Your Guide to Things to do in Georgia, Europe

Georgia is a beyond-lovely European country between the spectacular Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea. This incredible country is fast becoming a traveler’s delight for its incredible natural landscapes, network of caves, amazing architecture, fascinating culture, and more. Honeymooners, backpackers, and family groups can add a variety of attractions and experiences to their Georgia holiday package while planning their next trip.

1. Check Out the Historical Monuments of Telavi

This atmospheric city has been inhabited since the early Bronze Age. Telavi was a key city for the entire Caucasian region. Today, it is the capital of Eastern Kakheti. This lovely city has so many beautifully preserved historical monuments from different ages that you’ll simply stand in rapture. Telavi was once home to the politically and culturally successful King Erekle, who set up most of the city’s historical monuments. Add a tour of this incredible city to your list of things to do in Georgia.

2. Explore Old Georgian Architecture in Mtskheta

Of all the places to visit in Georgia, Mtskheta is the most prolific in terms of art and architecture. It sits at the meeting point of two rivers. People have continually inhabited this stunning city since 1000 BC, never leaving it. Georgia accepted Christianity much before other countries did, and Mtskheta became the center of the Georgian Orthodox Church. This church is an excellent example of old Georgian architecture, as is the Svetitskhoveli Church.

3. Taste Some Glorious Wine in Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi is one of Georgia’s oldest cities, inhabited for several thousand years. Seat yourself in the architecturally awesome city center and taste the original Sighnaghi wines. This city is right in the middle of the best wine country in Georgia. Buy a few bottles of a new vintage to put away to age in your cellar. If you want to, you can sign up for a wine-tasting tour of Sighnaghi wineries with the Georgia tourism bureau.

4. Enjoy the Beaches of Batumi

If you’re looking for some beach time in the warm sunshine of Georgia’s summer, hit the beaches of Batumi. The newly-built boardwalk along the Black Sea’s Stoney beaches is lined with a number of lovely sculptures. Enjoy the palm trees that grace the beaches, and the charming, old colorful buildings. This seaside town has several luxury resorts. Sign up for a Black Sea sand scrub to end up with smooth-as-silk skin.

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5. Take a Look at Napoleon’s Death Mask

Zugdidi, in the north-west, is the historical center of the Georgian royal Mingrelian family. History has it that Napoleon gave one of his sisters in marriage to a Dadiani prince. Apparently, one of Napoleon’s three death masks ended up in the Dadiani Palace. It’s a unique death mask, laid with gold and precious gems. It is highly coveted by museums worldwide since it is one of an acclaimed set of three. Napoleon had these death masks made in the style of old Egyptian pharaohs, who estimated that their dynasty’s rule would be permanent in Egypt. Napoleon had such delusions of grandeur and the invincibility of his bloodline.

6. Exclaim Over the Views from Ushguli

Ushguli is a bunch of villages that hold great cultural significance to Georgia. The total population of this hard-to-reach place is about 200. Ushguli has some of the best-preserved Svan towers in the whole of Georgia. These towers are tall and square topped by a battery. They were built by the Svan people who were the designated caretakers of the high passes in the Caucasus Mountain Ranges. They were blood-thirsty people who swore blood revenge on invading armies. If you can, climb the surrounding mountains and enjoy the stunning views.

7. Check Out the Oldest Christian Landmarks in Georgia

Mtskheta is often called Georgia’s spiritual heart and with good reason. There are several extraordinary Christian landmarks in Mtskheta. Spend an entire day checking out the beautiful Jvari Monastery, the magnificent Armazi Fortress, and St Nino Monastery, dedicated to St. Nino, Georgia’s beloved Orthodox saint. Looking at all the churches in Mtskheta will take you several days!

8. Drink Some Mineral Water in Borjomi

Borjomi, located west of the capital city, Tbilisi, is known for the healing powers of its famous mineral water. A small resort has come up around the mineral water spring, where you can stay and collect water at the source. The mineral water tastes sulfuric, salty, and sour. The area of the spring is lovely, with lush forests, hills, and rushing creeks.

