15 Things To Do In Kutaisi: Explore Georgia’s Timeless City

Things to do in Kutaisi include exploring the historic city with cathedrals, caves.

This list outlines the things to do in Kutaisi, presenting a remarkable opportunity to step into a city steeped in history and ancient legend. Once the capital of the Republic of Georgia, this timeless city boasts magnificent cathedrals, fascinating caves, and centuries‐old markets. You can explore Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, and Prometheus Cave. Savour local cuisine and experience genuine hospitality. Every corner reveals a new story, inviting travellers to enjoy a journey where the past meets the present in unforgettable ways.

Top 15 Things To Do In Kutaisi, Georgia

Things to do in Kutaisi on your next trip to the ancient city of Georgia. Discover ancient monuments, intriguing caves, and local markets.

1. Ascend To Timeless Grandeur At Bagrati Cathedral

Majestic Bagrati Cathedral an architectural masterpiece one of the things to do in Kutaisi.

Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons

Discover one of the best things to do in Kutaisi at Bagrati Cathedral. Perched on Ukimerioni Hill, this 11th‑century monument symbolises mediaeval unification under King Bagrat III. Constructed in golden stone, its dome collapsed in 1692, is partially reconstructed with original fresco fragments and modern repairs. The cathedral served as a coronation venue for Georgian monarchs and provided views of the Rioni River valley. Its strategic location on ancient trade routes highlights its importance.

Location: Bagrati Street, Kutaisi, Georgia
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM

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Prometheus Cave

Explore stunning underground formations and lakes in this famous Georgian cave system.

Photo: Paata vardanashvili / Wikimedia Commons

Prometheus Cave is one of the majestic caves in Georgia. It is near Tskaltubo, about 20 km from Kutaisi, and is a must-see for tourists in the area. It has about 1.8 km of underground passageways and six beautiful halls with stalactites, stalagmites, and other amazing karst formations. The walk is about an hour long, and you can add a boat ride on the underground Kumistavi River to make it about 1.5 hours long. The temperature inside the cave stays cool all year, at about 14°C, so tourists should always bring warm clothes.

Location: Kumistavi, Georgia
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

3. Honour Martyrs At Motsameta Monastery’s Sacred Cliffs

On the list of best things to do in Kutaisi, visit Motsameta Monastery on a dramatic cliff.

Photo: Jaba1977 / Wikimedia Commons

Experience one of the top things to do in Kutaisi by visiting Motsameta Monastery. This 11th‑century cliffside sanctuary preserves relics of princes David and Constantine, martyrs who defended Christianity. Their bones lie in a gilded reliquary beneath the main altar, with visitors encouraged to circle it three times. Rebuilt in the 19th century after Persian attacks, the monastery’s setting above Tskhaltsitela Gorge offered refuge. Its name means “Place of Martyrs,” honouring an 8th‑century sacrifice.

Location: Motsameta, Georgia
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

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4. Decode Ancient Symbols At Colchis Fountain

Admiring the golden sculptures of Colchis Fountain, one of the best things to di in Kutaisi.

Photo: Gill M L / Wikimedia Commons

Discover one of the most significant things to do in Kutaisi by visiting the Colchis Fountain. Installed in 2011, this central landmark displays 30 enlarged replicas of Vani artefacts, including a 7th‑century BCE bronze Tamada statue. The golden figures symbolise Colchis’ wealth as portrayed in Argonaut legends, with water flowing over a crown and ceremonial cup. Designed by sculptor Davit Khmaladze, this modern tribute to ancient heritage serves as a popular meeting point along historic boulevards.

Location: Kutaisi, Georgia
Timings: 24*7

5. Boating At Martvili Canyon’s Emerald Channels

Serene boat ride through Martvili Canyon, is one of the best things to do in Kutaisi.

Photo: Karelj / Wikimedia Commons

One of the top inclusions on the Georgia travel guide is Martvili Canyon’s emerald channels. This 12‑kilometre limestone gorge, formed seventy million years ago, displays rare marine fossils in its cliffs. Soviet engineers flooded the canyon in the 1940s for hydroelectric projects, creating blue‑green pools. Visitors walk past medieval monasteries along trails that lead to the 9th‑century Martvili Monastery. The “Dadiani Path” honours the noble family that governed Samegrelo during its Golden Age.

