Weekend in Batumi

An open-air mosaic-covered square surrounded by Italianate buildings, with a glass clock tower and live music in the evenings. The stone floor features zodiac mosaics.

Tip: Free to wander, but sit at Café Adjara for a cheap coffee (3 GEL) to enjoy the acoustics during the 7pm piano performances.

A leafy park with a small lake, pedal boats, dolphinarium (paid), and shaded benches. Good spot for a picnic away from the beach crowds.

Tip: The dolphinarium show costs 15 GEL and is worth it — book morning slots to avoid queues. Park entry is free anytime.

A 7km seafront promenade with palm trees, sculptures, bike paths, and the famous moving Love Statue. Runs along the Black Sea coast from the port to the new district.

Tip: Go at sunrise to watch fishermen haul in nets — quieter and more authentic than the crowded evening promenade.

Small but well-curated museum displaying artefacts from Colchis, Greek colonies, and Ottoman periods found in the region. Highlights include gold jewellery and ancient pottery.

Tip: Free entry only on the last Sunday of each month; otherwise it's 3 GEL. Ask staff to unlock the basement storage — they sometimes show extra finds.

A hillside garden with 9 themed sections (Caucasian, Japanese, New Zealand) and coastal views. Covers 108 hectares with labelled plants from subtropical regions.

Tip: Entry is 7 GEL — cheap by European standards. Take marshrutka #10 from the city centre (0.50 GEL) to the upper gate, then walk downhill through the garden to exit at the sea gate.