Borjomi Georgia: Complete Travel Guide (Things to Do, How to Get There and Tips 2026)

There’s something timeless about Borjomi, a town wrapped in forests, where rivers sing through valleys and healing springs bubble up from deep underground.

Every visit feels like stepping into a painting, where nature, history, and tradition blend effortlessly.

I love Borjomi. Its beauty, its peaceful energy, and the stories tucked into every corner keep pulling me back no matter how many times I visit.

Even after several trips, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered: a hidden trail, a forgotten mosaic, a quiet café tucked into the trees🌳.

In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite places to see, things to do, and little-known facts about Borjomi, so you can experience the magic of this unforgettable Georgian town for yourself.

💡 Since January 2026, all tourists visiting Georgia are required to have travel insurance. You might be asked to show proof when entering the country, so it’s definitely not something to skip. For my trips, I personally use VisitorsCoverage and have been very happy with it. It’s quick to arrange, and meets all the requirements.

Quick Facts: Borjomi

Located in south-central Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Borjomi is home to around 11,000 people.

It became famous in the 19th century as a spa resort, with mineral water pavilions and medicinal baths that drew in Russian nobility. 👑
Borjomi’s famous mineral water, rich in sodium bicarbonate, has been bottled since 1890, and it’s still one of Georgia’s biggest exports!

The official discovery of the springs happened in the 1820s by the Imperial Russian military.
However, archaeologists found evidence suggesting the waters were used for healing back in the 7th century AD!

Borjomi Mineral Water

Tasting Borjomi mineral water is like sipping straight from history.
The original Ekaterina’s Spring still flows today inside Borjomi Central Park, producing up to 1,400 liters daily from a 193-meter-deep borehole deep in the earth’s crust.

This water isn’t just famous for its taste, it’s packed with natural minerals like sodium bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium, believed to have healing properties for digestion and metabolism.

Tip: The water is warm, salty, and slightly carbonated naturally — definitely an acquired taste! 😅 But whether you love it or not, filling your bottle right from the spring is a Borjomi tradition you can’t miss.

Fun Fact

1. Borjomi water was once reserved for Russian royalty and even sent in specially designed bottles to palaces across the empire!
2. Empty Borjomi bottles have become a popular local souvenir, you’ll even find shops selling colorful or vintage-styled empty bottles.
3. Historically, Borjomi’s “Georgian Green” glass (a special blue-green color) was patented and made only for bottling this water!

If you’re short on time or want to avoid paying the park entry fee, there’s also a free Borjomi spring right outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel entrance, where you can sample the water too!

Borjomi Central Park

One of the most iconic spots in Borjomi, Borjomi Central Park, dates back to the 1850s!
This beautifully landscaped park was originally built around the region’s healing mineral springs and quickly became a retreat for Russian aristocrats.

Located right in the center of town, this park is much more than a green space, it’s a living open-air museum, blending history, wellness, and leisure.

Inside, you’ll find

1. Historic mineral water pavilions
2. Waterfalls tumbling through lush greenery
3. Soviet mosaics tucked away along the paths
4. An amusement park for kids
5. Hidden trails leading into the surrounding forests

Opening hours: 6 am–8 pm daily
Entrance fee: 5 GEL (Free from 6–9 am)

Tips for visiting

• Walk to the back of the park to reach the trail to the sulfur pools (about 850m from the gate).
• Keep your eyes open for Soviet mosaics and sculptures hidden among the trees, they’re easy to miss!

🔗 Need a transfer from Tbilisi? Get a private ride to Borjomi with KiwiTaxi 🚖

👉🏻Book your Borjomi guided tour on GetYoutGuide 🚶‍♀️🌳!

Tsar’s Sulfur Baths

Tucked deep inside the forest at the far end of Borjomi Central Park, the Tsar’s Sulfur Baths (also called the Borjomi Sulfur Pools) are one of the most unique and relaxing experiences in the area.

These open-air thermal baths were originally arranged by the Romanov family in the 19th century and later used by Soviet officials. They were fully restored in the mid-2000s and remain a top highlight for anyone seeking natural healing and quiet relaxation.

What to Expect

1. Water temperature: 30–32°C (pleasantly warm, not hot)
2. Entry fee: 20 GEL
3. Opening hours: 6 am–8 pm daily
4. Hike distance: ~3 km round trip
5. Time needed: At least 2 hours (including hike + soak)

Getting There

To reach the pools, you’ll need to walk through the entire Central Park (approx. 850 meters) and then continue along a dirt forest path for another 1.5 km.

