Georgia Delights - Top 10 Must Do Experiences for Your Travel Itinerary
- Amy
- Nov 9, 2022
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 27, 2024
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Georgia, affectionately known as Sakartvelo by its residents, is not located in the United States but stands at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. It shares its borders with Russia to the north and Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to the south. Abundant in culture, tradition, and history, Georgia exudes old-world charm, endless adventure, and a natural mystique that has long drawn visitors from across the globe. Join us in uncovering the Top 10 Must-Do Experiences in Georgia.
1. Explore the Capital Tbilisi
Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, boasts a revered history that predates even your most ancient family heirloom. Its charm? Picture this: centuries-old churches and quaint cobblestone streets in dramatic warm filter engaged in a delightful tango with modern architecture and a lively arts scene in a vivid cool filter. And let's not forget the icing on the cake – its scenic perch among the Tbilisi Hills, along the banks of the Kura River.
Now now, how to get to this city that offers a heady blend of history, culture, and postcard-worthy landscapes? Not to worry people, Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) serves as Georgia's main air gateway. You can book a flight to Tbilisi from many international destinations. Once you arrive, the the city center is about a 20-30 minute drive from the airport. Have I already made Georgia an irresistible draw for you? Hold on tight, for there is more.
1.1 A meal at Barbarestan in Agmashenebeli Avenue
Relying on the insights from fellow travelers on Foursquare, I made my selection, as is my usual practice whenever I explore a new destination. Additionally, I noted that Barbarestan had secured the top spot on TripAdvisor's list of recommended dining establishments in Tbilisi. Maintaining the décor of historic Georgian traditions and culture, the restaurant is located in the very busy Aghmashenebeli Avenue, which in itself boasts of ancient yet fashionable buildings. On our wedding anniversary, I was determined to create a memorable experience, and Barbarestan, staying true to its reputation, exceeded our expectations.
The stone-walled restaurant serves you the best of Georgian cuisine, traditional wine and service loaded with style and love. The caved roof and the stellar wine backdrop housing the walls made for the exquisiteness of the place. We chose a seating at the magnanimously decorated table by a firewood in the basement of the restaurant. This is where we first tasted the Kacchhapuri with a glass of dry Saperavi red wine. Floored !
Address: D, 132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi 0112, Georgia
Timings: Sun - Sat - 2 PM to 11 PM
1.2 Freedom square
Walking around the strikingly old and charming city of Tblisi can be an eye opener to the marked development the city has undergone in the past few years. A walk down the Freedom square will reflect Tblisi’s hip and young culture. Freedom Square serves as the junction between two captivating neighborhoods in Tbilisi: the Old Town and the Sololaki district. The Square has a famous statue called the Freedom Monument that represents Georgia's independence. Around the square, you can see important places like the National Museum, St. George's Church, and Tbilisi City Hall, which have a lot of history and culture.
1.3 Chronicle of Georgia monument
For history buffs, this monument is of significant importance. The Chronicle of Georgia monument, also known as the "History Memorial of Georgia," celebrates the Georgian history and culture. It was founded in 1985. It was conceived and designed by the Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli and completed during the Soviet era. It is a massive monument in Tbilisi featuring towering, abstract sculptures of Georgian historical figures and religious symbols.
1.4 Peace Bridge
The "Peace Bridge" in Tbilisi, Georgia, is a well-known pedestrian bridge that spans the Kura River in the heart of the city. The bridge was officially opened on May 6, 2010, and it was designed by the Italian architect Michele De Lucchi. The "A Thousand Love Locks" phenomenon on the Peace Bridge is similar to what you might find on other famous bridges around the world, such as the Pont des Arts in Paris. Many couples (love birds) were inscribing their initials on padlocks and attaching them to the bridge's railings as a symbol of their love and commitment. And then they would cast this key into the river, thus symbolising their eternal love. It's an emotion I agree but it's truly poignant, considering the number of keys that now reside in that river.
1.5 Rike park
Although Tbilisi has shown major developement and modernity, it still maintains its characteristic old charm and green space. Rike Park is a notable mention in this area, with its picturesque urban green space located in the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia. It features lush gardens, recreational areas, and walking paths along the banks of the Kura River, making it a serene oasis in the midst of the bustling city. One of its notable attractions is the contemporary Rike Bridge, linking the park to Old Tbilisi and providing panoramic city views. Additionally, since its opening in 2012, an aerial tramway connects Rike Park on the river's left bank to Narikala Fortress, offering breathtaking vistas of the Old Town and the city's skyline.
1.6 Open air museum of ethnography
The Open Air Museum of Ethnography in Tbilisi is a culturally rich museum that showcases Georgia's rich heritage and diverse traditions. Spread over an area of 52 hectares, this institution has more than 8,000 ethnographic artifacts from Georgian history. You can see traditional Georgian houses, churches, and other buildings here, and it feels like you're stepping back in time to learn about the country's history and culture in an outdoor space.
