Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Soumya
Looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia (country)? You’re in the right place.
We have curated an epic travel guide that lists the 10 most stunning places in Georgia.
Located between Europe and Asia (literally at the center of the earth), on the southern side of the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia has always been at the crossroads of civilizations and the mixing of cultures.
The country is home to ancient history, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural traditions that come together to create an unforgettable experience.
From the bustling streets of Tbilisi and the religious history of Mtskheta to the healing waters of Borjomi and the serene beauty of Truso Valley, the list of beautiful places in Georgia is endless.
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Best Places to Visit in Georgia (Country)
Tbilisi – Georgia’s Capital
Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital city, has a rich history that dates back to the Paleolithic era. It was officially founded in the 5th century by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali and has since been the center of several Georgian kingdoms.
Located at the crossroads of many ancient civilizations and an important trading hub on the Silk Route, Tbilisi has had a long and eventful history. It has been the battleground for various empires, including the Persians and Mongols.
The best place to begin your Tbilisi exploration is in the Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets lead to beautiful Orthodox churches and historic buildings. The Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world.
Do not miss Tbilisi’s sulfur baths, which provide the best relaxation after a long day of exploring. Like the hammams of Turkey, Georgia’s sulfur baths are a quintessential part of the country’s heritage.
Stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare, lined with theaters, cafes, and museums such as the Georgian National Museum.
Another highlight of Old Town Tbilisi is the modern and stylish Bridge of Peace over the Kura River, also one of Georgia’s most important landmarks.
Don’t miss the 4th-century Narikala Fortress, offering panoramic city views. The statue of Mother Georgia, or “Kartlis Deda,” is located right next to it.
✦ Trivia: Did you know that in the Georgian language, the mother is “deda” and the father is “mama”? One of the many interesting facts about Georgia that our guide, Oksana, told us on our walking tour of Tbilisi!
Kazbegi – An Alpine Paradise
Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda, is a sleepy town in northeastern Georgia near the Russian border. It’s located at an altitude of 5700 ft (nearly 2000 meters) and offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Georgia.
Just outside of Kazbegi is the beautiful Gergeti Trinity Church, one of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a hilltop, it offers awe-inspiring views of the Caucasian Mountains.
The alpine meadows surrounding the church are lovely in the spring when they are filled with wildflowers.
The area around Kazbegi is an absolute paradise for nature lovers. Some popular activities include hiking Mount Kazbek, paragliding, and horseback riding.
On your way to Kazbegi, visit the Giant Stone Head Sculptures in Sno, carved by sculptor Merab Piranishvili to represent Georgian historical figures.
📖 Read Next: Top Things to Do in Kazbegi, Georgia
Truso Valley – Georgia’s Hidden Gem
If you want to do something offbeat in Georgia, visit Truso Valley, a hidden gem with untouched natural beauty.
Often visited on a day trip from Kazbegi, Truso Valley is dotted with mineral springs, medieval fortresses, and picturesque villages, making it a perfect destination for travelers of all kinds.
The valley has several historical sites, including the Zakagori Fortress, abandoned villages, and ancient stone towers.
Trusso Valley is a haven for hikers. The hiking trails, which usually start at the abandoned village of Kvemo Okrokana, take you through breathtaking landscapes, past colorful mineral springs, and serene valleys.
If you do not want to hike, you can hire a 4×4 in Kazbegi to take you on an epic adventure ride through the valley all the way up to the Zakagori Fortress.
Mtskheta – Religious Center of Georgia
Located just 12 miles (20 km) from Tbilisi, Mtskheta is one of Georgia’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
Mtskheta was the capital of the ancient Georgian Kingdom of Kartli and the center of Christianity in Georgia. In 337 CE, Christianity was proclaimed Georgia’s official religion in Mtskheta. Today, Georgia is one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, second only to Armenia.
Visit the Jvari Monastery, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and the Samtavro Monastery – three important Georgian churches known for their religious significance and architectural beauty.
Jvari Monastery is perched on a hill and offers panoramic views of the meeting of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
✦ Pro Tip: Visit Mtskheta on a day trip from Tbilisi and see the best this ancient city has to offer.
