Nestled in the heart of Georgia, Kutaisi is a delightful blend of historical landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural marvels. It is a must-visit destination for travellers looking to immerse themselves in Georgia's ancient and contemporary beauty. Kutaisi, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, carries a unique charm that attracts thousands of tourists annually. Book your Georgia visa through Atlys to make your journey seamless. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know, from the best places to visit in Kutaisi to the perfect time for a visit, transportation options, and more!

Kutaisi Tourist Statistics: Numbers Speak Louder Than Words

Kutaisi has seen a steady rise in tourism over recent years, becoming an increasingly popular spot for those looking to explore Georgia beyond the well-known capital of Tbilisi. 

According to recent tourism statistics released by the Georgian National Tourism Administration for 2023, 6,171,540 international trips were made to Georgia. Of these, 50% were to the capital city, Tbilisi, followed by 44% to Batumi. Other destinations saw fewer visitors, with Mtskheta being the most popular among them at 9.4%. Other well-known destinations included Kazbegi, which accounted for 8.1% of international trips, and Kutaisi, attracting 7.7%. Regarding domestic tourism, about 23% of trips were made to Tbilisi, with Kutaisi being the next most popular destination at 9.4%.

What is Kutaisi famous for? 

Kutaisi is famous for its fascinating history, beautiful Orthodox churches, and natural attractions. Some of its most iconic landmarks include the Bagrati Cathedral and the Gelati Monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kutaisi is also celebrated for its Sataplia Nature Reserve, which offers a unique glimpse into the prehistoric era with its preserved dinosaur footprints.

The Prometheus Cave, located just outside the city, is one of the longest and most stunning cave systems in Georgia. The Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon present impressive natural landscapes perfect for hikers and nature lovers.

Is Kutaisi worth visiting?

In a word, absolutely! Kutaisi offers a charming mix of history, culture, adventure, and relaxation. Unlike Tbilisi, Kutaisi is less commercialised, providing a more authentic Georgian experience. The city is known for its warm hospitality, and its relatively small size means that many of the major attractions are within easy reach. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history enthusiast, or someone simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Kutaisi is a destination that will exceed your expectations.

What is the best time to visit Kutaisi?

The best time to visit Kutaisi is from April to June and September to early November. During these months, the weather is most pleasant – mild temperatures and less rainfall provide the ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, while autumn is celebrated for its vibrant foliage and harvest festivals.

Summer can be hot, and temperatures often reach over 30°C, which may make hiking or exploring caves uncomfortable. However, if you’re prepared for the heat, summer is a great time for river activities and enjoying the cooling waters of the local canyons. Winters are relatively mild but can be rainy, making some outdoor attractions less accessible. Read the best time to visit Georgia for more detailed information. 

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Kutaisi

Kutaisi is packed with incredible sights. Here are the top 10 must-visit places, each offering something unique and unforgettable.

1. Bagrati Cathedral: A Journey Back in Time

Rebuilt in 2010, the Dormition of the Virgin Bagrati Cathedral stands atop Ukimerioni Hill and is one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Kutaisi, visible throughout the city. The site has been inhabited since the 2nd millennium BCE, with its first church built in the 4th century. Built in the 10th and 11th centuries by King Bagrat III, who unified Georgia, the cathedral bears his name. It suffered destruction by the Ottomans in the late 17th century.

Inscriptions, mosaics, fresco traces, and gold artefacts have been found here. A three-story tower still stands today, preserving part of its historical grandeur.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

• Entrance fee: Free

• Address: 7PG3+VPV, Bagrati Street, Kutaisi

• Nearby attractions: Gelati Monastery, Motsameta Monastery, Sataplia Nature Reserve

Tip: Visit around sunset for the city's best views and the Rioni River.

2. Prometheus Cave: A Stunning Underground World

Prometheus Cave features 22 caverns, six of which are open to tourists: the Cavern of the Argonauts, Kolkhetian Cavern, Medea's Cavern, Cavern of Love, Prometheus' Cavern, and the Iberian Cavern.

The walking trail covers nearly 1.5 km, and an exciting 380-meter boat ride through an illuminated route set to atmospheric music evokes the feeling of crossing the mythological river Styx. The cave hosts 19 aquatic plant species and around 40 insect, invertebrate, and mollusc species. Fossils of cave bears, starfish, and other Cretaceous-era animals have also been discovered here.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Address: 9JG2+P6R, Kumistavi, Georgia.

