The pearl of Georgia, Batumi, is not only a resort city but also an inexhaustible treasure trove of attractions. They will interest both adults and children. Unusual buildings, beautiful parks, a zoo and a dolphinarium, squares and promenades, monuments, and temples. A week is not enough to see all the beauties and unique places. But if you have only 24 hours, we will tell you what to see in Batumi in one day on your own, so you don’t miss anything important and interesting. With our guide, you can create a route according to your interests.
Argo Cable Car
This is the most convenient place to start your acquaintance. The Argo cable car was opened in 2013. The lower station is located on Gogebashvili Street. The journey to Mount Feria (250m) lasts about 10 minutes. One of the 9 glass cabins, designed for 6 people, will take you up.
During the ascent, passengers sit on soft benches. The doors open and close automatically. At the top, you’ll find an observation deck (you can simply enjoy the view of the city or pay for binoculars), a temple, a café, and several shops. Prices here are high, so many tourists prefer to bring water and food with them.
The cable car operates from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Some prefer to go up during the day, while others want to see Batumi illuminated by evening lights. The optimal option is to take both trips and then decide when the city looks more beautiful.
Orta Jame Mosque
About 450 thousand people in Georgia practice Islam. Many Muslims live in Adjara, whose capital is Batumi. The Orta Jame Mosque was built in 1886. “Orta” means “in the middle.” The new mosque was located between two existing ones: Azize Jame and Ahmed Pasha Jame.
The funds for its construction were provided by representatives of the Khimshiashvili dynasty. Of course, after the Soviet government came to power, the mosque, like almost all temples, synagogues, and churches, was closed. It was reopened in 1946 and restored in the 1990s. At the end of the 20th century, a minaret also appeared. Today the mosque is very beautiful.
Tourists photograph the arch-shaped entrance and admire the eastern ornaments decorating the building’s interior. Religious services are held here. Children from Muslim families come to the mosque to learn about their religion’s history and get acquainted with the Quran.
Piazza Square
How did it happen that an “Italian square,” the younger sister of the famous Venetian San Marco, appeared in Georgia? Its author is architect Vazha Orbeladze. To be honest, he did not believe much in success when working on the project. But Piazza became one of the most beautiful squares in Georgia, where many events are held. All tourists try to visit here.
The buildings surrounding the square are decorated with stained glass, mosaics, and artistic painting. There are several hotels, luxurious bars, clubs, and restaurants here. Work on the square’s exterior was completed in 2010, but Piazza looks like it has been there for centuries. A very picturesque place.
Saint Nicholas Church
One of the oldest churches in the city is over 150 years old. In the mid-19th century, the head of Batumi, Ilia Efremidi, began work on updating and expanding the city. The Turkish authorities allowed a church to be built here. Efremidi donated a plot of land, and the funds were collected by the townspeople. The parish’s full life began in the 1890s. There were male and female schools, and the choir was one of the best in Georgia.
For many years, the Church of St. Nicholas had the status of a cathedral. During Soviet rule, it was closed and reopened only after World War II, in 1946. Donations from the population were used for restoration work. The most extensive restoration took place in 1998. Today, not only parishioners but also pilgrims from other cities and countries, as well as numerous tourists, come to the church.
Seaport
Batumi is a major seaport. Many arrive here by sea from Sochi. But those who come to the city by other means should see the beautiful building of the marine passenger terminal. It was built between 1959 and 1962 by architects Novakov and Kremlyakov. The building is in the “Stalinist Empire” style, decorated with a spire and mosaic.
By day, its beautiful blue color stands out, and in the evening and at night, the building looks especially festive thanks to the lighting. There is also a navigation center here. There is a walking area. The Marine Terminal building fits organically into the ensemble of attractions located on the shore.
Chacha Tower
How could such an original architectural structure not please tourists? On the promenade, near the marine terminal, you can see the Chacha Tower with a chacha fountain. Of course, the population immediately made up the legend that once a week for about 15 minutes, free chacha flows from the fountain – just try to guess the time. Different companies supply the chacha, so the taste varies.
