Batumi

Batumi's coastal location and sub-tropical climate make it a popular holiday destination. It's the party capital of the region with a night life to match which increasingly includes big name international DJs on the beach-front clubs. Expect to party on the beaches with Russians, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Iranians, Turks, Dutch, and, of course, Georgians.
Also, Batumi has an interesting architecture, mixing modern attempts with old architecture.

Climate

Batumi and its vicinity is one of the important tourism and resort zones on the Georgian Black Sea littoral. The climate is humid subtropical. The low annual range of temperature, with a mild winter and warm summer is a characteristic of the city and of the Georgian coast as well. The average annual temperature is 14.5°C. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is 7.1°C and in August, the warmest month, 23.2°C. The annual precipitation is 2,560 mm. Showers are frequent. It rarely snows but when it does, the snow melts easily. The average annual temperature of the sea is 16.7°C at the shore.

The official and majority language is Georgian. Nonetheless, English, Russian, and Turkish are also commonly spoken. Russian is spoken by most older Georgians, while English is spoken by many (though hardly most) younger ones. In addition, because of the large number of Turkish tourists, it's not uncommon for locals to speak Turkish, or at least simple Turkish phrases.

By plane

• Batumi International Airport() is south of the city

The following airlines operate service to/from Batumi International Airport:

• Anda Air (Kiev-Zhuliany, Kryvyi Rih)
• ATA Airlines (Tehran)
• Belavia (Minsk)
• Georgian Airways (Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kiev-Boryspil, Moscow-Domodedovo, Odessa, Tbilisi, Ben Gurion International Airport / Tel Aviv)
• Sundor Airlines (Tel Aviv) (seasonal)
• Turkish Airlines (Istanbul IST)
• Wings of Lebanon (Beirut)

By bus

There are three bus/marshrutka stations in Batumi:

• Batumi Bus StationThis one has long distance marshrutkas to Kutaisi, Tbilisi, Poti, etc.

• Batumi Bus TerminalLarge buses to foreign destinations.

• Marshrutkas to Sarpi

  address: Tbilisi Square
  Sarpi: 2 lari, 20 min.

From specific destinations:

• Tbilisi – Buses and marshrutkas operate regularly between Batumi and Tbilisi: 6-7 hr. 25 lari (Sep 2018). The scenery along the way is breathtaking.
• Akhaltsikhe (via Khashuri) – 08:30, and 11:30. 6 hr. 20 lari.
• Akhaltsikhe (via Khulo, Jun-Aug) – 10:00. 6 hr. 18 lari.
• Borjomi – 1-2 early ones. 4½ hr. 17 lari.

Daily buses also operate between Batumi and Trabzon, Turkey, with stops in Rize and the border crossing at Sarpi. Make sure you meet all visa requirements before crossing the border into Georgia. Buses will generally wait for you the other side of the border, but marshrutkas are less reliable.

By car

Batumi is on the E70 and S2 roads, which stretch north to Poti, and south into Turkey and along the Turkish coast to Samsun. The E97 road connects Batumi with Abkhazia, Russia and Crimea to the north, and also to Trabzon, Rize and Aşkale in Turkey to the south.

By train

• Batumi Central StationSeveral local buses (No. 2, No. 15, No. 8, etc.) go by the station – check out the live traffic here.

Georgian Railways operates several daily (+one night) fast trains between Batumi and Tbilisi. During the summer, an extra train Batumi-Tbilisi-Yerevan also operates. There are also slow trains to Kutaisi and Ozgureti, one pair each. Daily trains are typical by western standards. For the night trains, there are 3 classes: In first class, there are two people per cabin, the berths are a little short, narrow and hard but rather comfortable, and linen is provided. First class costs 40 lari, second class costs 23 lari, seats cost 13 lari (do not rely on the latter though, a check at the station in March '19 suggests that this option is not always available). Since the schedule changes quite often, you can check before hand on the Georgian Railways website - be careful with the simplified version of the timetable - the Georgian version tends to be updated more often than the foreign ones (check the last update timestamp on both to be sure). However, the ticket booking system always has correct times.
Train tickets can be bought online, which is the easiest as trains tend to fill up fast (except local ones). You can do it at the station or from an office in the old town at 5 General Mazniashvili St (between Melashvili and Abashidze). This office is very plain and nondescript with no signs in English. The door and window frames are green and some metal chairs are visible inside. Hours are 09:00 to 18:00.
Unless taking the slow train to/from Kutaisi or Ozgureti, reserve your seats in advance on the weekends, as many Georgians flock to the seaside.

