21 Things to Do in Kutaisi For First-Timers

There’s an abundance of stuff to do in Kutaisi, making it one of Western Georgia’s greatest treasures! 

I’ve visited the country several times and trust me, your Georgia itinerary must include a visit to Kutaisi. Vivid frescoes adorn medieval monasteries. Rugged canyons tower over turquoise rivers, and fascinating statues and street art lie hidden like Easter eggs. 

That’s just a few appetizers from the feast that is Kutaisi, though — did I mention the food? Continue reading to learn about the best of the city, including popular sites and local gems! 

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21 Best Things to Do in Kutaisi

Bagrati Cathedral

The massive Bagrati Cathedral is the city’s most recognizable landmark and also the center of some controversies.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: free | 👉 Book Bagrati Cathedral Tour on Viator

Bagrati Cathedral sits atop Ukimerioni Hill, watching over the city since the 11th century. From the courtyard, you’ll have incredible views of the surrounding area and the distant mountains. Take a tour of the cathedral at sunset to experience the best golden hour in city of the Golden Fleece.

Bagrati Cathedral found itself at the center of a little controversy back in 2012. UNESCO had given it World Heritage Site status, but removed it after renovations made it less “authentic.” It’s still a magnificent place to visit, nonetheless.

Gelati Monastery

Gelati Monastery is famous for its stunning medieval frescoes and ranks as one of the best day trips from Kutaisi.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 598 67 80 76 | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Sat – Thurs, 9 am – 7 pm Fridays | Entrance: free | 👉 Book suggested Gelati Monastery Tour

No Kutaisi itinerary is complete without a tour of Gelati Monastery. The monastery is short drive north of town (I recommend downloading Bolt and/or Yandex Taxi)

This medieval monastery was founded in 1106 and is famous for its frescoes. Many colors remain vivid even after 10 centuries! The striking frescoes earned Gelati Monastery UNESCO World Heritage Site status (and there have not been any disputes so far). Gelati is also the burial site of King David IV, under whose reign Georgia’s Golden Age began.

Prometheus Cave

Georgia is famous for its mountains but also has some equally breathtaking subterranean wonders.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 577 10 14 17 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tues – Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: ₾ 23 adults, ₾ 5.5 children 6 – 18 | 👉 Book Suggested Prometheus Cave Tour

Kutaisi is also the best departure point for the Prometheus Cave, one of the most popular attractions in Georgia. The cave complex is one of the largest in Europe with 22 different halls. Only 6 are accessible to tourists, but they are more than enough to scratch your speleological itch. 

There’s even a short boat tour on an underground river here, costing only around 15 lari! The boat ride may not be available if the water levels in the river have risen too high.

Buses departing from Kutaisi to the town of Tskaltubo are your best bet to get to the cave. Then, take another bus from Tskaltubo to the caves. You could also rent a car from Tbilisi (other cities have rentals, but Tbilisi is the best pick-up point). 

👉 Don’t Miss: Private tours are another great option for seeing the caves! This guided tour stops at Prometheus Cave, as well as Martvili and Okatse Canyons! 

Kutaisi City Center

Kutaisi’s City Center is adorned with fascinating statues, peaceful parks, and everything else a visitor could want.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Suggested Kutaisi Walking Tour on Viator

Downtown Kutaisi is one of the best places to stay when visiting Georgia. There are great hotels, many of which offer world-class service for budget travel prices. Restaurants line the streets and squares. Stores here offer everything from groceries to designer clothing.

A walking tour of the city center is one of the best ways to see the sights and learn local lore. There are great parks to relax in, as well as fascinating monuments such as the Colchis Fountain. But this fountain may be tricky for selfies, being smack in the middle of a huge roundabout.

Kutaisi State Historical Museum

View a small, but diverse collection of artifacts at this museum that chronicles the millennia-long history of Georgia.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 431 24 56 91 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: ₾ 3 adults, ₾ 2 students (12 – 18), ₾ 1 children (6 – 12)

This museum is a must for history buffs. Artifacts here date as early as prehistory through the World Wars. Golden jewelry, medieval icons, antique firearms, and more are preserved here.

The golden jewelry dates from the early Colchian kingdoms (Bronze Age). It’s easy to see how the legend of the Golden Fleece took shape given early Georgian artisans’ elaborate treasures. Several of the medieval icons are no less impressive, being wrought from precious metals. They were transferred to the museum during the repressive Soviet Era for safekeeping.

Kutaisi Botanical Garden

Kutaisi’s botanical gardens offer an even more peaceful oasis amidst an already easy-going city.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: ₾ 1

Kutaisi’s botanical garden is a great place to unwind a little and enjoy a peaceful walk. The garden has a collection of over 700 different species of flowers, shrubs, and trees. 

The “tree chapel” is the most famous sight here. This large, natural hole inside an oak tree has been adorned with religious icons and is said to be the only chapel of its kind in the world. There are a few similar chapels inside large trees elsewhere, but only here in Kutaisi is the tree still living.

