22 Things To Do In Kutaisi
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1. Gelati Monastery
5 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
The Gelati Monastery is a UNESCO World Heirtage site and complex, perched on a hillside overlooking the Rioni River and the city of Kutaisi. Established in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia, it has structures like the Churches of St. George and St. Nicholas, a bell tower, and an academy where subjects such as geometry, arithmetic, music, philosophy, rhetoric, grammar, and astronomy were once taught (Read More). The main cathedral, the Church of the Virgin, is the focal point of Gelati Monastery.
2. Bagrati Cathedral
1 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
The Bagrati Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Dormition, is a significant historical and architectural landmark located in Kutaisi. Constructed in the early 11th century, during the reign of King Bagrat III, it is a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated on Ukimerioni Hill and you can get panoramic views of Kutaisi from the top.
3. Kutaisi Cable Car
1 km from city center
Cable Car
The Kutaisi Cable Car, a historic gem built in 1961, offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Kutaisi from above. Connecting the city's bustling center to the serene Gora Park, this vintage aerial tramway transports visitors across the Rioni River in vibrant eight-seater cars, providing sweeping views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and the lush green landscape that surrounds it.
4. Green Bazaar Kutaisi
1 km from city center
Shopping Market
Green Bazaar in Kutaisi is one of the most popular markets. The focal point of this bustling marketplace is the section dedicated to vegetables and fruits, a structure with roots dating back to the Soviet era. Among the tourists, the handicraft area is particularly favored, offering a delightful array of products that exemplify traditional Georgian artistry. The bazaar is also known for its diffe (Read More)rent architectural elements.
5. Katskhi Pillar
42 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
Standing at about 40 meters high, Katskhi Pillar is a remarkable natural limestone monolith that has been a place of historical and religious significance for centuries. One of the most isolated churches of the world is situated on the top of this pillar. Visitors are only allowed to reach up to the pillar’s base level, where you can witness a 6th-century Bolnisi cross marked into the limestone. A (Read More)t the bottom of the pillar is a monastery and a small chapel called The church of Simeon Stylites with decorative art and fresco paintings.
6. Okatse Canyon
25 km from city center
Rocks & Canyons
Okatse Canyon, located close to Khoni town, is an erosion canyon of the Okatse River. It is made of limestone rocks and is approximately 14 kilometers long and about 120 meters deep. The main viewing point of the canyon can be reached through a suspension bridge which is a 1-kilometer-long walking path. The canyon is known for its picturesque views, stunning waterfalls, and dense forests. It also (Read More)has multiple natural stone bridges and caves. While trying to reach the canyon you also come across the ruins of the 18th century palace of the Dadiani princes.
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7. Martvili Canyon
34 km from city center
Rocks & Canyons
Martvili Canyon is located 2 kilometers from the village of Gachedili and is also called Gachedili Canyon. It is formed by the Abasha River. You can take a 300-meter boat ride that leads to the large 12-meter waterfall in the middle of the canyon, and enjoy the beautiful views of the moss-covered mountains. There are 2 bridges, historical 30-step stairs made of large limestone boulders, and 3 obse (Read More)rvation platforms that give a panoramic view of the area. Although the canyon is open throughout the year, the active season lasts from April to October.
8. Motsameta Monastery
4 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
Motsameta Monastery is located in the gorge of the Tskaltsitela river in the Imereti region. It consists of different parts, including Motsameta Church, a two-story bell tower, and the remains of defensive towers and walls. These present-day structures were built by King Bagrat III in the 11th century. Situated on a high cliff and surrounded by beautiful forests, the monastery gives a picturesque (Read More)view of the area.
9. Gardenia Shevardnadze
Garden & Park
Located on Khudadovi Hill, Gardenia Shevardnadze is just a short drive from the city center. This 10,000-square-meter garden is the creation of Georgia’s most famous gardener, Zura Shevardnadze, and blends the beauty of traditional Georgian flora with exotic plant species. It has more than 3,000 varieties of plants. The Little Cafe in the garden is a cozy, vintage-style spot to grab a bite. Garden (Read More)ia Shevardnadze also offers a range of activities, including hands-on gardening lessons for children.
10. Colchis Fountain
0 km from city center
Landmark
Located in the David Agmashenebeli square of Kutaisi, Colchis Fountain is a historical monument surrounded by modern urban structures. The fountain has four levels that hold golden statues replicating animals and ancient Georgian figures. These statues are placed on pedestals decorated with blue-colored mosaics. The central piece of the fountain is a pair of golden horses. In the evening, the ligh (Read More)ts reflecting on the splashing water and the golden statues make the fountain look more attractive.
11. Sataplia Nature Reserve
5 km from city center
Cave
Sataplia Nature Reserve is a karst cave complex that features Dinosaur Park along with a museum that preserves 120-million-year-old fossilized footprints of Herbivorous and Raptor dinosaurs. The complex has a 300-meter-long hiking trail along with a small underground river flowing through it. It is surrounded by tall and thick, Colchis forest. There is an observation deck made of glass that gives (Read More)panoramic views of the area.