Address: PP3V+PP5, კუს ტბის ქუჩა, Tbilisi, Georgia
Opening times: Tue - Sun - 10 AM to 6 PM; Monday closed
1.7 Waterfall in Old Tblisi
Travelling with kids? Then surely a visit to "Leghvtakhevi Waterfall" located in the historic Leghvtakhevi Gorge is a must. This beautiful waterfall adds a tranquil and natural element to the urban landscape, making it a great place to unwind and place to indulge in fun and frolic for kids.
1.8 Panoramic view of the city
For a breathtaking panoramic view of Tbilisi, head to the Narikala Fortress. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this ancient fortress offers a stunning vista of Tbilisi's skyline, with its colorful rooftops, historic landmarks, and the winding Kura River weaving through the heart of the capital.
1.9 Flea Market Dry Bridge
The flea market is situated on the Dry Bridge in Tbilisi, which spans the Kura River in the heart of Tbilisi's historic district. It is an interesting place to visit considering the display put up by local Georgians including antiques, vintage goods, jewelry, art, pots and pans, glassware, cutlery in silver and brass. You will also find a huge collection of Soviet memorabilia such as relics, medals, bags, belts and coats from the Soviet time. With a collection this massive, this market is a popular spot for antique enthusiasts and bargain hunters. It's a vibrant place to explore if you're interested in finding unique souvenirs or soaking up the local culture.
2. Road trip to Kazbegi
About 170 Km from Tblisi and a good breakfast to keep you kicking until lunch, it is ideal to rent a car or hire a chauffeur to drive you down the scenic beauty of the white washed mountains of Kazbegi. April setting in the spring season in Georgia, still allows for massive landscapes of snow in the mountains.
The scenic views of the mountains are to die for ! We could stop by along the drive and dip a foot in the snow. I couldn’t have been more excited than I already was. In winters, during the skiing season, a lot of enthusiastic skiers are seen in the Gudauri valley.
2.1 Ananuri Fortress
Ananuri Fortress is a historic site located on the shores of the Zhinvali Reservoir in Georgia. This architectural complex features two medieval churches, defensive walls, and a scenic setting, making it a popular tourist destination. You can tour the fortress with a guide or choose to just stroll around taking wonderful photos of the scenery.
2.2 Gudauri ski resort with sightseeing tower
For skiers and nature enthusiasts, Gudauri Ski Resort nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountains of Georgia is the place to be! It offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The Gudauri Ski Resort's sightseeing tower, known as the "Kobi Tower," is a unique attraction that offers visitors a 360-degree view of the stunning Caucasus Mountains, making it a must-visit spot
2.3 Stepantsminda
Sometimes called Kazbegi or Kazbegi Municipality, Stepantsminda is a little town found in the area where you can also find the Gergeti Trinity Church. It acts as the starting point for people going to Kazbegi National Park and is a common starting point for tourists who want to see the church and discover the nearby mountains and scenery. There are lots of picture opportunities on your drive uphill. As its quite a distance away from Tbilisi, and the drive uphill through winding roads can be quite a journey, it's best to spend the night at Stepantsminda. The town offers accommodation, dining, and other services for travellers visiting the area.
2.4 Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba)
Located 2170 m above sea level, the Gergeti Trinity Church is a famous Georgian Orthodox church located near the village of Gergeti in the Kazbegi National Park, in the northern part of Georgia. It is renowned for its stunning mountainous backdrop, especially with Mount Kazbek towering in the background. Consider hiking in the Kazbegi National Park.
3. Romantic getaway to Signagi - the city of love
For a genuinely romantic escape, Signagi, often called the city of love, is the perfect destination. It's particularly meaningful because you can tie the knot at any hour of the day in a wedding venue situated within one of its two central squares. Signagi, also known as Sighnaghi, is a picturesque town in the Kakheti region of Georgia. It's located approximately 112 kilometers (70 miles) east of Tbilisi. You can get to Signagi from Tbilisi by renting a car (the drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours) or you can take a minibus (marshrutka) from Tbilisi's Samgori bus station to Signagi.
The town with its narrow cobbled streets is flanked with museums, many taverns and wine cellars. You can try the very famous home-made Kakhetian wines saperavi at one of these taverns. You can get clicked a zillion times with the backdrop of the fantastic views of the Alazani valley from any part of the city. It is known to rest against the Big Caucasian spine. The city is enclosed by double fortified walls with 28 tall standing towers and the interiors decorated with narrow cobbled stone streets.
4. Pay a visit to the Stalin Museum in Gori
Gori is a city in Georgia, and it's located about 85 kilometers (53 miles) west of Tbilisi. If you’d like a taste of the Cold war, a visit to the Stalin Museum in the birthplace of the famous Joseph Stalin is a must! Since the fall of the Soviet Union, this museum houses all the artefacts of Stalin the Great, including his memoirs of the last two decades.
