What to Do in Batumi 2 Days in Georgia’s Seaside City

Looking to spend some time in Batumi, Georgia’s city on the Black Sea, but unsure what to do? Batumi can feel a little Vegas-like, with its big chain hotels, casinos, “ladies of the night,” and beaches. Many surrounding countries flee to this “Sin City” to participate in activities otherwise banned in their home countries. However, don’t let that deter a visit here.

Although many people escape to Batumi to relax on the beach and hit the casinos, there is a lot more to this peculiar city. Explore the many unique squares and understand the Ottoman influence by walking through the Turkish Quarter. Visit Ali and Nino on the boardwalk and appreciate some interesting buildings, monuments, and artwork. At night, appreciate the dancing fountains. On Day 2, relax on the beach, and eat as much food as possible. Batumi has an excellent food scene, and it’s easy to wander the city, finding hidden gems.

Here’s what to do in Batumi and how to make the most of this coastal city in just 2 days.

Table of Contents

• Ways to Reach Batumi
• Day 1: What to Do in Batumi
• Day 2: What to Do in Batumi
• Sleeping in Batumi
• What to do in Batumi: 2 Days in Georgia’s City on the Sea

Ways to Reach Batumi

Batumi is easy to reach from the capital city of Tbilisi and is a relaxing and welcomed break for hikers that just completed the Mestia to Ushguli 4 day trek in the Upper Svaneti Region.

From Tbilisi

Most people visit Batumi by train from Tbilisi. The train runs daily, is comfortable, fast, and convenient.

Before leaving Tbilisi... did you check off these Must-Do items from your bucket list?

Practical Info

• Departure Location: Tbilisi Central Railway Station
  • 21, 19, Tsotne Dadiani St, Tbilisi
• Departure Times: 8:00 & 17:20
• One-Way Ticket: Around 25 GEL ($8.25 USD)
• Duration: 5 Hours
• Check the Current Schedules here in English

Travel Tip: Use the above link to check for additional trains running during the peak season.

From Mestia

Tired hikers come to Batumi from Mestia and the Upper Svaneti Region to relax for a few days at the beaches. The best way to reach Batumi from Mestia is to take a marshrutka to Zugdidi. These shared buses drop at the Zugdidi Central Train Station. From there, hop on another marshrutka to Batumi.

Practical Info

• Departure Location: Zugdidi Main Railway Station
• One-Way Ticket: Around 12 GEL ($4 USD)
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Verify the schedules with the drivers or at the Information Booth in the railway station

Travel Planning: The Best Georgia Highlights in 3 Weeks

Day 1: What to Do in Batumi

Batumi first and foremost is a bustling port city. Sadly, many old neighborhoods are being demolished and high rise buildings are beginning to topple the skyline, many of which sit empty. Batumi is still trying to find its place in the modern tourism world, yet hold onto traditions. Like most cities in Georgia, Batumi is a mixture of old ways and new business ideas. Since 30% of the population follows the Muslim religion, there is a more prevalent fusion of East meets West than other regions of Georgia.

With these contrasts comes some unique city spaces, and a distinct Turkish Quarter. Take a stroll on the boardwalk and see the moving Ali and Nino statue, various monuments and interesting works of art, and peculiar buildings. At night, stop by one of many dancing fountains that display synchronized water shows.

Here are some activities to fill up a relaxed first day in Batumi.

Visit the City’s Unique Squares

Explore one of many “living rooms” of the city.

Europe Square

Europe Square may just be the “heart and soul” of Batumi. Within the square are benches, gardens, statues, contrasting styles of architecture, and some sort of local activity. Nearby is the peculiar astronomical clock. Surrounding the plaza are lively coffee shops, towering hotels, and restaurants with inviting patios.

Next, head to the neighboring Theater Square.

Theater Square

This nearby square sees less visitors and really shows the contrasts within Batumi. Find the beautiful theater lined with gardens and fountains. The familiar communist block housing looms in the backdrop. Look for the mermaids in the fountain who appear to have water squirting from their breasts. These girls are quite risque for Georgia’s conservative Orthodox views.

Next, head towards Batumi Piazza.

Batumi Piazza

Step into Italy… I mean, Batumi Piazza. This modern plaza was designed and feels like a forced version of Venice’s Piazza San Marco. The square can seem almost out of place. It’s worth a stroll through to glance at the tiled ground. Check out the beautiful mosaic made up of over 88 million tiles. Again, this plaza has multiple restaurants, cafes, and establishments serving up food and beverages at a higher than normal price.

Continue onto Kutaisi Street.

Stroll Through the Turkish District

Two blocks down is Kutaisi Street, the pulse of the Batumi’s Turkish District. On this street, find a working mosque, Turkish cafes, and authentic restaurants. Continue down the street and begin to see German beer gardens, Chinese noodle houses, Thai massage parlors, and Ukrainian restaurants. This street is a cultural hodgepodge of diversity.

