Top things to do in Batumi, Georgia
21.07.2023 - 08:24
/ roughguides.com
Georgia, nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, is well known for its strong traditions and the vintage appeal of its capital, Tbilisi. Until recently the country was mostly frequented by tourists from neighbouring Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Increasingly the country is becoming popular with tourists from Western Europe too. While many people head to Tbilisi – the charming Black Sea resort of Batumi is worth exploring too. Batumi, nicknamed the Las Vegas of Eurasia, offers a mix of fading grandeur and modern amenities. With almost every 5* chain hotel sporting a casino, it’s little wonder how the resort gained its reputation as the gambling capital of the Near East. Here are our top things to do in Batumi, Georgia and why the city should definitely be on your Georgia itinerary.
In the centre of the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where boutique hotels are adorned with ornate balconies, the 170-year-old statue of Medea – Greek sorceress – is a symbol of Georgia's connections to the world of Ancient European world. Soak in the atmosphere then stroll past the elaborate astronomical clock that tells the time plus gives the position of sun, moon and planets, to lively Piazza Square. The Piazza is distinctly Italian in its design and in the summer the square often plays host to concerts by international artists.
Originally constructed in 1884, Batumi Boulevard runs for 7km along the waterfront and is lined with cafés, restaurants and cycle paths. From here you can take a trip out to sea to see the ‘Symbol of Batumi’ – the Black Sea dolphins. It’s a pleasant stroll any time of the day and a great place for families to hang out.
Stop by the 130-metre high Alphabetic Tower, built in 2012 to celebrate the uniqueness of the Georgian alphabet. The 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet scroll around the outside. There's a revolving restaurant and viewing platform built into a dome at the top of the tower.
It’s impossible to miss the Ferris Wheel on the harbour, especially as it’s gaudily lit at night – thus confirming Batumi the Las Vegas comparison. Take a ride if you fancy, but make sure you check out the nearby Statue of Love. The moving 8-metre steel structure by Georgian sculptor Tamara Kvesitadze Ali and Nino from the famous 1937 novel of the same name by Azerbaijani author Kurban Said.
Tamara Kvesitadze's sculpture the Statue of Love © Batumi Tourism Board
Once the business office of the Swedish Nobel brothers – when they started their own business transporting oil from Baku to Batumi via the Black Sea – the Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum (to use its official name) is packed with early inventions and machines dating from the late 19th century to the present day. You’ll find out all about the