Top Things to Do in Tbilisi

1. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

• Wander narrow cobblestone streets with pastel-colored houses and wooden balconies.

• Highlights include Anchiskhati Basilica (6th century), Sioni Cathedral, and hidden courtyards.

• Don’t miss Shardeni Street for cafes, wine bars, and art galleries.

2. Narikala Fortress & Cable Car Ride

• Take the cable car from Rike Park across the river to Narikala Fortress.

• Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Kura River.

• Nearby is the Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda) statue, symbolizing hospitality and strength.

3. Sulfur Baths in Abanotubani

• Tbilisi’s name comes from “tbili” (warm), thanks to its natural hot springs.

• Relax in traditional bathhouses with domed brick roofs.

• Options range from public baths to luxurious private rooms (you can also get a traditional scrub).

4. Rustaveli Avenue

• The main boulevard, lined with landmarks: Georgian National Museum, Opera House, and Rustaveli Theatre.

• A good place for people-watching, shopping, and finding modern cafes.

5. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

• One of the largest churches in the world, completed in 2004.

• A modern symbol of Georgian faith, blending traditional and contemporary architecture.

6. Mtatsminda Park & Funicular

• Ride the historic funicular railway up to Mtatsminda Park, a hilltop amusement area.

• Great views of Tbilisi, especially at sunset.

• Try local snacks or dine at the Funicular Complex restaurant.

7. Mtskheta Day Trip (UNESCO)

• Just 30 minutes away, but often paired with Tbilisi visits.

• Home to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery overlooking the confluence of two rivers.

8. Dry Bridge Market

• A quirky flea market selling Soviet memorabilia, antiques, handmade crafts, and artwork.

• A great spot for unique souvenirs.

9. Modern Tbilisi

• Walk across the futuristic Bridge of Peace.

• Check out Fabrika Tbilisi, a former Soviet sewing factory turned into a hipster hub with cafes, co-working, street art, and nightlife.

• Explore Chronicle of Georgia Monument, an imposing structure on a hill with massive stone pillars depicting Georgian history.

10. Food & Wine Experiences

• Sample Georgian dishes:

  • Khachapuri (cheese bread)

  • Khinkali (soup dumplings)

  • Pkhali (vegetable & walnut spreads)

• Try local wines in cozy wine bars — Tbilisi is a gateway to the Kakheti wine region.

• Join a supra (traditional Georgian feast) if invited — complete with toasts led by a tamada (toastmaster).

⚡ Insider Tips

• Best Views: Narikala Fortress, Mtatsminda, and Tabor Monastery hilltop.

• Nightlife: Wine bars in Old Town, rooftop bars, and electronic clubs like Bassiani (world-famous underground techno scene).

• Seasons:

  • Spring & Autumn = pleasant walking weather.

  • Summer = lively but hot (35°C+).

  • Winter = charming with fewer tourists, and good for day trips to ski resorts nearby.

Things to Do in Mtskheta

1. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (UNESCO)

• Built in the 11th century, this is Georgia’s most important religious site.

• According to tradition, the robe of Christ is buried beneath the church.

• Admire its massive stone architecture, frescoes, and peaceful courtyards.

2. Jvari Monastery (UNESCO)

• A 6th-century monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Rivers.

• Stunning panoramic views of Mtskheta below.

• A masterpiece of early medieval Georgian architecture.

3. Samtavro Monastery

• An active convent with serene gardens.

• Famous for its 4th-century origins, later expanded in the Middle Ages.

• Associated with St. Nino, the woman who converted Georgia to Christianity.

4. Shio-Mgvime Monastery

• About 10 km outside Mtskheta, in a quiet river valley.

• Founded in the 6th century by St. Shio, one of the Syrian fathers who spread Christianity in Georgia.

• Offers a peaceful escape from the main tourist trail.

5. Armazi Fortress

• Ancient ruins on a hill overlooking the valley, once the residence of Georgian kings.

• Offers insight into Georgia’s pre-Christian history.

• Best for history enthusiasts and those who enjoy light hiking.

6. Historic Town Center

• Stroll through cobbled streets lined with souvenir shops and cafes.

• Try local snacks like churchkhela (walnut and grape must candy) and lobiani (bean-filled bread).

• Good spot to shop for handmade crafts and traditional textiles.

7. Local Cuisine & Wine

• Sample traditional Georgian dishes in small family-run restaurants.

• Mtskheta is also part of the wider Kartli wine region—try wines made in the ancient qvevri clay vessels.

⚡ Insider Tips

• Time Needed: Half a day is enough for highlights (Svetitskhoveli + Jvari), but a full day lets you see monasteries and Armazi too.

