What should I see in Georgia?

Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, a small country with a landscape that shifts from snow-capped peaks to subtropical coastlines within a few hours’ drive. If you’re wondering what should I see in Georgia, the honest answer is: more than you can fit into a single trip. This isn’t a country you check off a list. It’s one that pulls you back.

The numbers tell part of the story. In 2024, Georgia welcomed 5.09 million international visitors, a 9% increase from the previous year, finally matching pre-pandemic levels. Russian visitors alone made 1.61 million trips in early 2025, up 13.4% from the year before. People are discovering what travelers have whispered about for years: Georgia offers an intensity of experience that larger, more famous destinations struggle to match.

What makes this country remarkable isn’t any single attraction. It’s the density of wonder. You can explore 8,000 years of winemaking tradition in the morning, hike to a medieval church perched on a mountain ledge by afternoon, and end your day soaking in natural sulfur baths while the sun sets over ancient city walls. The country rewards curiosity, punishes rigid itineraries, and consistently delivers moments that feel genuinely rare.

Here’s what actually matters when planning your Georgian adventure.

Tbilisi: The Heart of the Caucasus

Every trip to Georgia starts in Tbilisi, and for good reason. The capital city manages something difficult: it feels both ancient and surprisingly contemporary, with Soviet-era apartment blocks sitting beside ornate 19th-century balconies and sleek modern architecture. The city sprawls along the Mtkvari River, climbing steep hillsides in a jumble of narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and unexpected views.

Old Town and the Sulfur Baths

The sulfur baths in Abanotubani district aren’t a tourist gimmick. They’re a genuine Tbilisi tradition, fed by natural hot springs that have drawn visitors for centuries. The brick-domed bathhouses cluster together in the old town, their distinctive architecture immediately recognizable. A private room runs about 50-80 GEL (roughly $20-30 USD), and the experience involves alternating between hot sulfur pools and vigorous scrubbing by a bath attendant. It sounds odd. It’s actually wonderful.

The old town surrounding the baths rewards wandering. Shardeni Street offers wine bars and restaurants in restored buildings. The Leghvtakhevi waterfall hides in a gorge right in the city center, a ten-minute walk from the main tourist drag. The Dry Bridge flea market spreads out daily with Soviet memorabilia, antique jewelry, and old paintings. Bargaining is expected.

Narikala Fortress and Modern Landmarks

Narikala Fortress has watched over Tbilisi since the 4th century. You can hike up or take the cable car from Rike Park, and either way, the panoramic views justify the effort. The Mother of Georgia statue stands nearby, a 20-meter aluminum figure holding a sword and a bowl of wine, symbolizing the Georgian character: welcoming to friends, fierce toward enemies.

Across the river, modern Tbilisi makes its statement. The Peace Bridge, a glass-and-steel pedestrian crossing designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, sparked controversy when it opened in 2010. Locals either love it or hate it. The Rike Concert Hall, shaped like two giant tubes, sits at one end. These contemporary additions create a striking contrast with the medieval fortress looming above.

The Birthplace of Wine: Kakheti Region

Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine, and archaeological evidence supports the boast. Researchers have found grape residue in clay vessels dating back 8,000 years. Kakheti, the country’s primary wine region, lies about two hours east of Tbilisi, and visiting without tasting wine here would be like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower.

Traditional Qvevri Winemaking in Telavi

Telavi serves as Kakheti’s main town, a pleasant base for wine exploration. The traditional Georgian winemaking method involves fermenting grapes in qvevri, large clay vessels buried underground. This technique, recognized by UNESCO, produces wines with distinctive amber colors and tannic profiles unfamiliar to most Western palates.

Family-run wineries dot the countryside, and most welcome visitors without appointments. Expect generous hospitality, multiple tastings, and pressure to buy bottles. The prices are remarkably low by international standards.

Sighnaghi: The City of Love

Sighnaghi perches on a hilltop overlooking the Alazani Valley, its 18th-century walls still largely intact. The town earned its romantic nickname because its marriage registration office operates 24 hours, allowing spontaneous weddings. The real appeal is simpler: cobblestone streets, restored traditional houses, and views across vineyards to the Greater Caucasus mountains.

The Bodbe Monastery sits just outside town, housing the tomb of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. A steep path leads down to a spring believed to have healing properties. Whether or not you believe in miracles, the gardens and mountain views make the visit worthwhile.

High Altitude Wonders of the Greater Caucasus

Georgia’s northern border follows the spine of the Greater Caucasus, a mountain range that includes several peaks over 5,000 meters. The scenery here shifts dramatically from the lowland wine country, with alpine meadows, glacier-fed rivers, and villages that feel frozen in time.

Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church

The Gergeti Trinity Church might be Georgia’s most photographed sight, and deservedly so. The 14th-century church sits at 2,170 meters elevation, with the snow-capped cone of Mount Kazbek (5,047 meters) rising behind it. The image appears on postcards, wine labels, and Instagram feeds worldwide.

Getting there requires either a 3-hour hike from Stepantsminda (formerly called Kazbegi) or a bumpy 4×4 ride. The hike is worth it if you have reasonable fitness. The church interior is simple, but standing at that elevation with the mountain looming above creates a genuine sense of awe.

