This document provides an essential guide to the city of Batumi, Georgia. It includes information on arrival and transportation options, including buses, trains, flights, and ferries. It also covers getting around the city via taxi, public buses, and minibuses. The guide offers an overview of Batumi's culture and history. It provides listings and locations for hotels, restaurants, cafes, nightlife, sights, and shopping. Maps of the city center and indexes of streets are also included.
3. 2014 3facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Contents
E S S E N T I A L
C I T Y G U I D E S
Arrival & Getting around 5
Getting to town, public transport & car rental
City basics 7
All you’d better know while in Georgia
Culture & History 11
History, art galleries, culture centres
Hotels 12
Best places to stay
Restaurants 16
Georgian restaurants list is on the top. Need a break -
choose one of the following
Cafés 21
Our favourites in the city
Decoding the menu 22
Georgian cuisine in a glance
Nightlife 24
Selection of bars, pubs and clubs
Sights 25
Check out the highlights
Kobuleti 29
Sea, sun and endless beaches
Directory & Shopping 30
Lifestyle and business contacts
Maps & Index
Old town map 32
New Boulevard 34
Street index 34
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Foreword
CZECH
REPUBLIC
SOUTH
AFRICA
DUTCH
CARIBBEAN
POLAND
ROMANIA
HUNGARY
SERBIABOSNIA
ALBANIA
GREECE
FYR MACEDONIA
BULGARIA
MONTENEGRO
ITALY
CROATIASLOVENIA
AUSTRIA
SWITZERLAND
UKRAINE
GEORGIA
BELARUS
LITHUANIA
LATVIA
ESTONIA
RUSSIA
GERMANY
BELGIUM
NETHERLANDS
NORTHERN
IRELAND
IRELAND
We hope this second, updated edition of Batumi In Your
Pocket will be a helpful and handful, giving you all the
best insights to the city.
Batumi was an Ancient Greek colony, a Roman port and
was fought over several times in battles between the
Georgian Kings and invading Ottoman forces. In 1878
Batumi came under the rule of the Russian Empire and
the city soon experienced rapid expansion. Today it is
Georgia’s main port and seaside holiday destination.
Batumi is blossoming. It is Georgia’s summer playground
and has seen much development over recent years,
much of it with new building, but some with a sympa-
thetic understanding of the city’s history. Batumi had a
previous period of prosperity in the 19th century and a
lot of recent renovations of the old town have been car-
ried out with that in mind, using archive documents to
preserve authenticity. The result is a charming series of
low-level buildings with delicate railings and balconies,
moulded facades and quiet cobblestone streets, where
the air is filled with the aroma of fresh coffee, the fra-
grance of citrus plants, and of course the sea breeze.
Despite the developments the ongoing construction
does have its critics, with some arguing that it is damag-
ing the city’s character. Yet there is no arguing that Ba-
tumi has an energetic and growing tourist infrastructure
that makes it an easy and enjoyable place to stay.
In this guide we also provide you with tourism informa-
tion on the Ajara region, one of the most beautiful and
diverse regions in Georgia.
Have a happy stay and enjoy the city, the sea and the
sun. Gamarjoba!
About IYP
We have come a long way in the 22
years since we published the first In
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Publisher
InYour Pocket Georgia LLC
Tabukashvili 15/4
Tbilisi 0108 Georgia
tel. (+955) 596 10 72 01
tbilisi@inyourpocket.com
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Editorial
Editor & Writer Huw Williams, Jason Fazzio
Managing Editor Natasha Martisova
Research InYour Pocket Georgia team
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Cover depositphotos.com
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Copyright notice
Text, maps and photos copyright In Your Pocket Georgia LLC
2014. Maps copyright In Your Pocket Georgia LLC. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
form, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, without
written permission from the publisher and copyright owner.
The brand name InYour Pocket is used under license from UAB
In Your Pocket (Bernardinu 9-4, Vilnius, Lithuania tel. (+370-5)
212 29 76).
Maps
In Your Pocket Georgia LLC 2013-14.
E S S E N T I A L
C I T Y G U I D E S
5. 2014 5facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Arriving & Getting Around
By Bus
Buses from Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Kobuleti arrive in Tbilisi Square,
next to the port (Gogebashvili St). Some buses arrive at the
bus station, which is short walk from the port. If you’re ar-
riving by bus from Sarpi or Kvariati, you may as well just get
off anywhere on Chavchavadze Street. Buses from Turkey
arrive at the new bus station on Gogoli street.
The OldTown area starts from Gogebashvili Street and most
of the hotels are located in a one kilometre radius from the
bus stop. If you get dropped by the bus driver next to the
port, just follow Gogebashvili street to the north.
Bus Station
QMaiakovsky 1. Open 07:00 - 00:00.
New Bus Station
QGogoli 1, tel. (+995) 422 24 26 12. Open 09:00 - 18:00.
By Plane
Batumi International Airport (TAV) is located seven kilo-
metres south from Batumi on the road from Batumi to the
Turkish Border. The new terminal was constructed in 2007
and provides good quality passengers services. There are
several ATMs, currency exchange, a gift shop, a bistro, a travel
agency, VIP and CIP zones. Both international and domestic
flights operate from here.The queues at passport control are
usually short and the baggage delivery is often prompt.
Getting to town: Taxis are relatively cheap and it will be
the quickest option. Be ready to pay about 15Lari to the
city centre.
The cheapest way to reach Batumi is to take bus # 10. The
bus stops is in front of the terminal and it takes 20 minutes
to get to the city centre. Tickets cost 0.40Lari. Beware that
on Batumi public buses you need to purchase two tickets,
printed on one piece of paper.You can buy tickets from the
driver.
Kutaisi International Airport. Wizz Air operates low cost
flights from Poland and Ukraine, as well as from Moscow
Domodedovo and Minsk airports. The airport is located
about 120 kilometres from Batumi.The airport is very basic,
just a simple immigration and customs post, no currency
exchange or ATM. On exiting, expect to be surrounded
by dozens of drivers touting for buses to any destination
around Georgia. The bus costs approximately 15Lari de-
pending on the driver and it is a three-hour journey. Pay
60US$ for a taxi. The cheapest and sometimes the fastest
way is simply cross the road in front of the airport and catch
a bus to Batumi for 10 Lari. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t
have any Lari on you, just ask your driver to stop at the cur-
rency exchange on the way. If any questions - there is a
tourist information desk to the right from the arrival hall
doors.
Batumi International Airport
QAirport Highway 220, tel. (+995) 422 23 51 00, www.
batumiairport.com. W
Kutaisi International Airport
Operates Wizz Air low cost flights from Poland, Ukraine and
Lithuania. The airport is located about 120 km from Batumi.
The airport is very basic, there is a currency exchange win-
dow before the immigration control and an information
centre to the right of the Arrivals hall exit. Next to the in-
formation there is Mimino cafe, serving coffee, bear, drinks
and simple snacks. On exiting, expect to be surrounded
by dozens of drivers touting for buses to any destination
around Georgia. There is an official Georgian Bus transfer to
Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi - tickets can be found next to the
information point. The bus costs 20 Lari (about 10EUR) and
a journey takes about three hours. Don’t be alarmed if you
didn’t change money before immigration, you can pay for
a ticket in US dollars or Euros. Buses run according to the
flights schedule. For taxi drivers ask 60USD. The cheapest
and sometimes the fastest way is simply cross the road in
front of the airport and catch a bus to Batumi for 10 Lari.
QKutaisi, tel. (+995) 431 23 90 03. W
By Sea
There are several regular passenger lines that connect Ba-
tumi with Illichivsk port in Ukraine and Sochi in Russia. All
ferries arrive in the passengers terminal, which is located
right in the city centre on Batumi Boulevard.
Batumi Express
Connects Batumi and Sochi. Run two times a week, on
Wed and Sat from Sochi. Boarding 10:00 - 11:00. Depart at
12:00, arrives in Batumi at 18:00.Qtel. (+995) 593 33 39 66.
UkrFerry
Passenger and transport ferries run between Illichivsk and
Batumi. Departure from Illichivsk every Thursday. From
Batumi to Illichevsk every Sunday. Approximate duration
of the trips is about 60 hours.Qtel. (+995) 422 27 41 19,
www.ukrferry.com.
By Train
There aren’t any passenger stations named Batumi, Makh-
injauri is the name of the train station (named after the
village) 8 km North-East to Batumi. All trains from Tbilisi,
Ozurgeti, Kutaisi, as well as international ones fromYerevan
and Baku stop here. Inside the train station there is a ticket
office, though when leaving Batumi it’s better to get ticket
in advance in the city office. The timetable is available on-
line at www.railway.ge.
Getting to town:To get to the centre you can take a taxi (15
Lari) or public transport - bus #10 or minibus (marshrutka) #
20. A stop for both is located to the right from the train sta-
tion. Buy a double ticket from the bus driver (0.80 Lari total),
and validated it twice as the ride to Batumi costs 0.80 Lari.
Bus #10 takes you to Rustaveli Av. Marshrutka # 20 will get
you to Chavchavadze Street, pay when getting off (1 Lari).
Makhinjauri Train Station
QTbilisi Highway, tel. (+995) 422 25 03 03, www.
railway.ge.
6. 6 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
Arriving & Getting Around
Buying Train Ticket
The most efficient way to buy train ticket is to go to the
ticket office at Mazniashvili 5. There is usually an English
speaking staff member. You should have valid ID or a pass-
port with you.You can also buy tickets online. Go to railway.
ge website, click the map on the right. You can check the
connections as well as buy ticket. You need to register and
then follow their procedure, pretty much the same as any
other online booking system. It only acceptsVisa or Master-
Card. If you are travelling on an electronic ticket, show the
conductor the ticket purchase code and the ID you used
during the booking process. Beware: the online booking
engine sometimes just doesn’t work. Remember that for
popular destinations (Tbilisi, Kutaisi) you should buy tickets
at least 2 days in advance, especially in high season.
Car Rental
For some visitors, driving in Georgia can be a daunting ex-
perience. On the face of it, Georgians don’t seem the most
disciplined motorists. Driving speeds are often fast and
lane changes can be erratic. At rush-hour the experience
is further intensified by heavy city traffic. The speed limit
is 60 km/h in towns and cities. In other areas it’s 80 km/h
unless indicated. Highways speed limit is , unless other is
indicated on the screens along the road. All road signs
and screens are in English. There is a zero tolerance policy
towards drink driving and your seat belt must be locked.
Gela Rent a Car
QB-3, Gorgasali 55, tel. (+995) 790 56 96 02, www.
gelarentacar.com.
Hertz
QD-2, Baratashvili 6, tel. (+995) 422 29 20 98, www.
hertz.ge. Open 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 14:00. Closed
Sun. A
Sixt
QBatumi International Airport, www.sixt.com/car-
rental/georgia/batumi/batumi-international-airport.
Open 10:00 - 18:00. A
Public Transport
Buses are mainly modern and with an electronic display
clearly showing its route number on the front. They oper-
ate to a schedule, which you can find on electronic boards
located on the bus stops. Once on the bus you’ll receive
one ticket worth two rides (0.80 Lari total), which needs to
be validated each time you ride. Ensure you have the right
change to pay, as drivers often refuse big notes. Buses for
longer distances (Sarpi and Makhinjauri) cost 0.80Lari, just
validate you ticket twice.
Minibuses
Called marshrutkas operate on established routes. Unlike
Tbilisi, here they can be painted any colour. The number is
usually displayed on the front. Some of them operate city
routes while others do the long distance duty. Ask locals or
at tourism information centres which number marshrutka
you need to take.The fare for a ride within city is usually 0.50
Lari, payable tothedriverwhenyougetoff.Themainstopfor
long distances marshrutkas is the Central Bus Station.
Taxi
Taxis are a cheap and are an easy way to get around the city.
Most trips within Batumi range from 3 to 6 Lari. Some taxis
carry meters with fixed rates, but not all. Agree the price be-
fore you get in. Haggle with them, they will probably start
with a high price if you are a foreigner.
