Kutaisi Travel Guide 2026
Explore Kutaisi, Georgia with our travel guide covering historic landmarks, monasteries, Georgian food, where to stay, and practical travel tips.
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Is Kutaisi worth visiting?
If you’re looking for things to do in Kutaisi, Georgia, you’ll find a city filled with history, Georgian culture, charming streets, and some of the best food we had during our time in the country (including several months in the beautiful capital of Tbilisi). We had the privilege of visiting Kutaisi twice, first for one night during our hike of the Transcaucasian Trail and again for three nights with Don’s family.
Kutaisi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It was the political heart of the ancient Colchis Kingdom, the legendary home of the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology, and later became an important center of Georgian power as the heart of the Kingdom of Imereti. But despite its long and fascinating history, Kutaisi doesn’t feel like a grand or overwhelming city. Instead, it feels intimate, relaxed, and lived-in.
Historic landmarks and charming streets sit alongside Soviet-era apartment buildings and older wooden houses with beautifully carved balconies. Around the city, you’ll find small bakeries, cafes, and family-run restaurants where Georgian hospitality knows no bounds. And while Kutaisi may not be known for a wild nightlife scene, we actually enjoyed its slower pace. Instead of going clubbing, people stroll along the Rioni River, gather in the parks, and enjoy the evening.
For us, Kutaisi was one of those places that was easy to fall in love with. It has history, culture, incredible food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere without feeling overly touristy. It’s truly a special city, and one that I think has to be experienced to fully appreciate.
Firsthand experiences with helpful tips and links to get you where you want to be!
Quick Travel Tips for Kutaisi, Georgia
🗺️Location
Kutaisi is located in western Georgia in the Imereti region, along the Rioni River. It is one of Georgia's oldest cities and makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region.
☀️Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall is a great time to visit Kutaisi. Summer offers warm weather for exploring the city and surrounding attractions, while spring and fall can be especially pleasant for hiking and sightseeing.
⏳How Long to Stay
Plan on at least 2 to 3 days to explore Kutaisi and enjoy its restaurants and historic sites. If you want to visit the caves, canyons, monasteries, and other attractions around the city, consider staying 4 to 5 days.
🛂Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Georgia and can stay for up to 365 days. Georgia has one of the most generous visa-free stay policies we've encountered while traveling.
🚌Getting Around
Central Kutaisi is compact and many of the main sights, restaurants, and cafes are within walking distance. We found walking to be the easiest way to explore the city. A rental car is useful if you plan to explore attractions outside Kutaisi, while taxis (Yandex mobile app) are another option for getting farther from the city center.
💱Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
💰Budget
Kutaisi is a very budget-friendly destination. Budget travelers can spend $30-40USD a day while mid-range travelers can spend $60-100 USD. Luxury travelers can expect to spend $150-300USD a day.
🗣️Language
Georgian is the official language and uses its own unique alphabet. English is more common among younger people and in tourist areas, while Russian can be more useful outside the main tourist areas. (Helpful Phrases Guide)
🚨Emergency Numbers
Emergency services 211
US Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia +995-32-227-7000
🏘️Best Neighborhoods
For most visitors, staying in or around central Kutaisi is the most convenient option. This puts you within walking distance of many restaurants, cafes, historic sites, and attractions. We stayed in the city center and loved being able to walk almost everywhere we wanted to go.
Traditional Georgian Restaurants in Kutaisi
The restaurants in Kutaisi are some of my favorites in Georgia, and honestly, I don't think any of us had a bad meal here. What really stood out to us wasn't just how delicious the food was, but how much care seemed to go into every meal. The food was comforting, flavorful, and had that unmistakable feeling of being made with love. It wasn't fussy or overly complicated. It was the kind of food that makes you slow down, take another bite, and wonder why you aren't eating it every day.
Georgian cuisine has a long history of bringing people together around the table. Food is a huge part of Georgian hospitality, and meals are traditionally meant to be shared with family, friends, and guests. That feeling was very noticeable to us in Kutaisi. At several of the restaurants we visited, the staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, and it often felt less like we were customers and more like we had been invited into someone's home for dinner.
And then there is the value. We were a group of four people, and even when we ordered several dishes, appetizers, drinks, and plenty of food to share, the prices were remarkably reasonable. The most we spent for the four of us was around 220 GEL ($80 USD), and that included several non-alcoholic drinks, appetizers, and entrees. For the quality and amount of food, Kutaisi is one of the best value cities we visited in Georgia for eating out.
