City Guide
Old Batumi is the city's historic district, where centuries of history meet elegant architecture and vibrant street life. Centered around the old port, the area flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Batumi became a major Black Sea trading hub after the arrival of the railway and the development of its port. This period transformed the city into an international crossroads, attracting merchants, architects, and travelers from across Europe and beyond.
Today, Old Batumi is known for its beautifully preserved streets lined with European-style buildings, charming courtyards, cafés, boutique hotels, and cultural landmarks. As you wander through the district, you'll discover architectural influences from Georgian, European, and Ottoman traditions, giving the neighborhood its unique character and timeless charm.
Fun Fact: Batumi's rapid growth began after 1878, when it became a free port (porto franco). The arrival of the Baku–Batumi railway and later the oil pipeline turned the city into one of the Black Sea's most important trading ports, shaping the elegant architecture you see in Old Batumi today.