The Gay Batumi Guide (Georgia 🇬🇪)

Intro to Gay Batumi

We spent two weeks in Batumi, Georgia on a digital nomad stint in September 2024 (after a glorious few days in Kutaisi), and we kept finding ourselves saying that if Batumi were not in the Caucasus, it would be the perfect gay haven! The city sits on the east of the Black Sea, and it has endless pebble beaches (complete with unparalleled sunsets), nightlife, casinos, the old and the new, incredible food, and more. It felt like a cross between Tel Aviv (for its beaches and skyline), Las Vegas (for its Casinos and nightlife), and Busan (for its modernity). Just move a few hundred gays in there, and it would become the gay place to be in five years time!

That being said, it is in the Caucasus, where LGBTQ+ laws are the most conservative by European standards, so it falls short of this vision, but we loved it nonetheless! Admittedly, it takes a few days to start to vibe with it, so if you are visiting Batumi, try to at least come by for a long weekend or week.

But first let's get into the juicy gay details of Batumi (if there are any juicy gay details 😆).

Fabio gracefully trying to walk on the pebble beaches of Batumi

Frequently Asked Questions About Being Gay in Batumi

Is Georgia an LGBTQ+ friendly country?

It likely comes as no shock that the Caucasus is lagging behind the rest of Europe in terms of LGBTQ+ equality, and while Georgia is likely the most liberal of all the South Caucasus countries, it has a long way to go to catch up with Western European countries. A lot of it is due to traditional religious views and of course, nasty politics.

To make matters worse, Georgia recently passed an anti-LGBTQ+ law in September 2024 that echoes laws passed in Russia. Pride events are banned along with flying the rainbow flag, and it restates the ban around same-sex marriage. The freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals are at stake, and it’s a big step backwards for the republic.

Nonetheless, homosexuality on its own is legal, and if you’re like us, we tend to prioritize places we want to travel to versus letting our orientation dictate everything; of course, with plenty of street smarts and vigilance in mind.

As you can imagine, venues where LGBQT+ congregate are also far and few, but you will get some nice queer havens and spaces in the bigger cities like Tbilisi and Batumi.

Since this article covers Batumi, let’s take a closer look at the city, shall we?

The Georgian and Adjarian flag...clearly the Rainbow Flag is missing here!

Is Batumi a good city for gay life?

As you can probably infer from the last paragraph, you won’t get a smorgasbord of options in Batumi for gay life, so to outright say that it is a good city for gay life is a bit of a stretch. If you are looking for gay bars galore and gay beaches, you may be better off not coming to the Caucasus, but that doesn't mean that there it is completely void of gay life.

Read the next FAQ.

Are there any gay bars or gay clubs in Batumi?

As of writing this, there is one LGBTQ+-friendly bar, Phoenix Bar and one alternative club, Hades Batumi that welcomes all people.

Phoenix Bar (previously, Frida Bar)

Opened only on Saturdays, Phoenix Bar caters to the LGBTQ+ locals and tourists. We went there two weekends in a row when we were in Batumi and had a grand ol’ time!

Located basically under a police station, upon arrival, the bouncer will likely subject you to face/age control to ensure you are a right fit for the bar. We saw people getting asked for passport copies, but both times we went, they let us in easily.

The bar picks up energy around 12:30 or 1 am as everyone starts to get drunker 😀. The DJ plays 2000s music, and has a particular affinity for Lady Gaga, with a few Georgian hits thrown in. There are also various acts that come on like a belly dancer and a singer.

Anyway, it’s nice to find such a safe haven where people can be themselves in an otherwise closed country!

Note: with a lot of political changes happening in Georgia at the moment, make sure to message them on their Instagram to check that they are indeed open.

Hades Batumi

Previously having events infrequently, Hades Batumi seems to be back quite regularly on Saturdays! If techno is your vibe, then this will be your jam! Hades aims to create a diverse and equal space free of homophobia and could rival some of the clubs in Tbilisi! Keep an eye on their Instagram for event updates.

Are there any gay beaches in Batumi?

It is a shame to say that with all that beautiful pebbly, Black Sea coastline, we weren't able to track down a gay beach! Nevertheless, we noticed plenty of men (most often Russian men) wearing speedos, so you can wear those proudly - as long as they aren't too skimpy!

Making the Batumi beaches gayer, two men at a time!

Are there any gay events happening in Batumi?

