Borjomi
Spa resort, mineral water, and gateway to Georgia's largest national park
Borjomi. Overview
About the city
Borjomi is a resort town at 800 m elevation in the Kura River gorge (Samtskhe-Javakheti region), 165 km west of Tbilisi. Population: around 11,000. Known primarily for its volcanic-origin mineral water – free to collect from springs in Central Park. The town is compact: life centres on one street along the river. Key points: the park with its cable car, sulphur pools, Romanov Palace in Likani, and the entrance to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park – one of Europe's largest (85,000 ha). The cuisine differs from Tbilisi: strong Armenian influence – tolma, shashlik, lavash.
From Tbilisi: marshrutka from Didube – 10–15 GEL, 2 hours. Train is cheaper but 4+ hours. One day is enough for the town. If you plan hikes in the national park (routes from 1 to several days, elevations up to 2,640 m), budget 2–3 days. Borjomi pairs logically with Bakuriani (30 km, 40 min) – skiing in winter, hiking in summer. The narrow-gauge 'Kukushka' railway between Borjomi and Bakuriani is currently not operating (closed since the pandemic, no confirmed reopening).
Weather now · Borjomi
16°
Partly cloudyWed22°/9°
Thu24°/10°
Fri25°/11°
RegionSamtskhe–Javakheti
When to goApril – October
AirportKutaisi (KUT)94 kmLocal time—Georgia
Borjomi. What to see
Top sights
What you should not miss in the city and around it.
Borjomi Central Park
Historic 1850 spa park with the original Borjomi mineral spring and cable car over the gorge
Romanov Palace in Likani
Moorish-style 1895 summer residence on the Kura River – first electrified building in the Caucasus
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Georgia's first national park – 107,000 hectares of ancient forests with 12 marked hiking trails
Borjomi. Map
On the map
Key sights and surroundings — to plan your walk and gauge distances.
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Borjomi. Services
Plan your trip
Everything you need — connectivity, transport, stay and tours.
Borjomi. Questions & answersFAQ
Popular questions
Answers about seasonality, routes, neighbourhoods and basic trip planning.
How many days do I need for Borjomi?+
One day for the park, springs, cable car, and palace. 2–3 days if you want hikes in the national park.
How do I get from Tbilisi?+
Marshrutka from Didube – 10–15 GEL, 2 hours, departs when full. Train is cheaper but 4+ hours, and the station is outside the centre.
Is the water actually medicinal?+
Borjomi water is sodium bicarbonate, volcanic in origin. Used for digestive and metabolic conditions. The taste is distinctive – salty, not for everyone. Free to collect from springs in the park.
What is there to do in the park?+
Mineral water springs, cable car (1 GEL one-way), sulphur pools (5 GEL), rides in summer. Entry – 2 GEL. The park opens in the morning, but most facilities only operate June–September.
Where can I eat?+
Dozens of cafés on the main street. Cuisine has an Armenian lean. Lunch runs 15–25 GEL. Restaurants near the park entrance are pricier and tourist-oriented.
Is it worth staying overnight?+
Yes, if you plan to visit the national park or combine with Bakuriani. Many hotels include full board, spa, and sulphur baths. Rooms from 80–120 GEL.
Is the Kukushka train running?+
The narrow-gauge line Borjomi–Bakuriani has been closed since the pandemic. As of 2025–2026, no reopening confirmed. Reach Bakuriani by taxi (20–25 GEL) or marshrutka.
Is travel insurance required?+
Insurance is mandatory for entering Georgia since 2026. Essential for national park treks – medical help is unavailable in the mountains.
When is the best time to visit?+
June–October: all park infrastructure operates, national park hiking is accessible. Winter is quiet, but the Bakuriani ski resort is nearby.
What else can I visit from Borjomi?+
Bakuriani – 30 km. Vardzia (cave monastery) – 100 km. Rabati (fortress in Akhaltsikhe) – 50 km. All convenient by rental car or via a guided tour.
Borjomi. Nearby
Nearby cities
Towns nearby — easy to add to your route for a day trip.