Borjomi – Healing Waters
Borjomi is a small town in central Georgia famous for its mineral waters, known to cure stomach, liver, and kidney ailments. You can enjoy Borjomi’s healing waters by drinking from the source or bathing in mineral showers.
Visit Borjomi Central Park, where you can sample the famous mineral water right from the source—the Ekaterina Spring.
The park also features scenic walking trails and beautiful gardens, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. There’s a small zipline for kids, a maze of mirrors, and a cable car to keep you entertained.
In the Soviet era, Borjomi was frequented by Russian aristocrats who came for the healing waters. The beautiful Romanov Palace, also known as Likani Palace, was built during this time. It served as the summer residence of the Russian royal family.
Akhaltsikhe – Georgian Fortress City
If you want to visit an impressive castle city in Georgia, head to Akhaltsikhe. It is home to the majestic Rabati Fortress, also known as the Rabati Castle or Akhaltsikhe Castle.
Rabati Castle was built in medieval times by a Bagratid prince of the Georgian Kingdom of Kartli. Later, it was attacked and ruled by the Mongols, the Ottomans, and the Russians. Therefore, the castle features many architectural styles, offering insights into Georgia’s multiethnic past.
The fortress complex includes a mosque, Moorish pavilions, an Islamic school or madrasa, an Orthodox church, and a citadel, reflecting various epochs of Georgian history.
Be sure to explore the Samtshke-Javakheti History Museum (for an extra charge) housed within the fortress to learn about the surrounding region’s history, which dates back to the 4th millennium BCE.
Kakheti – Georgia’s Wine Country
Kakheti, located in eastern Georgia, is the country’s premier wine region.
Georgia’s winemaking tradition, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, dates back 8,000 years. Wine is traditionally fermented in oval-shaped, earthen pots called quevris that are buried underground.
A visit to Kakheti is a must for both culture and wine enthusiasts. Visit the vineyards and wineries of Khareba (home to the historic Wine Tunnel 5 miles (8 km) long) and Tsinandali. Enjoy wine tastings and delve deeper into the traditional qvevri winemaking process.
Do not miss the picturesque town of Signaghi, which offers stunning views of the mountains, red-roofed houses, and cobbled streets.
Kakheti is also home to historical sites such as the Alaverdi Monastery and the Gremi Citadel, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Uplistsikhe – A Rock-Hewn City
Uplistsikhe, meaning “Fortress of the Lord,” is an ancient rock-hewn city whose earliest human settlements date back to the 2nd millennium BCE. The city was inhabited until the 13th century when the Mongols destroyed it.
Once upon a time, Uplistsikhe served as a significant cultural and religious center in pre-Christian Georgia. It is now on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Discover Uplistsikhe’s ancient temples and cave dwellings, which tell the story of a once-thriving city. The rock-hewn dwellings reminded me of Cappadocia in Turkey.
The sites include large halls, sacrificial altars, and simple, functional buildings. There’s also a Christian basilica that dates to the 10th century CE.
Svaneti – The Land of Towers
Svaneti, located in the country’s northwestern part, is one of Georgia’s most remote and picturesque regions. It’s known for its well-preserved medieval towers and unique cultural traditions.
Explore the medieval towers and picturesque villages of Mestia and Ushguli, which served as defensive structures and family homes. These towers are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a glimpse into Svaneti’s rich history.
Visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography (Mestia Museum) to learn about the region’s past and admire its extensive collection of artifacts, including coins, pottery, manuscripts, and iconography.
Kutaisi
One of the oldest cities in the world, Kutaisi is rich in history, culture, and traditions. Its history dates back over 4,000 years and is steeped in legends. In the 6th century BCE, the city served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis.
Visit the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gelati Monastery is one of the largest Orthodox monasteries and is a marvelous example of Georgia’s Golden Age Architecture and Georgian ecclesiastic frescoes.
Do not miss the Prometheus caves, with their impressive stalactites and stalagmites, just 30 minutes from Kutaisi.
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