Georgia is in the middle of Europe and Asia. Its beautiful mountains, rich past, and lively culture make it a popular tourist destination. Georgia has amazing things to do, like drinking wine in Kakheti, camping in the Caucasus, or just walking around on the cobblestone streets of Tbilisi. Here are the top 10 places you can’t miss in this Eurasia gem.

1. Tbilisi: The Eclectic Capital

Key Points:

Old Town: Walk along the cobblestone streets and look at the pastel-colored homes with fancy wooden porches. See the Anchiskhati Basilica, which was built in the 1300s, and the Sioni Cathedral, which has St. Nino’s cross inside.

The Sulphur Baths (Abanotubani) are bathhouses with domes where you can soak. The Orbeliani Baths are famous for their blue tilework. Put it together with a scrub massage to really unwind.

Narikala Fortress: You can hike or take the cable car to get to this fortress from the 4th century and get a great view of the city and the Mtkvari River.

Vibes of Today: Walk along the Rike Park glass bridge, look at Soviet artefacts at the Dry Bridge Market, and visit the MOMA Tbilisi to see cutting-edge art.

2: Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): Mountain Majesty

  • Gergeti Trinity Church: This 14th-century church sits at 2,170m (7,120 ft) with Mount Kazbek (5,047m) as its backdrop. Hike (2-3 hours) or hire a 4×4 from Stepantsminda.
  • Truso Valley: Trek through mineral-streaked cliffs and abandoned villages to hidden waterfalls.
  • Juta Valley: A quieter alternative for hiking, with trails leading to Chaukhi Pass, a gateway to Tusheti.

Best Time: June–September for clear trails; winter offers snowy solitude.

3. Svaneti: Land of Towers & Legends

Highlights:

  • Mestia: The hub of Upper Svaneti. Visit the Svaneti Museum for medieval icons and the 9th-century Lagami Church. Take the Hatsvali Cable Car for mountain views.
  • Ushguli: A UNESCO site and Europe’s highest village (2,200m). Explore Lamaria Church and the Chazhashi towers.
  • Trekking: The 4-day Mestia-Ushguli trail passes glaciers, villages, and the Shkhara Glacier (Georgia’s highest peak).

Cultural Insight: Svans still use ancient defensive towers to store food and protect against avalanches.


4. Kutaisi: Gateway to Caves & History

Highlights:

  • Gelati Monastery (UNESCO): A 12th-century complex with golden mosaics and the tomb of King David the Builder.
  • Prometheus Cave: Boat through illuminated stalactite-filled chambers. Nearby, Martvili Canyon offers zip-lining over emerald waters.
  • Tskaltubo: A Soviet-era spa town with abandoned sanatoriums like Stalin’s Dacha.

Day Trips: Visit Okatse Canyon’s vertigo-inducing walkways or the dinosaur footprints at Sataplia Reserve.

5. Vardzia: The Underground Kingdom

Highlights:

  • Cave Complex: Explore 600+ rooms, including a throne hall, wine cellars, and the Church of the Dormition with 12th-century frescoes.
  • Rabati Castle: Combine with a visit to this multicultural fortress in Akhaltsikhe, blending Georgian, Ottoman, and Persian architecture.
  • Vanis Kvabebi: Nearby cave monastery with secret tunnels and panoramic views of the Mtkvari Gorge.

History: Built by Queen Tamar in 1185, Vardzia housed 2,000 monks before an earthquake destroyed 70% of it.

6. Batumi: Coastal Glamour

Highlights:

  • Batumi Boulevard: Cycle past the Ali & Nino Statue (kinetic lovers) and the Chacha Tower for free tastings of Georgia’s grape vodka.
  • Batumi Botanical Garden: Trek through 11 climatic zones, including a Japanese garden and bamboo forests.
  • Adjarian Cuisine: Try Adjarian khachapuri (cheese-filled bread with an egg) at Cafe Adjara.

Quirky Sights: The Alphabet Tower and upside-down Batumi House.

7. Kakheti: Wine & Spirituality

Highlights:

  • Telavi: Base for exploring Alaverdi Monastery (11th-century) and Tsinandali Estate, home to Georgia’s oldest wine cellar.
  • Sighnaghi: A walled “City of Love” with views of the Alazani Valley. Visit the Bodbe Monastery, St. Nino’s burial site.
  • Wine Tours: Sip qvevri wine at Schuchmann Wines or Pheasant’s Tears. Join a supra (feast) with polyphonic singing.

Pro Tip: Visit in September for the Rtveli grape harvest festival.

8. Uplistsikhe: Ancient Rock City

Highlights:

  • Cave Structures: Discover a 3,000-year-old complex with a pagan sun temple, amphitheater, and pharmacy.
  • Mtkvari River Views: Climb to the top for vistas of the river and surrounding plains.
  • Connection to Mtskheta: Part of Georgia’s ancient Silk Road network.

History: Once a major pagan center, it later became a Christian stronghold.

9. Mtskheta: Cradle of Georgian Christianity

Highlights:

  • Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (UNESCO): The “Life-Giving Pillar” church, where Christ’s robe is said to be buried.
  • Jvari Monastery: Perched on a hill, this 6th-century marvel inspired Lermontov’s poetry.
  • Samtavro Monastery: Visit the grave of St. Nino and a 1,500-year-old blackberry bush.

Festival: Attend the Svetitskhovloba (October 14) for religious processions.

10. Tusheti: Untamed Wilderness

Highlights:

  • Dartlo & Shenako: Hike between villages with stone towers and meet shepherds making guda cheese.
  • Omalo: The region’s main village, home to the Keselo Fortress.
  • Atsunta Pass: A 3-day trek linking Tusheti to Dagestan (Russia).

Logistics: Accessible only June–September via the Abano Pass (2,900m). Stay in guesthouses for authentic Tushetian hospitality.

Planning Essentials

  • Transport: Rent a car (4×4 for mountain regions) or use marshrutkas (shared minibuses).
  • Cuisine: Don’t miss khinkali (dumplings), lobiani (bean bread), and churchkhela (walnut candy).
  • Safety: Georgia is very traveler-friendly, but mountain hikes require local guides in remote areas.

By diving deep into Georgia’s landscapes, history, and traditions, this guide equips travelers to experience the country beyond the surface. Let the adventure begin!