Kutaisi Things to Do: A Guide to Georgia's Second City
If you're landing in Georgia on a budget airline, chances are you're touching down in Kutaisi. David the Builder International Airport is Wizz Air's Caucasus hub, with direct flights from over 20 European cities — often for under €50 return. Most travelers treat it as a layover on the way to Tbilisi. That's a mistake.
Kutaisi (ქუთაისი) is Georgia's second city — the country in the Caucasus, between Turkey and Russia, not the US state. It's also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, and the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis. Yes, that Colchis — where Jason and the Argonauts sailed to steal the Golden Fleece. The city has been here for over 3,500 years, and it wears its history lightly: UNESCO monasteries, canyon boat rides, dinosaur footprints, and a central market where churchkhela hangs from every stall.
This guide covers the best things to do in and around Kutaisi, from the city itself to the day trips that make this corner of western Georgia worth a detour — or a destination.
Why Visit Kutaisi
It's the cheapest way into Georgia. Wizz Air flies direct from London, Berlin, Vienna, Warsaw, Budapest, Milan, Athens, and a dozen more European cities. Fares regularly drop below €30 one-way. Once you're here, everything — accommodation, food, transport — costs 30-40% less than Tbilisi.
The history is staggering. This was the capital of the Colchian kingdom in the Bronze Age, a seat of Georgian kings in the Middle Ages, and home to one of the most important monasteries in the Orthodox world. The layers run deep.
Nature is right there. Within an hour of the city: boat rides through turquoise canyons, a cave system lit up like a cathedral, dinosaur footprints preserved in limestone, and gorge walkways suspended 140 meters above the forest floor.
It's unhurried. Kutaisi doesn't have Tbilisi's buzz, and that's the point. It's a city where you sit in a café by the Rioni River, eat khachapuri for 5 GEL, and watch the afternoon pass. The pace is slower, the crowds are thinner, and the welcome is warmer.
The ancient Greeks knew Kutaisi as the capital of Colchis — the land where Jason sailed to steal the Golden Fleece. Georgian historians consider this more than myth: the Colchians really did use sheepskins to pan for gold in mountain rivers, trapping flakes in the wool. That may be the literal origin of the "golden fleece" legend.
How to Get There
By Air — Kutaisi International Airport
David the Builder Airport (KUT) is 14km west of the city center. It's Wizz Air's main Georgian hub, with direct flights from:
- UK: London Luton
- Germany: Berlin, Dortmund, Memmingen
- Central Europe: Vienna, Budapest, Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava
- Southern Europe: Milan Bergamo, Rome Fiumicino, Athens, Larnaca
- Nordics & Baltics: Tallinn, Vilnius, Riga
Flights are frequent, especially spring through autumn. Check Wizz Air's route map — new cities are added regularly.
Airport to city center:
- Taxi / Bolt: 15-20 GEL (~$6-8), 20 minutes. Bolt works at the airport.
- Marshrutka bus: Timed to flight arrivals, runs to the central bus station. ~1 GEL.
From Tbilisi
| Method | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshrutka | ~4 hours | 15-20 GEL | Frequent departures from Didube station |
| Train | ~5.5 hours | 10-15 GEL | Scenic, comfortable, less frequent |
| Private car / Bolt | ~3.5 hours | 100-150 GEL | Fastest, door-to-door |
From Batumi
Marshrutka or train, 3-4 hours, 15-20 GEL. Straightforward connection through western Georgia.
For more on getting around the country, see our complete transport guide.
If you're flying Wizz Air into Kutaisi but planning to spend most of your time in Tbilisi, don't rush the connection. Spend 2-3 days in Kutaisi first — the things to do here justify the stop, and you'll spend less on accommodation and food than you would in the capital.
