BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN GEORGIA COUNTRY

Georgia is a stunning country of 4 million inhabitants in the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Standing by the Caucasus mountains and the Black Sea, Georgia offers mind blowing outdoors, millenia-long history, and mouthwatering cuisine. If you are planning to visit Georgia, this Georgia travel guide on the best places to visit in Georgia will help you prepare the perfect Georgia travel itinerary. 

It includes all the must-visit places in Georgia and unique ideas for what to do in Georgia for the ultimate Caucasian adventure. From lively cities to remote villages, beach resorts to skiing slopes, monasteries and casinos, Georgia has it all. The following are the best places to visit in Georgia country.

If you’d like to see my experience in Tbilisi and Georgia, check out my Instagram and Tiktok pages. There you’ll also find videos from my trips to neighbouring countries such as Armenia and Azerbaijan, and to other ex-soviet republics like Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, or Kazakhstan. And if you’d rather travel with a guide, the following are the best tours and day trips in Georgia.

Best cities to visit in Georgia

1. Tbilisi

If you could only visit one place in Georgia, this should definitely be Tbilisi. The country’s capital and largest city, home to over 1/3 of Georgia’s population, is a must-see in every Georgia itinerary. There’s lots of wonderful things to do in Tbilisi so I recommend spending at least 2 full days in the city.

Start exploring the old town and its remains from the Roman, Persian, Byzantine, Arab, and Soviet times. These include churches, mosques, synagogues, bathhouses, and fortresses. It’s perfectly safe to explore independently, yet consider joining a guided tour of Tbilisi to discover the city with a local.

Then head to the modern area and walk along Freedom Square, Rustaveli avenue, and the Peace Bridge. Explore the parks and markets, and take the Cable Car to Narikala Hill. Then head to a local restaurant and try khachapuri, khinkali with local wine.

Tbilisi will most likely be your entry point to Georgia. And you could certainly make it your only base, taking day trips from Tbilisi to Georgia’s countryside. However, if you have the time, have a few bases across Georgia and explore as much of the country as you can.

2. Kutaisi

Kutaisi is the country’s third largest city. It lies in the midlands, between Tbilisi and Batumi, and is accessible from the capital in a four-hour drive. Both cities are also connected by train and bus. Additionally, there’s plenty of guided tours to Kutaisi if you’d rather go with a local agency.

Kutaisi, home to 150,000 inhabitants, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Like Byblos and Batroun in Lebanon or Damascus in Syria, so make sure to explore Kutaisi’s old town.

Here you’ll find beautiful courtyards, winding alleyways, and art-nouveau buildings. The Green Bazaar and the 11th-century Bugatti Cathedral, which was in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list until its most recent renovation, are also must-visits.

Don’t miss Kutaisi remains of the Soviet times. These include brutalist buildings, cable cars, and mosaics from the times it was the country’s cultural capital. And, if you have the time, explore explore nearby wonders like Okatse and Martvili Canyons or Gelati and Motsameta monasteries. I’ll tell you more about these soon.

3. Batumi

Batumi, a modern resort town by the Black Sea, is Georgia’s second city and one of the best places to visit in the country of Georgia. During high season, thousands of tourists enjoy its black sand beaches, great restaurant scene, and long promenade packed with neon lights and casinos.

The Alphabet Tower, dedicated to the Georgian language, the glass-building that hosts a McDonalds, and unreal Europe Square are must-see spots in modern Batumi. 

However, Batumi is much more than a modern hub. Home of 160,000 Georgians, Batumi dates back from the times of Greek colonialism and its old town is charming. Here you’ll find lively local markets, art-nouveau architecture, Orta Jame mosque, a cable car, and the world’s second-largest botanical garden.

For those willing to explore the suburbs, relics of the beautiful Gonio-Apsaros Fortress are only 20 minutes away. And within an hour you can reach Mtirala National Park, a mountain area with lush forests, rivers, stone bridges, and waterfalls.

Looking for a guide? These are the best tours and day trips in Batumi.

4. Mtskheta

Mtskheta is the equivalent to the Vatican in the Georgian Church, just like Etchmiadzin is in the Armenian Church. The country’s current religious capital and spiritual heart was also its political capital in ancient times.

However, what gives the city its special status is the fact that Mtskheta is where Christianity was adopted as state religion in the year 330. That’s because St Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia, lived here at the time.

Mtskheta, 35 minutes from Tbilisi, hosts many churches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among them, the must-see are Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Jvari Monastery, and Samtavro Monastery. 

Keep some time to walk along cobblestone alleys of the old time, shop at its local market, and visit the Bebris Tsikhe fortress. And make sure to dress appropriately when entering the churches.

There’s enough to do to spend the night. Yet, if you’d rather visit on a day trip, check out these tours to Mtskheta from Tbilisi.

