Georgia is a country steeped in culture, history, and an abundance of architectural treasures. With tens of thousands of attractions—both man-made and natural—many of which are recognized by UNESCO and featured in various rankings and collections, this guide will help you navigate and select the most captivating destinations for your Georgian holiday.
Tbilisi, the capital of beautiful Georgia, is the ideal starting point for anyone visiting the country for the first time. This vibrant city serves as the tourist, historical, and cultural heart of Georgia.
In Tbilisi, you’ll find an array of popular attractions—palaces, theaters, museums, squares, parks, and charming narrow streets lined with ancient temples. The Old Town, in particular, holds a special allure for visitors. Stroll through the charming district of sulfur baths, discover a hidden waterfall, and visit the ancient Metekhi Church. Be sure to ascend to Narikala Fortress—whether on foot or via the cable car—and capture breathtaking panoramic views of the winding streets of Old Tbilisi from above.
Seek out the city’s oldest church, the Anchiskhati Basilica, built in the 6th century, located near the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. Take a leisurely walk along Rustaveli Avenue and don’t miss the National Museum of Georgia, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts. End your day by watching the sunset from one of Tbilisi’s lovely terraces, ensuring that this day remains etched in your memory forever!
Close to the modern capital lies the ancient and sacred city of Mtskheta. Once the capital of the kingdom for centuries, Mtskheta remains a popular destination for visitors to Georgia.
As a spiritual and religious center, Mtskheta was the first site in Georgia to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What can you do in Mtskheta? Visit one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the country, the stunning Svetitskhoveli. Here, you’ll find remarkable frescoes and ancient icons, as well as intricate stone patterns and reliefs of various shades and textures. Wander the cobbled streets of Old Mtskheta, visit the ancient Samtavro Monastery complex, and the jewel of medieval Georgian architecture, the Jvari Monastery.
This revered site is believed to be built on the very spot where Saint Nina erected the first cross in these lands. Jvari is also famous for its breathtaking views from the observation platform, where you can see the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, the streets of Mtskheta, and the majestic Svetitskhoveli.
You can easily visit Mtskheta and Jvari in a single day, either on a guided tour or independently. The ancient city is located along the famous Georgian Military Road, the most beautiful historical highway in Georgia. Since the 19th century, this road has connected Vladikavkaz and Tbilisi and is known for its numerous attractions.
One highlight is the ancient citadel, the Ananuri Fortress. Due to its impressive walls and picturesque location, Ananuri has become a popular destination for visitors to Georgia. Situated on the banks of the Jinvali Reservoir and surrounded by emerald mountains, this fortress once served as a defensive stronghold against invaders and is now open to tourists. Take a stroll around the fortress grounds, visit the church, and enjoy the views from the fortress walls.
You can also visit Ananuri on your way to Stepantsminda, a high-altitude area that is popular for many reasons. It serves as an excellent starting point for conquering the famous five-thousander, the magnificent Kazbek. The village of Stepantsminda, where many hikes begin, is known for its stunning panoramas and affordable guesthouses with mountain views. Additionally, this is where you’ll find the best viewpoint in the country, overlooking the mountains, valleys, and picturesque villages surrounding the Holy Trinity Church. The Trinity Church, or Gergeti Sameba, was built in the Middle Ages and remains an active place of worship today.
Make sure to include the observation points, the Friendship Arch, and the Cross Pass in your list of attractions. If you have time, consider visiting Gudauri—the best ski resort in Georgia. In winter, you can ski here, and in summer, take a lift to soar into the skies and explore one of the hiking trails.
One of Georgia’s unique attractions is its cave cities, rich in history. The largest of these cave complexes is Vardzia, a city carved into the rock above the Kura River, stretching nearly a kilometer!
Here, you’ll find approximately 600 caves—residential spaces, utility buildings, libraries, churches, monk cells, passages, and corridors. Don’t miss the Assumption Church, the central temple of the monastery complex, built during the reign of Queen Tamar, which preserves 12th-century frescoes.
Another remarkable cave city is Uplistsikhe. With a history spanning over three millennia, this unique site is one of the oldest settlements in Georgia, having developed in isolation. The first caves, more than 700 in total, were carved into the mountainside in the 1st millennium BC. Descendants of those early settlers inhabited the cave city until the 19th century. According to one theory, Uplistsikhe translates to “God’s Fortress,” as it has long been a religious center, initially pagan. Thanks to its geographical features—cliffs on one side and the river on the other—Uplistsikhe managed to withstand invaders. It is believed that Queen Tamar was crowned here. Today, Uplistsikhe is an open-air museum, accessible year-round.
The main attraction in southern Georgia and the city of Akhaltsikhe is Rabati Fortress. This powerful medieval citadel spans 7 hectares, making it the largest fortress in the country!
The fortress is built in two tiers, upper and lower, and is protected by massive stone walls. In the upper section, you can visit the Hajji Ahmed Pasha Mosque, the historical museum, a church, and the castle of the Djakeli princes.
The decoration of the fortress is dominated by Eastern motifs, harmoniously integrating carved gazebos, fountains, and bath domes. This site is not only a piece of Georgian heritage but also an example of Ottoman cultural influence.
Be sure to enter the Djakeli Castle and climb the spiral staircase to the observation deck, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire fortress, the city, and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the fortress walls feature four towers, which you can also ascend for an even better view of the landscape.
No visit to Georgia is complete without experiencing its most famous brand—Borjomi. This small town in the southeastern part of the country is rightfully regarded as a unique balneological resort. It is renowned worldwide for its healing mineral water and is also home to a nature reserve of enchanting beauty.
