Kutaisi – What to See & Is It Worth Visiting? A Guide to Georgia's Second City

Kutaisi is Georgia's second-largest city and the ancient capital of the Colchis kingdom – the very place where, according to Greek mythology, Jason and the Argonauts sailed in search of the Golden Fleece. But legends aside, the practical question is: should you dedicate separate days to Kutaisi, or is a layover at the airport enough? Short answer – it's worth it, but not for the city alone. Kutaisi works as a perfect base for the canyons, caves, and monasteries of western Georgia, while the city itself adds a cosy old town, a market with local prices, and Imeretian cuisine that differs noticeably from what you'll find in Tbilisi.

• A base camp, not a resort. Kutaisi's real draw lies within 20–70 km: Prometheus Cave, Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, Sataplia Nature Reserve.
• Plan for 2–3 full days. One day for the city, one to two for the nature around it.
• Prices are 30–40% below Tbilisi. A café lunch costs $9–12, guesthouses start at $15 for a double, hotels rated 8+ on Booking start at $25–40.
• Its own airport (Kutaisi Airport (KUT)). Served by Wizz Air and other low-cost carriers from across Europe.
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Georgia since January 1, 2026 (minimum coverage: 30,000 GEL). Policies available through Ekta.
• Best time to visit – April through October. Canyons and caves are open year-round, but boat rides at Martvili depend on water levels.

Kutaisi is compact – you can cover the main sights on foot in half a day. It's not a city of endless museums; it's a place best enjoyed by wandering without a rigid plan.

Bagrati Cathedral sits on Ukimerioni Hill and has been the symbol of Kutaisi since the 11th century. It was heavily damaged by Ottoman forces in the 17th century and controversially restored in the 2000s – controversially enough that UNESCO revoked its World Heritage status over the modernised elements. No frescoes inside (unlike most Georgian churches), but the hilltop offers the best panorama of the city and the Rioni River valley. Free entry, open 10:00–20:00 daily.

Gelati Monastery is the region's marquee historical site and an active UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by King David IV ("The Builder") in 1106, it served as both an academy and a spiritual centre during Georgia's Golden Age. The Byzantine mosaics and frescoes inside are among the finest in the Caucasus. Located 11 km from central Kutaisi; a Bolt taxi costs 8–12 GEL. Entry is 1 GEL. Women should cover their heads (scarves available at the entrance).

Motsameta Monastery perches on a cliff above a river gorge en route to Gelati Monastery. It's small but photogenic – 20–30 minutes is usually enough. Easy to combine with Gelati in one trip.

Kutaisi's central square features the Colchis Fountain – topped with enlarged replicas of Colchian gold artifacts, including the iconic Tamada (toastmaster) figure. Walk from here to the Green Bazaar, a massive market where locals buy spices, churchkhela, suluguni cheese, and homemade wine. The 210 m² Soviet-era mosaic on the bazaar's exterior wall is an attraction in its own right.

The Old Quarter (Royal Quarter) near the bazaar has cobblestone streets, late-19th-century Art Nouveau facades, and an ambiance often described as "a small Western European town with Georgian character." The Botanical Garden (5 GEL entry) is worth a detour for the chapel carved inside a hollow oak tree – arguably the most unusual church in Georgia.

This is the primary reason to visit Kutaisi. All natural attractions are 20–70 km away and can be covered in one or two days.

Prometheus Cave is the largest tourist-accessible cave in Georgia. A 1.4 km underground route passes through six halls filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and coloured lighting. Guided tours (~45 minutes) depart every 30 minutes in Georgian, English, and Russian. An optional boat ride along the underground river is available.

(Updated: March 2026)

Martvili Canyon is a narrow gorge with emerald water and cascading waterfalls. The walking trail is 700 m; the boat ride covers 300 m one way. Entry costs 20–33 GEL, the boat is an extra 20 GEL. Distance from Kutaisi – 55 km. Road quality is fair, with potholes and occasional livestock on the highway. Closed on Mondays.

A 780-metre suspended walkway over the canyon at 140 m height – adrenaline without climbing gear. Ends with a panoramic viewing platform. Entry – 15–17 GEL. Closed in bad weather and during winter.

Sataplia Nature Reserve features a small cave, dinosaur footprints, and a glass viewing platform over a cliff edge. A solid half-day option, especially with children. Entry – 15–17 GEL.

Pro tip: The most efficient format is a day tour from Kutaisi combining 2–3 sites. Group tours cost from 80 GEL (~$28) per person, excluding entry fees. Visiting more than one site per day on public transport is practically impossible.

For travellers who want to see the canyons and caves without the hassle of marshrutkas and taxis, a guided tour is the best approach.

The most popular option is CANYONS & CAVE Tour from Kutaisi – Okatse, Martvili & Prometheus – a full-day group tour from $35 per person (rating 4.7, 300+ reviews) covering all three major natural sites.