Taxi-2
Tariff 1Lari/km.Qtel. (+995) 422 27 05 94.
Tourist Information
Batumi City Centre
QD-2, Ninoshvili 3, main entrance to Batumi Boule-
vard, tel. (+995) 422 29 44 12/(+ 995) 577 90 90 91.
Batumi International Airport
QAirport Highway 220, tel. (+ 995) 422 29 44 14/(+ 995)
577 14 17 05, ticbatumiair@gmail.com.
Kobuleti Municipality
QAgmashenebeli 110, Kobuleti, tel. (+995) 598 52 61 66.
train #
passport # / name
departure date and time
carriage # and seat/berth
from - to stations
arrival date and time
# of passangers total price
original
As there is no information in English on the train tickets, we hope this picture will help you to decode it
7. 2014 7facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
City Basics
Here are some helpful tips, contacts and useful information
on how best to avoid some embarrassing situations while
spending your time in Tbilisi.
Crime & Safety
Batumi is arguably as safe as many European cities. There
are pickpockets and theft does occur, but it is not a com-
mon happening. Just be streetwise, don’t carry lots of cash
and don’t be too obvious with the money you do have on
you. In essence, the locals are usually friendly and welcom-
ing. Georgians can be impulsive and loud and you may en-
counter passionate arguments. Usually they are just bark-
ing at each other, but be sensible, and stay clear. Generally,
foreigners are seen as a valuable asset and you are unlikely
to encounter any problems. If you do have any encounter
with crime, the police are usually friendly and helpful. Po-
lice corruption in Georgia is incredibly rare.
Police Station #3
QE-3, Kutaisi Str., tel. 112, www.police.ge. Open 24hrs.
Customs
You can bring 400 cigarettes, or 50 cigars or 50 cigarillos
or 250 grams of other tobacco products as well as 4 litters
of alcoholic beverages into Georgia without declaring it at
customs. There are allowances for importing without dec-
laration up to 30kg of food, not exceeding 500 Lari, once in
a calendar day. Import or export of money up to 30000 Lari
or equivalent in other currencies is exempted from duty.
Exporting antiques and old works of arts is subject to li-
censing and permission from the Ministry of Culture.
Cats and dogs must be accompanied by veterinarian health
certificate. All international regulations on narcotics, guns
and explosives apply.
Electricity
Georgia supplies its residents and visitors alike with electri-
cal current of 220 volts AC, 50Hz. All sockets require two
round pins. Adapters for more foreign electrical societies
are not easy to find in Batumi, so bring your own.
Internet
There is a free public Wi-Fi available along the Ninosh-
vili street, from the university to Intourist Palace hotel.
Also most of the cafés/restaurants/bars have free WiFi. To
be sure look for special symbol in our guide. There are a
number of Internet cafés around Batumi. The one we like is
at Melikishvili 23, open 09:00-00:00. 1 hour costs 1.50 Lari.
Money
The Georgian national currency is the Lari (GEL) divided
into 100 tetri. It was introduced in 1995, replacing the
kupon lari, a transitional currency used after Georgia de-
clared independence from the Soviet Union. The Lari is a
relatively stable currency. Paper bills are in denominations
of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Bills for 1 and 2 Lari were
replaced by coins. Coins are in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 tetri and 1
facts & Figures
Population Georgia 4 469 200 Batumi 180 000
Ethnic composition Georgians 82%, Armenians 5%,
Russians 4.5%, Ukrainians 0,4%, others 8.1%.
Territory of Georgia 69,700 sq km
Borders Black Sea 330km, The Greater Caucasus
Mountain Range forms the 723 km northern border
with Russia, Armenia 164km, Azerbaijan 322 km and
Turkey 252 km.
Longest river Mtkvari 1515 km
Largest lake Paravani 37.5 sq km
Highest point Shkhara 5,193 m (17,040 ft)
Local time Together with all countries of the Caucasus
region and Russia, Georgia is in the UTC+4 time zone..
Climate
Tbilisi experiences relatively warm winters and hot
summers. Winds dominate in most parts of Tbilisi
throughout the year.
0
200
300
20
10
0
30
Rainfall, mmTemperature, °C
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
100
market values
How do costs compare to back home? Here’s a handy
list of local prices to give you an idea.
McDonald’s Big Mac 5 4.95 Lari 5€2.14 5$2.86
Loaf of white bread5 0.70 Lari 5€0.30 5$0.40
Snickers bar5 5 1.00 Lari 5€0.43 5$0.60
Litre of vodka5 5 17.00 Lari 5€7.33 5$9.83
Bottle of local beer (0.5 litre) 51.50 Lari 5 €0.65 5 $0.88
Bottle of local wine (from)5 7.00 Lari 5€3.02 5 $4.04
20 Malboros5 3.00 Lari 5€1.295 $1.73
Public transport ticket5 0.40 Lari 5€0.175 $0.23
1 litre of petrol (euro 3)5 2.15 Lari €0.93 $1.24
8. 8 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
City Basics
and 2 Lari denominations. ATMs are plentiful and the vast
majority will accept foreign cards. As always, if you can, try
and use ATMs associated with a reputable high street bank.
Card fraud is an international problem and taking precau-
tions is as advisable in Tbilisi as any other city. Try and carry
small denomination cash as taxi drivers and small shops
might not be able to change high value notes.You can also
use debit and credit cards in many shops, bars, restaurants
and hotels in Batumi. Places that do not accept CC indi-
cated in our guide by special symbol.
National holidays
January 1 NewYear’s Day
January 7 Orthodox Christmas
January 19 Baptism Day of our Lord Jesus Christ
March 3 Mother’s Day
March 8 International Women’s Day
April 9 Day of National Unity
May 5 (2013) Eastern Orthodox Sunday
May 6 (2013) Eastern Orthodox Monday
May 9 Day of Victory over Fascism
May 12 Saint Andrea the First Day
May 26 Independence Day
August 28 Saint Mary’s Day
October 14 Day of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (in Mtskheta)
November 23 Saint George’s Day
Religion
The historically Christian Ajara region fell under the control
of the Ottoman Empire control in 1614 and went through
a long period of Islamization, which lasted until the end of
18th century. Later, under the Russian Empire and later still
the Georgian state a lot of people were baptized back into
Orthodox Christianity. Today, the influence of the Georgian
Orthodox Church is growing fast, so much so that even
some Catholics from Ajara are converting to Orthodoxy.The
famous Catholic Church on Zubalashvili Street was reopened
after Soviet times as the Georgian Cathedral of Saint Mary.
The majority of Ajarians now belong to the Orthodox Church
(63 per cent), while there is a Sunni Muslim minority (30 per
cent), mainly in the Khulo district. Batumi is also a home for
Roman Catholic (0.2 per cent), Armenian Apostolic (2.3 per
cent) and Jewish and other communities (6 per cent).
Tipping
Usually 10-15% will be included in the bill as service charge.
But this isn’t a tip and wages aren’t good so if you pleased
with the service give a tip too.
Smoking
Georgiadoesnotenforceasmokingbaninpublicplaces.Very
few bars and restaurants even offer nonsmoking sections. So
if you can’t stand smoke, look for G symbol in our guide.
Smokers enjoy a ridiculously cheap selection of cigarettes
hawked by corner kiosks that are located throughout the city.
language
The country’s official language is Georgian, but English
is widely used. Russian is also spoken by the majority of
Georgians, particularly those over twenty five. See below
for a list of some of the most common words and phrases.
Hello gamarjoba
Goodbye nakhvamdis, kargad
Please tu sheidzleba
You’re welcome arapris
Thank you madlobt Excuse me ukatsravad
Yes diakh, ki No ara
Enjoy your meal gemrielad miirtvit
Cheers! gaumarjos!
I don’t understand ar mesmis
I don’t know ar vici
Help! mishvelet! damekhmaret!
Hospital saavdmkofo Ambulance sastsrafo
Where is…? sad aris...?
Right, left marjvniv, martskhniv
Do you speak English? inglisurad laparakobt?
How much does … cost? ra ghirs?
What’s your name? ra gqviat?
Beer ludi Wine ghvino
Water tsk’ali
One erti Two ori
Three sami Four otkhi
Five khuti Six ekvsi
Seven shvidi Eight rva
Nine tskhra Ten ati
Hundred asi Thousand atasi
Push (on a door) miatsekit
Pull (on a door) gamoaghet
Open ghiaa Closed daketilia
ა a ბ b გ g
დ d ე e ვ v
ზ z თ t ი i
კ k’ ლ l მ m
ნ n ო o პ p’
ჟ zh რ r ს s
ტ t უ u ფ p
ქ k ღ gh ყ q’
შ sh ჩ ch ც ts
ძ dz წ ts’ ჭ ch’
ხ kh ჯ j ჰ h
Most city centre streets signs are written in English, but
in case you get lost in Old Town are or in the outskirts,
here is a list of street signs in Georgian. We hope you to
find where you are!
Street ქუჩა kucha
Square მოედანი moedani
Avenue პროსპექტი prospekti
Boulevard ბულვარი bulvari
Bridge ხიდი khidi
Embankment სანაპირო sanapiro
Highway გზატკეცილი gzatkets’ili
Lane შესახვევი shesakhvevi
Descent დაღმართი daghmarti
9. 2014 9facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
City Basics
Mobile & Phones
Fixed line
Batumi telephone code is (+995) 422. In our guide all tel-
ephone numbers are written including this code. To call
from a landline within Batumi to another number in the
city just dial last 6 digits of the telephone number we list. If
the number starts with 3 digits different from 422 (e.g. 559,
etc.), dial 0 and then full 9 digits number.We didn’t spot any
payphones around Batumi.
Mobile
You can get a Georgian SIM-card (sometimes even for free)
at the offices listed below. You’ll need to show your pass-
port. Calling from a mobile to a fixed line phone, dial 0, then
the city code (422) then the 6 last digits. Calling to other
mobiles is tricky. Sometimes it is enough just to dial the last
9 digits of the number. If that doesn’t work, just dial the full
number starting 995.
Roaming
To call a fixed line or mobile in Georgia you should always
dial +995 instead of 00995.
Beeline
QA-4, Gorgiladze 40. Open 10:00 - 19:00, Sat, Sun
10:00 - 17:00.
Geocell
QD-3, K. Gamsakhurdia 21. Open 09:00 - 18:00, Sat,
Sun 10:00 - 17:00.
Magti
QD-2, Rustaveli 10. Open 09:00 - 18:00, Sat, Sun 10:00
- 17:00.
Post offices
Georgian post is expensive and slow. You can only send
postcards from post offices and they aren’t always easy to
find. Postal stamps also can be bought only at the post of-
fices. A post card to Europe will cost you 4 Lari, to the USA
4.80Lari. An ordinary letter up to 100g costs 13.20/15.20
Lari. A parcel up to 500 g is around 49,90 Lari to 66.05 Lari.
Exact rates to you country are available at www.georgian-
post.ge.
Postal Service Centre
QE-3, Melashvili 4, tel. (+995) 422 27 22 89, www.
georgianpost.ge. Open 09:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 15:00.
Closed Sun.
Express mail
DHL
QB-3, 26 Maisi 44, tel. (+995) 422 27 46 08, www.dhl.
com. Open 09:30 - 18:30, Sat 10:00 - 14:00. Closed Sun.
TNT
QC-3, Gorgiladze 40, apt 14, tel. (+995) 422 22 32 75.
Open 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 13:00. Closed Sun.
UPS
QC-3, Tavdadebuli 36, tel. (+995) 422 27 73 58. Open
10:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 14:00. Closed Sun.
Visas
YoudonotneedavisatoenterandstayinGeorgiaforupto360
days if you are a foreign national who permanently resides in
the USA, Canada, EU, Ukraine, New Zealand, Israel, United Arab
Emirates, Iraq, Japan, Republic of Korea, Brazil, United Mexican
States, State of Qatar, Sultanate of Oman, Kingdom of Bahrain,
State of Kuwait (check the full list at www.rs.ge/en/5418) do
not need visa to enter and stay in Georgia for up to 360 days.
