You probably don’t know it yet, but you need to travel to Georgia, the country! Why? Some of the best things to do in Georgia include its beautiful, historic capital, hiking in the Caucasus, visiting incredible churches and cathedrals, unbelievable caves, and much, much more…
This country is still being discovered by mass tourism and even backpackers, but it is one hell of a travel destination with fantastic food, a long history, and a unique culture!
If you prefer traveling to off-the-beaten-track destinations, you need to start planning your trip to Georgia right now! Georgia will become a significant tourist destination.
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Best Things To Do In Georgia
Wander around the old town
Tbilisi is the biggest city, the capital, and the main gateway to Georgia. Tbilisi’s architecture reflects the city’s long and diverse history, including an eclectic mix of Medieval, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Stalinist and Modernist structures. Any trip to Georgia wouldn’t be complete without visiting Tbilisi.
Walking around the Tbilisi city center is a feast for the eyes, particularly the old town and close neighborhoods. Old Tbilisi is a place of eclectic sights, full of old-style balconies, ancient churches, winding streets, and charming shops. Freely wandering around and enjoying the day is one of the great pleasures of Georgia!
Climb up to the Narikala Fortress
The Narikala Fortress is an ancient fortress that dominates old Tbilisi’s skyline. Built in the 4th century as a Persian citadel, it is probably the best lookout in Tbilisi. In our opinion, this is the top thing to do in Tbilisi. The view from it is incredible.
To get there, you can take the cable car from Rike Park or walk up from Meidan.
Botanical gardens
lying in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge near Narikala Fortress, the National botanic garden of Georgia, have a nice collection of plants, but it’s mostly a lovely park with a beautiful waterfall.
Mtatsminda Park
Mtatsminda park (Georgians also called it “Bombora Park”) is a landscaped park located at the top of Mount Mtatsminda overlooking the Georgian capital Tbilisi. The park has carousels, water slides, a roller-coaster, and a big Ferris Wheel at the mountain’s edge.
You can see the whole of Tbilisi from above there. The easiest way to get there is by catching the funicular on Chonkadze Street.
Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi
The holy trinity Cathedral (aka Sameba Cathedral) was only constructed in 2002, and it’s the largest church in Georgia and one of the most grandiose orthodox churches at 101 meters high.
Curiously, there is a small (but free) swimming pool in its garden, where (mostly) kids refresh themselves and have some fun.
If you want to check a more in-depth article about Tbilisi, check out this ultimate Tbilisi travel guide.
Discover The Spiritual Capital Of Georgia – Mtskheta
Mtskheta is only 20 km north of Tbilisi, and it’s a mandatory stop if you traveling to Georgia! This small, ancient town was listed in 1994 as a world heritage site.
If UNESCO states “The historic churches of Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia, are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus. They show the high artistic and cultural level attained by this ancient kingdom.” Who are we to argue? 🙂
Within the town of Mtskheta, you have to visit Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is the setting for important ceremonies of the Georgian Orthodox Church and the reason why Mtskheta is the spiritual center of Georgia. Built during the 10th century, this cathedral is arguably one of the biggest and most beautiful in Georgia.
A legend says King Giorgi ordered the hand of Svetitskhoveli’s architect to amputate so that he could never recreate something so beautiful ever again…
Outside Mtskheta, you can find Jvari Monastery, located on a mountaintop with a great view of the entire city of Mtskheta and both rivers bathing the town. The view itself would be enough of a reason for going to Jvari, but the 5th-century monastery itself is a great example of middle ages architecture. It is also included in Mtskheta’s UNESCO heritage listing.
Click here to book a guided tour of Mtskheta
All in all, with an alluring setting where the Aragvi and the Mtkvari Rivers meet, Mtskheta makes an easy and enjoyable day trip from Tbilisi or an obligatory stop before heading to the Georgian Military Road.
Drive The Georgian Military Road
Even if you don’t want to, you will do this one, you will probably have to as it’s the only way to Kazbegi from Tbilisi… (and you should really go to Kazbegi).
Although, if you like driving, doing the Georgian Military road will be fun, not a duty! Furthermore, the views of the Caucasus are unforgettable… Honestly, I would drive this road even if it didn’t have any of the other attractions on it…
Although a road trip on the Georgian Military Road, you can find the sulfur waters near Jvari pass, Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument in Jvari Pass, Gudauri ski resort, Ananuri Fortress Complex, and Bazaleti Lake.
Have a closer look at everything you need to do on the Georgian Military Road
It should take you the whole day to do it and stop at the attractions on the road. In our opinion, it’s a perfect road trip with great views, and enough stops to make it interesting for the whole day!
Hike To Gergeti Trinity Church
The Gergeti Trinity Church in Stepantsminda /Kazbegi was built in the 14th century at an altitude of 2170 meters. This is one of the most iconic buildings in Georgia, at least from a tourist point of view.
The silhouette of the church on the edge of a cliff with the incredible snow-capped Caucasus mountains in the back makes it a photographer’s favorite place you will be eager to visit!