Best Time to Visit Kutaisi
Kutaisi has a mild, subtropical climate — warmer and wetter than Tbilisi, with greener landscapes year-round.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-Jun) | 15-28°C, occasional rain, wildflowers | Best time — warm, green, not crowded |
| Summer (Jul-Aug) | 28-35°C, humid, afternoon thunderstorms | Fine, but hot and sticky. Canyon visits are refreshing |
| Autumn (Sep-Oct) | 15-25°C, drier, golden light | Excellent — harvest season, fewer tourists |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | 3-10°C, rainy, gray | Mild but wet. Indoor attractions only. Not ideal |
The sweet spot is May-June and September-October. Warm enough for canyon boat rides, cool enough for comfortable walking, and uncrowded.
For the full country-wide seasonal breakdown, see our month-by-month guide.
Top Things to Do in Kutaisi
1. Gelati Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The single most important thing to see in Kutaisi. Founded by King David IV ("the Builder") in 1106, Gelati was the intellectual and spiritual heart of medieval Georgia. The monastery complex includes three churches, a bell tower, and the remains of the academy that once rivaled any center of learning in the medieval world.
Inside the main Church of the Virgin, the ceiling mosaic of the Virgin and Child is one of the finest examples of Georgian medieval art — luminous gold and blue, remarkably preserved. The frescoes covering the walls span centuries of additions. King David the Builder himself is buried here — his tomb is set into the floor at the south gate, so that every person entering the monastery walks over him. He requested this as an act of humility.
Practical info:
- Location: 10km northeast of Kutaisi. Taxi ~10 GEL, or marshrutka from the central station.
- Entry: Free (donations welcome).
- Dress code: Modest clothing required. Women should cover their heads (scarves available at the entrance). No shorts.
- Time needed: 1-1.5 hours.
Gelati was more than a monastery — it was a university. The Gelati Academy was one of the most important centers of learning in the medieval Eastern world, producing philosophers, scientists, and theologians. It's sometimes called "a second Athens" in Georgian historical sources.
2. Bagrati Cathedral
The 11th-century Cathedral of the Dormition sits on Ukimerioni Hill, overlooking the city and the Rioni River. Originally built by King Bagrat III (hence the name), it was partially destroyed by Ottoman Turks in 1691 and stood as an atmospheric ruin for centuries.
In 2012, the cathedral was controversially reconstructed with modern materials — glass and steel elements that jarred with the medieval stonework. UNESCO delisted it from the World Heritage register in 2017, calling the restoration "irreversible." Opinions are divided: some visitors find the modern additions jarring, others see it as a living building that's still evolving.
Regardless, the hilltop location offers the best panoramic views of Kutaisi. Walk up from the city center in 15-20 minutes, or take a taxi.
Time needed: 30-45 minutes.
3. Prometheus Cave (Kumistavi Cave)
One of the most spectacular cave systems in the Caucasus, and Kutaisi's most popular tourist attraction. The illuminated walkway leads through six halls of stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and petrified waterfalls — dramatically lit in shifting colors.
The optional boat ride at the end takes you through a flooded section of the cave on an underground river. It's short (5-10 minutes) but atmospheric and worth the extra cost.
Practical info:
- Location: Kumistavi village, 23km from Kutaisi. Taxi ~25-30 GEL, or organized tour.
- Entry: 23 GEL (adult), boat ride 17 GEL extra.
- Tour duration: ~1 hour (guided, groups depart regularly).
- Temperature: 14°C inside year-round — bring a layer even in summer.
4. Sataplia Nature Reserve
Dinosaur footprints. Real ones, 120 million years old, preserved in limestone and displayed under a protective shelter. If that's not enough, Sataplia also has a small cave with illuminated formations, a forested walking trail, and a glass observation deck cantilevered over the edge of a forested canyon.
It's a great family-friendly destination — manageable in size, varied in attractions, and 9km from the city center.
Practical info:
- Entry: 15 GEL (adult). Includes guided tour of footprints and cave.
- Time needed: 1.5-2 hours.
- Getting there: Taxi ~8-10 GEL from center.
5. Martvili Canyon
If you see one canyon near Kutaisi, make it Martvili. A narrow gorge carved by the Abasha River, with vertical moss-covered walls, turquoise pools, and small waterfalls. You explore it by boat — a short, peaceful ride through the lower canyon that feels like drifting through a painting.
