A trip to the nation of Georgia is a vacation not many travelers choose to take. But for those that decide to make a visit, they find a beautiful country full of mountains, beaches, and everything in between.
To know just where to visit during your Georgia vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 Georgia destinations. Keep these places to visit in Georgia in mind as you’re planning your trip itinerary!
1. Tbilisi
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and while it may not feel exactly like the capital cities you’re used to visiting around the country, Tbilisi is an old and beautiful town. You’ll feel the rich history and the mix of old and new as you explore the area. Both Tbilisi and Georgia are pushing to become a more modern country, although they’re not quite there yet. However, you won’t regret exploring Tbilisi. When traveling to Georgia the country, Tbilisi should be one of your stops.
When scheduling your trip, be sure to visit as many of these top places to visit in Georgia as possible. As a beautiful country full of history, culture, and mountains, you’ll be sure to have a time you won’t forget.
2. Tusheti National Park
Hiking fans and nature lovers will want to make sure to visit Tusheti National Park. As a part of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Tusheti National Park is full of lush fields, grassy areas for camping, and wooded forests that are just yelling for you to explore them. As you explore, you’ll find small villages that call the park home and experience breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys around you.
3. Vardzia
Vardzia is a city for the explorers and the history buffs. From far away, Vardzia may just look like a series of breaks in the mountains, but get closer and you’ll find that they’re actually a network of caves. What was originally created as a monastery, Vardzia dates back to the 12th century. While visiting and checking out the caves, you will also want to pay a visit to the Church of the Dormition.
4. Mestia
Mestia is made up of small historic towns scattered throughout the Greater Caucasus Mountains. With an elevation of 1,500 meters, Mestia can provide breathtaking views and sites. Whether you’re looking for an area to visit during a hike or you want to take a short break during a day of traveling, Mestia is a crucial part of Georgia tourism. While in Mestia, you can visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, the Khatsvali Ski Resort, or view the Chaladi Glacier.
5. Mtskheta
Mtskheta is largely visited for its Christian history. As the center of the Georgian Orthodox Church, many people visit to express their faith and explore their Christian roots. However, there are still many things to do in the city for individuals of other religions, such as the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral or the Jvari Monastery. The architecture of each building can be appreciated by any visitor.
6. Borjomi
If you’re wondering where you heard the name Borjomi before, it may be from the mineral water that is bottled from the area. But whether you’re a fan of that product or not, Borjomi, Georgia is a location you need to visit. Designated as a “resort town,” Borjomi is a common destination for visitors in the area. Nestled right in the mountains, you can explore the city’s beautiful architecture, go hiking, or just take a minute to relax.
7. Lake Ritsa
If you’re a bigger fan of watersports than you are of winter sports, a visit to Lake Ritsa should be on your itinerary. As one of the most beautiful lakes in the country of Georgia, you will feel like you’ve been transported to an entirely different world. While the water may be a bit cold, you will probably see more than a few swimmers or boaters out on the lake when the weather is nice. If you’re looking for a hike in a new Georgia location, Lake Ritsa can provide the backdrop and the relaxing views for when you’re ready to take a break.
8. Telavi and Alaverdi Monastery
Telavi’s charm comes from its long history and development. Originally created by the Romans, Telavi has history thousands of years long – and it shows in the best way possible. After the Romans came the Kakheti kings, then the Georgian monarchs, and even after that were the Russian tsars. Each group left its mark on Telavi. While visiting the area, you will want to take note of all the different architecture, the 900-year-old sycamore tree, and the Alaverdi Monastery.
9. Stepantsminda
Another area recognized for its views and mountain peaks, hikers, explorers, and adventurers love to visit Stepantsminda. As a small town, you won’t find much to do here except explore, but with the views that you will find, you won’t want to do anything else. If you’re looking to get more adventurous on how you explore, mountain biking is an extremely popular way to get around the town of Stepantsminda. While visiting the area, be sure to check out the Gergeti Trinity Church and the Gveleti Waterfall.
10. Zugdidi
Zugdidi is a city in Georgia that can give you the excitement and history that you would expect to find in an older, larger, area. There are a few reasons why you may want to visit Zugdidi during your trip to Georgia, including the beautiful architecture, the nearby hot springs, or the Zugdidi Botanical Garden, which is home to many exotic plants. Other attractions in the Zugdidi area include the Rukhi Fortress, the Dadiani Palaces Historical and Architectural Museum, and the Tsaishi Cathedral.
11. Gudauri Ski Resort
If you’re a skier, Gudauri should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Georgia. With trails for beginners, professionals, and everyone in between, you will be blown away by the skiing in Gudauri.
While the Gudauri Ski Resort is the main attraction in the area, there are also a few other things in town that you can enjoy during your stay. For example, you can give Heli Skiing a try or visit one of Gudauri’s steam rooms to warm up. In the warmer months, a visit to the Russian Georgian Friendship Monument will give you spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, and areas below.
12. Ushguli
Ushguli is a series of five villages set in the mountains of Georgia. As small areas, the people that live in these villages focus on farming and keeping cattle. When you visit Ushguli, you shouldn’t expect to be met with too much excitement. What you should expect is beautiful scenes, a deep connection to nature, and friendly residents.
For visitors looking to relax, hike, and explore, Ushguli can make a great destination on your list of places to visit in Georgia. During your time in Ushguli, you may also want to pay a visit to the ethnography museum.
13. Sighnaghi
The red-tiled roofs of Sighnaghi will have you feeling like you’re somewhere in Spain or Italy instead of in Georgia. But as one of the country’s most beautiful towns, Sighnaghi is home to history, great food, and sights worth seeing. During your stay in Sighnaghi, you should be sure to check out the Sighnaghi City Walls, the Bodbe Monastery or St. Nino, and Pheasant’s tears Winery. If you are traveling with family, the Living Roots Rach makes for a great adventure that the entire family will love.
14. Cave city in Uplistsikhe
Next on our list of places to visit in Georgia is the city of Uplistsikhe. Unlike Batumi, you shouldn’t expect to find bustling streets or an exciting nightlife in Uplistsikhe. Instead, you will find an abandoned area of caves and staircases that provide a glimpse at once the city once was.
The cave city, which means “Lord’s Fortress,” is thought to date back all the way to the year zero. Spend a day exploring the caves, but be sure to wear your walking shoes. Because the city is primarily carved from rock, there are going to be more than a few uneven surfaces.
15. Batumi City
Beginning this Georgia travel guide is the city of Batumi. As one of the top places to visit in Georgia, Batumi is a seaside city that any visitor will enjoy. Batumi is one of Georgia’s larger cities and one of the only cities on this list where you will find high-rises and bustling streets. Unlike many other areas in Georgia, Batumi is a modern city ready to live in the current century. However, it is still one of the country’s oldest cities, so you can still explore rich history. When visiting, you’ll want to visit the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress and the city’s nightlife.
