What to see for a tourist on vacation in Georgia: the best sights in 2024

The majestic and ancient city of Old Tbilisi

The historical districts of Tbilisi are famous for their cozy winding streets, which now and then lead to interesting sights. Old Tbilisi is popular among tourists with the Narikala fortress, which offers an amazing view of the city.

Initially, Tbilisi appeared on the territory between the Kura River and the mountain range, it was at this place that the future capital of Georgia developed rapidly until now. At that time, healing sulfur springs were found near the embankment of the Kura, so today there are Abanotubani, that is, sulfur baths, which were once visited even by Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. To date, you can order a wellness massage in the sulfur baths, and then get to the Metekhi Temple.

Many old buildings in Old Tbilisi have been reconstructed specifically for tourist purposes, so you can stay in a hotel with oriental-style ornaments or relax in a cafe, tasting traditional Georgian dishes. In addition, many streets in the Old City lead to dead ends or abandoned, dilapidated buildings in which locals still live.

The ancient Fortress of Narikala will surprise with a thousand-year history

Mtatsminda Mountain is known in Georgia for the fact that the majestic Narikala fortress is located on it, it was first mentioned in the IV century. Previously, the fortress was called as Shuris-Tsikhe, it was built for defensive purposes. The fortress is surrounded by high mountains on three sides, and a stone wall on the fourth, so it is considered impregnable. The fortress was destroyed several times, but it was constantly restored to its original state.

It is best for tourists to get to the Narikala fortress by cable car, so you can enjoy a beautiful view of the historic district. You can also take public transport or walk. Walking around the fortress of Narikala, do not forget to reach the Necropolis of Writers.

The capital of the Kingdom of Kartli Is The city of Mtskheta

The surroundings of the capital of the pre-existing kingdom of Kartli are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Mtskheta is not far from Tbilisi, so you can get there by car, the route will pass through majestic mountain ranges.

For several centuries, the city has suffered raids and looting, but has retained its unique value, so be sure to go to this amazing historical place. There you can see the 11th century Samtavro Convent and the Svetitskhoveli Orthodox Cathedral. The same architectural wealth with a memorable religious history is not found in Georgia, so Mtskheta is often called the Second Jerusalem or the city of shrines.

The ancient city of Vardzia carved in the rocks

On the Turkish border is the cave town of Vardzia, carved into soft rocks to protect local residents from wars in the XII-XIII centuries. The city accommodates more than 8 levels and 600 different rooms, namely, libraries, bedrooms, kitchens and baths. In addition, in the cave city you can see the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin with unique frescoes.

During the raids, the city could accommodate more than 20,000 Georgians, it is also believed that Queen Tamara was buried in the city to protect her tomb. Today, everyone can walk around the territory of the cave city of Vardzia, it has the status of a museum-reserve.

The heritage of modern architecture of Georgia is the Bridge of Peace

The modern bridge, built in a minimalist style with the use of glass and concrete structures, connects the historical and residential areas of Tbilisi. You can walk along the Peace Bridge while visiting Rike Park. The total length of the pedestrian bridge is more than 150 meters, and it was built only 10 years ago, and during this time many locals have managed to like it.

An interesting fact is that in the evening thousands of light bulbs light up on the bridge, which in Morse code show the chemical elements of the periodic table that exist in the human body. The creator of this idea is a talented architect from Italy, Michele de Lucci, who believes that this is a hymn to all mankind.

The Indestructible Svan Towers are the refuge of the Georgian people

Svan towers, which previously performed defensive functions, are located in the mountainous regions of Georgia. Historians disagree on what exactly these buildings were used for: some scientists argue about the need to use towers during raids and wars, while others - about protecting residential buildings during avalanches.

Svan towers have a height of 4-5 floors, and their base is lined with stones for greater stability. To date, you can only enjoy the beautiful appearance of the towers, it is impossible to go inside, since the stairs connecting the floors collapsed several years ago.

Divine temples inside the cave city Uplistsikhe

A unique complex of ancient temples, ceremonial halls is located 75 kilometers from the capital of Georgia. Uplistsikhe translates into Georgian as “Fortress of God".

The cave city contained a lot of cultural objects, which were subsequently destroyed first by the battle between the Old Believers and Christians, and then as a result of the invasion and raids of the Mongols. In the cave city of Uplistsikhe, the Makvliani Temple, as well as the hall of Queen Tamara and the Uplistsuli temple are open to tourists.

The current Bethany Monastery impresses with its strength and resilience

Sixteen kilometers from sunny Tbilisi is the Betania Monastery, built in the name of the Nativity of the Mother of God.

Near the monastery there are two churches available for visiting, this is the Church of St. George and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, built in the XII century.

Of particular value are the frescoes located in the temple, which depict Queen Tamara. Today, monks live in the monastery, although for a long time its surroundings were abandoned.

The delightful Kazbek will amaze with the indescribable beauty of mountain landscapes

One of the most picturesque mountain landscapes in Georgia is Mount Kazbek, which is located on the border with Russia.

The height of the mountain range is just over 5000 meters, snow caps lie on the peaks, and alpine meadows are located below.

Near Mount Kazbek, tourists will be able to walk along the thermal springs, the Georgian Military Road and the Terek River.

The defensive fortress of Ananuri has retained its value to our times

In the 13th-18th centuries, a fortress was built for defensive purposes near the town of Ananuri on the bank of the Aragvi River.

I recommend tourists to pay special attention to two large towers, as well as the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Assumption Church, the facade of which is decorated with vines and other decorations.

Near the attraction there is a previously operating Georgian Military Road, which I also advise every vacationer to visit.