As you can probably guess, there aren't many gay-centric events happening in Batumi. However, there are quite a few creative events that will likely draw a more diverse crowd to the city. Planning your itinerary around events like the Batumi International Art-House Film Festival will increase your chances of meeting other gay men in the city.

Can I use gay dating apps in Batumi?

Grindr away, my friend - but with caution!

The thing is, as with all the Caucasus, you'll have to put a lot of work in and in turn, you'll probably delete the app out of frustration and boredom before meeting anyone 🤣.

Locals tend not to show their faces on the app, so you will either come across fake photos or just torso pictures, with a lot of apprehension to release actual photos of themselves. You will come across a foreigner here and there, but as Batumi isn't the easiest places to access (the airport does not serve a wildly large amount of international destinations), you won't get as much action as you would in Tbilisi.

If you go to meet someone, please exercise caution. While it’s possible to meet locals or fellow travelers, as mentioned, Georgia’s LGBTQ+ rights are still in progress, and safety should always be a priority when meeting people.

Alongside Grindr, you can also try Hornet, which a lot of the post-Soviet countries enjoy using.

Does Batumi feel safe for LGBTQ+?

We never felt unsafe in Batumi, but we made sure to respect local conservative customs and did not display any public affection (save the PDA for your hotel room).

There was one moment where we met a Georgian/Russian guy on the street after going to Frida Bar (now Phoenix Bar). He noticed the stickers on our phones' cameras and inferred that we had been there (how did he know about the no-camera policy without going there in the past 😏). He then asked us in a non-threatening way if we were gay, and we unfortunately denied it (as us gays tend to do in these situations). Anyway, I am sure even if we said we were gay, we would have been fine, but it is better to avoid these situations.

Where should I stay as an LGBTQ+ traveler in Batumi?

There are no outwardly queer hotels in Batumi, so sticking to the international chains is going to be your best bet - where staff are used to a diverse clientele checking in.

We recommend the Hilton, which has all the amenities us gays love and a top-rated casino - if that's your jam!

There is also the Courtyard by Marriott, which is housed in one of Batumi's most bizarre buildings!

The Courtyard by Marriott - we are still trying to figure out why it looks like this?!

General Tips for Gay Travelers to Batumi

Now that we have gotten the FAQ out of the way, let's summarize all the points, so that you can make the most of your gay adventure to Batumi (and stay safe).

Here are five tips for gay travelers heading to Batumi, Georgia:

1. Respect Local Customs: Georgia is generally conservative, and while Batumi is more open and international compared to other regions, public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract unwanted attention. It's best to be mindful of local customs, especially in public spaces.

2. Seek Out LGBTQ+ Friendly Spots: While there may not be a big gay scene in Batumi, some cafes, bars, and restaurants are more welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Research and look for inclusive spaces or reach out to locals for recommendations. Tbilisi tends to have more of an LGBTQ+ presence, so plan a visit if you're looking for more queer-friendly environments.

3. Visit During Festivals: If possible, time your visit with events like the Batumi International Art-House Film Festival or other cultural events, where you might find a more diverse crowd. These occasions can offer more opportunities to connect with open-minded individuals and travelers.

4. Stay in International Chains: Many international hotel chains in Batumi offer a comfortable and safe environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. Staff in these hotels are usually more accustomed to diverse guests, making your stay more relaxing and stress-free.

5. Use Discretion on Apps: If you're using dating or social apps like Grindr or Tinder, exercise caution. While it’s possible to meet locals or fellow travelers, Georgia’s LGBTQ+ rights are still in progress, and safety should always be a priority when meeting people.

These tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Batumi!

Gay Batumi Map

Our Recommendations for Batumi

We covered a lot of ground in Batumi over the course of two weeks. These are some of our favorite hang-out spots, restaurants, and things to do in Batumi. While most of them are not gay-centric, they are highly recommended from us and the locals, alike!

Batumi is a foodie's heaven!

Our Recommendations on Where to Stay in Batumi

If you want to be in the middle of the action and the most beautiful of places, stay in Old Batumi.

We opted for a more residential section further south, which at first triggered FOMO due to it not being in the center, but in the end was perfectly fine as we could move around quite readily by Bolt taxis and were only 5-minutes walk from the beach.

Our Recommendations on Hotels in Batumi

Again, stick with the international brands if this is something that concerns you. We recommend the Hilton, the Courtyard by Marriott, or the Radisson Blu.

