6 May Park

6 May Park is the oldest city park in Batumi, established in 1881. Located in the city center on Abashidze Street, next to the Batumi Boulevard. The park covers 16 hectares and includes the freshwater Lake Nurigeli, a dolphinarium, a mini zoo, an aquarium, and children's rides.

The park is within walking distance of central Batumi – 10–15 minutes from Europe Square. By bus – routes along Rustaveli Avenue stop near the park.

Entrance to the park itself is free. The dolphinarium, zoo, and rides have separate tickets. The park is ideal for families with children and for a break from the summer heat.

Location

On the Map

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About

What's Here

The park occupies 16 hectares of green space with English-style lawns, tree-lined alleys, and mature plantings – magnolias, plane trees, and palms. The entrance colonnade, built in 1938, serves as the park's architectural landmark. At the center sits Lake Nurigeli with a fountain – visitors can rent swan-shaped pedal boats. The lake shore is reinforced with willows, and benches and walkways line the perimeter.

The eastern section houses the Batumi Dolphinarium – the first in the Soviet Union, opened in 1975. After a complete rebuild in 2011, it operates as an open-air venue. The show features 10 dolphins and lasts 35–40 minutes, performed in Georgian and English. Nearby are a small aquarium (around 100 fish species) and a mini zoo. For children – carousels, trampolines, and other rides near the park entrance.

In the evening, the park is illuminated – a stroll along the lake at night is both safe and atmospheric. The park sits adjacent to the Hilton and Marriott hotels. A major reconstruction in 2006–2007 refreshed the lawns, lake shores, zoo, and added new attractions.

Why Visit

The Highlights

Age – established in 1881 by Prussian gardener Ressler, one of Georgia's oldest public parks

Lake Nurigeli – a freshwater lake at the park center with a fountain and swan pedal boats

Dolphinarium – first in the USSR (1975), rebuilt in 2011, shows featuring 10 dolphins

Green space – 16 hectares of magnolias, plane trees, palms, and English-style lawns

Colonnade – the 1938 entrance arch, an architectural symbol of the park

History

Past & Present

The park was laid out in 1881 by the Prussian gardener Ressler on the Black Sea coast. In 1888, Russian Emperor Alexander III visited and planted a magnolia – the garden was subsequently renamed the "Alexander Garden." During the Soviet era, the country's first dolphinarium opened here in 1975, becoming a symbol of Batumi and drawing thousands of tourists.

In the 1990s, the park fell into disrepair: the dolphinarium closed and the dolphins were sent to Cyprus. In 2006, the park received its current name – "6 May Park" – and underwent major reconstruction: the lake and its shores were renewed, new plants were introduced, and the zoo and children's area were redesigned. Between 2009 and 2011, a new dolphinarium was built and opened.

For Visitors

Visitor Information

Tickets & Prices

Park: free entry, open 24 hours

Dolphinarium:

Dolphin show: 20 GEL (~$7.40)

Swimming with dolphins (15 min): check on-site, advance booking required

Schedule: summer – 14:00, 17:00, 21:00; winter – Tuesdays and Saturdays at 16:00

Aquarium: 4 GEL (~$1.50)

Zoo: check on-site

Swan boats on the lake: from 10 GEL per 30 min

Children's rides: 3–10 GEL per ride

Rules & Restrictions

No restrictions for visiting the park. At the dolphinarium, front rows are a "splash zone" – clothes may get wet. The zoo and dolphinarium have separate operating hours – check the schedule in advance. Swimming in the lake is not permitted.

On-Site Facilities

On site:

Several cafés and food kiosks

Toilets

Playgrounds and rides

Benches and rest areas throughout the park

Parking: Paid city parking near the park – 1 GEL/day.

Connectivity: 4G reliable. Wi-Fi available in nearby hotels and cafés.

Accessibility: The park is generally accessible for wheelchairs and visitors with limited mobility – paths are flat and paved. The dolphinarium accommodates disabled visitors.

Getting There

Transport & Directions

Location: central Batumi, Abashidze St / 51 Rustaveli Ave

On foot:

– From Europe Square – 10–15 minutes

– From Batumi Boulevard – 5–10 minutes

– From Batumi railway station – 15–20 minutes

City transport:

– Buses along Rustaveli Avenue – stop near the park, 0.80 GEL

By taxi:

– Bolt from anywhere in the city – 5–10 GEL (~$2–3.70)

When to go

Best time to visit

Season: The park is open year-round. Summer (June–September) – all attractions operate, dolphinarium runs evening shows. Winter is quieter with a reduced dolphinarium schedule.

Time of day: Mornings – the park is nearly empty, good for walks. Evenings – atmospheric lighting and the 21:00 dolphin show (summer).

Duration: 1–2 hours for a park walk. With the dolphinarium and zoo – 3–4 hours.

Avoid: Summer weekends after 17:00 – the park fills with families, queues at rides.