Overview

Batumi is a lively seaside city on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, nestled in the country’s southwestern corner. Originally envisioned as the "Las Vegas of the Black Sea," Batumi may not fully live up to that grand title, but it still delivers plenty of charm, energy, and appeal. With its sunny beaches, fun boardwalk, and beautiful mountain backdrop, the city offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and urban buzz.

Batumi stands out for its eclectic blend of sleek modern architecture, historic European-style buildings, and a humid subtropical climate that gives the city a distinctly exotic feel. Cultural diversity is on full display here with noticeable contrasts between different communities and architectural styles.

Beyond the beach, Batumi offers a variety of attractions worth exploring. Wander through the lush Batumi Botanical Garden, uncover ancient history at Gonio Fortress, ride the Argo Cable Car for sweeping views, or catch a show at the dolphinarium. The city is also carving out a cultural identity of its own, with contemporary art galleries, engaging museums, and a growing international film scene.

Things to see and do

Wander through the old town and enjoy the expansive town square of Europe Square. The square is surrounded by stunning European-style buildings, unlike any other square you’ll find in Georgia. This is where you’ll find a tall Statue of Medea, a dancing fountain, and plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sit and relax. At the eastern part of the square is the astronomical clock built on the side of a beautiful art-nouveau tower.

Another impressive square, the Batumi Piazza Square, is a large open-air space surrounded by beautiful European-style architecture, with cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore.

The square is also known for its massive central mosaic of 106 square meters, which is considered the largest figurative marble mosaic in Europe. It was made out of over 88 million marble cuts from 14 different countries, and was designed by a Georgian-Swiss artist with the concept of harmony between the sea and urban expanse. It’s an incredible sight to see!

Witness the mesmerizing motion of the Ali & Nino Statue, also known as the Statue of Love. Every ten minutes, these towering figures slowly glide toward each other, seamlessly merging before continuing on and pulling apart, symbolizing a poignant tale of eternal love and separation. Made of stacked metal segments, the statues appear to dance in a continuous cycle throughout the day. It’s one of Batumi’s most iconic landmarks.

Enjoy the Beach! Enjoy some sun and sea on the Batumi Beach in the beautiful summer months. There are sunbeds with umbrellas available. Just remember to bring your water shoes as the pebbly beach can be hard on your feet.

Take a stroll along Batumi Boulevard. Over 4 miles parallel to the beach, this boulevard is home to beautiful art installations, flora and fauna, and monuments. Over the years, the boulevard has been enlarged and renovated and includes 4 historic alleys, a bike path, and over 40,000 trees. Along the boulevard, you will find attractions like Japanese Garden, Miracle Park, and Batumi Boulevard Fountains. Between 9pm and 2 am, the fountains put on a spectacular light and sound show.

Be sure to admire the city’s striking architecture, it's part of what earned Batumi the nickname “the Dubai of the Black Sea.” Scattered throughout town, these eye-catching modern structures are just waiting to be discovered, each adding a bold and futuristic flair to the cityscape.

One of the most prominent ones is Batumi Alphabet Tower, a high-rise monument with a restaurant at the top and a great view of the coastline, Alliance Privilege, a stunning contemporary architectural complex with fluid and dynamic exterior that resembles a wave, and the most iconic of all, Batumi Tower Ferris Wheel, a hotel complex with a giant golden ferris wheel built into the facade.

Visit the Museums in Batumi. To learn more about Adjara, another name for this region, and its culture and people, check out Ajara Khariton Akhvlediani Museum. The museum is home to over 180,000 artifacts, ranging from old photographs to art pieces discovered in the region.

Another excellent museum is Ajara Art Museum, which houses a beautiful collection of 19th to 20th century artworks by both Georgian and foreign artists. The museum is inside a beautiful historical building that was designed by a famous Georgian architect in 1949.

Make time to visit the Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral, a striking early 20th-century Orthodox church that stands out for its neo-Gothic design, more reminiscent of a European Catholic cathedral than traditional Georgian Orthodox architecture. With its three spires, vivid stained-glass windows, and a warm orange interior adorned with ornate columns, frescoes, and elegant chandeliers, the cathedral offers a unique visual experience. The fusion of neo-Gothic and Orthodox elements makes it a rare architectural gem in Georgia.

Watch the sunset at the Argo Cable Car Top Station. Located on the hillside of Anuria Mountain overlooking Batumi and its coastline, this is the best viewpoint for a sunset. This place is connected to Batumi’s city center via a cable car from Argo Cable Car Station in the city.

Explore Batumi Botanical Garden, a massive green space located in the Green Cape area about 5.5 miles north of Batumi. The garden is home to several unique flora and fauna, a subtropical plant collection, centuries-old trees, and beautiful views of the Black Sea. The garden covers over 108 hectares and is connected by small paved trails dotted with sculptures and art installations. You can also go ziplining along the coast.

Nightlife

Batumi’s nightlife is lively, diverse and caters to all types of visitors. From beachfront clubs like Sector 26 and high-energy dance venues, to relaxed bars like Chacha Time and the panoramic 360 Sky Bar. Those looking for entertainment beyond dancing can try their luck at upscale casinos like Eclipse Casino Batumi or Casino Peace, both offering gaming and live performances. During warmer months, Batumi’s coastline becomes a lively open-air party scene, especially around Iveria Beach and the Batumi Boulevard, where bars and cafés buzz with activity.