The upper canyon has a walking trail along the rim with views down into the gorge and a larger waterfall at the end.
Practical info:
- Location: Martvili, 50km from Kutaisi (~1 hour by car).
- Entry: 17 GEL (adult). Boat ride included.
- Time needed: 1.5-2 hours.
- Combine with: Okatse Canyon (30 min drive from Martvili) for a full day trip.
Visit Martvili Canyon early in the morning — the light is better, the water is calmer, and you'll avoid the tour groups that arrive from 11 AM onward. In peak summer, the canyon can feel crowded by midday.
6. Okatse Canyon
A metal walkway bolted into the cliff face, suspended 140 meters above the canyon floor. It's 780 meters long and ends at a viewing platform hanging over the void. Not for anyone with a serious fear of heights, but the views down through the transparent grating are genuinely spectacular.
The walk from the ticket office to the canyon entrance is about 2.5km through forest — pleasant but add 40 minutes each way. Shuttle carts are sometimes available.
Practical info:
- Location: Near Gordi village, 42km from Kutaisi (~50 min). Usually combined with Martvili Canyon.
- Entry: 17 GEL (adult).
- Time needed: 2-2.5 hours (including the walk in/out).
7. Kutaisi Green Bazaar (Central Market)
The authentic local experience. Kutaisi's central market is smaller and less touristy than Tbilisi's Dezerter Bazaar, but just as colorful. Stalls overflow with churchkhela (walnut-stuffed grape candy), fresh Imeretian cheese, seasonal fruit, spices, tklapi (fruit leather), and honey.
This is where you eat Kutaisi's best street food: grab a fresh lobiani (bean-filled bread) from a bakery stall for 2-3 GEL and wander. The vendors are friendly — expect free samples thrust into your hands.
For more on Georgian food culture, see our guide to 15 must-try Georgian dishes.
Time needed: 1 hour. More if you're hungry.
8. Walk the City Center
Kutaisi's center is compact and walkable — you can cover the highlights in an afternoon. Start at the Colchis Fountain on the main square, decorated with golden replicas of Bronze Age Colchian artifacts. Cross the White Bridge over the Rioni River (a popular evening stroll with city views). Wander the streets between Bagrati Cathedral and the river — a mix of restored facades, Soviet-era blocks, and hidden courtyards.
The pace is distinctly slower than Tbilisi. Café culture is strong. Find a terrace by the river, order a Turkish coffee, and watch Kutaisi do its thing.
Day Trips from Kutaisi
Kutaisi is the gateway to western Georgia's best natural attractions. All of these can be done as day trips:
- Gelati + Motsameta Monastery (half-day): Motsameta is a tiny, dramatically-sited monastery on a cliff above a forested gorge, just 2km from Gelati. Visit both in a morning.
- Martvili + Okatse Canyons (full day): The classic combo. Both are stunning, easily combined, and the drive between them is 30 minutes. Hire a driver for the day (80-120 GEL) or join a group tour.
- Prometheus Cave + Sataplia (half-day): Both are close to the city and can be combined in one trip. Good option for a shorter day or families.
- Tskaltubo (20 min from Kutaisi): A former Soviet spa town that once hosted Stalin for his rheumatism treatments. The grand sanatoriums — ornate Stalinist architecture designed for workers' holidays — are now mostly abandoned and slowly being reclaimed by nature. Eerie, photogenic, and fascinating. A few have been restored and operate as hotels.
Where to Stay in Kutaisi
Kutaisi accommodation is excellent value. Expect to pay 30-50% less than Tbilisi for comparable quality.
- Budget (30-60 GEL / $12-24): Guesthouses and family-run B&Bs are the standard. Clean rooms, enormous home-cooked breakfasts and dinners included, and hosts who'll arrange day trips and drivers. This is the authentic Kutaisi experience.
- Mid-range (80-150 GEL / $32-60): Boutique hotels in the city center. Modern rooms, good Wi-Fi, central location.
