Alphabet Tower

Alphabet Tower – Batumi‘s DNA‑Shaped Tribute to the Georgian Script

Overview

Rising 130 metres above Batumi‘s seaside promenade, the Alphabet Tower (Georgian: ანბანის კოშკი, Alphabetic Tower) is one of Georgia‘s most creative and unusual landmarks. Opened in December 2011, this $65 million steel structure was designed by renowned Spanish architect Alberto Domingo Cabo, who also created Georgia‘s Parliament building in Kutaisi. Conceived as a poetic symbol of national identity, its bold DNA‑inspired double‑helix form carries all 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet, each 4 metres tall and made of aluminium. The tower sits within Miracle Park on Batumi Boulevard, next to the famous Ali and Nino moving statue and a large Ferris wheel. From the transparent glass sphere at its summit, visitors can enjoy an observatory deck, a 360‑degree revolving restaurant with a full rotation every hour, as well as VIP rooms and conference facilities. By day, the tower‘s rounded top reflects the colours of the sea and sky; by night, it glows in a dazzling array of hues, adding a magical touch to Batumi‘s skyline and making it a magnet for photographers and culture lovers alike.

Location & Contact

Operating Hours

The tower‘s main facilities operate daily; however, the official restaurant website suggests that opening times may vary by season. Some travel guides also list the building as open 24 hours for exterior viewing.

💡 The opening times listed above are based on the most common information (from TripLinkHub) and the official restaurant hours as of 2025. It is highly recommended to call ahead or check with the tower‘s receptionist, as seasonal and weekday variations are possible.

Tickets & Access

Access to the top of the Alphabet Tower is not free; you need to purchase a ticket at the ground‑floor entrance.

Ticket Prices

Important Notes on Ticket Prices

• The ticket price is a recurring subject of confusion. Some reviews confirm a price of 10 GEL, while others (including 2025 updates) list 20 GEL. The variation may be due to seasonal pricing, different access levels, or recent price adjustments.
• Observation deck only – includes the panoramic glass lift journey and access to the main observation area.
• Restaurant guests – some reviewers suggest that dining at the Atmosphere Restaurant may allow you to skip the ticket fee. However, this should be confirmed directly with the venue before your visit, as policies differ.
• Tickets are sold at the ground‑floor entrance. Cash and card are both accepted.

💡 Top tip: If you plan to have a drink or a meal at the revolving restaurant, call the tower beforehand and ask whether your dining reservation includes free elevator access. This could save you the cost of a separate ticket.

Architecture & Design

DNA as a Metaphor for Language

The tower‘s most extraordinary feature is its design. Architect Alberto Domingo Cabo wanted to express the idea that a nation‘s script is its genetic code. The result is a double‑helix structure made of two helicoid steel bands that twist around a central core, exactly like a strand of DNA. Attached to these helical bands are 33 individual aluminium letters of the Georgian Mkhedruli script, each standing 4 metres tall.

Glass Sphere and Floors

At the top of the tower, a magnificent glass sphere with a diameter of about 20 metres contains several floors:

Night Illumination

During the day, the sphere mirrors the sky and the sea. At night, the structure is illuminated by hundreds of colour‑changing LEDs, making the giant letters shine against the darkness and transforming the tower into a glowing centrepiece of the Batumi skyline.

Dining Experience

Atmosphere Revolving Restaurant

The restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. As you enjoy traditional Georgian dishes – such as Ajarian khachapuri, grilled meats, or freshly caught Black Sea fish – the entire room rotates slowly, giving you an ever‑changing panoramic view of the city, the coastline, and the Adjara mountains.

Guest reviews consistently praise the “delicious food” and the “breathtaking view”, with many confirming that “the service and food was the best I've had on my trip”. A separate cafe serving fresh lemonades and light snacks is also available on the upper levels.

Sample Menu Items (Georgian Specialities)

• Ajarian khachapuri – boat‑shaped cheese bread with an egg
• Mtsvadi – charcoal‑grilled meat skewers
• Khinkali – traditional Georgian dumplings
• Fresh salads with local herbs and walnuts

💡 Expect prices higher than those of regular city restaurants (approx. $25–$50 per person for a full dinner), but the rotating view is a unique experience.