If you are visiting Kutaisi, I highly recommend making traditional Georgian food part of your experience. Don't just look for a quick meal between sightseeing stops. Sit down, order a few dishes to share, try something you've never had before, and give yourself time to enjoy it. Georgian food is meant to be experienced around a table, and Kutaisi is a wonderful place to do exactly that.
Gala
Address- 29 Zakharia Paliashvili, Kutaisi 4600, Georgia
Hours- Open daily from 11:30am-12am
Price point- $7-15 USD per person
Payment-Card or Cash
I loved the aesthetic and vibe at Gala. It was down to earth and artsy all at the same time, with a relaxed atmosphere that made it an easy place to settle in for a meal. The menu is extensive and includes many Georgian classics, making it a good choice if you want to try several traditional dishes in one place.
Chakapuli with beef
Mushroom soup
I ordered the chakapuli with beef, a fragrant Georgian stew traditionally made with meat, fresh herbs, and tangy elements such as tkemali or wine. The version we had was packed with fresh herbs and tender meat, creating a rich but refreshing flavor. It was the kind of soup that just makes you feel good after eating it.
Gail had the mushroom soup, which was equally delicious. It had a comforting, home style broth with large slices of fresh mushrooms.
Don ordered the kuchmachi, a traditional Georgian dish made with chicken liver, hearts, and gizzards in a walnut sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds. We both love organ meat, so this was right up our alley. The combination of savory meat, creamy walnuts, spices, and bright pomegranate made it a dish we would definitely order again.
Kuchmachi
Greg had the shkmeruli, fried chicken cooked in a rich garlic sauce. This was already one of our favorite Georgian dishes from our time hiking the Transcaucasian Trail because, first, it's delicious, and second, it's a lot of chicken! The chicken is fried before being gently cooked in a garlicky butter sauce, allowing all those flavors to soak into the meat.
I highly recommend ordering extra bread with shkmeruli. You are going to want something to soak up every drop of that rich, garlicky sauce. We also learned that there are numerous regional variations of shkmeruli throughout Georgia, so it is worth trying it more than once.
Our total at Gala, including water, bread, and one beer, was 116.50 GEL ($44.81 USD).
Tea House Foe-Foe
Address-8 Queen Tamar St., Kutaisi 4600, Georgia
Hours- Open daily from 9:30am-12am
Price point- $7-15 USD per person
Payment- Cash or card
This is a beautiful tea house with wonderful artwork and a cozy, artistic atmosphere. The cafe prominently features the work of Georgian artist Petre Otskheli, who was tragically executed during Joseph Stalin's Great Purge at just 30 years old. If you visit, take a little time to look around and appreciate his sketches and the history behind them.
We each chose our own pot of tea: French Rose, Milk Oolong, Ginger, and Georgian Green. Every tea was flavorful all the way to the last drop without becoming bitter, which is something I always appreciate when ordering a full pot.
We also shared an Imeruli khachapuri, a flat, yeast leavened bread filled with Imeretian cheese. If you love cheese, this is definitely something you need to try while in Georgia. Khachapuri comes in many regional varieties throughout the country, and Imeruli is one of the most common styles you'll find in western Georgia. Imeruli khachapuri is a round, golden Georgian flatbread filled with Imeretian cheese. The bread is soft and slightly chewy, while the cheese inside becomes warm, gooey, and wonderfully savory. It has a mild, salty, tangy flavor that is rich without being overwhelming. Unlike some other types of khachapuri, Imeruli khachapuri is completely enclosed, so the melted cheese is tucked inside the bread rather than sitting on top.
Our tea, khachapuri, and everything else came to 70.40 GEL ($27.08 USD).
Doli
Address- 21 Galaktion Tabidze St, Kutaisi 4600, Georgia
Hours- Open daily from 9am-12am
Price point- $8-18 USD per person
Payment- Cash or card
Unfortunately, when we visited Doil, the gas was out on the entire street, which meant much of the restaurant's menu wasn't available. Even with the limited options, we decided to stay for an appetizer and a pot of tea, and I'm glad we did.
We ordered the Imeruli Gobi to share. It came with four varieties of pkhali, a traditional Georgian appetizer made from chopped vegetables mixed with ground walnuts and spices: pumpkin, beet, mushroom, and eggplant. It also came with both sulguni and Imeruli cheese, nadughi (a fresh Georgian whey cheese almost identical to ricotta) with mint, and a tomato salad topped with walnut paste.