By boat

Ferries run from Sochi, Russia and from Ilyichevsk, near Odessa, Ukraine (US$145, 42 hours, irregular service). More boats are operated from Poti (5 lari with marshrutka and take one hour). It's a kind of Freighter travel. Probably best to call first to make inquiries, to avoid coming back from Poti empty-handed. The booking office is on Kutaisi 34, but the staff only speaks Russian and are not very helpful.
A boat operates between Sochi, Russia to Batumi, Georgia. It is a high speed hydrofoil which operates three times a week: W 10:30, F 09:30, Su 10:30. In 2010, the cost was for adults and for children. The number is +7-8622-609-622 or +7-918-409-12-96. Sochi port schedule

By bus

There is the usual choice of marshrutkas crossing the city in all directions. The newer city buses require a Batumi Card to be ridden.

By bicycle

An automatic bike sharing scheme, called BatumVelo is available to rent bicycles and ride along the beaches.

• Black SeaEnjoy the waves and admire the beach, the port, and the Ottoman-era clock tower

• Music fountainA nice spectacle at night where fountains are operated to the sound of and music.

• Dolphinarium

• Batumi Botanical GardenGeorgia has a remarkable tradition of (royal) botanical gardens. It is a quiet spot, next to the Black Sea on a high cliff and it both green and cool. Plan on a visit here to take a half day to nearly a full day as it is very large. Expensive by Georgian standards but definitely worth seeing.

• Medea statueStatue of Medea and the Golden Fleece in the centre of the city, near the Iranian/Azerbaijani joint consulate.

Places of worship

• Cathedral of the Mother of GodGeorgian Orthodox

• Church of the Holy SpiritRoman Catholic

• Armenian church

• Old Mosque

• Synagogue

Museums

• Archaeological Museum

  phone: +995 422 23694, +995 422 24013
  address: 77, Ilia Chavchavadze str
  Surprisingly good little museum with helpful and friendly staff. Georgian, Russian and English info and guides. Thorough background info, foreign coins, bronze vessels, glassware, ceramic, etc. Good collection of classical vases. Somewhat unpredictable opening hours.

• Adjara Art Museum

  phone: +995 422 27 38 94
  address: 8, Gorgiladze str
  Paintings of famous Georgian and foreign artists, sculptures and some samples of decorative art.

• The Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum

  phone: +995 88 222 7 11 75
  address: 3, Leselidze str
  Exhibits inventions introduced to Batumi at the end of 19th - beginning of 20th centuries by Nobel Brothers, Rotschilds and Mantashev.

• Khariton Akhvlediani MuseumHouses archaeological materials of XII-IX c.c. B.C

Further afield

• Makhuntseti Bridge and WaterfallThis is a nice half day trip with a great waterfall and an impressive strong bridge, even though she looks like collapsing every instance. In summer, people jump from the bridge into the water, so bring a towel if you dare. There is a nice 4-6-hr hike from Zeda Makhuntseti (up behind the waterfall) and then down into Kveda Makhuntseti again.

• Remains of Gonio Fortress

  phone: +995 595 352120
  address: village Tsikhisdziti
  Located at the sea shore the ruins host stunning views and interesting architecture.

• Petra Fortress

  phone: +995 590 880 121
  address: village Tsikhisdziti
  Early medieval complex.

