16 Best Things To Do in Kutaisi, Georgia

Are you planning a trip to Georgia (the country)? Here are 16 things to do in Kutaisi, Georgia’s third-largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited in the world.

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I traveled to Kutaisi in October 2024 and loved it. It was my first time in Georgia and the first city I visited, but it made me immediately fall in love with the country. Kutaisi has its own airport with many low-cost flights from several European cities, so it’s a great destination for budget travelers.

From the airport, you can catch a shuttle bus that departs every two hours or a taxi. I recommend downloading the app Bolt for taxis around Georgia, as it’s usually cheaper and safer. Plus, you always know ahead of time what you’ll be paying. If you catch a regular taxi, be sure to ask for the price in advance.

Kutaisi is fairly small, so you can easily get around on foot. It feels more like a big village than a city. You can visit the main sights even in one day, but I recommend spending at least two full days in Kutaisi and possibly a couple more for day trips in the surrounding area.

Kutaisi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Many people don’t know this, but Georgia is a really old country whose territories have been inhabited since prehistory. Plus, it’s the country with the oldest winemaking tradition, dating back 8000 years. So there is a lot to discover here.

Now, let’s get into the things to do in Kutaisi, Georgia. While this may not be an exhaustive list, I think it’s pretty complete, especially for first-time visitors.

Visit the Bagrati Cathedral

Sitting on a hilltop overlooking the center of Kutaisi, Bagrati Cathedral is a must-see when visiting the Georgian city. The cathedral was a UNESCO World Heritage Site until recently, but unfortunately, it was removed from the list due to renovation works that, according to the organization, affected its authenticity.

Regardless, the Bagrati Cathedral is an impressive sight. Plus, its position at the top of a hill just outside the center of Kutaisi makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a sweeping city view, particularly around sunset.

Entrance to the cathedral is free of charge. Just remember that in Georgia all women should cover their heads. You will usually find a box of scarves at the entrance of every church, but I soon realized I wasn’t a fan of that. I started carrying a thin scarf in my backpack to easily pop on whenever I entered a church.

Watch the Colchis Fountain Light Up at Night

The Colchis Fountain is one of Kutaisi’s top tourist attractions, so you can’t miss it. The monument dominates the central square of Kutaisi and will capture your attention even during peak hours when dozens of cars drive around the roundabout it stands on.

The fountain is dedicated to the ancient region of Colchis, in the western part of modern Georgia. The figures on the fountain are enlarged replicas of Colchis jewelry representing various figures, from the two horses on top to various other animals and the iconic Tamada, the Georgian toastmaster.

If during the day the golden figures glisten in the sun, at night, the fountain lights up in different colors. Get closer to check out the figures but pay attention to traffic. There is no pedestrian crossing anywhere, you just need to find the right moment to make it across the square. Good luck!

Enjoy the Views from the White Bridge

The White Bridge may be my favorite spot to enjoy the view of the Rioni River and the Soviet-era cable car slowly sliding up and down from Besik Gabashvili Park. The view is particularly lovely in the late afternoon as the last sun rays filter through the trees and cast a golden shimmer on the Old Town buildings.

Initially built in 1850 and restored in 1870 after being destroyed in 1860, the pedestrian bridge gets its name from the metal pieces all painted in white. After the 2019 renovation, some of its tiles were replaced with glass, while the iron ones carry inscriptions of Georgian poems.

The White Bridge is quite a romantic spot for a stroll, partly due to the tradition of young men proving their love by diving off the bridge and into the waters below. The Picasso’s Boy statue sitting on the bridge railing with two hats in his hands is a symbol of the tradition.

Catch the Soviet-era Cable Car

Georgia is known for its many cable cars. You’ll find several of them in pretty much every big city and even some smaller ones. Kutaisi is no exception but compared to the modern cable cars you’ll find in Batumi and Tbilisi, Kutaisi still rocks the Soviet-era cable car connecting the city center to the Besik Gabashvili Park.

I personally find the Kutaisi Soviet-era cable car, aka aerial tramway, quite charming. Yes, the two tiny cabins look very old, but that’s what makes them so fascinating. Every cabin only fits up to 8 people standing and a one-way ride is 3 lari (so roughly 1€).

The ride is quite slow as the cable cars slide lazily over the Rioni River, offering beautiful views of the city below. From the upper station, you can enjoy a sweeping view of Kutaisi. Once you step outside the station, you’ll find a Soviet-era amusement park.

