Batumi, Georgia, a Walking Tour of The Black Sea Treasure
Places: 22 POIsDistance: 2.25 miDuration: 1h:29m
Tour #2234
About this English self-guided 1h:29m walking tour in Batumi
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Batumi Georgia. My name is Dave, and I’m pleased to be your co-pilot today, as we explore this beautiful city on the coast of the Black Sea.
Batumi blends ancient heritage with modern innovation, offering a fascinating journey through time. From the scenic Batumi Boulevard to the dynamic Ali and Nino sculpture, this tour highlights the city's unique architecture, religious diversity, and rich connections to mythology. Each point of interest, located within a 5-10 minute walk, invites you to experience Batumi's charm, from its elegant squares to its ancient cathedrals, mosques, and museums.
Our tour today is just over 2 miles, and should take roughly 2 hours. So put on your best pair of walking shoes, and let’s get moving. We begin today at the corner of Demetre Tavdadebuli, and Zubalashvili Street, at Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God. We are just a short walk from Freedom Square, where there is parking, as well as public transportation stops.
And. Here. We. Go.. Any fans of The Dark Knight? I will sometimes drop movie quotes in my tours. Hope you don’t get annoyed.
We begin here at The Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God, one of the most striking religious landmarks in the city. Located in the heart of the Batumi, this Neo-Gothic cathedral was originally built as a Roman Catholic church in the early 1900s, commissioned by the Zubalashvili family, a wealthy Georgian Catholic family. The design of the church reflects the Gothic Revival style, with pointed arches, intricate stone carvings, and soaring spires that give the structure a majestic appearance. This triple-naved basilica stands on a tall foundation, and is eye-catching for its unique architecture.
After the Soviet Union's rise to power, the church was confiscated and repurposed for various non-religious functions, as many places of worship were during the Soviet era. It wasn’t until Georgia regained its independence that the cathedral was returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church, and it has since been a functioning Orthodox cathedral.
Constructed as a three-aisled basilica with an elongated pentagonal apse, the cathedral sits atop a raised foundation along the west-east axis. Flanking the altar on either side are single-story square chambers symbolizing Christendom. The western and eastern axes of the church sport impressive pentagonal protuberances, while two tall bell towers stand watch on the eastern facade.
Inside the cathedral, visitors can experience the peaceful and reverent atmosphere with impressive stained-glass windows, elaborate frescoes, and icons that reflect both the Catholic origins and Orthodox traditions. The cathedral’s transformation from Catholic to Orthodox serves as a symbol of Georgia’s complex religious and historical identity, making it a site of significant cultural and spiritual importance in Batumi.
The cathedral’s Neo-Gothic architecture, with its high vaulted ceilings and large spaces, creates excellent acoustics, making it an ideal venue for religious chanting and choir performances. This acoustic feature is something that many visitors may not expect when they enter the cathedral.
The church is now a cathedral of the Eparchy of Batumi and Lazeti (Lazistan), and in 2011 it was granted the status of a cultural heritage monument.
Make a left on Nikoloz BarataSchvili, and let’s learn about the cuisine here in Batumi.
Since we’re at the beginning of the tour, why not fuel up on some local Georgian cuisine. What is that exactly? As part of the Adjara region, Batumi’s cuisine combines traditional Georgian flavors with local ingredients, Ottoman influences, and a strong emphasis on seafood due to its proximity to the sea.
Some options here on Nikoloz BarataSchvili street, are Barakoni, coming up on the right, And Leuville, coming up on the left. Both offer authentic Georgian cuisine.
Here are some of the iconic foods you’ll likely find today. The most iconic dish of Batumi and the Adjara region is Adjaruli Khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese, topped with an egg yolk, and a dollop of butter. Diners mix the egg yolk and butter into the cheese before tearing off pieces of the bread to dip into the rich mixture. It’s a symbol of Adjara and is beloved throughout Georgia, making it a must-try dish in Batumi.
Being a coastal city, Batumi offers some of the freshest seafood in Georgia. You’ll find dishes featuring Black Sea fish like mullet, anchovy (known locally as chamchi), and red mullet. Grilled or fried fish is commonly served with fresh lemon, herbs, and traditional Georgian spices. Seafood restaurants line the harbor area and offer a wide variety of fish, often caught the same day.
Borano is a lesser-known Adjarian dish, but it is incredibly rich and delicious. It’s made by frying large amounts of cheese (usually sulguni, a salty Georgian cheese) in clarified butter. This dish is often served as a breakfast food or side dish, and it showcases the love for dairy products in the region.
Achma is a layered cheese pastry that resembles a cross between lasagna and traditional Georgian khachapuri. Made with thin layers of dough and filled with generous amounts of cheese, Achma is slightly more delicate and buttery compared to other types of Georgian bread dishes, making it a favorite in Batumi.
Another traditional dish in the Adjara region, Sinori, is a thinly rolled dough filled with cottage cheese, butter, and garlic. This savory dish is usually served for breakfast or as a side dish, offering a creamy, tangy flavor.
Chakapuli is a stew made with lamb or veal, simmered with white wine, tarragon, plums, and fresh herbs. It’s a traditional Georgian dish but is particularly popular in Batumi, where it may be made with local variations. The combination of sour plums and fresh herbs gives the dish a bright, tangy flavor.
A traditional Georgian sweet, Churchkhela is made by threading walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds onto a string and repeatedly dipping them in thickened grape juice. Once dried, they resemble a sausage, but the taste is sweet and fruity with a satisfying crunch. You’ll find churchkhela in markets throughout Batumi, particularly in the old town.
Due to its proximity to Turkey, Batumi is known for offering a variety of Ottoman-inspired desserts, such as baklava, kataifi, and sütlaç (a type of rice pudding). These desserts feature layers of pastry, honey, nuts, and syrup, providing a delightful contrast to the more savory local dishes.
Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine, and Batumi offers an excellent selection of local Georgian wines. The country’s ancient wine-making tradition is reflected in Batumi’s wine bars and restaurants, where you can sample regional varieties such as Saperavi (red wine) and Rkatsiteli (white wine). Wine often accompanies meals, and in Batumi, it’s common to toast with a glass of homemade wine.
The city's restaurants range from casual seaside eateries to fine dining establishments, where you can enjoy a combination of Georgian staples, seafood, and international dishes. Outdoor cafes and street vendors also serve local delicacies, making Batumi a great destination for food lovers looking to experience authentic Georgian and Adjara flavors.
Overall, Batumi’s cuisine reflects the region's agricultural richness, maritime culture, and historical ties to both Eastern and Western influences, providing a unique gastronomic experience.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God
Place 2Cuisine
Place 3Europe Square
Place 4Theatre Square
Place 5Batumi Boulevard
Place 6Pier and Restroom Break
Place 7Black Sea
Place 8Story Time
Place 9Alphabet Tower
Place 10Porta Batumi Tower
Place 11Batumi Lighthouse
Place 12Ali and Nino Statue
Place 13Street Merchants
Place 14Urban Legends
Place 15Government Structure
Place 16St. Nicolas Church
Place 17Piazza Square
Place 18Hookah Culture
Place 19Batumi Central Mosque
Place 20Gogebashvili Street
Place 21Wine Ice Cream
Place 22Argo Cable Car
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