Batumi: what to see, where to go and what to do. Entertainment in Batumi: what to do at the resort? National Museum of Adjara

An article about what to do in Batumi in rain and good weather. Entertainment in the Adjarian capital, the most interesting places in the city and its most unusual features, which are unlikely to be written about in tourist guides. 11 best ways to make your holiday in Batumi enjoyable and memorable.

Just recently I wrote a long article about the main attractions of the beach capital of Georgia. There we talked about the most beautiful and unusual places in Batumi. – there is a lot of interesting things in it. Why am I writing all this now? Let me explain: this article will simply be a continuation of the previous one. But if in my last review we were talking about what is worth, first of all, look in Batumi. Now I will write about what is definitely worth do in the main city of Georgian Adjara. Where to go? What places to spend time? Where to take the most impressive photos? And how can you get lunch and dinner for two people for just 1 GEL? Have I intrigued you? Well then, let's go... So: what to do in Batumi... Let's go in order.

Go to the beach to swim in the sea and watch the sunset

Yes, yes, I understand, I’m like Captain Obvious with this point. But Batumi is, first of all, the sea. That's why I couldn't help but mention it. To tell the truth, the beaches in the capital of Adjara are not the best. The coastal strip can be a little muddy at times. And the Black Sea in the Batumi area is seriously inferior in purity, for example, to the Montenegrin Adriatic, where Tanya and I were in July of this year.

For a clean sea and cozy beaches, it is best to go to the Batumi suburbs - Gonio, Kabuleti, Ureki, etc. Well, in the city itself, the best beaches can be found in the area of ​​Miracle Park and the city center. I repeat - in the suburbs the sea is better. But of the city beaches, I liked this one the most.

But the beaches of the central part of Batumi (opposite - Orbi Sea Towers) are perfect for those who like to watch the sunset. Tanya and I lived in this area of ​​the city. And I assure you – this is where the brightest and most luscious sunsets are in Batumi. The only negative is that the sun sets quite quickly over the sea. Therefore, before heading to the beach, be sure to check the sunset time on the Internet.

How to get to the beaches: by buses No. 1 and No. 10. They just walk along the coastline from one beach to another.

Take a photo with a flying airplane in the background

Believe me, looking at huge colossuses flying right above your head is truly impressive and very cool. I spent probably three days chasing this shot. But, to be honest, I don’t regret it at all. Although, if I hadn’t been stupid, I could have simply looked up the flight schedule on the Internet (which is what I actually did in the end). During the hot months there are always a lot of planes with tourists flying to Batumi on vacation. But in October I already had to run pretty hard to find good shots. It was still worth it in my opinion though.

How to get there: on the same bus number 10. Personally, we drove to the Euphoria Hotel. But if you want, you can get off one stop further. Then you walk to the very last bench on the boardwalk. Turn on the camera, set the necessary settings and wait for the plane. And remember: you need to take photos quickly. Airplanes don’t listen very well if you tell them: “Freeze... don’t blink... add more passion in your eyes”... Well, or something like that... The models from them are quite mediocre.

Visit one of the local wine shops

Personally, I visited such places almost regularly. They have their own special magic. Its own unique atmosphere. Its own charm. And its own attractiveness. In fact, these are real temples of wine. There is simply an incredible amount of it here. Among the Batumi wine shops, I personally liked the store of the Kakheti winery “Hareba” (on Gamsakhurdia street, near Europe Square). And a small shop "Tasting Events" on Kostava street.

They are completely different. But each of them is good in its own way. I liked “Tasting Events” for its informal atmosphere and external design, which for some reason reminded me of ... (don't be surprised) ... my favorite Vilnius hostel. And I remember “Winery Khareba” for the indescribable atmosphere of its lower hall. Just imagine: ascetic tables in a small wine cellar, dim lighting, leisurely melodies of Western blues and hundreds of bottles of wine that look at you from literally everywhere. Again, I really liked the atmosphere of this place. It is difficult to convey it with words.

What else you need to know about Georgian wine shops?

• Almost every one of them will offer you a free tasting.
• Sometimes tastings turn into feasts.
• Tipsy sommeliers are not uncommon in Georgia.
• The cost of a bottle of wine starts from 4 GEL and goes up to infinity. Draft wine is cheaper than bottled wine of the same type, so “for myself” I bought it. The average cost of a bottle is 10-15 GEL. One euro - three lari (2019).
• Among the relatively inexpensive wines, pay attention to the Kindzmarauli (8-15 GEL) and Alazani Valley (7-8 GEL) varieties.
• The purchased wine can be drunk right on the spot. At their core, wine stores are a mixture of a store and a restaurant. It’s just that I have a hard time with snacks in such establishments. Personally, Tanya and I, after a month in Georgia, already came there with our chocolate.

Try Batumi beer (continuing the topic of alcohol)

Not everyone knows about its existence among Belarusian tourists. But the locals are simply delighted with it. I myself once saw with my own eyes a man who, in a restaurant, was scolding a saleswoman with all his might for bringing Tbilisi, not Batumi, beer into her establishment. It (according to extremely unconfirmed information) is supposedly made from some kind of super-mega pure water. Therefore, all other beer is not beer. But the Batumi one is simply the nectar of the gods. Let me emphasize: in this case, this is practically a quotation.

Personally, I didn't find anything special about it. Yes - beer, good. It looks like our Zhigulevskoye. There are no dark varieties at all. Only regular light lager is available. It costs 1.9 lari per liter plus the cost of the bottle itself.

To be honest, there are a lot more products from the Batumi brewery, I liked the atmosphere around it. There are tables everywhere, cheap bars, men selling dried fish... In short, Back in USSR, as the Beatles sang. If aristocratic Georgian wine is not to your liking, but your heart asks for something originally proletarian, then the “beer street” of Batumi will definitely be to your liking. In the evenings it is noisy and cheerful: someone sings, someone chats, someone beats the Georgian drum. In short, you are guaranteed an atmosphere of a cheerful party.

How to find: Tbel-Abushridze, 24, near the Sea Gate monument.