Citizens of the member states of European Union can enter
Georgiamerely byproducingtheirnationalidentitycard.
Russian Federation citizens do not need a visa to enter and
stay in Georgia for up to 90 days.
If you’re not from one of the above countries, you can get
a visa from a Georgian embassy or consulate. An“Ordinary”
90-day, single-entry visa, which covers tourism, is US$50.
Visas are also issued at the official road and air entry points,
but not if you are arriving by rail or sea.
ForeignnationalswhohaveamultipleentryUS,EUorSchen-
gen member states visa, valid for one year or more and previ-
ously used once at least, can enter or stay in Georgia without
visa up to 90 days, within the validity term of the visa.
Foreign nationals who are holders of the UNO’s or its special-
ized agencies’travel documents (Laissez-Passer), can enter or
stay on the territory of Georgia without visa up to 90 days.
Georgia considers the crossings from Russia into South Os-
setia and Abkhazia illegal.
Travel from Georgia to Russia is not simple. All foreign visitors,
withtheexceptionofcitizensfromselectedcountriesoftheCIS,
must obtain a visa. There is no Russian Federation embassy or
consulate inTbilisi, so you should think og getting a visa before
you come to Georgia. Upon arrival in Russia you will need to fill
exchange rates
As of July 20, 2014 5
€1 – 2.32 Lari US$1 – 1.73 Lari 5£1 – 1.92 Lari
Current exchange rates are available at
batumi.inyourpocket.com
10. 10 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
City Basics
in an immigration card. If you are staying more that 72 hours,
youwillneedtoregisterwiththelocalpolice(hotelsareusually
willingtoaidinthis process).Transitvisasare alsorequired.
Travel to Armenia became much easier in 2013. All citizens
of the EU can stay in Armenia up to 180 days without a visa.
Citizens of CIS countries and Argentina also do not require
visas. Citizens of all other countries must apply for a visa.
We recommend you applying to e-visa at evisa.mfa.am. A
21 day visa costs US$10, 120 days is US$40.
Contact: Armenian Embassy in Tbilisi (+995) 32 295 17 23
www.georgia.mfa.am/en.
All visitors of Azerbaijan are required to obtain a visa prior
to arrival. Citizens of CIS countries can enter Azerbaijan visa
free. Citizens of Turkey can obtain a visa upon arrival. Tour-
ist visas are issued on a single entry basis only. All single
entry visas are valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue
with the duration of stay up to 30 days. Contact: Azerbaijan
Embassy inTbilisi (+995 32) 225 35 26, www.azembassy.ge.
Entering Turkey is visa free for citizens of most of countries.
If you do require a visa many will be able to pay on entry.
However citizens of Mexico, Peru, China, India, Pakistan,
some other Asian countries and most of Africa are required
to get a visa from the consulate. ContactTurkish embassy in
Tbilisi (+995) 32 225 20 72.
For a complete listing of embassy locations and phone
numbers see Directory/Foreign representations at tbi-
lisi.inyourpocket.com.
The breakaway regions
The collapse of the Soviet Union re-ignited many centuries-
old ethnic disputes in the South Caucasus area. In Georgia,
several violent conflicts between 1992 and 2008 led to the
loss ofTbilisi’s control over the regions of Abkhazia and South
Ossetia, whose local authorities declared those territories“in-
dependent republics”. Around 300,000 people were uproot-
ed from their homes and relocated to other parts of Georgia,
where tens of thousands of them still reside in temporary
settlements. Abkhazia and South Ossetia are recognized
as independent states by Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and
several Pacific island-states, the rest of the international com-
munity deeming them an integral part of Georgia.
Travel to both regions is at the mo-
ment strongly discouraged by most
western governments, notably the UK
Home Office and the US Department
of State.
One should bear in mind that consular assistance cannot be
normallyprovidedintheterritoryofAbkhaziaandSouthOsse-
tiabyofficialsofcountriesthatdonotrecognizethe“republics”,
therefore any emergency cases (e.g. loss of passport, accident)
will need to be dealt with by the traveller without assistance,
and may carry severe consequences. The new Georgian gov-
ernment elected in October 2012 pledged to normalize rela-
tions with its breakaway regions, yet as of March 2014 this has
not brought about any change on the ground.
Abkhazia
Enclosed between Russia, Georgia and the Black Sea coast-
line, Abkhazia was one of the top tourist destinations in
the Soviet Union. Fabulous scenery and natural wonders
(subtropical beaches, alpine lakes and gorges, some of the
deepest mountain caves on earth), historical monuments
(New Athos monastery, the cities of Sukhumi and Gagra, and
other ancient religious sites) made it a huge draw. All travel-
lers should log on to Abkhaz Foreign Ministry website (http://
mfaapsny.org/en/council/visa.php) to check the latest immi-
gration requirements. Most foreigners will need to fill out a
downloadable electronic visa application form and forward it
to the provided Abkhaz Consular Service e-mail address. Nor-
mally, a free-of-charge entry permit will be issued within five
working days and emailed back to the applicant to print out.
From Georgia, Abkhazia can only be entered through the
“Enguri” checkpoint on the administrative border, 10 kilo-
metres north-west of Zugdidi and as of 2013, operated by
the Russian military. The print out of the entry permit must
be produced, together with a valid passport upon reaching
the checkpoint control. Within three days of arrival in Abk-
hazia, the traveller is required to visit the Sukhumi branch
of SberBank of Abkhazia (not to be confused with the
SberBank of Russia), to pay the visa fee of 20 US dollars and
proceed with the receipt to the office of Consular Service
in Sukhumi to receive a visa. The visa will be handed to the
traveller as a loose sheet of paper, not to be attached to the
passport, as it will be collected upon departure through the
checkpoint control, serving as an exit permit.
From Russia, Abkhazia can be entered through the “Psou”
checkpoint. Departing back to Russia will require the trav-
eller to hold a Russian multi-entry visa. Note: entering
Abkhazia through the “Psou” checkpoint is as of 2014
deemed a criminal offence under Georgian law, there-
fore visiting Abkhazia from Russia may result in the travel-
ler not being subsequently admitted into Georgia or be-
ing prosecuted by Georgian authorities, as Russian border
guards are likely to stamp the individual’s passport upon
crossing“Psou”.
Compared to Georgia proper, Abkhazia is a considerably less
travel-friendly environment.The level of security is low and es-
pecially in Sukhumi one should refrain from sightseeing after
dark.ThecurrencyinuseistheRussianRuble.ExpectATMsnot
to work with foreign bank cards and foreign mobile phones/
SIM cards may not be compatible with local cellular networks.
At least having a“survival”knowledge of Russian is a must.
South Ossetia
Landlocked between Russia and Georgia, South Ossetia is cur-
rently off-limits to foreign visitors from either country. Crossing
the region’s administrative border from Georgia might result
in an individual’s arrest or direct physical danger from local
military groups.Travellers should exercise caution not to enter
South Ossetia inadvertently while trekking in eastern Imereti
and Racha-Lechkhumi or western Mtskheta-Mtianeti (west of
Georgian Military Highway, particularly theTruso valley).
11. 2014 11facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Culture & History
Georgian culture is unique and vibrant. Georgians treat
their culture very seriously. It is not considered something
just for museums and tourists but a vital part of their every
day identity. It is not just something valued by older gener-
ations but young people too. Georgian culture has evolved
over thousands of years and has also absorbed influences
from many invaders through the millennia, yet making
them their own. Their folklore is rich, their dance both
beautiful and powerful, their singing is sublime. Literature,
fine arts, theatre and music all also have long and strong
traditions. If you do nothing else, try and witness some au-
thentic Georgian dancing and listen to a polyphonic choir.
You will be moved.
Art Galleries
Aksoy Art Gallery
Collections of masterpieces from different famous artists,
Georgian silverware tapestry and felt work. The Gallery
hosts different temporary exhibitions and projects.QC-3,
Vazha Pshavela 28, tel. (+995) 422 27 69 26. Open 11:00
- 19:00.
Kemal Turmanidze
The private studio of Kemal Turmanidze - a prominent
master of a special woodcarving technique and guardian
of the distinctive traditions of Georgian heritage.QE-3,
Melashvili 5, tel. (+995) 599 95 42 47. Admission 5Lari.
Rusudan Petviashvili Art Gallery & Café
Most of this venue is given over to a modern gallery exhib-
iting paintings by the Georgian artist Rusudan Petviash-
vili. Rarely for Georgia, there is no smoking inside.QE-2,
Z. Gamsakhurdia 7, tel. (+995) 599 74 52 23. Open 11:00
- 00:00.
TBC Gallery
QC-4, Zubalashvili 37, tel. (+995) 577 12 05 33. Open
10:00 - 17:00.
Theatres
Batumi Art & Musical Centre
Box office open 10:00 - 18:00.QDimitriadi 1, tel. (+995)
422 27 62 40.
Batumi State Drama Theatre
QD/E-2, Rustaveli 1, tel. (+995) 422 47 42 80, www.
batumitheatre.ge.
Circus
QD-3, Baratashvili 6, tel. (+995) 422 27 37 98.
Puppet Theatre
QC-2, Abashidze Av. 49, tel. (+995) 422 27 62 34, www.
puppet-show.org/en.
History overview
Batumi owes its name to the ancient Greeks, a place
to stop on the way to their colonies. In those ancient
times it was known as Bathys Limen (Deep Harbour). In
the 3rd century BC, Aristotle mentioned it as a part of
the Colchis Kingdom. In the 2nd century, it was rebuilt
and became a fortified Roman port. The city changed
hands many times until in the 10th century when it
became part of the Kingdom of Georgia. Batumi first
came under Ottoman rule in the 15th century, but
the Turks did not hold the city for long. Only in the
16th century did the Ottomans return - with a bigger
army - and Georgia’s rulers had to surrender the city.
For short periods during the next century, Batumi was
recaptured by the Georgians, but the city was quickly
returned to Ottoman control.
During the 19th century, Batumi was a battlefield
of Russian and Turkish interests and finally, after the
Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, the defeat of the Turks
brought Batumi under the control of the Russian Em-
pire (together with a significant part of south-west
Georgia). After the Preliminary Treaty of San Stefano,
signed between the Russian and Ottoman Empires and
the following Treaty of Berlin, Batumi was declared a
free port (porto franco) and maintained this status until
1886.
By the end of 1870s, the construction of the sea port
was finished and the expansion of Batumi began. The
Batumi-Tbilisi-Baku railway was completed in 1900,
just in time for the completion of the Baku-Batumi oil
pipeline: there was a huge oil production centre in Ba-
tumi. Around this time, in 1888, Batumi was officially
granted city status and the first mayor of Batumi was
elected. Moreover, Batumi became the main Russian oil
port on the Black Sea. The city was placed under the
direct control of the General Government of Georgia
only in 1903.
After becoming a Soviet State, in 1921, Ajara - with its
centre in Batumi - was declared an Autonomous Re-
public. It retains this status to the present day. During
the Soviet era, however, Batumi lost its significance and
was a fairly ordinary Soviet town.
Since 2000s, Batumi has been a city in search of its
past. It is once again becoming an important Black Sea
city, this time as a tourist destination.
12. 12 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
Hotels
Whatever type of accommodation you choose around
Batumi, you can usually expect excellent hospitality. It’s
simply the Georgian way. Prices mentioned in the reviews
include breakfast and VAT (18%), unless otherwise stated.
First mentioned price is for low season, second for high
season.
