What Can You Do During a City Break in Kutaisi?

A city break in Kutaisi, the historical city of Georgia, can be the perfect way to explore the area and experience its culture. From fascinating monuments to its many lively bars and cafés, there is truly something for everyone in Kutaisi. From exploring its charming streets and squares to activities such as kayaking, there are myriad of ways to enjoy the Georgian capital. In this article we will explore some of the many activities available to visitors during a city break in Kutaisi.

Explore the Historical Monuments of Kutaisi

First and foremost, a city break should include exploring the many historical monuments of Kutaisi. Monumental buildings such as The Bagrati Cathedral – built in the early 17th century and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 – or the 12th century Gelati Monastery are sure to captivate visitors. Culture aficionados should also not miss a visit to the Nikoloz Monkhoevi Art Gallery, which houses a world-class collection of Georgian and international art.

Visit Museum of History and Ethnography

Further on, visitors to Kutaisi should add a visit to the Museum of History and Ethnography to their itinerary. Established by Prince Niko Nicholaevskii at the end of the 19th century, this museum is home to a huge collection of items related to the history of Georgia from ancient times until today. Galleries on textile, traditional tools and weapons, as well as items related to tea production can be found inside this museum.

Discover the Botanical Garden in Kutaisi

Kutaisi also boasts a distinctive botanical garden, which was founded in 1903, and it is open to visitors looking for a green place to spend a day. The Achadzkari Botanical Gardens houses a stunning collection of plants that are native to the region, such as acacias and oaks, as well as exotic species, like coconut palm trees and citrus. While in the area, it is also worth checking out the Chorokhi Delta Nature Reserve, which is home to rare migratory birds and a fascinating wetlands ecosystem.

Experience Georgian Cuisine

Anyone fluent in Georgian or willing to learn will especially enjoy partaking in Georgia’s culinary culture. Views Cafe & Restaurant, located in the heart of Kutaisi and situated in a 16th-century house, is the perfect spot for trying traditional Georgian cuisine. Here visitors can order dishes such as Mtsvadi (barbecued pork) or Khinkali (stuffed dumplings), all served with Georgian wines. For those looking for a more upscale experience, restaurants such as Lado and Terra serve delicious dishes along with a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings.

Enjoy Live Entertainment

Kutaisi is full of outdoor entertainment spots as well as theatre venues such as Crumba Theatre. Here visitors can enjoy performances ranging from a dance show or musicals to ballet or an opera performance. The city is also full of lively pubs and music bars, making it a paradise for night owls looking for pulsating nightlife. Pubs such as Line Of Course or Night Crow are especially popular among locals and tourists alike, where they can enjoy local delicacies accompanied with lots of live music.

Outdoor Activities

Visitors coming from abroad to Kutaisi can also enjoy various outdoor activities such as kayaking. Kayak tours around the nearby Mtkvari River offer stunning views of areas such as Tskveri Valley and Petra Fortress. For those looking for more adrenaline-filled activities, there is also paragliding available in Baghdati, only 10 minutes away by car. If you prefer to stay close to Kutaisi city, it is also possible to rent bicycles to explore the many hidden gems or even learn horseback riding in Trail Park Tsertskaro within the city limits.

For those looking for another kind of adventure, visiting Kutaisi’s nearby destinations is a great way to experience a different kind of Georgian charm. A few hours away from Kutaisi you can find Ushguli – Europe’s highest village – where visitors can explore nearby mountain lakes or go on hikes throughout the village’s surrounding areas. To get an overview of all that Georgia has to offer, Viator’s “Kutais City Break in Batumi Pub Crawl tour is perfect for travelers searching for an exciting overview of the country.

In conclusion, there are myriad activities available in Kutaisi during a city break that suit all kinds of interests and budgets. Those visiting should take advantage of te opportunity to soak up traditional Georgian culture by exploring its monuments, museum collections, vibrant nightlife and indulge in delicious culinary experiences. And last but not least, don’t forget that Georgia has much more to offer than just Kutaisi – getting out of town and discovering its breathtaking rural landscapes are part of the charm that makes Georgia so unique.