Exploring Kutaisi: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss

10 Best Things to Do in Kutaisi

1. Visit Bagrati Cathedral ❤️ Must Visit

Probably one of the highlights of visiting Kutaisi is to visit Bagrati Cathedral, a stunning 11th-century church considered to be the masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture and comes with a killer vantage point for a sweeping panoramic view of Kutaisi.

The cathedral is located on top of a hill overlooking the city, so it is quite a climb from the city center, but I guarantee you, the place is worth the climb. You can cross the river via the Chain Bridge and begin making your way up Bagrati Street. As you approach the hill, you should see a pedestrian stairway that will lead you up to the cathedral.

The stairs are a shortcut up the hill before they merge again with Bagrati Street where you can follow the road all the way to the cathedral. The stairway is covered in shade, so it should not be too difficult to reach the top in about 5 - 10 minutes.

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the striking medieval cathedral set against the backdrop of Kutaisi's cityscape and its beautiful surroundings. You can walk around the hill and check out the view before exploring the church.

Unfortunately, much of the original cathedral was destroyed during the Ottoman invasion in the 17th century. Although extensive restoration work has been undertaken to return the cathedral to its former glory, you can still see the remains of the old structures and walls.

Due to its destruction and restoration, you won't find any frescoes inside the cathedral unlike in other Orthodox Churches in Georgia, but it is still nice to see. Also, unlike in Tbilisi, you can also take photos inside the church without any problems, finally!

The cathedral is open from 10 AM to 8 PM every day, and the entrance is free. The tour buses often descend upon the cathedral during the day, so I recommend arriving either early in the opening hours or closer to closing time to avoid the crowds.

Where to Stay in Kutaisi?

Budget

Bao Hostel Kutaisi

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Hotel MASPINDZELO

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Newport Hotel Kutaisi

$$$ | Double Room

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2. Explore the Green Bazaar

If you want to get a peek at the locals' life, there is no better place to observe than at the Green Bazaar, a lively fresh market with lines and lines of shops selling fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices that you can shop through.

If you are looking to buy some Georgian products for your home, you will find a variety of local goods, such as cheeses, meats, and traditional Georgian sweets here. Even if you do not plan to buy anything, you can go for a stroll around the market and witness the bustling energy of a traditional Georgian market, which is not something you see every day.

The market is massive with many crisscrossing paths, so be sure to spend some time exploring the area. Also, don't forget to step outside the market to admire the beautiful wall sculptures on the exterior of the market building. They were created in 1992 by a local artist in the stunning Brutalist style, spanning over 210 square meters.

The wall sculptures are a remarkable piece of art that you definitely shouldn't miss while exploring the Green Bazaar. The market is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. For the best lighting on the sculptures, visit in the evening when the light shines directly on the reliefs. You will get a better photo of it that way, unlike mine 😅.

3. Hang Out around Colchis Fountain

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Kutaisi is Colchis Fountain, a beautiful monument located right at the heart of the city center, on a roundabout where all roads in Kutaisi lead to.

The monument is a tribute to the ancient Colchian civilization and features a series of sculptural elements that depict figures and symbols from Colchian art and mythology, as well as enlarged replicas of archaeological artifacts found across Western Georgia, like the famous bronze sculpture "Tamada" that dates back to the 7th Century, etc.

It is a popular meeting point for locals, and you'll find a variety of cafes where you can enjoy a cup of coffee. The fountain is also located right next to Kutaisi Park, making it a great place to escape the bustling city and enjoy some quiet time. If you've just arrived in Kutaisi and aren't sure where to begin, this is the perfect starting point for you.

4. Learn More About Kutaisi at Kutaisi State Historical Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

If you want to learn more about the history of Kutaisi, you can check out Kutaisi State Historical Museum, a cultural heritage museum housed inside a 19th Century bank where you will find a collection of archaeological artifacts, pieces of religious art, medieval weaponry, and more.

The most famous piece of religious art here is the glistening gold icon of "Paliastomi", Mother of God, from the 16th century. It is located on the second floor of the museum and is the centerpiece of the exhibition, and quite a sight to behold.

The architecture of the museum itself is also worth seeing, with its Soviet-style chandeliers, pastel-colored wall paintings, and more. The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 3 GEL per person.

5. Explore Kutaisi Soviet Past at Fun and Unique Museums

Not into history? Don't worry, Kutaisi has plenty of other cool and quirky museums to explore. One of my favorites is the Museum of Georgian Sports. This museum showcases a collection of sports memorabilia from various eras, including the Olympics, spanning from Soviet times to the present day.