There really isn’t much more to see in Besik Gabashvili Park, but I enjoyed checking out the old Ferris wheel and the other attractions. From here, you can either walk toward the Bagrati Cathedral or catch the cable car back down, which is what I did.

Stroll Through the Botanical Garden

The Kutaisi Botanical Garden may not be as renowned as the impressive Batumi one, but it’s a cool place to enjoy a stroll in nature. From the center of Kutaisi, cross the Red Bridge and turn right, then walk roughly 20 minutes along the river until you find the garden entrance.

I’ll be completely honest with you. The botanical garden itself isn’t the most impressive I’ve seen. However, there is one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss, and that is the chapel carved inside an oak tree.

The main reason I visited the garden was to see this little chapel. I think it’s the tiniest and most unique chapel I have ever seen. A stained-glass door opens onto a hollowed-out tree trunk that fits two people standing, at most. Inside, you can see various icons hanging on the tree walls and a tiny, stained-glass window in the top left corner.

Aside from the chapel, you can walk along the alleyways to check out the various trees, smell the roses in the tiny rose garden, and take some pictures with the fairy tale structures scattered around, like the cute carriage near the entrance. Entry to the botanical garden is only 5 lari, so less than 2€/2$.

Admire the City View from Mtsvanekvavila Temple

After checking out Kutaisi’s top tourist spots, I recommend walking to Mtsvanekvavila Temple. This church is a bit off the beaten path, so you won’t find many people around. I came across a kind local who wanted to chat and tell me about the city, but we unfortunately didn’t share any common language. With my very basic Russian, I could understand a few words and grasp general ideas, but it was nice to witness his openness and enthusiasm.

You’ll find the church on the right side as you enter the courtyard. You can enter for free and admire the colorful icons. After visiting the church, walk through the small cemetery to find the viewpoint.

I love this view because it encompasses the entire old town of Kutaisi, the Rioni River, and the Bagrati Cathedral. If you have the time, I highly recommend adding this viewpoint to your Kutaisi itinerary.

Shop for Local Treats at the Green Bazaar

No visit to Kutaisi would be complete without a stroll through the vibrant Green Bazaar. Whether you just want to wander around to check out the colorful produce stands or shop for fresh fruits and veggies, you must head to this market.

The Green Bazaar has it all! There’s a big area with dozens of stands selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, an area for cheese, fish, meats, and my favorite, the local treats like churchkhela, tklapi, and dried fruits.

If you want to try churchkhela, I recommend getting it here. The merchants here will be more than happy to offer you various samples. In case you’re not familiar, churchkela, aka the Georgian Snickers, is a sweet made with nuts lined on a string and dipped into a mixture of thickened grape juice. The result is a chewy, nutty treat. Honestly, it has nothing to do with Snickers, but I love it!

Admire Georgian Art at David Kakabadze Kutaisi Art Gallery

Kutaisi doesn’t have many museums, and the few ones are not very popular. I was baffled to find out there was nobody else visiting this museum when I went. They literally turned on the lights for me and shut everything off when I left.

Anyway, don’t let the lack of people scare you away. I think visiting the David Kakabadze Kutaisi Art Gallery is a lovely addition to your Kutaisi itinerary, especially on a cold or rainy day. The visit won’t last longer than half an hour, but you get to admire beautiful Georgian art, particularly paintings by renowned Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani.

Don’t forget to step out into the inner courtyard to take a look at the discarded Soviet-era sculptures. The great thing about this museum is that it’s really cheap, only 2 lari, so less than 1 €.

Check Out the Mon Plaisir Arch

You can easily check out the Mon Plaisir Arch while wandering around the center of Kutaisi. The archway serves as a symbolic entrance to the Royal Quarter, an area of Kutaisi Old Town boasting gorgeous architecture and cobblestone streets that make you feel like you’re in a Western European city.

While you’re in the area, I recommend stopping for a glass of Georgian wine at Bar-restaurant Papavero. The restaurant features a delightful outdoor space where you can relax and sip your wine or even enjoy a meal. I didn’t try the food here, but I was told it’s also good.

Buy a Used Book at the Book Market

Just a few steps from the Green Bazaar, you can find an open-air book market. If you’re on the hunt for cheap, used books, this is the place to go! Most books here are in Georgian or Russian, but if you wander around for a bit you may also find a few English books.