Take a look at the Chacha Time bar

For some reason I’ve already dragged on with the topic of alcohol... So now it’s very quick. A tale about Georgian grape vodka - chacha. It is not mixed with anything at all and is traditionally drunk in the form of shots. Often this drink is prepared in villages using a semi-artisanal method (like our moonshine). Therefore, there are often cases when, having tried it, people remain, to put it mildly, dissatisfied. My Tanya, for example, couldn’t even stand the smell of it.

To remedy the situation, one interesting bar has appeared in Batumi called “Chacha Time”, where they offer to taste various chacha sets, listen to a lecture about each type of this drink, and also try all sorts of cocktails based on it. Believe me, after visiting this establishment, your opinion about chacha will change dramatically. The drinks here are excellent. As a nice bonus - various promotions, discounts and happy hours with chacha for one lari. If your holiday in Batumi suddenly gets ruined by rain (and it will), this bar is a great way to pass the time.

How to find: in the old town, address Giorgi Mazniashvili St, 5.

That's it - not a word more about alcohol... Now about food.)))

Try Georgian cuisine

It is very unusual and tasty here. There are many dishes. Restaurants too. Therefore, I will immediately highlight the most popular dishes that, in my opinion, are worth trying first.

Chizhik-Pyzhik.

Homemade dish with egg, tomatoes, herbs, pepper, adjika and other ingredients. Something between a soup and a main course. The taste is vaguely reminiscent of tomato soup. I liked it very much.

Adjarian khachapuri- the main symbol of Batumi cuisine. A boat-shaped bun with fried egg in the center. This is how you eat it: first mix the filling until smooth, and then tear off the dough and dip it in. Tasty, but sooooo filling. Even a small khachupuri can be difficult to eat.

Salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and walnuts.

Tasty. Tanya ate constantly. Nuts give the salad an unusual flavor.

Chashushuli.

Juicy veal dish. Served in a pot. I ate it once at the Tabla restaurant. Liked. They write on the Internet that it must definitely be spicy. But it’s just that I didn’t notice any particular sharpness in him. Maybe this should be noted when ordering? Don't know.

Champignons on ketsi.

Mushrooms in a pot stuffed with cheese and something else. Yummy. I give you a thumbs up.

Chicken kebab (in some kind of sweet sauce).

Actually a miracle. Although it gets a little stuck in the teeth. Ate once at the Tower restaurant.

I decided not to write about the dishes that I didn’t like. And so this article about holidays in Batumi turns out to be huge.

Where to eat: among all the establishments in the city, I most often visited the Shemoikhede Genacvale restaurants (8 Noe Zhordania St), the Tabla cafe on Griboedova and an unnamed establishment next to our house (on General Abashidze, 5). There, next to the auto repair shop, there was a small home restaurant where a dear grandmother worked, who, in fact, prepared all sorts of Georgian delicacies for us. There are also many inexpensive and good cafes “for locals” in the brewery area.

Watch the performance of singing fountains

From bodily food to spiritual food. I really liked the singing fountains in Batumi. The show is beautiful, vibrant and (most importantly) free. I would also note the excellent selection of music and the rhythmic movements of the water. They only work in good weather. They are located next to the Palace of Justice, near the Alley of Heroes. You can get there by the same buses No. 1 and 10.

Take a look at the panorama of Batumi from above

In the capital of Adjara there are several interesting points from which a beautiful view of the adjacent neighborhoods opens.

Option number one ride the Ferris Wheel in Wonderland Park. This pleasure costs 3 lari (about 1 euro).

Option number two– go up to the observation tower of the Alphabet Tower. It costs more - as much as 8 GEL. However, inside the tower looks very picturesque - like a huge spaceship that hovered at a height right above the sea and the city.

Option number three– go to the nearest suburb and climb to the observation deck of Mount Sameba. There is a beautiful Church of the Holy Trinity there. Overall, this is a very nice and colorful place. I wrote about him recently. Read it.

Drive through the city's suburbs

Waterfall in Sarpi. Not far from the Turkish border.

In general, Adjara is considered to be not the most interesting region of Georgia in terms of historical and natural attractions. But if you wish, you can find a lot of interesting things here too. I already wrote about the Church of the Holy Trinity on Mount Sameba in a previous article. Therefore, now I will briefly go over other attractions in the region. Among the interesting things here is the Roman one, a beautiful and no less picturesque one, which I personally liked the most. Another striking attraction of Adjara is the Batumi Botanical Park with a green cape covered with some unreal amount of greenery. You can get to each of these places for 1-2 GEL from Batumi by public transport. Therefore, do not overpay in vain. And avoid private taxi drivers.

Cape Verde in the Batumi Botanical Garden.

A little later, I will write a large detailed report about each attraction we visited. We've covered almost everything here. The only thing I regret is that we were not able to look into the beach village of Ureki. This is a beautiful place with some special magnetic sand. Maybe some of you were there? Tell me, did you like it there?

Drive to Turkey

If you are a particularly adventurous traveler (like me), you can go even further and spend half a day in neighboring Turkey. As a bonus, get another stamp in your passport, go to duty free and drink Turkish tea in a small provincial town called Hopa. What attractions are there? Yes, none. It's worth going there for the Turkish flavor, oriental sweets and good shops. And when you buy any dish in Turkish cafes in Khopy and Batumi, you can pour free tea without restrictions. I bought myself a couple of cakes and then sat and sipped tea for two hours.

Go to the Batumi casino

If you don’t have a lot of money, this is simply a great opportunity to have a great evening, drink for free and eat delicious food in a pleasant environment. Well, in addition to everything, play the slot machines. I spotted this life hack in the program “Heads and Tails. Shopping”, and then tried it on myself twice. Everything is working. I swear by my BRSM membership card.

What is the essence of this trick? The thing is that the best Batumi casinos provide their clients with both a free buffet and free drinks. All that is required of you is just to be a client of the right casino. Well, then... a little ingenuity, a little arrogance, plus completely turned off excitement (!!!) - and you have in your hands the coveted ticket to nirvana.