It showcases the medals and trophies that Georgian athletes have received throughout history, as well as old photographs, newspapers, and memorabilia from bygone eras that you won't be able to see nowadays. Even though there is nothing in English, you should have no trouble deducing what each display is all about.

Another awesome museum to visit is Photo-Cinema Chronicle Museum, an excellent collection of vintage analog cameras, lenses, films, and recorders from the Soviet era and beyond. As a photographer myself, this museum was particularly interesting to me.

It was refreshing to see the old massive film cameras and a variety of vintage lenses from the Soviet era that I didn't even know existed. As someone who owns a Soviet-era lens, the Helios 44-2, seeing other variations of lenses from that era was truly fascinating.

Both of these museums are open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, and best of all, admission is free. They serve as time capsules of an era that many people in the West may not be familiar with. If you're interested in Kutaisi's Soviet past, be sure to check out these fascinating museums.

6. Stroll Around White Bridge

Another wonderful spot to hang out in Kutaisi is at the White Bridge, a beautiful 19th Century metal pedestrian bridge painted in white with a romantic, and somewhat disturbing story behind it.

The bridge connects the two sides of the old town together, and if the myth is to be believed, it is a popular spot for young lovers to come and prove their love to one another. How do they do that, you ask? Well, in order to prove their love, the man has to jump off the bridge and his performance will be judged by the woman. 😱

From the looks of the current, it is safe to say that this story is best kept as a myth, since it wouldn't be a good idea for anybody to jump from the bridge. There are a few nice restaurants and cafes by the riverside here, which makes for a great place to check out in the evening.

7. Ride the Soviet Cable Car to Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park

Another awesome thing to do in Kutaisi is to take the tiny metal cable car from the Soviet era with questionable safety to Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park, an old amusement park located on top of a hill just across the river.

You can take the cable car from the cable car station near White Bridge. The ride costs around 3 GEL and takes less than 5 minutes to reach the park. Just riding the Soviet-era cable car is a pretty unique and fun experience in itself.

Once you arrive at the top, you'll find yourself in a somewhat rundown amusement park. You can stroll around or, do as I did, purchase an amusement ticket at the cable car booth for 3 GEL per person and hop on the Ferris wheel.

I'm not going to lie, the Ferris wheel's safety seems questionable at best, but the view from the top is pretty amazing. I highly recommend going up around sunset, as I did, you'll be rewarded with an incredible view of the city and its mountainous surroundings.

Once you're done, you can either take the cable car back down or walk, and you'll be back on Galaktion Tabidze Street in no time. The cable car operates daily from 12 PM to 9 PM, and tickets cost 3 GEL per person.

Shout-out to my good friend Emily from Wander-Lush, who took the time to show me around Kutaisi. She has one of the most comprehensive and complete lists of travel guides about Georgia I've ever seen, so be sure to check out her blog!

8. Check Out Kutaisi Holy Annunciation Temple

Another beautiful historical church to visit in Kutaisi is the Kutaisi Holy Annunciation Temple. Originally built as a Catholic church in the 17th century by missionaries from the Franciscan Order of Friars, it has since been converted into a stunning Orthodox church.

Despite the change, it retains its unique Baroque architectural style, which is very rare to see in Georgia. The interior is also quite different from typical Orthodox churches, where walls are often covered in frescoes. Instead, this one is painted in bright blue, with no frescoes inside.

Outside the church, you'll find a quiet, well-shaded park where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Kutaisi and enjoy some peaceful solitude. If you want to take a break from all that, be sure to check out Kutaisi Holy Annunciation Temple. The temple is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance is free.

9. Explore Prometheus Cave ☀️ Great Day Trip

An excellent day trip from Kutaisi is a visit to the Prometheus Cave, a stunning network of caves located about 20 km from the city. The cave's name comes from ancient Greek mythology, where Prometheus, a hero, was said to have been chained to the mountains in this region.

The cave features around 22 halls, 6 of which are open to tourists. To enter, you must join a guided tour, which departs every 15 minutes from the ticket office. Your ticket will have the assigned time slot, so be sure to check it beforehand. There are shops and cafes at the entrance where you can pass the time while waiting for your tour.

When your time slot arrives, you can enter the cave. Inside, you'll walk along a 1.4 km path, which takes about an hour to explore. The halls vary in size and scale, showcasing stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Many of the halls feature impressive centerpieces that will keep you occupied throughout the entire walk.

