Batumi Travel Guide
Batumi is Georgia’s lively Black Sea city, where palm-lined boulevards meet belle époque facades, contemporary architecture, beach life and a food scene that surprises at every corner. The city blends Adjara’s mountain culture with seaside energy, so you can sip Turkish-style coffee in a courtyard, stroll a sculpture-dotted promenade, then escape to tea plantations or waterfalls just a short drive away. Compact, walkable and creative, Batumi is perfect for a long weekend that can easily stretch into a week.
When to Visit Batumi?
Batumi has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, breezy summers. June to September is beach season with sunset walks on Batumi Boulevard and outdoor concerts. Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds, lush green hills and ripe fruits in local markets, great for hikers and photographers. Winter is quiet yet cozy, with café hopping and day trips to snow-kissed highlands. Curious to pick the perfect month for your plans, check out the full When to Visit Batumi guide.
How to Get to Batumi?
Batumi International Airport offers seasonal and regional flights, while Kutaisi and Tbilisi airports expand options with low-cost carriers. From Tbilisi, the fast train is comfortable and scenic, and long-distance buses run frequently across Georgia and from neighboring Turkey. If you prefer driving, the coastal highway delivers Black Sea views, and shared taxis are common for short hops. Want door to door tips and sample routes, see the detailed How to Get to Batumi guide.
What to Do in Batumi?
- Stroll Batumi Boulevard and the Alphabetic Tower for sea views and eye-catching public art.
- Explore Old Batumi’s restored facades, Piazza Square and Europe Square for golden-hour photos.
- Visit the Batumi Botanical Garden at Mtsvane Kontskhi for panoramic cliffs and rare plants.
- Ride the Argo Cable Car to Anuria Mountain for a sweeping look over the city and port.
- Discover Adjara wine at boutique bars, try qvevri-made vintages and local chkhaveri.
- Day trip to Mtirala National Park for rainforest trails, waterfalls and picnic spots.
- Tour a tea plantation or museum to trace Adjara’s tea heritage and taste fresh brews.
- Seek street sculptures like Ali and Nino, then catch sunset on the pebble beach.
- Duck into art spaces and contemporary museums to meet Batumi’s creative pulse.
- Warm up at a Turkish bath or spa after a long day of walking.
What to Eat in Batumi?
Batumi’s cuisine marries Georgian classics with Adjara specialties. Start with Adjaruli khachapuri, the boat-shaped bread filled with molten cheese, butter and egg. Try borano, pan-melted cheese in butter, and sinori, rolled lavash with cottage cheese and clarified butter. Fresh Black Sea fish, chkmeruli garlic chicken and pkhali veggie spreads pair beautifully with local wines and tarragon lemonade. For sweet endings, churchkhela and honey-drenched baklava-style pastries are everywhere. Hungry for a focused list of restaurants and must-try dishes, dive into the What to Eat in Batumi guide.
What to Buy from Batumi?
Look for artisan honey from Adjara’s mountains, herbal teas, traditional churchkhela, local cheeses and small-batch wines. Handwoven textiles, woodcrafts and enamel jewelry make meaningful keepsakes. Batumi’s markets brim with spices, dried fruits and homemade adjika that travel well. If you love browsing, the old-town boutiques and weekend stalls are treasure troves. For a curated shopping map and haggling tips, head to the What to Buy in Batumi guide.
Batumi Nightlife
Evenings in Batumi start with a seaside walk and continue at wine bars, cocktail lounges and live-music pubs around the old town and boulevard. In summer, open-air venues host DJ sets and concerts, while cozy speakeasies keep things intimate year-round. Casual beach bars, jazz clubs and late-night eateries make it easy to drift from place to place. For a handpicked bar crawl and safe late-night transport advice, check the Batumi Nightlife guide.
Batumi Festivals and Fairs
| Event or Festival | Month | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Batumi Black Sea Jazz Festival | July | International jazz names, beach vibes and open-air stages. |
| Batumi International Art-House Film Festival BIAFF | September | Indie films, director talks and citywide screenings. |
| Batumoba City Days | September or October | Local music, street food and cultural shows celebrating Batumi. |
| New Wine tastings and food fairs | Spring | Seasonal pop-ups spotlighting Georgian wines and regional bites. |
Batumi Important Days and Holidays
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year Holiday |
| January 7 | Orthodox Christmas |
| Variable date | Orthodox Easter Monday |
| May 9 | Victory Day |
| May 26 | Independence Day of Georgia |
| August 28 | Mariamoba Assumption of Mary |
| October 14 | Svetitskhovloba |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve fireworks on the seafront |
Things to Know Before Your Batumi Trip
- Currency is Georgian lari GEL, small cash is handy for markets and marshrutka rides.
- English is understood in tourism areas, Russian and Turkish are also heard, learning a few Georgian phrases goes a long way.
- Summer humidity is high, pack breathable clothes, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Pebble beaches mean water shoes are useful for swimming days.
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, always confirm the fare before you go.
- ATMs are common, cards are widely accepted, keep some coins for public transport.
- Respect church dress codes and ask before photographing people in markets.
- Tap water is generally safe yet bottled water is convenient for day trips.
- Plan day trips with weather in mind, mountain areas change quickly.
- Travel insurance is a smart idea for hikes and adventure activities.
Batumi blends sea breezes, mountain flavors and street-corner charm into a city that feels both relaxed and vibrant. If this sounds like your kind of escape, pencil it into your next Black Sea itinerary. Ready to build your itinerary step by step, jump into the Places to Visit in Batumi guide for a smooth start.