I was lucky enough to find an English copy of a novel I wanted to read and only paid 10 lari, which is just over 3€. If you have the patience to look around, you may find some great deals! I also really love the atmosphere of any book market, so I enjoy even just wandering around.

Enjoy a Tasty Breakfast at Buffet Rotsa Gshia

I passed by this spot one morning and the sight of freshly baked filled doughnuts caught my eye, so I entered and ordered a coffee and a ponchiki (doughnut). I then went back to this place four more times during my one-week stay in Kutaisi.

If you want a tasty, sweet breakfast for roughly 2€, this is the place for you. The custard cream-filled donuts are just 1.5 lari, so about 0.5€, and are amazing! I could easily eat 3 or 4 of those in one go, but I limited myself to a maximum of 2.

I’ll admit that the coffee here is not the best. It’s not bad, but also nothing to write home about. But the baked goods make up for it! I also tried a kachapuri and it was super tasty! Most other savory options had meat, so I couldn’t try those. As for the sweet options, they also have pancakes, but the doughnuts were so good I just couldn’t swap them.

Visit the Kutaisi Holy Annunciation Temple

After the Bagrati Cathedral, the Holy Annunciation Temple is one of the most important churches in Kutaisi. The church is in an area known as the French Quarter since the Capuchin friars arrived in Kutaisi and settled here in the 17^th century. However, the church dates to the late 19^th century.

The church façade is the most impressive feature, while the interior is quite simple, with walls painted in light blue and the usual Orthodox icons. Like all churches in Georgia, the Holy Annunciation Temple is free to visit.

A little tip. Just outside the Holy Annunciation Temple, you can spot the Zakaria Paliashvili Memorial House Museum. It was closed when I went there, but you can still check out the traditional Georgian architecture. Maybe by the time you visit, it will reopen to visitors.

SAMPLE Traditional Georgian FOOD

Enjoying some delicious Georgian food is a must when visiting Kutaisi. There is no shortage of great restaurants in the city, and most are authentic and fairly priced. You can easily enjoy delicious meals for roughly 10 euros, and that means leaving the restaurant full!

The first dinner I had in Kutaisi was with a friend I made while traveling and we went overboard with the order. We ended up leaving almost half of it on the table, and I felt really bad about it. So let this be a lesson for you. Don’t order too many things at once!

Of all the places I tried, I would recommend two restaurants that I think you should absolutely try: Doli and Gala. Doli is a small and cozy restaurant inside what looks like a repurposed apartment. It only has a few tables but the atmosphere is lovely and the food is great. It’s a bit on the pricier side for Kutaisi, but worth it.

Gala is a modern restaurant located just above the book market I mentioned earlier. I love the minimalist design and the laid-back atmosphere. The food here is a bit cheaper but also delicious. They also have tasty vegetarian options, like the mushroom kinkhali that you won’t find everywhere.

The only negative about Georgian food, based on my personal taste, is that it all has coriander. It’s everywhere, you can’t escape it. And in most cases, you can’t even ask for the dish without it. If you like coriander, then you’ll have no problem. But if, like me, you have the gene that makes it taste like soap, you better ask about it when you order. In many cases, they just sprinkle it on top, so you can ask them to avoid that.

Spot Beautiful Street Art

Another great thing to do in Kutaisi is to wander around looking for street art. The city is full of it, so you won’t have a hard time finding some cool murals, like the Kutaisi Beauty near Mon-Plaisir Arch. Unfortunately, when I was in Kutaisi this mural was vandalized, but it was restored only days after I left, sigh.

You can find other cool murals in Tamaz Nikitini Pocket Park and on Varlamishvili Street, near the National Museum of Military Glory. Again, I was quite unlucky because this entire area was undergoing major renovation work, so the wall with the mural of the woman baking bread (one of the most famous) was covered in scaffolding.

Visit the Gelati and Motsameta Monasteries

Just outside Kutaisi, you can visit two incredible monasteries, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gelati Monastery. Unfortunately, at the time of my visit, the Gelati Monastery was closed for renovation. I couldn’t find the exact reopening day, so check locally before heading there. The tourist office and tour companies would typically have this information.

