Kutaisi Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting Kutaisi
Planning a trip to Kutaisi? This Kutaisi travel guide covers everything you need to know before visiting this charming Georgian city. From where to stay to the best time to visit, what local food to try, and must-see sights, it has you covered.
Kutaisi is one of Georgia’s oldest cities, rich in history and culture. Once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, it’s known for its relaxed local vibe. It’s famous for landmarks like Bagrati Cathedral, the Green Bazaar, and nearby UNESCO-listed monasteries.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top attractions in Kutaisi, must-do experiences that go beyond the usual spots, and the best places to visit around Kutaisi. You’ll also find local food recommendations and the best Kutaisi restaurants.
We’ll share tips on the best time to visit Kutaisi, how many days to spend to get the most out of your trip, and insider advice to help you enjoy the city like a local. If you have extra time, we’ll suggest nearby day trips to monasteries and wineries worth exploring.
This travel guide will help you plan your Kutaisi adventure with confidence and experience the best this historic city has to offer.
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Kutaisi travel tips for first-time visitors
⭐️ Top Kutaisi Attractions
Bagrati Cathedral
White Bridge
Colchis Fountain
Kutaisi Park
Meskhishvili Theater
Kutaisi Botanical Garden
Kutaisi Holy Annunciation temple
Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park
📍 Must do experiences in Kutaisi
Dine at Toma’s Wine Cellar
Walk the old streets of the historic center
See the street art at the Wall of Love
Shop at the Green Bazaar
Visit Kutaisi State Historical Museum
Take a photo at the Mon Plaisir Arch
Ride the Soviet-era Kutaisi Cable Car
Plan a trip to the nearby Baia’s winery
Make a small detour to Gelati Monastery and Motsameta Monastery
🍽Best restaurants in Kutaisi
Toma’s Wine Cellar
Georgian cuisine Magnolia
Palaty
At Home – სახლში
Maisis Ezo
Doli
Lilestan
Gala Restaurant Kutaisi
Bikentia’s Kebabery
Tea House Foe-Foe
🥘 Local food to try in Kutaisi
Imereti cuisine:
Imeruli khachapuri
Chashushuli
Imeruli Cheese
Imereti wine:
Tsolikouri
Tsitska
Krakhuna
Other essentials: Pkhali, Khinkali, Lobio, Badrijani Nigvzit, Shkmeruli, Mtsvadi.
🏨 Top hotels in Kutaisi
Popular mid-range hotels: Best Western Kutaisi, Newport Hotel Kutaisi, Grand Opera Hotel
Best boutique hotels: Communal Hotel Kutaisi, Boutique Apartment, Boutique Hotel Tuta
Top hotels with a terrace & view: Veranda Boutique Hotel Kutaisi, Hotel Memoire Kutaisi, Hotel Terrace Kutaisi
Luxury getaway from Kutaisi: Chateau Vartsikhe
🚗 Best day trips from Kutaisi
Baia’s winery
Gelati & Motsameta Monastery
Katskhi Pillar & Chiatura
Okatse, Martvili, & Prometheus
Tetra Cave & Sataplia Natural Reserve
Tskaltubo
Tskhrajvari & Racha
Batumi
Borjomi, Rabati & Vardzia
🗺 How to get to Kutaisi from Tbilisi
Take a marshrutka or a bus
Jump on the train from Tbilisi Central Station
Get a private driver from GoTrip
Rent a car
☀️ Best time to visit Kutaisi
April to June (Spring) – pleasant weather, blooming nature, fewer crowds, perfect for sightseeing and markets.
July to August (Summer) – hot afternoons and more tourists, but still enjoyable for outdoor cafes and river walks.
September to October (Autumn) – ideal temps, beautiful colors, and the grape harvest season, great for wine lovers.
November to March (Winter) – quiet, cooler, and cheaper, some outdoor sights less enjoyable, but peaceful for slow travel.
⏰ How many days to spend in Kutaisi
Kutaisi is a compact and walkable city, making it easy to explore in just 2 to 3 days. Two days are usually enough to see the main attractions, try local food, and get a feel for its laid-back charm. If you prefer slow travel, plan 3 days instead.
However, Kutaisi is surrounded by some of the most beautiful places in Georgia, so I would use Kutaisi as a base for 2 extra days and explore caves, canyons, monasteries, and other nearby towns. Or plan a wine getaway if you can’t make it to the Kakheti wine region.
🖊 Kutaisi travel itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Bagrati Cathedral, Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park, Ride the Kutaisi Cable Car, White Bridge, White Bridge Art Park Kutaisi
- Lunch: Bikentia’s Kebabery or Palaty
- Afternoon: Kutaisi Botanical Garden or Gelati Monastery & Motsameta Monastery
- Dinner: Toma’s Wine Cellar
Day 2:
- Breakfast: Tea House Foe-Foe (optional)
- Morning: Meskhishvili Theater, Colchis Fountain, Kutaisi Park, Soviet Sculpture Complex, Mon Plaisir Arch, Wall of Love
- Lunch: Lilestan or Georgian cuisine Magnolia
- Afternoon: Green Bazaar, Kutaisi Holy Annunciation temple, Kutaisi State Historical Museum, or Baia’s winery
Day 3: Rent a car or a driver to explore the surroundings, or book one of the best day trips from Kutaisi.
💡 Kutaisi do’s and don’ts
✅ Do’s
- Do explore on foot
- Do try local Imeretian dishes
- Do visit local markets
- Do dress modestly in churches
- Do learn a few Georgian words
❌ Don’ts
- Don’t expect fast service
- Don’t rely only on credit cards
- Don’t skip the surroundings
- Don’t photograph people without asking
- Don’t compare it to Tbilisi
Further reading for the Kutaisi travel guide
- 30+ Must-Try Georgian Dishes: Traditional Food in Georgia
- Flexible Georgia Travel Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Tbilisi Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting Tbilisi
- 15 Best Photo Spots in Tbilisi, Georgia + Photo Tips
- 20 Best Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
- 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Tbilisi: Stays with Local Charm
- Best Day Trips from Tbilisi: Georgia Beyond the Capital
- 20 Best Things to Do in Batumi: Beaches, Food, and More
- Food Guide: Where to Eat in Batumi, Georgia
- 10 Best Photo Spots in Batumi for Stunning Batumi Photos
- How to Reach Gergeti Trinity Church in Georgia
- Food Guide: Where to Eat in Tbilisi, Georgia
Or read more about: Tbilisi | Batumi | Kakheti | Kutaisi | Georgia
In conclusion…
This is the end of the ultimate Kutaisi travel guide, and I’m sure you are impatient to hit the road! Where are you planning to start?
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
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