A day in Batumi City, Georgia

Spending one whole day in Batumi city, Georgia is a side-trip of my Turkey trip. The plan to visit the city is unplanned, and is a last-minute change of itinerary during my third day in Trabzon. Learning from other tourists who were with us in Trabzon that their destination on the fourth day is Batumi city, me and my friend immediately changed plan and decided to join their trip. One advantage if you are not in a package tour is you can easily change itinerary. 

Batumi city, Georgia

We booked bus tickets to Batumi city through a travel agency in Meydan. Included in the ticket price is a tour guide for the whole day trip. Most travel agencies in Trabzon arranged day-trip to Batumi city. 

The famous Nino and Ali statue of Batumi City

We left seven in the morning from Trabzon to Batumi by bus. The trip took four hours including the immigration checks. (both Turkey and Georgia immigrations).  

Batumi city, also known as the "Las Vegas" of the black sea region, is the second biggest city of Georgia. It's skyscrapers have unique architectural designs, and many high rise buildings are still being constructed, nevertheless, the city has also preserved its old historical buildings and monuments. 

The Rock hotel at my back is only one of Batumi's modern buildings.

A lot of activities can be done in one whole day.

Below is our itinerary for one whole day.

The Enlightened Path Statue

Few minutes from the border of Batumi-Trabzon is the enlightening path landmark which is also called the path through Georgia. This fenced garden with a statue and waterfall is said to be dedicated to the entry of St. Andrew in Georgia. Located very near the highway, only a short stop is possible here as the place cannot accommodate a large crowd.

Gonio Fortress

This rectangular complex is Georgia's oldest citadel. Constructed with high thick walls dated back to the Roman empire, the two thousand year old fortress is like a big garden. A small archeological museum can be found inside, as well as some ruins, and benches for tourists. The fortress is clean and surrounded by trees.

some ruins left inside the walled fortress

Outside the fence of the fortress is a green thick forest.

Batumi Boulevard

The boulevard, seven kilometers in length facing the Black sea, is Batumi's most visited spot. People of all ages, both tourists and locals, flock this place to experience a resort atmosphere, and simply to unwind. Restaurants, fountains, benches, and iconic monuments can be seen here. 

The famous Nino and Ali moving statues

The giant moving sculpture made up of metal was inspired from the love story of an Aizerbaijani Muslim boy (Ali) who fell in love with a Georgian princess (Nino) during the first world war. You will not notice how time flies looking at them moving towards one another. If you are fortunate to be at the boulevard by seven in the evening, you can witness how the statues merge and share a tender kiss. Unfortunately, the two statues are still a little far from each other when I was there.

The panoramic Wheel

Beside the statue of Ali and Nino is Batumi's panoramic wheel.

The Alphabetic Tower

This iconic building with a height of 130 meters is a notable landmark at the port city of Batumi. The steel tube containing the 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet symbolizes the uniqueness of the country's alphabet.

A pose before going up the tower

An elevator can take tourists at the top of the tower where they can have a panoramic view of the city. Food and drinks are served at the restaurant at the top. Late afternoon and evening is the best time to go up the tower.

At the top of Alphabetic tower, waiting for the sunset

A walking city tour will allow you to see Batumi's landscape, it's old and modern buildings and will let you experience Georgian's hospitality and culture through its food and residents.

One of Batumi's unique building is the White restaurant which is constructed in an upside down position.

The fountain of Neptune statue is also a favorite stop when visiting Batumi city. The building at the back of the statue is the Batumi drama theater. This statue is surrounded by many restaurants and coffee shops.

Neptune Statue

Modern and old buildings are what you can see in the European square in Batumi city. This is also a favorite spot to stay by both tourists and locals.

One of the buildings surrounding the Europe square

At the center of Batumi city, few minutes walk from the boulevard is the Church of St. Nicholas, one of the oldest church of the city. The 150 year old worship place is situated near the Piazza square.

Church of St. Nicholas

Inside Church of St. Nicholas

Piazza square

My one day trip to Batumi city is definitely a short one, but I fell in love with the city instantly. The lights and relaxing atmosphere of this modern port city is so inviting and attracting to any adventurous soul. 

There are still many unexplored places and spots, and I am certain that after a year or two, the city's many ongoing constructions will give a new face to Batumi. 

I hope I can visit again.