Top 9 Attractions to Discover in Georgia

Nestled where Europe meets Asia, enchanting Georgia lies on the southern slope of the Great Caucasus mountains, with its snow-covered peaks stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian.

Despite its relatively small size, Georgia boasts an incredible range of landscapes and activities. Its mountainous terrain and limited transportation options can make travel more time-consuming than expected. While you can explore various regions, it’s wise to decide on the type of experience you seek and select a few areas to concentrate on.

To assist you in planning, here are some top spots worth considering for your itinerary.

1. Tbilisi

Ideal spot for city exploration

Enchanting all who come, the capital of Georgia boasts a captivating Old Town, a mix of cutting-edge Soviet-era architecture, relaxing sulfur baths, and an impressive collection of medieval churches. Nestled in the narrow valley of the Mtkvari River, Tbilisi is best appreciated from above—take a cable car to the Sololaki ridge to visit the Narikala Fortress and the iconic Mother Georgia (Kartlis Deda). You can also ride the funicular to the highest point, Mtatsminda, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking city views alongside a quirky amusement park featuring a large Ferris wheel.

Tbilisi is the ultimate destination in Georgia for dining, wine tasting, and nightlife, with a variety of innovative dishes at places like Barbarestan, Azarphesha, Alubali, and Keto & Kote. It’s also one of the best locations in the country to savor a selection of Georgia’s renowned wines while experiencing its lively nightlife. Tbilisi provides ample entertainment for several days and serves as a great base for day trips to explore other areas of central Georgia.

Tip for planning: Make reservations at least a week in advance for the top restaurants in Tbilisi during the summer months.

2. Batumi

Top city along the Black Sea

Batumi, the second city of Georgia, offers a subtropical contrast to Tbilisi, featuring a beachfront setting, a delightful Old Town, an extensive seaside promenade, and a growing skyline of dazzling skyscrapers—locals often joke that it’s Georgia’s version of Dubai.

Designed for enjoyment, Batumi serves as Georgia’s unofficial summer capital when many residents from Tbilisi flock to the Black Sea’s shores for sun, cocktails, and beachfront festivities. The finest beaches are located to the south, between Batumi and the Turkish border. Inland, the autonomous Adjaran region provides fantastic opportunities for rafting and hiking, along with the notoriously rickety cable car in Khulo.

3. Kutaisi

Ideal hub for nature exploration

Quiet Kutaisi has recently become Georgia’s third-largest city as coastal Batumi thrives. However, this ancient town, once rumored to be the home of the golden fleece from Greek mythology, has firmly established itself as a key player in Georgia’s growing tourism sector.

The nearby David the Builder Airport offers numerous low-cost flights to Kutaisi from across Europe each week, along with a variety of hostels and a competitive short-term apartment rental scene. Centrally located in the country, Kutaisi is a more convenient base than either Tbilisi or Batumi, and is surrounded by a multitude of sights, natural wonders, and attractions, including Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, the Gelati Monastery, and the remarkable remnants of communism in the towns of Tskaltubo and Chiatura.

4. Stepantsminda

Ideal for easy access to the High Caucasus

The remarkable Georgian Military Highway leads to the town of Stepantsminda (still often known by its Soviet-era name, Kazbegi), located on the border with northern Russia. While the journey has lost some of its allure in recent years, transforming into a busy truck route for imports to Russia, the breathtaking scenery remains undeniable, especially the iconic profile of the hilltop Tsminda Sameba church against the backdrop of the glacier-clad Mt Kazbek. It’s a sight that continues to captivate, despite being featured on countless postcards.

Tip for planning: Visit Tsminda Sameba Church early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the lighting is optimal, and – importantly – when you can enjoy this enchanting place without the crowds.

5. Svaneti

Outstanding mountain vistas

Georgia’s mountains are breathtakingly beautiful no matter where you find them. However, for the finest scenery in the country, nothing rivals the ancient and enigmatic region of Svaneti. Home to Georgia’s tallest peak, Shkhara (5068m; 16,627ft), which looms over the picturesque highland village of Ushguli, this area offers nearly endless hiking opportunities, including the famous four-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli, where you can stay in a different village each night.

Tip for planning: Avoid the exhausting eight-hour drive from Tbilisi to Svaneti by taking one of the budget-friendly daily flights to Mestia with Vanilla Sky, which gets you there in under an hour.

6. Vardzia

Premier monastery

In a land filled with awe-inspiring monasteries and churches nestled in remote locations, Vardzia stands out as the most extraordinary. Its 13 levels are carved into a cliff and house no fewer than 13 churches among over 400 rooms. The monastery's breathtaking location in a stunning river valley truly makes it a highlight, and the scenic drive from Akhaltsikhe adds to the overall experience.

7. Sighnaghi

Ideal spot to savor Georgian wine

There’s an enchanting atmosphere in Sighnaghi, enhanced not only by its elevation but also by the breathtaking views of the expansive valley below. This charming hilltop town exudes a touch of Tuscany with its terracotta rooftops, cobblestone streets, and leisurely pace of life.

Stroll along the remarkably well-preserved city walls and explore the town museum, which boasts one of the finest collections of works by Georgia’s renowned artist, Niko Pirosmani. Afterwards, relax at one of Sighnaghi’s numerous wine bars to enjoy the fruits of the grape harvest from the country's top wine region.

Planning tip: Make a reservation in advance for a delightful organic lunch at the Lost Ridge Inn, located just a few kilometers from Sighnaghi.

8. Mtskheta

Best place for a spiritual experience

Nestled near Tbilisi, where the sprawling suburbs almost envelop it, Mtskheta is beautifully situated at the scenic meeting point of two rivers. This historic town is significant as the site of Georgia’s conversion to Christianity by St. Nino in the 4th century—a pivotal moment in Georgian identity. This legacy is celebrated at the Jvari Church, revered for its breathtaking views from atop a hill. In the heart of Mtskheta lies the magnificent 11th-century Svetiskhoveli Cathedral, a masterpiece from Georgia’s early Golden Age.

Planning tip: A couple of hours is sufficient to explore Mtskheta, making it a perfect stop just northwest of Tbilisi on your way to Stepantsminda or west towards Kutaisi.

9. Borjomi

Best spa town

This stunning 19th-century spa town, nestled within the lush hills of the Lesser Caucasus, carries an unmistakable charm reminiscent of the Russian empire. Borjomi’s distinctive salty-sour mineral water is a well-known symbol of Georgia, familiar to many from the former Soviet Union. Yet, even if you’re not acquainted with its famed sulfurous water, the elegant town that produces it is a worthwhile destination.

In addition to exploring the expansive Borjomi Central Park—where, despite the initial amusement rides, you’ll discover a scenic riverside path leading to three lovely thermal pools—you can use the town as a perfect base for hiking in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and catch the narrow-gauge railway to the nearby alpine resort of Bakuriani.