5. Gori

Gori, 100 km east of Tbilisi, is the hometown of Joseph Stalin. The leader of the Soviet Union for over a quarter of a century is very much appreciated in Gori. Many of the city’s streets and buildings still bear his name. Consequently, there’s great day trips to Gori from Tbilisi.

Stalin’s regime killed over 20 million Soviets, which makes him one of the most murderous dictators in history. However, you’ll find very little about that in Gori. On the contrary, where he was born in 1878 now stands the Joseph Stalin Museum, dedicated to preserve his memory.  

If you decide to add this bit of dark tourism to your list of what to see in Georgia, save some time to explore the rest of the city. Gori is very peaceful, packed with parks, cafes, and ice-cream shops. Its farmers market and the massive Gori Fortress, located on top of a hill, are also must-see. 

6. Chiatura

Chiatura is the best city to visit in Georgia to enjoy the country’s soviet past. This town of 12,000 inhabitants stands between Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Once a thriving industrial town, nowadays it’s mostly abandoned with tourists only coming to ride the old scary Stalin’s ropeway. 

During soviet times Chiatura hosted 30,000 families of manganese miners. As the town is in a valley and the mines on a hill, workers had to climb steep cliffs on their commutes.

In 1954, while the mines were extracting 60% of world’s manganese, Stalin ordered the construction of seventeen cable cars linking the mines and the city. Using them, workers could get to work fast and safely, which would increase productivity.

However, when the Soviet Union collapsed so did the mines and Chiatura became a ghost town. Fun fact is the cable cars remain operative. Riding them, although scary due to their height and age, is one of the best things to do in Georgia. These day trips to Chiatura will take you right there.

If you make it to Chiatura, check out Katskhi Pillar. This 40-meter high limestone monolith host an ancient monastery on its top built by the Stylites. This religious group placed their churches on top of narrow pillars to get closer to God.

Yet, historians are unable to explain how the monastery was built this high up. Nowadays a monk takes care of the monastery, having lived there alone for over 25 years.

Although tourists are not allowed on the top for security reasons, admiring the Katskhi pillar is an awesome thing to do in Georgia. Day trips to Chiatura include a visit to the pillar too.

7. Borjomi

Borjomi is a Georgian spa-town famous worldwide thanks to its mineral water, which is bottled here and exported everywhere. This salty frizzy water has valuable healing properties and bathing in them is a must when visiting Georgia. 

In Borjomi you’ll find beautiful streets, parks, restaurants, a cable car, and basically everything one needs in a spa town. Make sure to also visit the old Romanov Palace and nearby houses. These are where the Russian aristocracy used to spend their spa-holidays.

Under communism most of these became sanatoria, and are one of the most unique places to visit in Georgia (country). If you’d like to visit with a guide, these are the best day trips to Borjomi from Tbilisi.

Best regions to visit in Georgia

8. Kakheti, the wine region

Georgia, along with Armenia, is part of the land where winery originated millenia ago. And Kakheti is Georgia’s main wine region, producing over 70% of the country’s wine. As Kahketi region is only 90km East from Tbilisi, most tourists visit the area on a day trip.

One of the best things to do in Georgia’s wine region is to visit a main producer along with one (or more) family-owned vineyards. If you need some inspiration, famous wineries in Kakheti include Kindzmarauli, Shumi, and Khareba. And the best towns to stay are Telavi and Sighnaghi.

Telavi, Kahketi’s biggest city

Telavi is the main city in Kakheti wine region, home to medieval monasteries, churches, and castles. It features a bustling old town with beautiful balconies, a great bazaar, and a 900-year-old tree that’s the city’s pride.

Wine tasting in Telavi is an absolute must, specially in Shuchmann. This local vineyard hosts twin cellars and a museum. If you’d rather visit with a guide, check out these tours to Telavi.

Sighnaghi, Kahketi’s nicest city

Sighnaghi is a charming old town emerging as a cascade of red roofs against the Caucasus glaciers. This walled city from the 18th century feature six gates and twenty-three watchtowers. Along with cobbled winding streets and traditional Georgian balconies.

In Sighnaghi visitors can try some of the best Georgian food and wine. There’s dozens of commercial wineries and traditional cellars, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Georgia. Thus, several guided day trips to Sighnaghi depart Tbilisi daily.

9. Svaneti, the remote Caucasus Mountains

Svaneti is a mountain region in North-Western Georgia close to the border with Russia. Located 8 hours from Tbilisi, it’s so remote it was almost inaccessible to tourists for many years. Yet, since the recent establishment of an airport in Mestia the situation has dramatically changed. Now Svaneti is one of the best mountain regions to visit in Georgia, independently or with a guided tour.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage region of sheltered valleys, small villages, snow-covered mountains, and Svan culture. There’s also hundreds of 12th-century stone watchtowers some still inhabited by local families. And Georgia’s highest peak, Shkhara, standing at 5,193 meters.