Because the gas was out, they couldn't make the mchadi, a traditional Georgian cornbread, but they brought us fresh bread instead.
Imeruli Gobi
Everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. Even with the kitchen working under difficult circumstances, you could taste the quality of the ingredients and the care that went into the food. It made it easy to understand why Doil is considered a favorite among people looking for traditional Georgian food in Kutaisi.
I really hope we can return one day when the kitchen is fully operational so we can try more of the menu.
Our pot of tea, Imeruli Gobi, and extra bread came to 90.50 GEL ($34.81 USD).
Maisis Ezo
Address- 11 Jacob Gogebashvili Street, Kutaisi 4602, Georgia
Hours- Open Monday-Saturday 9am-11:30pm and Sundays 9:30am11:30pm
Price point- $10-20 USD per person
Payment- Cash or card
This was my favorite restaurant in Kutaisi. The restaurant is located inside a historic building and has been decorated and laid out in such a charming way. There is seating both inside and outside, but I highly recommend eating inside if you can. The beautifully restored rooms give the restaurant a warm, intimate feeling that makes you want to linger over your meal.
Mutcha-mutcha
The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. From the moment we arrived, we felt comfortable and well taken care of, which added to the experience. This was one of those restaurants where the combination of the setting, hospitality, and food made the whole meal memorable.
For appetizers, we shared a cucumber and tomato salad with walnuts, mutsha-mutsha, and mushrooms stuffed with sulguni cheese. The mutcha-mutcha (მუჭა-მუჭა) was a particular favorite and is something I recommend trying. It is made with beans, kmazula, jonjoli (pickled flowers from the bladderwort tree), and Imeretian adjika, giving it a wonderful combination of earthy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
For their entrees, Don and his dad both ordered satsivi with village chicken and pomegranate salsa. Satsivi is a rich Georgian dish of chicken served in a spiced walnut sauce, usually finished with pomegranate seeds. They both loved it.
Gail ordered the shkmeruli, and we all agreed it was the best shkmeruli we had during our time in Georgia. It was rich and flavorful without feeling too heavy, with plenty of that delicious garlic sauce.
Satsivi with village chicken and pomegranate salsa
Mushrooms stuffed with sulguni cheese
I ordered the chashushuli, one of my favorite Georgian dishes. This traditional beef and tomato stew was absolutely incredible. The beef was incredibly tender, and the broth was rich, savory, and full of flavor. The beef is typically fried first, then onions, garlic, peppers, herbs, and seasonings are added before everything is cooked slowly until it becomes a deeply flavorful stew. Like many Georgian dishes, there are regional variations, but this version was absolute perfection.
We also had compote, a traditional fruit drink, along with waters and a carafe of wine . Our total bill for four people was 200 GEL ($76.93 USD).
Chashushuli
Shqmeruli
Bikentia's Kebabery
Address- 9 Tsisperi Kantselebi Street, Kutaisi, Georgia
Hours- Open daily from 10am-9pm
Price- $4-5USD per person
Payment- Cash
We came to Bikentia's Kebabery twice, once while we were hiking and again with Don's parents. Both times the place was packed, which is usually a pretty good sign.
The menu here is about as simple as it gets. You get a traditional ground beef kebab covered in a spicy tomato sauce and served with bread, onion, and parsley. For a drink, you can choose between Georgian lemonade or draft beer.
That's it. That's the menu.
And honestly, I love that.
They do one thing and they do it really well. The kebab is tender and juicy, while the tomato sauce is tangy and slightly sweet with just enough spice to keep things interesting. The fresh onion and parsley add a nice contrast to the richness of the meat and sauce.
The front of the restaurant has traditional standing tables, reflecting its history as a popular spot for workers looking for a quick lunch. There are also two regular tables tucked away in the back if you need to get off your feet.
You order at the counter and pay in cash, making this a great option when you want a quick, inexpensive, and satisfying meal in Kutaisi.
If you only have time for a quick bite, or you're in the mood for some Soviet-era nostalgia, I'd definitely recommend giving Bikentia's a try.
Book a Tour in Kutaisi with Viator
While Kutaisi itself is easy to explore on your own, some of the best experiences in the region are outside the city. If you don't have a rental car or simply want someone else to handle the transportation and logistics, booking a tour can be a great option.