• Best Views: Jvari Monastery at sunset.

• Getting There: Marshrutkas from Tbilisi’s Didube Station (20–30 min), or hire a taxi/driver for more flexibility.

Things to Do in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

1. Gergeti Trinity Church (Sameba)

• The iconic 14th-century stone church sitting on a hill at 2,170 m.

• Offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Kazbek (5,047 m), one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus.

• Reachable by hike (1.5–2 hrs uphill) or 4WD jeep ride.

2. Mount Kazbek Hiking & Trekking

• Serious trekkers can attempt the multi-day climb to Mount Kazbek’s glacier (with a guide).

• Shorter hikes lead to the Gergeti Glacier (~6–7 hrs round trip).

• The alpine scenery includes waterfalls, meadows, and snow-capped peaks.

3. Dariali Gorge

• A dramatic gorge at the Georgia–Russia border, with sheer cliffs and rushing rivers.

• Visit Dariali Monastery Complex, surrounded by mountain landscapes.

• Great spot for photography and short hikes.

4. Gveleti Waterfalls

• Located a short drive from Stepantsminda, followed by a 30–40 min hike.

• Two waterfalls (big and small) hidden in the valley, especially beautiful in spring and summer.

5. Truso Valley

• A stunning valley with colorful travertine mineral springs, abandoned villages, and medieval towers.

• Ideal for hiking or horseback riding.

• Less crowded than Gergeti, offering a more offbeat experience.

6. Juta Village & Chaukhi Mountains

• One of the highest settlements in Georgia (2,200 m).

• Known as “the Dolomites of Georgia” for its jagged Chaukhi peaks.

• Great base for treks, including the Juta to Roshka trail via the Chaukhi Pass.

7. Ananuri Fortress & Georgian Military Highway

• On the way to Kazbegi, stop at this lakeside fortress complex overlooking the Zhinvali Reservoir.

• The drive itself is a highlight, with mountain views, roadside markets, and Gudauri ski resort en route.

8. Local Experiences

• Stay in a family-run guesthouse with homemade Georgian meals and mountain hospitality.

• Sample local cheeses, herbal teas, and traditional khinkali (dumplings, originally from the mountains).

⚡ Insider Tips

• Best Season:

  • Summer (June–September) for hiking.

  • Winter (December–March) for snow landscapes (Gudauri ski resort nearby).

• Transport: Marshrutkas run from Tbilisi (3 hrs), but hiring a driver or renting a car gives more flexibility for stops along the Military Highway.

• Stay: At least 2–3 nights to enjoy hikes and excursions beyond Gergeti.

Things to Do in Kakheti Wine Region

1. Wine Tours & Tastings

• Visit family-owned wineries and larger estates to sample wines made in qvevri (ancient clay vessels buried underground).

• Must-visit wineries: Shumi Winery, Khareba Winery (with its massive wine tunnel), and small artisan cellars in Sighnaghi and Telavi.

• Try indigenous grape varieties like Saperavi (red) and Rkatsiteli (white).

2. Sighnaghi – “City of Love”

• A hilltop town with cobbled streets, pastel houses, and stunning views of the Alazani Valley.

• Walk the defensive walls (like a mini Great Wall).

• Visit the Bodbe Monastery, where St. Nino (who brought Christianity to Georgia) is buried.

• Sighnaghi is also known for cozy wine cellars and art galleries.

3. Telavi – Capital of Kakheti

• A good base for wine touring.

• See the Giant Plane Tree (over 900 years old) in the town center.

• Visit Batonis Tsikhe Fortress, home to small museums.

4. Alaverdi Monastery

• An 11th-century monastery that also produces its own wine.

• The towering cathedral is one of Georgia’s most impressive religious structures.

5. Tsinandali Estate

• Historic home of Georgian poet Alexander Chavchavadze.

• Features a palace, landscaped gardens, and a wine cellar with rare vintages.

• A blend of culture and wine heritage.

6. Kvareli & the Wine Tunnel

• Visit Khareba Winery, which stores wine in an 8 km-long tunnel carved into the mountainside.

• Great wine-tasting tours, paired with traditional bread and cheese.

7. Outdoor Adventures in the Alazani Valley

• Cycle or drive through vineyards with the Caucasus Mountains as a backdrop.

• Horseback riding tours are available in villages.

• Picnic among rolling hills and riversides.

8. Davit Gareja Monastery Complex (on the edge of Kakheti)

• A remote cave monastery complex carved into semi-desert cliffs.

• Offers a surreal landscape, frescoes, and views toward Azerbaijan.