The hike to the Church is very steep, making it difficult if you aren’t in good shape. However, it isn’t very long, so it should take about 1 hour to do. Though from Gergeti Church, you get one of the best viewpoints of Kazbek Mountain and an extraordinary sense of accomplishment.
Note: Alternatively of hiking, you can rent a 4WD local taxi to take you up, but unless you really can’t hike, we strongly suggest you do it the hard way!
Mount Kazbek is a dormant volcano and one of the highest mountains in the Caucasus. It’s the most prominent geographic feature of the area, with an altitude of 5047 meters. Together with the Gergeti Church, Mount Kazbek is a photographer’s dream and one of the most Instagrammable places in Georgia.
Try A New Cuisine, The Georgian Cuisine
Georgia is the place to go if you want to indulge in bread, cheese, and wine. In Georgian cuisine, bread and cheese have the spotlight. Georgians mastered the art of making bread, simple or filled with cheese, beans, or meat. Their bread is baked in an oven called Tone, the oven looks like a well on the floor, and the bread is placed on its walls.
Besides bread, Georgia has a variety of delicious salads, vegetables, and meat plates. Like Lobio (a mixture of beans, coriander, walnuts, garlic, and onion), Chashushuli (veal stew), and different kinds of skewers.
Our favorite dish is the Khinkali, a dumpling with a filling of meat and herbs in the traditional version. However, there are other fillings like cheese, potatoes, or mushrooms. Have a look a the recipe here.
Our second favorite dish is Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread with an egg (simply divine).
And for dessert, churchkhela is a sweet made of grape must, nut and flower.
Go To Vardzia
Vardzia is a cave city in southern Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Mountains on the left bank of the Kura River. It was constructed during the second half of the twelfth century. The caves stretch along the cliff for some 500 meters.
This underground fortress extended 13 levels and contained about 6000 apartments, a reception chamber, a meeting room, a bakery, a forge, a throne room, and a large church with an external bell tower. Yes, during the 12th century, the Georgian built an entire town inside caves!
Why? Because of the Mongols! Mongols were invading Europe and destroying everything in between, and Vardzia was built to try and resist them. Although it did resist the Mongols, an Earthquake destroyed a big part of the complex only 100 years after its construction.
Click here to read about the 50 things you need to know before going to Georgia
Visiting Vardzia is quite an experience. You don’t get the opportunity to enter an 800-year-old cave town every day. We can hike through the caves and tunnels connecting them. The levels are connected by winding passages and steps. Note that if you suffer from claustrophobia, the narrow tunnels and confined spaces might make the visit an uncomfortable experience.
For us, Vardzia looks like it was taken directly from Lord of the Rings, particularly an abandoned Minas Tirith.
Enjoy Natural Springs In Borjomi
Borjomi is a small resort town in central Georgia famous for its volcanic salty waters and baths. These waters are the biggest export in Georgia, and its spring water source lies in the Borjomi Gorge.
You can buy bottles of Borjomi water everywhere in Georgia, but in Borjomi, you can fill your bottle for free.
On the other hand, because of the supposed curative powers of the area’s mineral springs, it is a frequent destination for people with health problems. Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of stone baths in the area, proving that people have utilized the mineral waters for thousands of years.
Even viceroys, Russian governors, and the Romanov came to Borjomi looking for its healing waters and natural beauty.
Book your trip to Borjomi here
Mineral Water Park, Borjomi
The Mineral Water Park dates back to the 19th century and is a destination throughout the year. This is where you have the chance to taste the famous Borjomi mineral waters right from their source and relax in a beautiful environment.
This is love-it-or-hate-it mineral water, particularly if drank directly from the spring. We liked Borjomi’s bottled version but couldn’t drink it from the spring. It was too salty and… smelly! Sorry, Borjomi 🙂
The first part of the park contains amusements and cafes, and the rear part of the park is a great place for a walk and enjoying Borjomi’s striking nature.
You may even ride the cable car up to the Ferris wheel at the park’s top. There’s an interesting blue palace at the entrance with a very different look from anything else in Borjomi.
Tzar’s Sulphur Baths, Borjomi
If you continue past the mineral water park for another 2.5 km, you will reach the hot springs, where you can find two pools with hot sulfur water.
The outstanding beauty of the nature around the springs would make it worth the hike, however, the real attraction is the pools, where you can dive in naturally warm (and supposedly healing) waters.
You can’t miss the Tzar’s Sulphur Baths if you love water. Furthermore, it’ll be as if you were tzar royalty; these are the (renovated) baths of the Romanovs 🙂
Gelati Monastery, Kutaisi
Founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Gelati Monastery is an opportunity to step back in time and explore Georgia’s history.
As one of only three such sites in Georgia, along with the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta and Upper Svaneti, the Gelati Monastery played a pivotal role in the golden age of the Georgian Kingdom.
Not only was it a center of arts and science for centuries, but it also served as the final resting place for many kings, including its founder, King David.