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9. Check Out the Architectural Marvels of Zugdidi

Zugdidi, the capital of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, has the most amazing architecture in all of Georgia. It’s a bustling little town that offers many splendid buildings and structures that will please the history buff’s eye. There’s the Niko’s Palace, Queen’s Palace, Mantskhvar-Kari and Blachernae St. Virgin churches, among others. The royal Dadiani family’s palace and other royal buildings are also worth exploring.

10. Visit the Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress, a 4th-century fortress, is a staple highlight on most Tbilisi holiday packages. It is mostly made of mud and stone, and parts of it are crumbling but it’s still a magnificent example of ancient construction. The Narikala Fortress was built by the ancient Persians, who had invaded and occupied Georgia in the 4th and 5th centuries. Stand on top of a safe part of the fortress and look at the incredible views of the incandescent Mtkvari River and old Tbilisi.

11. Climb Mount Kazbek

Mount Kazbek is a gorgeous draw for any mountain climbing or hiking enthusiast. Kazbek, a dormant stratovolcano, is one of the major mountains in the Caucasus Ranges. This mountain lies on the borders of Georgia’s Kazbegi district and Russia’s Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. The mountain is rampant with incredible mountainous scenery, including lush forests, waterfalls, and an incredible rocky landscape. Try and hike up to the top and take in the prize views that’ll beguile an entire lifetime of memories.

12. Explore the Cave City of Uplistsikhe

If caving is your thing, then do pay a visit to Uplistsikhe in Georgia. It’s known to be an extraordinary cave city, with many complexes of natural caves everywhere. This region was widely inhabited during the early ages of man. Explore natural rock-hewn cellars and tunnels where the ancient cavemen lived, loved, worshipped, conducted ritual sacrifices and raised their young.

13. Visit the Gergeti Trinity Church

The Gergeti Trinity Church is breathtaking in its conception, execution, and beauty. The lovely old church is perched dramatically on a hilltop just below Mount Kazbek, one of the highest mountains in the Caucasus Mountains. When you look at it, you’ll marvel at the effort it must have taken to build a church at height of 2160 meters above sea level. This 14th century has the entire Caucasus Mountain Ranges as its backdrop, which makes for a remarkable picture. Needless to say, the Gergeti Trinity Church is one of the main tourist attractions in Georgia.

14. Explore the Charming Ambience of Tbilisi

Tbilisi is one of the best cities to visit in Georgia. Here, you can get an excellent glimpse of Georgia’s culture, architecture, history, art, music, and cuisine. Tbilisi is the modern capital city of Georgia, bustling with energy and movement. Somehow the modern-day energy does not clash with the laid-back, idyllic charm of the old rustic houses, traditional markets, quaint cobblestone alleys, old gardens, and charming courtyards. There are ancient fortresses in Tbilisi, along with quaintly lovely churches, exotic markets and an energy that’s old and new at the same time.

15. Check Out the Amazing Vardzia Monastery

Vardzia is a truly mesmerizing 12th-century cave monastery tucked deep into the Erusheli Mountain of the Caucasus Mountain Ranges. You will need to climb up a steep gradient for about 30 minutes to access the entrance to this monastery. A network of mysterious tunnels takes you into inner sanctums that were once used to hide the monastery’s wealth from marauding barbarians. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you’re a history buff and don’t mind a bit of adventure on the way.

16. Visit the Bodbe Monastery

Check out some ancient Georgian architecture in the wine country of Sighnaghi. The Bodbe Monastery contains the mortal remains of St. Nino, one of the oldest and most important saints of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The word ‘Nino’ has since been used to refer to a child and is often used as a girl’s name in Georgia.

17. Visit the Mingrelian Royal Capital

The Mingrelian royal family, called the Dadiani dynasty, made the city of Zugdidi their capital for centuries. This is a lovely city that’s nestled cozily at the foot of the Caucasus. The royal family built two royal palaces, which are splendid sights surrounded by wooded forests and landscaped lawns. The Mingrelian royal family had connections with Napoleon’s court, and soldiers belonging to this region even fought with Napoleon’s army against Russia.