- Upscale (150-250 GEL / $60-100): A handful of newer hotels with more amenities.
Best area: Stay near the White Bridge / Colchis Fountain area in the city center. Everything is walkable — the market, restaurants, riverfront, and transport connections are all within 10-15 minutes on foot.
Where to Eat
Kutaisi is in the heart of the Imereti region, which has its own distinct branch of Georgian cuisine. The star is Imeretian khachapuri — the round, cheese-filled flatbread that's the original khachapuri (Adjarian boat-shaped khachapuri gets more Instagram attention, but Imeretian is the everyday version Georgians actually eat most). Made with tangy Imeretian cheese, it's simpler and more addictive than its Adjarian cousin.
Other Imeretian specialties to try:
- Lobiani — bean-filled bread, hearty and cheap
- Gebzhalia — rolled cheese in a minty, creamy sauce. Light, tangy, unique to the region.
- Kupati — spiced pork sausages, grilled and smoky
Where to eat:
- Palaty — Popular local restaurant on the riverfront. Good range of Georgian dishes, reasonable prices (mains 12-25 GEL). Terrace with Rioni views.
- White Bridge — Near the bridge of the same name. Solid Imeretian food, locals' favorite.
- The Green Bazaar — For street food: lobiani, churchkhela, fresh fruit. Cheapest eating in town.
Budget for meals: 10-20 GEL per person for a full sit-down meal with a drink. Kutaisi is one of the cheapest cities to eat well in all of Georgia.
For the full Georgian food breakdown, see our complete food guide.
Practical Tips
Getting around Kutaisi: The city center is walkable. For the Green Bazaar, Bagrati Cathedral, and riverside, you won't need transport. For Sataplia and Gelati, take a taxi (Bolt works in Kutaisi) or marshrutka. For Martvili/Okatse canyons, hire a driver for the day or book a group tour through your guesthouse.
Money: Georgian Lari (GEL). Cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels in the center, but carry cash for the market, marshrutkas, and smaller establishments. ATMs are available on the main streets.
Language: Less English is spoken in Kutaisi than in Tbilisi. Russian is widely understood by the older generation. Younger Kutaisians increasingly speak English but don't count on it everywhere. Learn a few Georgian phrases — "gamarjoba" (hello), "madloba" (thank you), and "gaumarjos" (cheers) go a long way.
Marshrutkas to canyon and cave sites don't always run on a fixed schedule, and service can be infrequent outside summer. For day trips beyond the city, hiring a taxi driver for the day (80-150 GEL depending on distance) is often more practical and surprisingly affordable when split between 2-3 travelers.
Safety: Kutaisi is very safe — the same low-crime, hospitable environment as the rest of Georgia. See our full safety guide if you want the details.
How many days: 2-3 days is the sweet spot. One day for the city itself (Bagrati Cathedral, Green Bazaar, riverside walk, Gelati Monastery). One to two days for day trips (canyons, caves, Tskaltubo). Any less and you're rushing; any more and you'll start running out of new things to do.
Exploring the Rest of Georgia
Kutaisi isn't on our 8-day tour itinerary — our Grand Highlights tour starts and ends in Tbilisi, covering Kazbegi, Vardzia, and the Kakheti wine region. But many of our guests fly into Kutaisi on Wizz Air and spend 2-3 days exploring western Georgia before heading to Tbilisi to join the tour. It's a natural combination — and a smart way to ease into the country.
The marshrutka or train from Kutaisi to Tbilisi is straightforward (see transport options above), and you'll arrive in the capital with a few days of Georgian experience already under your belt.
Explore Georgia Beyond Kutaisi
Our 8-day small group tour covers Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Vardzia, and Kakheti wine country. Fly into Kutaisi, explore western Georgia, then join us in Tbilisi for the rest. Max 10 guests, from $1,150.
See what our 8-day tour covers day by day — from Tbilisi's cobblestones to Kazbegi's peaks to Kakheti's wine cellars — explore the full itinerary →