The building itself is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, featuring smoothly hewn large blocks, balanced proportions, and blind arches for exterior decoration. Inside, visitors will be awestruck by the intricate medieval frescos adorning the walls.
Unlike many popular tourist destinations, the monastery is relatively uncrowded, making for a truly peaceful and refreshing experience.
Martvili Canyon
Martvili canyon (aka Gachedili Canyon) is the ultimate natural wonderland in Georgia! It’s a small canyon that surprises through its natural beauty, not its size. Within the canyon are several waterfalls, an amazing deep turquoise water river, 2 bridges, and an endless list of incredible views.
Martvili Canyon is probably the most fairytale-like place in Georgia. Besides seeing the wonderful waterfalls, hiking, and breathing the pure air of the mountains, you can enjoy a small boat ride through the canyon.
Click here to book your tour of Martvili Canyon
Okatse Canyon
The Okatse Canyon is considered the biggest in Georgia, with depths ranging between 20 and 100 meters. In other words, it’s very different from Martvili canyon.
The exciting 700-meter walkway on the canyon’s edge and the final viewing platform create the perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking views while still getting that adventure feeling.
Click here to book your tour of Okatse Canyon
It’s a great place to hike, relax and finally have a small adrenaline rush. The walkway and the final viewpoint are this hike’s highlights, leaving you feeling pleasantly thrilled as you take in its beauty. Unless you have vertigo…
TIP
Martvili and Oktase Canyons are both close to the city of Kutaisi. They are relatively close to each other, so you could and should visit on the same road trip or tour.
Prometheus Caves
Also, very close to Kutaisi, you can find the Prometheus caves, which, in our opinion, are one of Georgia’s most impressive travel attractions. The caves are hidden away in the dense vegetation of the Georgian mountains and have an incredible variety of features.
In 1.4 km, one can see stalagmites, stalactites, cave pearls, curtains, petrified waterfalls, and even underwater lakes and rivers! It is even possible to take a short boat trip inside the caves! Though it is only possible to do it when water levels are at the correct level…
We had a really excellent time in the caves, enjoying the fantastic rock formations, the lakes, and the light effects created by the colorful lighting. If you like exploring caves, these are the ones you need to visit in Georgia.
Visit The Bizarre Stalin Museum In Gori
Have you ever been to a museum dedicated to a dictator arguably responsible for the death of millions of people…? Well, this is your chance! We know it made us curious enough to check it out! Gori is the hometown of Josef Stalin, and apparently, it’s still proud of it.
In downtown Gori, you can find the unique Josef Stalin Museum. In the museum, you can find several objects and documents related to Stalin, its house, and even its personal train wagon. Stalin didn’t like flying, so he used a train to travel around.
You can visit the museum on your own or a guided tour. Unless you speak Georgian or Russian, we strongly suggest you do it with a tour because barely anything is written in English.
The guide will briefly explain what the documents are, the pictures, and the items. Without the guide, you’ll be looking at them without understanding anything.
Click here to book a guided tour of Gori
Our favorite part definitely had the opportunity to enter and visit Stalin’s train wagon. Overall, and as expected, we found the experience to be weird… you get to see everything about Stalin’s life except the elephant in the room!
Explore the unique Upper Svaneti region
Nestled in the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains lies the Upper Svaneti region of Georgia, a place of rugged natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, it is a must-see destination for any traveler to Georgia.
The region is known for its picturesque medieval villages, many of which have been preserved in their original form for centuries. Visitors can walk through the cobblestone streets and admire the traditional stone towers, called “Svanetian fortress”, that served as both homes and fortresses for the local people.
The region is also home to a unique and vibrant culture, with traditional customs and practices that have been passed down through generations. Visitors can witness firsthand the Svaneti’s living culture through the choir singing, the traditional dances and the traditional costumes.
But it’s not just the architecture that makes Upper Svaneti so special. No visit to Upper Svaneti would be complete without taking in the stunning natural scenery.
The region is home to some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in the world, with snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and crystal-clear rivers and lakes. Whether you’re a hiker, a skier, or simply a lover of the great outdoors, Upper Svaneti has something to offer.
Click here to check more things that you can only experience in Georgia.
Explore Batumi and the Georgian coast
Batumi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Georgia. Known for its beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions, it is one of the best attractions in the country due to its combination of modern feel and historical elements.
One of the most iconic attractions in Batumi is the Alphabetic Tower, a massive sculpture made up of letters of the Georgian alphabet that lights up at night. The city also boasts a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Batumi Botanical Garden, the Batumi Opera and Ballet Theater, and the Batumi History Museum.
Batumi offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as the Batumi beach, a cable car ride to the top of the mountain to get a panoramic view of the city, and the Batumi dolphin show.
Batumi is also a great starting point for exploring the nearby regions such as Adjara and the mountainous regions of Svaneti.
Our Recommended Georgia Travel Guides
Georgia (Bradt Travel Guide) – if you are only traveling to Georgia!
Lonely Planet Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan (Travel Guide) – in case you are planning to travel to the Caucasus
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