Things to Do in Kutaisi, Georgia: Complete Travel Guide (2026)

Kutaisi does not announce itself the way Tbilisi does.

There is no dramatic cable car ride, no sulfur baths, no Bassiani. What Kutaisi has is something quieter and in many ways more satisfying. Ancient cathedrals on hilltops. A river running through the centre. A market full of proper local life. Streets that feel like they belong to the people who actually live there rather than the people passing through.

I spent three days here in February before flying out of Kutaisi Airport, and the city surprised me completely. It is smaller than Tbilisi, less crowded, less commercialised, and has its own distinct charm that takes about an hour to start appreciating. Give it that hour.

This guide covers everything you need to know for a great visit.

💡 Since January 2026, all tourists visiting Georgia are required to have travel insurance. You may be asked to show proof at the border. I personally use and recommend VisitorsCoverage, quick to arrange and meets all Georgian entry requirements.

Quick Facts: Kutaisi

Bagrati Cathedral

Bagrati Cathedral sits on a hilltop above the city and is the first thing you notice when you arrive in Kutaisi. It was founded by King Bagrat III in the 11th century and visible from almost any point in the city below.

Sitting on a hilltop overlooking the centre of Kutaisi, Bagrati Cathedral is a must-see. Its position at the top of a hill just outside the centre makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a sweeping city view, particularly around sunset.

A note worth knowing: the cathedral was a UNESCO World Heritage Site until recently, but was removed from the list due to renovation works that affected its authenticity. The building itself remains extraordinary regardless of its UNESCO status. The medieval architecture, the elevated position, and the panoramic views of Kutaisi and the Rioni River valley make it genuinely worth the visit.

I went here and the scale of it against the grey February sky was genuinely impressive. Entry is free. Women must cover their hair and shoulders inside.

1. 💰 Entrance fee: Free
2. 📍 Bagrati St, Kutaisi

Gelati Monastery

Gelati is the other essential site in Kutaisi and if anything even more significant historically than Bagrati.

Gelati Monastery is known for its stunning frescoes and mosaics dating back to the 12th century. Gelati was not just a religious centre but also a hub of science and education during the Middle Ages, attracting scholars and theologians.

Built by King David the Builder, this former academy holds the tombs of Georgian kings, plus three churches and a bell tower. King David the Builder himself is buried here, which for Georgians makes it one of the most sacred sites in the country. His tomb is at the entrance gate, deliberately placed so that everyone entering would walk over it as a sign of humility from the king who built the place.

The mosaics inside the main church are among the finest examples of medieval Georgian religious art surviving anywhere. Plan to spend at least an hour here.

Gelati is about 11 km from the city centre. Take a taxi or Bolt, around 15 to 20 GEL from the centre.

⚠️ Current status: Gelati Monastery is currently under renovation and closed to visitors. Check the latest status before planning your visit, as renovation timelines for Georgian heritage sites can shift. If it is closed during your trip, Motsameta Monastery nearby offers a similarly beautiful experience and remains open.

1. 💰 Entrance fee: Free
2. 📍 11 km from Kutaisi city centre

Colchis Fountain and David Agmashenebeli Square

The central square of Kutaisi is the natural heart of the city and a good place to start any walking tour.

The Colchis Fountain features 30 large-scale replicas of golden jewellery unearthed at archaeological sites, including nearby Vani, honouring the ancient kingdom of Colchis. It was designed by Georgian architect David Gogichaishvili and unveiled in May 2012.

The fountain is topped with enlarged replicas of Colchian gold artifacts, including the iconic Tamada (toastmaster) figure. The reference to the Colchis Kingdom connects Kutaisi to one of the most famous legends of the ancient world. This was the land of the Golden Fleece that Jason and the Argonauts sailed to find. Whether the myth has any historical basis is still debated but standing in this square you feel the weight of how old this city actually is.

💰 Entrance fee: Free

Green Bazaar

The Green Bazaar is the city’s main local market, with stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, cheeses and traditional Georgian sweets like churchkhela. Right in front of the market there is a large colourful mural that immediately catches the eye, celebrating Georgian agricultural traditions and depicting farmers, harvest scenes, and local produce.

The 210m Soviet-era mosaic on the bazaar’s exterior wall is an attraction in its own right.

This is the best place in Kutaisi to buy local Imeretian cheese, fresh churchkhela, spices, and homemade wine directly from producers. Bring cash as most vendors do not accept cards. Go in the morning for the best atmosphere and freshest produce.

1. 💰 Entrance fee: Free
2. 🕐 Early morning is best, most vendors pack up by early afternoon

Motsameta Monastery

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 it you hike through the picturesque Colchic forest, offering stunning views year-round.

The monastery is dedicated to two brothers, Prince David and Constantine, who were martyred by Arab invaders in the 8th century for refusing to convert to Islam. The legend says that wishes made at their tomb will be granted to those who crawl three times around the sarcophagus. Whether you believe in the legend or not, the location on a narrow cliff above a river gorge is extraordinary.

Motsameta is close to Gelati and easy to combine in a single half-day trip from the city.

1. 💰 Entrance fee: Free
2. 🕐 Open daily 9 AM to 6 PM

Kutaisi Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is worth a detour for the chapel carved inside a hollow oak tree, arguably the most unusual church in Georgia.

A small chapel literally carved into the interior of a living oak tree. It sounds like something from a fairy tale and looks like one too. The garden itself is pleasant for a walk with good city views from the upper sections.

1. 💰 Entrance fee: 5 GEL
2. 📍 Kutaisi Botanical Garden, near the city centre

White Bridge

The White Bridge crosses the Rioni River in the city centre and is one of Kutaisi’s most photographed spots. A simple but elegant pedestrian bridge with good views of the river and the surrounding hills. Pleasant for an evening walk especially when the light is soft.