Interestingly, about 100 years ago, the city had a similar structure. The new one, built in 2012, replicates it. The tower is 25 meters tall. At 18 meters, a clock is installed, so the structure is also called the “Chacha Tower.” The Chacha Tower looks especially beautiful in the dark when the attractions are illuminated.
Lighthouse
Take a closer look at this lighthouse. The first lighthouse here, made of wood, appeared in 1863. But soon, invited masters from Paris began to rebuild it. At the beginning of the 20th century, a bright beam guided ships. Initially, the light was white, but now it is ruby. But the main story of the lighthouse is that its keeper was Mikhail Stavraki.
He studied at the same naval academy as Peter Schmidt. The young men were simultaneously promoted to midshipmen. A few years later, it was Stavraki who executed Lieutenant Schmidt, carrying out the court’s sentence. Other officers refused to do it. After executing the hero, Stavraki worked as a lighthouse keeper. When the Soviets came to power, Mikhail Stavraki was sentenced to death.
Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel is located in the Miracle Park and attracts both adults and children. It is not just an attraction but also an opportunity to see Batumi from a bird’s eye view. The wheel will lift you 55 meters above the ground. It was assembled by an Italian company, the cabins are open, and the wheel can lift more than 200 people at a time. The “journey” lasts about 10 minutes.
Nearby are other attractions, including the Chacha Tower, lighthouse, “Statue of Love,” etc. There are also many cafes and street stalls selling food. No one will go hungry. You can buy everything from kebabs and salads to fast food.
Alphabet Tower
Another name for this attraction is the “Alphabet Tower.” Just one glance at this structure brings to mind the DNA spiral. This is no coincidence. Spiral bands wrap around the tower, with aluminum letters of the Georgian alphabet included. DNA contains information that unites all genes, and the alphabet unites the Georgian people. The tower’s height is 130 meters, and its diameter is 31 meters.
At the very top is a sphere that includes an observation deck and a TV studio. Elevators can take you to different levels of the tower. It was also planned to have a restaurant on a rotating platform for 125 people. The construction of the tower was completed in December 2011, and the project belongs to the Spanish firm CMD Ingenieros. The tower looks especially beautiful in the evenings when it is illuminated.
Ali and Nino Statue
This stunning sculpture, installed in the Miracle Park, is one of the city’s main attractions. Its author, architect Tamara Kvesitadze, now lives in the USA. The idea was born after reading the novel of the same name about the love of a Muslim boy and a Christian girl. The book, whose author is unknown, was published in 1937.
In 2007, the sculpture was shown in Venice at a world art exhibition, and then in London. Everywhere it caused admiration among viewers. From 2011 to 2015, “Ali and Nino” adorned the promenade, and then the sculpture was moved further from the shore and natural disasters. Now the lovers stand near the Ferris wheel. However, “stand” is a convention. The main charm of the sculpture is that the figures move.
The “love story” unfolds before the viewer in about 10 minutes. The boy and girl move towards each other, then the figures merge, pass through each other, and separate – each going their way. This would be impossible if the figures were not made of a metal grid. There are always many people here. Benches are nearby, and people sit here for hours, admiring the movements of the figures, filled with meaning, the sea surface, and ships. The sculpture looks especially impressive in the evening.
Batumi Tower Skyscraper with Ferris Wheel
This unusual building appeared a few years ago. The 36-story skyscraper, 200 meters high, was built according to the project of David Gogichaishvili. The Black Sea Technological University was supposed to be located here. The highlight of the building is a mini-Ferris wheel located on the 27th floor. Up to 40 people can be in the 8 cabins simultaneously. The Ferris wheel on the building looks very unusual.
However, the university was never opened, and the unique building stood empty for several years. Only in 2015 was it bought by the RED-Co company. The new owners had to carry out a global reconstruction, after which a luxurious 5* hotel opened here. Now you can not only ride the attraction but also play in the casino, do fitness, and sit in restaurants.
Colonnades
The colonnades symbolize the entrance gates to the promenade. They were built in 1934. The idea belonged to Dr. Ivan Mchedlidze, and it came to him after visiting Italy. At that time, he sketched the project, which was later brought to life by architect Bogdan Kirakosyan. The colonnades became very popular and recognizable.
