15 of the Best Places to Visit in Georgia (Country) - A Local’s Guide
Georgia, a little gem in the South Caucasus, is quickly becoming one of the most visited destinations in the region. If you haven’t made it here yet, now’s the time to start thinking about it.
For a small country, Georgia has an incredible amount to offer: stunning landscapes and natural areas for outdoor-lovers; delicious food and wine for gourmands (and yes, that incudes vegetarians); vibrant city life and a thriving techno scene; incredible history and culture; and centuries-old churches and Soviet architecture. Plus, all of this is available to visitors for extremely affordable prices and complemented by the famous Georgian hospitality.
It’s almost impossible to choose the “best” places to visit in Georgia, because there are so many destinations worth visiting. In a country of only 69,000 square kilometers, you can find 10 National Parks, each of which has ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, horse riding, zip lining, and just about any other outdoor activity that you can think of.
So, considering the diverse range of options available to you, this guide includes a nice mix of everything. We cover destinations all throughout Georgia, ranging from cities and small towns to historical sites, wine country, mountains, lakes, and more.
Let’s dig into it!
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Table of Contents
Tbilisi
Mtskheta
Kakheti Region
Vashlovani National Park
Akhaltsikhe
Kazbegi
Martvili, Okatse, and Dashbashi Canyons
Gori
Chiatura
Ushguli
Tusheti National Park
Dmanisi – Homeland of First Europeans
Goderdzi Pass
Batumi
Paliastomi Lake
Local help with your planning
We’ve tried to put together a good list that showcases much of what makes this such a fascinating place to visit, but 15 places really only scratches the surface of where you could go during a trip here. Also, the right places for you to visit will of course depend on what you’re interested in and what you hope to get out of your trip.
So if you could use a little help sorting through all your options and coming up with a good plan, consider scheduling a Georgia travel consultation with our Tbilisi-based local expert, Levan!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you can chat with Levan about the trip you’re planning and he’ll share his tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
1. Tbilisi
Tbilisi seen from above
Tbilisi is the top city in Georgia, full of fascinating historical sights nestled among modern restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. If you start from the charming old town, get lost in the narrow cobbled streets of this historic capital.
Many parts were recently renovated, and you will quickly recognize them with mixed colors and the hyper-modern vibe, but as soon as you dive deeper into the backstreets, the natural beauty of ramshackle buildings will surprise you.
Nothing compares to taking a dip in the sulfur baths of Abanotubani once you have visited the Narikala Fortress (dating back to the 4th Century), sitting on the hill overlooking the entire city and offering you a lovely view.
Making a stop to check out the botanical gardens before descending to the baths is also highly recommended. Suppose the weather is nice, of course. In this very district, you will find beautiful Byzantine churches, mosques, and even a synagogue, boasting from the times of the legendary Silk Road.
Waking up early and strolling to the Dry Bridge Market is one of my favorite pastimes in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi's location makes it the perfect base for day trips to explore nearby attractions.
2. Mtskheta
Jvari Monastery near Mtskheta
Half an hour's ride from the capital of Tbilisi, Mtskheta is one of the most popular destinations in the country. The ancient capital of the East Georgian Kingdom from the 3rd Century BC to the 5th century AD was also where Christianity was proclaimed as the official religion of Georgia.
According to UNESCO, the historic churches of Mtskheta are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus.
After being mesmerized by the magnificent frescoes and architecture of the grand Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, you will most probably wander the cozy little streets of the town, finding it impossible to avoid buying all the handmade traditional clothes and souvenirs exposed right on your way to the parking area.
From there, I suggest you head to the Jvari Monastery. Many people make Jvari the first stop from Tbilisi while doing this in reverse, especially at sunset, which grants you incredible views of the joining Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers from the hill where the church is located.
3. Kakheti Region
Hilltop Sighnaghi at dusk
Georgians are very proud of their wine, and guests enjoy it equally, but many visitors are unaware that Georgians are the oldest winemakers. The country is considered the 'cradle of wine,' as archaeologists have traced the world's first known wine creation back to the people of the South Caucasus in 6,000 BC.
Kakheti region, only two hours drive from the capital, is the best place to taste quality wine and even get soaked in it as part of the wine-therapy sessions offered by some modern boutique hotels.
If you have time to stay for several days, you can also soak in the region's gorgeous landscapes. Even if you are not a wine lover, many places will leave you amazed.
