takes about fifteen minutes to cover the 2,586-meter journey from Batumi up to Anuria Mountain, where you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the city. 

Once you reach the top, you’ll find Joyroom, a playground with a view, as well as a restaurant, a gift shop, and the new Digital Museum.

A round-trip ride costs 30 GEL and offers you great Batumi sightseeing from a completely different perspective.

7. Stop by the Batumi Theater

One of the most beautiful Batumi tourist attractions is undoubtedly its theater, located in Theatre Square, in the central part of the city and just a few meters from the sea. The first performance of the Batumi Theater was held in July 1879.

Visiting the square and relaxing in the park with a theater view is one of the best things to do in Batumi city center to enjoy the cultural vibe of the city. If you’re interested in attending a performance, you can buy tickets here.

8. Relax in Batumi Botanical Garden – A Hidden Gem by the Black Sea

If you’re wondering where to have a unique experience in Batumi, head to the Batumi Botanical Garden. It’s one of my favorite places in the city because it feels like you’ve escaped somewhere completely different, even though it’s just a short drive from the center.

The garden is huge and full of surprises, and it has some of the nicest Batumi hidden gems. One moment you’re walking through palm trees that feel straight out of the tropics, and the next you’re in a section that feels like the Mediterranean.

And let’s talk about those views! Some of the coastal lookouts honestly feel unreal. It’s truly one of the best Batumi Instagram spots for all the right reasons. Just make sure to bring comfortable shoes, because the garden is massive.

You don’t need a specific plan for the garden, but definitely visit the Botanical Garden View Point. Also, Mtsvane Kontskhi Beach near the entrance offers some amazing views of Batumi.

Batumi Botanical Garden is open every day from 9 am to 7:30 pm, and the entrance fee is 20 GEL.

9. Go up the Alphabetic Tower

One of the famous Batumi tourist attractions is the Alphabetic Tower, located on the city’s waterfront. This modern 130-meter-tall tower is also one of the most Instagrammable places in Batumi, offering a fantastic view over the city and the Black Sea.

The tower showcases each letter of the Georgian alphabet spiraling around its structure in a DNA-like design. You can take an elevator to the top, where a 360-degree observation deck reveals the full beauty of Batumi’s skyline.

From up there, you’ll see the Black Sea stretching to the horizon, the green hills inland, and the city’s mix of old courtyards and modern skyscrapers. One of the standout views is of Le Méridien Batumi.

The entrance fee is 20 GEL, and it’s open every day from 11 am to midnight. At the top, there’s a bar and a restaurant. While the bar is okay, the restaurant is considered overpriced, so not recommended. We stopped for a drink instead.

10. Take a Boat Ride on the Black Sea

One of the most relaxing Batumi tourist attractions is taking a boat ride on the Black Sea. The skyline, the sea breeze, and the calm sound of waves make it one of those unique experiences in Batumi that you won’t forget.

You can easily find boats at the Batumi Port or near the Alphabetic Tower area. Options range from small private boats to group cruises with music and drinks. Most of them last about 30 minutes to an hour. I can recommend this private boat tour.

If you go in the evening, try to time it with sunset. The golden light on the water and the view of Batumi lighting up for the night is something you’ll remember forever.

11. Visit Ardagani Lake

Among the free things to do in Batumi, visiting Ardagani Lake was one of my favorites. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by some of the city’s most interesting modern buildings, and the reflections on the water make it one of the prettiest places in Batumi.

The lake is the perfect place to enjoy the changing skyline of the Adjara capital. You’ll find clean lines, bold shapes, and a strong contrast between the glassy high-rises and the calm lake surface. It’s one of those spots that shows modern side of Batumi.

12. See a piece of Italy in Batumi

The Restaurant Tower and Colosseum Marina Hotel are two unique buildings that bring Italian vibes to the Black Sea coast. We already covered Batumi Piazza Square, however, these are less popular alternatives beyond the main attractions.

The Restaurant Tower stands out with its Venice-inspired architecture. The tower is tall and narrow, and from a distance it looks like part of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. Even if you don’t stop to eat, it’s worth a visit just to see the building up close.

Right next to it is the Colosseum Marina Hotel, which is designed to look like a mini version of the Roman Colosseum. It’s a fun surprise and definitely one of the most unusual hotels in the city. The building lights up at night and gives a totally different vibe.

13. Try Georgian Wine Tasting – A Local Experience in Batumi

If you ask me what is the first thing I think about when someone mentions Georgia, my response would probably be wine. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Batumi to enjoy this local specialty at its best, I recommend trying a wine tasting at a family-owned place.