They are depicted on postcards, filmed in movies, and tourists always take photos next to them. Although you can reach the sea in various ways, many people prefer to go through the Colonnades. The white Colonnades, surrounded by exotic trees and flowers, with the endless blue sea beyond, look incredibly impressive.
Pier
Near the singing fountains and the Wedding Palace is a very popular place – the pier. People arrange meetings here, come to walk, and admire the sea surface. The pier is long and beautiful. There are cafes, shops, and exchange offices, as well as a disco bar. Therefore, vacationers stay here for a long time. During the day, it’s pleasant to have coffee in one of the cafes. In the evening, parties are constantly held in the bar, where you can dance and smoke a hookah.
For young tourists, there is a playground. Moreover, you can take great photos of the city from the pier. The pier offers views of the Alphabet Tower, the promenade, and the mountains. You should also visit the very popular restaurant here – Pier Batumi. In summer, it operates 24 hours a day. You can order set breakfasts, Italian dishes – pizza, lasagna, as well as national Georgian dishes, desserts, freshly squeezed juices, tea, and coffee.
Rustaveli Avenue
The old city has undergone significant reconstruction in recent years. However, the authors tried to preserve the historical face of the city. Walking through the streets with many 19th and early 20th-century houses allows you to fully appreciate the charm of Adjara’s capital. Rustaveli Avenue starts almost from the promenade. It is advisable to postpone the walk until the evening to enjoy the lights and building illuminations.
Be sure to pay attention to the Batumi Drama Theater named after I. Chavchavadze. The famous theater building is an example of classicism. A beautiful square is nearby, where there are always many people. The fountain with gilded figures of Neptune and sirens is especially attractive to residents and guests. The same fountain, only larger, stands in Bologna, a beautiful Italian city. You can walk along Rustaveli Avenue to the “6 May” park with its picturesque lake.
Europe Square and Medea Statue
Europe Square is located in the center, near the Astronomical Clock. Tourists are primarily attracted to the Medea statue and its associated legend. It is known that representatives of the Colchian civilization once lived in Adjara’s fertile lands. The beautiful Medea was the daughter of the king of Colchis. The legendary Golden Fleece ensured the people’s prosperity.
When the Argonauts arrived at these shores, Medea fell in love with the handsome Jason. She helped him steal the Golden Fleece. The lovers sailed away together on Jason’s ship. The sculptor depicted Medea with the Golden Fleece in her hand. The girl was also a skilled healer and a real sorceress. Hence the word “medicine.” Overall, an extraordinary, very strong personality, admired by former Georgian President Saakashvili.
The Medea statue appeared at his initiative. It was supposed to symbolize the country’s wealth and prosperity, its connection with Europe. The neat and clean square also looks quite “European.” Concerts regularly take place here, attracting several thousand people. During the New Year holidays, you can see a large decorated Christmas tree. In short, the square is worth seeing.
Adjara Archaeological Museum
The museum is located in a beautiful mansion at 77 Chavchavadze Street. It is one of the oldest museums in Georgia, almost a hundred years old. It houses over 22 thousand exhibits. This is not surprising. People have lived on these fertile lands since ancient times. Thanks to the long, meticulous work of archaeologists, the findings have found their place in the exhibition. To follow the chronology, it is better to start the tour from the rooms on the second floor.
Here you can see exhibits from the Stone and Iron Ages, some of which are about 10 thousand years old. The first floor houses a rich collection from antiquity – metal, glass, and ceramic items. There are also many items from the Middle Ages – dishes, coins, tools, and jewelry. Exhibits confirming trade relations with Arab merchants are displayed. The treasure from the Gonio-Apsaros fortress – cult figurines and dishes – is of great interest.
Cathedral
The fate of this beautiful cathedral is truly amazing. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century with the money of Stepan Zubalashvili, a famous oil industrialist. Initially, it was a Catholic church – that’s what Stepan’s mother, Elizabeth, dreamed of. An artist from Italy was invited to decorate the church’s interior. It was consecrated in 1902.