My favorite is the small town of Sighnaghi, with stunning views of the gorgeous Alazani Valley from the ancient fortress walls you can climb. Because of its closeness to the capital and reputation as one of the most beautiful towns, this place is always full of tourists. Still - absolutely worth a visit! Be sure to tour the bulwarks of the crumbling town wall and its 23 towers, wonder at the stupa-like spire of the St Giorgi church, and discover the revered pilgrimage sites of the Bodbe Convent.
Among many, another must of the region is the 6th Century David Gareji monastery complex constructed by one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who were sent to Georgia from Mesopotamia to strengthen Christianity.
4. Vashlovani National Park
Vashlovani National Park
Have you ever dreamt of traveling to Mars? You can make that wish come true by visiting my all-season favorite, Vashlovani National Park, with its unique landscapes in Georgia. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel here, but this massive piece of land is equally spectacular and full of surprises at any time of the year.
Pristine nature, desert, semi-desert, steppe, forest-steppe, deciduous forests, arid sparse forests, volcanoes, sedimentary rocks, and plain plateaus, you can see it all together in this fantastic place.
I recommend spending at least three days and renting a 4x4 to access the park's most impressive and untouched parts. There are plenty of one-day and multi-day guided tours, options for hiking and biking, and for those wishing to ride in the park on horseback, a special service provides rental horses too.
Make sure you arrange the police permit in Dedoplistskaro before heading to the park because it is located on the border with neighboring Azerbaijan. Note that if you plan to visit the Kilakupra Mud Volcanoes in addition to the more commonly visited Takhti Tepha Mud Volcanoes or drive off-road along the Iori River towards David Gareja, you will need separate Chachuna Managed Reserve and border police permits.
However, once you enter the park, you will know it was all worth it!
Connect with a Georgia travel expert for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
5. Akhaltsikhe
Akhaltsikhe castle complex
Akhaltsikhe is the capital of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, mostly overlooked by travelers on their way to the spectacular cave monastery Vardzia. Instead of rushing through, I recommend making a several-hour stop here to explore the beautiful castle of Rabati. It was renovated recently and represents an exciting mix of Georgian and Ottoman cultures and history. The views from the towers are no less impressive, and the small museum is also worth visiting.
As for the Vardzia complex, it is without a question one of the most dramatic sites in Georgia! Built in the 12th Century, under the reign of King Tamar, the first woman ever crowned as a king (yes, a king) in Georgian history. Wandering through the caves and monolith churches, you will feel transported back to the past when royal Georgians were hiding from their enemies in the hard times.
Make sure you don't miss the Church of the Dormition, with an exciting fuse of Oriental, Byzantine, and Romanesque styles.
6. Kazbegi
A typical scene in the Kazbegi region
This is undoubtedly the adventure travelers' most chosen region in Georgia. The small town of Stepantsminda is located at the foot of Mount Kazbegi, the highest mountain in Eastern Georgia and the third-highest peak in the country. Photographers love this place, as it offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and plenty of relatively easy hiking opportunities.
Not to mention the Gergeti Trinity Church, which might be the most recognizable postcard of Georgia.
Kazbegi is about a 3-hour drive from Tbilisi and takes you along the Georgian Military Highway, considered one of the country's most beautiful roads. On the way to Stepantsminda, you can stop to check the beautiful Ananuri castle complex – the 17th-century structure that has survived numerous attacks over the centuries. Kids love climbing the watchtowers overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Zhinvali reservoir, which supplies Tbilisi with water.
Ananuri can also easily be explored as a day trip from the capital. You can wander down to the dam's edge to enjoy its beauty, but swimming can be dangerous and is not recommended.
As you drive along this famous highway, there are so many photogenic spots, and it is really easy to find them: just follow the crowds. But if you're looking for something unusual, I recommend visiting the Sno village, famous for its giant stone heads commemorating Georgia's great poets, writers, and kings. Even though it is a small-scale project, it's still awe-inspiring.
And before you get back to Tbilisi, remember to have Khinkalis, traditional Georgian Dumplings, somewhere in the town of Pasanauri (which is famous for its dumplings).
7. Martvili, Okatse, and Dashbashi Canyons
Okatse Canyon
Nothing is as complicated as choosing the most beautiful canyon in Georgia. This little country is full of natural wonders, all equally impressive providing unforgettable experiences for extreme sports lovers.
