Georgia Tourist Attractions

The country of Georgia is a remarkable destination that bridges Eastern Europe and Western Asia, offering an incredible mix of dramatic Caucasus mountain landscapes, ancient history, unique architecture, and a world-renowned culinary and wine culture.

The top tourist attractions and regions in Georgia are organized below by category:

1. Tbilisi (The Capital City)

Tbilisi is a vibrant, eclectic city where Persian bathhouses, 5th-century churches, narrow winding wooden-balcony streets, and Soviet-era structures sit side-by-side with modern architecture and trendy cafes.

• Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi): Perfect for walking, exploring hidden courtyards, and visiting the famous natural Sulfur Baths in the Abanotubani district.

• Narikala Fortress & Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda): Overlooks the city and can be reached via a scenic cable car ride from Rike Park.

• Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba): One of the largest orthodox cathedrals in the world.

2. The Greater Caucasus Mountains & Iconic Roads

For nature lovers and hikers, the northern mountain regions offer some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in the world.

• Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) & Gergeti Trinity Church: Located along the famous Georgian Military Highway, this 14th-century church sits dramatically on a hill beneath the towering, snow-capped Mount Kazbek.

• Svaneti (Mestia & Ushguli): A remote, ancient region famed for its medieval stone defense towers (koshki). Ushguli is one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe.

• Juta & the Chaukhi Pass: Often called the "Georgian Dolomites," this is a premier alpine hiking hub near the Russian border.

3. Kakheti Wine Region

Georgia is the cradle of wine, having an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition utilizing traditional clay jars called qvevri.

• Sighnaghi ("The City of Love"): A romantic, beautifully restored hillside town enclosed by a 18th-century fortress wall overlooking the sprawling Alazani Valley.

• Bodbe Monastery: A peaceful convent near Sighnaghi that is the final resting place of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia.

4. Ancient History & Rock-Hewn Towns

• Mtskheta: The ancient religious capital of Georgia, located just north of Tbilisi. It features UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the clifftop Jvari Monastery.

• Uplistsikhe: An impressive, sprawling ancient rock-hewn town dating back to the 1st millennium BC, complete with carved dwellings, pagan temples, and ancient wine presses.

• Vardzia: A colossal 12th-century cave monastery complex carved into the side of the Erusheti Mountain, featuring hundreds of interconnected caves, tunnels, and an active church.

5. Unique Engineering & Soviet Curiosities

• Chiatura: A gritty mining town famous for its network of rusty Soviet-era passenger cable cars, historically built to transport workers up and down the steep river valleys.

• Katskhi Pillar: A natural limestone monolith rising 40 meters high, crowned by a tiny medieval hermitage monastery where a lone monk has lived for years.

6. Nature, Spas & the Black Sea Coast

• Borjomi: A lush spa town famous the world over for its volcanic, mineral-rich healing waters. It serves as the gateway to the massive Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.

• Martvili & Okatse Canyons: Located in western Georgia (Imereti/Samegrelo), these protected areas feature striking emerald-green water, deep river gorges, and waterfalls that can be explored by boat or suspended walkways.

• Batumi: Georgia’s premier seaside resort city on the Black Sea. Known for its modern futuristic architecture, beachside promenade, botanical gardens, and vibrant nightlife.