Some of these halls are massive, with one where you can witness the light and sound show they set up for tourists. The cave is truly quite a sight to behold and definitely worth the journey.

To get to Prometheus Cave, you can either drive here yourself with a rental car, or take a day trip from Kutaisi (or even Tbilisi), which will also include Martvili Canyon, another recommended place to visit. The day trip should cost around 35 USD and take about 10 hours.

The cave is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 23 GEL per person. It's quite pricey, but considering it includes a one-hour guided tour, I think it is well worth the cost. If you have a day to spare in Kutaisi, be sure to go on a day trip and visit Prometheus Cave.

10. Row A Boat Around Martvili Canyon ☀️ Great Day Trip

Another incredible natural wonder near Kutaisi is Martvili Canyon, a stunning canyon straight out of a fairy tale. The river, with its breathtakingly blue water, flows through narrow, towering cliffs surrounded by lush green vegetation, and you can even row a boat through it! It doesn't get any more magical than this.

The canyon is located about 45 km away from Kutaisi and to get there, you can either drive with a rental car, which will take you about 1 hour, or you can go on a day trip and visit the canyon together with Prometheus Cave. The whole tour should take about 10 hours and cost around 35 USD per person.

Once you arrive at the canyon, you have several options to explore it. You can hike through the enchanting forest along the crisscrossing paths that hover over the canyon, zip-line across the canyon to admire it from above, or row a boat along the river to experience it from below. Better yet, you can do all three!

I did the hike and the boat and they were incredible. Hiking around the canyon, you really get to enjoy and immerse yourself in nature at your own leisure while rowing a boat allows me to get up close with it and see the canyon from a different perspective.

My experience at Martvili Canyon feels remarkably similar to a gorge I visited in Japan, which is astonishing because I definitely didn't expect to find a place like this in Georgia! Hiking and rowing the boat were definitely the highlights of my visit here and I definitely recommend you do them.

The entrance fee to the canyon, which will give you access to the hike, is 20 GEL. The hike is quite short and takes around 10 minutes to complete. If you want to do boating around the canyon, it's another 20 GEL and takes around 15 minutes. You do not have to know how to row the boat or do it yourself, as a local guide will do much of the heavy lifting for you.

If you want to do the zipline, you will have to buy the zipline ticket, which will also include entrance to the canyon. The ticket for ziplining + entrance should cost around 70 GEL. You can buy any of these tickets at any point of entry to the canyon.

The canyon is open from 10 AM to 11 PM every day. If you are not driving here yourself, you can book the organized tour here. This canyon is definitely the biggest surprise of my trip here, so if you want to experience something unique and cool, be sure to check out Martvili Canyon.

What to Eat and Drink in Kutaisi

1. Eat like a Local at Bikentia's Kebabery

Bikentia's Kebabery is a local kebab place that has been serving the locals here for more than 50 years. They serve a delicious kebab dish with thick tasty sauce, white or brown bread, local beers, and that is it. No frills, no nothing, not even seats!

The place can fit about 20 people and is equipped with standing tables. The interior feels like you are in an old bunker, and you will have to wade through the local crowds to get to the bar to order. Once you are there, you can just tell the owner you want a kebab, and he will serve it to you in about 2 - 5 minutes. It costs only 10 GEL, 12 GEL if you want it with a beer or a lemonade.

It is a very fun and atmospheric experience to be able to eat like a local, and if you are looking for an interesting place to eat, Bikentia's Kebabery is definitely worth checking out. The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 9 PM every day.

2. Eat Pastries at Cafe Rafaello

For a local cafe, I recommend you check out Cafe Rafaello. They sell a variety of pastries and cakes, and you can point and choose from the counter, local style.

They have plenty of seating available on two floors, and you can relax for as long as you like without being disturbed. The cake is delicious, and the coffee is excellent. Plus, the fast Wi-Fi is a great bonus!

The café is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. If you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy your coffee at your own leisure, be sure to check it out.

How to Get to Kutaisi?

To get to Kutaisi, you can now fly directly here via Wizz Air from across Europe for as low as 40 EUR. You can browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find the cheapest flight from your home country to here.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can catch the airport shuttle bus to the city center for 5 GEL. The bus runs every 2 hours and takes about 45 minutes. For the shuttle bus schedule, check out the official page here.

If you are coming from Tbilisi, here are your options:

By Marshrutka Van: The cheapest way is to catch a local Marshrutka van at Didube Bus Terminal. It should cost about 20 GEL and take 4 - 5 hours.