In the 20th century, the church had to endure a difficult period associated with the years of Soviet power and the cult of atheism. In the 1980s, it was even planned to place a concert hall here. The building was restored by artists from Tbilisi for this purpose. Only in 1989 was the church returned to believers. But this time – to the Orthodox. The Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, consecrated the church in honor of the Nativity of the Virgin, and several thousand people were baptized here.
But this architectural gem must be seen, even by non-believers or those who practice a different religion. The cathedral is built of white stone, which can change shades depending on the lighting. The cathedral has three domes, decorated with red brick, ornaments, and gold and blue colors. The neo-Gothic style is a legacy of Catholic architecture. Inside the church, much reminds of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
However, it houses many Orthodox icons. Some are painted in the Russian style, while others are made by Georgian iconographers according to their traditions. The cathedral’s frescoes and stained glass windows, as well as the statues of Saint Nino and Apostle Andrew the First-Called, are remarkable.
6 May Park
Residents love this park. It is located in the center and covers an area of over 150 thousand square meters. Don’t think this park is modern. It appeared in 1881, and German and French gardeners worked on its creation. The area with beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers attracted the public. Even Emperor Alexander III appreciated the magnificent park and planted a magnolia here.
For some time after that, the park was named after the monarch and was called “Alexandrovsky.” In 2007, in honor of the end of the Adjarian crisis on May 6, 2004, the name of the beloved recreation area for citizens changed. But the main attraction of the park is Lake Nurigeli. You can stroll along its shores or rent a pedal boat or a special boat with a sunshade and a small table with a grill. This way, you can not only ride but also have a snack during the water trip.
In the center of the lake is a fountain, beautifully illuminated in the evenings. There are many children’s attractions in the park – a train, carousels, etc. There are also viewing platforms on the trees – kids love to climb them. An unusual boulder-shaped fountain and a sundial will attract attention. In the warm season, the park also has an open-air summer cinema.
Zoo
This small zoo is located in the “6 May” park. Many parents who brought their children here said they did not expect much from the mini-zoo but were pleasantly surprised. The clean and green area, funny animals that can make anyone laugh – in short, it’s pleasant to be here. The admission fee is small and is charged only to those who want to see the birds and primates.
Magnificent vultures and eagles, funny monkeys, and exotic colorful parrots are very appealing to kids. Amazingly, you can see zebras and kangaroos here, which approach the enclosures’ fences and thus are close to the public. However, feeding the animals is prohibited. But it is evident that the animals are well cared for, well-fed, and do not beg. Everyone’s favorite is the funny lemur, whose relatives live on distant Madagascar.
Dolphinarium
The dolphinarium is well-known far beyond the city. It was built in 1975, becoming the first and for a long time the only one in the USSR. It was perceived as a symbol of Batumi. In the 1990s, the country fell into disrepair, money was catastrophically lacking, the dolphinarium started to deteriorate, and it was dismantled. The trained dolphins moved to Cyprus. But thanks to donations, a new complex appeared.
It is located in the “6 May” park. It has 3 pools, a spacious amphitheater hall that can accommodate up to 700 people, and necessary facilities for people with limited physical abilities. The dolphins perform every day except Monday. The program is conducted in 3 languages. In summer, you can watch the show 3 times a day; in spring and autumn, usually only on weekends.
The popularity of the dolphinarium is enormous, so it’s better to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. And even more so, you should register in advance if you want to swim with the dolphins for a quarter of an hour. Eight dolphins participate in the show, performing up to 30 acts – dancing, working with hoops and balls, and performing other entertaining tricks.
Of course, it’s unlikely to cover the main attractions in one day. But after learning about what is worth seeing here, you can head to the places that particularly interest you. Have a great time getting to know this charming city!
How to get from the airport to the city center
Upon exiting the airport building, you will see a bus stop on the right. Tickets are purchased from the conductor. They cost 0.4 lari (12 rubles), and you buy a ticket for 2 trips – for 0.8 lari. You need buses No. 9 or No. 10. Bus No. 9 goes along Bagrationi Street to the city center. Bus No. 10 along Rustaveli Avenue will take you to the train station.
It’s best to ask the driver or conductor in advance where to get off to reach your desired destination. You can also use taxi services. It’s better not to approach private drivers, as they charge about three times the usual rate. Pay attention to Kiwitaxi.