As Tanya and I did in this case? They dressed nicely, put on a serious face and bought a special check at the casino cashier for playing the slot machines. As a rule, I bought a check for 20-30 lari. However, if you are embarrassed about something and don’t want to look stupid, you can invest absolutely any amount into this business (if you don’t lose your head, all this money can then be taken back). The best way to play is on slot machines. Here the minimum bets are the lowest (usually 10 tetri, which is Georgian kopecks). Of course, most of the time you will lose your money safely. But I repeat: if you don’t lose your head, you can lose very, very slowly. Personally, I usually lost at a rate of 10 GEL per hour. Moreover, any win returns you to your starting positions again, or at least brings you closer to them. Therefore, I never went into a severe minus (more than 15 lari) in three evenings.

There is essentially only one secret here: play ONLY slot machines and lose as slowly as possible (because I lost seven dollars at roulette in two and a half minutes). At the same time, you order beer, coffee, wine, nuts, take free sweets from the tables, drink tea, chat with the waitresses. Then you take a break and run to the buffet. There are soups, fruits, various salads and again a lot of different cakes. The main thing is to remember that you came here to eat and drink, and not to win money. A casino is a dangerous thing. But with proper skill, two people can lose one lari in an evening. I have already spoken about the free alcohol and salads that you get for this money.

On the shores of the Black Sea, decorated with exotic subtropical flora, is the sunny city of Batumi. It was once a colony of Greece, but now it can be proudly called the tourist center of the country. Batumi is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, and is located in southwest Georgia. The city's population is only 160 thousand inhabitants. But every year it is visited by more than a million tourists from all over the world. Having visited Batumi, you can not only learn about the culture of the people and their way of life, but also enjoy relaxing on the magnificent beach of the Black Sea coast, climb mountain peaks and taste the famous Georgian wine. The historical center of the city is also attractive, with its architecture and attractions that are definitely worth seeing.

Attractions

Chorukh River

Among the best rivers on the planet for rafting, Chorukh ranks fifth. Its sources begin in Turkey, then the waters flow through the territory of Georgia and flow into the Black Sea near the city of Batumi. The length of the river is about 435 km, of which 26 km pass through Georgian lands. But this is quite enough for tourist rafting and organizing real professional rafting on kayaks and inflatable boats. Summer, when the water temperature reaches 20 degrees and the least precipitation falls, is the best time to visit. The waters of Chorukh are mainly used for watering vineyards and agricultural land.

Port of Batumi

How to get there: GPS coordinates for the navigator: Latitude 41°38’57” / Longitude 41°39’19”

Batumi Sea Port has been popular since ancient times. Initially, it was used for the transit of oil to other countries. The increase in the export of petroleum products led to the development of the infrastructure of the port of Batumi. The oil terminal was built first. Today it can receive and process more than 20 million tons of oil per year. Behind it, a terminal was opened for receiving containers, with all the necessary reloading equipment. The huge area of ​​the port, which is more than 22 hectares, makes it possible to store a huge number of containers. There are 10 berths operating on the territory of the Batumi Sea Port, 2 of which receive passengers. It is possible to get to Batumi not only by land, but also by sea.

Tabakinsky Monastery

How to get there: Monastery address: Georgia, Zestafoni district, Tabakini village

In the middle of the 8th century, a monastery was built near the city of Zestafoni, which made a huge contribution to the history of the country. Back in the 19th century, Hilarion Kartveli, a protege of King Solomon, spent his childhood years here. The territory of the Tabakinsky monastery consists of old and new parts. The old part includes a two-nave church with a crypt and a chapel, while the new part includes later buildings. The monastery was destroyed quite often and was reconstructed twice. Already in the 90s it was re-consecrated, and monk Yakov moved here. Using funds collected from the local population, a house for the monks was built, water and electricity were supplied, and the roof of the old part was reconstructed. In 1992, a kennel for breeding Caucasian Shepherd dogs began operating at the monastery. Thanks to the donations collected and the actions of monk Yakov, the monastery is still functioning today.

Museum of Archeology of Adjara

How to get there: Address: Georgia, Batumi, Chavchavadze street, Computer Service
GPS coordinates: Latitude 41.643136, Longitude 41.632136

The Batumi Archaeological Museum, which is over a hundred years old, is considered one of the oldest and best museums in Georgia. The exhibits here are about 23 thousand, which were obtained during exploration of the territory of Adjara. This is a small building with two floors, and all the monuments of material culture are located here. The museum has a historical library that provides information about all items in the collection. It is best to start the tour from the second floor. Antiquities dating back to the Stone and Iron Ages are stored here; they are already a couple of tens of thousands of years old. Exhibits from the ancient period and the late Middle Ages are located downstairs on the ground floor. Among them are artifacts that were obtained during the exploration of the Gonio-Apsaros fortress.

Gonio Fortress – Apsaros

How to get there: GPS coordinates for the navigator: Latitude 41.573339 / Longitude 41.572363

On the border with Turkey, 15 km from the city of Batumi, there is an amazing architectural monument, the Gonio Fortress. The first mentions in history date back to the 1st century AD. e., although archaeological excavations have proven that the fortress is already several thousand years old. The entire area of ​​the structure occupies about 4.5 hectares, the walls are more than 90 meters long and 5 meters high. Previously, there were 22 towers here, which were destroyed by time. Today there are 18 of them left. The Gonio-Apsaros fortress was intended to protect access to river valleys through which one could get to the southwestern regions of Georgia. There is an assumption that on the lands of the fortress there is a burial place of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ - Apostle Matthew. In 1994, the Gonio-Apsaros fortress received the status of a museum-reserve, and today effective search work is underway here.

