My 10 Favorite Places to Visit in Georgia (the Country)
With over 80 countries across the world under my belt, Georgia remains my #1 favorite country in the world. I’ve traveled extensively in Georgia over three trips there, so I’m here to share my favorite places to go.
Georgia offers everything a traveler could want: affordable prices, a welcoming culture, excellent and cheap transportation options, incredible mountains, seaside resorts, vibrant city life, and delicious food and drink. You’ll find so many awesome things to do in Georgia.
If it’s your first time, I would say these 10 spots are the essential places to visit.
Want to jump around?
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10 Best Places to Visit in Georgia
Ushguli
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Ushguli Hotels on Booking
Ushguli is a tiny collection of villages high in the Caucasian mountain region of Svaneti. After nearly five years of non-stop world travel, I feel confident in saying that Ushguli is one of the most incredible places not just in Georgia but in all of Europe.
Dozens of ancient watchtowers guard the entrance to this surreal UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is hemmed in by jagged and imposing mountains.
It’s still possible to spend a night staying with a Svan family here for a small fee, where you’ll likely be treated to a delicious dinner and copious wine while a fire crackles in the background. I generally shy away from calling anything a “Must See,” but I’ll make an exception here: if you can, Ushguli is a must see in Georgia 🙂
Note you can only access Ushguli via 4×4 on a single dirt road from Mestia, or via a four day trek on foot, but I promise it’s well worth the journey.
🛏️ Where To Stay in Ushguli
- Top Choice: Nizharadze’s Tower (stay in a watchtower!)
- Best Budget Option: Guest House Data
Tbilisi
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Guide to Where to Stay in Tbilisi
Tbilisi is definitely the top city to visit in Georgia, and probably the first stop on your Georgia itinerary.
Almost every tourist traveling to Georgia will make a visit to Tbilisi at some point, and the city, despite being so popular with the traveler crowd, won’t disappoint. Tbilisi contains a charming old town situated on a dramatic cliff-side, which makes for some awesome views. Not to mention, there are so many things to do in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi offers first-class dining options at affordable prices, as well as vibrant nightlife, abundant quality accommodation, and tons of great historical sites. There is even a cable car that will whisk you over the Kura River for stunning views of Old Tbilisi on your way to the medieval Narikala Fortress.
Tbilisi’s strategic location also makes it the perfect base for taking day trips to explore the nearby mountain, desert, and wine regions of Georgia. In fact, many tourists to Georgia opt to book a hotel in Tbilisi for their whole stay and take a different day trip or tour each day.
If you love food and wine, I especially suggest booking a day trip with Eat This!. The tour company is run by two talented friends of mine, Tom and Meg, who really know how to curate memorable experiences.
🛏️ Where To Stay in Tbilisi
- Top Choice: Qarvasla Hotel
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Artizan – Design Hotel
- Best Budget Option: Fabrika Tbilisi
Batumi
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Places to Stay in Batumi
Batumi reminds me of what would happen if you mixed Singapore with Atlantic City, shrunk it down ten sizes and plopped in onto the Black Sea’s pebble beaches.
Batumi offers incredible modern architecture – Donald Trump once even had plans to build a skyscraper here before he was elected President. Among Batumi’s attractions, you’ll find an enormous and gorgeous botanical garden and a bunch of black pebble beaches (note for Western travelers: you can’t really compare these to sand beaches).
In summer, Russian, Georgian, and international visitors descend on the city, with its beaches crowded by day and its nightclubs throbbing through the night.
🛏️ Where To Stay in Batumi
- Top Choice: Rooms Hotel Batumi
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Landmark Hotel
- Best Budget Option: Daisi Sunset Hotel
Mestia
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Mestia Hotels on Booking
Mestia is the main town in the region of Svaneti of the Caucasus mountains. Though not as hard as going all the way to Ushguli, it still isn’t easy to get to (unless you can snag one of the few flights from Tbilisi to Mestia via Vanilla Sky).
That said, it’s well worth a visit to this stunning but isolated mountain region – especially if you’re a hiker or trekker.