• Entrance fee: For foreigners 23 GEL, for foreigners (boat tour) 17.25 GEL, for kids 6-18 years 5.50 GEL

• Nearby attractions: Sataplia Nature Reserve, Gelati Monastery, Motsameta Monastery

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as the cave walk is extensive. Don’t miss the boat ride at the end!

3. Sataplia Nature Reserve: Dinosaurs & Panoramic Views

Located 7 km from Kutaisi, this nature reserve and karst cave complex gained fame when Petre Chabukiani, a Kutaisi teacher and naturalist, discovered Satapliasaurus footprints while searching for evidence of primitive humans.

The reserve, established in 1935 around these tracks, features a karst cave formed by the Oghaskura River over 30 million years ago. Visitors can view dinosaur footprints, explore lush Colchian forests, tour mysterious caverns, and enjoy panoramic views. It's ideal for a family outing with an exhibition hall, cafes, shops, and marked trails.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Open daily from  10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Entrance fee: 17.25 GEL for adults, tickets for children under 6 years old for free.

• Address: Sataplia Managed Reserve, Imereti.

• Nearby attractions: Prometheus Cave, Kutaisi Historical Museum, White Bridge

Pro Tip: Go early in the day to avoid the crowds. The dinosaur footprints are a highlight for families with children!

4. Okatse Canyon: A Walkway With a View

Okatse Canyon stretches 2 kilometres long, 3 to 16 meters wide, and 20 to 100 meters deep. Within its walls, a winding river, sparkling lakes, waterfalls, and lush greenery create a breathtaking scene framed by towering mountains.

A 780-meter wooden walkway suspended above the canyon floor offers a thrilling experience, ending at a panoramic viewpoint with a Smart Selfie Apparatus for picture-perfect moments.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Open daily from  10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Address: Gordi Village, 42 km from Kutaisi.

• Nearby attractions: Kinchkha Waterfall, Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave

Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, and be prepared for a moderate hike from the visitor centre to the canyon.

5. Martvili Canyon: An Aqua Wonderland

Martvili Canyon, in Georgia's Samegrelo region, features a 2.5-kilometre rocky gorge with cliffs up to 70 meters high and stunning turquoise waters. Declared a national monument in 2013, it has become a top attraction, especially after its 2019 renovation, drawing tourists and locals alike.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 AM–10 PM

• Address: Martvili, Samegrelo region.

• Entrance fee: For adults, 20 GEL and children under 6 are FREE.

• Nearby attractions: Kinchkha waterfall, Prometheus cave, Okatse canyon, Balda canyon 

Tip: The best time to visit Martvili Canyon is during the summer when the water levels are high and boat rides are available.

6. Kutaisi State Historical Museum: Dive Into Local History

The Kutaisi Historical Architectural Museum-Reserve is one of the top attractions in Kutaisi. Established in 1981, it preserves over 805 significant landmarks in the Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi regions. Key sites include the UNESCO-listed Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati and Motsameta Monasteries, the 12th-century Geguti Palace, and the 16th-century Imeretian royal palace, Okros Chardakhi.

Visitors can explore diverse attractions, from ancient fortresses and picturesque churches to unique synagogues and natural landmarks. Highlights include Gelati Monastery, Sagvarjile Cave, Shorapani Fortress ruins, and the mineral springs of Zvare. 

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Entrance fee: 3 GEL for adults. Guide service (in different languages) 10 GEL. Free for children up to the age of 6.

• Address: Kutaisi Municipality, 18, Pushkin str., Kutaisi.

• Nearby attractions: Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, Motsameta Monastery, White Bridge

Tip: Allocate at least an hour to explore the exhibits. There’s a significant collection of Bronze Age artefacts worth seeing.

7. Motsameta Monastery: A Hidden Gem

This small monastery, located on a cliff above the Rioni River, is less crowded than Gelati but equally beautiful. Motsameta is a peaceful place with gorgeous views and an interesting legend behind its name. To reach Motsameta Monastery, you’ll hike through the picturesque Colchic forest, offering stunning views year-round, from vibrant autumn hues to lush summer greens or snowy landscapes.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Entrance fee: Free.

• Address: 6 km northeast of Kutaisi.

• Nearby attractions: Gelati Monastery, Bagrati Cathedral

Tip: The walk from the parking lot to the monastery is quite scenic. Visit during the late afternoon for fewer crowds.

