Georgia is a small country with a lot up its sleeve. It is famous as being an ancient land of impressive tales, delicious food, isolated monasteries, and massive mountain ranges. But that's not all, it has a coastline along the Black Sea and this is a magnet for holidaymakers in the region.
Batumi is the second or third largest city in Georgia (it is still quite a small city). It is situated in the subtropical zone of the Black Sea at the foot of the Caucasus. Batumi is just another reason why Georgia was first in Lemming's list of emerging destinations in 2020.
The Funky City of Batumi
Batumi is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara within Georgia and is a must-see for anyone visiting the country (just visit in the summer season).
The city is incredibly funky. The city has built itself around tourism and gambling and has been called The Las Vegas of the Black Sea - but don't expect anything like the real Las Vegas!
- See: Be Sure to See The Iconic Statue of Ali & Nino (Odd Rotating Armless Statues of a Man and Woman That Don't Touch)
Perhaps the funkiest thing about Batumi is the mismatch of architecture. Here it is possible to see old architecture from the 1800s (sometimes with the facades restored sometimes not), brutalist Soviet architecture, futuristic space architecture (like their space-age McDonalds in Batumi), various forms of artistic architecture (like their Alphabet tower and their Ali & Nino Statue, and droves of other architectural styles thrown in too - like classical Greek and Roman architecture.
- Population: Around 170,000
- Famous For: Gambling, The Black Sea, Thai Massages, Subtropical Climate, Funky Architecture
The little city is one of the strangest cities one will see. There is a notable seaport and so as one relaxes on the beach one can see large container ships come into port. The beach is also pebbly - there is no sand.
As one gazes into the Black Sea from the beach it is sometimes possible to see scores of dolphins swimming and flocking just a few meters away.
- Dolphinarium: If One Would Like To See a Dolphin Show, Check Out Their Dolphinariumm (Shows are In English)
The Draw of Batumi
Batumi has been significantly changed since 2010 and has grown into a regional destination. Georgia was always a famed holiday destination during the Soviet Union and many families and holidaymakers continue to flock from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
- Soviet Times: The Black Sea Region Was Always A Major Holiday Destination for Soviets
Its rise in the world of gambling has drawn many Turkish tourists and other tourists from the Middle Eastern region. They are often drawn by the many casinos, low prices, nightlife, and many Thai massage parlors (often these parlors offer 'extra' services).
The city has a well-developed promenade that runs much the length of the city. There are plenty of shops, games, stalls, and attractions dotting this promenade. Stroll down in the summer and enjoy the subtropical weather with a rather exotic idea of what a "Las Vegas on the Beach" should look like.
- Promenade: The Promenade Along The Black Sea is Well Developed
- When To Visit: The Summer or Later Spring Months (Don't Go in The Winter)
Come in the summer or later spring months. During the winter the city is nearly deserted and the weather is often very bad. In the winter there is often snow or it is just cold and miserable.
The Upsidedown White House - Up & Down Restaurant
In Batumi, one will find a building built in the form of an upside-down White House. Inside one will find many things upside dangling from the ceiling. There are upside-down tables, stairwells, sinks, and even toilets. This restaurant alone is enough to set the scene for what to expect in the funky city of Batumi. One Tripadvisor reviewer summed it up succinctly.
"Very unusual building I would say that it's simply impossible to understand what architect wanted to express. Live music and very warm local hospitality all together made good atmosphere..."
Andrey L - Tripadvisor
Roman Fort of Gonio Fortress
If one would like to take a break from this funky town, then just out of Batumi is the well-preserved Gonio fortress (previously called Apsarus or Apsaros). It is 15 kilometers south of Batumi and only 4 kilometers north of the Turkish border.
In the 2nd century AD, it was part of a well-fortified Roman city within the region then known as Colchis. It is an example of a Roman fortification that sat on the very edge of their far-flung empire.
- Roman Fort: It Is One of The Remotest of Roman Forts