There you’ll find a unique but fierce culture that has managed to ward off invaders ranging from the Mongols to the Persians to the Ottomans.
With the government of Georgia heavily promoting tourism to Svaneti, the small town of Mestia is quickly taking off as one of the top tourist destinations in the country of Georgia – and especially is popular as a base for trekkers seeking to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Caucasus mountains.
🛏️ Where To Stay in Mestia
- Top Choice: Hotel Posta
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Guesthouse Mountain View
- Best Budget Option: Manoni’s Guesthouse
Kazbegi
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Kazbegi Hotels on Booking
Perhaps the most recognizable icon of Georgia, the Gergeti Trinity Church stands guard over the Kazbegi region from its perch on a hillside just under Mount Kazbegi.
READ NEXT: Georgia to Armenia (3 Day Itinerary)
You can access Kazbegi as part of a day trip from Tbilisi (here are some tours to book if doing that). Alternatively, you can opt to drive the route from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway yourself and stay overnight in Stepantsminda town, allowing you to get up early to beat the crowds and catch the morning sun glistening off Trinity Church.
🛏️ Where To Stay in Kazbegi
- Top Choice: Rooms Hotel Kazbegi
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Residence Kazbegi
- Best Budget Option: Hotel Elegant
Kakheti
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Kakheti Hotels on Booking
Did you know that wine was invented in Georgia? [Source]
And even today Georgians really love their wine. Just about every family you’ll meet has some fermenting in their basement. No wonder that Georgia’s Kakheti region is quickly becoming famous for serving up some of the best — and most affordable — wine in the world. [Source]
The most popular way to tour Kakheti’s many wineries is as part of an organized day trip from Tbilisi. I strongly recommend booking the “Vines & Mountains – 1 Day Kakheti” tour by Eat This! Tours. It’s run by two friends of mine who are probably the best food and wine experts I know. The tour takes you to the town of Telavi, and involves tons of wine tasting, food, and a few historical sites. If you’re a foodie or wine lover, it’s a must while in Tbilisi!
Vines & Mountains – 1 Day Kakheti Food & Wine Tour
- Authentic wine & dine experience in a family home
- Mini cooking class & local cuisine
- Stops at ancient historic sites
If you have more time, you can opt to soak in the region’s gorgeous landscapes by spending a few nights exploring the many villages and towns in this large region. See our guide to what to do in Kakheti for more ideas.
🛏️ Where To Stay in Kakheti
- Top Choice: Lopota Lake Resort & Spa
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Boutique Hotel Kviria
- Best BudgetOption: Guest House Kavkasioni 33
Kutaisi
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Kutaisi Hotels on Booking
Even though it is technically one of the largest cities in Georgia, Kutaisi feels incredibly small compared to Tbilisi. Still, the city is charming and there are enough interesting things to do in Kutaisi – monasteries, churches, and restaurants – to warrant a visit for a night or two. Plus, Kutaisi is a great base for day trips to nearby wonders like Martvili Canyon.
Kutaisi also may fit into your Georgia itinerary if you arrive or depart on one of the increasing number of flights available from mainland Europe to Kutaisi’s airport.
🛏️ Where To Stay in Kutaisi
- Top Choice: Newport Hotel Kutaisi
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Communal Hotel Kutaisi
- Best Budget Option: Edemi Hotel
Ananuri
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Ananuri Hotels on Booking
About 70 kilometers north of Tbilisi lies the unbelievable Ananuri castle complex. The 17th-century structure has survived numerous attacks over the centuries and stands in stunning contrast to the Aragvi River, which it overlooks.
You can visit several different churches within the small complex, or climb one of the watchtowers for a unique view of the surroundings. Ananuri can easily be explored as a day trip from Tbilisi and is often combined with visits to Kazbegi.
🛏️ Where To Stay in Ananuri
- Top Choice: Marine’s Guest House
- Best Budget Option: Garden Hotel Pasanauri
Uplistsikhe Ancient Cave City
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Uplistsikhe Hotels on Booking
Just an hour away from Tbilisi, and a few kilometers outside of Gori, you’ll find the incredible cave dwellings of Uplistisikhe (sometimes spelled “Uflistsikhe”).