Cream of the Crop
Golden Palace Batumi
Opened January 2014, Golden Palace is bringing freshness
to the Batumi lodging scene. The hotel welcomes with
a classic-style lobby, from where a glass-walled lift takes
guests up through the second-floor casino. The hotel’s
fifty-one rooms are decorated in a classic style, with dark
wooden floors and nicely decorated white or cream col-
ored walls and elegant furniture. Every room is equipped
with an air conditioner, mini bar, lock box, cable TV and
free wi-fi. Each of the rooms overlooks one of the city’s
two main squares - Europa (Era) Square from the rear or
(for a slightly-higher price) the outstanding Drama The-
atre. The relaxed casino is divided into two areas - one for
gambling and the other a slot room. The casino bar is well-
stocked and serves its guests a free 19:30 dinner.QD-2,
K. Gamsakhurdia 8/10, tel. (+995) 422 21 25 30, info@
goldenpalacebatumi.com, www.goldenpalacebatumi.
com. 51 rooms (14 singles 105US$, 22 doubles 145US$,
6 suites 170US$, 1 apartment 230US$, 1 presidential
suite 550US$). PZiOHAW hhhh
Intourist Palace
The oldest hotel in Batumi, it was built in 1939 on the site
of the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox church, destroyed dur-
ing the Soviet era. Though the hotel has five stars the decor
and interior are relatively old. Standard rooms come with a
pool view or a street view. The rooms aren’t large, but com-
fortable. There are couple of suites with a big terrace and
the premier room also has one. Smoking is allowed in all
rooms. Breakfast is served from 07:30 -11:00 in a beautiful
and spacious Tbilisi round hall on the 1st floor. There are also
two other restaurant on the ground level. Bakuriani Win-
ter Garden serves mainly Georgian food and is open until
03:00. Venezia restaurant serves only Italian food. Renova-
tions were being carried out on the fitness area when we
visited but they were scheduled to be finished in July 2013.
A large outdoor swimming pool is available to guests dur-
ing summer season. The Intourist Casino is next door to the
hotel, as well as Discorium Disco Club. Both have entrances
from the hotel for guests. There’re a currency exchange of-
fice and a travel agency in the lobby area.QD-2, Ninosh-
vili 11, tel. (+995) 422 27 55 25/(+995) 422 27 66 07,
reservation@intouristpalace.com, www.intouristpalace.
com. 151 rooms (standards 140 - 225US$, superiors 170 -
265US$, deluxe 260 - 365US$, terrace suite 320 - 450US$).
POALKDXCW hhhhh
President Plaza
Overlooking the beautiful Europe Square, this is one of
the prime hotels in Batumi. It has a modern black and
grey décor and exclusive Italian furniture. Rooms are un-
usually large and airy, may be even seeming a little too
large at times and the minimalist style could be toned
down with a few pictures on the walls to make it feel
more, well, homely. The ceramic floors also don’t help to
make the rooms feel welcoming. But, hey, that is just our
opinion and maybe you will like it. The quality is certainly
high. Each room is equipped with massage shower cabins
and all the amenities you expect to find in a 5 star. The
hotel has a small gym, massage rooms and sauna in the
basement and 8x4 m swimming pool on the ground floor
overlooking Baratashvili street.QD-2, Baratashvili 17, tel.
(+995) 422 27 69 51, info@presidentplaza.ge, www.
presidentplaza.ge. 35 rooms (24 standard 100 - 219US$,
9 suite 150 - 170US$, 1 premier suite 500 - 520US$, 1
presidential suite 700 - 720US$). PZiHAF�
GKDCW hhhhh
Radisson Blu Batumi
You’ll either love this glassy 19-storey building or hate it.
Built in the best Radisson Blu standard of five star hotels,
the rooms have a modern design. They have a sea view
through a wall of glass, shaded from the sun with yellow,
bright green or orange curtains. Each room, excluding
a very few, has a bathtub, shower cabin and a carpeted
floor. Suites have an additional steam room. Every level
has an ice machine and there are only two floors where
smoking is allowed. The fitness and spa centre has both
indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a training room
and massage services. Clouds Bar & Restaurant, located
on the 19th floor, serves international dishes and has
spectacular city views. Down at ground level, Medea
Restaurant serves breakfasts and drinks during the day.
Prices exclude VAT.QE-2, Ninoshvili 1, tel. (+995) 422 25
55 55, reservations.batumi@radissonblu.com, www.
radissonblu.com/hotel-batumi. 168 rooms (standard
215US$, superior 270US$, business class 315US$, junior
suite385US$,suite505US$). PiOHAUFL�
GKDXCwW hhhhh
SYMBOL key
P Air conditioning A Credit cards accepted
O Casino H Conference facilities
T Child-friendly U Facilities for the disabled
F Fitness centre L Guarded parking
R LAN connection 6 Pet-friendly
K Restaurant J Old town location
D Sauna C Swimming pool
I Fireplace W Wifi
B Outside seating i Breakfast
VAT (18%) and breakfast included unless otherwise
stated
13. 2014 13facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Hotels
Sheraton Batumi
One of the most impressive buildings in the city, Sheraton
Batumi is a top-notch five star hotel. The lounge area has
an odd interior; a mix of library, art gallery and open space
office area, but somehow it is comfortable and cosy. There
are couple of computers for guest use and a non-smoking
area. The Sunflower restaurant, next to the lounge, serves
breakfasts from 06:30 - 10:30. One of three high-tech lifts
takes you to all 21 floors of the hotel, including a 300 sq
m Penthouse on the top. Rooms are large and spacious,
decorated in dark grey colours, each with a sea view
through a glass wall. There is also a bathtub in every room
and the amenities you would expect from a five star ho-
tel. Veronica restaurant on the 20th floor has spectacular
views over Batumi and serves Georgian and International
cuisine. The hotel’s spa centre, located on the 2nd floor it is
the best we’ve seen in Georgia. An enormous area with a
11x21 metre swimming pool, a children’s swimming pool,
fitness and aerobic rooms, a sauna, Jucuzzis, a resting area
and fantastic Turkish bath. There is also an outdoor swim-
ming pool, located in the park area, 25 metres from the
hotel. The Sheraton is also the only animal friendly hotel
we found in the city. Prices exclude VAT.QB-2, Rustaveli
28, tel. (+995) 422 22 90 00, info.batumi@sheraton.
com, www.sheraton.com/batumi. 202 rooms (deluxe
225US$, club 243US$, executive 270US$, junior suite
315US$, executive suite 360US$, presidential suite
550US$). PZiOHA6UFLGKDX�
CwW hhhhh
Upmarket
Batumi World Palace
One of the newest hotels to open in Batumi, it is located
just a stone’s throw from recently developed Miracle
Park and the Old Boulevard. Rooms have a luxurious de-
sign and a light colour scheme. Each standard and suite
comes with a bathtub, while deluxe suites have beauti-
fully decorated Jacuzzi. On the hotel’s restaurant terrace
you’ll see one of the best views over Batumi marina and
sea port. The restaurant serves delicious Black Sea fish as
well as dishes from Georgia and Turkey as well as inter-
national cuisine. The Terrace Bar offers a good selection
of alcoholic drinks and cocktails with beautiful nocturnal
views over the city. There is a buffet breakfast included in
the price.QE-3, Melashvili 1/3, tel. (+995) 422 22 57 90,
fax (+995) 422 22 57 92, info@batumiworldpalace.com,
www.batumiworldpalace.com. 30 rooms (18 standards
180 - 210US$, 9 junior suites 230 - 270US$, 3 suites 300 -
350US$). PiHAFLGKDXW hhhh
DIVAN SUITES BATUMI
As impressive as this new hotel looks outside, the design of
the entrance hall will really leave an impression. The rich co-
lonial style, open spaces, mirrors and other elements make
a statement. Everything here makes guests feel as much as
possible at home. This hotel has arguably the widest and
most comfortable-feeling corridors we have ever seen, and
that’s just the beginning. Once you experience what’s wait-
14. 14 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
Hotels
ing behind the door, you will never want to leave. The ho-
tel features a wide selection of room types, from standard
to a penthouse tower suite. The Divan provides not only
outstanding comfort and superior service, but also special
touches like a fully-equipped spa & fitness centre, where you
can get a massage or recline in the only real Turkish ham-
mam in all of Georgia. In the morning a big, tasty breakfast is
served. Throughout the day you can satisfy your hunger and
thirst at the Divan pub just next to the lobby, welcoming you
with superb food and drinks till late. Valet parking is available
for hotel guests.QE-3, Jordania/Z.Gamsakhurdia 8/15, tel.
(+995) 422 25 55 22, sales.batum@divan.com.tr, www.
divan.com.tr. 65 rooms (65 Total rooms ). hhhhh
Monte Carlo Apart Hotel
The entrance to this small hotel is located on a narrow
path in front of the Sheraton Batumi main doors. Monte
Carlo has nine apartments, each with a spacious modern
design and a fully equipped kitchen with a big fridge,
microwave, oven and grill. If you love to cook or are on a
budget that means eating out every night isn’t an option,
this is the place for you. Superior rooms come as studio
apartments. Suites have a separate bedroom and a living
room. An executive suite has two bedrooms, a living room
and a nice open-air terrace. The hotel is literally at the sea-
side park and about a one minute walk from the beach.
QB-2, Ninoshvili 23A, tel. (+995) 422 21 21 03,
hotelmc@redco.ge, www.montecarlobatumi.ge. 9
rooms (3 superior 100 - 210US$, 5 suite 150 - 260US$,
1 executive suite 280 - 400US$). iAGW hhhh
Piazza Boutique Hotel
This is definitely one of the most unique hotels in Georgia
we’ve seen. Located on the beautiful Piazza square it is
rather unusually located in a clock tower. There are only two
rooms on each floor and every room has its own unique de-
sign. There is no swimming pool or fitness centre and other
facilities that you expect to find in 4-star, but this boutique
hotel is definitely worth staying at. The views are majestic,
overlooking Batumi Old Town so close. An elevator goes
to every floor, so no need to climb stairs. The hotel is also
refreshingly non-smoking, but if you still need to smoke,
there are two small balconies in each room.QE-3, Parnavaz
Mepe 25, tel. (+995) 422 61 15 13, fax (+995) 422 22 80 51,
info@piazza.ge, www.piazza.ge. 16 rooms (16 standards
200 - 340Lari). PiAGKW hhhh
Mid-Range
O. Galogre
The hotel borrowed its unusual name from its founder
– Georgian businessman Oleg Galogre. It is spread over
two beautiful buildings just a step from Piazza Square. All
rooms are in a classic design and are comfortable for either
a business or vacation stay. Room amenities are what you
would expect to find in a 4-star hotel and it is one of the
few animal friendly places in Batumi. The hotel’s terraces
offer beautiful views over the seaside and port. On the top
floor there is a restaurant and a bar (with views of course)
Hotel irisE
If you’re looking for a comfortable and not-too-ex-
pensive place to sleep, Hotel Irise is the right address.
There is wi-fi, 24h reception and housekeeping. The
rooms are spacious, clean and equipped with comfy
mattresses. Some of them have balconies. If you’re
hungry, just go downstairs to their restaurant, Cape
Town, where home-style Georgian dishes await you..
QC-3, Vaja Pshavela 39, tel. (+995) 422 22 13 01,
(+995) 599 55 29 91, infoirise@mail.ru, fb/hotelir-
ise. 15 rooms (6 standards 80 Lari, 2 semi-suites 120
Lari, 7 suites 150 Lari). PAKW
15. 2014 15facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Hotels
and a courtyard between the building has its own exit to
the Piazza Square.QE-3, Gorgasali 8, tel./fax (+995) 422
27 48 45, info@hotelgalogre.com, www.hotelgalogre.
com. 18 rooms (9 standard 200Lari, 9 suite 260Lari).