Alternatively, for a day trip from Tbilisi that includes Kutaisi: Kutaisi Canyons and Caves from Tbilisi Full Day Tour costs from $65 per person (rating 4.9, 448 reviews) – a long but rewarding day if Kutaisi doesn't fit your itinerary as an overnight stop.

The town of Tskaltubo, 20 minutes from Kutaisi, deserves its own mention. During the Soviet era, it was an elite spa resort; today it's a collection of abandoned sanatoriums with monumental architecture. One of the most impressive is Sanatorium Shakhtiori (entry ~5 GEL, find the guard nearby). Atmospheric but not for everyone – buildings are in disrepair, so visit at your own risk.

Kutaisi is one of the most budget-friendly cities in Georgia for accommodation – 1.5 to 2 times cheaper than Tbilisi.

(Updated: March 2026)

Book through Booking.com. Check visa requirements for your nationality before travelling.

Best hotels in Kutaisi:

• Best Western Kutaisi City Center (or book on Trip.com)
• Grand Opera Hotel (or book on Trip.com)
• Hotel Terrace Kutaisi (or book on Trip.com)
• Boutique Hotel Tuta (or book on Trip.com)
• Central Hotel Kutaisi (or book on Trip.com)

Where to stay for canyon trips? If you're planning nature excursions, choose a hotel closer to the bus station (west bank of the river) – it's easier to connect with tour pickups and transport.

Imeretian cuisine stands apart from what you'll find in eastern Georgia. The khachapuri here is round and closed (not boat-shaped), the khinkali have a different fold, and there's an abundance of fresh herbs.

(Updated: March 2026)

Tip: Look for places called "sasadilo" (workers' canteen) – huge portions, minimal prices (full lunch for 5–8 GEL).

Kutaisi Airport (KUT) is 22 km from the city centre. Shuttle buses by Georgian Bus and Omnibus are synced with flights (25 GEL to Tbilisi, ~5 GEL to the city). A Bolt taxi costs 15–20 GEL to central Kutaisi.

Within Kutaisi, Bolt or Maxim taxis cost 3–5 GEL for in-city rides. City buses are 0.60 GEL (card payment only). For canyon and cave trips, you have three options: rent a car through Localrent (full route flexibility), join a day tour, or cobble together marshrutkas and taxis (time-consuming and not always feasible).

Important: Visiting more than one natural site per day on public transport is realistically impossible – connections are infrequent and taxis from main roads to canyon entrances add up quickly.

Since January 1, 2026, travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Georgia. Minimum coverage is 30,000 GEL (~$11,000). Policies are available through Ekta. For details, see our guide: Georgia Travel Insurance.

Visit if you: love nature and canyons, want to see non-touristy Georgia, are planning a Tbilisi – Kutaisi – Batumi route, or are flying into Kutaisi Airport (KUT) on a budget carrier.

Skip if: you only have 5–7 days in Georgia and your priorities are Tbilisi + Kakheti + Kazbegi. In that case, Kutaisi doesn't fit logistically.

1. How many days should I spend in Kutaisi? Two to three full days is ideal. One day for the city (Bagrati Cathedral, Gelati Monastery, bazaar, old town), one to two for canyons and caves. If pressed for time, 1.5 days works with an early start.

2. Can I visit the canyons without a tour? Yes, with a rental car via Localrent. On public transport, you'll realistically manage one site per day due to infrequent connections. A group tour from Kutaisi (from 80 GEL) is the most practical option for most travellers.

3. Is Kutaisi safe? Yes, Kutaisi is a calm city with low crime. Standard precautions at the market and on public transport are sufficient. Georgian driving culture is more aggressive than in Western Europe – factor this in if renting a car.

4. Which airport is closer to the canyons – Kutaisi or Tbilisi? Kutaisi Airport (KUT), without question. Prometheus Cave is 22 km away, Martvili Canyon is 55 km. From Tbilisi, the same sites are 230+ km and 3.5 hours one way.

5. Is there much to do in the city itself? Kutaisi is charming but small. The city sights fill about half a day. The real value lies in its role as a base for western Georgia's natural attractions. If you only care about urban experiences, Tbilisi will deliver more.

Kutaisi isn't a replacement for Tbilisi, and it's not a resort in any conventional sense. It's a compact, affordable, and charming city that serves as the gateway to some of Georgia's most spectacular natural attractions. If your itinerary has 2–3 spare days, Kutaisi with its canyons and caves will be one of the trip's highlights.

Read also:

• First Time in Georgia – What You Need to Know
• Car Rental in Georgia – A Guide
• Internet and Mobile in Georgia
• How to Get to Georgia – All Options

• National Parks of Georgia – Official Prometheus Cave information
• Georgian Railway – Schedules and tickets
• Kutaisi Airport – Official website