Borjomi lies in a picturesque gorge, its slopes covered with coniferous and deciduous forests, surrounded by the majestic Caucasus Mountains. The healing mineral springs, clean air, pleasant climate, and stunning nature make Borjomi a popular destination for those seeking wellness. Thousands of tourists come here to relax and rejuvenate, with numerous sanatoriums and hotels providing all the amenities for a comfortable stay. Borjomi, Rabati Fortress, and Vardzia are located close to each other, making it easy to combine these visits into one trip.
Kakheti is the land of wine and romance, the pride of Georgian winemaking. Kakhetian wines, such as “Alazani Valley,” “Kinzmarauli,” “Akhasheni,” and “Mukuzani,” are sought after worldwide.
Kakheti boasts numerous shrines, fortresses, and historical monuments worth seeing. One of the most charming towns in Kakheti is Signagi. This quaint and tidy town, perched on terraces connected by winding streets, is beautiful no matter where you go. Parks, monuments, squares, narrow cobblestone streets, carved balconies, and bright houses with red-tiled roofs, all enveloped in vibrant greenery, make Signagi a cozy and harmonious place.
Signagi is also known as the city of love, and to affirm this, the Wedding Palace operates around the clock in this unique town. Don’t forget to stroll along the walls of the medieval fortress, where the views of the Alazani Valley are simply stunning!
Just two kilometers from Signagi lies the Bodbe Monastery, famous for being the burial site of Saint Nina, the enlightener of Georgia. Nestled at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, it offers a stunning view of the Alazani Valley.
Be sure to visit the central church, which is beautiful both inside and out, and take a walk around the well-kept grounds. Throughout the centuries, the monastery has witnessed numerous historical events, serving as a center of knowledge and enlightenment, and even as a coronation site for Georgian kings. This is an excellent destination for restoring inner peace, tranquility, and harmony.
For extraordinary views, visit the David Gareja cave complex. Founded in the early 6th century, it comprises 20 monasteries located in the cliffs along the Gareja Ridge. The Lavra of David, the main part of the complex, contains ancient frescoes and mosaic fragments depicting saints and kings of ancient Georgia. This site is unique and is recommended by guides as one of the most unusual places in the Caucasus. The observation platforms offer breathtaking views of the endless expanses. You can visit this site independently or on a guided tour, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring a map of the complex, and carry a bottle of water.
Another stronghold of Christianity is found in Kutaisi, the capital of ancient Colchis. If you’re interested in the history of religion, a visit to the Bagrati Cathedral, built in 1003 as a symbol of the unification of Georgia, is a must. This impressive cathedral is perched on a high hill overlooking the Rioni River, offering stunning views of Kutaisi.
Another significant site is the Gelati Monastery, which became the final resting place for the kings of Imereti. Founded in the 12th century by King David the Builder, who found peace here, Gelati was a center of ecclesiastical and cultural life in the country. The frescoes and mosaics that adorn the temples of the complex are considered some of the finest in the entire South Caucasus. In the Middle Ages, the famous Gelati Academy was located here. Today, Gelati is an active male monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not far from Gelati, amidst beautiful untouched nature, lies the Motsameta Monastery. This ancient male monastery is said to grant wishes.
Motsameta was founded by King Bagrat and is named after the brothers who were martyred by Arab invaders. The monastery is situated on the slope of a deep canyon, and the views from the complex are breathtaking. Surrounding mountains, covered in emerald forests, soar into the sky, while eagles glide above. Far below, the Rioni River rushes through the canyon, flowing around massive boulders.
The best way to see these magnificent cathedrals is to stay in Kutaisi itself or make a day trip from Batumi. Batumi is the capital of the Adjara resort region and is worth visiting for its beautiful sea and wonderful subtropical climate.
Adjara is home to impressive national parks such as Mtirala, Machakhela, and the magnificent Batumi Botanical Garden. The nature of Adjara is rich with waterfalls, lakes, mountain rivers, and beaches. Yet, most tourists come here primarily for Batumi.
The regional capital attracts visitors from all over the world. Batumi surprises with its diversity, originality, and the blend of old and new, classic and modern, along with trendy design concepts. The city features well-kept parks, a luxurious waterfront—the longest in the country—along with theaters, squares, fountains, art statues, clubs, casinos, and many kilometers of excellent beaches.
Be sure to take a stroll along the Seaside Boulevard, which has been famous since Soviet times and has been revitalized in recent years. Ride the Ferris wheel or take the “Argo” cable car, where you can enjoy panoramic views of all of Batumi. And don’t miss a walk through the city at night, as Batumi sparkles and glimmers, truly resembling a Georgian Las Vegas!
As the cherry on top of Georgia’s beauty and attractions, we have the magnificent Svaneti! This rugged and incredibly beautiful region is a kingdom of mountains and stunning landscapes. It is divided into Upper and Lower Svaneti by the Svaneti Range, with Upper Svaneti, centered around the town of Mestia, being more popular among tourists.
Here, you’ll find the highest mountains in Georgia, with snow-capped peaks and glaciers standing guard over this tranquil land. In the summer, waterfalls roar, alpine meadows bloom, and mountain streams with crystal-clear spring water flow through pristine forests, all under a clear blue sky.
Particular attention is drawn to the towering peaks of Shkhara, which rises to 5,193 meters, making it the highest point in Georgia, and Ushba, standing at 4,710 meters. These majestic mountains are visible from almost everywhere. At the foot of Mount Shkhara lies the high-altitude village of Ushguli, situated 2,200 meters above sea level. The tourist village of Mestia is home to medieval watchtowers, and nearby is the Hatsvali ski resort with a cable car.
The landscapes of Svaneti are further enriched by the ancient stone towers, which were built by families for habitation and defense. The most interesting examples can be found in Mestia and the village of Ushguli, whose unique appearance is protected by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of humanity.