Best Places To See In Georgia On Your Next Trip

Georgia is a country located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. On its west side, there is a black sea, it is bounded north and east by Russia, and south by Turkey and Armenia. It is a former Soviet republic that is home to Caucasus Mountain villages and the Black Sea beaches. Best Places To See In Georgia On Your Next Trip is famous for Vardzia, a sprawling cave monastery dating to the 12th century. And also famous for the ancient wine-growing region of Kakheti. As we all know that Georgia is a beautiful place. There are many best places to see in Georgia. 

It has big cities and iconic small towns, huge mountains, and a spot on the Atlantic Ocean. Georgia has a lot more to offer than its beaches. It has the variety and uniqueness of attractions, availability of accommodations, and opinions of everyday travelers to determine the Best Places To See In Georgia On Your Next Trip.

There is an ultimate list of unique places to visit in Georgia, from cities and important places to go. From alternative and obscure destinations, it is one of the best places in the world. The country Georgia is may be small in the world of tourism. But one thing let us assure you that there is a lot to see in this beautiful country and a lot to do as well. As John Steinbeck said about Georgia, that “kind of second heaven”. This country is as beautiful and diverse and wonderful as people make it out to be.

This list brings together the best places to see in Georgia. It includes the places you have to see and unique places to visit during your stay. You have to personally visit them and the places mentioned in the list are of great recommendation. 

Best places to see in Georgia:

Georgia is a country with unique and beautiful places. It has a local history and traditions, a taste for regional cuisine. So now we discuss some attractive and best places to see in Georgia which includes its major cities. So when you visit Georgia, do try these top places and eat their top traditional dishes.

• Tbilisi

When you are going to visit Georgia, it is good to spend at least a few days in Tbilisi. It is the nation’s capital and a central point of arts, culture, and food. The history dates back to Tbilisi in at least the 5th century. And its position at the geographical and figurative crossroads of East and West has meant it’s always found a way to integrate the best of both worlds.

Tbilisi lies in a valley of huge mountains. There are cable cars between the mountains which are ready to whisk you towards beautiful views. The medieval Narikala Fortress and Soviet-embellished Mtatsminda face-off from opposing hills. Its like a standing guard over ancient churches. There are domed bathhouse of Abanotubani and modern marvels which include the Bridge of Peace and also a Rike Concert Hall.

The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is symmetry of all different religions, cultures, and traditions. The people here believe in Synagogues; Orthodox cathedrals, Armenian churches, and a mosque. They are all within walking distance of each other. While there are old bazaars and merchant’s mansions which are the mementos of the history of the city as a hub of trading. 

You can spend a couple of hours examining the heritage buildings in the Old Town. And also in Sololaki, which is Tbilisi’s oldest neighborhood. There is a Rove, the vibrant Dezerter Bazaar for all types of spices and churchkhela. Moreover, we cannot forget the iconic Dry Bridge Market for vintage trinkets. Get your mind fresh with some of Georgia’s most important museums and galleries. We are starting with the Folklore Museum, Soviet Occupation Hall at the National Museum, and the Open-Air Museum of Ethnography.

Famous in Tbilisi

There are the famous Tbilisi wine bars and Georgian restaurants which showcase the best of the country’s fresh produce. Also, the regional cuisines and there are organic winemaking techniques. Also, the beautiful boutiques and studios which trade in handmade supra-blue tablecloths, cloisonne enamel. And other beautiful objects satisfy all your desires and make you happy. 

Where to stay in Tbilisi?

When such a question pops up in your mind that where do you have to live in Tbilisi there is one great option. Fabrika Hostel & Suites is a good all-rounder with options. It is comfortable for every budget, from dorms to private suites.

• Kutaisi

Kutaisi is a smaller city than Tbilisi but with a completely different feel. Georgia’s second-biggest city tends to get out of the tourism world. Those people who are only visiting Kutaisi airport are making a big mistake. They are missing the opportunity to see one of the most charming cities in Georgia. Since the 6th century BC, Kutaisi is also the oldest city in Europe. In the Middle Ages, Kutaisi served as the political center of the Kingdom of Colchis. And later it became Georgia’s cultural capital. It is the stomping ground of countless poets, musicians, and scholars. Until Soviet times, when Kutaisi was retrofitted for industry and her skyline remolded.

People say that this city lost some of its charm in the process. But with all the cute restaurants and vintage tea houses that dot the town today. Moreover, there is calm and relaxation due to no over-crowded areas.

Go to the Green Bazaar and explore it on your own. Ride the cable car over the roaring Rioni river. If you want to ride, you can and step inside Kutaisi’s synagogue.It has one of the most beautiful sceneries in the region. On the outskirts of Kutaisi, you’ll find the UNESCO-Listed Gelati Monastery and the pretty Motsameta Monastery. They are linked together by a forest hiking trail. There is the best sunset spot in the city in Bagrati Cathedral where you can have picnic with your family.

Famous in Kutaisi

Kutaisi is the gateway to the Imereti region, the lush western portion of Georgia, which is known for its canyons, waterfalls, caves, and wineries. There are a lot  more things you must see within a day trip’s distance of Kutaisi.