The gardens lie across the Rioni River to the north of town on the right bank. They make a great next stop after Bagrati Cathedral, a 15-minute walk away.

Martvili Canyon

Paddle your way along the turquoise waters of the River Abasha in Martvili Canyon.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 579 80 28 42 | Website | Hours: 10  am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: ₾ 20 adults, ₾ 5.50 children 6 – 18 | 👉 Book a Martvili Canyon Tour on Viator

Martvili Canyon is another of the best day trips from Kutaisi. It lies an hour’s drive northwest of the city but takes you far from the urban atmosphere, immersing you in a serene natural setting. The environs of the canyon stay green all year long. It’s easy to see why the place was a popular bathing spot for the royal Dadiani family.

A short boat trip is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty here. Private tours help handle all the logistics. But you can also rent a car in Georgia, then board a boat on your own schedule. The Martvili Canyon area also has a few pleasant waterfalls and viewing platforms from which to take in the views.

Okatse Canyon

Okatse Canyon offers epic views of the lush Imeretian hill country surrounding Kutaisi.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 591 45 74 63 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm |daily (closes at 5:30 pm  in fall and 5 pm in winter) | Entrance: ₾ 17.25 adults, ₾ 5.50 children 6 – 18 

Okatse Canyon is not as famous as the canyon in Martvili, but it’s still worth visiting! Its lesser-known status means fewer crowds and the views here are remarkable. Martvili Canyon feels cozy but here, you get panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.

The best views of the Okatse Canyon can be found on the suspended walkway. It may not be your cup of tea if you’re afraid of heights, though! Fortunately, there’s still plenty of beauty to see aside from this lofty perch. There are several great hiking trails here that stay firmly planted on solid ground. 

Kinchkha Waterfall

Hike a little further back in the woods to discover one of the most majestic waterfalls in Georgia.

📍 Google Maps 

The Kinchkha Waterfall is close to Okatse Canyon but deserves its own entry. There are three separate cataracts but the most popular one is the largest, reaching over 210’ tall! The area has some great hiking trails and there is also a zipline if you’re looking for a little adrenaline rush. It operates from 11 am to 8 pm daily.

Green Bazaar

Browse the best of local produce at the bustling Green Bazaar.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily 

A visit to the Green Bazaar is one of the best ways to “spice up” your visit (horrible pun intended). The market offers spices, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and other food products grown by local farmers. The sights and smells are as diverse as they are delicious! 

You can find unique Georgian food items here, too, such as the famous churchkhela, a snack food made from nuts and grape must. Tkemali is another favorite food item at the bazaar. It is made with sour plums and savory spices. Also, keep your eyes peeled for adjika, a spicy pepper paste. 

Everything here is quite affordable. It can be a great place to pick up meal ingredients if your accommodations have a kitchen! 

Kutaisi Synagogue

Bright and elaborate interiors make Kutaisi’s main synagogue one of the city’s most colorful attractions.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 8 am – 10 am, 8 pm – 10 pm Mon – Fri, 9 am – 12 pm Sat, closed Sun

Kutaisi Synagogue is the place of worship for the city’s Jewish population. Georgia has, for millennia, maintained a small Jewish community. Kutaisi’s community, though, traces its roots back to around 1644.

There are three synagogues in Kutaisi, but this one is the largest and most famous. It is known for its brightly colored interiors, and the exteriors are also quite beautiful. A monument to Boris Gapanov stands outside the synagogue. He’s famed for translating the Georgian national epic “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin” into Hebrew. 

Holy Annunciation Temple

Take in the silent beauty of one of Kutaisi’s most unique churches.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, 10 am – 6 pm Sat, 9 am – 5 pm Sun 

Holy Annunciation Temple towers above the rustic houses of Kutaisi’s former French Quarter. Kutaisi was also once home to a sizable Roman Catholic population. Their numbers dwindled so much over the years that they no longer needed such a large church. 

Holy Annunciation now operates as an Orthodox church, but traces of its former Catholic status remain. The arched facade on the exterior, for one, is atypical of Georgian churches. The patterns on the ceilings and statues in the choir loft are also something you’re more likely to see in Rome than in Georgia.  

Kutaisi Bridges

Cross the Rioni River in style on Kutaisi’s unique bridges.

📍 Google Maps 

Taking a stroll across Kutaisi’s bridges a great free activity. Three bridges, in particular, stand out as noteworthy: White Bridge, Red Bridge, and the Chain Bridge. 

White Bridge is the most famous and most photographed thanks to the quirky statue of a boy holding a hat. Red Bridge gets its name from its rust-colored hue and there are great views from it, too. 

The Chain Bridge leads north across the river. It stands on the site of the oldest river crossing, first built in the 5th century. The present-day structure’s earliest components, its support pillars, date from 1770 — which is new by Georgian standards!

Historical Monuments

Kutaisi’s many monuments chronicle its past from prehistory to the present.

👉 Book Suggested Kutaisi Walking Tour on Viator

Going on a monument scavenger hunt is another of the best free activities in Kutaisi. Statues stand on many street corners, commemorating the common people and much more.