💰 Free

Kutaisi State Historical Museum

Easily one of the country’s finest museums that houses a small but unique collection of Georgian artifacts. The museum covers the history of the Imereti region from prehistoric times through the medieval period. The collection of Colchian gold artifacts is particularly impressive and gives real context to the mythology around this region.

1. 💰 Entrance fee: 3 GEL
2. 🕐 Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM

Day Trips from Kutaisi

Kutaisi is one of the best bases in Georgia for natural attractions. All of these are within an hour’s drive.

Prometheus Cave

The cave tour is guided and priced at 23 GEL. The boat tour costs 17.25 GEL. Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

One of the largest and most spectacular cave systems in Georgia. Stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and atmospheric colored lighting make it genuinely impressive. The optional boat ride on the underground river adds another 15 minutes and is worth it.

Located about 20 km from Kutaisi near the village of Kumistavi. Take a taxi or join a tour from the city.

👉🏻 Book a Prometheus Cave and Kutaisi day tour

Okatse Canyon

A dramatic canyon with a suspended walkway and a glass bridge section over a deep gorge. Different experience from Martvili Canyon, higher, more exposed, more dramatic. About 40 km from Kutaisi. Read my complete Martvili Canyon guide for the full western Georgia canyon experience.

👉🏻 Book a Okatse Canyon day tour

Martvili Canyon

Turquoise river, boat ride through limestone gorges, extraordinary natural beauty. About 50 km from Kutaisi and one of the most beautiful natural sites in Georgia.

👉🏻 Book a Martvili Canyon day tour

Sataplia Nature Reserve

A nature reserve just outside Kutaisi containing real dinosaur footprints preserved in stone, a small cave system, and good forest walking trails. Unusual and worth a half-day especially if you have children. About 6 km from the city centre.

👉🏻 Book a Sataplia day tour

How to Get to Kutaisi from Tbilisi

By Train The most comfortable option. The train from Tbilisi takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours and costs 15 to 42 GEL depending on class. Book at tre.ge in advance. Read my complete Tbilisi train station guide for booking instructions and class recommendations.

By Marshrutka Marshrutkas depart from Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi and take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Costs around 15 GEL. Budget option but less comfortable than the train for a 3.5 hour journey.

By Car Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours drive depending on traffic. The road is good and well-maintained. If you want to stop at Gori or other points along the way, self-driving gives you full flexibility.

From Kutaisi Airport Kutaisi International Airport is approximately 20 km from the city centre. Bolt costs around 25 to 35 GEL to the centre. A taxi from the airport will be more expensive, agree on a price before you get in.

Where to Stay in Kutaisi

Staying in the city centre puts you within walking distance of Bagrati Cathedral, the Colchis Fountain, the Green Bazaar, and all the main restaurants and cafes. The centre is compact and walkable which makes a central location genuinely practical.

I stayed in the city centre and it was the right choice. Everything was accessible on foot and the city has a completely different feeling when you can wander without a plan.

👉🏻 Find accommodation in Kutaisi

Food in Kutaisi

Kutaisi sits in the Imereti region, which has its own distinct culinary traditions slightly different from the food you find in Tbilisi.

Imeretian Khachapuri is the local version of Georgia’s most famous dish. Rounder and flatter than the Adjarian version from Batumi, with a milder cheese filling. The version here, made with fresh Imeretian cheese, is considered by many to be the most traditional style of khachapuri in the country.

Gebzhalia is a dish unique to Imereti. Soft Imeretian cheese rolled around fresh mint and served in a cream sauce. Simple, unusual, and very good.

Badrijani, fried eggplant with walnut paste, is found everywhere in Georgia but the Imeretian version uses the local walnuts which have a noticeably different character.

The restaurant scene in Kutaisi is smaller than Tbilisi but the quality is genuinely good. I had excellent Georgian food at a local restaurant and the best shakshuka I have had anywhere at a café for brunch one morning. Good service, relaxed atmosphere, completely different pace from Tbilisi.

Best Time to Visit Kutaisi

Spring (April to June) is the most beautiful time. The surrounding hills are green, wildflowers are everywhere, and temperatures are comfortable for walking around the city and visiting the monasteries.

Summer (July to August) is warm and busy with tourists. All attractions are open. Good for combining with Martvili Canyon and the other natural sites.

Autumn (September to October) is excellent. The light is beautiful, the surrounding countryside turns golden, and the harvest season means fresh produce and wine everywhere.

Winter (November to March) is quiet and cold but genuinely atmospheric. I visited in February and found the monasteries beautiful in the grey winter light with almost no other visitors. Prices are lower and the city feels authentically local. Prometheus Cave is open year-round.

💡 Honest Tips

Kutaisi is not Tbilisi and that is the point. Do not come here expecting the same pace or density of things to do. Kutaisi rewards slow travel. Walk without a plan, sit in a café, watch the river.

The airport is useful. Kutaisi Airport handles Ryanair and other budget carriers connecting to European cities. It is a convenient entry or exit point for a Georgia trip without the higher fares that often apply to Tbilisi Airport.

Three days is the sweet spot. One day for the city (Bagrati, Gelati, the bazaar, the square). One day for Prometheus Cave and either Okatse or Martvili Canyon. One day to relax, eat well, and explore at your own pace.

Bolt works perfectly in Kutaisi. For the monasteries outside the city, Bolt is reliable and affordable. Gelati and Motsameta are too far to walk comfortably.

Bring cash to the Green Bazaar. Most vendors are cash only.

Planning the rest of your western Georgia trip? Read my complete guide to Martvili Canyon for the most beautiful natural site near Kutaisi, and my Tbilisi train station guide for everything you need to know about getting there by rail.