How to get there: Nearest cities: Kutaisi, Batumi, Chegem
GPS coordinates for the navigator: Latitude 42°45’30” / Longitude 42°1’56”

On the Enguri River near the city of Jvari is located one of the most unique creations of mankind - the Inguri hydroelectric power station, whose capacity is 1300 MW. It was built in 1970 and today produces about 45% of the electricity produced throughout Georgia. The dam of the Inguri hydroelectric power station is the highest in the world and is equal to 271.5 meters, its length is about 728 meters. It operates by discharging part of the water from the Enguri into the Eristskali River basin. The station does not operate at full capacity due to the peculiarities of its location. It is located in the zone of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. Georgia on its side has a dam, a water intake and part of a tunnel, Abkhazia has the second part of the tunnel and the construction of a hydroelectric power station itself. Through dialogue between the parties, an agreement was reached on the operation of the installation and the division of its output products. Georgia now receives 60% of the electricity produced, Abkhazia – 40%.

Seaside park in Batumi

How to get there: GPS coordinates: Latitude 41°39’9″ / Longitude 41°37’50″

Not so long ago, on the Black Sea coast in the city of Batumi there was a waste dump, and the place was unsuitable for recreation. At the beginning of the 20th century, local residents cleared the area, this was the beginning of the construction of the future park. The project itself was developed by the German gardener Ressler, and was implemented by another well-known gardener D’Alfonso. Now the hundred-year-old Seaside Park has a large number of cafes, restaurants, attractions for children, sports grounds where various competitions are held, etc. Batumi Park is known for its singing fountains that greet guests immediately at the entrance. In addition to all this, the park itself offers a wonderful view of the sea.

Adjarian Museum of Local Lore

In 1908, on the initiative of a group of teachers and headed by Khariton Akhvlediani, a local history museum was created. Initially, it consisted of purely school and simple exhibitions. Gradually it was filled with new exhibits, and already in 1935 it was moved to another building, where it is located to this day. The museum has created several departments, namely:

• Nature department. Contains monuments of flora and fauna that were found on the territory of Adjara.
• The archaeological department has more than one and a half thousand exhibits - various weapons of the ancient era, products and tools of Stone Age crafts, bronze and silver jewelry, ancient clay dishes.
• The ethnography department shows the culture of Adjara in the 18th–19th centuries.
• The historical department will tell visitors about the people who left their mark on the history of the region. There are many different photographs and paintings of the sights of the region.

Metal sculpture "Love"

Immediately upon entering the city, visitors are greeted by a seven-meter sculpture of a young man and a girl called “Love”. Tamar Kvestidze, inspired by Kurban Said's novel "Ali and Nino", decided to create this romantic monument. It was the main characters that he portrayed in his work, which he worked on for about two years. The sculpture is known not only for its large size, but also for the fact that every ten minutes the figures move towards each other until they merge into a single whole, and then disperse in different directions. This process happens over and over again.

Batumi Botanical Garden

How to get there: GPS coordinates of the botanical garden for the navigator: Latitude 41°41’28.2″ / Longitude 41°42’22.8″

9 kilometers from Batumi, on 120 hectares, there is a wonderful botanical garden that fascinates its visitors with the incredible beauty of wild nature. It was founded back in 1880 by the Russian botanist and geographer A. N. Krasnov and officially opened in November 1912. The garden contains more than 5 thousand species of subtropical trees and shrubs. For visitors, there are resting areas in the form of benches, and there are paved alleys for ease of movement. Until 2006, under the leadership of the Georgian Academy of Sciences, it is now an independent entity.

Argonauts Square is located in the very center of Batumi. It got its name thanks to the participants in the campaign to Colchis from ancient Greek mythology. On the square itself there is a monument to the princess of Colchis - Medea, holding a golden fleece in her hands. According to legend, the participants in the campaign were supposed to take it to Greece. Now the square has been slightly modified, an antique-style clock has been installed, a fountain in the shape of the flag of a united Europe, and interesting neon lighting has been installed. Therefore, visiting Argonaut Square will be interesting not only during the day, but also in the evening.

National Museum of Adjara

In the 90s of the twentieth century, the National Museum of Adjara was opened, which keeps all the secrets of Georgian culture. The building itself was built back in 1949 by the architect K. Javakhishvili, but at that time there was a museum of the revolution here. Now the museum displays a large number of exhibits that characterize the stages of development of ancient Georgian art. They are housed in five departments of art: Ancient Georgian, Oriental, Russian, Western European and Soviet. The pride of the museum are the works of famous Georgian artists N. Pirosmani and L. Gudiashvili.

Batumi Airport

2 km from Batumi there is an international airport, which is no different from other airports. But it has a unique control room that looks like a spaceship and sparkles in different colors in the evening. The building was renovated in 2009, everything was done according to European standards. The airport is equipped with ticket offices, waiting rooms, cafes, exchange offices, luggage packing stations, duty free, etc. A positive feature is the large number of Russian-speaking airport employees who can help in any situation.

Ice Palace Batumi

How to get there: GPS coordinates for the navigator: Latitude 41°38’1″ / Longitude 41°38’9″

In August 2011, the grand opening of the entertainment center of the city of Batumi, namely the Ice Palace, took place on New Boulevard. It was built in accordance with European standards, has dimensions of 60 by 30 meters, and can simultaneously accommodate up to 2.5 thousand visitors. The palace is equipped with a figure skating section. Quite often various competitions are held in hockey, short track speed skating and others. Children aged 4 to 11 years have the opportunity to take figure skating courses for free. The Batumi Ice Palace is the pride of the city, and is very popular among locals and tourists.

Makhuntseti Waterfall

How to get there: GPS coordinates: 41°34’29.6″N 41°51’30.5″E.

Makhuntseti waterfall is located 30 km from Batumi, on the highway to the village of Keda. This miracle of nature is about 30 meters high and has clean, refreshing water. In summer, you can swim in the bowl of the waterfall. Nearby there is a cafe with local cuisine and a drinking water fountain. After visiting Batumi, you should definitely visit the Makhuntseti waterfall.

Batumi Dolphinarium

How to get there: Dolphinarium coordinates in Batumi: N 41°38’861, E 41°37’397
Address: Batumi, Rustaveli Avenue, 5.