8. Green Bazaar: Experience the Local Market Vibe

In the 1830s, French traveller Frédéric DuBois de Montperreux described Kutaisi's Green Bazaar as “the central point of life and movement.” More than a market, it was a hub for shopping, news, and community connections, with families eagerly preparing for bazaar days. 

Today, despite modern shopping centres, the Green Bazaar retains its charm. Spread over two floors, it offers fresh produce, dairy, meats, dried fruits, churchkhela, sauces, and other local treasures, preserving its cultural significance.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

• Entrance fee: Free.

• Address: Kutaisi Central Market.

• Nearby attractions: Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery

Tip: Try local Imeretian cheese or churchkhela (Georgian candy) while you’re here!

9. Colchis Fountain: A Landmark in the Heart of Kutaisi

The Colchis Fountain, located in Kutaisi's central square, honours the ancient kingdom of Colchis. Designed by Georgian architect David Gogichaishvili and unveiled in May 2012, it features 30 large-scale replicas of golden jewellery unearthed at archaeological sites, including nearby Vani.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Always open.

• Entrance fee: Free.

• Address: Kutaisi Central Square.

• Nearby attractions: Prometheus Cave, Okatse Canyon, Martvili Canyon

Tip: The fountain lights up beautifully at night, making it an excellent place for an evening stroll and some photos.

10. Kutaisi’s Aerial Tramway: A Unique Experience Over the Rioni River

Kutaisi’s Aerial Tramway offers a scenic ride connecting the city centre to the amusement park on Ukimerioni Hill. This Soviet-era tramway has become an iconic part of the city’s landscape, providing stunning views of the Rioni River and Kutaisi.

Important Information:

• Opening hours: Varies by season; typically open during daylight hours.

• Address: Rioni River, Kutaisi city center.

• Nearby attractions: Bagrati Cathedral, White Bridge, Kutaisi Historical Museum.

Tip: Ride the tram at sunset for breathtaking city views and surrounding hills.

Accommodation Options in Kutaisi: Where to Rest Your Head

Kutaisi offers various accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are a few recommendations based on different price points:

Budget

• Kutaisi hostel: Centrally located, offering dorm rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

• Hostel Saba: Clean, basic accommodations ideal for backpackers.

Mid-Range

• Hotel Kutaisi Globus: Comfortable rooms with great service near major attractions.

• Best Western Kutaisi: Offers excellent amenities, including a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Luxury

• Tskaltubo Spa Resort: Located just outside Kutaisi, this resort provides a luxurious stay with spa treatments.

• Hotel Argo: Boutique luxury with spacious rooms and beautiful city views.

Food Options in Kutaisi: Georgian Cuisine at Its Best

Kutaisi is home to a fantastic food culture rich in flavours and tradition. Here are some of the top places to try:

• Palaty: Known for its cosy atmosphere, live music, and delicious traditional dishes such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings).

• Destino: A chic spot serving a mix of Georgian and international cuisine.

• Baraka Delicatessen: Perfect for a quick bite, serving local snacks, churchkhela, and traditional sweets.

• El Depo: Famous for its variety of kebabs and grilled meats.

Transportation in Kutaisi: Getting Around the City

Getting around Kutaisi is relatively easy, thanks to its small size and various transportation options:

• Walking: Most of the city’s major attractions are within walking distance from the centre.

• Buses and Marshrutkas: The local minibuses (marshrutkas) are a cheap way to get around the city and nearby attractions. They also connect Kutaisi with other cities.

• Taxis: Taxis are readily available and affordable, but agree on a fare before starting your journey.

• Car Rentals: Renting a car is an excellent option to explore the region beyond Kutaisi at your own pace.

Conclusion: Kutaisi Awaits You!

Kutaisi is a hidden treasure that combines rich history, cultural wonders, and natural beauty, making it an incredible travel destination. Whether wandering the halls of its UNESCO-listed monasteries, exploring the depths of its magnificent caves, or savouring the tastes of Imeretian cuisine, Kutaisi promises an experience you won’t soon forget.

With its growing accessibility, pleasant weather, friendly locals, and fascinating sites, Kutaisi is more than worth visiting. It's a must for anyone eager to delve into Georgia's authentic beauty. Pack your bags and prepare to journey through this remarkable Georgian city's history, nature, and culture.