Things to do in Georgia – 25 attractions and experiences

Text and photo: Helena Bergström

What to see and do in Georgia? This is a country that truly surprises, with an exciting mix of dramatic landscapes, historical sights and a food culture that is quickly becoming a favorite. Whether you are attracted by mountains, wine regions or lively cities, there are plenty of experiences to fill your trip with.

Things to do in Georgia – our best tips

We have traveled around in Georgia and discovered both classic sights and more unexpected gems. The country is relatively small but contains an impressive variety, from high mountains to coast and vineyards. It is also an affordable destination where you get a lot of experiences for your money. Here we have collected our best tips for things to see and do in Georgia.

25 things to see and do in Georgia

1. Discover Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a city that quickly captures your interest with its mix of old and new. Colorful houses, old churches and modern architecture coexist in a wonderful mix. The old city center is perfect for exploring on foot, with narrow alleys and cozy cafes. Don't miss the Bridge of Peace and the charming leaning clock tower!

READ MORE: Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia - our top 20 tips

2. Visit the Kakheti wine region

Kakheti is Georgia’s most famous wine region and a must-see for all wine enthusiasts. Wine is produced here using traditional, thousand-year-old methods, and you can visit various local wineries to sample Georgian wines. The landscape is rolling and beautiful, with vineyards as far as the eye can see.

READ MORE: Wine in Georgia - a visit to the Kakheti wine region

3. Learn about the qvevri method, amber wine, and supra parties

Georgia is often considered the cradle of wine, with traces of winemaking found in jars that are 8,000 years old. You can learn about the ancient qvevri method, sample amber wine (orange wine) and hear stories of supra parties with a so-called ”tamada” (Georgian toastmaster). In addition to visiting wine regions, there are also various wine museums to discover.

4. Hang out in Sighnaghi – City of Love

Sighnaghi, located in the wine region of Kakheti, is one of Georgia’s smallest cities, with only around 1,500 inhabitants, but the charming place still attracts quite a few tourists. And what else can you expect from a city called the ”City of Love”?

Sighnaghi is located on a mountaintop with beautiful views over the Alazani Valley. It is full of walls, towers, ornate balconies and restaurants.

5. Be fascinated by Gergeti Trinity Church

Gergeti Trinity Church is dramatically situated at the foot of Mount Kazbek. The church is one of Georgia's most iconic sites and attracts photographers and hikers alike. The views of the mountains are spectacular, especially on clear days. We got here by regular car, which is fine if the road conditions are not difficult due to winter weather.

6. Follow the Georgian Military Highway

The Georgian Military Highway is one of the most famous stretches of road in the country. The dramatic road winds through mountainous landscapes and offers stunning views, while passing landmarks such as the Ananuri Fortress and the Jinvali Reservoir. We stopped and took pictures the entire time we were driving here!

7. See the Monument of Friendship between Georgia and Russia

The Georgia-Russia Friendship Monument is located along the Georgian Military Highway and is a popular stop along the way. Built during the Soviet era, the monument consists of a semicircular structure with colorful mosaics depicting historical scenes.

It was freezing cold when we were here, but also stunningly beautiful and with an unexpectedly wonderful atmosphere with catchy music and happy tourists.

8. Drive through Georgia

Driving through Georgia is one of the best ways to discover the country. The roads take you through wine regions, mountain passes and small villages where life moves at a slower pace. This gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints and spontaneous sights along the way. Please note that the standard of the roads varies, that you will encounter everything from sheep to dogs and that many drivers have a rather reckless way of driving.

READ MORE: Driving in Georgia - high mountains and beautiful views

9. Explore Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

Kazbegi is a small mountain village that has become a favorite among travelers. The area is known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful hiking trails. Here you can enjoy fresh air, a peaceful atmosphere and impressive views. Coming here was both exotically refreshing and a memory for life!

READ MORE: Visiting Kazbegi – our best tips

10. Take a trip to Juta

The small mountain village of Juta is a popular excursion destination near Kazbegi. The village, which is one of the highest residential areas in all of Europe, is located 2,200 meters above sea level. The village has both hotels and restaurants, although none were open when we were here in November. There are also hiking trails in the area.

11. Be impressed by the cave city of Uplistsikhe

Uplistsikhe is one of Georgia's most fascinating historical sites. High on a cliff, right next to the Mtkvari River, are rooms carved into the rock, where people lived from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages.

The earliest traces of human presence in Uplistsikhe can be dated back to 2000 BC. Today you are welcome to stroll around the tunnels, halls and viewpoints. Fascinating!