We have used Viator for years while traveling and like having so many different tours and activities in one place. You can find everything from day trips to nearby monasteries, caves, canyons, and waterfalls to food experiences and cultural tours. There are options for different budgets, group sizes, and interests, so you don't have to plan every detail yourself.
For travelers who are short on time, a guided day trip can also be an easy way to see more of the beautiful Imereti region without trying to figure out transportation between multiple destinations.
Things to do in Kutaisi
Best Historic Sites and Landmarks
Kutaisi is one of the best places in Georgia to experience the country’s long history and cultural heritage. From an 11th-century cathedral and ancient Colchian artifacts to traditional markets and colorful street art, many of Kutaisi’s most interesting landmarks can easily be explored while walking around the city center.
Kutaisi State Historical Museum (ქუთაისის ისტორიული მუზეუმი
Address- 7P93+FJM, Kutaisi, Georgia
Hours- Open daily from 10am-pm6
Price- Adults $1.92USD, student $1.15USD, school children $.77USD English speaking guide $5.77USD
Payment- Cash
The Kutaisi State Historical Museum is a small but well put together museum with an impressive collection of history and artifacts from around Georgia. The exhibits cover a wide range of Georgian history, including artifacts dating from the 9th century through the late medieval period.
The larger displays are translated into English, although some of the smaller descriptions are not. We used Google Translate for those, which made it much easier to understand what we were looking at.
I would recommend setting aside a little time for this museum, especially if you haven't visited any historical museums in Georgia yet. It's an easy way to learn more about the country's history before exploring more of Kutaisi and the surrounding region.
Bagrati Cathedral (ბაგრატის ტაძარი)
Address- Bagrati Street, Kutaisi, Georgia
Hours- Open daily from 10am-am8
Price- Free
Bagrati Cathedral is one of the most famous historic landmarks in Kutaisi. Built in the 11th century, this impressive cathedral is an important example of medieval Georgian architecture and sits on a hill overlooking the city.
Inside, you'll find beautiful mosaics, wall paintings, and religious artifacts, including a set of saints' bones on display. The cathedral has suffered significant damage and undergone several periods of restoration throughout its history. Major restoration work took place from the 1950s through 2012, including modern structural elements that sparked controversy over the building's authenticity. The changes ultimately contributed to UNESCO removing Bagrati Cathedral from the World Heritage List.
But don't let that discourage you from visiting. I still consider Bagrati Cathedral a must see site in Kutaisi. Personally, I found the combination of the original stone architecture and the modern restoration work both unusual and beautiful. The natural patina of the steel blends with the aging stone blocks, and I thought its weight and appearance only added to the sense of permanence and history the cathedral inspires.
Make sure you leave some time to walk around the cathedral grounds rather than just going inside. One of my favorite details was a set of unrestored frescoes on the right side of the cathedral, when looking toward the main entrance, painted across the ceiling of an arch. As with other Georgian churches, remember to dress appropriately, with shoulders and knees covered. Women should also cover their heads.
Colchis Fountain (კოლხური შადრევანი)
Address- 7PC4+H5X, Kutaisi, Georgia
Hours- 27/7
Price- Free
The Colchis Fountain is one of Kutaisi's most recognizable landmarks and is located in the center of a busy roundabout in the heart of downtown. The fountain has multiple tiers decorated with large gilded sculptures inspired by artifacts from the ancient Kingdom of Colchis.
I recommend seeing the fountain during the day so you can take in all the details of the sculptures and then coming back at night to see it illuminated. The difference is pretty impressive, and because the fountain is right in the center of town, it's easy to include on a walk around Kutaisi.
Just be careful when crossing the road. This is a busy intersection with traffic coming from several directions.
Green Bazaar (მწვანე ბაზარი)
Address- 7PC2+VHG, 37 K. Tsisperi Kantselebi Street, Kutaisi 4600, Georgia
Hours- Open daily from 9am-7pm
Payment- Cash
Don and I first visited the Green Bazaar to shop for supplies during our hike of the Transcaucasian Trail and the market quickly became one of our favorite places to experience everyday life in Kutaisi.
The Green Bazaar is a lively traditional market where locals shop for fresh seasonal produce, meat, cheese, herbs, spices, and household goods. You'll also find traditional Georgian snacks such as fresh churchkhela and tklapi, along with crafts and souvenirs. While tourists do visit, this still feels like a real working market rather than a place created just for visitors.
