Batumi for First-Timers: What to See in Two Days
Old streets from the free-port era, a 7 km seaside boulevard, the moving statue of Ali and Nino and a botanical garden above the sea — our two-day plan for a first visit to Batumi.
Batumi is the capital of Adjara and Georgia's main seaside city. It is compact, flat and easy to explore on foot, yet first-time visitors often spend their days only on the beach and miss half of it.
This is the plan we give friends for a first visit: one day for the old town and the Boulevard, one for the Botanical Garden and the sea — with tips on when each place looks best.
Day 1 morning: Old Batumi
Start in the old town between the sea and the port. When Batumi became a free port in the late 19th century, merchants built European-style two- and three-storey houses here, along with mansions and houses of worship of several faiths — most of them still stand.
Walk the narrow streets in the morning, before the heat: restored façades, balconies and carved doors alternate with small cafés and wine bars.
Piazza and Europe Square
Piazza, built in 2010 in an Italian style, is surrounded by arcades and decorated façades, with a large mosaic underfoot and a clock tower above. Its ground floors are cafés and restaurants, and in summer it often hosts live music.
A few minutes away, Europe Square is the city's main square. At its centre stands Medea holding the Golden Fleece — a nod to Colchis and the myth of the Argonauts — framed by 19th-century buildings, an astronomical clock and fountains.
Day 1 afternoon: the Boulevard
Batumi Boulevard was laid out in 1881 and now runs for more than 7 km along the sea. Shaded alleys of palms and magnolias, a cycle path, a Japanese garden, colonnades and singing fountains make it the centre of city life.
The old part near the port is green and shady; the newer stretch to the north is lined with modern architecture. Bikes and scooters can be rented along the way.
Sunset: Alphabet Tower
The 130-metre Alphabet Tower was built in 2012 in honour of Georgian script: the 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet wind up its double spiral. The silver sphere on top holds an observation deck with views over the city, the port, the sea and the mountains.
Time your walk so you reach this end of the Boulevard at sunset — after dark the tower lights up and the letters glow in colour.
Ali and Nino
Next to the tower and the Ferris wheel stands 'Ali and Nino', the moving sculpture by Georgian artist Tamar Kvesitadze, created in 2010. The two eight-metre steel figures — the heroes of Kurban Said's novel, the Azerbaijani Muslim Ali and the Georgian Christian Nino — slowly glide towards each other, pass through one another and part again.
It is beautiful in daylight and even more so in the evening, when the figures are lit up.
Day 2: the Botanical Garden
The Batumi Botanical Garden sits on the slopes of the Green Cape, about 9 km north of the city, right above the sea. Founded in 1912 by the botanist Andrey Krasnov, it covers more than 100 hectares divided by region of the world: East Asia, the Americas, Australia, the Mediterranean, the Himalayas and the humid subtropics of the Caucasus.
Give it at least two hours. The paths go up and down, so wear comfortable shoes and take water; the viewpoints look over the coast to Batumi and Kobuleti.
See Batumi from the sea
End your second day at the Marine Station, the white building with a tall spire where the old town meets the Boulevard. Passenger ships and pleasure yachts leave from here; even a short cruise shows the whole skyline against the mountains.
Local tips
- The Boulevard is at its best early in the morning and after sunset; in July and August avoid the midday heat.
- Try Adjarian khachapuri — the boat-shaped cheese bread with butter and an egg yolk is Batumi's signature dish.
- Old Batumi, Piazza, Europe Square and the Boulevard are all within walking distance of each other.
- For the Botanical Garden, go in the morning and allow at least two hours.
- Keep one or two days for trips into the mountains: Machakhela, Makhuntseti or Mtirala are within easy reach.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Batumi?
Two days cover the old town, the Boulevard, the Botanical Garden and a trip by sea. Add a day or two for the mountains of Adjara or the south coast.
Is Batumi walkable?
Yes. The old town, Piazza, Europe Square and the Boulevard are flat and close together. The Botanical Garden is a short drive north.
When is the best time to see Ali and Nino?
Around sunset and after dark, when the figures are lit up. The sculpture moves continuously, so you can watch a full cycle any time.
When is the best time to visit Batumi?
May to October. July and August are the warmest beach months; May, June, September and October are milder and better for walking.
