Georgia, Batumi Travel Guide
This content was last updated on 24.01.2024 22:20
Batumi, a port city, is one of the most popular cities in Georgia and the country's second largest city in terms of population. Batumi, one of the most popular destinations in the Black Sea region, has been increasing in popularity in recent years.
Let's get to know Batumi better.
Where is Batumi
Batumi is the capital of Adjara, one of the autonomous republics of Georgia. Located in the eastern part of the Black Sea, in the southwest of Georgia, Batumi borders the Artvin province of Turkey. It is possible to reach Batumi by road using the Sarp Border Gate via Turkey.
When to go to Batumi
In this regard, it would be more correct to talk about the climate of Batumi first. Although Batumi is located in the Eastern Black Sea region, it is a place that differs from the cities in the region in terms of climate. It is seen that the subtropical climate is more effective in the city. This means that the tropical sea climate is effective in the city. Batumi has a warm and temperate climate with a lot of precipitation. It can rain from time to time in the city, even when it seems arid.
Considering that Batumi has a temperate climate, it is possible to say that it is a place where you can travel in four seasons. On the other hand, the fact that the number of rainy days is higher in the winter months and the duration of daylight is less brings the spring and summer months to the fore. Accordingly, it is possible to say that the most suitable period for a trip to Batumi is the 7-month period between May and November.
How Many Days to Visit Batumi
How long you can visit Batumi is actually a matter of how much time you have. Batumi is not a very big city and it is possible to explore the city center on foot. If you are going to visit Batumi for a day, you can visit most of the places to visit in Batumi even in 1 day with good planning. However, if you want to get to know the city closely, it is useful to spend at least 2 days.
What is Batumi Currency
The currency of Georgia is "Georgian Lari". Of course, this currency is also used in Batumi.
As of July 2022;
- 1 USD (US Dollar) - 2.94 Georgian Lari
- 1 Euro - 3.00 Georgian Lari
You can transit to Batumi by carrying Euros or Dollars with you. There are many exchange offices in the city center. You can easily exchange your money in Georgian Lari from the offices located here and shop in the city.
Is Batumi Expensive or Safe
It is possible to perform activities such as eating, drinking and sightseeing at affordable prices in Batumi. Hotel prices may seem a bit expensive, but do not think that it is too high.
As for security; Batumi is a very safe city. Of course, we advise you to be careful late at night or when carrying your bag with you. This, of course, is not unique to Batumi. No matter which city in the world you go, you should always be careful.
Batumi Attractions
Batumi Boulevard
"Batumi Boulevard", one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Batumi, is a complete coastline with its trees, cafes, fountains and sculptures. Batumi Boulevard, one of the most touristic spots in the city, is the right spot for plenty of oxygen and getting enough of the sea. There are also roads reserved for bicycles on Batumi Boulevard, which is 7 kilometers long.
Buildings, parks and pools in Batumi, which takes on a completely different identity at night, have wonderful lighting. Batumi Boulevard, like other areas in the city, has beautiful lighting. In some places along the boulevard, water and light shows are offered in the evening, accompanied by music. Therefore, we recommend that you visit Batumi Boulevard in the evening, if possible.
Some of the places you should see in the boulevard are as follows; Nurigeli Lake, 6 Mayıs Park, Ali and Nino Statue
Piazza Square
Piazza is one of the most important squares of Batumi. The Italian-inspired square was built in 2010 and its chief architect is Georgian architect Vazha Orbeladze. If you are interested in architecture, this square, which is one of the places you should definitely visit, has the most important hotels, restaurants and cafes of the city. Covering an area of 5,700 square meters, Piazza Square is a lively place around the clock. The square, which has become the concert venue of many world-famous singers in recent years, is one of the must-see places in Batumi.
When you come to the Piazza Square, one of the most beautiful churches of Batumi, located in the immediate vicinity of this place, St. Nicholas Church, Armenian Apostolic Church, you should definitely visit.
Europe Square
Europe Square, whose construction was completed in 2007, is the most central point of the city. You will see the 19th and 20th century architectures in Europe Square, which you will probably pass by many times while walking around Batumi. There are many important buildings in the square, where there are buildings built in Gothic and Baroque styles that will impress you with their architecture. The Astronomical Clock Tower, the Medea Monument (a fountain where water games are held) are among the most important of these structures.
Theater Square
Another of the most beautiful squares in the city is the Theater Square. Located close to the city center, Theater Square has Italian-style features similar to Piazza Square. However, with the Soviet-era buildings and towering skyscrapers around it, it offers its visitors two contrasting situations.