We came back with Don's parents, and this time we took our time enjoying some of the local fruit, snacks, and coffee. If you enjoy markets, local food, and getting a glimpse into everyday Georgian life, I definitely recommend adding the Green Bazaar to your Kutaisi itinerary.
And don't miss the impressive bas-relief wall installation nearby featuring famous mythical characters on their journeys in Georgia. Like Jason and the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece!
“With Love - Bebia” Wall Painting
Address- 7P92+WX2, Kutaisi, Georgia
One of Kutaisi's most recognizable pieces of street art is the incredible “With Love - Bebia” mural by Ukrainian street artist Sasha Korban. The incredibly detailed painting features an elderly Georgian woman named Dali Doghonadze, who was 81 years old when the mural was created.
Dali is a real person who is known for baking khachapuri and teaching others how to make it near Gelati Monastery. I love that this mural isn't just a beautiful piece of art, but also tells a story about Georgian culture and the importance of food and tradition.
The level of detail and the use of color make this one of the most striking murals not just in Kutaisi but anywhere in the world, and it's definitely worth seeking out while exploring the city.
Where to Stay in Kutaisi, Georgia
Kutaisi has a good selection of accommodations, from simple guesthouses and apartments to more upscale boutique hotels. During our time here, we stayed in two very different places, and both were great for different reasons. If you are looking for a more comfortable hotel experience in the heart of the city, the Grand Opera Hotel was a favorite. If you're traveling on a tighter budget or hiking the Transcaucasian Trail, Kutaisi Sunrise offers a much more affordable option with some useful extras.
Grand Opera Hotel
Address- 4 Shota Rustaveli Ave, Kutaisi 4600, Georgia
Price point- $65-150 depending on season and room type
We all loved our stay at the Grand Opera Hotel. The hotel did an amazing job transforming a historic building into a stylish boutique hotel while still preserving some of its original character. The rooms were modern, comfortable, and spotlessly clean, and our room had a great view of the historic opera house across the street, which was undergoing renovations during our visit.
One of our favorite features was the rooftop terrace and restaurant. The views were great, but my favorite part may have been the non-alcoholic mojito, which was honestly one of the best I've ever had. We also had dinner at the restaurant one night when we didn't feel like venturing out in the rain. While Kutaisi has some fantastic restaurants that I definitely recommend trying, having a good restaurant right at your hotel is a pretty nice option when the weather isn't cooperating.
The breakfast buffet was another highlight. It was served in a beautifully restored brick basement, which gave the space a lot of character. The selection changed from day to day and included eggs, salads, fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and several different types of bread. There was enough variety that everyone in our group could find something they liked.
The location was excellent for sightseeing. Almost everything we wanted to see in central Kutaisi was within about a 10-minute walk, which made it easy to explore the city on foot without constantly needing transportation.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay here. The combination of the historic setting, comfortable rooms, central location, good food, and genuinely friendly staff made the Grand Opera Hotel one of our favorite places we stayed in Kutaisi. We would absolutely stay here again.
We stayed four nights in two Superior Double Rooms. Our rate included free breakfast every morning and each room came with a 30 GEL ($11 USD) credit for the terrace restaurant. The total was 1,318.56 GEL ($507.21 USD).
Kutaisi Sunrise
Address- 10 Tsereteli St, Kutaisi, Georgia
Price point- $26- 125 per night depending on season and room type
Don and I stayed at Kutaisi Sunrise for one night while we were hiking the Transcaucasian Trail, and we were really happy with it. The room was large, clean, and comfortable, with everything we needed for a night in the city. We also had a large private balcony with a table and chairs, which was a nice bonus after spending so much time on the trail.
The property has a shared kitchen and a washing machine, which can be especially useful for hikers or budget travelers who are staying a little longer and need to do laundry or prepare some of their own meals.
The location is also excellent, right in the heart of downtown Kutaisi, making it easy to walk to restaurants, shops, and many of the city's attractions.
For us, this was a great combination of price, location, and comfort. If you're looking for a simple and affordable place to stay in central Kutaisi, especially if you're hiking the Transcaucasian Trail, I'd definitely consider Kutaisi Sunrise. One night cost us 61 GEL ($23.46 USD).
Helpful Phrases in Georgian
You don't have to learn a different language to travel, but learning a few helpful phrases can go a long way with the locals.