If during your stay in Batumi you were not able to see dolphins near the beach, then you can visit the dolphinarium and give yourself 30 minutes of positive emotions. The program is designed not only for children, but also for adults. Here you can watch an entertaining show that includes up to thirty scenes. Dolphin therapy service is also provided (swimming with dolphins in a separate pool). The show is conducted in Russian, English and Georgian. The Batumi Dolphinarium can accommodate up to 700 visitors at a time. The building is a bit like an amphitheater, the pool is located in the open air, and the seats for spectators are covered with a glass dome. The establishment can also be visited by people with disabilities; there are special elevators and ramps for them.

Batumi embankment

On the Black Sea coast, 10 km long, is the embankment of the city of Batumi, which fascinates all vacationers with its beauty. It starts from the seaport. There is a funicular nearby, which you can take a ride on to admire the stunning views. Along the entire length of the embankment there is a bicycle path, many small shops and cafes. Benches are placed every 5 meters, and a large number of palm trees are planted. Unfortunately, it is not possible to hide in their shadow, since they are not too tall. But at any moment there is an opportunity to turn into the alleys, planted with pine needles and flowering shrubs, and take a break from the scorching sun. There are many figures with hearts scattered throughout the embankment, each of them carries its own meaning. Among the embankment's attractions are the Ferris wheel, the moving figures of Ali and Nino, the tower with the Georgian alphabet, and the House of Justice in the shape of an inverted bottle.

Batumi beach

How to get there: GPS coordinates: 41°38’37″N 41°37’16″E

Probably the main advantage of sunny Batumi is the city beach. Its length is about 7 kilometers and its width is from 30 to 50 meters. Therefore, there is enough space for everyone. The beach is covered with pebbles, and has a developed infrastructure, cleanliness and clear water. And most importantly, this beach is completely free. The only thing that may require payment is the rental of a sun lounger and umbrella. There are changing cabins and showers, and plenty of entertainment. You can ride a boat or a banana boat, water skiing or motorcycles. There are many cafes and restaurants along the entire coastline, and in the evenings there are discos hosted by famous DJs. The swimming season opens in May and ends in October. Morning is the best time to visit. At this time it is very quiet and calm, and there is an opportunity to admire the sunrise.

Video – Batumi

Heads and tails

The main attraction of the capital of Adjara, Batumi, is the warm Black Sea, where not only Georgians, but also residents from all over Russia and even from countries near and far abroad, relax.

What to see in Batumi

You can start exploring the city on your own and, first of all, visit the very beautiful Makhuntseti waterfall and the famous arched bridge of Queen Tamara. The price of a trip by minibus in 2017 was 2 lari - just under 50 rubles. Nearby is the vast Batumi Botanical Garden.

On the way to the waterfall, it is worth visiting the famous Adjarian wine house. Entrance - 7 GEL, this price includes a tour of the winery and a glass of wine. Amazing Georgian cuisine will be the best addition to the excursion. Europe Square, located at Memed Abashidze Street, will remind you of the Middle Ages. Nearby there is another interesting attraction - the ancient Astronomical Clock.

To more fully understand the history of Adjara, you should definitely go to the Borjgalo ethnographic museum. Photography is free, and at the end you can purchase unusual wood products. The Archaeological Museum on Chavchavadze Street will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the past for just 3 GEL.

The city and its surroundings can be seen from a bird's eye view. This is exactly what the popular Argo cable car offers. From the highest point you can see the mechanical installation “Ali and Nino” on the main embankment, which in itself is a very romantic place. Near the monument, the Dancing Fountain comes to life in the evening.

Travelers with children should definitely visit the dolphinarium on Rustaveli Street. In addition to trained dolphins, with whom you can even swim, there is a mini-zoo.

Come - after visiting Batumi once, you will definitely want to come here again!

Every year a huge number of tourists come to Batumi to enjoy the warmth and soak up the hot sand. But besides the water surface, the resort has other entertainment, as they say, for every taste and budget.

Not everyone is able to sit on the beach from morning until late evening, sunbathing and swimming in the sea.

By the way, in Batumi itself there is a “winter reminder” - built not so long ago Ice Palace. Sometimes figure skating competitions or hockey matches take place within its walls.

We will not classify and list all the variety of restaurants and cafes in the city as entertainment, especially since there is a separate article on this topic. And most of all, you probably already read about it before.

In this article, we decided to collect the most popular and interesting entertainment, sorting them by category and attractiveness in our subjective opinion.

Cultural entertainment

When you get a little tired of lying around or have a lot of free time, we advise you to immerse yourself in the culture of this wonderful resort, namely, go (at least for fun) to the theater, museum or the Center for Music and Art. We are sure that you will be satisfied and will not regret your choice.

Theaters and cinema "Apollo" in Batumi

There are few theaters in the city: Drama, Summer, Opera and Puppet Theater (we will talk about it below, in the section). Each of them is interesting, beautiful and modern in its own way.

Drama Theater located at: st. Rustaveli, 1, next to (almost in the city center). The building is regularly repaired, maintaining its presentable appearance. And in itself it cannot but cause admiration. Performances in the theater are held regularly on weekends. Foreign artists with unusual premieres are frequent guests there. Ticket price is approx. 8 – 10 GEL GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
8 lari = 2.65 euros;
8 lari = 3.04 dollars;
8 lari = 201.76 rubles;
8 lari = 85.12 hryvnia;
8 lari = 6.8 Belarusian rubles.
. It is worth considering that the performances are performed in Georgian.

The Batumi summer theater looks especially beautiful and unusual in the evening when the lights turn on.

Summer Theater located on the central embankment of the city, next to the Colonnade. This is a new building, made of wood, although built in the manner of its predecessor, which burned down in 2001. The theater is especially beautiful in the evening. We recommend attending one of the theater's performances and admiring its interior decoration.

Operatic or, as it is commonly called, the Center for Music and Art welcomes guests and residents of Batumi at the address: st. Odyssey Dimitriadi, 1, across the road from the embankment. The original building opened not so long ago, in 2011. It hosts a variety of concerts, performances, and performances by music and dance groups.

