Things to see and do in Georgia
Attractions in Georgia
Batumi
Set on the Black Sea coast, Batumi combines a subtropical climate with bold modern architecture and a lively seaside promenade. Palm-lined boulevards, beaches, and nightlife give the city a resort feel, especially during the summer months.
Borjomi
Known for its mineral water and forested surroundings, Borjomi has long been a spa destination. Nearby Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park offers hiking trails, fresh air, and expansive mountain scenery.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
One of the largest national parks in Europe, Borjomi-Kharagauli protects vast forests, alpine meadows, and mountain ridges in central Georgia. Well-marked hiking trails range from short walks to multi-day treks, offering solitude, fresh air, and sweeping views of the Lesser Caucasus.
David Gareji monastery complex
Located in a stark semi-desert landscape near the Azerbaijan border, the David Gareja monastery complex combines religious history with striking scenery. Frescoes, cave churches, and wide-open views give the site a powerful sense of isolation and scale.
Greater Caucasus Mountains
The Greater Caucasus stretches across the north of Georgia in a dramatic sweep of high peaks, deep valleys, and remote villages. These mountains offer outstanding opportunities for hiking, trekking, skiing, snowboarding, and ski touring. Well-established ski resorts such as Gudauri and Bakuriani cater to a wide range of abilities, with reliable snow cover usually from December to April.
Kakheti wine region
Georgia's premier wine region is a highlight for food and wine lovers. Rolling vineyards, historic estates, and traditional qvevri winemaking offer insight into a wine culture that stretches back thousands of years, with charming towns such as Sighnaghi adding to the appeal.
Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
Surrounded by the high peaks of the Greater Caucasus, Kazbegi is one of Georgia's most dramatic mountain destinations. The iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched above the town with Mount Kazbek behind it, is one of Georgia's most recognisable sights.
Kutaisi
One of Georgia's oldest cities, Kutaisi is a relaxed base for exploring western Georgia. Nearby highlights include historic monasteries, dramatic canyons, and caves, while the city itself offers leafy streets, markets, and a slower pace than the capital.
Mtirala National Park
Set close to the Black Sea coast near Batumi, Mtirala National Park is known for its lush subtropical forests and high rainfall. Walking trails lead through thick greenery to waterfalls and viewpoints, offering a cooler, greener contrast to the nearby coast.
Mtskheta
Once the capital of the early Georgian kingdom, Mtskheta is one of the country's most important religious centres. Its historic churches and hilltop monasteries, including Jvari and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, make it a powerful introduction to Georgia's Christian heritage.
Sighnaghi
Often called the 'City of Love', Sighnaghi sits on a hilltop overlooking the Alazani Valley. Its preserved walls, cobbled streets, and sweeping views of the Caucasus make it one of Georgia's most picturesque small towns.
Svaneti
This remote highland region is known for its stone villages and medieval defensive towers set against rugged alpine scenery. Parts of Upper Svaneti, including Ushguli, are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Mestia and Ushguli serving as gateways to stunning hiking routes and glaciers.
Tbilisi
Georgia's capital is a compelling mix of old and new, where crumbling balconies, sulphur bathhouses, and ancient churches sit alongside modern cafés, galleries, and wine bars. The old town's winding streets are best explored on foot, while viewpoints above the city reveal a dramatic setting in the Mtkvari River valley.
Uplistsikhe
One of Georgia's oldest settlements, Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-hewn town with caves, halls, and temples carved directly into sandstone cliffs. It offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Christian history and early urban life.
Vardzia
Carved into a cliff face above the Mtkvari River, Vardzia is a vast cave monastery complex dating from the 12th century. Its tunnels, chambers, and churches reveal an extraordinary feat of medieval engineering in a remote southern landscape.
Vashlovani National Park
In eastern Georgia, Vashlovani protects a striking semi-desert landscape of canyons, cliffs, and steppe. Its dramatic scenery feels more Central Asian than Caucasian and is best explored by four-wheel-drive, offering a very different side of Georgia's natural environment.