The Hilton Lobby

If you are looking for something a bit more long-term (we did a digital nomad stint for a few weeks) or are on a budget, we recommend this flat. It is simple, clean, a five-minute walk from the beach, the owners are super nice and responsive, and it has everything that you'll need. It may seem a bit far from the old town, but it only takes a super cheap Bolt ride to get there.

Our Favorite Bars/Clubs in Batumi

• Phoenix Bar: Mentioned above, this was the one gay/queer bar in Batumi, and it only opens on Saturdays! Expect friendly staff and customers, glorious cocktails, camp music, and performances. Make sure to check their Instagram for address information and to confirm an event is indeed on when you are visiting.
• Hades Batumi: Also mentioned above, Hades is creating a safe space; great for techno enthusiasts.
• Craft-beer Pub "Sami Ludi": If you are craft beer fans, this is a great little bar to hang out both inside and outside. Beers are cheap and plentiful, and you will meet a lot of travelers there.
• Chacha Time: Right next to the craft beer bar, Chacha Time is where you head to fill up on the infamous chacha (Georgia's version of grappa). They literally have flights of chacha (5 shots for 25 GEL), so this can get dangerous 🤣. They also have delicious burgers as well, to pair well with your chacha.
• madmonk: An alternative lounge bar with house DJs, this feels a bit more queer than the other places.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Batumi

If you are new to Georgian food, head here for a quick crash course on the incredible world of Georgian food.

• Acharuli Khachapuri House: Batumi is in Adjara, so its most iconic food is likely Adjarian Khachapuri (a boat-shaped bread bowl of cheese with an egg and butter in the middle). This restaurant has the best of the best!
• Adjika Family Restaurant: Gourmet and cute atmosphere, this place whips up regional favorites and was one of the best restaurants we ate at in Georgia. The staff is kind and knowledgable as well.

Something delicious from Adjika Family Restaurant

• Restaurant Traditsiuli: We were staying in this neck of the woods, so we popped by here and it was so delish, we dropped by a second time. A cute, modest restaurant with regional Adjarian favorites. You must try the Sinori!
• Umami at Clouds: If you need a break from Georgian food with the bonus of getting the best views of all of Batumi, look no further than Umami at Clouds. On the top of the quirky Radisson, you can eat most certainly the best Japanese food you'll find in Georgia and watch out over the endless skyline and sea.
• Khinkali Ludi: Translates to "Khinkali Beer", that is all this restaurant has. For some of the best khinkali in all of Georgia (and some of the cheapest), check this local dive out. We are not khinkali lovers in general, but this place helped sway our opinions.

Our Favorite Things to Do in and Around Batumi

• Admire the architecture: Batumi is known for a range of bizarre architecture. You have the art nouveau styles commonly seen in Old Batumi (particularly Europe Square), interspersed with Soviet monstrosities, and modern marvels, where you wonder what the architect was smoking when they designed it. The city is booming in growth, so just wandering the streets and admiring how the city has changed over the years is immensely entertaining. One of our favorites is actually a famed McDonald's 🤣, designed by Giorgi Khmaladze.

I let Fabio eat here...only because the building was so awesome!

The bizarre contrasts of Batumi architecture

• Go to the top of the Batumi Alphabet Tower: Exhibit A for bizarre modern architecture is the Batumi Alphabet Tower, a tower with the entire Georgian alphabet built harmoniously into the side of the building. It is worth buying a 20 GEL ticket and taking the elevator to the top, where you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of Batumi. There is also a restaurant and bar onsite.
• Beaches, beaches, beaches: Batumi takes advantage of the fact they are a waterfront city, and therefore has a ton of beaches. As mentioned previously, these aren't your sandy beaches, but rather largely pebble beaches (make sure to bring some crocs or water shoes). You can't go wrong with any beach you head to from any part of the city, as I feel that the vibe is similar on all of them. Our favorite, however, was actually south of Batumi in a town called Kvariati. This is close to the border with Turkey, and you have some incredible hilly views.

The Serenity of Kvariati Beach...but sadly not enough gayness

• Casinos: Batumi gives off a few Las Vegas vibes, particularly for the number of casinos you will come across. While I don't love the computerized slot machines, it is a fun thing to do on a night out, as you get free drinks while you play! Check out our favorites here!
• Bike on the Boulevard (boardwalk) and to the Turkish Border, Sarpi: Albeit on a main street, this was one of the highlights of our time in Batumi. From the Batumi Boulevard (boardwalk), you can easily rent a bike for the day and bike 20 kilometers or so to the Turkish border. For more information on this and logistics, check our this article.

