Georgia is one of those destinations that quietly surprises you. Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this country blends dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, charming old towns, and a food culture that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you are drawn to hiking in the Caucasus, exploring centuries-old churches, or tasting traditional wine in a family vineyard, the Best Things to Do in Georgia offer depth, diversity, and unforgettable experiences.
From the cobbled streets of Tbilisi to the snow-capped peaks of Kazbegi, Georgia feels authentic and welcoming. The country’s compact size makes it possible to explore multiple regions in one trip, yet each area has its own identity. This guide explores the top places to visit and the Best Things to Do in Georgia, helping you plan a journey that balances culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Explore Tbilisi: The Heart of Georgia
No list of the Best Things to Do in Georgia is complete without starting in Tbilisi. The capital city combines medieval architecture with modern creativity.
Wander Through Old Town
Tbilisi’s Old Town is filled with colourful wooden balconies, narrow cobbled streets, and historic churches. Walking through this district is one of the most enjoyable Best Things to Do in Georgia, as you encounter sulphur bathhouses, hidden courtyards, and panoramic viewpoints.
Visit Narikala Fortress
Perched above the city, Narikala Fortress offers sweeping views of the Mtkvari River and surrounding hills. The short hike to the top rewards visitors with incredible scenery, especially at sunset.
Relax in the Sulphur Baths
Tbilisi is famous for its traditional sulphur baths in the Abanotubani district. Soaking in these warm mineral waters is among the most unique Best Things to Do in Georgia, offering both relaxation and cultural immersion.
Discover Kazbegi and the Caucasus Mountains
For nature lovers, the mountains provide some of the most breathtaking Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Visit Gergeti Trinity Church
Near the town of Stepantsminda, Gergeti Trinity Church sits dramatically beneath Mount Kazbek. The setting feels almost surreal, with green valleys below and snowy peaks above. Hiking to the church is one of the iconic Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Explore Mountain Trails
Kazbegi offers countless trekking routes for all fitness levels. Whether you choose a gentle valley walk or a multi-day mountain hike, outdoor adventure ranks high among the Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Experience Kakheti: Georgia’s Wine Region
Georgia is considered one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Visiting Kakheti is essential when exploring the Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Wine Tasting in Traditional Cellars
Many family-run wineries use ancient qvevri clay vessels buried underground. Sampling wine in these traditional settings offers insight into Georgian heritage and hospitality.
Explore Sighnaghi
The hilltop town of Sighnaghi is known as the “City of Love.” Its cobblestone streets and panoramic views over the Alazani Valley make it one of the most romantic Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Visit Mtskheta: Ancient Spiritual Centre
Just a short drive from Tbilisi, Mtskheta is one of the oldest and most spiritually significant cities in the country. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers deep historical value and remains one of the culturally rich Best Things to Do in Georgia for travellers seeking heritage and meaning.
Historic Significance of Mtskheta
Mtskheta served as the ancient capital of Georgia and played a central role in the adoption of Christianity in the 4th century. Walking through this town feels like stepping into the early foundations of the nation. Exploring its sacred landmarks is truly one of the meaningful Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Discover Jvari Monastery
Perched on a hilltop above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, Jvari Monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views. Visiting this 6th-century monastery is among the most scenic Best Things to Do in Georgia, combining architecture, spirituality, and dramatic landscapes.
Explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral stands at the heart of Mtskheta. Known for its impressive stonework and sacred relics, it remains one of the most important religious sites in the country. Exploring this cathedral ranks among the essential Best Things to Do in Georgia for history lovers.
Explore Batumi: Black Sea Coastal Escape
On Georgia’s western coast, Batumi offers a lively seaside atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with inland heritage towns. Discovering Batumi is among the refreshing Best Things to Do in Georgia, blending coastal relaxation with modern city energy.
Walk Along Batumi Boulevard
Batumi Boulevard stretches along the Black Sea and is ideal for evening walks, cycling, or watching sunset views over the water. Coastal relaxation here is one of the most refreshing Best Things to Do in Georgia, offering open space and calming sea air.
Visit Batumi Botanical Garden
The Batumi Botanical Garden features lush greenery and panoramic ocean views. Walking through its diverse plant collections while overlooking the Black Sea is one of the scenic Best Things to Do in Georgia, perfect for travellers seeking peaceful nature experiences near the coast.
Discover Uplistsikhe: A Rock-Hewn Wonder
For history enthusiasts, exploring Uplistsikhe is one of the most fascinating Best Things to Do in Georgia. Located near the town of Gori, this ancient cave settlement dates back to the early Iron Age and offers rare insight into early civilisation carved directly into sandstone cliffs. Walking through its chambers and passageways feels immersive and powerful, as if stepping into a living monument shaped entirely by human hands.
