Batumi, the charming coastal city on the Black Sea, is one of Georgia’s rising stars in tourism. In recent years, more travellers from China have started to discover its unique appeal. With a mix of modern architecture, ancient history, relaxing beaches, and mountain scenery, Batumi has something for everyone. But beyond the famous sights—Batumi Boulevard, the Alphabet Tower, and the Ali and Nino statue—there’s another side to the city that most visitors never see. Quiet backstreets, hidden gardens, family-run cafés, and secret spots away from the usual crowds reveal a different, more personal Batumi.
For Chinese tourists seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, this side of Batumi offers experiences that feel both authentic and memorable. From secluded beaches to traditional markets and lesser-known landmarks, there’s a world waiting to be found. Let’s begin with the journey to Batumi and what to expect when you first arrive!
While most visitors are drawn to the modern buildings and the beachside attractions, Batumi’s Old City is one of its most beautiful and peaceful areas. Walking through the Old City feels like travelling back in time. Narrow cobblestone streets weave between 19th-century buildings, many of which have been restored to show off their detailed balconies and colourful facades. Unlike the busy areas along the coast, the Old City has a quieter charm.
One of the best places to visit here is Theresa’s Square, a small plaza where locals meet to chat, drink coffee, and play chess. The square is hidden between residential buildings, so it is easy to miss if you do not know where to look. Around the square, you’ll find small shops selling handmade crafts, paintings, and souvenirs not found in large tourist markets. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift or just enjoy the authentic side of Batumi.
The Batumi Botanical Garden is one of the largest and most beautiful in the region. Located about nine kilometres from the city centre, it stretches across the hills overlooking the Black Sea. Most tourists visit the main sections of the garden which feature exotic plants and panoramic views. However, there are hidden trails within the garden that few visitors explore.
These secret trails lead to quiet corners of the park where you can enjoy complete peace. For example, the Japanese Garden inside the park is a small, serene area where you can sit beside a pond filled with koi fish. There is also a little-known Cactus Collection, hidden away from the main paths. Here you can see rare types of cacti growing in a natural setting, something unusual for a subtropical climate. Exploring these areas gives you a chance to connect with nature away from the crowds.
Just a short drive from Batumi lies Mtirala National Park, one of Georgia’s most beautiful and untouched nature reserves. The name Mtirala means “crying mountain” because of the high rainfall in the area. This creates lush green forests, misty paths, and fresh mountain air that feels very different from the city.
Most visitors hike to the well-known Mtirala Waterfall, but if you are willing to walk a bit further, you will find the Green Lake, a secret spot hidden deep in the park. The lake gets its name from the way the trees reflect on the water, creating a deep green colour. This peaceful place is perfect for a quiet picnic or a short rest before heading back. Since few people go beyond the main trail, you can often have the lake all to yourself.
About 30 kilometres into the Adjara mountains, you will find another hidden treasure known as the Makhuntseti Waterfall. The waterfall is tall and powerful, with fresh, cool water rushing down into a natural pool. It’s a popular spot for locals, especially during the hot summer months, but remains quiet compared to Batumi’s central attractions.
Close to the waterfall stands Queen Tamar’s Bridge, an ancient stone bridge that is said to date back to the 12th century, during the reign of Georgia’s famous Queen Tamar. The bridge is built using traditional techniques, with large stones placed together without modern cement. Crossing the bridge feels like stepping into the pages of a history book. On the road to Makhuntseti, you’ll also find roadside stalls selling homemade honey, churchkhela (a traditional Georgian sweet made from grape juice and nuts), and local wine.
For tourists who love food and culture, a visit to the Batumi Fish Market is a must. Located near the harbour, this market is where fishermen bring in their catch every morning. You can walk through the rows of stalls, see fresh fish and seafood, and experience the lively atmosphere as locals shop for the day.
One of the most unique things about the Batumi Fish Market is the chance to pick your fish and then take it to one of the nearby cafés. The café will cook it for you exactly how you like—grilled, fried, or baked, usually with Georgian spices and a squeeze of fresh lemon. This is one of the freshest meals you can have in Batumi, and it gives you a chance to eat like the locals.
One of Batumi’s hidden gems is the Rope Factory Museum, a small but fascinating place that shares the story of the city’s rope-making history—a trade once vital to Batumi’s port economy. The museum is housed in an old rope factory and displays the traditional tools once used to twist and weave ropes by hand.
Visitors can learn about the rope-making process and even try making a small piece of rope themselves. It’s an enjoyable hands-on activity, especially for families or anyone curious about traditional crafts. Since the museum is not widely known, you can usually explore it in peace without crowds.
While many tourists stay in the centre of Batumi, a short drive south leads to Gonio Fortress, one of the oldest historical sites in the region. The fortress dates back to Roman times, and its stone walls have been standing for over two thousand years. Walking inside the fortress, you can see ancient foundations, Roman baths, and a small museum that explains the history of the site.
According to local legend, the tomb of Saint Matthias, one of the apostles of Jesus, is buried inside Gonio Fortress. This story attracts religious pilgrims, but the site remains peaceful and uncrowded. The fortress is also a great place to enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and the sea.
For those looking for a quiet beach away from the busy city shorelines, Sarpi Beach is the perfect spot. Located just 20 minutes south of Batumi, Sarpi sits on the border between Georgia and Turkey. The beach here has clear, clean water and smooth pebbles instead of sand. Unlike the crowded city beaches, Sarpi is a peaceful place where you can relax, swim, or watch the sunset. The nearby border checkpoint adds an interesting view, as you can see people crossing between two countries. Sarpi is also known for its friendly locals and small seaside cafés that serve fresh lemonade and grilled seafood.
One of the highlights of any trip to Batumi is trying the local food, especially dishes from the Adjara region. The most famous dish is Adjarian Khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter, and a raw egg. The proper way to eat it is to stir the egg into the cheese while the bread is still hot.
Another unique dish is Borano, which is made from fried cheese cooked in butter. It’s rich and filling, perfect after a day of exploring. For dessert, try Sinori, a sweet dish made from rolled lavash bread with cottage cheese and butter sauce. Many cafés and restaurants in Batumi serve these dishes, but the best versions are usually found in small family-run restaurants.
For even more ideas on where to go and what to see during your stay, take a look at The Complete Guide to Exploring Batumi. It’s packed with helpful tips to make your trip even more memorable.
If you want to truly soak in the beauty of Batumi and its hidden corners, renting a car makes all the difference. Public transport covers the main sights, but the quiet beaches, mountain villages, and secret nature spots are often out of reach without your own set of wheels. Here’s how to make car rental in Georgia stress-free:
For more tips on how to rent a car in Georgia as a first-time visitor, check out Insider Advice for Renting a Car in Georgia.
Batumi is a city that has something for everyone, but the true magic lies in its hidden corners. Whether it’s walking through the peaceful Old City streets, tasting fresh fish at the harbour, or relaxing by a quiet mountain lake, these experiences will give you memories that last a lifetime. By stepping away from the usual tourist attractions and exploring the hidden gems of Batumi, you’ll discover a side of Georgia that few visitors see. For Chinese travellers looking for a unique and personal adventure, Batumi offers the perfect combination of culture, nature, and history.
To make your journey even smoother, consider using Final Rentals for your transport needs. Renting a car in Georgia allows you to explore at your own pace and find the secret spots that make Batumi so special. For more travel tips and guides, visit our travel blog.
