The 17 things to do in Georgia

What to visit in Georgia? Discover all the must-see places to see during your stay in this exciting country.

Visiting Georgia is discovering a country with no other such, rich in wonderful landscapes and a unique cultural blend. This has nothing surprising for a border land as well as the border Russia that of Turkey located at the edge of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For millennia, Georgia has forged a unique identity, imbued with the influences of the great neighbouring powers but which has kept its own characteristics.

Today, she is increasingly turning to the West, while retaining the visible impression of her Soviet past. For a long time remaining away from the tourist circuits, this country, made 87% of mountains, now attracts many hikers and curious. It must be said that there are many things to do and to see in Georgia, as this little guide will show you. Ready for the big start?

1. Tbilisi

The Georgian capital is the main entry point in Georgia and a visit to be made absolutely. Built on the hillside, Tbilisi has airs of large villages and seduced by its diverse and picturesque architecture.

Watched by a massive fortress, it unfolds along the river of interlaces of alleys lined with typical houses with balconies and colourful cornices. Their quiet order is sometimes disturbed by majestic churches, buildings of eastern inspiration or severe Soviet buildings.

The ensemble is as charming as it is confusing, which deserves a few days of strolling. You can also enjoy the different baths of the city, known for its hot springs.

2. The troglodyte sites

Over the centuries, Georgians have had little choice but to learn the mountains, which cover most of their territory. To do this, they did not hesitate to dig the rock to build troglodyte cities and monuments that harmoniously cohabit with the natural setting. These troglodyte sites are breathtaking landscapes and are one of the things to do in Georgia.

Do not miss, in particular, the extraordinary troglodyte monastery of Vardzia . Located south of the country, the site has no less 3000 caves dug in the rock. In addition, Ouplistsikhé is another must-see visit to Georgia. This site is one of the oldest troglodyte cities in the Caucasus and has housed up to 20,000 inhabitants in its 700 caves .

3. La Svanétie

La Svanétie is a region of high mountains classified as the world heritage of Unesco. Indeed, its superb mountain landscapes also house a unique culture and heritage, resulting from a rich history. Originally a land of the Svanes, the Svanese passed by Byzantine hands before becoming a high place of Orthodox religion. Its difficult access situation allowed it to remain preserved for a long time and to maintain its unique culture.

Ushguli trek in Mestia

For hiking enthusiasts, if there is a trek to do in Georgia, it is the one who crosses the Svanétie from Ushguli to Mestia. In four days, you will cross beautiful landscapes where glaciers, rivers and forest live together. You will also discover picturesque traditional villages where you can take a stop at home for the night.

Ouchgouli

Ouchgouli is a community of four villages perched over 2000 metres above sea level. They are said to be the locality at the highest altitude in all Europe! This did not prevent them from receiving svane populations from the 9th or 10th century, as evidenced by the ancient guard towers.

4. Koutaïssi

After visiting Tbilisi, you wonder what other cities to do in Georgia? We can only recommend the visit of Kutaissi, which is the second largest city in the country. Calm, authentic and soothing, Koutaïssi is a pleasant step to make during a travelling trip to Georgia.

If nature is never far away, the city also seduces by its elegant city centre and its rich heritage. Do not miss the imposing cathedral with green roofs, the different Orthodox churches or the monastery of Motsaméta .

5. Monasteries

Georgia is a country of mountains, but also monasteries! We have already mentioned some above, but the country has a host of others. Some of them are particularly remarkable and are part of the classic visits to Georgia.

This is the case for example of the impressive monastery of David Gareja , located at the border with Azerbaijan and classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or even nice monastery of Alaverdi , which has long marked the geographical boundary between the world of Christianity and that of Islam.

6. Sighnaghi

Among the things to do in Georgia, do not miss the attractive town of Sighnaghi. Especially if you're traveling together! Indeed, its charm is such that Georgians consider it the “city of love”. Take the time to stroll through its pretty streets and immerse yourself in its postcard landscapes, lined with mountains.

In addition, Sighnaghi houses many attractions and heritage sites, including the famous monastery of Bodbe . You can also visit an interesting history museum.

7. Kazbegi / Stepantsminda

Sometimes nicknamed "Caucasian pearl", Georgia is crossed by the two Caucasus chains. The "great Caucasus" in the north and the "little Caucasus" in the south shape the landscapes of the country.

In addition to the Svanetia region, we recommend another step to enjoy the Caucasus Mountains. This is the city of Stepantsminda, also known as Kazbegi. Indeed, if the city itself has limited interest, it is the best starting point for sublime mountain hikes.