In fact, the Center for Music and Art is a House of Culture. The inside of the building is incredibly beautiful, more like a modern opera house. Performances are held in Russian. There are fountains in front of the House of Culture (as well as on the first floor of the building). In the evening, they illuminate beautifully and shimmer in the rays of the setting sun. And the building of the Center for Music and Art was included in the top five most unusual theaters. We recommend you take a look!

In details Read about the Batumi Opera House in our separate article.

Find cinema "Apollo" will not pose any problems, because it is located almost in the center of Batumi, in its old part, on the street. Memed Abashidze, 17 (not far from the astronomical clock tower). There is only one hall, small, but there is always room. Films often come with Russian dubbing, so if you are a fan of new films, you won’t miss anything. Ticket prices fluctuate around 5-9 GEL GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
9 lari = 2.98 euros;
9 lari = 3.42 dollars;
9 GEL = 226.98 rubles;
9 lari = 95.76 hryvnia;
9 lari = 7.65 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate..

Argo cable car

Cable car- one of the most favorite entertainments among guests of the city of Batumi. Its lower station (boarding) is located on the street. Gogebashvili, not far from. A two-way ticket will cost 10 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
10 lari = 3.31 euros;
10 lari = 3.8 dollars;
10 lari = 252.2 rubles;
10 lari = 106.4 hryvnia;

Course and prices may not be accurate.. For this price you can fly over Batumi and view it from a bird's eye view. The cable car is new and modern. The glass cabin can accommodate up to 6 people. There are “window windows” and an automatic system for opening and closing doors.

In about 10 minutes you will be taken to the upper station of the cable car, to Mount Feria. In addition to the observation deck, there are souvenir and wine shops, a restaurant, and a small church on it. There is no time limit to explore the fantastic views. The main thing is to keep your boarding pass until the end of the trip.

Museums

The city of Batumi is extremely rich in museums (about 10). The most popular and visited include: the Archaeological Museum, the Local History Museum, the Museum of Art, the Nobel Brothers Technological Museum and the Borjgalo Ethnographic Museum. It is worth considering that in many of the listed galleries, the exhibits presented are signed in Georgian, and the guides practically do not speak Russian.

This seemingly completely ordinary building at first glance retains the memory of many centuries of the Adjarian region.

Archaeological Museum located on the street. Chavchavadze, 77. In it you can learn the whole history of the Adjarian region, admire the hall with ancient gold jewelry, or look into the souvenir shop and buy something as a keepsake. The ticket price is 3 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
3 lari = 0.99 euro;
3 lari = 1.14 dollars;
3 lari = 75.66 rubles;
3 lari = 31.92 hryvnia;

Course and prices may not be accurate. for an adult. The museum is open from 11 am to 6 pm.

Museum of Local Lore hospitably receives visitors at the address: st. Dzhincharadze, 4. Entrance ticket for an adult will cost 2 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
2 lari = 0.66 euro;
2 lari = 0.76 dollars;
2 lari = 50.44 rubles;
2 lari = 21.28 hryvnia;

Course and prices may not be accurate.. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Monday. The museum is the oldest in Adjara. Its collections number over 180,000 items.

Museum of Art located on the street. Gorgiladze, 8 in a small but cozy two-story building. Ticket price for an adult - 2 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
2 lari = 0.66 euro;
2 lari = 0.76 dollars;
2 lari = 50.44 rubles;
2 lari = 21.28 hryvnia;
2 lari = 1.7 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate.. The museum is open from 11:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays. Most of the works are works by contemporary masters. We recommend visiting the museum for those interested in painting.

Nobel Brothers Museum of Technology located on the street. Leselidze, 3, near the Opera House. The museum is relatively new, opened in 2007. The exhibits presented are interesting and unusual. In addition to the inventions of the Nobel brothers, there are also exhibitions of two famous oil rich men of that time. Ticket price - 2 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
2 lari = 0.66 euro;
2 lari = 0.76 dollars;
2 lari = 50.44 rubles;
2 lari = 21.28 hryvnia;
2 lari = 1.7 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. for an adult. The museum is open every day except Mondays from 10:00 to 18:00.

Although Ethnographic Museum "Borjgalo" is located outside the city of Batumi, we also included it in this list. After all, it is the only private museum in Georgia. In this gallery for 10 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
10 lari = 3.31 euros;
10 lari = 3.8 dollars;
10 lari = 252.2 rubles;
10 lari = 106.4 hryvnia;
10 lari = 8.5 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. per person, you can see models of typical buildings created by the director himself and even buy small wooden products. The museum is located in the village of Kakhaberi, on the street. Sharashidze, 14. Open every day, seven days a week, from 10:00 to 19:00.

Sea activities

A variety of sea activities are also widely represented in Batumi: boating, yachting and ships (including yacht rental), parachute, hang gliding, scooter, banana boat, flyboarding and even diving. The main part of these entertainments is located in the area, not far from the registry office and singing fountains. The cost of such entertainment, as in other coastal cities abroad, is considerable. But the pleasure received from such a vacation is incomparably higher than banal sunbathing on the beach.

There are usually many people willing to fly over the sea for 15 minutes.

Riding on various boats depending on the duration and direction it will cost you approximately from 10 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
10 lari = 3.31 euros;
10 lari = 3.8 dollars;
10 lari = 252.2 rubles;
10 lari = 106.4 hryvnia;
10 lari = 8.5 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate.(short boat ride). The choice of yachts for rent in Batumi is huge. You just need to come to the embankment near the sea terminal and see everything with your own eyes. The cost of such pleasure is 70 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
70 lari = 23.17 euros;
70 lari = 26.6 dollars;
70 lari = 1765.4 rubles;
70 lari = 744.8 hryvnia;

Course and prices may not be accurate. at one o'clock. Since it is customary to bargain in Georgia, perhaps the price will be reduced a little. For large companies (6-8 people), special offers are more suitable: when ordering from 400 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
400 lari = 132.4 euros;
400 lari = 152 dollars;
400 lari = 10088 rubles;
400 lari = 4256 hryvnia;
400 lari = 340 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. They give you an extra couple of hours for free. This means that the yacht will be at your disposal almost all day with a free choice of direction.