• Best visited as a side trip en route to or from Tbilisi.

⚡ Insider Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Autumn (September–October) during the Rtveli (wine harvest festival) for grape picking, feasts, and folk music.

• Duration: 2–3 days is ideal to cover wine tours, Sighnaghi, Telavi, and monasteries.

• Local Dishes to Try:

  • Churchkhela (walnut-stuffed grape must candy)

  • Mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers, often paired with red wine)

  • Kakhetian-style Khachapuri

Things to Do in Kutaisi

1. Bagrati Cathedral (UNESCO)

• Built in the 11th century on Ukimerioni Hill, overlooking the city.

• Though partly in ruins, it’s a symbol of Georgia’s medieval “Golden Age.”

• Offers sweeping views of Kutaisi.

2. Gelati Monastery (UNESCO)

• A masterpiece founded in 1106 by King David the Builder.

• Known for colorful medieval frescoes and its role as a spiritual and educational hub.

• Located in the hills outside the city.

3. Motsameta Monastery

• A smaller, picturesque monastery perched on a cliff above the Tskaltsitela River.

• Surrounded by forests, especially beautiful in autumn.

• Legend says relics of Georgian martyrs are buried here.

4. Prometheus Cave

• Vast cave system with stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and colored lights.

• You can also take a short underground boat ride.

• About 20 km from Kutaisi.

5. Sataplia Nature Reserve

• Known for dinosaur footprints and a glass walkway with panoramic valley views.

• Features caves, a small museum, and a protected forest area.

6. Okatse Canyon & Kinchkha Waterfall

• A dramatic canyon with a 1.5 km-long hanging walkway over cliffs.

• Nearby Kinchkha Waterfall plunges down several tiers, making for a great day trip.

7. Kutaisi Central Market

• A vibrant market with fresh produce, cheeses, spices, and churchkhela.

• Great place to experience daily Georgian life.

8. Colchis Fountain & White Bridge

• The central square features a fountain with golden replicas of ancient Colchis artifacts.

• Stroll across the White Bridge, a symbol of the city spanning the Rioni River.

⚡ Insider Tips

• Time Needed: 2–3 days is enough to see both city sights and surrounding natural attractions.

• Best Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable weather. Summer is warm but lively.

• Food to Try: Imeretian khachapuri (cheese bread), bean stews, and local wines.

• Getting Around: Kutaisi is compact; most city sights are walkable, but you’ll need transport for caves and canyons.

Things to Do in Batumi

1. Batumi Boulevard

• A long seaside promenade lined with palm trees, fountains, sculptures, and cafes.

• Perfect for a walk, bike ride, or just relaxing by the sea.

• Features the moving Ali & Nino Statue, symbolizing eternal love.

2. Batumi Botanical Garden

• One of the largest botanical gardens in the region, with plants from all over the world.

• Located on a hillside above the sea, offering beautiful views of the Black Sea coast.

• Best visited in spring or summer when everything is in bloom.

3. Batumi Piazza & Old Town

• Italian-style square with mosaic artwork, cafes, and live music.

• Stroll the Old Town’s cobbled streets with restored 19th-century buildings, boutique hotels, and wine bars.

4. Argo Cable Car

• Ride from the city center up to Anuria Mountain.

• Offers panoramic views of Batumi, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains.

5. Batumi Beach & Nightlife

• Pebble beaches along the Black Sea.

• Popular in summer for swimming, jet skiing, and sunbathing.

• At night, Batumi becomes Georgia’s party capital with clubs, casinos, and bars.

6. Batumi Dolphinarium

• One of the oldest dolphinariums in the former Soviet Union.

• Hosts entertaining dolphin and sea lion shows, popular for families.

7. Alphabetic Tower

• A 130-meter steel tower shaped like a DNA helix, covered in Georgian script.

• Observation deck offers city and sea views.

8. Gonio Fortress

• Roman-era fortress about 15 km south of Batumi.

• Archaeological site with ruins and legends (said to be the burial place of St. Matthew).

9. Day Trips Around Batumi

• Mtirala National Park: Lush subtropical rainforest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots.

• Adjarian Mountains: Visit small villages, waterfalls, and taste traditional mountain cuisine (Adjarian khachapuri is a must).

• Machakhela Valley: Famous for stone bridges, wine, and eco-tourism homestays.

⚡ Insider Tips

• Best Season: Summer (June–September) for beaches; spring and autumn for cooler weather and mountain trips.

• Food to Try: Adjarian khachapuri (boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, egg, and butter), fresh seafood, and churchkhela.

• Transport: Batumi is walkable in the center, but taxis or marshrutkas are needed for nearby trips.