Batumi Places to Visit and Batumi Travel Guide

August 3, 2019

Batumi, which we can call the Bodrum of Georgia, is a paradise for those looking for entertainment with its nightlife, long beaches and casinos. Not to mention being able to go to Batumi from Turkey without a visa or even a passport. places to visit in Batumi, Brief information about Georgia, What to eat in Batumi, where to stay in Batumi, Where is the best time to go to Batumi? Batumi travel guide Welcome to this article, happy reading!

What You Will Find In This Article

Is a Visa Required to Go to Batumi?

It is very easy to go to Batumi from Turkey, that is to go to Georgia. You do not need a visa to go to Batumi from Turkey, You can enter Batumi, or rather Georgia, only with your identity card. It is enough to have your identity card with a new chip ID. Even if you do not need a passport, in order to pass from Turkey to Georgia international departure fee you need to pay. You can get your stamp by paying from the fee stamp booths at the border gate.

Transportation from Sarp Border Gate to Batumi

To go from Turkey to Batumi by road, you need to exit the Sarp border gate close to Hopa. This border crossing was opened in 1989 and has been in service ever since. Border crossing can be very busy, especially on weekends during high seasons. When I passed, there was a construction at the border and it was a complete mess.

Although it seems more practical to pass from Turkey to Georgia with an identity card, if you have a passport, the transition is much faster. “For security reasons, people who pass with their ID cards are questioned a lot,” said the officer working at the exit fee counter, so I went directly with a passport so as not to wait. This is one of the reasons for this crowd and chaos. It is possible to pass with ID, but they question those who pass with ID.

When you cross the border, the Georgian side is much more orderly and calm, the name of the settlement on this side is Sarpi. I left the Sarpi border gate by waving my arms without going through any security checks. There is a tourist information stand at the exit point. You can get maps and brochures about Batumi or Georgia here.

When you leave the border, a lot of minibuses are waiting for you outside. Minibuses take you to Batumi very cheaply. When I went, it was equivalent to something like 1-1,5 TL. There are exchange offices where the minibuses are, and ATMs at the border exit. You cannot withdraw coins from the ATM, so I recommend that you change a little money from the exchange offices because the minibuses want coins, they do not accept paper money. Since I had withdrawn money from the ATM, I exchanged it at the place where I got off the minibus and gave the minibus driver the fee. These minibuses reach the center of Batumi in less than half an hour.

About Georgia

Before I start to tell about Batumi, let me give some brief information about Georgia. One of the countries that experienced the negative effects of this after the disintegration of Russia is Georgia. There are problems with its neighbors, it does not get along well with Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. That's why his favorite neighbor is Turkey 🙂

In my travel notes when I first went to Georgia “New Georgia is undergoing rapid change. All roads are being rebuilt, large investments have been made in cities and major constructions and renovations. If I go again in 5 years, I am sure that I will see a very different Georgia. Continuous support funds are coming from the European Union and America.“I said. When he went again 5 years later, I encountered a really serious change. The road works have been completed to a large extent, and the works in the cities have been completed.

Georgia also has very different regions in terms of geography:

On the Black Sea coast, including Batumi adjara region is green and by the sea,
In the north, the Russian border is protected by very high mountains. In fact, Kazbegi is considered the highest point in Europe. The Russian border in the north is famous for winter sports,
The border with Azerbaijan, located in the south-east of the country, consists of semi-desert areas.
In the middle east of the country, there are vineyards that are also the production place of magnificent Georgian wines.

You can see different climates together in very short distances. For these reasons, it has a good cuisine and a colorful culture. I have traveled and seen a very large part of Georgia. Other Georgia sightseeing You may also be interested in my articles.

About Batumi

Batumi is under intense Turkish interest due to its proximity to the Turkish border. Turks do most of the construction here. Batumi aims to be the Las Vegas of that region in the near future with its casinos. "Then we won't know you," they said to the Turks, and since I don't go to casinos, I can't comment on this.

Although Batumi is on the Black Sea coast, our Black Sea It has wide plains and beaches, very different from the coastline, and has become the center of attention of the region thanks to sea tourism. The beaches are extremely stony-pebbly, and the long beaches are very inviting for entertainment lovers. As an Aegean lover, swimming in the Black Sea did not appeal to me, but of course, it is an invaluable blessing for those who live close to that region.

Although the change in geography as soon as you cross the border surprises you, you get used to it over time. Batumi is just like a summer resort town. Giant high-rise hotels with casinos of major international hotel chains in the main center of the city create visual pollution. The seafront and the hotel zone parallel to the sea have been rebuilt. It is sparkling, well organized and quite stylish. When you are a few streets away from the center, old Batumi welcomes you.

Although the architecture is beautiful in Old Batumi, the buildings are very old and rundown. But restoration and renovation work is almost everywhere. It is certain that Batumi will have a brand new face in a very short time.

Places to Visit in Batumi

Georgia This lively city, which greeted us when we entered the border, looked beautiful to our eyes. I prepared in advance Batumi places to visit We threw ourselves on the street to see the places on the list.

Batumi city center is quite small. You can visit all the sights in one day. You can also spend the rest of your time at sea or in casinos.

Let's see what's on the list of places to visit in Batumi!

Europe Square and Medea Statue

Europe Square Batumi's main square, we can say right in the heart of the city. It is within walking distance of Batumi Boulevard, Batumi beach, all streets with cafes and restaurants. Every time I go to the fountain, the kids play wildly. Cafeterias surround the square.

In Europe Square, you will see a statue with a golden fleece in its hand. This statue belongs to Medea, a princess in Greek mythology. This statue with golden sheepskin in its hand was unveiled on 6 July 2007 by the President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili. Considered one of the new symbols of Batumi, the statue represents the mythological face of the Caucasus.