Fly on a parachute and anyone can see the beauty of Batumi from the air for 80 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
80 lari = 26.48 euros;
80 lari = 30.4 dollars;
80 lari = 2017.6 rubles;
80 lari = 851.2 hryvnia;
80 lari = 68 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. for about 15 minutes. Such a “walk” is possible for one person or organized for a couple (in the latter case, you can ask for a discount). Another bright and memorable adventure can be hang gliding behind 100 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
100 lari = 33.1 euros;
100 lari = 38 dollars;
100 lari = 2522 rubles;
100 lari = 1064 hryvnia;
100 lari = 85 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate.. This entertainment is actively offered to everyone on the Batumi embankment, in the area of ​​​​the Park of Wonders.

Ride a scooter (75 GEL GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
75 lari = 24.83 euros;
75 lari = 28.5 dollars;
75 lari = 1891.5 rubles;
75 lari = 798 hryvnia;
75 lari = 63.75 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. in 15 minutes) is an excellent alternative to riding for 5-15 minutes on a banana or a tablet costing from 5 to 10 GEL GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
10 lari = 3.31 euros;
10 lari = 3.8 dollars;
10 lari = 252.2 rubles;
10 lari = 106.4 hryvnia;
10 lari = 8.5 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate.. But the extreme ones flyboard flights suitable for lovers of unusual sensations. During this entertainment you can soar above the water at a height of up to 10 meters! The cost of straight skiing depends on the length of time: for 5 minutes - 50 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
50 lari = 16.55 euros;
50 lari = 19 dollars;
50 lari = 1261 rubles;
50 lari = 532 hryvnia;
50 lari = 42.5 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate., in 10 minutes - 90 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
90 lari = 29.79 euros;
90 lari = 34.2 dollars;
90 lari = 2269.8 rubles;
90 lari = 957.6 hryvnia;
90 lari = 76.5 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. and in 15 minutes - 130 GEL GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
130 lari = 43.03 euros;
130 lari = 49.4 dollars;
130 lari = 3278.6 rubles;
130 lari = 1383.2 hryvnia;
130 lari = 110.5 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate..

For those who like to dive and see the underwater world of the Black Sea in all its glory, we recommend contacting diving center located in the village of Kvariati (near Batumi). Experienced instructors who speak several languages ​​will help and teach the basics of proper immersion in water. You will discover an unusual underwater world, which was previously full of secrets and mysteries. The cost of the dive for 1-2 people is 70 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
70 lari = 23.17 euros;
70 lari = 26.6 dollars;
70 lari = 1765.4 rubles;
70 lari = 744.8 hryvnia;
70 lari = 59.5 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate..

Park of Wonders

In the Park of Wonders, located near the sea terminal, you can have great fun at any time of the day. It has a lot of interesting sights, not to mention fantastic views of the mountains and sea, as well as the high-rise buildings nearby. We especially recommend paying attention to, and.

If you manage to get to the top of the Georgian Alphabet Tower, don’t forget to take a souvenir photo at an altitude of about 130 m.

Tower alphabet You will see right away - this is a beautiful metal structure, rising next to the embankment to a height of about 130 meters and illuminated in different colors in the evening, after sunset. Sometimes (it’s hard to predict when), you can go upstairs using an elevator for 12 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
12 lari = 3.97 euros;
12 lari = 4.56 dollars;
12 lari = 302.64 rubles;
12 lari = 127.68 hryvnia;
12 lari = 10.2 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. or free if you book a table in a restaurant under the dome of the building.

Ferris wheel quite a popular and modern attraction for guests of the city of Batumi. All booths are open, so the photos are clear and beautiful. The wheel makes a full revolution in about 10 minutes. The ticket price is 3 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
3 lari = 0.99 euro;
3 lari = 1.14 dollars;
3 lari = 75.66 rubles;
3 lari = 31.92 hryvnia;
3 lari = 2.55 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. per person.

During a tour of mountainous Adjara you will see many interesting and unusual things. For example, the place where two rivers merge - Chorokhi and Adzharistskhali.

A second impressive excursion awaits you during trips around mountainous Adjara. In this case, we recommend using the services of a convenient, comfortable car with a separate driver, who in 8 hours will show you all the most important and interesting sights of the region (and a couple of lesser-known, but quite interesting places). The cost of the trip is 139 euros for two + 15 euros for each additional person.

More detailed information about the trip to mountainous Adjara is in our article:

No less interesting will be a trip to Church of the Holy Trinity, located on Mount Sameba. From it you can see not only Batumi, but also the surrounding area. Minibuses go to the Temple. Approximately for 2 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
2 lari = 0.66 euro;
2 lari = 0.76 dollars;
2 lari = 50.44 rubles;
2 lari = 21.28 hryvnia;
2 lari = 1.7 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. and 30 minutes on the road you will find yourself in place. Transport leaves from a stop near the Batumi Plaza shopping center.

The next unusual excursion is a trip to Mtirala National Park. Here you will not only enjoy the nature of Adjara (waterfalls, mountains, lakes), but also have the opportunity to ride a bungee (zip line). The park provides routes for independent tourists (for a couple of days). You can get there by bus to Chakvi and then by taxi or organized excursion. We do not recommend the last option. Our friend, who traveled this way with her son, was very dissatisfied with the quality of service.

Pyazhi Magnetity in the village of Ureki were also included in our selection of excursion entertainment. If you miss sandy beaches or want to heal a little (many believe that black magnetic sand has a positive effect on the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems), go to Ureki. But be prepared for a long journey (about 1.5 hours) by minibus from a stop near the Batumi Plaza shopping center in about 5 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
5 lari = 1.66 euros;
5 lari = 1.9 dollars;
5 lari = 126.1 rubles;
5 lari = 53.2 hryvnia;
5 lari = 4.25 Belarusian rubles.
Course and prices may not be accurate. and a dirty beach.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a pleasant holiday and positive emotions in any case, regardless of the chosen entertainment!