PiHALGW hhhh
Piazza Four Colours
This recently-opened hotel sits on the corner of the Piazza
complex square and is a 10-minute walk to the shore. The
hotel took its name from the 4 colours of its 47 rooms
(red,green,blue, yellow). There’s a difference in price be-
tween the rooms with a view over Piazza Square and the
ones overlooking the streets of old-town Batumi. But in
any of them, you will find AC, flatscreen TV, well-equipped
bathroom and free wi-fi. Breakfast is served in a bright
hall. One floor is fully non-smoking.QE-3, Gorgasali 16,
tel. (+995) 32 261 15 37, piazzafourcolours@gmail.com,
www.piazza.ge. 40 rooms. PiAGXW hhh
Piazza Inn
Howoftendoyoufindthereceptionof your hotellocated in
an Irish Pub? Since the hotel is right above The Quiet Wom-
an Pub, the entrance to Piazza Inn is behind the bar. The ho-
tel has 22 rooms, decorated in an English style. The rooms
are not very big, but cozy, and offer everything needed for
a good night’s sleep. Breakfast is served in Café La Brioche,
right across Piazza Square.QE-3, Gorgasali 20, tel. (+995)
32 260 15 36, piazzainnbatumI@gmail.com, www.
piazza.ge. 22 rooms. PiA6GXW hhh
Hostels
Surf Hostel
Opened recently, this is our top-choice hostel in Batumi.
There are two dorms as well as double rooms and a big
common space. The backyard provides a calm place to
relax. No doubt you will feel good here. The owner is a
perfect host, takes care of guests by organizing guitar
nights at the hostel as well as outings around the city.
They cooperate with a nearby bar, so for sure you will be
never bored. Conveniently located just 5 minutes from
the beach, it’s surrounded by lots of little shops, fast food
joints, restaurants and bars. QD-3, Melashvili 33/35, tel.
(+995) 599 70 92 03, lebedinsky@gmail.com, facebook.
com/BatumiSurf. 6 rooms (2 double 25-30 Lari, 3 8-bed
dorm 25-30 Lari). PAGW
Guest House
Batumi Party House
This guest house is in a three-storey apartment in a con-
venient location just a 5-minute walk to the seaside. There
is a fitted kitchen, terrace and common areas on the sec-
ond and third floors. It is a perfect place for big groups as
well as couples. Party House can accommodate up to 15
people. The staff here is super friendly, and always willing
to help you.QB-2, Abashidze Av. 62, tel./fax (+995) 595
18 03 15, seegeorgia2013@gmail.com, fb/seegeorgia.
4 rooms (3 double 100 Lari, 1 triple 160 Lari). AGW
birdwatching
Just outside the city of Batumi, in the foothills of the
Lesser Caucasus, on the eastern shoreline of the Black
Sea is one of the best places to watch the migration
raptors in the whole western Palearctic area. Here, it is
possible to witness a migration spectacle rarely paral-
leled anywhere in the world: over 1,000,000 raptors be-
longing to 35 species are recorded here each autumn.
Of the 35 raptors that can be possibly seen in Batumi,
several really stand out. The Honey Buzzard migra-
tion begins in earnest during late August, with peak
movements of birds continuing into the first week of
September. Some of the highest counts of Honey Buz-
zard anywhere in the world have been recorded right
here in Batumi, with nearly 650,000 Honey Buzzards
recorded in Autumn 2012.
Eagle migration is as interesting in Batumi as it is di-
verse, with good possibilities for seeing Booted Eagle,
Short-toed (Snake) Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Great-
er Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, and even (Eastern) Im-
perial Eagle from the third week of September through
the first weeks of October.
Falcons are also well-represented in the Batumi bottle-
neck. By mid to late September, it is possible to see
Common Kestrel, Lesser Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon,
Hobby, Merlin, and Peregrine on the same day! Saker
Falcon is also recorded on occasion.
BRC Homestay
Batumi Raptor Count, or BRC, is a nature conserva-
tion NGO that works to monitor and conserve the
850,000+ birds of prey that migrate every autumn
through the Batumi Bottleneck. The BRC organises
accommodation with a full board around the region.
You will be offered comfortable private rooms in a
family’s house with shared bathroom. Breakfast, lunch
and dinner are prepared at the desired time and it is
also possible to ask for a food package to take away.
Q village Sakhalvasho, 15 km. from Batumi, tel.
(+995) 599 21 65 80, visit@batumiraptorcount.org,
www.batumiraptorcount.org. Room price 60Lari, in-
cluding 35Lari for accommodation, 5Lari for booking
service and 20Lari as a contribution to BRC Project.
16. 16 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
Restaurants
Georgian
Ajarian House
Rather unusually, the garden outside the restaurant is dot-
ted with intricate models of old buildings and traditional
houses. Inside, it looks like an old tavern and it is often loud
and smoke-filled. To escape, sit outside on the terrace. The
menu is typical Ajarian cuisine, which is fairly different
from Georgian. The most popular dish is Borano - cheese
and butter baked in a clay pot. Chaqondrili is also inter-
esting - meat with spices prepared with a special recipe.
QG-2, Khimshiashvili 10, tel. (+995) 422 21 18 18. Open
09:00 - 01:00. (7-20Lari). PALBXSW
Bereg Café
A huge place for up to 500 people located, as the Rus-
sian name says, just next to the water beside Batumi port.
There is seating inside, on the terrace and on a pier. It
serves a European and Georgian menu with a good selec-
tion of fish. Not just for eating at, but perfect for cheap
coffee or beer in the afternoon while being cooled down
by the breeze from the sea.QE-4,Gogebashvili 9. Open
08:00 - 02:00. PAGBX
Bremen
Solid, dark wood tables and chairs in a room that feels like
could be part of a castle. There is no live music, in fact there is
no music at all, and this is why we liked this place. The menu
Editor’s note
A variety of cuisine usual for any European capital is pre-
sented at Batumi dining scene. Whatever you prefer you
MUST try Ajarian. If you don’t know what to choose from
so unusual list of dished, start with Acharuli Khachapuri.
For further cuisine research use our food decoding tips.
The prices we list in brackets denote either average bill
or per person if there is just one number. Sometimes
we will also list the cost of the cheapest and most ex-
pensive main course on the menu.
And once again - check our list for non-smoking sym-
bol if you can’t stand smoke, as most of the venues
don’t have any non-smoking places.
In some restaurants 10-15% will be included in the bill
as service charge. Enjoy your meal!
SYMBOL key
P Air conditioning A Credit cards accepted
T Child-friendly U Facilities for the disabled
G Non-smoking E Live music
S Takeaway X Smoking place
T Child-friendly N Credit cards not accepted
B Outside seating I Fireplace
maspindzelo
Specailising in old Georgian recipes and cooking
methods, their cuisine really shines. The atmosphere
is homely, with an interior all made of wood. Trout
on walnut leaves is our favourite dish, well, so it the
Maspindzelo - ground, fried meat covered in sour
cream sauce. Few of the staff speak English, but they
will be warmly welcoming. Asking for the dish of the
day could challenge your linguistic skills, but it is worth
the attempt!QD-3, Melashvili 33/35, tel. (+995) 593
78 92 35. Open 09:00 - 02:00. PNW
17. 2014 17facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Restaurants
ern Georgian cuisine. Our favourite is Sulguni cheese rolls
with cottage cheese and mint, but chicken in blackberry
sauce is also a must. Outside seating are located right on
the Piazza Square with daily live music concerts.QE-3,
Mazniashvili 27, tel. +995 577 51 01 50. Open 12:00 -
02:00. PAEBXSW
Old Ship
This place is a bit hidden in between trees, on the Old Bou-
levard. From the outside it looks like a ship. Go onboard
and you will find two terraces and inside, a big restaurant
with seating for over 200 people. The bar is where you
would expect the wheelhouse to be. The menu is domi-
nated by Georgian cuisine with and fair selection of fish
dishes. Wine is available on tap. From 20:00 till 24:00 live
music is played, so after enjoying the sunset from the ter-
race, go on deck to party with your friends. QD-1, Old
Boulevard (Seaside Park), tel. (+995) 558 32 37 87. Open
12:00 - 24:00. PAEBXW
Samikitno Machakhela
This is a fast-food style restaurant in terms of décor and
pricing, but serving fresh and really tastefully cooked
dishes. Specialising in Georgian cuisine, it has an extensive
menu and a long drinks list. We choose it for a variety of
unusual khinkali. About 15 different kinds, including kh-
inkali with vagetables and khinkali with crab meat. This is
one of a chain, with five restaurants in Tbilisi.QE-4, Go-
gebashvili (near port), tel. (+995) 577 54 77 66, www.
samikitno.ge. Open 24hrs. (5-18Lari). PAXSW
is mainly Georgian, tasty and served in big portions. The spe-
ciality here is khinkali. The perfect place if you want to have
diner on traditional Georgian way.QC-3, Parnavaz Mepe 61,
tel. (+995) 422 27 76 36. Open 11:00 - 22:00. PX
KeipTown / CapeTown
A Georgian restaurant, a bit outside of the touristic city
center, serves good traditional food. Dark and solid wood-
en tables and chairs and typical wooden elements on the
walls remind us of an old tavern somewhere in a medi-
eval Georgian village. A separate room for non-smokers
has free wi-fi. The owner takes great pride in his menu’s
Georgian-Ajarian cuisine. According to the policy of the
restaurant, everything here is hand-made made on-site.
We recommend ojakhuri, khachapuri lazuri and a variation
of Georgian barbeque mts’vadi chalagadji - made from a
special cut of pork. There’s also your choice of cheap Geor-
gian beer from Kazbegi or Natakhtari. QC-3, Vaja Pshave-
la 39, tel. (+995) 571 55 29 92/(+995) 599 55 29 91.
Open 09:00 - 23:00. (15-20 Lari). PNGXW
Mimino
Opened at the end of June 2013, it is one of the restaurants
in Piazza complex and is a good example of a well done
work. The interior is modern, simple and made with taste.
An open kitchen makes it even better. The restaurant is
named after famous Soviet comedy, so walls are covered
with dozens of pictures from the movie. The menu looks
so good, that you become hungry, even if you stop by
only for a coffee. It features a mix of traditional and mod-
18. 18 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
Restaurants
San Remo
Unusually and interestingly located on a pier out over the
sea, this is a large restaurant with seating for up to 500
people. The menu is a mix of international cuisine and
Georgian dishes. There are a good selection of fish and
meat dishes. As well as the main dining room there are
also a couple of more intimate “VIP” lounges available.
On the outside terrace you can sit looking through glass
panels in the floor straight down into the water. Live mu-
sic every day from 20:00 - 01:00. The band plays a mix of
international and Georgian covers. Music on request is
also available.QI-1, Rustaveli 34, tel. (+995) 790 50 52
70. Open 11:00 - 02:00. 15-20Lari. PALEXW
Up & Down
This is a truly weird building by any standards. As the
name suggest, it was built upside down. It looks like a
small version of the US White House resting on its roof
at a jaunty angle. The theme continues inside – even if
you don’t feel the need, a visit to the toilets is a must!
There are two floors and on both it looks like you are
walking on the ceiling. The downstairs has a lot of tables,
as well as lounge area and a well stocked bar. House
specialty dishes are from the Lazia region, such as Ko-
peshia - pumpkin with chilli pepper sauce and walnuts.
Life music every day from 21:00 until midnight. QOpen
10:00 - 24:00.QG-2, Khimshiashvili (seaside coastline),
tel. (+995) 599 96 63 73. Open 10:00 - 24:00. (35Lari).
PLEBXSW
European
Clouds
One of the most upscale restaurants in the city, it offers
a wide selection of European cuisines, from Italian pastas
to Swedish meatballs. The views out from its glass walls
to the Miracle Park from one side, and the Seaside Boule-
vard from the other are superb. Total seating is for about
50 persons and there is a small VIP room for 10. DJs usually
play on Friday nights and live bands on Saturdays.QE-2,
Ninoshvili 1, Radisson Blu Batumi, tel. (+995) 422 25 55
55. Open 12:00 - 02:00. (40Lari). PAGXW
Marco Polo
Located on the 4th floor of the Piazza complex, this is
probably the one and only fully non-smoking restaurant
in the whole of Georgia! Styled like an attic with white
painted wood and calm music that makes for a very relax-
ing mood. It is ideal for lunch or dinner, especially if you
want to escape from city bustle. European cuisine with
strong French accent dominates the menu. The wine list
not only has Georgian vintages, but also French and Italian.