Mestia

Mestia is a highland town of only 2,000 inhabitants with a great tourism infrastructure. It’s the departing point of many hiking trails, the most popular being the four-day-hike to Ushguli and those to Koruldi Lakes, Chaladi Glacier and Mount Ushba. There’s also a couple of decent skiing resorts, a museum, and plenty of local food to savour.

Ushguli

Ushguli is a collection of five tiny villages in Upper Svaneti only accessible from Mestia village during the summer. The 45-kilometer journey would take 3 hours on a 4×4 vehicle or four days on foot through a stunning trail surrounding beautiful gorges, rivers and mountains. 

Standing at 2,400 meters above sea level, Ushguli is one of the highest continuously inhabited places in Europe. Its inhabitants enjoy sharing their very remote and unique lifestyle with tourists, allowing them to spend a night in their family homes for a small fee. Expect a delicious dinner, lots of wine and a beautiful night sky if joining them.

10. Kazbegi, the nearby Caucasus Mountains

Kazbegi is a spectacular mountain region in Northern Georgia, close to the Russian Border, just three hours away from Tbilisi along the spectacular Georgian Military Highway. Therefore, Kazbegi is the top place to visit in Georgia for those willing to experience the country’s mountain scenery on a tight timeline. The following are the best day trips to Kazbegi from Tbilisi.

The highlights of Kazbegi are the town of Stepantsminda and its Gergeti Trinity Church. This stunning 14th century church at 2,200 meters above sea level right at the base of Mount Kazbegi and only accessible by 4×4 or on foot.

Going to Kazbegi you’ll drive the Georgian Military Highway. This is a scenic mountain road linking Tbilisi and the Russian border. The views here are mesmerising, so avail some extra time to visit highlights such as Ananuri Castle, Jinvali water reservoir, Sto Head sculptures, and the Russia-Georgia friendship monument.

11. Tusheti, home of the Tush peoples

Tusheti is one of the most remote mountain regions in Georgia. It’s 5 hours North-East from Tbilisi, close to the Russian border, and only accessible from May to October. Thus, it has kept its local culture and traditions quite intact and offers awesome hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities.

The 2900m Abano Pass leading there is only accessible on 4×4 and has been awarded as one of the world’s most dangerous and picturesque roads. There is no public transportation in the area, so if interested in visiting rent your own car, hire a driver, or join a guided tour. 

The area is inhabited by the Tush peoples, who have their very own language, customs and traditions. They were pagans forced to convert into Christianity, yet their culture have also been strongly influenced by Islam. Learning from their culture is one of the best things to do in Georgia. 

Best monasteries, caves, castles and canyons to visit in Georgia

12. Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe

Akhaltsikhe is a small yet multicultural city of under 50,000 inhabitants located near the Turkish and Armenian borders. Its main attraction is Rabati Fortress, a massive 9^th-century fortress complex located on top of a hill.

The city also hosts mosques, watchtowers, domed buildings, fountains, and fancy gardens that have been rules by Ottomans, Mongols and Persians. If in the area, visit nearby Sapara Monastery and Khertvisi Fortress.

13. Ananuri Castle

Ananuri castle is a fortress complex comprising two castles united by a wall and three churches. It was built in the 17^th century and remained fully functional until the beginning of the 19^th century. The place features watchtowers, ancient tunnels, and turrets with awesome views over Aragvi river.

Additionally, its churches are decorated with intricate carvings and frescoes and host graves of the Aragvi Dukes who ruled the area since the 13th century.

Ananuri Catsle has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage tentative list since 2007. And will eventually make it, as it’s one of the best places to visit in Georgia.

14. Gelati and Motsameta monasteries

Gelati Monastery, near Kutaisi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1106 by King David the Builder. Home of two stunning churches with 17th-century frescoes, the monastery is a masterpiece of Georgian Golden Age architecture and one of the best places to visit in Georgia.

Motsameta Monastery, just a few minutes away, is an 11th century monastery honouring two brothers who died fighting against the Arab occupation in the 8th century. The views from the top of the place are unreal, and rumor has it there’s a secret passage connecting both monasteries. You may try to find it joining a day trip to Gelati and Motsameta monasteries.

15. David Gareja Monastery

David Gareja monasteries are a series of 6th-century cave dwellings built by Assyrian monks right at the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. To the point some of its territory is now in no-man’s land and prohibited to visitors. The place is 2.5 hours away from Tbilisi and only accessible on private transportation and day tours. 

Among the several religious buildings that form David Gareja, the most well-known are Lavra and Udabno. These twin monasteries host cave chambers, underground chapels, and rock niches decorated with beautiful frescoes. The complex is free to visit and the few monks that still live here will be delighted to welcome you.