Great Trinity Church of Georgia – now a monastery

The Gergeti Church of the Holy Trinity, built in the 14th century, is located at the foot of Mount Kazbek. For many years, the church served as a sanctuary, it tried to protect religious values from raids, for example, the cross of St. Nino.

To date, there is a monastery in the church.

Often athletes who are going to climb Mount Kazbek spend the night in tents in the vicinity of the church. The church attracts tourists with unusual bas-reliefs depicting vishaps, the so-called terrible mythical creatures.

The Palace of the mighty King Dadiani is a repository of ancient treasures

The city of Zugdidi has been the residence of the rulers of Dadiani for several centuries, which keeps many valuable relics.

Today there is a museum in the residence, so every tourist will be able to see exhibits for a fee, among which one can highlight the death mask of Napoleon, weapons of the Middle Ages and other relics of the family of the Megrelian rulers.

On the territory of the Dadiani Palace there is a botanical garden, which was created by famous European gardeners. Be sure to take a walk along the beautiful alleys along the rare plants

The ancient temple of Metekhi will amaze every tourist of the Old City with its grandeur

The oldest temple of Metekhi is located in the district of the same name near the Old City, from which the rapid development of Tbilisi began. Walking through the old district, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the capital of Georgia. Every tourist can see the still preserved Metekhi Bridge passing through the mountain river, as well as the majestic Metekhi Temple, built more than 8 centuries ago.

In the historical district there is a restaurant “In the shadow of Metekhi”, which serves delicious dishes of traditional Georgian cuisine and fine wine.

Exciting excursions to the Kumistavi Cave are waiting for you!

Lovers of underground lakes and ornate stalactites should go on a boat tour of the Kumistavi karst cave, its other name is Prometheus.

The total length of the cave is 11 kilometers, but only a small part of it is accessible to tourists. Be careful while walking, because inside the cave the average temperature is kept at 14 degrees.

This is one of the most beautiful karst caves in Georgia, the formation of which is associated with ancient Greek mythology. The best European designers were engaged in the decoration and lighting. The result of their long work can be appreciated during the laser show, which really takes your breath away.

Due to the increased content of pure oxygen, it is easy and free to breathe in the cave. The walk will be especially useful for people with diseases of the respiratory system.

The Holy Gelat Monastery is the savior of believers

The complex of the Gelat monastery was founded in the early 12th century, there is a holy spring nearby. You will be able to see three temples and bell towers. The historical landmark is located near the city of Kutaisi, on a trip to the monastery you can enjoy the picturesque natural landscapes.

Currently, the Gelat Monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. During the walk, pay special attention to the monastery Academy, which several centuries ago was the center of science in Georgia.

The Grandiose House of the Persian Mirza-Riza Khan

In the heart of Borjomi there is an elegant mansion with a unique architecture that combines a mixture of three styles.

Beautiful carved patterns and stone decorations adorn the mansion of the Persian Consul Mirza Riza Khan.

Today, there is a hotel with a cafe in the building of the Mirza-Riza Khan house, where you can taste traditional Georgian dishes and enjoy the healing procedures known in Borjomi.

The construction of the mansion of the noble Persian consul is connected with a mysterious legend about the tragic fate of the Azerbaijani master Yusuf. The date of construction, the name of the house and the name of its owner are carved on the decorative elements of the central balcony.

The locals compose amazing legends about the incredible Pillar of Katskhi

The rock in the area of the settlement of Katskhi became famous among tourists and locals for the monastery complex created on its top.

During the invasion of the Turkish soldiers in the vicinity of Katskhi, the monastery and its surroundings were abandoned, but at the beginning of the 20th century, the monks restored the former greatness of the rock monastery.

The Katskhi pillar, located at the top of a forty-meter monolith, stands as a symbol of solitude and asceticism. The Spaso-Voznesensky Monastery, built in the VI century, was associated with the god of fertility among local residents before the adoption of Christianity. The first written mention of the temple is contained in the records of the Georgian Prince Vakhushti Bagrationi.

Learn the national secrets of wine making at the Kvevri and Wine Museum

If you have long dreamed of seeing the traditional technology of making Georgian wine, you should go to the museum of Kvevri and wine.

It is best to go to the museum in the autumn period, as you will be able to observe the process of harvesting grapes and making a wine drink.

The main exhibit in the museum is a clay jug, whose height is more than 8 meters. Also, professional employees of the museum will be able to show you the technology of squeezing juice from grape seeds and pouring wine into kvevri.

The architectural landmark of modern Batumi is the Alphabet Tower

A modern technological attraction awaits you in the port city of Batumi. The tower is a 130-meter-high structure made in the form of a DNA spiral on which the Georgian alphabet is carved.

In the evening, the spiral and letters are highlighted, thanks to this, a beautiful picture is created, which is definitely worth capturing on the camera!

Currently, a coffee shop and a souvenir shop are open to the public in the tower, and a restaurant is also open periodically. Moreover, earlier it was supposed to open an observatory or a TV studio in the tower building.

Amazing views open in Mahuntseti and on the bridge of Queen Tamara

The beautiful nature of Georgia is able to surprise every vacationer, especially I advise you to go to the Mahuntseti waterfall. There you can see a 30-meter waterfall with the purest water and amazing mountain ranges that take your breath away.

Near the Mahuntseti Waterfall there is a historical landmark, which is an ancient arched bridge built during the reign of Queen Tamara. The total length of the bridge, built from fragments of rocks, is 29 meters.

Thus, the catalog lists the top 20 attractions in Georgia, among which you can find both natural landscapes and cultural and historical objects. Have a good rest in beautiful Georgia, rich in memorable and popular vacation spots. What impressions and emotions did you experience while traveling in Georgia? If you know other noteworthy sights, then share with us in the comments!