Georgia is a place full of wild, raw adventure. Many countries are known only for a thing or two, and while these are still great to visit, they’re also limited in what they can give.
Georgia has no such limitations. This is one of those rare gems that has something to offer to visitors almost year-round. It might be a tiny country, but it’s packed full of a diverse array of experiences to be had.
Its small size means relative obscurity in the eyes of most foreigners, but don’t let that fool you: this is a country where you’d have to try really hard to get bored. Regardless of what you’re looking for, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something here. A plethora of different landscapes, food, drink, and activities are packed into this Eastern European gem.
Whether you’re looking for adventure and exploration, meandering through ancient streets, or relaxing in wine country, there is no end to the things to do in Georgia. This is a short guide to what to do during your time in Georgia, and don’t worry, there’s plenty.
Hike the Caucasus Mountains
This tiny country is home to the rawest mountains in Europe and boasts scenery you won’t find anywhere else. Hiking is one of the most adventurous things to do in Georgia and provides an unforgettable experience no matter which part of the country you choose to go to.
Despite being so small, Georgia has a surprisingly wide range of climates to venture through: arid deserts, temperate forests, alpine, windswept plains, snowy peaks, and more await those adventurous enough to explore them.
Hiking here is especially alluring because there is something for everyone. If you’re looking for easy, well-marked trails with not too much altitude gain, you’ll find those in abundance! There are also countless raw, high-altitude adventures to be had in the untouched reaches of the high Caucasus mountains.
No matter what flavor of hiking you’re looking for, you are guaranteed to find it, and for a much lower price than you would in most of Europe. Visit Georgia in the summer and autumn for the best conditions.
Take in Georgia’s Rich Architecture
Georgia has existed in one form or another for around 3000 years, and in that time, it has developed a rich architectural tradition. The result is an eclectic, unique style of architecture that you’re not going to see anywhere else.
The old town of Tbilisi is one of the most famous examples of traditional Georgian construction. Beyond the main sites that are popular amongst tourists, there are homes, guesthouses, and tiny churches populating the tiny alleys that travelers should absolutely take the time to explore.
This experience isn’t limited to central Tbilisi. There are countless places across the country that will captivate visitors with their architecture: whether you’re wandering around the ancient Georgian capital of Mtskheta or the eastern town of Sighnaghi, you’re sure to be awed by Georgia’s rich, priceless architectural heritage.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in Kakheti, Tbilisi, or exploring the far northern reaches of Svaneti. No matter where you are, wandering around town and admiring the historic architecture here is a must-do activity.
Check Out Tbilisi’s Excellent Wine Bars
This small mountain country can boast something that no other nation on Earth can lay claim to: Georgia invented wine, one of humanity’s most prized concoctions. As a result of that, Georgia has a rich tradition of wine and countless blends to choose from.
While the eastern region of Kakheti is home to Georgia’s most famous wineries, the reality is that delicious blends are made in provinces all across the country. Tbilisi has the widest selection of Georgian wine by far, making it the best place to sample all the varieties that the country has to offer.
Tbilisi’s countless wine bars feel unique and offer a good range of wines to choose from. On top of that, a glass or a bottle here is going to cost significantly less than they would in most other European countries, which makes it easy to get your fill without breaking the bank.
Tbilisi’s wine bars also serve as the perfect complement to the rugged Caucasus. For travelers looking to slow things down after spending time trekking through Georgia’s epic landscapes, this is an option you can’t miss out on.
Experience Tbilisi’s Nightlife
Tbilisi isn’t just home to casual, slow-paced wine bars. This city has plenty of nightlife options to choose from: pubs, clubs, karaoke bars, and everything else you could think of. If you’re looking for a faster-paced night of fun, you’re guaranteed to find it in unforgettable fashion one way or another.
Tbilisi is relatively small, so it’s pretty easy to get to wherever you want regardless of where you’re based. Plenty of establishments are scattered throughout the city, but the vast majority are concentrated in or near districts like Sololaki, Vera, or Vake.
Want to take a walk on the wild side of Europe?
Dive into the local food
Georgia food is incredible. Borrowing traditions from neighboring countries like Turkey, Iran, and Russia, it is an eclectic mix of flavors that has become wholly its own.
Many travelers will have heard about famous dishes like khinkali and khachapuri. While these are 100% worth seeking out while visiting Georgia, be sure to try a few of the lesser-known dishes, such as pkhali, chakapuli, kuchmachi, and ajapsandali.
There may be no better place to try real Georgian food than in a tiny, unassuming cafe or a guesthouse. Here, you’ll go straight to the source and will be treated to local recipes prepared by (if you’re lucky) the matriarch of the family. Nothing quite says authenticity like a home-cooked meal.
That being said, you could try the opposite approach and dine at one of the capital’s new-age restaurants. There are lots of establishments in Tbilisi pushing the envelope in order to elevate their culinary heritage and create something novel. Notable instances include The King & the Bird, Unfound Door, Ati, and Alubali.
See an orthodox church
Georgia is a nation with Orthodox roots. As one of the oldest Christian nations in the world (it was Christian before Rome in fact), Georgian culture is very much defined by its faith.