QE-3, Parnavaz Mepe 25, tel. (+995) 422 61 15 13, www.
piazza.ge. Open 12:00 - 24:00. (30Lari). PAGW
Pier Batumi
Taking over the part of Batumi beach right at the central
entrance of the boulevard, Pier Batumi is a mighty complex
that has different venues to offer, all of them open air. The
place is run byTurks, so it doesn’t matter if it’s a Georgian res-
taurant, a European one, a Beach Bar, a Lounge on the sea
or a textile shop, Turkish quality and standards of service are
the rule. The menu of international cuisine is dominance by
Turkish with a strong flavor of seafood. And Pier’s hookah bar
or beach area, equipped with chaise lounges, are among the
best spots for watching the sunset. It’s like a busy (or lazy)
tourist paradise: you can dine, you can drink, smoke hookah,
get tanned and even do shopping at the same spot! Don’t
hesitate to walk on that bridge reaching far out over the sea,
especially at night. Let Pier Batumi surprise you. QD-1, Ba-
tumi Boulevard, tel. +995 555 34 50 11, www.pierbatumi.
com. Open 10:00 - 24:00. PAEBSW
Fish
Fish Market
The Fish Market is the perfect place if you love to eat fish and
seafood as it is good, cheap and fresh. Our favourite fish is
Barabulka; pick out four of them for a guaranteed feast. Your
selection will be cooked for you right next door to the stall in
only a few minutes. Just hand your catch to the chef and let
himdotherest.Asimplepan-frieddishis6Lari.Theywillalso
servebeerandvodkaaswellasbread,tastytkemalisauceand
salad. From the city centre take bus# 10 towards Makhinajauri
(where the train station for Batumi is located) and get off on
thenextbusstopaftertheRevenueService.TheFishMarketis
ontheleftsideoftheroad.QOpen08:00-20:00. NXS
19. 2014 19facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Restaurants
German
Münich
Opened only in spring 2013, Münich brought a freshness
to the local restaurant scene. A well-designed interior,
with a black ceiling, brick walls, Bavarian paintings bring
you to this famous German region. Big bar together with a
careful music selection gets the tone just right. The kitch-
en is partly open, and the fish selection is presented on ice,
just next to the bar. Traditional bratwurst, knuckle or even
whole pig is a menu feature. Not surprisingly there is an of-
fering of German beers with Paulaner, Bitburger Eidinger,
Heineken and Budwieser available. Outside is a beer gar-
den with eight tables. A big TV broadcasts Bundesliga
matches and other sport events.QE-3, Kutaisi/Kostava
8/5, tel. (+995) 422 22 72 84, www.inmunich.ge. Open
09:00 - 01:00. (30 Lari). PBXW
Tower Restaurant & Brewery
A tower that looks a little like a lighthouse. You can climb
the 30 meters to its top for views over the city or simply
lounge on the terrace sipping one of its micro-beers,
brewed on site and in both blond and dark options. The
menu here is partly German, and it is the perfect place for
an afternoon lunch or snack with sea views.QG-2, Kh-
imshiashvili 9/11, tel. (+995) 558 17 76 76. Open 10:00
- 02:00. (15-27Lari). PEBXSW
International
Divan Pub
It’s a truly a new word in the Batumi restaurant scene, en-
riching the city with an understanding of high-class style,
service, taste and subtlety. Opened just a few months ago,
Divan Pub is situated on the first floor of one of the best
hotels in the city, located in the heart of old Batumi. Divan
Suites offers you a truly new standard of quality dining. The
décor is very elegant, a combination of cream color, light
brown and shades of gray. The European setting of the ‘pub’
is equally welcoming for business lunches, family dinners or
classy date-nights. The cuisine is not going to leave you dis-
appointed - a large variety of salads, plus fried calamari with
mustard carrot salad from Divan’s Specials, pasta of your
choice, an appetizing grill menu and a refined selection of
desserts.FeelfreetoaskforthewinelistforspecialGeorgian
or French bottles - they are available! QE-3,Jordania/Z.
Gamsakhurdia 8/15, tel. +995 422 25 55 22, www.divan.
com.tr. Open 10:00 - 24:00. PAEBSW
Golden Palace
Located next to the Golden Palace hotel lobby, the interior
of the restaurant nicely combines modern and classic ele-
ments. Our favorite feature is the comfortable green seats.
Like many places in Batumi today, the menu offers Geor-
gian, European and Turkish dishes. The menu features pas-
tas, seafood, black sea fish and meat. Salmon soup is worth
20. 20 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
Restaurants
a try, as well as the seafood pasta and lamb ribs in mustard
sauce. For dessert we recommend the cheesecake with
raspberry sauce. The large drinks menu is impressive, offer-
ing most strong spirits and a wide variety of different cock-
tails. In the beer section we found Guinness, a (relative)
rarity on the Georgian bar scene.QK.Gamsakhurdia 8/10,
tel. (+995) 422 21 25 30, www.goldenpalacebatumi.
com. Open 24h. 50 Lari. PABXSW
loft
You wouldn’t pass up a chance to dine on a rooftop with
a view of the sea in Batumi, would you? The Terrace Res-
taurant atop the 5-storey Batumi World Palace Hotel is
arguably the best place for this experience in the city, and
we have to say, the view of the sea from the terrace is out-
standing. The restaurant offers Georgian, European and
Turkish dishes. For starters, try the fried halloumi cheese
salad, or pumpkin with garlic sauce. Grilled tenderloin
shish kebab is a must. Meanwhile the chef recommends
the fish. Feel free to ask the waitresses for the recommen-
dation of the day. Specifically for chicken lovers we always
recommend chkmeruli. The drinks menu is the standard
assortment, plus raki of course. And if you insist on an
air-conditioned area, the restaurant offer tables inside.
Q E-3, Melashvili 13, tel. (+995) 422 22 57 90. Open
24h. (50 Lari). PABGXSW
Turkish
Grand Grill
This is one of the best places to watch the Dancing Foun-
tains at 21:00. Located right over Ardagani lake, Grand Grill
offers Turkish cuisine and an impressive selection of Black-
Sea fish and other seafood. For a big company choose
Grand Grill special - Fish in Salt - which is umbra or seabass,
and costs 121 Lari per kg. There are also some traditional
Georgian dishes on the menu. Special breakfast offer is
available from 10:00 - 12:00 for 13.20Lari. Valued custom-
ers and members are provided with 10% discount cards.
QH-2, Khimshiashvili (Ardagani Lake), tel. (+995) 422
29 33 22, www.grand-grill.net. Open 10:00 - 24:00, Fri,
Sat, Sun 10:00 - 01:00. (30Lari). PiALBSW
Ukrainian
Kozachok
This is a small restaurant where the interior and the menu
are both distinctly Ukrainian. There are only six tables,
but even once you have ordered, you could still have a
little wait for your food. The reason is that everything is
meticulously prepared in a traditional way. It’s worth the
wait: everything is delicious. Our favourite dish is Kiev cut-
let and Uha fish soup. There is an economy menu avail-
able, a main course with sides starts from 6 Lari. There is
no service fee, rather rare for Batumi.QD-2, Rustaveli Av.
7-9, tel. (+995) 557 56 06 06. Open 11:00 - 23:00. 15Lari.
PAXSW
ajara wine tourism
Georgiaisbelievedtobethebirthplaceofwine.Theear-
liest evidence of wine making, over 7000 years ago, has
been found here and the word “wine” is derived from
the Georgian word “gvino”. Georgian wine was, and in
some cases still is, produced in buried clay fermenting
pots called Kvevri. Over 500 varieties of grape are found
in Georgia, a greater diversity than anywhere else in the
world. Around 40 of these different grapes are used in
wine production. Natural mineral spring water from the
Caucasus mountains, mild winters and warm summers
combine to provide ideal conditions for wine making.
Among western regions of Georgia, Ajara is one of the
oldest centres of winemaking, with its historical heart
in the Keda Municipality. “Tsolikauri” and “Chkhaveri”
wines are produced here are very popular among
Georgian as well as foreign consumers. The follow-
ing winemakers offer the opportunity for visitors to
become familiar with ancient Georgian winemaking
traditions. They all offer wine tasting, Georgian dishes
and wine for sale.
Ajarian Wine House
Wines produced: Porto-Franco (dry rose wine), Tso-
likauri. Q village Acharistkali, Khelvachauri Munici-
pality, 20 km from Batumi, tel. (+995) 577 21 40 02.
Lado Shavishvili’s
A family wine hous, known for producing Chkhaveri
and Tsolikauri wines. Accommodation is available.
Qvillage Vaio, Keda Municipality, 45 km from Ba-
tumi, tel. (+995) 599 78 36 59.
Nodar Shervashidze’s
A family wine house produces Chkhaveri and Ojaleshi
wines and offers accommodation for overnight stay.
Qvillage Saghoreti, Keda Municipality, 36 km from
Batumi, tel. (+995) 593 07 00 88.
Nuri Sirabidze’s
A family wine house, which produces Tsolicauri wine
and offers accommodation. Qvillage Gegelidzeebi,
Keda Municipality, 49 km from Batumi, tel. (+995)
593 51 91 28.
Ajarian Wine House
21. 2014 21facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Cafés
Café Rennes
A newly opened, relax café with an interior that is a mix of
modern and classic elements, some table seating but also
a lounge room. The menu is European - French dishes, and
italian pastas as well as choice of salads are available. The
manager’s recommendation is the Rennes salad, - pork,
mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, sesame and soy sauce.
There are also a few deserts, out favourite is the chocolate
cake! Wines from Telavi Marani and Mukhrani and good
selection of whiskey is big plus. The outside garden is nice,
but a bit noisy.QD-2, K.Gamsakhurdia 6, entrance from
Rustaveli Av., tel. (+995) 422 22 85 23. Open 10:00 -
00:30. PABXSW
Fanfan
Opened only a year ago, the place attracts like a magnet,
thanks to a unique, easy-going atmosphere. The café is
located in 1905 year building, which was owned by the fa-
mous Georgian writer Chabua Amiredjibi. Two rooms were
redesigned in an eclectic style, which creates a very friend-
ly atmosphere for meetings, or drinking a pint of beer in-
side, as well as on the outside terrace. One of a few animal
friendly places in the city, with a cat that walks around
and sleeps on the sofa. On summer evenings, live music
is often played here, mostly jazz. A little pricey menu isn’t
long, but interesting and offers European cuisine. For you,
dessert lovers, chocolate mousse is a must.QB-1, Ninosh-
vili 27, tel. (+995) 591 15 00 51. Open 09:00 - 03:00.
PAEGBXSW
La Brioche
This delightful café has top-location at Piazza Square.
There are dozens of tables around the square, and a nice li-
brary style hall on the 3rd floor. La Brioche has an extensive
menu, which includes salads (11-19Lari), pizza (13-20Lari)
and a selections of main dishes usual for European cuisine.
Live music plays here each day until late.QE-3, Parnavaz
Mepe 25, Piazza Hotel, tel. (+995) 422 61 15 13, www.
piazza.ge. Open 09:00 - 02:00. PAGBXW
La Terrasse
An Italian café by name rather than cuisine, its menu
mainly an offering of international dishes with a selection
of pizza and pasta, but there are also a couple Georgian
dishes, as well as good choice of fish. The dessert selection
includes several types of ice cream, panna cotta and some
other usual cakes. The décor inside is a chic black and gold
design warmed up by an illuminated orange ceiling. There
are also tables outside should you wish to dine al fresco.
QD-3, K. Gamsakhurdia 21/23, tel. (+995) 593 20 20 06.