Good for Lunch

Do not miss the opportunity to get the best lunch at Best Places To See In Georgia On Your Next Trip. It is also one of Kutaisi’s best budget eats. 

Where to stay in Kutaisi?

Kutaisi Hotel California is a comfortable guesthouse that is also in the center of town. You can stay in this hotel in Kutaisi. The owner of this hotel named Laila is a sweetheart and she will treat you like a family. 

• Batumi:

It is the biggest Black Sea resort in Georgia and the city has a reputation for being ‘the Las Vegas of the Caucasus’. But now that Batumi is undergoing something of a resurgence. But a lot of people come here not to visit but live here. It has a totally different vibe that will make you fall in love with this place in no time. Even if you are new in the city, you will feel really close to it. 

Batumi is a country where summer tourists have always been attracted for centuries. And the reason is Batumi still centers on the same old stretch of sand or pebbles away from the shoreline. Batumi has a slew of cool cafes. This city has creative spaces and an excellent art scene on its streets. The wonderful modern architecture is a highlight, and the Old Town is full of surprises. There is a wonderful market, a scenic aerial cableway, some urban hikes, and a lot of Western Georgia’s best national parks to the mix. And that what makes Batumi an all-around excellent destination.

Another exciting thing about visiting Batumi is getting acquainted with distinctive Adjarian culture and cuisine. Batumi is the birthplace of the famous Adjaruli Khachapuri and a range of other indulgent delicacies. There is a Boulevard in Batumi where you can walk or cycle, an idyllic pathway that stretches along the seafront. When you are feeling adventurous, you all need a cycle to the Turkish border. Batumi is an ever-evolving city that has so much to offer beyond the beach

Must visit place

When you are going to Batumi, you must visit the Botanical Garden, which is a gorgeous green space on the coast north of the city. You can do easy hiking trails and panoramic Black Sea views.

Where to stay in Batumi?

If you are thinking of staying in Batumi, there are some best and reasonable places to live. The Kartuli Hotel is one of the coolest accommodations in Georgia. It is located on the 37th floor of an apartment building, the sea and sunset views are gob-smacking. This hotel is also reasonable according to your budget. 

• Mtskheta 

Mtskheta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and the old kingdom’s capital for almost a millennium. This distance between Mtskheta and Tbilisi is not much more. It is just 20km from Tbilisi and it is popular as a day trip destination. It is easy to reach by taxi in under an hour or you can go on a combined visit to Gori. And use it as a stopover on your way from east to west.

Mtskheta played an important role in the evolution of Christianity in Georgia. And this small city of Georgia is packed with important churches as a result. The Historical Monuments of Mtskheta, which is one of the nation’s four UNESCO World Heritage sites, is also here. It comprises a set of monasteries noted for their frescoes and inscriptions in an early version according to the Georgian alphabet.

Must Visit 

When you visit Georgia, there is one more place you should visit Jvari Monastery, which was built in the 6th century on a hill above Mtskheta. The church itself is quite self-effacing inside, but the view from the churchyard is an incredible panorama. It is the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, one blue and the other emerald, which is simply magnificent. When you are going to visit Mtskheta, do not miss the opportunity to view the Jvari Monastery from the yard at Mtskheta Antioch.

Where to stay in Mtskheta:

You can stay in Mtskheta overnight rather than visiting as a day trip. Go and check out Best Places To See In Georgia On Your Next Trip geodesic domes just outside the city.

• Gori:

Gori is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin and is also home to the Stalin Museum. Gori is also known as Georgia’s premier dark tourism destination. When you come to Gori you visit the museum, which includes Stalin’s birth house and armored train carriage. This is a trip which you can do on your own, especially when you take the guide on your trip. You will get to know more about Gori, which we highly recommend you to do.

Stalin is certainly the city’s main claim to fame, but there’s a lot more to Gori than that. Once it has a pitstop on the Silk Road, Gori sits at the foot of a massive hill that is crowned with a distinctive stone fortress. It cascades down towards the edge of the river. If you climb to the top of the fortress, you will see the beautiful views over the plains of the Shida Kartli region. For even better views, venture further to Gori Jvari church. You can also take a short taxi ride or hike from town on the opposite bank of the river.

One of the cities of Georgia, Gori is a peaceful city with a lot of parks, tidy streets, and trellises that are covered in vines dripping with grapes. On the main street, there are many cafes and ice cream shops. In the old towns of Gori, there are some interesting brick architecture and backs onto a wonderful undercover produce market.

Beautiful place in Gori

Take some time to visit the Great Patriotic War Museum, which documents the 2008 conflict. It is just a few kilometers away and impacted the city profoundly. Do not miss a meal at Shin da Gori, the atmospheric restaurant which is run by local actor and entrepreneur Keta Lortkipanidze.

Where to stay in Gori?

There is a Guest House Nitsa which is a typical Georgian homestay run by the lovely Lia. Expect lots of old-fashioned hospitality and you will also get a lot of homemade wine.