They leave from the terminal when it is full during daylight hours. This option is what the locals use to get between the 2 cities and it is not particularly comfortable. There is no AC in most Marshrutka vans, which makes it terrible to travel in during the summer.

By Train: For a more comfortable ride, you can go with the train instead. Georgian trains are European-style double-deck trains and they are comfortable and easy to get around in.

The train runs between Tbilisi's Central Railway Station and Kutaisi Station once a day, departing at 8:45 AM. The journey takes about 6 hours and costs approximately 23 GEL. The train often gets fully booked a week in advance, so be sure to book your ticket here.

If you are unable to book the train in time, you can also look to travel to Rioni Station instead. It is further away from Kutaisi City Center, but you should be able to find a taxi to get you in the city in about 15 minutes. There are 3 trains a day leaving between 8 AM - 9 AM, and it should cost around 17 GEL.

By Bus: Another option is taking a bus. These buses are more comfortable than the Marshrutka vans and take about the same time. They leave around 6 times throughout the day, take about 3 hours, and cost around 33 GEL. You can book the ticket here.

With a Day Trip: If you do not want to waste your day on travel, you can also go with a day trip from Tbilisi and ask them to drop you off in Kutaisi at the end of the day. The day trip will usually include a visit to Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon as well, which are definitely worth visiting, so you won't need to spare a day for a separate day trip. The organized tour should cost about 45 USD and you can book a spot here.

Private/Shared Transfer: For a fast and convenient way, you can also go with a private/shared transfer organized by Budget Georgia tour agency. The shared transfer should cost 60 GEL per person while the private transfer should cost you 250 GEL per car. You can organize your trip here.

By Car: Last but not least, you can rent a car from the airport and drive to Kutaisi. The road is in great condition the whole way, and you should be able to navigate the highway using Google Maps.

How to Get Around Kutaisi?

By Walking: Kutaisi is not a large city, and you should be able to visit most of the tourist attractions mentioned here on foot.

By Day Trip: For more distant locations like Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon, you can join an organized day trip. The tour typically costs around 35 USD, and you can book your spot here.

By Bolt Taxi: You can also rely on Bolt Taxi, although they are not as readily available as in Tbilisi. However, unless you're heading to a destination not covered in this guide, you likely won't need a taxi at all.

By Car: Again, you can also rent a car from the airport and drive around Kutaisi. The road is great in most cases except maybe on the way to Martvili Canyon as some parts of the road were under construction when I was there. Drive slowly, and you should be able to get through it fine.

What to Pack for Kutaisi?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Kutaisi, Georgia:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Kutaisi, Georgia while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Georgia

I hope you found this Georgia travel guide useful. If you are looking for something to read to help with your Georgia trip planning even further, be sure to check out the articles below:

• For a complete itinerary to Georgia, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Georgia Itinerary.
• Tbilisi is definitely one of my favorite cities in the Caucasus with its vibrancy and liveliness that rival no one. If you are planning a trip here, be sure to check out our guide: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Tbilisi.
• Looking for a great day trip from Tbilisi? How about visiting the romantic wine region of Kakheti? Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Kakheti.
• Nestled between the rolling mountains of the Greater Caucasus Range, Kazbegi is hands down one of the best places to visit in Georgia. From the photogenic Gergeti Trinity Church to all the awesome hikes you can do, here is A Complete Travel Guide to Kazbegi.
• One of the best day trips you can make in Kazbegi is to visit Juta Valley and go hiking around one of the many hiking trails here. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Juta Valley.
• An alternative day trip you can make in Kazbegi is to spend a day hiking in Truso Valley, where stunning nature meets incredible history. To help you plan the ultimate trip, here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Truso Valley.
• Svaneti is one of the most beautiful regions in Georgia. It is home to not just beautiful mountains, but also the Svans with their rich history, and unique culture. If you want to visit Svaneti, this is the travel guide for you: A Complete Travel Guide to Svaneti
• One of the best hikes you can do in Svaneti is the Koruldi Lakse hike. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Koruldi Lakes
• For a complete list of things to do in Mestia, check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Mestia
• Ushguli is one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe, and it is a must-visit if you are exploring Svaneti. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Ushguli
• Batumi is more than just the Dubai of the Black Sea; it has a rich history, delicious cuisine, and plenty of things to do. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Batumi.
• Wondering where to go after Georgia? Why not drop by Armenia or Azerbaijan afterward?
• For all articles about Georgia, visit our Georgia Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to the Caucasus Region? Check out all my articles about the region here: The Caucasus Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.