Old Batumi

Batumi is both similar to other Georgian cities and completely unique at the same time. It has its own history, identity, and cultural character. Its modern development path also differs greatly from Tbilisi or Kutaisi: Batumi became an international seaside resort, grew dramatically upward, and transformed into a vibrant, fast-moving city. Yet within its old quarters, it remains the same — low-rise, shaded, relaxed, and deeply atmospheric.

The Old Town occupies a broad cape in the northern part of the city. It is bordered by the sea, the promenade, and the square near the seaport on two sides, by Ilia Chavchavadze Street on the third, and by May 6 Park on the fourth. The historic center is quite compact and easy to explore on foot, especially if you allow yourself to wander through its narrow hidden streets — which is highly recommended.

The promenade near the seaport:

At the cape itself are public squares, countless street food kiosks, souvenir shops, coffee stands, small amusement attractions for children, and occasional concerts and exhibitions. This area is also home to several landmark towers, including luxury hotels and the Alphabet Tower with its panoramic restaurant at the top.

The edge of the residential district:

The first line of development — both Soviet and post-Soviet — acts as a visual shield around the low-rise historic center, shaping many visitors’ first impressions of Batumi. The city’s planners even allowed very tall skyscrapers along this line, such as Azure Tower:

Most modern buildings here were designed in eclectic architectural styles, often unusually bold for a seaside resort city. These projects belong to the period when Batumi was searching for its new identity and experimenting with different urban approaches. Not every experiment was successful, but the result certainly gives the city its own distinct character.

The tower with the spire houses the Sheraton hotel:

At the same time, the historic core itself — aside from the outer edge and a few isolated modern insertions — remains largely unchanged from fifty or even one hundred years ago. Charming mansions with stucco facades, heavy cornices, and the quiet atmosphere of aristocratic wealth still define many streets:

Batumi’s public and administrative center formed around the renovated Europe Square, almost “reassembled” from a mix of historic and modern architecture. Opinions may differ on whether this fusion works aesthetically, but one thing is certain — everyone stops to take photos here:

One corner of the square is anchored by the tall Wyndham hotel, designed in an American, almost Las Vegas-inspired style. Most likely, the architect intended to highlight the luxury Princess Casino located inside the complex:

The small park on Gorgiladze Street in front of the Art Museum:

The former railway station building — the new terminal now operates near the port on the city outskirts:

Nearby stands the building of the Supreme Council of Adjara, the highest legislative and representative body of the autonomous republic:

Modern residential buildings integrated into the historic urban fabric:

And traditional two- and three-story historic houses within the orderly street grid:

Overall, it can be said that Old Batumi received a second life alongside the growth of the resort city. Some modern spaces have been integrated so seamlessly into the architectural fabric that they feel as though they have always belonged here. Piazza Square is one such example:

Old Batumi is diverse, vibrant, and full of life — and that is what matters most.

That is why we love it.