Location: 27 Tsminda Nino Street, Kutaisi 6000, Georgia
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: 20 GEL / ₹630

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6. Unearth Treasures At Kutaisi State Historical Museum

Discover artifacts at Kutaisi State Historical Museum, showcasing Georgia’s rich culture

Photo: Herbert Frank / Wikimedia Commons

Unearthing treasures at Kutaisi State Historical Museum is one of the best things to experience in Kutaisi. Housed in a 19th‑century neoclassical bank, the museum preserves artefacts including the 16th‑century Paliastomi Icon of the Virgin Mary, crafted with gold leaf. Its archaeology wing exhibits Colchian weaponry and a 4th‑century BCE silver rhyton from Vani. Soviet‑era displays feature Cold War espionage devices from Kutaisi’s industrial past. The building retains pastel frescoes despite surviving earthquakes.

Location: Kutaisi, Georgia
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 3 GEL / ₹95

7. Time‑travel Via Soviet Cable Car To Gabashvili Park

Vintage Soviet-era cable car ride to Gabashvili Park experience in Kutaisi, Georgia.

Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons

One of the unique things to do in Kutaisi is time-travel through a Soviet cable car to Gabashvili Park. This 1970s‑era cable car ascends 200 metres, offering views of Kutaisi’s red‑roofed skyline and nearby merchant houses. The cabins, maintained with original parts, travel past historic structures and transport visitors to a retro amusement park. The park features a Ferris wheel, a relic of Soviet engineering, delivering views of the Caucasus foothills and landscape.

Location: Gabashvili Park
Timings: 12 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: 3 GEL / ₹95

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8. Cross Centuries On The White Bridge

Walk across Kutaisi’s iconic White Bridge, a historic structure on the Rioni River.

Photo: Kober / Wikimedia Commons

Cross centuries by crossing the White Bridge, a must-try thing to do in Kutaisi. Spanning the Rioni River since 1850, this pedestrian bridge features cast‑iron arches that replaced ancient stone foundations. Local lore states that newlyweds must cross for lasting unions. The structure, rebuilt in 1922, survived World War II bombings. Evening gatherings here inspired poems by Akaki Tsereteli. The bridge links the old Jewish Quarter with modern districts, truly symbolising the city’s cultural heritage.

Location: White Bridge, Kutaisi, Georgia
Timings: 24*7

9. Uncover Royal Secrets At Geguti Palace Ruins

Explore the ruins of Geguti Palace, the once-grand medieval residence of Georgian kings

Photo: Jaba1977 / Wikimedia Commons

Uncover royal secrets at Geguti Palace Ruins and complete your list of top things to do in Kutaisi. This 12th‑century complex witnessed Queen Tamar’s coronation in 1184 and features Europe’s earliest known flush toilet system with ceramic pipes drawing water from the Rioni River. The hexagonal throne room influenced Georgian Orthodox church design. Abandoned after Timur’s 14th‑century invasion, its underground tunnels once concealed Imeretian crown jewels during Ottoman raids, offering a link to royal history.

Location: Kutaisi-Geguti-Sakulia-Bashi-Ianeti, Georgia
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 5 GEL / ₹160

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10. Witness Theatrical History At Kutaisi Drama Theatre

Historical Kutaisi Drama Theatre, one of the best things to see in Kutaisi, Georgia.

Photo: Giorgi Abdaladze / Wikimedia Commons

Explore the Drama Theatre and watch history unfold as you tick off the last of the things to do in Kutaisi. Opened in 1861 as the Caucasus’ first public theatre, this neoclassical marvel staged underground anti-Tsarist plays. Its 1950 renovation maintained original velvet draperies, and a chandelier made from 2,314 Bohemian crystals. The theatre survived Stalin’s purges through coded nationalist allegories and remains a symbol of cultural resistance. Its historical performances continue to inspire contemporary audiences profoundly with Georgian artistic heritage.

Location: Gelati St, Kutaisi, Georgia
Timings: 12 PM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: 10 – 30 GEL / ₹315 – 950

11. Kutaisi Botanical Garden

Peaceful garden with diverse plant species, perfect for walks and nature photography.

Photo: O / Shutterstock

The Kutaisi Botanical Garden is a peaceful haven of plants on the right bank of the Rioni River, not far from the city centre. It is the second-largest botanical garden in Georgia and was founded in the 1800s. It was officially opened in 1969 and is home to nearly 700 kinds of trees, shrubs, and plants from around the world. The most interesting thing about it is a chapel carved into the trunk of an oak tree that is hundreds of years old. Exploring the garden’s winding walks, shady benches is among the best things to do in Kutaisi with kids.

