The arrival of the railway in the 19th century connected Batumi to Baku in Azerbaijan, enabling the shipment of oil to the rest of the world. This led to the city becoming a fashionable resort, attracting visits from the Russian Czar and hosting aristocratic guests in its distinguished buildings. Today, the warm climate and beautiful beaches draw tourists from nearby Turkey, Israel, and the Middle East. A new town is being constructed to cater to their needs, and at night, neon signs light up the sky. Batumi is also a great place to try traditional Ajarian cuisine, which incorporates walnuts and dairy products. Additionally, Georgian wine is always excellent and offers great value.
Here are my top recommendations for things to see and do in Batumi:
Boulevard: The promenade stretches for 7 km along the seafront and is being extended an additional 13 km to the Turkish border. Starting at Miracle Park, highlights include a Ferris wheel, a lighthouse from 1882, and the Alphabetic Tower—a futuristic 130-meter-high double helix featuring the Georgian alphabet in neon. The boulevard continues past newly built skyscrapers, fountains, cafes, and beach bars, providing a pleasant atmosphere. It's a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Black Sea and enjoy the vibrant lights of the modern city.
Old Town: Built over a century ago during the oil boom, the neoclassical houses with their wrought-iron balconies and trailing vines evoke a charming atmosphere. It's reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans and is a great area to explore on foot. The oldest church in Batumi, built in 1865 and now dedicated to St. Nikoloz, is located here. The Piazza, designed in a Venetian style, offers a selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Europe Square features a converted post office turned luxury hotel and a tall plinth with a statue of Medea holding a glistening Golden Fleece. Taking the Doppeymayr cable car to the hilltop above the city offers a breathtaking view.
Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum: Opened in 2007, this museum showcases the adventures of the Nobel Brothers and the Rothschilds as they established an international oil business in the 19th century. Robert Nobel discovered oil in Azerbaijan while searching for timber for rifle barrels. The Rothschilds built a kerosene canning factory in Batumi to facilitate safe shipping. Additionally, a Chinese merchant established tea plantations in Ajara, which are still productive today.
Botanical Gardens: Located nine kilometers north of Batumi, the vast botanical gardens were founded in 1912 and span the hillside by the sea. More than 5000 plant species, including those from subtropical climates like Japan and the Himalayas, can be found here. The gardens also house a herbarium with 40,000 species and feature an extensive rose garden with 1,200 varieties. The gardens are an excellent place to wander and observe diverse bird life amidst the giant Eucalyptus trees.
Gonio: Situated 15 kilometers southward, towards Turkey, is the Gonio-Apsarus Fortress. Established by the Romans in the 1st century AD, the fortress is enclosed by massive Byzantine walls with 18 towers. The area, now filled with fruit trees and palms, covers approximately 47,000 square meters. Excavations have uncovered remains of Roman baths and barracks, and a small museum displays artifacts from the site. St. Matthias, a minor apostle, is buried here, and his grave is marked by a large cross.
Batumi offers a unique blend of modernity and history, with its vibrant boulevard, charming old town, fascinating museums, stunning botanical gardens, and ancient fortresses. It's a destination that caters to diverse interests and provides a memorable experience for all visitors.