Walk along the 'Bulvar' and watch the beach. During daytime families and youngsters play, during nighttime it is the favourite place for couples and party-goers. There are a number of restaurants and bars both on the beach and a little inland. The area is generally safe, but watch out for pick-pocketing. Batumi also has many casinos, for visitors so inclined. These tend to have an over-21 policy.

• Panoramic WheelAttraction total time : 7min

• Cable carGoes directly to the small (about 250 m height) nearby hill with a nice restaurant on top of it. Stunning views, especially at night.

• Aqua Park

  phone: +995 422 210101
  address: 12, Khimshiashvili St.

• Olympic Swimming Pool

  address: Batumi Plaza Hotel, 50 Chavchavadze str

• Boat tourLots of boats offering boat tours. Yacht can also be chartered.

• 6 May ParkNice park with Nurigeli Lake in the middle of it. There is also a zoo corner in the northern part of it, but some animals (monkeys in particular) are kept in quite a tiny cages, so animal lovers might not enjoy it.

Theatres

• Batumi Drama Theatre

  phone: +995 422 274280
  address: 1 Rustaveli Ave

• Batumi Puppet and youth state Theatre

  phone: +995 422 276234, +995 422 270593
  address: M.Abashidze Ave. 49

Events

• Black Sea Jazz FestivalAnnual Jazz festival.

The main (open-air) food and clothes market in the city is on the Eastern side, near the sea on the main (Chavchavadze) street. In poor weather the sellers move down side streets under umbrellas and are harder to spot, but still there. Vegetables and grains are much cheaper here than at the smaller indoor 'markets' dotted around the city.
Closer to the main crossroads is 'tobacco street' (still on Chavchavadze). The salesmen are easily visible with their wares heaped up in bowls on stands. Prices start at about 50 lari a kilo (locals can pay half this) and the product can be rather good. As always, watch the scales so as not to be ripped off. They are more than willing to make a small taster cigarette if requested.
As per usual in Georgia, prices are almost always slightly higher in the supermarkets than in the small family-run shops. This is counter to what most westerners will be used to. The difference is about 5–10%.

• Goodwill Supermarket

  address: Chavchavadze Avenue
  Many goods not available in smaller shops. Many of the products come from Germany.

• Carrefour

  phone: +995 422 20 03 74
  address: Tbel-Abuseridze St
  Supermarket at the Black Sea Mall

• Metro City Forum

  phone: +995 577 14 17 14
  address: 1 Lech and Maria Kaczynski Street
  Shopping mall

• Nikora SupermarketGeorgian supermarket chain operating at several locations in Batumi.

What

Western Georgia has plenty of local flavours, and a local specialty is a type of khachapuri named acharuli khachapuri (Ajarian khachapuri) that resembles a Viking boat, with the cheese all mixed up with an egg in the centre.
The (vegan) Georgian classic, lobiani (kidney bean paste in bread or pastry) is available at any small bakery around the city. Most are 1 lari but can be up to 1.50. Perhaps the best lobianis in the city are sold just north of the cross section of K. Gamsakhurdia and V. Gorgasali streets, in a nondescript bakery opposite Carpisa and Georgian Kitchen. Unlike other doughy lobianis in the city, they are triangular with flaky pastry. 1.20 lari (as of Mar 2019).
Since Batumi is a also seaport, you have to try the fish here! Head to the local , buy some of your choice and take with you to your ho(s)tel, or let it be prepared at one of the many restaurants there. Preparation costs 3-5 lari, plus the fish 20-30 lari per kg. Salmon is quite cheap, flounder a little more expensive. Take some Ojakhuri or mashed potatoes with the fish. Btw. it is better to buy the fish yourself, since the restaurants charge about twice the original price for the fish when ordered inside of the restaurant. And so you really know what you get.

Where

• Adjara

  address: Kutaisi street 11
  A wide variety of different kinds of local and international food (khachapuris, pkhalis, pakhlava etc.) If you crave for something sweet then their brownie is something for you. They have free Wi-Fi and a friendly English-speaking staff.