Open 10:00 - 01:00. PAGBXSW
Literaturuli
A café that also sells books, mainly Georgian, but also a
few titles in English too. Feels like a 1960s family kitchen
with its décor, and furnishings, black and white chequered
floor tiles and freshly-made cakes stacked under Perspex
cake domes. Even more cakes, tarts and strudels sit in a
revolving display cabinet. Tea, coffee and desert are the
main purpose of Literaturuli, but they also serve alcohol
and a selection of snacks.QD-3, K. Gamsakhurdia 18,
tel. (+995) 422 27 20 13. Open 10:00 - 23:00. PN�
BXSW
Press Café
Its spacious, modern interior also acts as a gallery for regu-
larly changed photographic exhibitions. Originally found-
ed by a journalist from an independent media NGO who
wanted a meeting place for gatherings and discussions. It
is a free venue for anybody who wants to organise meet-
ings here. Well, part from politicians, who only get the first
twenty minutes free, after that they have to pay! The cui-
sine here is mainly European, with the only Georgian dish
being khachapuri. There are a lot of interesting salads on
the menu, as well as pizzas.QE-3, Melashvili 2, tel. (+995)
555 95 66 85. Open 10:00 - 01:00. PAXW
Privet iz Batuma
One of the best loved cafés in the city and once there,
you’ll realise why. A relaxed atmosphere and a décor of old
pictures of Batumi hanging on walls painted in pleasing
colours. The music is not too loud, and the vibe is chillout,
so is a perfect place for a gentle meal, or just coffee. The
menu is European, with a French and Italian flavour. The
most popular dish is pizza roma classic. Their desserts are
varied and tasty. There are also several tables outside.QC-
2, Abashidze Av. 39, tel. (+995) 422 27 77 66. Open 10:00
- 00:30. PALBXSW
22. 22 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
Decoding the Menu
Georgians are proud of their national cuisine, and rightly
so. There are many distinct dishes, with regional variations.
Meat, pastries, dumplings, stews and vegetarian dishes are
all represented, though fish features only lightly. Georgian
food isn’t hot and spicy, but it is certainly flavoursome.Wal-
nuts, pomegranates and garlic, cheese, beans, aubergine,
spinach and plums are all used to devastating effect. In the
summer, fresh coriander is used extensively, so this could
cut down your options if you don’t like it.
The soils of Georgia are very rich and
the fresh fruit and vegetables they
produce are flavour bombs. Sink your
teeth into peaches or plums and the
taste explodes.
Oh, and the grapes…. One of the main reasons Georgian
food is so good is because of these amazing ingredients,
much of which is produced by small farmers and sold
straight to you at the local fruit and veg market. Just buy-
ing some bread, tomatoes and fruit here will be a stunning
meal.
There are many restaurants specialising in Georgian foods
in Tbilisi, they vary in quality, of course, but most are good.
They wouldn’t last long if they weren’t as Georgians are dis-
cerning eaters when it comes to national cuisine. However,
if you can, get yourself invited to eat at a Georgian home,
that is where the really great food is cooked.
These are some of the most popular Georgian dishes:
Soup & Meat
Abhazura Originally from Abkhazia. Spicy meat ball made
of mince pork and beef mixed with pieces of pomegranate.
Deep fried and sometimes served on French fries.
Chkmeruli (or tsitsila chkmerulad) Fried chicken served
in a clay dish, dipped in a strong garlic-based sauce.
Chikhirtma Chicken soup thickened with egg, and served
with large portion of chicken, usually breast meat.
Kharcho Beef soup with herbs and rice.
Kubdari Meat pie originally from Svanetia region. Try it
with a little satsabeli, a sauce made of tomatoes and sweet
pepper.
Meat khinkali Dumplings filled with meat (the most
popular option). There is special way of eating khinkali. The
dumpling has bullion inside so you should grab it by it’s
pinched top, bite a small hole near the base, suck out the
delicious juice and then eat the rest. Any Georgians eating
with you will be impressed, especially if you don’t loose a
drop of juice onto your plate.
Mtsvadi Marinated pieces of pork meat grilled over a
wood fire. Perfect with satsebeli sauce.
Ojakhuri Grilled meat, fried potatoes onion and garlic.
Usually served on clay plate (ketsi)
OstriTomato and beef spicy stew.Try it with a dry red wine
and some bread.
Tkemali Sweet and sour sauce made of tart plums. Goes
perfectly with roasted meat.
Vegetarian
Badrijani Fried slices of aubergine usually toped with a
rich walnut paste.
Khachapuri Cheese pie, the most popular snack, which
you can find almost everywhere. There is also a Megrelian
version with two layers of cheese, and an Adjarian one that
is spindle shaped with raw egg on top.
Lobio A thick stew made from crushed red beans served
in a clay pot.
Pkhali Spinach or beetroot mixed with walnut sauce and
sweet peppers or eggplants stuffed with walnuts.
Puri Georgian spindle shaped bread made in unique oven.
Visiting a traditional bakery is a must.
Vegeterian khinkali Dumplings filled with mushrooms
(sokos khinkali), potatoes (kartopili khinkali),cheese (kvelis
khinkali).
Lobiani Pastry filled with bean paste.
Matsoni Thin sour yogurt. Try it with crushed walnuts and
fresh honey – everything in life should taste this good!
Sweets
Churchkhela nicknamed“georgian snickers”. String of nuts
covered with dry grape syrup. Often found in fruit markets
or fruit shops. When buying, pay attention to the texture. A
good one should be springy rather than hard.
Chiri All the different types of dried fruits.
Gozinaki A special traditional New Year desert made with
walnuts and honey.
Pelamushi “Georgian jelly” grape juice and flour based
sweet stew.
You haven’t been in Georgia if you didn’t try khinkali
23. 2014 23facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Ajarian dishes
Ajara is famous for its local cuisine, and differs from other
Georgian cooking. The climate and lifestyle of these high-
lands means dairy products are strongly represented in
many Ajarian dishes. Ajarian cheese is different from that
in other regions of Georgia. Try Borano, Ajarian Khachapuri
or Achma. Locals are proud about local sour cream - Kai-
maghi, and use it in many dishes. They also use loads of
butter. The region has a coastline and lots of mountain
rivers, so fish also feature prominently. Our choice is trout
baked in walnut leaves. These are some more of the most
popular dishes:
Ajarian Khachapuri Probably the most popular dish in
Ajara. Try it, is a must! Spindle shaped cheese pie with a
piece of butter and very often a raw egg on top. There’s
a special consumption technique: eat it with your hands,
detach small pieces from the side, mix the butter and egg
and dip the piece you pulled. Beer is a must accompani-
ment. Enjoy!
Ajarian Kawarma Thin-sliced meat seasoned with
chilli, served in a ketsi.
Achma It’s dough and cheese. Sounds like Khachapuri?
Well yes, but this is shaped like lasagne though. It’s quite
fatty and filling.
Borano Cheese and butter baked in clay pot called a ket-
si. Goes perfectly with bread and local white wine. When
called kobuletian style, it come with egg.
Chirbuli Usually served at breakfast: scrambled eggs
with veggies, usually mainly cauliflower, and of course, an
enormous amount of butter.
Sinori Thin bread like Armenian lavash rolls, dipped in
cottage cheese, kaimaghi and butter.
Baklava The Ajari version of this famous dessert: a pastry
with honey and walnuts.
Oriental (sometimes called Turkish) Coffee In Batumi it
is often called Batumian or Batumuri. Made from ground-
ed coffee, traditionally prepared on hot sand.
Decoding the Menu
Drinking in georgia
Drinking is an important part of Georgian culture. After
all, the oldest evidence of wine making was discovered
here.Wine is far more important than any other alcohol.
Wine is associated with cultural and religious traditions,
beer is secondary and holds no ritualistic connotations.
Georgians are incredibly hospitable, and wine plays an
essential part in that hospitality. You should expect to
be offered wine when spending time with Georgians.
Be prepared to drink at least one glass, refusing the first
glass might be considered impolite. You can say no af-
ter that, but you might need to negotiate your way out
of a heavy session.
Drinking alcohol, but particularly wine is rarely a pas-
time in itself. For Georgians drinking is closely associ-
ated with food. In that way it is more similar to the
Spanish rather than the British attitude to alcohol.
Supra is core part of Georgian culture. Essentially it is a
simply a gathering, a social event with food and drink. A
supra can formal or informal, happy or sad, a birthday, an
anniversary or a wake. It might just be a group of Geor-
giansfriends,celebratingthesimplefactthattheyarealive
that day. But it will never be merely a night out. It will be a
Supra, with all the gravitas and tradition that implies.
Every Supra has its tamada and it will usually be a man.
Roughly speaking, they are the toastmaster, but their
role is far more complex. They will be the person mak-
ing toasts, but the subjects they choose will often di-
rect and dictate the flow of conversation. They will also
regulate the intensity of the supra by speeding up or
slowing down the drinking. Georgians don’t usually sip
wine; they drink a glass together after each toast. Every
supra will start with a series of traditional toasts that
might include, to the reason for the gathering, to the
homeland, to family, to mothers, to deceased relatives.
The tamada will often talk about the topic before the
actual toast. The others raise their glasses but do not
drink until the tamada has finished talking.
Chacha is also an important drink. It is the Geor-
gian high-octane alcohol, a distilled spirit made with
the mash left over from wine production. It can be a
smooth sophisticated spirit or it can be evil - stuff to
strip the plaster as well as the paint off a wall.
24. 24 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
Nightlife
Batumi doesn’t have a wide selection of bars and night-
clubs. But there are some really good ones. It is a social city
but does not have a big clubbing culture. In summer time
beach bars and clubs appear on the seacost.
Bars
The Bar 32
It has no particular name, so we call it “the bar”. A nice place
run by some young girls is the place where you can find in-
ternationalcompany.It’sallaboutatmospherehere.Ifyou’re
looking for fun, a glass of beer or a shot of chacha, this place
is a must. QE-3, Melashvili 32, tel. (+995) 557 94 51 60, fb/
htebar32. Open 15:00 - 03:00. PAEBXW
Black Buddha
There aren’t many nightlife spots in Batumi, but Black Bud-
dha is certainly worth mentioning. Located on the ground
floor of President Palace Hotel, it has modern black and
gold decor including, of course, a Buddha statue in pride
of place. The menu features sushi (it may be the only place
offering it in Batumi), sandwiches and salads. There is no
live music, but there are chill-out lounge tunes played on
the speakers.QD-2, Baratashvili 17, tel. (+995) 422 27 69
51. Open 09:00 - 04:00. PABXW
Espresso Bar Sinatra
Located in between Vinyl, and Brighton Hotel, Espresso
Bar Sinatra lives up to its name of serving high-class cof-
fee. There are three small rooms, light and full of black and
white photos plus two more tables outside. The menu
is European, including pasta and pizza, with a couple of
Mexican dishes added in. But it is not the food that makes
this place stand out from the crowd: it is the coffee. They
boast thirty different ways to serve the stuff, from simple
espresso to alcoholic coffee drinks and iced coffees. A
real paradise for coffee lovers.QD-2, Dumbadze 12, tel.
(+995) 56 60 50. Open 08:00 - 01:00.
Quiet Woman Pub
Is there a city anywhere in the world, that doesn’t have
an Irish pub? The Quiet Woman is Batumi’s version of this
strange global phenomenon. Located in the main tourist
attraction - Piazza Square - it offers an impressive beer
choice. There is a simple, but tasty food selection. There is
the essential Irish pub big screen for showing sports and
there is outside seating during the summer season. It is a
bit pricy, but certainly a popular place. QE-3, Mazniash-
vili 27, tel. (+995) 577 78 65 65, www.piazza.ge. Open
11:00 - 02:00. PAEBXW
Vinyl
Only five tables inside, and two outside, but what a charm-
ing bar it is. The walls are decorated with painted vinyl
discs. This place is popular with expats, as well as young
Georgians. Perfect for meeting friends to have a couple of
pints, or shots.QD-2, Dumbadze 12/14, tel. (+995) 593
33 14 99. Open 12:00 - 03:00.