Location: Kutaisi Botanical Garden
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 5 GEL / ₹160

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12. Green Bazaar (Imereti Market Hall)

An image of a bustling local market with fresh produce, spices, and authentic Georgian flavours.

Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only

One of the top things to do in Kutaisi City is the Green Bazaar, which is also called the Imereti Market Hall. This busy market is known for its lively atmosphere, unique building, and huge selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, cheeses, meats, and tasty treats from the area. Every time you visit, the vendors are excited to give you samples and tell you stories. The market is more than just a place to shop. The Green Bazaar is a great place to get a real feel of Kutaisi, whether you’re looking for unique gifts or trying homemade churchkhela.

Location: 2 ფალიაᲨვილის 1 შესახვევი, Kutaisi 4600, Georgia
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM

13. David Kakabadze Kutaisi Art Gallery

Explore the works by Georgian artist David Kakabadze and other regional talents.

Photo: Giorgi Abdaladze / Wikimedia Commons

The David Kakabadze Kutaisi Art Gallery is one of the best places to visit in Georgia. The gallery is right in the middle of the city and has a huge collection of works by David Kakabadze and other well-known Georgian artists from a wide range of styles and time periods. People can look at paintings, statues, and graphics that show how Georgian art has changed over time. There are also educational programs, cultural events, and temporary exhibits at the gallery, which make it a lively place for art enthusiasts.

Location: David Kakabadze Kutaisi Art Gallery
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 2 GEL / ₹63

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14. National Museum Of Military Glory

Explore the historic exhibits honouring Georgia’s military past - one of the things to do in Kutaisi.

Photo: Dmitriy Feldman svarshik / Shutterstock

On Paliashvili V Aly, the National Museum of Military Glory is a moving tribute to Georgia’s military past and the strength of its people. The museum has displays of war artefacts, uniforms, photos, and personal stories from different wars that shaped the country’s history. It gives people who come a chance to learn about the bravery and sacrifices of Georgian troops, as well as the area’s history in general. The museum’s small size makes it a good place to think and remember, which makes it an important stop for people who are interested in Kutaisi’s past and spirit.

Location: Paliashvili V Aly, Kutaisi, Georgia
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

15. Kutaisi Beauty By French Artist Vinie

Explore the striking street art mural blending urban style with Georgian culture - one of the things to do in Kutaisi.

Photo: Antony Matthews Films / Shutterstock

A beautiful painting by the famous French street artist Vinie brings life to Kutaisi’s cityscape. This colourful piece of street art with a stylised female figure has become a modern icon in the city. It stands out with its bright colours and funky design. This painting not only gives Kutaisi’s old streets a modern look, but it also shows how the city welcomes art from around the world. It has quickly become a popular place for both locals and visitors to take pictures. Witnessing this piece of art as Kutaisi’s identity is among the top things to do in Georgia.

Location: Unnamed Road, Kutaisi, Georgia
Timings: Morning to evening

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This list of things to do in Kutaisi continues to amaze visitors with its blend of history and adventure. Whether you wander through time‑worn streets or embark on day trips to nearby canyons and caves, every experience is memorable. Plan your journey with TripXL’s travel packages to ensure a seamless holiday that caters to your interests and budget. Embrace the spirit of Georgia and create memories in Kutaisi.

Cover Photo: Ilse / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

May through October provide the most comfortable conditions.
Sample local dishes such as khinkali, khachapuri, churchkhela, and shkmeruli.
Kutaisi operates on Georgia Standard Time (GMT+4).
The official currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL).
Bagrati Cathedral is the closest attraction to the airport.
Yes, you can walk around the central part of Kutaisi and see a lot of it. There are a lot of sights, cafes, and local markets close to each other, which makes it great for taking long walks.
Inside Prometheus Cave, you can hike, cave dive, canyon walk, or take a boat ride. People who like to be outside will have a great time in and around Kutaisi.
Yes, there are a lot of local tour companies and guides who offer half-day and full-day tours that cover both the city and natural sites close by. A lot of them also offer rides and food.
In the evening, you can take a beautiful walk along the Rioni River, eat at traditional Georgian restaurants, or go to a cosy wine bar or café in the middle of the city. At night, the Colchis Fountain and White Bridge look beautiful, which makes them great places to take pictures.

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