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10 Places to Visit in Batumi, Georgia – Black Sea’s Best Attractions
- Jenn & Leon
- Jul 29, 2022
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 7
This seaside resort-style city left a lasting impression on us with its blend of Georgian, Soviet, Turkish, and European styles.
It is packed full of places of interest, including several monuments, towers, fountains, a Ferris wheel, and a truly fantastic boardwalk.
This list is by no means exhaustive and is activity-based; we will not even mention the plethora of great bars and restaurants we enjoyed here.
Batumi is a great spot for budget travel, as much of what there is to see is free.
It is also perfect for a leisurely vacation or indeed for adventurers and fast travellers who are just passing through.
It has a little something for everyone, but this list is our pick of the bunch - will you visit them all? Feel free to save this post as your Batumi itinerary/travel guide!
In This Post...
1) Alphabetic Tower
The $65 million Alphabetic Tower is a 130-meter-high monument symbolizing the unique Georgian alphabet and its people.
33 letters adorn the tower in the form of a double helix, promoting a language that dates back as far as the 5th century.
There is also a rotating observation deck and restaurant within the dome at the top, affording a 360-degree view of the city and the Black Sea.
You will be charged to take the elevator to the top, and there is no additional charge (unless you want to buy food or drinks).
● Cost: Around USD 8 (adult ticket)
● Opening times: Daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
● Locate: Tap here for directions
2) Ali & Nino Monument
Created by artist Tamara Kvesitadze, the Ali and Nino Monument is a moving piece that represents the story of love between a Christian princess and a Muslim boy, who were forced to separate during the Bolshevik Revolution.
The statues rotate on a 10-minute loop, with both eventually coming together seamlessly as one.
Its inspiration came from a famous 1937 novel by Azerbaijani author Kurban Said, and it is one of the most prominent attractions in the city.
● Cost: Free to visit
● Opening times: Open 24/7 (outdoor public art installation)
● Locate: Tap here for directions
3) European Square & The Medea Monument
Also known as Era Square, this is a beautiful plaza featuring some of Batumi's most historic buildings, a fountain, many restaurants, and its star attraction, the Medea Monument.
The square is in the centre of the city and is a hub of activity on most days, with live music and various fairs/carnivals featured throughout the year.
It is a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Batumi with plenty of outdoor dining and café areas.
We found some of the best places to eat in Batumi were at European Square!
The monument represents the Greek princess Medea holding the Golden Fleece.
She is known for falling deeply in love with the explorer and adventurer Jason of the Argonauts and was said to have the power and gift of prophecy.
It was unveiled in 2007 by the President of Georgia at the time, Mikheil Saakashvili.
● Cost: Free entry
● Opening times: Open 24/7 (public square and outdoor monument)
● Locate: Tap here for directions
4) Batumi Piazza
This stunning Italian Renaissance-style public square bears the hallmarks of places like Venice, with its amazing bell-laden clock tower and incredible main central floor mosaic.
With various restaurant options too, it is a fantastic place to enjoy the spirit of Batumi's European vibes and is generally quieter than European Square.
It is located in the old town, around 4-5 blocks from the Black Sea. There are also several boutique hotels here too and it is considered one of the city's most ornate areas.
The figurative mosaic itself is the largest of its kind in Europe and was painstakingly put together from over 88 million cut marble pieces.
Yes, 88 MILLION! It was created in 2010 by designer Natali (Natalia) de Pita Amirejibi, and you can find out more information about what it depicts here.
● Cost: Free to enter (costs apply for dining/shops inside)
● Opening times: Open daily, typically 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (shops and restaurants vary)
● Locate: Tap here for directions
⪢ Consider Taking a Tour
One of the most popular ways to visit Batumi is by tour. Book walking and food tours, wine tastings, botanical garden tickets, and even day trips to other cities with Get Your Guide.
No matter where your travels take you, Get Your Guide offers the best way to connect with your destination.
5) Astronomical Clock
There is a special plaque located opposite the Astronomical Clock which explains its purpose and operation.
The Roman numeral clock shows not only real time but also the astronomical positions of the sun, moon, planets, and zodiac constellations.
It also records sunrises and sunsets, the age of the moon, and the actual motion of the moon around the Earth.
It was commissioned in Germany for the sum of 1.7 million GEL, and the building it is installed on is the restored former National Bank of Georgia.
● Cost: Free to view (located on the city hall facade)
● Opening times: Visible 24/7; clock chimes and performances typically on the hour, daytime hours
● Locate: Tap here for directions
6) Fountain of Neptune & Theatre Square
You will find the Fountain of Neptune in front of the Batumi Drama Theater in Theatre Square.
It was erected in 2010 and is a copy of the Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza del Nettuno in Bologna, Italy.
This square provides a wonderful view of Batumi's diverse architectural styles.
The marble statue stands out against the Roman-style Drama Theatre, the impressive modern golden Ferris Tower, the old parade of shops lined with palm trees to the left, and the Soviet-era tower blocks to the right.
Although the fountain isn't always operational, we were fortunate to see it a couple of times during our visit.
● Cost: Free to visit
● Opening times: Open 24/7; the fountain usually operates during daylight hours and evenings with light shows
● Locate: Tap here for directions
7) Chacha Clock Tower & Dancing Fountains
The Chacha Tower is located on the seafront promenade near the main port of Batumi and the Miracle Park in the old town.