Martvili Canyon in the western part of the country is the most popular among tourists. Up to 40 meters deep and 2,400 meters long, it offers beautiful boat rides, kayaking, swimming, and other fun activities.
Okatse Canyon, my favorite owing to a suspension bridge, which is 140 meters high and stretches for about a kilometer along the gorge, is only 50 km away from Kutaisi – Georgia's second largest city. The road to the canyon passes through the forest, better visited when the trees are in their full bloom.
Dashbashi Canyon, recently renamed Tsalka Canyon, once the favorite site for photographers because of the few tourists, has become a must-see destination for all tourists. The "weeping wall" - a cascade of small waterfalls along the rocks, underground waters, caves, and majestic cliffs have become incredibly alluring since the construction of the "Diamond Bridge" and the tourist infrastructure.
Even though it has become a little artificial in the opinion of nature lovers, the glass bridge hanging in the sky overlooking the steep slopes covered in lush vegetation is very impressive, and you won't resist crossing it once there.
8. Gori
The town of Gori. Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Did you know that Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union between 1922-53, was born in Georgia? Gori is the name of his hometown, where he also went to school briefly.
In this small country caught between its Soviet past and a potential European future, fewer people like the mention of Stalin's name. But if you are interested in history and want to get a flavor of what life was like for those living under the rule, this is the place to be noted. Stalin's old house, the bulletproof travel wagon, other belongings, maps, and photos are displayed in the museum - the city's most popular attraction.
But, there is far more to Gori than Stalin. For instance, the Gori Fortress, located in the middle of the city atop a hill with incredible views, the Historical and Ethnographic Museum if you want to understand Georgian history further; and the Gori Dramatic Theatre – one of the best examples of typical Soviet architecture.
If you have more time left, Uplistsikhe is just around the corner. Uplistsikhe is a historical haven too, but way older. This rock-hewn old town dates back to the Iron Age and is quite an impressive spot to spend your evening.
9. Chiatura
The top of the cable car in Chiatura. Photo: Kabelleger, David Gubler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This small town is quickly becoming popular among ghost-town lovers. Nestled between steep valleys and deep gorges, founded as a mining base during Soviet times, Chiatura has always been one of the most frequented sites for Georgian film directors. The main attraction of this place is the cable cars that have rusted away, but some of them are still used by locals as public transportation daily.
It is indeed a strange place and might not be to the liking of everyone, but it is quite an amazing experience if you like the adrenaline rush and would risk riding in one of these cable cars. In addition, you can visit some of the Soviet buildings, like the Pioneers Palace, or take a stroll among the apartment blocks, which will surely transport you back to the Soviet times.
10. Ushguli
Ushguli village in winter
Ushguli village, in the Svaneti region of Georgia, mostly known as the highest continuously inhabited place in Europe and proudly bearing the UNESCO tag, is an absolute must, no matter what kind of a tourist you consider yourself to be.
Not only will the lush fields or the imposing mountains surrounding this place leave you speechless, but also the unique architectural style with dozens of ancient watch towers that once were used to guard the houses of locals against countless enemies.
Strolling the village's narrow streets, exchanging smiles with the locals constantly busy in their little yards, will fascinate you. The big Georgian Shepherd dogs will surely scare you with their barks, and please make sure you keep your distance and show respect, but most of them are harmless and friendly. But they are indeed very very big, so are quite imposing.
Ushguli is a museum itself, but it is also home to an amazing ethnography museum, where Georgia's national treasures were hidden away during the hard times. Getting to this village has always been rather difficult. Six months of the year, Ushguli is covered in snow.
The Lamania religious complex belongs to the old Georgian golden-era period, and here you can see the 12th-century frescoes, unique and fascinating work miraculously preserved from ancient times.
11. Tusheti National Park
A shepherd’s village in Tusheti National Park
Once you have visited Ushguli, you may think that nothing else will surprise you in Georgia, but wait – you have not yet driven one of the most dangerous roads in the world! Cut on the 45% degree slopes, this road, which I would instead call a pathway, goes up to 3000 meters over into the first Chanchakhovani gorge, which is the 'entrance' to Tusheti.
However, it won't take long to be captivated by the beauty of this place if you are lucky and the weather is clear, and most importantly - if you are brave enough to watch the road you drive on.
Horse-riding and mountain biking are very popular in Tusheti, but there are many trails around, and you can enjoy hiking too. Be vigilant of the shepherd dogs here as well. Summer is the time when Georgian herders bring their sheep up into the mountains, and many travelers have found themselves in dangerous situations when getting too close to their herds by chance.