Historical Origins and Strategic Importance
Uplistsikhe began developing around the 1st millennium BCE and quickly became an important regional centre. Positioned along major trade routes that linked Europe and Asia, it gained political and commercial significance. Understanding its historical role is among the most educational Best Things to Do in Georgia, especially for travellers interested in how geography shaped ancient settlements.
The town’s location near the Mtkvari River allowed it to flourish economically while remaining strategically protected. Its defensive advantages and trade access helped sustain it for centuries.
Ingenious Rock-Cut Architecture
The architectural brilliance of Uplistsikhe is striking. Rather than constructing buildings with stone blocks, its residents carved living quarters, ceremonial halls, storage rooms, and tunnels directly into the cliff face. Exploring these spaces is one of the visually captivating Best Things to Do in Georgia, revealing the engineering skill of early inhabitants.
Arched ceilings, carved columns, and structured layouts demonstrate careful planning. Even drainage systems were integrated into the rock design, reflecting a highly functional settlement.
Religious Transformation Over Time
Before Christianity spread across Georgia, Uplistsikhe functioned as a pagan religious centre. Temples dedicated to ancient deities were carved into the rock, serving as spiritual gathering places. Later, Christian influence reshaped parts of the complex.
Witnessing this transition is one of the culturally meaningful Best Things to Do in Georgia, as it highlights the evolution of faith and tradition within the region. The blend of pagan and Christian elements adds depth to the site’s historical narrative.
Daily Life in an Ancient Cave City
Uplistsikhe was more than a religious site; it was a functioning city. Archaeologists have identified residential rooms, wine cellars, bakeries, and meeting halls. Imagining daily routines within these carved spaces makes visiting one of the most immersive Best Things to Do in Georgia.
The layout suggests a structured community with designated zones for trade, worship, and social life. It provides tangible evidence of how ancient societies organised themselves.
Defensive Features and Hidden Passages
Security was essential for survival in ancient times. Uplistsikhe included narrow corridors, hidden tunnels, and elevated viewpoints to protect residents from potential invasions. Discovering these defensive elements is among the intriguing Best Things to Do in Georgia, offering insight into the challenges faced by early communities.
Some tunnels even connected the city to the river below, providing escape routes during conflict.
Natural Erosion and Preservation Efforts
Over centuries, wind, rain, and earthquakes have shaped the sandstone cliffs. Preservation work continues to protect remaining structures from further erosion. Observing this delicate balance between history and nature is one of the reflective Best Things to Do in Georgia, reminding visitors of the importance of conservation.
Despite natural wear, the site still conveys a strong sense of its original grandeur.
Why Uplistsikhe Remains Essential to Visit
Uplistsikhe stands as one of Georgia’s most extraordinary archaeological landmarks. Its combination of ancient engineering, spiritual evolution, and daily life carved into stone makes it unforgettable. Visiting this cave town remains one of the must-experience Best Things to Do in Georgia, offering depth, perspective, and a powerful connection to the country’s earliest chapters.
Visit Vardzia: Cliffside Spiritual Marvel
Another remarkable destination among the Best Things to Do in Georgia is Vardzia, a vast cave monastery complex carved dramatically into the side of a cliff in southern Georgia. Built in the 12th century during the reign of Queen Tamar, Vardzia was originally designed as both a religious centre and a defensive stronghold. Today, it stands as one of the country’s most extraordinary historical landmarks.
A Monastery Carved into the Mountain
Unlike traditional monasteries built with stone blocks, Vardzia was excavated directly into the rock face of the Erusheti Mountain. At its peak, the complex reportedly contained hundreds of chambers, including monks’ cells, chapels, storage rooms, wine cellars, and hidden tunnels. Exploring these interconnected spaces is one of the most unique Best Things to Do in Georgia, offering an unforgettable blend of history and architecture.
Walking through the narrow passageways gives visitors a sense of how monks once lived and worshipped in isolation, protected within the mountain walls.
The Church of the Dormition
At the heart of Vardzia lies the Church of the Dormition, adorned with beautifully preserved frescoes. These 12th-century paintings depict religious scenes and portraits of Georgian royalty, including Queen Tamar herself. Viewing these historic artworks is among the culturally enriching Best Things to Do in Georgia, as they provide insight into medieval Georgian art and devotion.
Strategic and Defensive Design
Vardzia was more than a monastery; it functioned as a fortress. Secret tunnels and concealed access points were built to protect residents from invasion. In times of conflict, the complex could shelter thousands of people. Discovering this strategic design is one of the most fascinating Best Things to Do in Georgia, revealing how spirituality and security coexisted in medieval architecture.