12. Vacation in Batumi

Batumi is a popular holiday destination on the Black Sea. The area offers a subtropical climate and the city is different from anything else we have experienced in Georgia. Here you will find spectacular high-rise buildings, casinos, restaurants and entertainment. There is also a beach and a long, beautiful promenade, lined with palm trees. A completely different feeling compared to Tbilisi!

READ MORE: Things to do in Batumi – 16 tips for a pearl on the Black Sea

13. Stroll in Batumi Botanical Garden

Batumi Botanical Garden is a fantastically beautiful botanical garden in Batumi. Thanks to the subtropical climate, plants from a large part of the world can thrive and flourish here. From the large park you also have a wide view of the Black Sea.

14. Visit Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum

This museum in Batumi is small and simple, but for a Swede it is still fascinating to visit a Georgian museum that is about two Swedish brothers. Alfred Nobel's older brothers, Ludvig and Robert, once started the oil company Branobel, which transported oil from Azerbaijan to Batumi, and then westward to the rest of Europe.

15. Hiking in the Svaneti region

Svaneti is one of Georgia's most unique regions, known for its special medieval defensive towers. This is one of the places we didn't have time to visit during our tour, but we still want to mention it.

The landscape of Svaneti is dramatic with high mountains and deep valleys. The main town is called Mestia and can serve as a base for hikes and excursions, for example to Ushguli, one of Europe's highest permanently inhabited villages.

16. Explore Mtskheta

Mtskheta is one of Georgia's oldest cities and formerly served as the capital. There are several important religious buildings here, including the fine Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The city is beautifully situated at the confluence of two rivers, and is a great day trip from Tbilisi.

17. See the Ananuri Fortress

Ananuri is a well-preserved fortress located on the Jinvali Reservoir. The combination of historical architecture and beautiful nature makes the place extra special. Here you can walk around among the towers and churches, while enjoying the view over the water.

18. Visit Vardzia Cave Monastery

Vardzia is a large cave monastery that stretches along a cliff face, and although we didn’t have time to visit this place ourselves, it feels important to mention it. The complex was built in the 12th century and consists of hundreds of rooms. Here you can explore tunnels, churches and viewpoints.

19. Drink mineral water in Borjomi

The resort town of Borjomi is famous for its mineral water, which is exported all over the world. Here you can visit Borjomi Central Park and taste the water directly from the spring. The area is surrounded by lush nature and mountains. It is a great place for relaxation and fresh air.

READ MORE: Visiting Bordzjomi - a relaxed spa town in Georgia

20. See historical sights in Kutaisi

Kutaisi is one of Georgia's oldest cities and an important cultural center. It is home to several attractions such as the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati Monastery. For us, it was a nice stop, with lunch and sightseeing, on the drive from Batumi back to Tbilisi.

Nearby you will also find the Prometheus Cave, which is one of the most impressive caves in Georgia.

21. Visit the Joseph Stalin Museum in Gori

In Gori, where Joseph Stalin was born, there is a museum dedicated to his life. Here you can get an insight into a controversial part of history, with exhibitions showing both propaganda and personal items. The museum also includes the house where he grew up and his private train carriage. We had an interesting and thought-provoking visit here.

22. Take a boat trip through Martvili Canyon

Martvili Canyon is a place worth mentioning, even if we haven't visited it ourselves. The canyon offers lush greenery, turquoise water and dramatic rock formations, and you can walk or take a boat trip.

23. Bathe in Tbilisi's sulfur baths

Sulfur baths in Tbilisi is one of the city's most classic experiences. Most of the baths are located in the Abanotubani area and have been in use for centuries. Here you can relax in warm mineral-rich baths, while taking in the city's history. For us, this was one of the most memorable experiences in the capital.

24. Try Georgian food

Georgian cuisine is a big part of the trip. Dishes like khachapuri (cheese bread) and khinkali (dumplings) are both flavorful and filling. We also like the vegetable stir-fry (pkhali) that is often served as a starter to the meal, along with bread.

READ MORE: What to eat in Georgia - 15 Georgian dishes

25. Go skiing in Gudauri

Georgia has become an increasingly popular destination for skiing, not least thanks to affordable facilities. Gudauri is the most famous area and attracts with its high altitude, good snow conditions and off-piste opportunities. Combining skiing with Georgian food and culture can of course make the trip extra memorable.

• Ski holidays with Apollo to Georgia
• Skiing and restaurants in Gudauri

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