8. The fortress of Akhaltsikhé

Old 800 years old, Akhaltsikhé is a peaceful city that was once an important economic and historical centre. Testimony of this dynamic past, the Castle of Rabati is one of the visits to Georgia. Indeed, this citadel perched in height is particularly well preserved.

His neighbour, a mosque crowned with a golden dome, is also worth a look, as is the history museum of the fortress. Finally, Akhaltsikhé houses a very ancient synagogue.

9. The resorts

Georgia is above all a land of mountains, but it is also open to the Black Sea . Thus, the country has its lot of pleasant seaside resorts which can also constitute a visit to Georgia.

The most essential is the city of Batumi . Dynamic, it presents visitors with a rather modern face, although its long history has left him many interesting monuments. Don’t miss the unbelievable Notre-Dame Cathedral Between two sea baths.

10. The Touche

If you visit Georgia above all to enjoy the great air and natural landscapes, do not miss the beautiful region of the Touche. Inscribed to Unesco’s world heritage, it still lives at the pace of a millennium pastoral tradition.

In Touche, time seems to have stopped, and you will still find villages without running water and electricity. An idyllic setting for trekking lovers and singular cultural experiences.

11. Mtskheta

Some say from Mtskheta that it is the most beautiful city in the country. We therefore warmly invite you to judge for yourself, and certainly you will not be disappointed with the journey. Built at the foot of the hills, at the confluence of two rivers, it is a pretty peaceful city rich with a multitude of monuments to see. Indeed, it is the cradle of Georgian Christianity, which has earned it to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12. The mining town of Chiatura

If you like unusual tourism, the mining town of Chiatura is a visit to Georgia. Although it is very old, it has been deeply shaped by its industrial history of the time of the USSR.

One of the most remarkable testimonies of this time lies in the cable cars that fly over it. These were used to reach parts of the city perched on steep cliffs. On board one of the small cabins suspended in the vacuum, you will make a journey in time that will permanently mark you.

13. Ski resorts

Who says mountain, says winter sports! If you like skiing, you can enjoy your passage in the mountains of Georgia to make it. Located in the "little Caucasus", Bakouriani is the historical station of the country, already very popular in the time of the USSR, but also the most charming. Today, however, it is supplanted in terms of importance by Goudaouri , located in the "Grand Caucasus".

14. Gori

Gori is a visit to make for all history lovers. Indeed, it is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, to whom the city continues to pay surprising tributes. Thus, the museum dedicated to it has been unchanged since 1959 and thus constitutes a striking dive in the dark hours of the USSR.

The city has not generally been spared by history, but still remains rather pleasant. A visit to couple with that of the troglodyte site of Ouplistsikhé, located 10 kilometers away.

15. The wine route

Georgia is said to be the cradle of vine cultivation and wine production. This wine-making tradition has never faded in the country, and we still produce delicious beverages, especially in the region of the Kakhetia . Making the wine route of Georgia can be an excellent way to discover the country otherwise, by its crossing paths.

16. Thermal tourism

A country of mountains, Georgia is irrigated by multiple sources. Thus, the country has developed a hot tradition still alive. A Sairme or Borjomi , you can enjoy baths, care and other relaxing activities in a privileged setting.

17. Local specialties

Often unknown, Georgian gastronomy is worth a visit. In fact, the country was considered a land of high food for the USSR. It must be said that its culinary specialties, often vegetarian, are the result of a blending between local creations and European, perses and Middle Eastern influences.

Among the must-sees, don't miss the khachapuri , a practical melted cheese bread for a meal on the thumb. You will also have the opportunity to taste delicious stews, nourishing soups, or small ravioli called khinkali . All, watered with a good glass of local wine, of course!

How to go to Georgia?

Georgia’s main international airport is Chota Roustavéli airport Tbilisi. Located in the capital and in the heart of the country, it is served by direct links 4:30 from Paris.

There are also smaller international airports in Batumi and Koutaïssi, but these are not served directly from France. To find the flight that best suits you, we recommend using a flight comparison as Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Georgia?

It depends on your desires! The capital of the country, Tbilisi, is of course an excellent base-to-land where you will find a wide range of accommodations, but also activities. If you want to hike in the mountains, the city of Kazbegi (a.k.a. Stepantsminda) is a very good base camp. As for Batumi, it has all the facilities necessary for a pleasant seaside stay.

Anyway, don’t hesitate to use a Compare hotels or to visit the site Airbnb to find the perfect accommodation.

Georgia has so many treasures that it is difficult to offer a comprehensive overview. But with this guide, you should now have a clear vision of the main things to do in Georgia. We wish you a great trip to this fascinating country.