It was originally built over 100 years ago and was restored by the government in 2012 after falling into disrepair.
On its opening, actual Chacha flowed from its four fountains. Chacha is a pomace brandy and a traditional (and very potent) Georgian alcoholic drink.
The Chacha Fountain is now non-functioning, with its taps said to have been turned off since 2015.
It is a replica of an Ottoman-era building and has been heavily vandalised, perhaps seen as a symbol of Turkish oppression in the city.
● Cost: Free to visit
● Opening times: Accessible 24/7
● Locate: Tap here for directions
One of our particular highlights is the Dancing Fountains, of which there are 2.
These beautiful fountains operate from 7 pm to 2 am and are water displays that are illuminated at night by colorful bulbs and lasers, accompanied by wonderfully sweet and epic music.
They are a great place to chill and another must-see attraction in the city! The video shows the larger of the two, which are separated by a 20-25 minute walk along the boulevard.
● Cost: Free to enjoy
● Opening times: Evenings, typically from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM; showtimes may vary by season
● Locate: Tap here for directions
8) Batumi Ferris Wheel & The Octopus Cafe
Perfectly positioned with great views of the Black Sea and the city skyline, this Ferris Wheel is well worth a visit, especially for the price.
It is hard not to include this as a must-see attraction, given how prominent it is on the promenade!
● Cost: Around USD 3 – USD 5 per ride (prices can vary)
● Opening times: Daily, approximately 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
● Locate: Tap here for directions
The Soviet era 'Octopus' was built in 1975 and is a fascinating feature sitting just off the main boardwalk at the centre of the brilliant Batumi Boulevard.
It was originally a café, although it has been closed for several years. Its colorful mosaics make it an interesting place to visit, and no doubt it will continue to attract visitors due to its vibrant design.
● Cost: None (now closed)
● Opening times: Accessible 24/7
● Locate: Tap here for directions
9) Batumi Sea Port & Boardwalk
The Batumi Boardwalk Boulevard is the pride of the city and stretches for 7km along the black sea coast.
Its development stretches back to 1881, and it boasts a vast array of highlights, including the aforementioned Ali and Nino Statue, the Batumi Lighthouse, and the Batumi Colonnades.
The active seaport at the start of the Boardwalk is a hub of activity at times, and we were lucky enough to witness a docked warship while we were here!
The boulevard is neatly separated for pedestrians and bikers and is very popular with fitness enthusiasts out for their morning runs.
It is also home to many beautiful themed gardens and grand monuments. If that doesn't tempt you, then head out after 6 pm and watch as it captures an epic sunset!
It runs the full length of the coast, although be advised that it is a stone beach.
● Cost: Free to access
● Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily
● Location: Tap here for directions
10) Monument of Ilia Chavchavadze
Known as the 'Father of Georgia', no trip to Batumi would be complete without a visit to this grand dedication statue overlooking the Georgian coast.
It is located near the Batumi Theatre and the Miracle Park.
This is Prince Ilia Chavchavadze, a Georgian public figure, journalist, writer, and poet who led the revival of the Georgian national movement in the second half of the 19th century.
He played a major role in the creation of Georgian civil society during the time of Russian rule and led the contemporary youth intellectual movement named “tergdaleulebi”, which spread modern and European liberal ideals.
He even founded 2 newspapers and played an important role in the first financial structure - the Land Bank of Tbilisi.
Other famous achievements include helping to spread literacy to maintain the Georgian language.
● Cost: Free to visit
● Opening Hours: Accessible 24 hours daily
● Location: Tap here for directions
Easily Find Hotels in Batumi and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby that is not an Airbnb? Browse Batumi hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay or longer.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
How to Get to Batumi, Georgia
Batumi is a vibrant seaside city on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, known for its modern architecture and lively atmosphere.
By Air
Batumi International Airport (BUS) is just 2.5 km from the city center.
Flights operate from major hubs like Tbilisi, Istanbul, and Moscow, plus seasonal European charters.
By Train
Batumi has a modern train station with services connecting to Tbilisi and other Georgian cities.
The train journey from Tbilisi to Batumi takes about 5–6 hours with scenic views.
By Bus or Minibus (Marshrutka)
Frequent minibuses connect Batumi with Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Turkish border towns.
The main bus station is near the city center, with easy taxi access to attractions.
By Car
Driving along the scenic Georgian Military Highway or via the coastal highway from Turkey offers spectacular views, but can be winding.
Tips for Visiting Batumi
● Visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summers can be hot and busy, especially in July and August.
● Stay close to the seaside boulevard to enjoy easy access to beaches, cafes, and nightlife.
● Try local Adjarian cuisine such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and fresh seafood at seaside restaurants.
● Bring comfortable walking shoes—Batumi is best explored on foot, especially the Old Town and boulevard areas.
● Use public transport or walk to avoid traffic jams; Batumi’s city buses and taxis are affordable and plentiful.
Watch Our First Impressions of Batumi on YouTube
Take a look at our first impressions of Batumi for an extensive look at our 5 months of living in Batumi and other cities from our road trip across Georgia!
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There are so many things to do, in most cases free, in this absolute gem of a city. Batumi is incredibly underrated, and is honestly a MUST-SEE European city.