Things to Do in Georgia, Europe

Are you thinking about visiting Georgia (the country)?

I know, many people wouldn’t even be able to point out Georgia on a map. But it’s my home country and I would love to tell you why Georgia is a great travel destination and what the best things to see and do here are.

Georgia is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. And that makes it a great place to see the perfect blend of those two continents.

Surrounded by the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountain Range, the country is full of interesting cities and villages that attract tourists from around the globe.

Also Read: Travel to the Caucasus – Why Visit & Where to Go

In Georgia you will find medieval defense towers, a juxtaposition of old and new, gorgeous lakes, and breathtaking views of nature, just to name a few.

So let me share with you the main places and things not to miss in Georgia.

10 Things to Do in Georgia

1. Tbilisi – a must-visit in Georgia

The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is a great spot to start exploring the country.

With its centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and wooden carved balconies, the city does amaze its visitors.

Tbilisi is a city of contrasts, where you can find modern and ancient architecture perfectly blending.

Stroll down the old town, climb up to the 4th-century Narikala Fortress, admire colorful balconies, hunt down Soviet architecture, and rejuvenate in hot, sulfuric baths that are believed to be good for your health and skin.

Or check out some of these other things to do in Tbilisi.

Local tip: If you’re in Tbilisi in October, don’t miss Tbilisoba, the city’s annual harvest and cultural festival. The streets fill with wine, food, music, and traditional dancing. I’d say this is probably the best way to see Georgians at their most joyful!

2. Mtskheta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This former capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is only a 30-minute drive from Tbilisi offering a great half or full-day trip option.

The main attractions of the city are the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the Jvari Monastery.

Svetitskhoveli is a masterpiece of the Early Middle Ages, and it’s the second-largest church in Georgia, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi.

Jvari Monastery, located on the hill near Mtskheta, offers breathtaking views of the city and the confluence of two big rivers of the country.

Local tip: Try to visit on a Sunday morning, because on Sundays Svetitskhoveli Cathedral hosts a beautiful church service that fills the air with Georgian polyphonic singing. Even if you’re not religious, it’s incredibly moving.

3. Stepantsminda and Its Famous Hilltop Church

Stepantsminda is a small town nestled at the foot of Mount Kazbegi.

The road to the town follows the Georgian Military Highway, offering gorgeous views of the mountains and passes one of the biggest water reservoirs in Georgia.

Stop by Ananuri Fortress, a 13th-century castle complex that overlooks the Zhinvali Reservoir.

But the main reason why locals and tourists travel to Stepantsminda is the Gergeti Trinity Church. The church is built on the hill in a gorgeous natural setting, offering splendid views.

Local tip: If you’re visiting in winter, plan your trip around Christmas or Epiphany services at Gergeti Trinity Church. Wrapped in snow and candlelight, it feels like stepping back in time.

4. Kutaisi – for History and Caves

Kutaisi is another former capital of Georgia, and home to another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Gelati Monastery.

Rich in history, the city offers plenty of activities to its visitors.

Two of the main attractions here are the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati Monastery.

Kutaisi is also home to various caves like Sataplia and Prometheus where you can walk in and admire centuries-old stalagmites and stalactites.

And inside the Sataplia cave you can also find the footprint of a dinosaur!

Local tip: Kutaisi is known for its lively bazaar. Wander through and you’ll find some of the best local cheese, churchkhela (walnut “candy”), and farmers eager to let you taste before buying.

5. Georgia’s Canyons and National Parks

Georgia’s natural beauty is quite incredible. The country is full of beautiful canyons and national parks, where nature-, camping-, and hiking lovers can enjoy their time.

Some of the most beautiful ones you can visit are Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Lagodekhi National Park with its gorgeous hiking trail to the Black Rock Lake, and Vashlovani.

If you are not a big fan of hiking and prefer to walk much less, you can still enjoy Georgia’s stunning nature by simply driving around these national parks.

There are various canyons in Georgia you should check out including Martvili with its emerald green waters, Dashbashi, or Okatse.

Local tip: If you go to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, bring an empty water bottle. You can drink straight from Borjomi’s famous natural mineral springs for free. Locals swear by it for health!

6. Vardzia – an Incredible Cave Town

Vardzia is one of the biggest cave towns and definitely something not to miss when visiting Georgia.

This 13th-century town has up to 19 levels with more than 500 caves/rooms, a large church, a throne room, wine cellars, and a bell tower.

It’s quite an impressive site to explore and incredible to imagine how people lived here during the Golden Ages of Georgia.

Local tip: If you visit Vardzia in summer, try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Not only will you avoid the heat and crowds, but locals say that’s when the light hits the cave facades most beautifully, making the golden tuff rock glow.

7. Tusheti – a Picturesque High-Mountain Region

Tusheti is one of the most remote areas of the country, which still tries to preserve its original state.

Tucked away in the Caucasus in Georgia’s far northeast corner, it’s a popular summer hiking and horse-trekking area and a weekend getaway for Georgians.

Visiting the area does require at least a couple of days. The narrow, serpentine dirt road is quite long and exhausting, but the views make it worth every minute!

This region is a perfect place for hikers, but you can also take a jeep tour to see the main villages of the area.

Something to know: The single road to Tusheti, over the nerve-jangling Abano Pass from Kakheti, is 4WD-only and is only open from around late May until mid-October.