• Telavi:

One of the best places to see in Georgia is Telavi. It is the biggest city of Georgia and the main transport spot in Kakheti, Georgia’s humongous eastern region. Due to its position in the Alazani Valley, it makes a great base for traveling the Wine Route. And you can visit many medieval monasteries, churches, and castles that stud the Kakhetian countryside.

From the 10th and 12th centuries and again in the 17th century, Telaviv was the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti. Historians often refer to it as the most ‘medieval’ city in Georgia. Because it is the only place where monuments from four historical periods stand completely side by side. In a simple language, Telavi is a history lover’s delight.

Today Telavi itself is a very pleasant, walkable city. It has an Old Town which is featuring restored Kakhetian balconies and a buzzing undercover bazaar. There is the Giant Plane Tree, a 900-year-old specimen, which is one of the Best Places To See In Georgia On Your Next Trip. And that is the pride and joy of Telaviv.

Outside the Telavi city, there is mammoth Alaverdi Cathedral lies along with the ruins of the Ikalto Academy. It is where the Georgian hero, Rustaveli, studied. Gremi, the former capital of Kakheti, is another point of interest.

Telavi has a lot of restaurants, wine bars, and family-run cellars to indulge in as well. It’s not as charming as Sighnaghi, the other hub in Kakheti. But it is a convenient starting point for exploring all this region has to offer.

Beautiful place to visit

Do not miss the chance to visit Tsinandali Estate and gardens, which is known as the former home of the noble Chavchavadze family. And is now a house museum and winery. If you fancy a splurge, there’s a very pleasant Radisson Collection hotel on the property.

Where to stay in Telaviv?

Go back to town, where Seventeen Rooms is a beautifully furnished boutique hotel with excellent views. For a budget guesthouse option, we highly recommend Guest House Lilia.

• Zugdidi:

In Georgia’s Western Samegrelo region, Zugdidi is the biggest city. Zugdidi is the place where you will submerge yourself in Megrelian culture and cuisine. Mostly the people come here for a few hours when they are on the way up to Svaneti. But it is worth it if you spend a night or two in Zugdidi to break the journey. Even if it is just because to eat from Georgia’s best restaurant, which is named  Diaroni. The specialty here is of course Megrelian food: Rich Kharcho, stringy Elarji, and also a creamy Gebzhalia.

In Zugdidi, you can learn about the legacy of the Dadiani family, Samegrelo’s old rulers. The immaculate Dadiani Palace and its private garden, which is now the city Botanical Gardens. It is unlike anything else you will see in Georgia. It is worth it if you take the ticket price of the museum to see the eerie bronze Napoleon Death Mask. You should go inside the French connection which is unexpected and enchanting. 

Things you can do in Zugdidi

Other things you can enjoy doing in Zugdidi will include a side trip to Rukhi Castle for a view of Abkhazia. You will enjoy while watching master potters make black-smoked ceramics at Orkol Studio.

Best place for Lunch

Do not miss one of the best places to eat in Zugdidi that is the Folk House. It is for a home-cooked meal and a private piano performance from the wonderful Besiki Tshitanava, a devotee of safeguarding Megrelian culture.

Where to stay in Zugdidi:

If you are traveling with your family, the best place to stay in Zugdidi is Case de Khasia. Itis the comfortable family-run guesthouse in Zugdidi with homely rooms and an outdoor terrace with best of their traditional detached kitchen.

Famous Dishes of Georgia 

• Biscuits & Gravy

No one knows who introduced the concept and combination of biscuits and gravy. It is noted that the South was the first to invent the hand-made biscuit. So when you made a mixture of  buttery, flaky biscuit with some thick, hot gravy, you get the ultimate Georgia dish.

• Fried Okra

Georgian people love their fried okra. They Best Places To See In Georgia On Your Next Trip give a nutty flavor to the vegetable to be amplified when it’s dunked in cornmeal and fried in a skillet. People of Georgia also prepare the dish another way by deep frying it after a bath of buttermilk, egg and flour.

• Grits

Grits is a Georgian dish that is used with breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can have grits in Georgia prepared in any way you would like, with butter and salt or with melted cheese. And for specialty they add shrimps in it. 

• Fried Green Tomatoes

The Fried Green Tomatoes was filmed right here in Georgia. Because Georgians make the best fried green tomatoes. It is a Southern dish that combines the flakiness of a deep fry with the sweetness of the green tomatoes. Prepare with a delicious sauce, and you will enjoy the perfect Georgian dish.

• Pecan Pie

Georgia is a producer of a lot pecans each and every year. The state is one of the top producers of this delicious nut. That’s why if ever you’re in Georgia, must try their best dessert dish which is pecan pie.

So, these are some of the best places in Georgia that are well-known for its beauty. These cities hold a special place for every traveler who have visited and experienced the culture here. Tusheti, Khevsureti, and Vashlovani are highly recommended if you are looking for Best Places To See In Georgia On Your Next Trip. 

Moreover, there are some other fun and free places here that will go light on your travel budget. Like any other famous destinations, it also offers luxury travel experience as well. You can enjoy boutique hotels and resorts, exotic spas and a fine dining experience.