The historic train car is displayed right outside the museum, allowing visitors to peer inside and get a glimpse of where Joseph Stalin conducted his work. It's a unique and historically significant exhibit that provides valuable insights into the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in the 20th century.
How to Reach? You can drive or you can hail a minibus from Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi, which typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Gori. Or you can take a train from Tbilisi Central Railway Station to Gori Railway Station.
Address: 32 Stalin Ave, Gori, Georgia
Opening Timings: Sun-Sat - 10 AM to 6 PM
5. Lunch at a tavern ”Salobie” in Mtskheta
Enroute the town of Mtskheta, you can stopover at a local tavern called Salobie to taste the local Georgian cuisine. Established in 1967, this restaurant stands as one of the longest-running dining establishments in the vicinity. The cuisine here is a testament to classic Georgian fare, featuring impeccably fresh ingredients.
Things to Try:
Signature dish mtskheturi gvezeli (cheese-filled bread appetiser encased in a soft, slightly crispy dough)
Lobio (red kidney beans) prepared in small clay pots
Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread)
Lobiana (cheese and lobio filled bread)
Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings filled with meat and spices)
Jar of Saperavi (Red Wine) or Rkatsiteli (White Wine)
Address: Tbilisi Bypass Road, Mtskheta AZ0000 Georgia
Opening times: Sun - Sat - 10 AM to 10 PM
6. Play Dress Up in Traditional Georgian Fur Hats And Coat
How about donning a Papakha and embracing the Caucasian culture? This traditional Georgian fur hat, crafted from sheep wool, is also widely seen in neighboring Armenia. Experience a touch of Georgian tradition by dressing up in traditional fur hats and coats.
7. Try churchkhela for dessert
The sausage shaped candy made by repeatedly dipping walnuts and other nuts into different concentrated fruit syrups, ideally grape or pomegranate or dried fruit such as apple, peach or plum, and hung to dry. These are often sold by the roadside hawkers.
8. Visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
This World Heritage Site is located in old capital of Mkskheta and dates back to the 11th century. It is one of the major Orthodox temples in Georgia. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, also popularly known as the Living Pillar cathedral is the burial place of Christ’s mantle.
How to Reach? By road, the distance is approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Tbilisi, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the cathedral.
Address: RPRC+V9W, Narekvavi-Mtskheta-Railway Station, Mtskheta, Georgia
Opening Times: Sun - Sat - 8 AM to 8 PM
9. Explore Uplistsikhe
If you have an extra day in hand, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Uplistsikhe is a must-visit for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Visit the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe, a remarkable archaeological site with rock-cut tunnels, chambers, and structures. When visiting Uplistsikhe, you can explore an ancient rock-hewn town with a central church, pagan temples, and a well-preserved theater. The intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and halls showcase how people used to live and worship here a long time ago, before Christianity. A stroll along the nearby Kura River add to the charm of this historically rich archaeological site in Georgia.
How to Reach? By road, Uplistsikhe is located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Gori. So, drive westward from Tbilisi towards Gori on the E60 highway. The total driving time is around 1.5 to 2 hours or you can take a minibus from Tbilisi to Gori and from Gori you can hail a taxi to Uplistsikhe.
Address: Uplistsikhe Complex Road, Kvakhvreli, Georgia
Opening Times: Sun - Sat - 10 AM to 5 PM
10. Enjoy the coastal city of Batumi
Enjoy the coastal city of Batumi on the Black Sea with its modern architecture, botanical garden, and vibrant nightlife. To enjoy the beauty of Batumi, I encourage you to spend 2 nights here.
In Batumi, you can start by exploring the Batumi Boulevard, a picturesque seaside promenade adorned with sculptures and gardens, providing stunning views of the Black Sea. Don't miss the Batumi Botanical Garden, a lush oasis featuring a vast collection of exotic plants and diverse landscapes. Additionally, the Batumi Piazza and the Alphabet Tower are notable architectural landmarks worth visiting, offering a taste of the city's modern and eclectic design.
How to Reach?
By Road: The driving distance from Tbilisi is 5-6 hours (The distance is approximately 360 kilometers (224 miles)), so you will anyway lose a day there. You can take a long-distance bus departing from Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi.
By Train: You can also take a train from Tbilisi Central Railway Station to Batumi Central Railway Station. There are both daytime and overnight train options.
By Flight: Batumi International Airport is well-connected to Tbilisi, and several airlines operate flights between the two cities. The flight duration is around 1 hour.
By Cruise: You can cruise your way into Georgia from the port of Batumi on the Black Sea. Several popular cruise-liners namely Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the likes have a stop in Batumi as part of their Black Sea routes.
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