• Boulangerie

  address: M. Abashidze Street 11
  A French-style bakery/cafe which looks quite posh but has much lower prices than similar places in Tbilisi. A very nice cappuccino or latte is 3 lari. There are many cakes, croissants, etc.

• Cafe La Vita Batumi

• Cafe Literaturuli

  address: K. Gamsakhurdia St 18
  This upscale bookstore-cafe has a number of branches in Tbilisi (in Kala, Vake, Vera, and Saburtalo), but the Batumi location is all the more attractive given the relative dearth of good and service-oriented restaurants in Batumi. Coffees, cakes, and basic Georgian sandwiches (plus khachapuri and lobiani) all available, although the menu seems more like a guideline to what might be available on any given day rather than a list of what's actually in the kitchen.

• Press Cafe

  phone: +995 422 27 52 79
  address: 1 Akhmed Melashvili Street, Batumi
  It has fast Wi-Fi (for Batumi) and cheap food and drinks, but beware at some point you will be kicked out suddenly for a school group.

• Privet iz Batumi

  address: 39 Abashidze
  This charming "colonial Russia" theme cafe is a Batumi institution, with Georgians as well as foreigners peopling its picturesque outdoor tables. The menu is short on hot dishes, but the many kinds of blinis are delicious.

• Radio Cafe & Bar

  phone: +995555974977
  address: 11, Rustaveli str.
  Good place to go if you are looking for non-Georgian food in Batumi. Good choice of wine and cocktails. Staff are very friendly.

• San Remo RestaurantElegant, with good Georgian and international food.

• Munich

  phone: +995 422 227284
  address: Kutaisi/Kostava str.8/5, 6000
  Restaurant with German traditional cuisine. Pizza, Seafood and Vegan dishes are also served. Paying: Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Cash. Restaurant has open-air seats also. A bit overpriced.

• Eredeli's Bar

  address: N. Baratashvili St. 1
  Attracts locals and expat English teachers. There are no signs and you might have to ring the doorbell on nights with live music, but it's not a private club. The Caesar salad is excellent. It's also a gallery and it has Wi-Fi.

• Metro Bar

  phone: +995 8 422 27 30 42
  address: Melashvili st. 11
  A nice but small bar that often has live music and attracts locals as well as expat English teachers.

• Vinyl Bar

  phone: +995 93331499
  address: Dumbadze str.
  Small, cozy place to hang out for beer, pizza and live music. Great staff and great service.

• The Cork Irish Bar

  phone: +995 568 67 50 27
  address: 22 Noe Zhordania Street
  Great Irish pub near the centre of Batumi. The bar is larger than it seems from the road. Quite new (opened July 2018) but manages to draw a crowd. Majority expats but still frequented by a fair few locals. Friendly staff, English, Russian, Georgian and Turkish-speaking.

Batumi increasingly attracts investors and well heeled visitors from Russia, Iran and Central Asia. The emphasis is on casinos and luxury hotels. Prices vary depending on proximity to the beach and level of service provided, but mostly depending on the season. For private accommodation, prices are from 40 lari for a double room including breakfast. But in winter you might get lucky and have one for 20 lari.

Budget

• Batumi Hostel

  phone: +995 555 507 705
  address: 13 Mazniashvili Street
  Comfortable hostel in a nice house in the middle of the old town. Entrance is camouflaged. Discounts available in and from Friends Hostel in the old town of Tbilisi. Free Wi-Fi. Laundry. Private room also available. Two showers and bathroom, kitchen, view on piazza and sea from balcony. Seasonal property (opened for 2012 season in May).

• Eiffel Tower Hostel

  phone: +995 577 98 5725
  address: M. Abashidze 39
  Excellent place run by a Welshman, an American and a Georgian woman. This place is fun and relaxing, and in a great location. If you're adventurous sleep on the top level of the 3 storey bunkbeds.

