Georgia is one of those countries still bursting with hidden gems. From the rugged mountainous landscapes of the Caucasus to cultural cities like Tbilisi and Kutaisi, to a delicious food and wine culture found throughout the country. The country has rightly been gaining popularity in recent years, because as far as we are concerned, Georgia is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. Its rich history, hospitable people and impressive landscapes make a trip through Georgia absolutely worthwhile. Quickly discover the 15 best things to do during your trip through Georgia.
What to do in Georgia
When you travel through Georgia you will notice how diverse this country is. From multi-day hikes in the Caucasus to wine tasting in the Kakheti region and discovering ancient monasteries scattered throughout the country. If you are traveling through Georgia then your journey will likely begin in the bustling capital city Tbilisi. In this city alone you can easily entertain yourself for several days. Because Georgia is not huge, it is a great destination where you can see a lot in two weeks. You can also stay in the capital Tbilisi and do various day trips from there.
You can get around in Georgia just fine by public transportation called “marshrutka. These minivans run daily between the main attractions in Georgia and is a local way of transportation. This is how we got around and it was a really fun way to really experience the country! The roads in Georgia are generally in good condition, so those who want to can also explore the country by renting a car. Please note that really remote places can only be reached with a 4×4 car.
1) Explore bustling Tbilisi
Your trip in Georgia will most likely start in Tbilisi, and you will quickly find that this is one of the most fun and surprising cities in Europe! This vibrant city has a historic location on the Silk Road and today is a nice mix between ancient charm and modern architecture. The most fun way to get to know the city is to join a Free Walking tour. In addition, a visit to the Narikala fortress and the sulfur baths should definitely not be missed. Furthermore, you will find many trendy restaurants and bars in this city to taste the delicious Georgian cuisine. Here you can read about the best things to do in Tbilisi!
2) Chronicle of Georgia
Just outside Tbilisi you will find the giant monument The Chronicle of Georgia. This monument consists of 16 pillars, each 30 meters high, which together tell the historical story of Georgia. All major events of the country’s past are depicted here. The Chronicle of Georgia overlooks the “Tbilisi Sea,” a huge lake where you can cool off, swim and practice various water sports in the summer. You can visit the monument for free and it is open 24/7.
3) Mtshketa: the ancient capital
Located 20 km from Tbilisi, the UNESCO city of Mtshketa was once the capital of Georgia. The 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral stands proudly in the center of this city. Around it you will find cobbled streets where you can buy all kinds of local products and food such as carpets, scarves and churchkela, a sweet Georgian version of snickers. You can Mtshketa is great to visit as a day trip from Tbilisi that includes a visit to the Jvari Monastery and the birthplace of Joseph Stalin.
4) Wine tasting in Kakheti
If you feel like exploring more of the culinary side of Georgia, then you should be in the Kakheti region be there! Indeed, Georgia, and Kakheti in particular, is the birthplace of wine with a history dating back 8,000 years. In the Kakheti region, you will find vast landscapes filled with vines with the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus in the background. Wine here is also still made the traditional way: in large, earthenware urns called qvevri. You can taste any of the 500 native grape varieties in the many local wineries, one of the most fun things to do in Georgia!
5) Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains.
Georgia is an ideal destination for any hiking enthusiast. This is because in the north of the country you will find the vast Caucasus Mountains. The main hiking areas are Svaneti, Kazbegi and Tusheti. The latter is also the most remote and can only be reached during the summer months, when all the snow has melted. You will find plenty of hikes in Georgia, ranging from simple day hikes to multi-day treks. All hikes are also well marked with signs. One of the best things to do in Georgia is the 4-day hike from Mestia to Ushguli. In this comprehensive travel guide you can read all about it and how to be prepared for it yourself!
6) Gregeti Trinity Church Kazbegi
Kazbegi (now known as Stepantsminda) is a mountain village located in the Caucasus Mountains and is one of the most unique places in Georgia. In the village, time seems to have stood still and life goes its mundane way where you see more cows and horses than cars in the streets. What is so special about Kazbegi is the Gergeti Trinity Church (Trinity Church). Located on a hill high above Kazbegi, this church is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. You can visit this photogenic place as a day trip from Tbilisi, but even better spend several days here to explore its beautiful surroundings.
7) Ushguli: the highest village in Europe
Another, unique village in the Caucasus Mountains is Ushguli. This UNESCO village is the highest settlement in Europe and takes you back in time. Located in the Svaneti region of Georgia, Ushguli is characterized for its many Svan towers. These medieval defense towers you see scattered throughout all the mountain villages in this region and is something you won’t find anywhere else. You can visit Ushguli as a day trip from Mestia or by taking a multi-day trek.