Stepantsminda itself offers comfortable guesthouses, several restaurants, and easy access to hiking trails. The drive from Tbilisi follows the Georgian Military Highway, one of the most scenic routes in the Caucasus, passing through the Jvari Pass at 2,379 meters.

The Medieval Towers of Svaneti

Svaneti requires more effort to reach but delivers proportionally greater rewards. This remote region in Georgia’s northwest corner contains over 200 medieval defensive towers, built by local clans to protect against invaders and feuding neighbors. The towers, some dating to the 9th century, give villages like Mestia and Ushguli an otherworldly appearance.

Ushguli, at 2,200 meters elevation, claims to be the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. The journey there from Mestia takes about three hours on rough roads, but the cluster of ancient towers against the backdrop of Mount Shkhara (Georgia’s highest peak at 5,193 meters) rewards the discomfort.

Svaneti also offers Georgia’s best hiking, with trails ranging from easy day walks to multi-day treks. The Koruldi Lakes hike from Mestia provides stunning views without technical difficulty.

Ancient Cave Cities and Religious Heritage

Georgia’s Christian heritage runs deep, predating most of Europe’s conversion. The country adopted Christianity as its state religion in 337 AD, and churches, monasteries, and religious sites punctuate the landscape. Some of the most impressive predate Christianity entirely.

Uplistsikhe and Vardzia Rock-Cut Monasteries

Uplistsikhe, about an hour west of Tbilisi, is an ancient rock-hewn town dating back to the early Iron Age. People lived here continuously for about 3,000 years, carving homes, temples, and a theater into the sandstone cliffs. Walking through the abandoned streets and chambers gives a visceral sense of antiquity that museum displays can’t match.

Vardzia requires a longer journey, about four hours from Tbilisi near the Turkish border. This 12th-century cave monastery complex once contained over 6,000 rooms across 13 levels, housing up to 50,000 people. An earthquake in 1283 destroyed much of the original structure, but what remains is extraordinary: a honeycomb of caves carved into a cliff face, connected by tunnels and staircases, with frescoes still visible in the main church.

Mtskheta: The Spiritual Center

Mtskheta served as Georgia’s ancient capital and remains its spiritual heart. The town sits just 20 kilometers from Tbilisi, making it an easy half-day trip. Two UNESCO World Heritage sites anchor the visit.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, built in the 11th century, is one of the largest religious buildings in Georgia. According to tradition, Christ’s robe is buried beneath the church. The architecture impresses regardless of your religious inclinations, with intricate stone carvings and a massive interior space.

Jvari Monastery perches on a hilltop above the confluence of two rivers, offering panoramic views over Mtskheta. The 6th-century church is simpler than Svetitskhoveli but arguably more atmospheric, especially at sunset when the light turns golden.

Black Sea Relaxation in Batumi

Georgia’s Black Sea coast offers a different experience entirely: beaches, subtropical climate, and a city that has reinvented itself as a modern resort destination. Batumi, the regional capital, sits near the Turkish border and has undergone dramatic transformation in recent decades.

The Batumi Boulevard and Coastal Architecture

Batumi’s seaside boulevard stretches for seven kilometers along the waterfront, lined with palm trees, sculptures, and cafes. The city has embraced bold contemporary architecture, with buildings designed by international architects creating a skyline that surprises first-time visitors.

The Alphabet Tower, shaped like a DNA helix and incorporating Georgian script, has become an unofficial symbol of the city. The rotating statue of Ali and Nino, based on a famous novel, depicts two lovers passing through each other and has achieved minor viral fame. These modern additions sit alongside restored 19th-century buildings, creating an eclectic urban landscape.

Tourism generated $5.1 billion in state and local tax revenues across Georgia in 2024, and Batumi captures a significant share of that spending. The city’s casinos attract visitors from neighboring countries where gambling is restricted, contributing to a lively nightlife scene.

Botanical Gardens and Adjarian Cuisine

The Batumi Botanical Garden, established in 1912, covers over 100 hectares on the hillside above the city. The collection includes plants from nine different climatic zones, taking advantage of the region’s unique microclimate. Allow at least half a day to explore properly.

Adjarian cuisine differs from other Georgian regions, incorporating more Turkish and Middle Eastern influences. Adjarian khachapuri, the region’s signature dish, comes boat-shaped with an egg and butter melting in the center. It’s absurdly rich and absolutely worth the calories.

Practical Tips for Your Georgian Adventure

Georgia rewards flexibility. Marshrutkas (minibuses) connect major towns cheaply but on unpredictable schedules. Renting a car opens more possibilities but requires comfort with mountain roads and creative local driving habits. Many visitors find a hybrid approach works best: using Tbilisi as a base for day trips, then hiring drivers for longer excursions to Svaneti or Kakheti.

The best time to visit depends on your priorities. May through June and September through October offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. July and August bring peak season pricing and heat in the lowlands but ideal conditions for mountain hiking. Winter transforms Svaneti and Kazbegi into ski destinations, though some mountain roads close.

Georgian hospitality is legendary and genuine. Accept invitations when offered, learn a few words of Georgian (gamarjoba for hello, gmadlobt for thank you), and prepare for more food and wine than you can possibly consume. The country’s tourism infrastructure has improved dramatically in recent years, but the warmth of local people remains the most memorable part of any visit.

What should you see in Georgia? Everything you can. And then plan your return trip.