Sure, restaurants and bars have some of the coolest labels in the country, and they definitely taste good. However, it’s only when you meet the smaller producers that you understand what wine means to Georgia.

There are several local experiences in Batumi and nearby that are connected to wine. This is a perfect option if you’re in town and don’t have much time to explore the surrounding area.

14. Ride the Ferris Wheel

If you’re looking for a good alternative to the Alphabetic Tower, or you simply like being in the sky, the Ferris Wheel is another place to add to your Batumi things to do list.

The wheel is located just a few meters away from the Alphabetic Tower, and the biggest advantage is that you can actually see the tower itself. You’ll have a privileged view of the seafront promenade and other iconic buildings of the city.

Thanks to its affordable price, this is one of the budget-friendly activities in Batumi. For only 10 GEL, you get the chance to see Batumi from a different perspective.

15. Stop by the Batumi Lighthouse

The Batumi Lighthouse is located near the Ferris Wheel and the Alphabetic Tower, so it’s easy to include in your walk along the waterfront. It’s a small yet iconic spot, perfect for photos and a short break if you’re exploring the places to visit in Batumi on foot.

16. Visit the Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral

The Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in Batumi Old Town and a must-see for architecture lovers. Especially if you enjoy Neo-Gothic details.

The cathedral was originally built as a Catholic church in the early 1900s, but today it’s used by the Georgian Orthodox Church. It’s hard to believe that during Soviet times, this place was turned into a high-voltage lab. Thankfully, it was restored in 1989.

Step inside to see colorful frescoes, tall stained-glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s free to enter, but be mindful of the dress code; modest clothing is expected inside Orthodox churches.

17. Eat Adjarian Khachapuri: The Best Local Food to Try in Batumi

If you want to try the best local food in Batumi, your first pick has to be Adjarian Khachapuri, a true symbol of the city and a heritage of Georgian cuisine. Unlike other types of khachapuri, the Adjarian version is shaped like a boat and filled with a mix of cheese, butter, and egg.

There are several iconic restaurants in Batumi, but Retro and Porto Franco are the most popular for Adjarian Khachapuri. I’ve tried both, and I can say that Porto Franco was my favorite. Retro, on the other hand, offers some interesting variations from the original recipe.

18. Explore the Batumi Fish Market and Enjoy a Meal by the Sea

One of the best local experiences in Batumi is visiting the lively Batumi Fish Market. The market is busy, with fishermen selling everything from small fish to crabs and shrimp.

After picking your fish, you can head to nearby restaurants where many will cook your catch for you (for a small fee!). While this is a popular practice, I don’t recommend it unless you can communicate in Georgian or Russian to avoid any confusion.

I personally loved Black Sea, Fishlandia, and Taverna Balagan. Black Sea and Fishlandia are located right by the sea and offer stunning views, while Taverna Balagan is located on the other side of the street, so no view.

If you want a true taste of Batumi’s coastal life, don’t miss this vibrant market. It’s one of the best ways to connect with the city’s fishing traditions and enjoy a fresh meal by the water. After all, seafood from Batumi is one of the best local foods to try in Georgia.

19. Join a Georgian Cooking Class

If you want to dive deeper into local experiences in Batumi, joining a Georgian cooking class is a fantastic choice. It’s a fun way to learn how to make traditional dishes, especially the famous Adjarian Khachapuri, which is a symbol of the region.

You don’t need to be an expert cook to join. The classes are friendly and welcoming, with hosts guiding you step-by-step through the recipe. You’ll also get to use fresh, local ingredients and hear stories about Georgian food and culture.

Besides cooking, it’s a chance to experience genuine Georgian hospitality and meet other travelers who share your love for food. Plus, you get to enjoy the meal you prepare, which makes the whole experience even more rewarding.

20. Go on a Day Trip from Batumi

If you want to explore beyond the city, some amazing day trips from Batumi show the natural beauty and unique landscapes of the region. You can either rent a car and explore other beautiful places in Georgia or join an organized group tour.

This tour offers a perfect break from the city, taking you through charming villages and scenic spots in the Adjara region. You’ll get to experience local life, taste traditional food, and enjoy peaceful surroundings. It’s a great way to see the authentic side of Georgia.

For nature lovers and hikers, the Machakhela National Park is a must-visit. This private hiking tour from Batumi lets you explore forests, waterfalls, and stunning mountain views.

This tour covers some of the most spectacular canyons and caves near Batumi. You’ll visit Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, and the Prometheus Cave. These sites offer incredible photo opportunities and a chance to explore Georgia’s geological wonders.