8) Cultural Kutaisi
Kutaisi is Georgia’s fourth largest city and is considered the cultural heart of the country. This is because many artists, poets and musicians used to live here. Now it is a pleasant city to stroll through with nice restaurants. At the Green Bazaar, you can browse among the locals. Kutaisi is also the gateway to the Imereti region in western Georgia where you will find canyons, caves and a very different wine region. Finally, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Gelati and Motsameta monasteries.
9) Sample Georgian cuisine
Georgian cuisine really blew us away. We didn’t know what to expect, but the local dishes in Georgia are incredibly delicious and diverse! Georgia has several local dishes of which khachapuri, a bread stuffed with cheese, or khinkali, dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables are the most famous. When you’re in Georgia, be sure to try as many as you can, because we didn’t eat a dish we didn’t like. And if you can, be sure to pair your dish with one of the many custom wines.
10) Century-old monasteries and churches
The religion in Georgia is the Georgian Orthodox Church, which is one of the oldest Christian faiths in the world. When traveling through Georgia, you will also notice how strong the religion is present in the country. You will find hundreds of ancient monasteries and churches scattered in every corner of the country, with some more impressive than others. We visited quite a few, and these are some of the most beautiful monasteries and churches that are definitely worth a visit during your trip through Georgia:
- David Gareja monastery in the Kakheti region
- Alaverdi monastery in the Kakheti region
- Gelati monastery near Kutaisi
- Motsamerta monastery near Kutaisi
- Sabema cathedral in Tbilisi
TRAVEL TIP: When entering a church or monastery, make sure that as a woman you always cover your hair and wear a long skirt. Men should wear long pants. You can usually find canvases at the entrance to churches that you may use.
11) Soaking up art in Batumi
Located on the Black Sea, the city of Batumi has a completely different feel from other cities in Georgia. Here you end up in a modern city with skyscrapers that is also called the “Las Vegas of the Caucasus. Batumi is characterized because of the many abstract art that colors the streetscape. In addition, thanks to its location, it is also one of the only places in Georgia where you can spend a day at the beach.
12) Canyons in Georgia
This is perhaps Georgia’s best-kept secret. In the east of the country you will find two impressive canyons to visit: Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon. The 14 km long Okatse Canyon is very impressive, thanks in part to the suspended walkway along the canyon and viewing platforms. Martvili Canyon, in turn, is beautiful thanks to its green surroundings and the clear, turquoise-blue water flowing through the canyon. Both are close to each other and can be visited as a day trip from Kutaisi. We found this to be one of the most fun things to do in Georgia!
13) Georgian Military Highway
Sometimes the journey is more beautiful than the destination, and that certainly applies to the Georgian Military Highway. This 200 km road takes you from Tbilisi to mountain village of Kazbegi, paving its way through the beautiful Caucasus Mountains. Despite its ominous name, Georgia’s military road is considered one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world. In addition to the impressive landscapes, you will pass interesting stops such as the Ananuri Fortress and the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument.
14) Cave dwellings
That Georgia has a rich history going back centuries you will notice when you step inside one of its cave houses and cave monasteries. These unique, archaeological complexes of chambers and caves are carved into rocky slopes. The Vardzia complex is the most famous and consists of a 500-meter-long steep rock face with more than 640 separate chambers spread over 13 levels. Another well-known complex is the Uplistsikhe complex, which is also easier to reach. This moon-like landscape is fun to explore on foot and let your imagination run wild about how people used to live here. Finally, the David Gareja Monastery is a fine example of a cave monastery.
15) Zoegdidi
We end this list of best things to do in Georgia with the lesser-known Zoegdidi. This town, located in western Georgia, you will undoubtedly pass by as you travel toward the Svaneti region. Still, it’s nice to stop here as well. You can visit the impressive Dadiana Palace with its botanical gardens. In addition, you will find that local dishes vary by region in Georgia, and Zoegdidi is a good place to sample Megrelian cuisine. These dishes tend to be spicier because more chili peppers and spices are used. Gomi (polenta with cheese) and Chkmeruli (chicken in garlic sauce) are both dishes to lick your fingers at.
These are undoubtedly the best things to do in Georgia, but there is so much more to see! You can find more itineraries and tips in our other blogs about Georgia.
Have you also been to Georgia and found it as wonderful a country as we did? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip to Georgia? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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