The hike is gentle and flat, and it’s truly beautiful, you’ll cross several small wooden bridges, pass wildflowers, and hear the sounds of the river below.

💡 Trail Tips

1. The forest path is well-marked with painted flags.
2. It can get muddy after rain, so bring good shoes.
3. If you’re short on time or don’t want to walk, locals offer jeep rides from the park entrance, but they cost around 300 GEL and kind of ruin the peaceful atmosphere.

📍Important: The Google Maps pin for the baths is incorrect! The actual location is deeper inside the park — follow the signs and trail markers.

The sulfur water here is believed to be therapeutic, helping with skin conditions, joint pain, and stress relief. But even if you don’t believe in healing minerals, the feeling of sitting in a quiet, steaming pool while surrounded by forest is pure magic.

Borjomi Cable Car

For the best panoramic views of Borjomi, hop on the charming Soviet-era cable car that glides from the park entrance up to the plateau!

• Operating hours: 10 am–8 pm daily
• Ticket price: 15 GEL one-way

💡 Honest tip: The cable car is old and has a Soviet-era feel, some visitors find it a bit rough around the edges. But the views from the top are genuinely beautiful and most people agree it is worth the experience despite the age of the equipment. Just go in with the right expectations and enjoy the ride for what it is.

At the Top, Enjoy

1. A Ferris wheel (for even higher views)
2. Beautiful forested vistas
3. Trails leading deeper into the mountains

Tip: Visit at sunset for stunning golden light over the valley!

🔗 Want to include the cable car ride in a full Borjomi adventure?
👉🏻Check tours on GetYourGuide.

Firuza House

Right at the entrance of Borjomi Central Park, Firuza House stands out with its vibrant turquoise balconies and ornate woodwork. It’s not just the most beautiful building in town, it’s also one of the most historically significant.

Built in 1892 as a summer residence for Mirza Riza Khan, the Persian Consul General to the Russian Empire, Firuza House is a rare architectural gem in Georgia.

The consul served during the late Qajar dynasty, and his residence reflects a fusion of Persian, Georgian, and European architectural styles, making it unique not only in Borjomi but in the entire Caucasus region.

Architectural Details to Look For

1. The building’s name, Firuza, means turquoise in Persian, a nod to its bright blue color
2. Delicate wooden balconies, typical of 19th-century Georgian homes
3. Persian mirrorwork and muqarnas under the upper balcony ceilings
4. Carvings featuring the Lion and Sun, the emblem of Qajar Iran
5. Inscriptions in Persian, Russian, and French, honoring its diplomatic heritage
6. A layout combining European Gothic elements and Middle Eastern symmetry

Borjomi Museum

If you’re curious about the rich history of Borjomi, from Romanov royalty to mineral water production, the Borjomi Museum of Local Lore is a must-visit. Located in a beautiful neo-Gothic building from 1890, this museum is one of the oldest in Georgia and a true cultural treasure.

Originally built as the chancellery for the Romanovs during their stays in Borjomi, the building itself is worth the visit alone, complete with pointed arches, stone facades, and a castle-like feel.

What’s Inside the Museum

The museum houses over 36,000 exhibits, covering everything from natural science to royalty:

• Romanov family relics, including dishes, books, weapons, and personal items from the Likani Palace
• Old Borjomi mineral water bottles and packaging dating back to the 19th century
• A fascinating exhibit on the Borjomi bottling factory and how the water was exported across the Russian Empire
• Soviet-era documents and memorabilia
• A section on local flora and fauna, including preserved animals and educational displays
• Archaeological finds from nearby cave settlements and ancient fortresses

Visitor Info

• Opening hours:
• April–October: 10:00–18:00
• November–March: 10:00–17:00

• Closed on Mondays ❌
• Entry fee: 5 GEL
• Optional English-speaking guide: 30 GEL
• Location: Just a 10-minute walk from the Central Park, near the Borjomi train station

Romanov Palace (Likani Palace)

Once the lavish summer home of the Romanov family, the Likani Palace was designed by renowned architect Leon Benois.

Today, it remains closed to the public and guarded 🚫, but you have two options to sneak a glimpse:

1. Stay at the Borjomi Likani Health & Spa Centre (backs onto the palace grounds).
2. Hike via the abandoned railway tracks (at your own risk).

