Things to Do in Kutaisi

Kutaisi rewards a slow, curious visit. Georgia's ancient second city — UNESCO cathedrals, canyons, and the cheap-flight hub. As a local Georgian operator we recommend prioritizing the sights below on a first visit — you can add depth on a return trip.

Kutaisi is Georgia's third-largest city and, thanks to Wizz Air, the country's cheap-flight gateway from Europe. It's a quiet, low-rise capital of the Imereti region and the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis — the destination of Jason and the Argonauts. Most travelers spend 1 night here on arrival before heading to Tbilisi or the mountains, but the surrounding Imereti countryside is one of Georgia's most rewarding day-trip regions: two UNESCO monasteries, three karst canyons, and a cave system, all within 40 minutes of the city.

Highlights

• Bagrati Cathedral — 11th-century UNESCO site on a hill above the Rioni River
• Gelati Monastery — UNESCO, founded by King David the Builder in 1106
• Prometheus Cave — 1.5 km walking trail through illuminated karst chambers
• Okatse Canyon — 780-m cliff-side walkway over the gorge
• Martvili Canyon — boat ride through turquoise water and waterfalls
• Sataplia Nature Reserve — dinosaur footprints and a glass viewing platform