16. Vardzia Cave Village

Vardzia is a 12the century self sufficient cave village in Southern Georgia, near the border with Armenia. It was built by a community of monks seeking shelter from invading Mongols and featured 6,000 individual grottos cut into the rocks and spread over 13 levels and 500 meters.

The village had kitchens, storage rooms, pantries, cellars, vineyards, apothecaries, and even an irrigation system. Yet, the must-see in this impressive sight is the Church of the Dormition, an active rock-carved monastery home of 12th-century mural paintings.

Although most of Vardzia was destroyed by an earthquake roughly 100 years after its construction, over 300 chambers and the church remain open to visitors.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and be prepared to spend at least a couple hours exploring the complex. It’s open from 10am to 6pm and the entrance fee is below $6. The following are the best day trips to Vardzia cave village.

17. Caves of Uplistsikhe

Uplistsikhe caves are a 5,000 year-old open-air museum located right outside Gori and about 1.5 hours away from Tbilisi. This series of monolith cave dwellings standing on a cliff over the river is among the oldest settlements in Georgia.

The complex is split into three parts connected via a tunnel. Most of the houses and the famous 10th-century rock-carved cathedral are in the central area. 

The area was continuously inhabited until the 13th century and at its best time over 20,000 Georgians lived here. Some of them were pagan, others Christian, but that was never an issue. Exploring its moon-like landscape on foot is one of the best things to do in Georgia.

Just schedule your visit between 10am and 5pm, budget $6 for the entrance fee. And perhaps hire a guide or join a day trip to the caves as there isn’t any information in English onsite.

18. Okatse and Martvili Canyons

Okatse Canyon, an hour north of Kutaisi, is a 14km-long canyon over Okatse River featuring wooden walkaways attached to the rocks and viewing platforms. The canyon reaches a depth of 100 metres and offers mesmerizing views over the wilderness.

The visitor centre is open from 10am to 6pm daily and the entrance fee is $6.50. Moreover, there’s great day trips to Okatse Canyon that will take you there.

Martvili Canyon is another stunning canyon an hour away of Kutaisi and just 30min from Okatse Canyon. Thus, most enjoy both on a single day trip. Here the highlight is enjoying nature from the ground walking on the footpaths and taking a boat along the river to the waterfall.

The place was one a pagan worshipping area, and a private bathing spot for the Dadiani family. It’s open from 10am to 6pm for a $6.50 entrance fee.

19. Tsalka Canyon

Tsalka Canyon (formerly known as Dashbashi Canyon) is a stunning mountain gorge 100km west of Tbilisi. Thus, there’s many day trips to Tsalka canyon from Tbilisi. The area features a lake, a half-ruined citadel from the 9^th century, and an old church.

Nevertheless, the real highlight of Tsalka Canyon are its 240 meters long glass bridge and the diamond shaped glass restaurant in the middle of same. Here one can sample delicious Georgia dishes while admiring 360 degrees of stunning landscapes.

Mind your food options if you would like to ride the zipline across the canyon afterwards. The canyon is open from 10am to 7pm every day and the entrance fee is $18.

20. Skiing resorts

Georgia is a very affordable skiing destination, with Gudauri, Bakuriani, and Mestia being the country’s top skiing spots. Therefore, one of the best things to do in Georgia during the winter is to enjoy the skiing slopes. 

Gudauri, Georgia’s prime winter spots destination, offers 64km of slopes. There’s also 15 lifts, English-speaking instructors, and plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants for your perfect après ski experience. Prices start at $25 per day and person. 

Bakuriani ski resort features 30km of slopes and 30 lifts. Here you’ll find excellent facilities for snowboarders and skiers of all levels and also a great accommodation range. Prices start at $20 per person per day. Finally, Mestia in Svaneti, features 37km of slopes and 9 lifts and a day pass will only cost you $18.

Recap on the best places to visit in Georgia

Tourism in Georgia is growing unstoppably and will continue doing so for the foreseeable future. This country is a real hidden gem. No matter if you are looking for a city, a beach or a mountain holiday, Georgia has it all. Fly into Tbilisi or overland from either Armenia or Azerbaijan and start a holiday of a lifetime.

Every top trip to Georgia should include a couple days in Tbilisi and a some of the regional best places to visit in Georgia. These are Kakheti wine area and the mountain ranges of Svaneti, Kazbegi, and/or Tusheti.

Top-up your trip with a visit to some of the many castles, monasteries, cave towns, and canyons spread all over the country. And take in as much food and wine as you can. Georgian cuisine is one of the world’s most underrated an a new favourite to everyone visiting the country.

If you’d like to see some of my adventures in Georgia, head to my Instagram and Tiktok pages. And if you have any questions when preparing your Georgia itinerary, I am always available there and at the comments below.