12. Kutaisi State Historical Museum
1 km from city center
Museum
Kutaisi State Historical Museum holds more than 200,000 unique cultural and historical artifacts of Western Georgia starting from the 9th- 8th century B.C. up to late medieval times. These exhibits include Bronze Age artifacts discovered at the territory of Western Georgia, rare items of Georgian, Byzantine, Roman, and Oriental history, an impressive collection of old epigraphic monuments, Georgia (Read More)n books and manuscripts, and ornaments.
13. Dadiani Palace Museum
74 km from city center
Museum
Dadiani Palace Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Caucasus region located in the center of Zugdidi, near Kutaisi. The museum also holds 19th-century paintings of the Caucasus and a fine collection of icons and crosses from the 10th to 20th centuries in its Treasury section. Inside, you can find more than 41,000 items that span from the second millennium BCE to the late 1800s. One of Napole (Read More)on’s four bronze death masks is also kept here.Â
14. Kutaisi Synagogue
0 km from city center
Synagogue
The Kutaisi Synagogue is located on Boris Gaponov Street. It was constructed in 1886 and is still one of the main Jewish temples in the city. The large structure of the building is made of stone and is divided among three arches. Inside, the walls are painted in a beautiful Neo-Romanesque style. Among the three synagogues in the city, it is the most decorated synagogue and is open to the public fo (Read More)r just four hours a day.
15. Prometheus Cave
15 km from city center
Cave
Located in the village of Kumistavi near Kutaisi, Prometheus Cave is a 1.8-kilometer-long underground karst cave. As per the legends, the cave holds the boulder that was used to chain the Greek god of fire, Prometheus. The cave is located 40 meters below sea level. It has a total of twenty-two caverns, each with its own unique charm. However, only six of these caverns are open to tourists. You can (Read More) choose the 1.5-kilometer walking path and take a boat journey for 380 meters to explore all the caverns. This journey is accompanied by neon lights and music playing in the background adding a mythological element. Guided tours are available.
16. Kutaisi Holy Annunciation Temple
0 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
The Holy Annunciation Church in Kutaisi is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and spirituality. Originally, this site was home to the Temple of Saint Sofia, which stood from the 15th century until the early 19th century. In 1823, an Orthodox church in the Baroque style was built here, replacing the older temple. Today you can still marvel at its preserved religious art, including angeli (Read More)c monuments and Vatican-style paintings of the Mother Mary.
17. White Bridge Kutaisi
1 km from city center
Bridge
The White Bridge, one of Kutaisi’s most iconic attractions, spans the picturesque Rioni River in the heart of the city’s old town. It was built between 1850 and 1852 by military engineer Vite. Its name comes from the white railings and the smooth white stones in the river below, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. The bridge’s airiness and historical significance make it a perfect spot for (Read More)leisurely walks.
18. Rafting in Kutaisi
Rafting
Rafting in Kutaisi offers an exciting adventure for thrill-seekers visiting the city. The city’s proximity to the Rioni River, Georgia’s longest and one of the most scenic, makes it a prime location for rafting experiences. Guided rafting tours are available, often including safety briefings and equipment provided by experienced instructors. The rafting season typically runs from late spring to ea (Read More)rly autumn when the river is at its most navigable.
19. Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park
1 km from city center
Amusement & Theme Park
Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park, nestled on the historic Gabashvili Hill in Kutaisi, offers a charming blend of history and leisure. Originally named after the esteemed Georgian poet Besarion Gabashvili, the park has been a local landmark since the mid-20th century. You’ll find towering trees, shaded walkways, and classic rides like a Ferris wheel and cable car, offering panoramic views of Kutaisi (Read More) and a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle.
20. Kinchkha Waterfall
28 km from city center
Waterfall
Kinchkha Waterfall, a striking natural monument in the Imereti region, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The waterfall’s unique geomorphological structure, set against limestone cliffs and surrounded by vibrant greenery, creates a breathtaking sight. You can explore the area via a marked 2.1 kilometer trail, leading to panoramic views and tranquil natural pools. Located near the villa (Read More)ge of Kinchkha, 843 meters above sea level, this triple-stage cascade features waterfalls of 25, 70, and 35 meters in height.
21. Chiatura
46 km from city center
City
Chiatura, a hidden gem in the Imereti region of western Georgia, is a perfect day trip destination from Kutaisi. You can take a one-and-a-half-hour drive via highway E60 from Kutaisi to reach Chiatura. This small town, once a thriving Soviet industrial center, is renowned for its unique cable car system, which was built to transport workers and residents across the town's steep, rugged terrain. To (Read More)day, these historic cable cars offer visitors an unforgettable ride, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and the Kvirila River valley. You can also hike through the multiple trails in the city.
22. Wine Tasting in Kutaisi
Vineyards
Wine tasting in Kutaisi offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Georgia's ancient winemaking traditions, which date back over 8,000 years. The Imereti region, where Kutaisi is located, is known for its unique winemaking methods, including the use of qvevri, large clay vessels buried underground to ferment and age the wine. Many local wineries and family-run vineyards around Kutaisi wel (Read More)come visitors to sample traditional Imeretian wines, such as Tsolikouri and Krakhuna, both known for their crisp, refreshing flavors.