One of the oldest settlements in Georgia, the “cave city” of Uplistiskhe was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kartli, and fascinating for the fact that it was later a place where Christians and pagans co-lived together.
If you’re traveling to the western part of Georgia, Uplistiskhe makes a great attraction to break up the drive. I suggest you make a Georgia history day trip from Tbilisi by combining Uplistisikhe with a stop in Gori to visit the fortress and the birthplace of Joseph Stalin.
🛏️ Where To Stay Near Uplistsikhe (in Gori)
- Top Choice: Hestia Boutique Hotel
- Best Mid-Range Option: Hotel Continental
- Best Budget Option: Dzvel Ubanshi
Tusheti
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Tusheti Hotels on Booking
If you thought Ushguli was hard to get to, just wait until you hear about Tusheti National Park.
This super remote mountainous region is actually closed off for most of the year, impassable by snow and occupied by only a handful of border guards. But in the summer, Georgian herders bring their sheep in and inhabit Tusheti for the summer.
It’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about destinations in Georgia and is high on my own travel list as one of the few Georgian tourist destinations I’ve yet to visit.
🛏️ Where To Stay in Tusheti
- Top Choice: Guesthouse Lasharai
- Best Mid-range Hotel: Guest House Shina
- Best Budget Option: Hotel Tsasne
Wait – there’s more! Watch this short video to see me explain my 10 favorite things to do in Georgia 👇
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That’s it for this guide!
Want some help planning your trip to Georgia? Check out all our Georgia travel guides:
And, as always, feel free to ask questions – or let me know your thoughts – in the comments!
Hi Nate
Great post.
How is public transportation in Georgia?
– Is it easy to get around most areas/parts?
Thank you..
Regards
Henrik
You have to learn how to navigate the local minibus (marshrutka) system. But, if you do, it’s possible to get around Georgia via public transport.
Hi,
Planning a Georgia trip next week foe 6 days. Will be based in Tbilsi and planning a few day trips. A day trip to Armenia I have seen with some tour operators, will it be worth trying?
We have a guide on how to go to Armenia from Georgia. Just be sure to check if your safety tolerance is in line with the risk given the current news of an ongoing conflict and potential political unrest in Armenia.
What about Vardzia…? It’s a unique place by all means.
Hi Nate,
I along with my family {3 adults} planning a holiday visit to Georgia. Arrival date 26th may and departure 4th June from Tbilisi.
may i ask you for your help to plan our itinerary. we intend to lease a car.
i need to see the caves which you can include in those days.
Thanks,
Pramila.
Hi Pramila! Sounds like a fun trip! I don’t offer itinerary planning services, but I do have a blog post with suggested Georgia itineraries.
Hey Nate,
Great post! I’ll be heading to Georgia for 9 days on Saturday.
Gonna land in Kutaisi then take a 4×4 and drive to Gudauri where we are going to stay and snowboard. Will stay a night in KUT and plan to go to Borjomi and Martvili Canyon.
Do you have any recommendations for cool places around the Gudauri area?
Thanks!
Sounds like a fun trip! I don’t have any Gudauri recommendations unfortunately, but it’s on my list. Quick favor to ask: if you find some good things to do, can you come back here and leave a comment with them for future readers?
Will do good sir. I’ll report back if I find any exciting things.
First experience was finding a good looking place to stay in. Most hotels and airbnbs are to be blunt too soviet looking. I can’t say me and the wife are super posh but the level of the hotel rooms (hotel common areas might look great) is super poor. Same goes for airbnbs. After scouring for like and hour and half found a modern looking airbnb for a reasonable price (super high for Georgia of course) of about $100 night at Gudauri.
Anyway, excited to fly tomorrow, will keep you updated.
Hi Nate,
I’m planning to visit Georgia with my husband on new years holiday. We’re gonna stay for one week and we want to do paragliding, skiing and exploring Tbilisi and other touristic places. Do you suggest some places for such activities? and what’s the best way i can plan this trip?
