Must Do in Georgia
- Soak Up Tbilisi’s Old Town
For most travelers, Georgia’s capital Tbilisi will be the first stop in the country. And with so many incredible things to do in Tbilisi itself, you’d be for giving in to the temptation to spend your entire Georgian vacation in this awesome city. The highlight of any visit to Tbilisi is a stroll through the Old Town. Ancient churches, monuments, and buildings are set against a dramatic hillside. You can climb to the top or zip up via a modern cable car. And if your bones ache from all that walking, you can literally soak in the city at the thermal springs located right in the middle of Tbilisi’s Old Town. Cross a bridge and on the other side of the Kura river you’ll find incredible modern architecture, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition against Old Town.
- Attend a Traditional Supra
Well, it’s basically a traditional Georgian feast. Picture plate after plate of delicious Georgian cuisine served up in a Georgian home, all while copious amounts of homemade wine is served up until late into the evening.
- Taste Georgian Wine
The secret about Georgian wine is officially out. Georgian wine is quickly becoming renowned as some of the highest quality vino in all of Europe. And with good reason: the temperate environmental conditions in Georgia’s province of Khatkhati, combined with centuries of experience by the local vintners, make for seriously delicious stuff. You can taste Georgian wine just about anywhere (many locals even make their own at home), but serious oenophiles won’t want to miss a tour of the many vineyards in Khatkhati.
- Visit a Medieval Land
One of the most enchanting places on the planet is locked high in Georgia’s Caucasian mountains:
The province of Svaenti is dotted with hundreds of ancient watchtowers that for years helped the local communities keep invaders at bay. Previously inaccessible except through a single long and winding road, Svaneti has recently begun to accept a flood of visitors, thanks in part to government-subsidized flights from Tbilisi. But, despite the increasing tourist numbers, visiting Svaneti remains one of the top things to do in Georgia the country.
- Trek in the Caucasian Mountains
You’ll feel a bit like Marco Polo crossing the famous Silk Road when you set out for your trek through the Georgian countryside. With soaring mountain peaks, expansive farmland, and lush forests broken up by tiny but welcoming villages, Georgia is probably one of the most underrated trekking destinations in the world. One of the more popular routes is the multi-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli, though there are dozens to choose from around the country of Georgia.
- Eat Khachapuri. Lots and lots of Khachapuri
This traditional Georgian cheese bread can be prepared a number of different ways. You’ll have to try it for yourself, but let’s just say that it involves an egg cracked over layers of doughy, cheesy goodness. Just trust us, trying khachapuri is a can’t-miss thing to do in Georgia!
- Hike to the Gergeti Trinity Church
High in the mountains of the Kazbegi region of Georgia lies the Gergeti Trinity Church. If you’ve seen one photo of the country of Georgia, it’s probably of this iconic building set against the backdrop of majestic Mount Kazbegi. And, given the gorgeous scene, it’s no wonder why visiting the Trinity Church is one of the most popular things to do in Georgia. While it is possible to visit the church as part of day trip from Tbilisi, an even better thing to do in Georgia is to spend a night in the nearby town of Stepantsminda, then wake up early for a steep climb that will reward you with peaceful time at the iconic church before the tour buses roll in.
- Marvel at Ananuri Castle
Technically two castles joined by a wall, the Ananuri complex is an impressive work of ancient architecture made all the more fascinating by its stunning setting against the backdrop of the Aragvi river. Located a mere 90 minutes or so north of Tbilisi, a visit to Ananuri is an easy day trip. Or you can combine with a trip to Kazbegi to really take in the best of northern Georgia.
- Tour the Caves of Gareji
In the southeast of the country of Georgia, near the boarder with Azerbaijan, lies the David Gareji monastery complex. This Georgian Orthodox complex is set against a rocky hillside, the complex includes hundreds of dwellings, churches, chapels and more. You also have the option to hike up the nearby hill for some incredible views. It’s possible to visit the David Gareji complex as part of a day trip from Tbilisi, taking in the gorgeous Georgian countryside along the way.
- Or the Remarkable Caves of Uplistsikhe
Alternatively, you can visit another set of ancient cave homes at Uplistsike. These ones are much easier to reach, as they are located just outside of Gori and only a 1 to 1.5 hour trip away from Tbilisi. This 5,000 year old complex is seriously impressive. It’s set on a cliff-side overlooking a river, meaning you’ll get some incredible views of the Georgian countryside.
