Georgia is a small country usually overlooked when determining tourist destinations. However, once one starts visiting, the country’s great diversity and layers will become apparent almost immediately. Georgia has it all; soaring mountains, ancient cities, vineyards, and charming villages, all presenting wonderful opportunities to cater to people’s various tastes in travel. The very fact that nature, history, and daily life fuse together so seamlessly is what makes it the most.
Region hopping ultimately resulted in coming up with the ten best things to do in Georgia which would indeed reflect the very soul of the area.
1. Tbilisi streets and walks
Tbilisi does not only refer to a capital city but an entire journey that is yet to be unravelled. The Old Town area features gorgeous facades, colorful balconies, and modern-day cafes near historic churches, and the entire scene is united by narrow streets. And not to miss is riding the cable car up for a panoramic city view, taking a plunge in the famous sulphur baths in the evening after visiting wine bars and small eateries, which Tbilisi now comes across as the trip’s initial mood-setter.
2. Kazbegi Mountain Life
On the one hand, the Kazbegi mountains are very raw and powerful, and on the other hand, they are calmingly peaceful. One of the most unforgettable times in the country is hiking up to the well-known church perched on a hill against a backdrop of white hills with snow. Or if you are not one to conquer trails, the mere delight of having one night in this place and watching the dusk and dawn over mountains is priceless.
3. Kutaisi’s Culture
Kutaisi is a city that cannot be more calm and laid back. It is often relegated to the status of little brother to Tbilisi and has thus developed a low-key charm that eventually wins over those who come to its place. In this city, one is free to take slow walks, converse with the inhabitants, conduct market scavenger hunts, and savor home-style dining with wine and food. Besides, the nearby monastic complexes, rivers, and fields make it a good place to stay for safari in the western part of Georgia.
4. Visit the Ancient Cave Cities
The cave cities of Georgia are one-of-a-kind. The places hewn from the rock face not only tell the stories of houses, worship, and the means of defense but all are actually a deep part of the country’s history and are complex and hard to disentangle.
5. Taste Traditional Georgian Food
To eat Georgia food means offering it to the whole family, not just one person. Each area, that is the cradle of cheese-filled breads, dumplings, herb-rich stews, and walnut-based sauces, has its own specialty. Long, animated meals with wine—and hefty toasts that mirror Georgian hospitality—are very common.
6. Visit Wine Countries
Georgia is one of those few wine-producing countries from the very first days of wine making, that is why a trip to its wine regions is essential. The vineyards are set in beautiful valleys with stunning views, and many families still make wine in the ancient way by burying clay vases underground. Even those who do not drink wine at all, receive memories through the stories and rituals accompanying the tasting.
7. Walk Around Isolated Mountain Villages
Isolated villages are among the most impressive places in Georgia. The stone towers, the mute valleys, and the mighty mountains all make up a setting that seems not to have been affected by time. The off-the-beaten-path places are perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowded spots and savor the genuine mountain life.
8. Enjoy the Black Sea Coast
The Black Sea coast of Georgia is like a different world. Apart from the good weather all year round which allows for the long seaside walks, there are also the botanical gardens, local markets, and the coexistence of the old and the modern architecture which together make the coastal cities very lively and interesting. It is a good way to combine mountain exploits with leisurely sea time.
9. Visit Historic Monasteries and Churches
The religious and historical aspects are, in fact, the very fabric of Georgia’s identity. Monasteries are often located on the tops of mountains, or at least quite low in the valleys, they not only give the visitors the pleasure of viewing the beautiful landscape but also the chance to see the old monasteries with their architecture that dates back to the very old times. The places are characteristic of the tranquilness and the power of the surrounding nature, thus, in most cases, they are located in very picturesque areas.
10. Travel Slowly and Talk to Locals
It is certainly one of the not so obvious attractions that make the visit to Georgia unforgettable. Local people’s chatter, a glass of their homemade wine, sharing of stories, and an invitation to a family dinner are likely to be the most precious moments of your trip. Georgian people are very friendly, and if you travel in a slow, personal way, it will make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Georgia is a land that favors the inquisitive. It doesn’t matter whether you are interested in the mountains, the food, the history, or just the human connections, each trip will definitely be very personal and significant. The more you engage with it, the more it unfolds — and this makes you want to come back for more every time.