The Theater Square, with its golden-colored Poseidon Statue, the Batumi Drama Theater building after which the square is named, and its colorful flowers similar to the French palace gardens right in front of it, is a place you can choose to take a break during your tour.
Miracle Park
Another of the most visited places in Batumi is Miracle Park. We can define Miracle Park, which offers a green and quiet walking area on the Batumi Harbor side, as a large green area with modern structures.
You can see structures such as the Alphabet Tower, Ferris Wheel and Lighthouse, which are among the must-see places in Batumi, in the park, as well as visit the Ali and Nino statues, which are very close.
If you don't want to walk, you can rent a bicycle right next to the Alphabet Tower and choose to visit this area.
Alphabet Tower
The Alphabet Tower, whose construction was completed in 2012, is one of the symbols of Batumi. Located in Miracle Park, the Alphabet Tower is among the tallest structures in the city, with a height of 130 meters. It was built to express the originality of the Georgian alphabet (which is one of the oldest alphabets in the world, which is about 2,000 years old) and the Georgian people. The tower is made in a DNA-like double helix pattern, and 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet made of 4-meter aluminum rise from the tower. In the middle of the Alphabet Tower, which is made even more impressive by the lighting that comes on in the evening, there is a visible elevator shaft leading up to the top floor. With this elevator, you can go up to the spherical top of the tower and enjoy the view and have a pleasant dinner at the restaurant here.
Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock is one of the most remarkable structures in Batumi. Located in the European Square, the Astronomical Clock was manufactured in Germany in 2010 at the request of the Batumi Municipality. The structure, which is similar to the astronomical clocks in Prague and Venice, adorns the building where the National Bank of Georgia used to operate.
You can tell that it is hourly from the ringing tone that rings in a different style every hour throughout the day.
Ali and Nino Statue
Ali and Nino Statue is another building that has become the symbol of Batumi. The construction of the statue is based on the famous romance novel "Ali and Nino" by the Azeri writer Kurban Said. The statue, which tells the tragic love story of Azeri young Ali and Georgian girl Nino, who are the main characters in the novel, starts to move every evening at 7 pm. The statues are slowly approaching each other, but their reunion is short-lived.
The story is briefly as follows;
Muslim Azeri young Ali Khan Şırvanşir, who is a member of an old aristocratic family, and Nino Kapiani, a Georgian daughter, fall in love. According to Nino Christian traditions, Ali grew up with the Muslim faith, but despite this, Ali and Nino decide to get married. However, they have some problems with their families. They eventually get married, but the problems do not end after they get married. When they come to peace, war breaks out in their country and Ali goes to war to defend his country. Unfortunately, Ali dies in battle. All that's left is a novel and an 8-meter male and female figure.
Reverse House
The "Reverse House", which has an interesting architecture, is also known as the "White Restaurant". The "Reverse House", which was built completely upside down, continues to go wrong not only outside but also inside and surprises its visitors.
"White Restaurant" is one of the places you can choose without hesitation if you want to experience the richness of the local cuisine. You can drink the country's famous sodas (spicy or pear soda) and experience delicacies such as sinori, eggplant with walnut sauce, and hachapuri at this affordable and diverse restaurant.
St. Nicholas Church
Built by the Greek-origin community living in the city in 1865 during the Ottoman Empire, St. Nicholas Church is located in the heart of Batumi. The stones needed during the construction of the church, which is one of the oldest structures in the city with its 150-year history, were brought from Trabzon. Today, the church, which serves as a subordinate of the Georgian Orthodox church, is shown as one of the most beautiful architectural and historical monuments of the city.
Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Virgin Mary Cathedral, which was built by the Zubalashvili brothers in 1897, is a building with both architectural and artistic value. It was built for the Catholic sect of Christianity, which can be understood from the fact that it has a different appearance from the classical Russian style in terms of architecture. This magnificent building, which has a neo-Gothic design, is very similar to the homogeneous structures in Europe. The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, which was opened for the worship of the orthodox in 2000, continues to welcome its visitors as the largest main cathedral in Batumi today.
Batumi Mosque (Orta Jame)
Batumi Mosque, built in 1886 by Aslan Bey from the Khimshiashvili family, a noble Muslim Georgian family, is the only mosque in Batum where Muslims can perform their daily prayers. In the past, there were 3 mosques in the city and this mosque got this name (Orta Jame) because it is located in the middle of the other two mosques (Aziziye and Ahmediye mosques). Orta Jame, which shared the same fate with many religious buildings during the Soviet period and was closed, was reopened for worship after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, it serves together with the Quran Course and the Mufti building.
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