Fun Fact: Likani was once called the Pearl of the Caucasus by the Russian elite!

Gogia Fortress

Overlooking the town, the medieval Gogia Fortress offers sweeping valley views!

• Just a 10-minute hike 🚶‍♂️ from the center.
• Built for defense during ancient wars.

“Borjomi” comes from borj (fortress wall) and omi (war), a perfect reflection of the town’s strategic history!

Borjomi Parki Railway Station

Stepping into Borjomi Parki Railway Station feels like traveling back to the Soviet era.

Inside, You’ll Find

• Hand-painted train schedules
• Old ticket counters
• A peaceful, sleepy vibe is perfect for nostalgic photos

Tip: Even if you’re not taking the train, it’s worth visiting just for the atmosphere.

Seven Paths Trail

The Seven Paths Trail starts inside Central Park, just behind Ekaterina’s Spring.

• 1 km trail (around 35 minutes each way).
• Follows a historic Terrenkur health path created for heart patients in the 19th century.

Best Time to Visit Borjomi

• Winter: Magical with snow; peaceful and quiet.
• Autumn: Fiery forests and crisp air, stunning!
• Spring: Lush greenery, early flowers, but some rain.
• Summer: Fun but crowded with tourists.

Best months: October–November for fall colors, January–February for snowy magic.

How to Get to Borjomi

Borjomi is about 160 km from Tbilisi and one of the most accessible day trips or overnight destinations from the capital.

1. From Tbilisi: Marshrutkas from Didube Station (12 GEL, about 2.5–3 hours).
2. By Train: Slow but scenic (over 4 hours).
3. Private Car: Comfortable and fast.

By Marshrutka (recommended for speed) The fastest and most affordable option. Marshrutkas depart regularly from Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and costs around 10 GEL. No booking required, just show up and go.

By Train A slower but more scenic option. The train journey from Tbilisi to Borjomi takes approximately 4 hours and costs 8 to 15 GEL depending on the class. The train passes through beautiful Georgian countryside and is a relaxed way to travel if you are not in a hurry.

By Car The drive takes approximately 2 hours via the S1 highway. A comfortable option if you want to stop along the way or combine Borjomi with Vardzia or Akhaltsikhe in the same trip.

Want a private ride from Tbilisi? 👉🏻Book now with Kiwitaxi 🚖!

By Guided Tour Several tours from Tbilisi combine Borjomi with Vardzia Cave Monastery and Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe for a full day of southern Georgia. This is the best option if you want to see multiple sites without worrying about logistics.

👉🏻 Book a Borjomi and Vardzia day tour from Tbilisi

Where to Stay in Borjomi

Borjomi has accommodation for every budget:

• Luxury hotels
• Family-run guesthouses
• Spa resorts

✨ Tip: Book through Booking.com for the best deals and discounts!

I’ve been to Borjomi a few times, and somehow, I still want to return. Every season transforms this place into something new, in winter, it’s like a white fairyland, and in spring or summer, it’s so green you won’t believe your eyes 🌿🌞.
One of my favorite ways to go is by motorbike 🏍️, the road from Tbilisi to Borjomi is breathtaking. Curving through forests, valleys, and villages, the ride itself is half the adventure. And once we arrive, I always find a new trail, a forgotten mosaic, or a café we missed last time. Borjomi just never gets old.

If you’re planning more adventures in Georgia, I’ve also written about other places I love:

1. An Epic Day Trip from Tbilisi: Uplistsikhe, Gori & Mtskheta 🌊
2. Martvili Canyon Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know! 🏛️

Planning a trip to Borjomi soon? Here’s how to make it smooth and fun:

Book your activities and day tours through GetYourGuide — guided hikes, nature walks, or mineral spa visits!
Find your perfect hotel or guesthouse on Booking.com — from cozy guesthouses to spa resorts.
Need an easy way to get there? Use KiwiTaxi for a comfortable private transfer from Tbilisi or Kutaisi.

Trust me, Borjomi is one of those places that will stay with you, in the air you breathe, the trails you walk, and the spring water you sip straight from the earth.
Go once, and you’ll keep going back. Just like I do. 💚

Combining Borjomi with a wider southern Georgia itinerary? Read my complete guide to Vardzia Cave Monastery for the most extraordinary site in the region, and my Tbilisi train station guide for everything you need to know about getting there by rail.