Old Food Shop and Astronomical Clock

Old Food Shop (former food market), although it has its old name, you will see a building on Batumi boulevard with wonderful decorations outside, this building is that building 🙂 There is a bookstore in this building right now, you can go inside and have a look.

There is also an astronomical clock on the striking tower of the building.

Theater Square and Neptune Statue

One of the most striking buildings of Batumi is undoubtedly the Batumi Theatre. It immediately draws attention with its pink columned entrance. The square where the theater is located is called the Theater Square, and there is a Neptune statue in the middle of the square.

The old buildings from the Soviet times on the Rustaveli Boulevard side of the Theater Square, facing the sea, have become one of the most photographed spots in Batumi. It is impossible to miss the palm trees and the red and blue balconies.

Batumi Boulevard

Batumi Boulevard is the street in the center of the city that continues towards the beach. Major hotels and the beach park are located on or near this street. There are plenty of fountains, parks with even bamboo trees, walking paths, cafeterias and more around this boulevard. This is the lifeblood of the city.

Miracle Park

Miracle Park is the place that we can call the beginning of Batumi's coastline. There are many places to see in Miracle Park such as the Ferris wheel, the Alphabet Tower, the Ali and Nino Statue, the Çaça Tower, the twin of the clock tower in İzmir, and the Lighthouse. For this reason, it gets very crowded especially in the evening hours.

Ferris Wheel – Ferris Wheel

Ferris Wheel is a large Ferris wheel inside the park located in the coastal city of Batumi. You can choose to watch Batumi view from above.

Alphabet Tower

In the park where the Ferris wheel is located, there is a tower, the Alphabet Tower. Although the view is beautiful from afar, I cannot say that it is impressive up close.

Ali and Nino Statue

On the beach of Batumi, there is a statue of the heroes of an Azeri legend, which tells about two lovers who cannot meet each other, and the two lovers are named Ali and Nino. You should definitely go and see this moving sculpture, which tells about the lovers who can't be together, it was one of my favorite things in Batumi.

Stalin Museum

If your only stop in Georgia is Batumi, you can visit the Stalin Museum here and get information about the life and activities of Stalin, who lived in Georgia for a while. If you are planning to visit the whole of Georgia, I recommend you to choose the Stalin Museum in Gori.

Churches and Mosques

You can see places of worship of different religions in Batumi from close distances. Like mosque, orthodox church, catholic church… Orta Mosque is the closest mosque to the city center. The Armenian Church, the Church of St. Nicholas and the Church of the Mother of God are worth seeing.

Cable Car – Argo Cable Car

Argo Cable Car is a cable car that you can get out of Batumi center. A nice experience to watch Batumi from above. There is a souvenir shop and cafe on the hill. But if you ask me if it is very interesting to see Batumi from above, I don't think so.

Inverted House – White Restaurant

Before the reverse house craze started in Turkey, it first started in Batumi. It is a building designed upside down, inside it is operated as a restaurant. I didn't go, these kinds of places seem like a tourist trap to me.

Batumi Beach

And of course, the coastline and the large parks and gardens there are among the must-see places in Batumi. Miracle Park, where you can go for long walks during the hours when the sun starts to fade, and the beaches at the end of the park are waiting for you.

Street singers, family walkers, people making their own music on the beach, picnicking, swimming in the sea, this place is very lively.

There is an aquarium and a zoo in Batumi, but I did not go because I did not find it right to cram animals into one place, and I do not recommend going.

Places to Visit Near Batumi

You can easily visit and see the places to visit in Batumi center in one day. You can spare a day for places close to Batumi.

Batumi Botanical Garden

Batum botanical gardenOne of the largest botanical gardens I've ever seen. It is a place where you will see plant specimens from all over the world and enjoy visiting. You should spend at least 2-3 hours. Even 1 day may not be enough if you do not take a shuttle ride in the garden.

You can reach the garden from Batumi by train or bus.

Sarpi Castle and Gonio Castle

Sarpi and Gonio Castles are small castles near the Turkish border. If you are coming with your own vehicle, you can come to Batumi by stopping by these castles.

Quariate

Quariate, is a small city close to Batumi, where you can choose to swim.

Where to Stay in Batumi? Accommodation in Batumi

Batumi is a city where you can find many accommodation options, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Both hostel options for backpackers and chain hotels with big casinos for luxury lovers.

Ben Batumi Surf HostelI was in. The location was very good, only 5 minutes from the center and the price was very reasonable.

If you choose a hotel close to Rustaveli Street or the coastline, you will be staying in a central location.

Is it necessary to know a language to go to Batumi?

Georgian is spoken in Batumi as in all Georgia. However, due to its proximity to Turkey, Georgians coming and working in Turkey and many Turkish tourists visiting Batumi, some of the inhabitants speak Turkish. It would be very assertive to say that you can find people who speak Turkish everywhere, but don't be surprised if you come across people who start speaking Turkish with you when you say that you come from Turkey.

In which season to go to Batumi?

Of course, the summer season is suitable for Batumi, if you are going to swim in the sea, it makes sense to choose the summer months to go to Batumi. However, if you go at the harvest time, the weather will be a little cooler and you can taste all kinds of fruits.

If you are a throat lover like me, going to Georgia will make you very happy. To say he didn't say; Georgia will soon become a very touristic place.

Batumi Places to Visit and Batumi Travel Guide

Is a Visa Required to Go to Batumi?

Transportation from Sarp Border Gate to Batumi

About Georgia

About Batumi