Hello (გამარჯობა): Gamarjoba (gah-mahr-joh-bah)
Please (თუ შეიძლება): tu sheidzleba (too sheh-eedz-leh-bah)
Thank you ( მადლობა): Madloba (mah-dloh-bah)
You're welcome (არაფრის): Arapris (ah-rah-pris)
To victory! (Cheers) (გაუმარჯოს!): Gaumarjos (gah-oo-mahr-jos!)
Yes (კი): Ki (kee)
No (არა): Ara (ah-rah)
How to say one though ten in Georgian
One (ერთი): erti (ER-tee)
Two (ორი): ori (OR-ee)
Three (სამი): sami (SAH-mee)
Four (ოთხი): otkhi (OT-khee)
Five (ხუთი): khuti (KHOO-tee)
Six (ექვსი): ekvsi (EK-vsee).
Seven (შვიდი): shvidi (SHVEE-dee)
Eight (რვა): rva (RVA)
Nine (ცხრა): tskhra (TSK-hra)
Ten (ათი): ati (AH-tee)
Helpful Travel Tips for Kutaisi, Georgia
SIM Cards
We used Magti during our time in Georgia and were very happy with the service. It has coverage throughout the country, so you don't need to change providers when traveling outside Kutaisi.
Prices varied depending on seasonal promotions, but our plan was around 45 GEL ($16.73 USD) for 30 days with unlimited data. If you are looking to buy e-sim before you arrive you can use my code SAMANT0932 from Airalo to save $3USD on your first purchase. (learn more about e-sims)
Is the water safe to drink?
Whether tap water is safe to drink can depend on the building, so I recommend asking your hotel or accommodation before filling up your bottle.
We personally drank the tap water during our stay and had ice at every restaurant we visited without experiencing any gastrointestinal issues. Still, when traveling, it's always better to check with your host rather than assume the water is safe.
Is Kutaisi pedestrian friendly?
Kutaisi is fairly compact, and many of the attractions in the city center are within walking distance. However, I wouldn't call the city particularly pedestrian friendly.
You need to pay attention to where you're walking. The sidewalks can be uneven, narrow, or disappear completely. It's not uncommon to be walking along what looks like a perfectly normal sidewalk and suddenly come across a two-foot drop with no warning or railing.
It works, but watch your step! I definitely tripped more than once.
Maps and Navigation
We used Google Maps throughout Kutaisi and found it worked well for both walking and driving directions. It was especially helpful for navigating the smaller streets and finding restaurants and accommodations.
Public Restrooms
There isn't an abundance of public restrooms around Kutaisi, so plan accordingly. Most cafes and restaurants have bathrooms available for customers, which is what we primarily used while exploring the city.
Trash Cans
There are public trash cans throughout Kutaisi, so finding somewhere to dispose of your garbage while exploring the city wasn't a problem.
Final Thoughts on Kutaisi, Georgia
Of all the places we have visited in Georgia, Kutaisi is one of the cities I could see us returning to again and again. There is something about this city that goes beyond the things you can see and do. Between the warm Georgian hospitality, mountain views, beautiful architecture, and small town charm, Kutaisi has a feeling that is hard to put into words.
It has all the comforts you would expect from a modern city, but it never feels like it has lost its soul. Everywhere you look, there is something beautiful, whether it is a colorful mural, an old wooden balcony, an historic building, the mountains in the distance, or people simply enjoying their evening along the river. There is an ease to life here that we really appreciated.
Honestly, I could see us staying in Kutaisi for much longer than a week. It is the kind of place where I think you could settle into a routine, find your favorite little restaurant, get to know the local market, spend your afternoons wandering the streets, and still have plenty to explore around the region.
I really believe Kutaisi is a special place. If you want to experience what Georgian hospitality is truly about, this is one of the best cities to do it. We came to Kutaisi twice during our travels, and both times it left us wanting more. I have a feeling this won't be our last visit.
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Meet the Author
Hi! I’m Samantha Matthews-McCarty, and at 39 I changed careers, leaving construction behind to follow my passion for exploring the world and becoming a travel blogger.
Ironically, writing was probably the last thing I ever imagined myself doing. As a kid, I struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia, which meant reading and writing were frustrating enough that I wanted absolutely nothing to do with either. It wasn’t until my late teens that I discovered I actually loved reading. And somehow, all these years later, I’ve gone from avoiding writing to finding a passion for sharing our adventures through it.
Now, I document our travels through history, culture, food, hiking, and plenty of outdoor adventures, sharing the good, the bad, and occasionally the ridiculous along the way. If I can inspire someone else to step outside their comfort zone and explore a little more of the world, even better!
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