Nevertheless, I managed to visit Motsameta Monastery, and that was also incredible. From what I know, the Gelati Monastery is more impressive on the inside, but the Motsameta Monastery offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape. As usual entry is free!

You can join a guided tour of both monasteries plus the Bagrati Cathedral, like this Monasteries tour from Kutaisi.

Alternatively, you can visit on your own. I took Bolt to go to Motsameta Monastery and it was only just over 10 lari (3.50€) from the center of Kutaisi. The way back can be a bit tricky. By the time I left the monastery, there were no more taxis in the parking lot, so I walked back to the main road hoping a marshrutka would pass by. After about 15 minutes of waiting, an empty taxi stopped by and only asked for 5 lari to get me back to Kutaisi.

Take a Half-day Trip to Tskaltubo

While this is technically outside of Kutaisi, I had to include it here, because it would be a shame to stay in Kutaisi and not visit Tskaltubo. If you decide to stay longer than two days in Kutaisi, then you must add this place to your itinerary.

Tskaltubo used to be the most renowned spa town in the Soviet Union. People from all over Russia would travel to this small town to enjoy its thermal water in the public bathhouses and lavish sanatoria. With the fall of the Soviet Union, the sanatoria were abandoned and gradually fell into disrepair.

To this day, there are nearly 20 abandoned sanatoria in Tskaltubo, many of which you can visit. Recently some of the more renowned sanatoria were purchased by privates and are undergoing renovation, but you can still visit a few.

I went to Tskaltubo twice during my stay in Kutaisi, because I didn’t manage to see everything the first time around. My favorite sanatoria are Sanatorium Medea, Sanatorium Imereti, and Sanatorium Metallurgist.

I will have an entire blog post dedicated to Tskaltubo soon, so stick around for it. Meanwhile, if you don’t want to go by yourself, you can check out this Tskaltubo Half-day Trip. However, I believe this is an easy day trip to do independently, especially if you’re on a budget.

Where to stay in Kutaisi

You can find plenty of accommodation options right in the heart of Kutaisi, often at very affordable prices. If you want to save money and like staying in hostels, I recommend Black Tomato, where I spent two nights myself. They also have private rooms. Bao Hostel is another great option with both dorms and private rooms.

If you can spend a bit more, you can find great rooms at Hotel Varla. Lastly, for a luxury experience, book a room at the iconic Newport Hotel Kutaisi.

Below is a quick overview (with prices from Booking.com updated to December 2024).

Day Trips from Kutaisi

I’ll have an entire blog post about day trips from Kutaisi, but if you’re just looking for some recommendations, check out these three:

I personally joined the ones to Martvili Canyon and Chiatura and I loved both. If you can only pick one, I recommend Chiatura! As for Batumi, I believe it deserves more time, but if you can’t stay longer, even a day trip is worth it.

Safe Travels with Safety Wing

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance before your trip to Kutaisi. SafetyWing is one of the best travel insurance options I know, providing insurance for most countries worldwide. The policy renews automatically, so you won’t be left without coverage. And you can still pause the subscription at any time. They even have a very handy electronics theft add-on.

Georgia isn’t an EU member country so it’s a good idea to have insurance even if you’re a citizen of an EU country. Although travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement, it’s an important safety net for any trip!

Travel Resources

Before I leave you to plan your trip to Kutaisi, here is a list of my go-to travel resources. I use these websites and apps every time I travel.

Purpose	Website/App	Description	Book Here
Accommodation	Booking.com	My favorite website for great accommodation for different budgets.	Find a Place
Flights	Skyscanner	The platform I typically use for finding the most affordable flights.	Find Flights
Cheap Buses	Flixbus	My favorite app for cheap bus fares around most of Europe and the US.	Bus Rides
Transportation	Omio	You can book everything from buses and trains to ferry rides.	Transportation
Train Travel	Trainline	If you travel by train, this app is great for booking rides in Europe.	Train Rides
Travel Insurance	SafetyWing	One of the best travel medical insurances for frequent travelers.	Get Insured
Activities	Manawa	A great platform to book activities and adventures with local hosts.	Find Activities
Experiences	GetYourGuide	Another great platform for tours and experiences with lots of options.	Experiences
Car Rental	DiscoverCars	My go-to platform for car rental anywhere in the world.	Rent a Car
eSIM	Airalo	My favorite app for buying digital SIM cards when traveling abroad.	Get an eSIM

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