Kutaisi Park (Central Garden) has a simple statue depicting the Sisters Ishkheneli, a popular Georgian folk group from the 1940s. Nearby stands the Glory to Labor Monument (pictured above), a Soviet-era tribute to the working class. These are just the tip of the artistic iceberg! 

Going on a walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about the monuments you encounter. You don’t absolutely need one, but talking to a local being always beats looking things up on the internet!

Street Art

Kutaisi’s vibrant artistic side shows on many walls and street corners throughout the city.

👉 Book Suggested Kutaisi Walking Tour on Viator

Street art also adorns the city of Kutaisi. The Wall of Love near the Kutaisi center is one of the most well-known. A few places throughout the city also feature local artists’ contributions. Kutaisi International University, though, is the motherlode for trendy murals.

Kutaisi Cable Car Station and Amusement Park

Take a ride on a retro cable car to an old-fashioned amusement park with great views of the city. 

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm daily | Entrance: ₾ 3 

Kutaisi, like other destinations in Georgia, has cable cars, plus a small amusement park. The lower station stands just north of the White Bridge. Compact cable cars carry passengers over the Rioni and up to the Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park. The park features simple carnival rides and there are also some interesting statues and sculptures in the area.

The park is a great place to go if traveling with children. A ride on the old-fashioned Ferris wheel only costs 2 lari!

Katskhi Pillar

Gaze in wonder at Georgia’s own miniature Meteora.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10:30 am – 6 pm Mon – Sat, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm Sun | 👉 Book Suggested Katskhi Tour

Katskhi Pillar is one of the best day trips from Kutaisi. The natural column of rock stands 40 miles east of town and is the site of a small monastery. The Georgian government has forbidden tourists and Georgian citizens from climbing up the pillar, though. It is slowly eroding, posing an increased risk for potential climbers.

Only the monastic brotherhood and select visiting clergy have permission to ascend the pillar from time to time. That’s perfectly ok if you’re like me and afraid of heights. It’s still worth taking a guided tour below Katskhi Pillar and in nearby Chiatura! 

Chiatura

Old cable cars high above the town are a highlight of this Kutaisi day trip destination.

📍 Google Maps 

Georgians have a thing for cable cars. They’re in most of its major cities, but none are as famous as the ones in Chiatura. This tiny manganese mining town boomed in the 1800s. The first set of cable cars were built to help transport miners to and fro. The cars fell into disuse as mines closed around the fall of the Soviet Union. 

They remained a popular sight, a sort of symbol of the town. Newer cable cars have begun operating in recent years, but the old ones can still be visited. They’re one of the best things to see in Georgia, especially if you like all things rustic (another horrible and intended pun).

Kutaisi International Airport

Kutaisi’s airport is a hidden travel hack for backpackers and budget-minded visitors.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 431 23 70 00 | Website | Hours: open 24 hours 

The Kutaisi Airport may not be an attraction in and of itself, but it is noteworthy for budget travelers. The airport is serviced by low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air and Pegasus Air. This makes it one of the best ways to get to and from Georgia and save a little money.

The city bus, as of yet, does not run to the airport, but there are still a few ways to get around. Minibusses (marshrutkas) run during the day. Private transfers and taxis operate at all hours. Private transfer companies also offer Kutaisi connections to and from other locales in Georgia. Additionally, Georgian Railways has a stop at the airport and is a popular way to connect.

👉 Local Tip: Kutaisi Central Station is a different place than the Kutaisi Airport train station. Kutaisi Central connects to various villages in the area (as well as Tbilisi). Be sure to note which Kutaisi station your train connects to when using the Georgian Railways website.

Old Georgian Parliament Building

The imposing Parliament Building now stands empty, but is still a noteworthy local landmark.

📍 Google Maps 

Kutaisi temporarily served as the seat of the Georgian Parliament from 2012 to 2019. The move was initiated by then-President Mikheil Saakashvili but reversed after his term in office. Parliament returned to Tbilisi and the former parliament building in Kutaisi now sits empty. But the building is worth a photo, especially if you like futuristic architecture. 

Imeretian Food

Sample the best cuisine of western Georgia at one of the many restaurants (or homes!) in Kutaisi.

👉 Book a Food and Wine Tour on Viator

Georgian food is as diverse as Georgian landscapes and regions. Imereti’s dishes tend to favor nuts and vegetables as primary ingredients. Pkhali is a popular dish from Imereti. It consists of a blend of ground nuts, spices, and vegetables (often eggplant or spinach). Other local specialties include satsivi, turkey or chicken in a walnut sauce, and lobio, a spiced bean dish. 

There are many fantastic restaurants in Kutaisi, but a food tour is one of the best ways to sample the best of what Imereti has to offer. Imereti also has some fantastic wines, which tend to be lighter than the headier brews found in Kakheti. Why not visit both regions to compare and contrast?

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Thanks for reading my guide to the best things to do in Kutaisi! Next, check out our article on the best time to visit Georgia so you can make the most of your stay.