• Globus Hostel Batumi

  phone: +995 422 27 67 21 (Call ahead or the door may be locked)
  address: 54 Mazniashvili str
  Rooms are bright and clean. The hostel is new and fresh. Air conditioning, free laundry, free Wi-fi, free sheets and towels, free maps, free tea and coffee 24h. Discounts in local cafés and in Rover Hostel Tbilisi.

• Gulnasi's Guesthouse

  phone: +995 599 797224
  address: 24/A Lermontov Street
  It's possible to use the kitchen; hot showers, Wi-Fi, free meals will be offered frequently. Outside the summer season the same place is also a school for small children but in the summer season the kids will be on vacation. This may be the best budget option with wheelchair access.

• Hostel Retro

  phone: +995 577 75 85 39
  address: Pushkin Street 92
  One of the better hostels in the city, which has maintained its good rating over the years. Smallish, friendly. The owners and volunteers are welcoming and helpful. Great vibe to the place, seems to attract a real community of travellers. Excellent khachapuri from the bakery next door. Largely Russian-speaking but has friendly and fluent English-speaking volunteers, there are always at least a few English-speaking guests too. FB .

• Sky Hostel

  phone: +995 790 27 66 70
  address: Inarisidze St. 16/59
  A useful option if other places are full. Kitchen but no fridge. Wi-Fi and laundry are available. Most staff don't know a lot of English.

Mid-range

• Hotel EraPalace

  phone: +995 222 20000
  address: 77 Z. Gorgiladze St

• Iliko(?)

  address: Vakhtang Gorgasali St., between K. Gamsakhurdia Str. and Gen. Mazniashvili, in the heart of town
  Reasonably clean. Only Russian and Georgian spoken. Situated in a quiet spot. Owners run Pyramid as well, which has similar prices.

• Lavro

  address: Pushkin St., between Tbilisis Moedani and Stalin Museum

• Mercury

  phone: +995 422 277501
  address: 10/12 Chavchavadze St., near Tbilisis Moedani, in the heart of town
  Reasonably clean. English spoken. Situated in a noisy spot, not worth the money

• Hotel Ritsa

  phone: +995 222 73292
  address: Z.Gamxakhurdia Street, no. 16
  Clean, smart and modern hotel located in the old town.

• Sputnik Boutique Hotel

  phone: +995 422 276066
  address: Shervashidze Aghmarti, No: 28
  Quiet environment, great view of Batumi.

Splurge

• Sheraton Batumi

  address: Ninoshvili St
  Direct beach access and friendly service. 203 rooms including 26 suites.

• Intourist Palace

  phone: +995 422 27 55 25
  address: 11 Ninoshvili St
  Grand, spacious with all amenities.

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi

  phone: +995 422 288 888
  address: 1 Ninoshvili Street
  Designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, located on the beachfront near business district.

• Batumi Hilton

  address: Ninoshvili St
  Between a park and the sea, in the middle of the city.

Batumi is generally quite safe. Drivers are more careful than in Tbilisi and the police are reliable for the high number of tourists coming through the city. However, more caution should be taken with street beggars than in Tbilisi. Very young children are often used as pickpockets, especially around the area just south of Batumi Piazza, and beggars are generally more aggressive than in the capital.

• Khulo — village in the mountains of Ajara, 3 hr drive east of Batumi
• Kobuleti — sleepy nearby coastal town
• Sarpi — border village with Turkey, 15 km south of Batumi
• Tbilisi — the capital of Georgia
• Kutaisi — historically the capital of western Georgia, Kutaisi is a must visit for its two UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Zugdidi — stopping off point on the way to Mestia and Svaneti. Marshrutkas run from the bus station.

Armenia

• Direct trains to Yerevan run daily during summertime. The train leaves at 15:35 and you'll arrive to Yerevan around 07:30. Second class (coupe, 4 people) costs 93 lari.

Turkey

• Direct buses from the terminal to various cities in Turkey. Coaches to Istanbul 60-80 lari depending on operator.
• Trabzon, Turkey – From the old bus terminal, near the centre, there is a marshkruta that runs by Rize until Trabzon for 25 TL.