This super remote mountainous region is closed off for most of the year, but if you visit between June and mid-September, this is the destination you should definitely put on top of your list.
The region is home to the Tush people, who have their language, interesting customs and traditions, unique beliefs, and mythology.
12. Dmanisi – Homeland of First Europeans
The ruins of Dmanisi Castle. Photo: Larry V. Dumlao, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located 85km southwest of the capital, Dmanisi was one of the prominent middle ages cities along the Silk Road. The early Paleolithic site was discovered in 1983, but the discovery that would rewrite the history of human evolution happened a little later, in 1999. The archeologists revealed an extraordinary record of the earliest hominid dispersal beyond Africa.
Dmanisi discoveries are the most ancient in Eurasia and are dated 1.8 million years ago. Mzia and Zezva, as dubbed by scientists, are the most famous early human fossils of Homo georgicus – an extinct species of hominide that lived between Homo habilis and Homo erectus. They can be viewed as part of the permanent exhibition at the Simon Janashia Museum in the capital.
In contrast, the excavation site is an open-air museum accessible to the public from March until November. Dmanisi, now a village with about 3000 inhabitants, is a beautiful one-and-a-half-hour drive from Tbilisi.
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13. Goderdzi Pass
A bucolic scene along the Goderdzi Pass. Photo: travelgeorgia.ru, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The mountains of Kazbegi, Svaneti, and Tusheti often get all the love from tourists in Georgia, but if you wish to go offbeat and your vehicle allows, try Goderdzi Pass. It is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.027m above sea level located on the boundary of the Adjara and Samtskhe–Javakheti region of Georgia.
Connecting the towns of Khulo on the one side and Akhaltsikhe on the other, driving on this section is an absolute delight for adventure lovers. People in this part of the region are not spoiled by tourists, and they are extremely friendly.
There are plenty of hiking options in this area belonging to the Lesser Caucasus mountain range. Keep your camera handy, as you will always pass gorgeous villages and fantastic scenery. The desire to stop for a photo appears on each turn of the road here.
If you wish to touch the clouds with your hands, make sure you don't miss Beshumi village, a resort in Khulo Municipality, on your way.
14. Batumi
Downtown Batumi
Batumi is one of the most popular destinations, but not for the locals anymore. The city's architecture has changed a lot recently due to the ongoing construction, and this beautiful, peaceful city on the coast of the Black Sea is slowly losing its charm.
Not for the tourists in the summer, though. It is always crowded with guests enjoying the sun on the stony beach or wandering the streets of the old town dotted with little boutique hotels, modern coffee shops, and trendy restaurants.
If you love riding a bicycle, like myself, no other city in Georgia will be as flat and enjoyable as Batumi, so take your chance. Rent a bike near the beach, and enjoy the kilometers-long bicycle path along the beautiful boulevard.
The traffic in Batumi is quite alright compared to other cities in Georgia, so if you decide to deviate from the bicycle road, that is also fine and safe.
For hiking, visit the botanical garden. It is quite a steep walk, but once you reach the top, it will reward you with gorgeous views. Please don't do it after eating the traditional Acharuli Khachapuri, though. This majestic 'must eat' of the region is quite heavy and needs a couple of hours to 'settle' in your stomach.
15. Paliastomi Lake
A kayaker on Paliastomi lake. Photo: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Paliastomi Lake is located on the East coast of the Black Sea, 10 km southeast of the beautiful but forgotten by everyone city of Poti. It is the largest of 40 smaller lakes in the Kolkheti Wetland complex. You won't find hiking trails or camping areas here, but arranged sport fishing, observation of migratory birds, and eco-educational tours are all possible by boat.
You can observe migratory birds from the birdwatching towers at the right time. Some of these birds are rare species seeking safe havens in the thickets of peatland vegetation.
At the specially arranged resting stops, the visitors can see Kolkheti's wetland relict forests spread along the river bank. Many tourists are surprised to find this area in the country known for its high mountains, called the Kolkheti National Park Georgian Amazon. Motor-boating through the forest feels like trenching through some jungle.
In 1961, archaeologists discovered ancient traces of the Colchis civilization near and on the bottom of the lake. These areas are granted tentative world heritage site status and have important historical significance. You can visit Kolkheti National Park at any time of the year.
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