Casinos
Ajarabet
QD-2, Akhmeteli 7A, tel. (+995) 422 27 43 53, www.
ajarabet.com. Open 24hrs. POALKXW
Golden Palace Casino
QE-3, K.Gamsakhurdia 8/10, tel. +995 422 21 25 30,
www.goldenpalacebatumi.com. Open 24h. A
Grand Intourist Casino
QD-2, Ninoshvili 11, tel. (+995) 422 27 55 25,, www.
intouristpalace.com. Open 24hrs. POLKXW
Iveria Batumi
QE-2, Ninoshvili 1, tel. (+995) 555 42 21 44, www.
casinoiveria.ge. Open 24hrs. POALKXW
Peace
QB-2, Ninoshvili 21, tel. (+995) 422 27 85 85, www.
casinopeace.com. Open 24hrs. PLKXW
Clubs
Art-Boulevard
A large modern design café, with seating for up to 150,
where silver painted metal and glass dominates. The café
turns into a night club after dark. The menu is international,
with bbq and fish dishes playing a big part. The bar is well
equipped with alcohol, especially rums. In the high season
music starts at 20:00, usually calm at first, but building the
BPM as the night progresses. You can also sit outside dur-
ing the summer.QB-1, 26 Maisi 2, tel. (+995) 555 95 66
85. Open 12:00 - 24:00. PAEBXSW
25. 2014 25facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
Sights
Chacha Tower
This fountain tower, widely
known as ‘chacha tower’ is
an exact copy of a building
standing in Batumi at the
beginning of 20th cen-
tury. The 25-metre clock
tower is surrounded by
four fountain pools. Rather
unusually, yet quintessen-
tially Georgian, each day at
19:00 for ten minutes the
fountains spout Chacha, strong Georgian alcohol!QE-3.
Colonnades
The elegant white Greek-
style colonnades where
initially built as an entrance
to the beach. The initial
concept came from Ivane
Mchedlidze, a local doc-
tor, who fell in love with
Sorrento’s classical colon-
nades while on a trip to It-
aly in the early 1930s. Over
the last 80 years, the sea re-
treated considerably and the water’s edge is now far from
this historical monument. Similar colonnades were also
built as the entrance to 6th May Park.QD-1, Seaside Park.
Dancing Fountains
Installed back in 2009,
in Ardagani Lake, these
French musical foun-
tains are worth long walk
here. The daily show usu-
ally starts after sunset.
The fountains ‘dance’ to
the musical soundtrack
of modern pop, rock and
classical music. We were
treated to the particular
pleasure of the fountains dancing to AC/DC‘s “Highway to
Hell”! There is a laser show, telling the history of Batumi
and Georgia. Take a seat either on the sea side of the Lake
or on the special places set out along the opposite lake
shore.QH-2.
Europe Square
You will probably pass here dozens of times during your
stay in Batumi. Its name comes from the fact of joining Ba-
tumi to the Assembly of European Regions. The statue of
Medea was placed in the centre of the square as a symbol
of ancient Georgian connections with the European world.
Concerts of Jose Carreras, Andrea Bocelli, Bueno Vistas So-
cial Club and many others have been held here - 50,000
people crammed in for the Enrique Iglesias gig back in
2011! Just next to Medea statue there is a useful bike rental
point.QD-2.
Essential Batumi
Ali & Nino
The statue depicts eternal
love and understanding
between nations. It was
named after the ‘Ali and
Nino’ novel by an Azer-
baijani author using the
pseudonym Kurban Said.
It tells a story of a young
Muslim Azerbaijani man
and a Georgian Christian
princess in time of the First
World War. The eight metre statues, of a man and a woman
are the work of Georgian sculptor Tamar Kvesitadze. Both
statues move, changing their position every 10 minutes,
until they become one. At night the sculptures are lit with
changing colours, a magnetically beautiful sight.QF-2.
Alphabet Tower
The Georgian alphabet
is unique and is believed
to date from around the
5th century. It underwent
numerous changes be-
fore the modern version
emerged. In 2012 a 130
metre tall tower with a
twisting DNA helix shape
was constructed, dedicat-
ed to the Georgian alpha-
bet. There were plans for a restaurant and an observatory,
but sadly it has closed and its future is uncertain.QE-1.
Astronomic Clock
Reminiscent of the his-
toric examples in Prague
and Venice, Batumi has
recently acquired its own
astronomic clock, installed
on the tower of the former
building of the National
Bank of Georgia. A melodi-
cally chime indicates the
full hour, a single ring the
half-hour. Apart from the
time of day, the clock also shows astronomical informa-
tion – the placement of the sun and the moon, the moon
phase, the meridian and the horizon.QD-2.
Batumi Lighthouse
The first lighthouse was built in Batumi in 1863 during
Ottoman rule, while the Russians erected the second in
1878. French engineers built the present 21-metre stone
construction in 1882. It sits on the edge of Burun-tabie
cape. In past, the lighthouse had white lights, but today
they are red.QF-1.
26. 26 Batumi In Your Pocket batumi.inyourpocket.com
Sights
Panoramic Wheel
Definitely the most noticeable attraction in the city, the
Panoramic Wheel is located right next to the Ali & Nino
statues and close to both the Alphabetic and Chacha
towers. A single cycle will last 10 minutes, taking you to
a height of 55 metres and giving views all over the city
height. The wheel was constructed by Italian company
and can hold 240 people at once.QF-2. Open 10:00 -
20:00. Admission 2Lari.
Piazza Square
It is one of the most beau-
tiful places in Batumi, yet
as its name suggests, it
is distinctly Italian and so
a little incongruous for
Georgia, but in Batumi,
when it comes to archi-
tecture, it seems anything
goes! The Square covers
about 5700 square metres
and is surrounded by the
Piazza complex, which includes a hotel, a couple of restau-
rants, a café and a pub. The architecture is distinguished
by mosaics and stained glass art. Live music is performed
here daily in café La Brioche and the square usually hosts
concerts of world famous musicians visiting Batumi.QE-3.
Parks & Gardens
6 May Park
As we mentioned previ-
ously, the city’s first gar-
den was established in
1881 by the German gar-
den designer, Reseller. Fur-
ther work on Batumi Bou-
levard and the park was
continued by the French
gardener, D’Alphonse. In
1888, the Russian Emperor
Alexander III visited Ba-
tumi and was fascinated by the gardener’s work. With his
family, he planted several trees and it was subsequently
named Alexander’s Garden. Since then, the name has
changed periodically and is today 6 May Park. At its far end
is a zoological corner, a dolphinarium, and an aquarium.
The beautiful Nurigeli Lake is located in the middle of the
park.QA/B-2.
Batumi Boulevard
(Seaside Park)
Probably the oldest at-
traction in Batumi, con-
struction of the boulevard
began in 1881, when the
Governor of the Batumi
District assigned the Ger-
man gardener, Reseller,
to create a park alongside the sea shore of Batumi Old
Town. Nowadays, Batumi Boulevard has reached a length
of around 7 kilometres and is approximately divided into
‘new’ and ‘old’ boulevards. The original and beautiful
park is still here, with the addition of modern sculptures,
benches and fountains. During the height of the summer
season the seashore is busy with cafés, restaurants, beach
bars and clubs. In the off-season it’s simply a beautiful sea-
side boulevard. Stroll along at any time of the day, a quiet
morning or hot afternoon, but you must come here just
before sunset. Seeing the sun sink into the sea is sublime
and unforgettable.QA/F-1, F-1/5, H/J-1. W
Botanical Garden
This is one the biggest and richest botanical gardens in
the world. Located near Mtsvane Kontskhi (Green Cape)
resort, it was the brainchild of the prominent Russian
botanist and physical geographer Andrey Krasnov. The
plants species displayed come from many utterly different
climatic and landscape zones. To get to the Garden take
marchrutka #31 or 150 from Parnavaz Mepe Street or Tbilisi
square.QMtsvane Kontskhi, Makhinjauri, www.bbg.ge.
Open 08:00 - 21:00. Admission 6 Lari, free entrance for
children under 10.
Churches
Most of the churches will be open during the day with the
Georgian liturgy ceremony usually held at 16:00 on Satur-
day and 09:00 on Sunday.
Armenian Apostolic Church
Originally a wooden
church built in 1873. De-
stroyed in the 1880s, a new
stone church was built
with local donations and
the works was carried out
under the supervision of an
Austrian architect. It was
used as a planetarium dur-
ing the Soviet times, which
saved the building from destruction. In 1992 the Planetar-
ium was moved to Batumi State University and the church
was re-opened.QD-3, K.Gamsakhurdia 25.
Batumi Catholic Church
The newest in the city, the
Church of Holy Spirit was
built in 2000 and conse-
cratedbyGiuseppePasotto,
the Ordinary of Apostolic
administration of Caucasus.
The Church is really impres-
sive, has a modern design
and is located not far from
the port. Arriving in Batumi
from Tbilisi you’ll notice it
on the left side of the road.QE-4, Gogebashvili 54.
27. 2014 27facebook.com/BatumiInYourPocket
The Virgin Nativity Cathedral
At the end of 19th century,
Batumi’s Catholics, along
with the European consul-
ates in the city, requested
the building of a church.
It was constructed in 1897
in a Neo-Gothic style, with
three domes. In Soviet
times it was used as an ar-
chive and a high-voltage
laboratory. Today it is the
main Cathedral of Batumi.QC-4, Chavchavadze 25.
Activities
Aqua Park
Entertainment for children
and adults, the Aquapark
is located on the New Bou-
levard, next to the sea. It is
rather small, but has every-
thing to keep you, and your
kids happy. There are two
big pools and one children’s.
QG-2, Khimshiashvili 12,
tel. (+995) 422 21 01 01.
Aquarium
Opened in 1966, it initially
housed North Pacific pinni-
peds, fur otters and Caspian
seals. There were also 60 spe-
cies of fish from both fresh-
waters and seas around the
world. Today it houses around
100 species of fish from the
Black Sea, Georgia’s freshwa-
ters and also a number of exotic and decorative species.
QJ-1, Rustaveli Av. 51, tel. (+995) 422 22 17 30, www.
parkbatumi.ge. Open 10:00 - 19:00. Admission 2Lari.
Sights
travel agencies
Adjara Tour
QB-4, Chavchavadze 48, tel. (+995) 422 27 87 78,
www.adjaratour.com/en.
Calypso Travel
QD-2, Ninoshvili 1, Intourist Palace Hotel, tel.
(+995) 422 276556, batumi@calypso.ge, www.
calypso.ge. Open 10:00 - 19:00.
Wonderland
QD-3, K. Gamsakhurdia 36, tel. (+995) 422 27 69 84,
www.wonderland.ge. Open 10:30 - 19:00, Sat 10:30
- 16:00. Closed Sun.
Ortajame
The Mosque got its name
due to its position be-
tween two other Muslim
temples (‘orta’ is middle
in Turkish). It was built in
1880s and is the only sur-
viving Mosque in Batumi.
As with all other religious
monuments, it was closed
during the Soviet era. In
1990s renovation works
were carried out and the Mosque resumed its spiritual and
cultural services.QE-4, Chkalova 6.
St Barbara’s Church
This small church is located on the site of a former mili-
tary hospital. Its construc-
tion began in 1888 under
direction and sponsorship
of the Emperor Alexander
III. The Church was closed
during the Soviet times
and re-opened again only
in 1997.QC-2, Rustaveli
Av. 26.
St Nickolas
Church
Located next to Piazza Square, it is one of the most beau-
tiful buildings in Batumi.
The Greeks initiated the
construction of the church,
while Batumi was under
the rule of the Ottoman’s
Empire. The Sultan allowed
the church to be built un-
der one condition: that it
there wouldn’t be any bells
installed. The stones were
brought from Trabzon and construction works started in
1865. It was completely renovated in 2012.QE-3, Parnavaz
Mepe 24.
Synagogue
In 1899 the Jewish popula-
tion of Batumi got permis-
sion from the Russian Em-
peror to build a synagogue
in the city and it opened in
1904. During Soviet times
it housed several sport
organisations. It was re-
opened as a synagogue in
1998 and renovated.QC-3,
Vazha Pshavela 33.