Views & Observation Deck

After a two‑stage glass elevator ride, the observation deck on the upper floors offers:

• Black Sea vista to the west – watch ships, cruise liners and the endless horizon
• Adjaran Mountains to the east – lush green hills that frame Batumi
• City panorama – view the entire layout of central Batumi, from the Old Town to the New Boulevard
• Batumi Boulevard below – watch pedestrians strolling along the iconic seafront promenade
• Miracle Park attractions – see the Ali and Nino statue and the Ferris wheel from above

Photography Tips

• Daytime – clear light that is excellent for landscape photography (but reflections can be an issue due to the glass)
• Sunset (around 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) – golden hour gives the best lighting for photos of the city and sea
• Night – colourful illumination of the letters creates a wonderfully dramatic backdrop, though glass reflections from restaurant lights can sometimes distort your photos

Guest Reviews Summary

The Alphabet Tower has received thousands of reviews from Batumi visitors. Here is a summary of the main feedback.

Positive Highlights

Constructive Feedback

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Around 5:00 PM – to arrive just before sunset and enjoy the transition from daylight to night lights.
• Weekdays (Monday – Thursday) – significantly fewer visitors than on weekends.
• Sunset (between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM in summer) – arguably the most beautiful time for photos.
• After 9:00 PM – for the spectacular illuminated tower with night city views.
• Avoid rainy or foggy days – you will see very little from the top.

What to Know Before You Go

• There are two elevators – you must take two separate lifts to reach the top.
• Tickets can be bought on the ground floor – cash and cards are both accepted.
• You can skip the ticket if dining – but only if you confirm this policy in advance. Do not rely on it without checking first.
• Not wheelchair accessible? – previous accessibility status is unclear; check with the tower if you have mobility concerns.
• No cloakroom – carry your jackets and bags with you.
• Parking is difficult nearby – Miracle Park and Batumi Boulevard are very car‑unfriendly; use taxis or public transport.

What to Bring

How to Get the Best Photography

1. Wipe your camera lens before shooting; glass reflections are a frequent complaint.
2. Avoid pointing directly through the glass at a sharp angle; position yourself at a perpendicular angle to minimise reflections.
3. Visit at golden hour (one hour before sunset) for the most dramatic light.
4. At night, find a position inside that is not directly facing the restaurant‘s interior lighting.

Why You Should Go

Whether you are looking for:

• The most extraordinary panoramic view of Batumi – Black Sea, mountains and the whole coastline
• An unforgettable revolving dining experience – tasty Georgian cuisine paired with a 360° rotating horizon
• A unique architectural marvel – the world‘s only DNA‑shaped tower celebrating a nation‘s alphabet
• A stunning night landmark – glowing LED‑illuminated letters to photograph after sunset
• A family‑friendly attraction – easy elevator access suitable for children and elderly visitors

Alphabet Tower is one of the most creative landmarks in the Caucasus – a 130‑metre‑high celebration of Georgia‘s language, built as a DNA double helix that climbs towards the sky. Whether you come for the revolving restaurant, the breathtaking sunset views or simply to see the 33 giant aluminium letters up close, this tower offers a truly unique experience that you will not find anywhere else in the world.

Getting There

Address

Batumi Boulevard (Seaside Boulevard), Miracle Park, Batumi, 6010, Georgia

How to Reach the Tower

• By foot – The tower is located on Batumi Boulevard, about 10–15 minutes on foot from Europe Square; you cannot miss it if you walk along the seafront.
• By public bus – Multiple bus routes stop on nearby Rustaveli Avenue; walk towards the seafront until you reach Miracle Park.
• By taxi – From central Batumi (Europe Square or the Old Town), a taxi ride costs approximately 3–5 GEL. Tell the driver “Alphabet Tower” or “Anbanis Koshki”.
• By car – Not recommended. There is very little public parking near Miracle Park; cars often congest the area. Use a taxi instead.