Local tip: If you’re here in summer, look out for Atengenoba, a Tushetian festival celebrating the region’s protector deity. It’s one of the few chances to see traditional horse races and songs that are unique to Tusheti.

8. Svaneti – a Unique Historical Region

Just like Tusheti, Svaneti is another remote area of Georgia, but on the western side of the country.

Home to medieval defense towers, Svaneti is a unique place to visit in Georgia.

The central town of the region is Mestia where you can visit the ethnography museum to learn more about the Svanetian culture and see some of the best-kept treasures of Georgia, as well as learn more about the first Georgian alpinist by visiting his house museum.

Preserved by its long-lasting geographical isolation, the Svaneti region is an exceptional example of mountain scenery with medieval-type villages.

Ushguli, located at more than 2,000 meters (6560 feet) above sea level is another popular community many tourists visit during their trip to Svaneti.

Being one of the highest settlements in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ushguli is nestled under the Shkara mountain, one of the highest peaks in the country, offering superb views of the surrounding nature.

Local tip: If you’re visiting in February, check out Lamproba, an ancient fire festival. Locals light torches and gather in the snow-covered villages, creating an atmosphere you’ll never forget.

9. Sighnaghi

Located in the Kakheti region, Sighnaghi is another popular city for many visitors traveling to the country of Georgia.

It was fully renovated a number of years ago and features cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and splendid views of the Alazani Valley.

On your way to Sighnaghi, make a small detour and visit David Gareji Monastery complex. This is one of the cave towns located in the desert area of Georgia. However, during hot summer days, traveling to David Gareji is not advisable due to the high amount of snakes.

And once in Sighnaghi, make sure to try the local wine. Quite recently, it has been proven that Georgia is the birthplace of winemaking, with at least 8,000 years of producing the beverage.

Georgians have their own way of making wine. They use egg-shaped clay jars buried underground which makes the fermentation process natural. This is also why Georgian white wine, made in those clay jars, or qvevri in Georgian, is amber-colored rather than white.

Apart from being a perfect location to enjoy some Georgian wine for a day or so, Sighnaghi is also the perfect base for exploring the region through day trips.

Local tip: Visit during the Rtveli wine harvest (late September–October). Families often invite visitors to join in picking grapes and enjoying endless tables of food and wine—true Georgian hospitality at its finest.

10. Local Cuisine – Food Not to Miss When Visiting Georgia

Georgian cuisine is as diverse as its landscape. Meals are heavy on dough and meat, but there are vegetarian options as well.

The traditional dish in Georgia is khinkali, a meat dumpling with a broth inside the dough.

Khachapuri, the pizza-like cheese pie is another favorite meal for both locals and foreigners. The meal is widespread across the country and each region has its own variety. The most distinguished one is the Adjarian version as it is shaped like a boat, baked in a brick oven, and topped with an egg and butter.

Practical Tips for Visiting Georgia

The Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June) – mild weather, blooming valleys, fewer tourists.
• Autumn (September–October) – grape harvest, golden landscapes, perfect hiking season.
• Summer is ideal for mountain regions like Svaneti and Tusheti, but cities can get hot.
• Winter is great for skiing in Gudauri or Bakuriani and soaking in sulfur baths.

Getting Around Georgia

Traveling around Georgia is easier than it might look on the map, but it does require a little flexibility.

The country has a network of marshrutkas (minibuses) that connect most cities, towns, and even remote villages. They’re inexpensive, frequent, and very much part of the local experience, but not always the most comfortable option.

For longer distances, trains and shared taxis are also available, especially between Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi.

If you’re planning to explore the mountains or more remote regions like Tusheti or Svaneti, consider renting a car (ideally a 4WD). Roads can be rough, but the freedom to stop at viewpoints, small villages, and hidden monasteries is worth it.

In Tbilisi and other big cities, you won’t need a car. Public transport, metro, and taxis (via apps like Bolt or Yandex) make getting around the city easy and affordable.

Suggested Trip Length

To see all of the places I listed, from Tbilisi and Mtskheta to the remote mountain regions of Tusheti and Svaneti, you’ll want at least 3 weeks. This gives you time to travel at a comfortable pace, account for the long drives into the highlands, and really enjoy the variety of Georgia without rushing.

If you only have 5–7 days, you can comfortably explore Tbilisi, take a day trip to Mtskheta, and head into the mountains around Kazbegi.

With 10–14 days, you’ll have time to add in Kutaisi, the wine country of Kakheti, and even venture into the remote highlands of Svaneti or Tusheti for a true Georgian adventure.

Enjoy Georgia and All the Things This Country Has to Offer!

Georgia is not just a country to see, it’s a country to feel. From wine poured straight from a farmer’s cellar to mountain roads that make your heart race, there’s always something surprising around the corner.

As someone who grew up here, I can tell you: Georgia has a way of getting under your skin. Come once, and you’ll understand why so many visitors keep coming back!

And if you decide to travel to Georgia, consider visiting the rest of the Caucasus region as well.

Also Read: 

• 10 Tips on How to Find The Cheapest Flights
• What to Look For in Travel Insurance
• How to Plan a Perfect Trip
• Things to Do Before Traveling – Checklist of Things to Do Before Any Trip

 
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