I read online that roads are usually closed at this time of year. Do you think this would be a show stopper or something to just be generally worry about?
Hi Nate ,
I am planning to visit Georgia with my family include 9 yrs and 5 yrs kids in the month of January fist week could you please suggest me this is the best time? can we get the snow fallow at that time? which places are good for visit my entire trip is 7 to 8 days.
Thank you very much for sharing much information
Yes, in the mountains you could get snow. Kazbegi is probably the easiest place to go with kids.
Hi nate
I do not see any mention of Gudauri in your itinerary. As specific reason ? Or do u recommend other places are better ? I plan to be the last week of march for 6 nights with family. Though people want to see a lot we rather prefer seeing a few places or cities and relax.
I hear Gudauri is nice, especially for skiing, but I’ve only briefly stopped through. I would be sure to check what the conditions are like in April if you’re planning to ski.
Hi Nate, did you travel around Georgia renting a car or did you use public transport? Thanks!
I’ve used a variety of ways over the years to get around Georgia – including cars, marshrutkas, guided tours, and the train to Batumi. If you’re comfortable with mountain driving, it’s certainly the easiest way, but not for everyone.
Hey Nate
We are planning for a trip in June from Qatar and the list of countries in mind is Georgia Kazakhstan, Armenia which one will be a good option based on nature, activities and food and economically? Could you please throw some light on it?
Thank u
Hi Dona – I have been to all three countries you mention. I like them all but, in my opinion, Georgia is the best on all accounts. The mountains are gorgeous and the food is delicious. Georgia is slightly more expensive than Armenia or Kazakhstan though.
hi nate, where can i get a good price for a 4×4 car? also can u send a link for things to do in a 12 day stay including motor sports too.
Hi John – I don’t have any experience with motor sports in Georgia to share. I hope you have fun in Georgia!
Good Morning,
Article is interesting. Please let me know and how many days required to visit the above 10 places,
Awaiting for your comments.
To see all these places in Georgia, I’d suggest at least 10 days, ideally 14 days. You can check out my Georgia itineraries for ideas on how to do it.
Hi,
I’m going to Georgia in July with my 2 daughters who love horse ridding. The saw some youtube movies about horse ridding and they loved the scenery and the horses.
Would you know what would be best place to go to find a small horse farm in a scenic surrounding 🙂 ?
Thanks
Sebastian
That sounds like a lot of fun! I don’t know of any places to ride horses in Georgia unfortunately, but maybe a knowledgeable reader will chime in.
Hi all,
I am planning a trip to Georgia from 3rd to 7th May , how would the weather be at this time ?
thanks
Anupam
Early May should be warm with a chance of rain in Tbilisi. It will be colder in the mountains of Georgia. Check the local weather forecast before your trip to Georgia for specifics. Enjoy Georgia!
Hi Nate,
I am traveling to Georgia in May with my 8yr old son and 5 Yr daughter. Can you advise on weather and best options to visit. I will prefer to visit snow and mountains if possible this time and my flights to & from Kutaisi
Hi Varun – May is a bit late for snow. There will still be some higher on the mountains in Svaneti, but if you want enough snow for skiing I’d suggest visiting Georgia during an earlier month.
Hi Nate,
I am planning to be in Georgia, 2nd week of October. But I will be travelling by myself.
Appreciate if you can give me any advise on how can I maximize my stay in Georgia. Planning to be there for a week.
By the way, your blog is a good read. thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Amor
Hi Amor,
I hope you have a wonderful trip in Georgia. My advice is to spend a few days in Tbilisi, then get up into the mountains if you can. Kazbegi might make sense for one week. Let me know if you have any specific questions and check out all my Georgia guides for more info!
Cheers,
Nate
Hi Nate,
Me and my family plan to travel to Georgia at the end of august. Thing is i am traveling with 7 and a 5 yr old. Any tips on how to make most of it with a family. Any family friendly places that you might consider must. Please let us know.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Ridah,
You’ll love Georgia. The Mtatsminda Amusement Park in Tbilisi, assuming it’s open (I’m not sure), is usually a hit with kids. There are also play areas in Rike park which might be nice, and Batumi is pretty family friendly.