Panoramic Valley Views
The monastery overlooks the scenic Mtkvari River valley, offering sweeping views of rolling hills and dramatic cliffs. The natural surroundings enhance the experience, making the journey to Vardzia as memorable as the site itself. Standing at the edge of the cliff and looking out across the valley is easily one of the most breathtaking Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Why Vardzia Is Unmissable
Vardzia combines spiritual history, engineering brilliance, and natural beauty in one extraordinary location. Exploring its tunnels, climbing its stone stairways, and observing its frescoes creates a powerful connection to Georgia’s medieval past. For travellers seeking depth and authenticity, visiting Vardzia remains one of the most unforgettable Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Taste Georgian Cuisine: A Cultural Experience
Food is central to everyday life in Georgia, and exploring its culinary traditions is easily one of the most delicious Best Things to Do in Georgia. Meals here are not rushed; they are shared experiences built around hospitality, conversation, and generous portions. Georgian cuisine blends influences from Europe and Asia while maintaining its own distinct identity shaped by regional ingredients and centuries-old techniques.
Dining in Georgia often feels personal. Whether you are eating at a family-run restaurant in Tbilisi or a countryside guesthouse, the emphasis is on freshness and warmth. Bread is baked daily, herbs are used generously, and wine accompanies most meals. Sampling traditional dishes allows visitors to understand Georgian culture beyond monuments and landscapes, making it one of the essential Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Try Khachapuri and Khinkali
Two iconic dishes define Georgian cuisine: khachapuri and khinkali. Khachapuri is a cheese-filled bread that comes in several regional variations. The most famous version, Adjarian khachapuri, features a boat-shaped crust topped with melted cheese, butter, and a runny egg. Taking your first bite of freshly baked khachapuri is among the comforting Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Khinkali are juicy dumplings typically filled with spiced meat or mushrooms. They are eaten by hand, carefully holding the top knot and sipping the broth before taking a bite. Trying khinkali in local eateries or markets offers an authentic taste of Georgian daily life.
Experience a Traditional Supra Feast
A supra is more than a meal; it is a celebration of connection and tradition. During a supra, multiple courses are served alongside generous amounts of local wine. A tamada, or toastmaster, leads a series of heartfelt toasts dedicated to friendship, family, and history. Participating in a supra is one of the most memorable Best Things to Do in Georgia, as it reflects the country’s strong sense of community and hospitality.
The atmosphere is lively yet meaningful. Conversations flow easily, and guests are encouraged to share stories and raise glasses together. Experiencing a supra offers deep cultural insight that goes far beyond typical dining.
Adventure in Svaneti: Remote Mountain Majesty
For travellers seeking dramatic landscapes and authentic mountain culture, Svaneti stands out as one of the adventurous Best Things to Do in Georgia. Located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, this remote region is known for its medieval stone towers, alpine meadows, and glacier-capped peaks.
The scenery feels untouched and raw. Villages are scattered across valleys, surrounded by towering mountains that change colour with the light. Exploring Svaneti provides a powerful contrast to Georgia’s cities and coastal regions.
Visit Mestia: Gateway to the Caucasus
Mestia serves as the main base for trekking and mountain exploration in Svaneti. The town itself features traditional Svan towers and small museums that highlight local history. Hiking from Mestia is one of the most exhilarating Best Things to Do in Georgia, offering routes that pass glaciers, alpine lakes, and panoramic viewpoints.
Popular multi-day treks connect Mestia to the village of Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest inhabited settlements. Along the way, travellers encounter sweeping valleys and snow-capped peaks that define the Caucasus landscape. For outdoor enthusiasts, exploring Mestia and its surrounding trails remains one of the most unforgettable Best Things to Do in Georgia.
Comparison Table of Top Experiences
| Destination | Best For | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi | Culture & city life | Old Town & sulphur baths |
| Kazbegi | Mountains | Gergeti Trinity Church |
| Kakheti | Wine | Qvevri tastings |
| Mtskheta | Heritage | Jvari Monastery |
| Batumi | Coastline | Black Sea promenade |
| Svaneti | Adventure | Mountain trekking |
Practical Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather
- Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
- Transport: Marshrutkas (minibuses) connect major towns
- Language: Georgian is official, English common in tourist areas
Planning ahead ensures you maximise the Best Things to Do in Georgia without unnecessary stress.
Must Read:
- Top Places and Best Islands in Indonesia to Explore
- Tips for Settling Back into Regular Life After a Long Tour
- Best Tips to Survive an Unplanned Vacation Anywhere
Final Thoughts:
Georgia offers a rare combination of mountain adventure, spiritual heritage, culinary richness, and genuine hospitality. Whether you are hiking beneath Mount Kazbek, tasting wine in Kakheti, or wandering through Tbilisi’s Old Town, the Best Things to Do in Georgia create a journey filled with discovery and warmth.
Compact yet diverse, Georgia rewards curious travellers with landscapes and experiences that feel both ancient and alive. Exploring the Best Things to Do in Georgia will leave you inspired, well-fed, and eager to return.