Entertainment map

We have put all the entertainment listed above on the map. Since many of them are located in different areas of the city, and most of them are in the center, it will be more convenient to view an enlarged map. To do this, just click in the upper right corner (on the rectangle) of the map. For a more detailed look, you can roll the mouse wheel. Pay attention to the icons: each of them is signed. For convenience, unnecessary layers (designations) can be hidden by unchecking the extra checkbox on the left on the enlarged map.

Blogger Vladimir Zhoga writes:

Batumi is one of the closest and most inexpensive alternatives to our Black Sea resorts. The same sea, the same beach, the same people, the same vacation, just a different country. I have already written about the pros and cons of Batumi as a beach resort and today I want to continue the topic.

Let's assume you have chosen Batumi as your summer vacation destination. What to do there? What to see? Where to go? What to try? Where to go for a walk? And anyway, what is there?

I offer a list of things that, in my opinion, definitely need to be done in Batumi! Especially if this is your first time in Georgia!

Sunbathe and swim!!!

Trite? Yes. But by and large, we are going to Batumi precisely for the sake of the sea. Because if we don’t need the sea, then why go to Batumi at all???

If pebble beaches and slippery jellyfish don’t scare you, you’ll definitely enjoy Batumi! The beach here is long, there is a lot of space, not crowded, and the sea seemed a little cleaner compared to some of our resorts.

Eat delicious khinkali, crispy khachapuri and wash it all down with tart Saperavi

Well, we are in Georgia, which means we need to enjoy its rather modest, but very tasty cuisine. I ate Georgian khinkali almost every day, and khachapuri is actually a Georgian brand! By the way, the most delicious Adjarian-style khachapuri in Batumi is served in the Tserodena cafe, which is located at Melikishvili 4, to the left of the entrance to May 6 Park. Be sure to try it, you won’t regret it!!!

Stroll along the “European” streets of Batumi and drink coffee in Piazza Square

Yes, yes, being a fan of old Europe, Saakashvili built a small decorative “Europe” here in the Italian style, and the main attraction of this part of Batumi is, of course, Piazza, which is made in the Venetian style and is a smaller copy of San Marco Square. The place is very beautiful, but the restaurants here are not the cheapest, I would even say the most expensive (and according to rumors, not the most delicious). But you always have to pay for beauty! So you can just drink coffee in a beautiful place.

Ride a bike along the embankment

I would call the Batumi embankment one of the main attractions of the city. Very long, very beautiful and very well-groomed. There is always something to do here. In the evening it is the main place for walks and the city promenade, and in the morning and during the day it is a great place for sports! A long cycling and jogging path has been built along the entire embankment. The bike can be taken almost anywhere. There are special machines, like in Europe, with tourist bikes, but it’s better not to bother with the machine and rent a bike from one of the rental companies that are everywhere here. And we ride... The path is gorgeous: on one side there is the sea, on the other the city... No one bothers, no cars drive, pedal and enjoy the walk!!!

Take a photo in front of the sculptures on the embankment

We are not leaving the embankment. There's more to do here. For example, take a photo against the backdrop of numerous sculptures that are installed along its entire length. Many sculptures are made specifically to be photographed with. Sculptures of different styles - from classic to modern. I didn’t really bother, but during the bike ride I saw how many there are and how interesting it is to beat them. This is much better and more interesting than taking pictures against the backdrop of trees, bushes and walls.

Play at the casino

In general, Saakashvili initially conceived of Batumi not as a resort city for a beach holiday, but as a “Las Vegas” of local spill. Luxurious hotels were built here, each of which has a casino downstairs! Misha expected that oil rich people from Baku, Turkey and other nearby regions would come to Batumi to squander their money. There weren’t many rich people, but a casino was built. Big and beautiful! So, if this topic is close to you, Batumi is perfect for this) I don’t have extra money, so I only saw it from the outside) But one thing I can say for sure is that there are a lot of them here and they all work.

Climb the ruins of an old fortress

There is also a historical landmark in Batumi - the famous Gonio Fortress.

It is located a little away from Batumi, but you can easily get to it by regular bus. The fortress is small, but it is there! I think history buffs will enjoy it here. Again, you need to somehow diversify your beach holiday. And if you want to spend an hour or two somewhere during the day when the sun is shining, this fortress is a great place!

Visit the botanical garden

And for lovers of nature and greenery, the Batumi Botanical Garden is a must!

The garden is located north of Batumi near the village of Mtsvane. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the garden, although I really wanted to. I only saw its outskirts when I was driving from Svaneti to Batumi. According to all the reviews and photographs, this is a wonderful green garden that would be great to walk through. In addition, the garden is located on the mountain and offers magnificent views. In general, you should definitely set aside half a day and go here!

Go to the theater

Now for a little cultural recreation. There is a beautiful and modern theater in Batumi, where many famous troupes and groups come on tour. Especially during the tourist season. And since there is nothing special to do in the evening except the embankment and the casino in Batumi, why not go to the theater? Spiritual food is always needed!

View a unique Orthodox church in the form of a Catholic cathedral

Yes, yes, there is such a landmark in Batumi - the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Batumi.

The Catholic church was built in 1903, then, under Soviet rule, it was half destroyed and used for various purposes other than religious ones. Then they decided to restore it. Catholics allocated money and began reconstruction, but when the temple was restored, the Georgians decided that, despite its appearance, it would still be Orthodox (!) and handed it over to the Georgian Orthodox Church. A very unusual building - outside is a smaller copy of the French Notre Dame, and inside is a classic Orthodox church with Catholic walls.

Ten things in Batumi, of course, are not enough, but this is the format of my post: said 10, means 10!

Although Batumi is also full of interesting things that can and even should be done, for example, you can ride a Ferris wheel.

Lovers of “strong” drinks can drink from the “chacha fountain”...

Climb the “alphabet tower”...

Cool off in the fountain at Europe Square...

And you definitely need to go to the mountains!!! But this is already quite far from Batumi...

That's all. You can safely go to Batumi, there is definitely something to do and see there!