Adjara is a region in the south-west of Georgia, and Batumi is its capital. Batumi is a really beautiful city and definitely worth the trip: the mountains are behind you, the Black Sea is in front of you, and the city itself is a mix of old and new. It sits right next to Turkey – the Sarpi border crossing is just outside the city.
In this guide I will tell you honestly what I love about Batumi and what I don’t: how to get there, where to stay, what to eat and what to see.
How to Get from Tbilisi to Batumi
You have three main options:
- Train – comfortable and the most relaxing way to travel. You can check times and buy tickets on the Georgian Railway website.
- Marshrutka or bus – cheaper, but less comfortable on such a long route.
- Private transfer with a driver – and who should you contact for that? Me, of course 🙂
My tip: if you travel by private car, you don’t have to go straight to the sea. On the way you can turn off to Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave, and then continue directly to Batumi. It turns a long transfer day into a sightseeing day.
Before You Go: Batumi Is Not Cheap
Keep in mind that Batumi is quite an expensive city, especially in summer – and honestly, winter prices are not much lower. Plan your budget accordingly, especially for accommodation.
Where to Stay in Batumi
I used to stay at the Orbi apartments, but recently the service there has not been what it used to be, so I no longer recommend them. These days I stay at the Alliance apartments – and always with a sea view.
My most important tip: before you book an apartment or hotel in Batumi, ask which side the room faces and choose a sea view. Sunsets over the Black Sea are breathtaking. Try to watch the sun go down from your balcony in the evening with a glass of wine or a cup of tea – whatever you like. Okay, I got a bit romantic here, even though I am not that much of a romantic – I just have good taste, and you should trust it 🙂
Parking and Taxis
Parking in Batumi is harder than finding a Georgian in China. If you come with a driver, make his life easier: wait for him in front of your hotel on time. Otherwise he will have to drive around half of Batumi until you come out.
Bolt and Yandex both work in Batumi. I compared them in our Tbilisi travel tips – the same advice applies here.
What to Eat in Batumi: Adjarian Khachapuri
Because Batumi is so close to Turkey, you will find plenty of Turkish restaurants, and there is even an Indian restaurant now. But forget Indian and Turkish – if you are in Batumi, you must try a real Adjarian khachapuri: the boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter and an egg. Be ready to gain a kilo, but trust me, it is worth it. Stop counting calories for a day and just enjoy it.
One warning: don’t plan to eat anything else that day. Adjarian khachapuri is as big as a pizza, and you won’t manage anything more. Read more about the different types of Georgian khachapuri.
What to See in Batumi: My City Tour Route
Batumi Botanical Garden
We start the day at the Botanical Garden. It is beautiful and very big, with views over the sea, so give yourself enough time to walk around.
Batumi Cable Car
Next, we take the Batumi cable car up the hill for a panoramic view of the city, the port and the coastline.
Ali and Nino, the Alphabet Tower, the Boulevard and Piazza
Back in the city, we visit the Ali and Nino moving statue, the Alphabet Tower, walk along the Batumi Boulevard by the sea and finish in Piazza, the Italian-style square in the old town.
The Café at the Top of the Alphabet Tower
I recommend going up to the café at the top of the Alphabet Tower. There is a lift, and the café-restaurant at the top has a beautiful view. The menu is not very impressive, and if you are looking for Georgian food, this is not the place – but for a glass of wine or a coffee with a view, it is lovely.
Good to know: just the lift ride up costs about 20 GEL, and you pay separately for whatever you order in the café. Still, while you are in Batumi, it is worth trying. P.S. In summer I always freeze up there – the air conditioning is really strong 🙂
Beyond the City: Makhuntseti, Gonio and More
- Makhuntseti Waterfall – if you have time, leave the city for the mountains of Adjara and visit this waterfall.
- Plane spotting – on the way back there is a spot where planes fly very low just before landing at Batumi airport. People wait there to take photos – a fun stop.
- Gonio Fortress – an ancient Roman-era fortress just south of Batumi.
- Ethnographic museum – very interesting if you want to learn about the traditions of Adjara.
Batumi Travel FAQ
How do I get from Tbilisi to Batumi?
By train, by marshrutka or bus, or by private car with a driver. The train is the most comfortable public option; a private car lets you stop at Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave on the way.
Is Batumi expensive?
Yes, compared to the rest of Georgia, especially in summer. Accommodation is the biggest expense, so book early and ask for a sea view.
What food should I try in Batumi?
Adjarian khachapuri – the boat-shaped cheese bread with butter and egg. Just don’t plan another meal that day.
What are the must-see places in Batumi?
The Botanical Garden, the cable car, Ali and Nino, the Alphabet Tower, the Boulevard and Piazza. Outside the city: Makhuntseti Waterfall and Gonio Fortress.
Questions About Batumi? Message Me
I hope this guide helps you a little. If you have any questions, message me on WhatsApp and I will help you for free. Of course, I would prefer you to book one of my tours 🙂 – but I really love giving advice, so write to me anyway. You can also see Batumi as part of our 8 Days in Georgia or 12-day Georgia Grand Tour.
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