Solo Traveler Tip: It’s best to avoid walking down this street alone at nighttime.

This street will come out near the Chacha Fountain. Yes, they say the chacha fountain spewed out Georgia’s beloved brandy for only one day. Follow along by the sea until you spot Ali and Nino.

Fall in Love with Ali and Nino

It’s hard to miss Ali and Nino dancing in front of the Black Sea. This romantic steel sculpture actually moves. They are modeled after a sad love story between Ali, a Muslim man from Azerbaijan, and Nino, a Christian princess from Georgia. These two lovers come from the actual story entitled “Ali and Nino,” written by Kurban Said. Watch these two figures merge into one, a cycle that completes every 10 minutes.

In this area is the iconic Ferris Wheel of Batumi, the lighthouse, and the iconic Alphabet Tower. This building is shaped like a genome of human DNA and has the entire Georgian alphabet intertwined on it. For a fee of 10 GEL ($3.25 USD), head up to the viewing tower for a different perspective of Batumi.

Hey…

The best way to appreciate many of the above highlights of the city is to take the Batumi Walking Tour. The tour is the perfect introduction on what to do in Batumi.

• English Tour:
  • Daily: 17:00
• Meeting Point: Argo cable car station
  • Location: Gogebashvili St, (Next to the Official Tourist Information Center)
• Cost: Free, but the guides work hard for their tips! Share the love.
• Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
• Sign-up here!

Appreciate Batumi Boulevard and the Dancing Fountains

On Batumi Boulevard, find the lively dancing fountains. After 20:00, the fountains start a synchronized program with a variety of different songs, lasers, and water display. The square is full of families and tourists escaping the “rowdy” night scene. There are quite a few fountains in the city, and many of them showcase nightly performances.

Day 2: What to Do in Batumi

On Day 2, eat a hearty Batumi breakfast, relax at the beach, and enjoy all of the authentic and delicious food of the city.

Traditional Breakfast

Being on the sea, many locals love starting the morning with the regional Adjarian Khachapuri. Batumi’s version is notorious for their homemade bread that is shaped like a boat. This classic dish is filled with delicious cheese, smothered with butter, and is topped with a perfectly barely cooked egg. Locals declare that the boat-like shaped bread is due to the fact that Batumi is a port town.

Skip the morning coffee and instead wash it down with a florescent green Tarragon Lemonade.

Relax on the Black Sea Beaches

After those morning calories, head to the beach to relax and take a dip in the Black Sea. Although the beaches are quite simple, it’s possible to rent chairs and umbrellas, as the beach is mostly rocky.

Make sure to casually stroll along the boardwalk. There are beautiful buildings surrounded by landscaped gardens. Look for the newly paved bike paths which follow along the seaside.

Tip: Move away from the city center to have quieter and cleaner beaches. Near the Batumi Central Station Railway are quiet and empty beaches with views of the city.

Eat & Then Eat Some More

Batumi boasts an incredible foodie scene. I was going to skip the city all together, until I heard fellow travelers raving about how amazing the food was. From modern coffee shops, traditional Georgian favorites, ethnic and fusion cuisine, and yummy pastries, Batumi will leave you searching for excuses just to stop and eat.

Foodie Guide: Where to Eat in Batumi

Sleeping in Batumi

There are many big name American hotels offering rooms with casinos. However, the best way to help fuel the local economy is to stay at a family run guest house. Many of these homes are located in the city center and have warm families offering up that famous Georgian hospitality.

Budget travelers will love an authentic home-stay at Hostel in Batumi. Find large shared rooms in the city center, many of them with spacious balconies. The house mama is warm and inviting and makes for a simple, but memorable stay in the heart of Batumi.

Check availability for Hostel in Batumi here.

What to do in Batumi: 2 Days in Georgia’s City on the Sea

Two days is the perfect amount of time to discover Batumi, Georgia’s bizarre city on the sea. Most travelers come to Batumi to indulge in forbidden cultural activities of gambling and drinking; however, this Black Sea “sin city” offers so much more.

Explore the contrasting architecture and visit one of the many bustling squares of this old port city. Stroll through the Turkish Quarter and along the sprawling seaside. Fall in love with Ali and Nino and the distinctive buildings and art work that are scattered about the boardwalk. Of course, don’t forget to relax at the rocky beaches of the Black Sea. The best way to enjoy this diverse city is to eat at one of many delicious restaurants. Find a mixture of traditional, ethnic, and fusion cuisines.

Batumi is such a unique port city and is worth a day or two to explore.

Have you been to the coastal city of Batumi? What did you think of it? Was it worth a pit stop? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.