It is considered one of the oldest cities in Georgia. Its sights, monuments and hidden treasures will make you fall in love with it. It was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Colchis and dates back to 2,000 BC! Its ancient cultural tradition, museums, temples, parks and the warmth of its inhabitants will make you want to visit again. Explore every neighborhood and every alley of Kutaisi and you will travel back in time with the wonderful images that you will see unfold before you.
Currency: Georgian Lari
Calling Code: +995
Nearest airports from city center: Kutaisi Airport (23km), Batumi Airport (153km), Tbilisi Airport (243km), Sochi Airport (328km), Trabzon Airport (347km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** BAGRATI CATHEDRAL (7PG3+VPV, Bagrati Street, Kutaisi)
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the 11th century. It is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin and is considered one of the emblematic sights of the city.
*** GELATI MONASTERY (7QV9+V69, Rd to Gelati Monastery)
It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to 1106 and the Georgian Golden Age. Take a guided tour of the medieval monastery complex and you will be impressed. It is about 15 minutes away from the center of Kutaisi.
*** KUTAISI STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM (7P93+FJM, Kutaisi)
Opened in 1921, you’ll find over 150,000 exhibits from the Bronze Age and Antiquity to the late Middle Ages.
*** MOTSAMETA MONASTERY (7QJ5+WJ4, Motsameta)
It is at a distance of 12 minutes from the center of Kyutaisi and is located on the cape of the Tskaltsitela River. The church was built on the commission of the Georgian King Bagrat IV and is dedicated to the memories of David and Constantine Mkheidze, who were martyred during the invasion.
*** COLCHIS FOUNTAIN (7PC4+H5X, Kutaisi)
It is an emblematic fountain with various archaeological objects and statues from around the world. See among others ‘Tamada’, dating from the 7th century BC.
*** PROMETHEUS CAVE NATURAL MONUMENT (9JG2+P6R, Kumistavi)
Since you’re in Kutaisi, it’s worth the half-hour road trip. The total length of the cave is about 11 km.
*** MUSEUM OF GEORGIAN SPORTS (3, 5th lane Paliashvili, 3 Paliashvili V Aly, Kutaisi)
It was opened in 1970 and you will find thousands of collections of medals, cups, photos and objects from Georgian Olympians, World and European champions.
*** NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MILITARY GLORY (7PF3+5WP, Paliashvili V Aly, Kutaisi)
Opened in 1975, it has over 2,000 exhibits and artifacts related to Georgian military history. You can also find WWII documents.
*** DAVID KAKABADZE FINE ART GALLERY (7PC2+898, Kutaisi)
It opened in 1974 and hosts many works of art by important Georgian artists, such as Niko Pirosmani, David Kakabatze, Felix Varla.
*** PARK OF GLORY (7M6V+W2V, Kutaisi)
It is one of the most beautiful parks in the city and it is worth visiting to admire it up close and to rest.
TΗINGS TO DO
*** Of course also visit the wonderful Mtsvanekvavila Temple with its incredible view.
*** Georgia and of course Kutaisi is famous for its wines. So, we would recommend you to visit cellars like Mate’s Wine Cellar and Baia’s Wine.
*** Your walk in the city should start from the central square David Agmashenebeli.
*** If nature is your thing, then take the road trip of about 20 minutes to Sataplia Nature Reserve.
*** Kutaisi Synagogue is also an attraction that deserves your attention.
*** Kutaisi City Hall is an iconic building and one of the most photographed.
FOOD AND DRINK
Kutaisi’s cuisine is delicious! It has influences from the Caucasus, the Middle East and the wider Eastern Europe, while you can also find cuisines from different places of the world. Try the traditional foods Khinkali, Nigvziani Badrijani, Ajika, Khachapuri, Kharcho Soup, Pkhali, Chikhirtma, Lobio, Shashlik kebabs and Chakapuli. We would recommend you to try the local Imeruli cheese. For desserts you have many options such as Pelamushi, Georgian Baklava, Gozinaki and Medoki. Accompany your food with local wine or beer.
WHERE TO STAY
There are hotels and apartments for all prices, both in the city center and 2-3 kilometers away from the center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you have traveled with family, then visit Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park.
*** Walk to the outdoor markets for your shopping and to smell the wonderful aromas of the city.
*** Karvasla is an ideal place for your shopping.
*** The Grand Mall is also a place worth visiting to find a variety of products for your shopping.
*** Be sure to visit the Green Bazaar to shop for local produce.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bike.
CITIES NEAR KUTAISI
Major cities close to Kutaisi are Batumi (154km), Tbilisi (226km), Rize (275km), Kars (351km), Sochi (352km), Trabzon (354km).
