Kutaisi differs from Tbilisi or Batumi in its nature and history. In this place, even without having money in your pocket, you can see dozens of popular and unusual places.
A sightseeing walking tour of the city will cost you from 1600 rubles and will take 3 hours. The tour includes the main attractions, such as the Bagrati Cathedral, the Colchis Fountain, the Jewish Quarter and others. You can stay in Kutaisi for one or two days (maximum 3 days) to see the sights of the city itself and its surroundings.
Bagrat Cathedral
Bagrati Cathedral is probably one of the most iconic places to visit in Georgia and should be a must-see on your Kutaisi travel list. If you are traveling from Kutaisi International Airport, make sure to visit this place. The cathedral has beautiful architecture and holds an important place in the history of Georgia. Bagrati Cathedral is a church dedicated to the burial of the Holy Virgin Mary, located on Ukemerioni Hill in Kutaisi. It was built in 1003, during the reign of King Bagrat III.
The cathedral owes much of its current splendor to the renovation efforts that took place a few years ago. According to the new design, the eastern part of the cathedral was to be decorated with glass elements, and an elevator was installed to connect the two floors. However, the modernization of the medieval structure was stopped at the request of the Georgian Patriarch Ilia II. The renovation also prevented the Bagrati Cathedral from being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Okatse Canyon
Georgian adventures continue in the Okatse Canyon near the village of Gordi in the west of the country. This area near Kutaisi is famous for its deep canyons, forest lakes and other breathtaking natural attractions. The 800-meter hiking trail is visited by 150 tourists a year, and there are plans to expand its capabilities even further by making its floor transparent! The thrill of walking through the canyon attracts many visitors. And if you are a real adrenaline junkie, you can challenge yourself by rappelling down Kinchkhe, one of Georgia’s highest waterfalls, with its refreshing cascade of clear mountain water.
Prometheus cave
The legendary Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods according to Greek mythology, was chained to Mount Khvamli, which can be seen from Prometheus Cave, one of the most colorful places in Georgia. Here you can see stalactites, stalagmites, an underground river and lakes, a beautiful 1,2 km walk in a mysterious and cool atmosphere and a short boat ride.
Prometheus Cave is longer and more impressive than Sataplia Cave, but in the latter you can also walk through the forest - it is nice if the weather is not hot, there is a view of Kutaisi thanks to a glass platform overlooking the city, and you can also see traces of millions of years of dinosaurs, take pictures with dinosaur models, visit a small museum, see a beautiful heart-shaped stalagmite. There is a restaurant and several attractions. In short, the tourist infrastructure is quite developed.
White Bridge
The White Bridge was built in the second half of the 19th century and is now a symbol of the reviving city. The bridge is a landmark where tourists and locals come to walk, dream, enjoy the view of running water, the rocky bottom, old houses and mountains in the distance.
The routes can be combined as you like based on your budget and preferences. Don't forget that you'll also have to spend money on food. It's inexpensive in Georgia. In Kutaisi itself, the closer to the center, the higher the prices. Prices in an average cafe can start from 300 rubles. The cuisine is not only Georgian, it's easy to find familiar dishes. It's also worth considering that there is often nowhere to eat at tourist sites and you should take food with you. You should also have water with you.