Hope you enjoy your trip to Georgia!
Nate
Hi Nate,
It was a good read and you have touched the far flung areas as well. We will be travelling with a toddler and was wondering if you could advise some areas that we can visit and go. We like to walk and hike, perhaps we can do when our toddler is big grown. Having said that we do want to see green areas and walk within cities. Could you help me on this.
Best regards,
Basu
Hi Basu,
You’ll love Georgia! There are lots of places a short drive from Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi that check those boxes, so if you base yourself there you should have lots of opportunities. I’d suggest either renting a car or hiring a driver (not that expensive in Georgia). If you’re based in Tbilisi, Kazbegi is a gorgeous mountain area only a couple hours away (with lots of stops along the way). You could also get a hotel up in Kakheti. While there aren’t really mountains, there is a ton of greenery and lots of beautiful guest houses to stay in. If you’re based in Kutaisi, you’ll have a ton of choices for green space even within or right next to the city. The Martvili Canyon is gorgeous and I think could be managed with a toddler. In Batumi there are also great garden, plus of course the beach, and then you still take day trips to the greener areas on the eastern side of Georgia.
If it were me, I might consider Kutaisi with a toddler, as it’s a little more tranquil city and it’s very central for exploring the outdoors. But you can’t go wrong with any of those places!
Hope that helps!
Nate
Hey you forgot Borjomi 🤷♀️
I haven’t personally spent much time there (yet), but I hear Borjomi is lovely!
Hey there,
I would like to send my son for his university’s study in Georgia.
Is there any one can guide me and support or give any information in this regard?
thanks
Hi Soheil,
I’m not familiar with the university process in Georgia. It is a beautiful country and I think he would have a great time studying there. I’m sorry I don’t have more specific information though!
Cheers,
Nate
HI Nate I’m planning a trip to Europe in Oct,first visit, where would you suggest I book in Europe in order to visit Georgia I love pictures. Also my plans and hope is to reside somewhere in Europe in 5 years
Hey Julie! That’s so exciting. I remember my first time in Europe – it’s such an incredible experience. Georgia is beautiful and you should definitely go. It is a bit on the far side of the continent, which means you’ll probably need to catch a plane to get there. There are direct flights to Tbilisi from Warsaw (LOT) and Munich (Lufthansa), or you can connect through Moscow or Istanbul on a bunch of flights. Wizz Air also offers a bunch of flights around Europe from Kutaisi!
Let me know if I can be of help as you get closer to your trip. And I hope you enjoy beautiful Georgia!
Best,
Nate
Good information, Nate. Keep it up. I am visiting Georgia for 8 days and would like to cover as much as possible. I plan to self drive around the country. Can you tell what would be the ideal places to cover given the duration in hand? I land and take off from Tbilisi.
Thanks
Pravin
Hey Pravin! That sounds amazing. I would suggest doing a loop from Tbilisi over to Batumi for a day, up to Mestia and Ushguli (the latter of which your car probably won’t handle so you’ll need to get a ride in a 4×4), then back down for a long drive over to Kazbegi or Kakheti before returning to Tbilisi. That’s a little busy for an itinerary, but it takes in the highlights. And there are a lot of different options – that’s not the only one!
Check out my Georgia Travel Itinerary article for more suggestions: https://travellemming.com/georgia-itinerary/
What’s up, all is going fine here and ofcourese every one is sharing facts,
that’s in fact excellent, keep up writing.
Hey Nate, that’s a great list!
Georgia has been on my wish list for some time but now I’m absolutely sold on the idea of visiting very soon 🙂
Cheers,
N.
Thanks Naddya! Hope you get the chance to make it there. Georgia is such a great destination.
Hi Nate
We are planning to travel to Georgia for 8 days, can suggest me few best locations that we shouldn’t miss at all?
Hi Saranya – most important places to see on a quick trip to Georgia are Tbilisi and Kazbegi in my opinion!