Made it to the Turkish-Georgian border

• Batumi Botanical Gardens: Just north of the city is the botanical gardens of Batumi. Batumi actually boasts a subtropical climate, and the types of plants that can grow here are plentiful. The botanical gardens are extremely impressive and in all honesty the bamboo garden was better than the ones we have seen in Japan.

These are just a few of our favorite things to do while in Batumi, but here are plenty more.

Our Recommended Gym in Batumi

If you are coming for a longer period of time, and you are staying in a hotel without a gym, check out Gladiator Fitness. Albeit kind of small and crowded in the evenings, they will have everything you need, and you can buy daily, 10-day, or monthly passes.

Alternatively, running on Batumi Boulevard is flat and goes on for kilometers!

TL;DR: Plan Your Batumi Trip (Logistics)

Best Time to Visit Batumi

For the best experience, visit Batumi from late Spring (May) to early Autumn (September). This is when the city truly comes alive, with vibrant beach vibes, and the Batumi Boulevard bustling with cafés, bike rentals, and street performers.

The summer can be a bit crowded (like everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere), so we highly recommend the shoulder seasons (May or September).

Do I Need a Visa for Georgia?

• EU, EEA, or Swiss Citizen/USA/UK: You can stay in Georgia for up to 12 months without a visa.
• For other nationalities, check iVisa.

How to Get to Batumi

• By air: Batumi is served by Batumi International Airport (BUS).
  • It is presently not the most connected airport, with a few flights from Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran as well as a few other places.
  • From the airport, you can take a public bus or taxi to the city center. You can also pre-book a transfer for convenience.
• By train: Batumi is connected to Tbilisi and other cities by Georgian Railways. The journey from Tbilisi takes about 5-6 hours by train.
• By bus or marshrutka: Buses and marshrutkas are an affordable option to travel to Batumi (albeit sometimes hair-raising thanks to the drivers' non-adversity to risk) from various parts of Georgia and neighboring countries. Companies like City Bus Georgia operate routes to the city.
  • If you are hoping to get to Armenia after Batumi, you can take a marshrutka to Akhalkalaki to then go onward to Armenia.

Internet and Data in Batumi 🛜

We highly recommend using an eSIM for affordable data coverage in Georgia. Airalo offers reliable and affordable eSIM options. Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and set everything up before your trip. Turning off your regular SIM will avoid unwanted roaming charges.

Health and Safety in Batumi

Batumi is generally safe, and crime rates are low compared to many other European cities. However, as with any city, exercise caution in more touristy areas.

As an LGBTQ+ traveler, Batumi is relatively tolerant, but it’s still advisable to keep any public displays of affection to a minimum. Stick to LGBTQ+ friendly spots.

Make sure to secure travel insurance for medical emergencies or unexpected trip interruptions.

Getting Around

🚶‍♀️ On foot: Batumi is a walkable city, especially around the Batumi Boulevard, Old Town, and the beach.

🚌 By bus: Batumi has a good bus network to help you get around the city and nearby attractions. You can purchase transport tickets at kiosks located near bus stops or on board the buses.

🚲 By bike: Batumi Boulevard is extremely bike-friendly! You can easily rent bikes on the boulevard to explore the scenic seaside and parks.

🛴 By e-scooter: Batumi has e-scooters all over the city. The streets aren't the world's most e-scooter/bike friendly, so stick to Batumi Boulevard. Our favorite company is BIRD.

🚕 By taxi: Taxi services are available everywhere in Batumi, and you can also use Bolt or Yandex Go app for reliable rates. Taxis often prefer cash, so make sure to have some local currency on hand.

What is the Currency in Georgia?

The official currency in Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL). €1 is usually around 3 GEL, making conversions relatively simple.

How Much Do I Tip in Georgia?

Tipping around 10% is standard, though it’s not always expected. Restaurants and cafés may already include a service charge, so check your bill first.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Batumi and Georgia?

• Power Plugs: Georgia uses Type C and F plugs, so don’t forget a universal adapter.
• Tap water: It’s safe to drink tap water in Batumi.
• Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash is helpful for public transport and small vendors.

You may not be very gay, but we still love you, Batumi!