Orthodox churches in Georgia are fascinating destinations due to their rich historical, architectural, and cultural significance. The country boasts a remarkable collection of religious sites, many of which date back to the earliest recordings of Christianity. These churches are renowned for their unique architectural styles that blend Byzantine, Persian, and local Georgian influences, resulting in beautifully distinct structures.
The intricate frescoes and iconography that adorn the interiors of these churches offer a glimpse into the religious and artistic heritage of the region. Notable examples include the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi, both of which showcase exquisite medieval art and architecture.
Visiting these churches provides insight into Georgia’s spiritual and cultural identity, as they remain active centers of worship and community life. The ambiance, coupled with the historical narratives embedded in the walls and artworks, makes exploring Georgian Orthodox churches a deeply enriching experience.
Find the birthplace of Stalin
Who would have thought that one of history’s most intimidating and ruthless leaders could come from such a humble place?
Joseph Stalin, one of the most powerful men in modern history, was born to a dirt-poor Georgian family in the village of Gori, while the Russian Empire still reigned. He lived in Tbilisi as a young adult, ironically with the intention of becoming a priest, before enlisting in the local Marxist movement. He contributed to the local insurgency movement until the Empire’s eventual collapse and positioned himself as one of the core members of the new Soviet Union. He would eventually run the entire party by 1922.
Though the man is now long gone, his birth town has not changed much. Most of the brutalist architecture still remains in Gori, mixed in obtusely with antiquated Georgian buildings.
Of course, there are attractions in Gori dedicated to the man himself. Most notable is the Stalin Museum, highlighting the man’s life and his many “accomplishments.” There’s also a monumental statue in his likeness as well as a site claiming to be his birthplace. Whether or not this was where he was actually born is open to debate.
Visit Tskaltubo
Probably one of the most unique man-made locations Georgia has on offer, Tskaltubo deserves a place on this list because it’s perfect for urban explorers, for now. Partially abandoned, this Soviet-era spa town is equal parts eerie and beautiful.
Georgia is famous for its spas and baths, and this town was built during the Soviet era to take advantage of Georgia’s abundant springs. It was quite busy during the Soviet era, but business essentially evaporated in the 1990s. As a result, the facilities were almost completely empty for several years, and have housed refugees sporadically.
The town is slowly coming back to life, with some baths now back in operation. Proper tourism is gradually making its way back to this place, and right now it’s at that perfect place between totally forgotten and over-commercialized. Mark these words though: this situation will soon be a thing of the past once the masses rediscover this gem.
Discover hidden communities
Mountainous countries tend to have lots of secret locations. Chalk it up to the geographic adversity and the difficulty of getting around – there are plenty of places in Georgia that are just not seen because they’re so hard to get to.
The hidden valley of Tusheti is a prime example. Only accessible during the summer months by a single treacherous road, Tusheti remains locked away from the modern world. Its isolation has preserved its unique cultural heritage and the breathtaking scenery coupled with the hospitality of the local people, makes Tusheti a secret haven for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic and unspoiled experience.
Other remote locations guarded by formidable mountains include the tiny hamlets of Svaneti, such as Ipari and Ushguli, and those around Juta. We visit both areas on our yearly Svaneti trekking program and always enjoy the challenge (plus reward) of going back to these.
Explore Ancient Ruins
As we’ve already discussed, Georgia is ancient, and thus boasts ruins and relics from virtually every era of the last 3000+ years. Some ruins in the country are even older! This is a land of castles, churches, and fortresses that have stood the test of time and can be enjoyed by Georgians and foreigners alike.
The most famous among them – and certainly the most accessible – is Narikala Fortress, located in the heart of Old Tbilisi. Having been occupied by Georgians, Umayyads, Mongols, and more civilizations across the millennia, it is a prominent example of just how storied this land is.
That being said, there are literally countless sites across the country that are just as spectacular and much more rewarding due to how remote they are, such as:
- Vardzia – A remarkable cave city founded in the 12th century by Queen Tamar.
- David Gareja – This ancient monastery complex is partially carved into the rock and offers a unique historical and spiritual experience.
- Uplistsikhe – An ancient rock-hewn town that dates back to the early Iron Age.
- Dmanisi – A significant archaeological site where some of the oldest human remains in Europe were discovered.
The most important thing to consider when exploring places like this is to remember how delicate they are. These sites are cultural treasures and a source of pride for Georgians, and it is all too easy to damage them beyond repair. We are visitors in these places and it’s vital for us to be respectful, leave no trace, and take nothing but pictures.
Wrapping Up
Georgia is so packed full of things you can do that it’s not possible to put all of them onto one list. So many countries have spectacular sights to see but not much else to do, or maybe they do have a lot to give, but at a higher cost to your wallet. Georgia doesn’t fall victim to either of those problems.
This tiny country has an almost-perfect balance of having a wide range of activities to do year-round without being too expensive. You’ll find a lot of interesting things to do here, but the one thing you absolutely won’t find is boredom.
Ready to visit already? Join Epic on a 14-day hiking trip in Georgia that happens every year! We’ll visit remote alpine villages, forgotten churches, and some of the most beautiful settings in the Caucasus. Inquire today and save your spot!
