Kutaisi, Georgia: travel guide
Ancient capital of Imereti and a base for monasteries, caves and canyons
Ancient capital in the Imereti region, gateway to the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral, plus nearby Prometheus Cave and Sataplia canyons.
About Kutaisi
Kutaisi is one of Georgia's oldest cities and the main town of the Imereti region in the west. It has a relaxed, market-town feel, with a river running through the centre, a lively covered bazaar and the ruined Bagrati Cathedral on the hill above.
Its value as a base is considerable. Within easy reach you will find the medieval Gelati Monastery, the Prometheus Cave and the Sataplia nature reserve, as well as a string of small canyons and villages. The regional food, with its walnut sauces and fresh cheeses, is a good reason to stay a night or two.
Kutaisi suits travellers who enjoy history and countryside in equal parts. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
- Country
- Georgia
- Currency
- GEL
- Time zone
- Asia/Tbilisi
- Nearest airport
- KUT
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kutaisi
Gelati Monastery
unesco · 4.7 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
UNESCO World Heritage monastery founded in 1106 by King David the Builder, Georgia's greatest medieval cultural and educational centre, its churches covered in brilliant mosaics and frescoes.
Bagrati Cathedral
cathedral · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
An 11th-century cathedral on Ukimerioni Hill built by King Bagrat III, a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture reconstructed in 2012, overlooking Kutaisi.
Kutaisi State Historical Museum
history_museum · 4.1 rating · about 1 h · entry ₾7 (≈ ₹260)
Regional museum with an important collection of Georgian gold, icons, manuscripts and ecclesiastical treasures from the Imereti kingdom.
Colchis Fountain
fountain · 4.7 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Kutaisi's central fountain, ringed by giant gold-coloured replicas of ancient Colchian jewellery and animal figurines drawn from local archaeological finds.
Kutaisi Green Bazaar
food_market · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Kutaisi's sprawling central market, piled with Imeretian cheese, churchkhela, spices, honey, fruit and produce — a vivid slice of western Georgian daily life.
Motsameta Monastery
orthodox · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A small, dramatically sited monastery on a rocky promontory above the Tskaltsitela River gorge, holding the relics of the martyred brothers David and Constantine Mkheidze.
Prometheus Cave
cave · about 1.5 h · entry ₾23 (≈ ₹840)
One of Georgia's largest show caves near Tskaltubo, with 1.6 km of walkways past stalactites, underground rivers and coloured lighting, plus an optional boat ride out.
Sataplia Nature Reserve
reserve · about 1.3 h · entry ₾17 (≈ ₹620)
A small protected reserve just outside Kutaisi combining a stalactite cave, preserved dinosaur footprints and a glass-floored viewing platform over the Colchis forest.
Things to do
- Prometheus Cave & Sataplia Day Tour Day Trip · 6 h · from GEL 120 per person
- Gelati, Motsameta & Bagrati Tour Cultural · 4 h · from GEL 110 per person
- Okatse Canyon & Kinchkha Waterfall Trek Hiking · 7 h · from GEL 130 per person
- Martvili Canyon Boat Trip Boat · 6 h · from GEL 120 per person
Day trips and tours
- Imereti Caves & Monasteries 8 h · from GEL 140
Where to stay in Kutaisi
- Kutaisi Centre about GEL 150 per night
Compact central area near the river, White Bridge and Green Bazaar, walkable and well-priced.
Hotels
- Best Western Kutaisi 4-star · GEL 160 to GEL 350 per night
- Hotel Argo 3-star · GEL 90 to GEL 180 per night
- Kutaisi Central Hostel 2-star · GEL 30 to GEL 110 per night
Where to eat
- Magnolia Georgian, Imeretian · about GEL 40 per person
- El Depo Georgian · about GEL 22 per person
- Palaty Georgian, European · about GEL 38 per person
- Baraqa Georgian · about GEL 28 per person
Getting to Kutaisi
Airport: Kutaisi (KUT)
Getting around
- Bus
- Minibus
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Georgia
Frequently asked questions about Kutaisi
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Kutaisi?
- The highest-rated places in our Kutaisi guide are Gelati Monastery, Bagrati Cathedral, Colchis Fountain, Kutaisi Green Bazaar, Kutaisi State Historical Museum.
- Where should I stay in Kutaisi?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Kutaisi: Kutaisi Centre.
- How do I get around Kutaisi?
- Ways to get around Kutaisi covered in our guide: City bus, Minibus, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Kutaisi?
- The nearest airport to Kutaisi has the code KUT.