18. The Borjomi National Park

Borjomi National Park is the highlight of a trip to Borjomi, apart from their most excellent mineral spring water. The hills that surround the park offer stunning natural landscapes. There are lush forests, small springs, flowering shrubs, and vast expanses of green grass. It is a lovely place to linger and appreciate local flora and fauna.

19. Sit Down to Savor a Traditional Supra

No Georgia trip is complete without relishing a traditional supra. You can sign up for a dedicated tour that lets you be part of this culinary experience with authentic local delights served in a Georgian home. Besides tasting the region’s must-try delicacies and Georgian wines, it also includes cooking classes and traditional entertainment, to name a few (subject to your tour package).

20. Tour Svaneti

Svaneti, in the country’s northwest region, offers a perfect retreat for those seeking an adventurous or relaxed trip in the lap of blissful nature. Be in awe of its soaring mountains, quaint settlements, pristine lakes, and age-old watchtowers, among others. You can also enter the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography for a slice of the region’s past dating back to 3000 BC.

21. Caucasus Mountain Expedition

Georgia lies in the breathtaking Caucasus region, once a strategic Silk Road route that connected east and west. Not to mention, your Georgia trip warrants a hiking or trekking trip across the mighty Caucasus Mountain to experience its surreal beauty and history in their true splendor.

22. Visit the Caves of Gareji

Located about 100 kilometers away, it’s one of the most popular day trips to take from Tbilisi. The major draw here are two history-steeped monasteries (Lavra and Udabno), close to Azerbaijan. Admire the colorful frescoes that grace the caves and immerse yourself in their scenic mountainous settings as you wander the David Gareji Complex.

23. Discover Martivili Canyon

It’s one of the country’s most alluring natural attractions, tucked away in the Samegrelo region. Take a boat ride to appreciate the turquoise water and absorb the scintillating waterfalls and verdant greenery that dot the area. You can also tour the historic Martivili Monastery, which was once mainly used for Pagan rituals.

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FAQs

1. What is the most visited town in Georgia?

Tbilisi, the capital, is the most visited city in Georgia. Steeped in history and situated by the Mtkvari River, it is one of the most charming cities in the world. Admire colorful cathedrals, wooden houses, old fortresses, hanging balconies, and delicious food.

2. What are the coolest things to do in Georgia?

Some of the must-do things in Georgia are:

• Visit Gelati Monastery
• Tour Svaneti
• Go on a wine-tasting tour
• Explore Batumi Botanic Gardens
• Hike Mount Kazbek
• Eat Supra with the Folk Show

3. What food is Georgia known for?

Georgia’s must-try foods are:

• Khachapuri
• Ostri
• Khinkali
• Badrijani nigvzit
• Lobio
• Churchkhela

4. Is Georgia safe to visit?

Yes! Georgia is safe to travel to. It is ranked very low in terms of crimes. Although there are petty crimes and burglary, tourists are hardly the victims. Its capital Tbilisi is one of the safest cities in the world.

5. Is Georgia expensive?

Georgia is a budget-friendly tourist destination. On average, a trip to Georgia would cost around $30-$40 a person/day. With reasonable accommodation and food choices, it is comparatively cheap to other countries in Europe.

6. When should I go to Georgia, Europe?

The best time to visit Georgia is in May and June (spring) or September and October (autumn). It is a pleasant time to avoid the summers, and you can enjoy colorful foliage, grape harvesting, hiking, beach getaways, a sulphur bath, outdoor markets, and a range of celebrations.

7. What are three fun facts about Georgia?

• It is the birthplace of winemaking.
• It is home to one of the oldest communities.
• It is the most ecologically diverse country, with 12 climatic zones.

Conclusion

Georgia is a destination of marvelous contrasts. See the marvelous city sights, visit the picturesque mountain hamlets, explore the region’s celebrated gastronomy, indulge in a spectrum of adventurous and recreational activities, and more. If you are overwhelmed, the above guide will help you plan a perfect Georgia holiday.

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