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Kutaisi (/ k uː ˈ t aɪ s iː / koo-TY-see, [5] Georgian: ქუთაისი pronounced [ˈkʰutʰaisi] ⓘ) is a city in the Imereti region of the Republic of Georgia. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, it is the third-most populous city in Georgia after Tbilisi and Batumi.
Find out the history and culture behind one of Georgia's most historic cities Kutaisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about its fascinating past.
- Is Kutaisi Worth Visiting?
- 1 Day in Kutaisi: Classic Kutaisi
- 2 Days in Kutaisi: Historic Kutaisi
- 3 Days in Kutaisi: Alternative Kutaisi + Tskaltubo
- 4 Days in Kutaisi: Add on A Kutaisi Day Trip
- How to Get to Kutaisi
- Onward Travel from Kutaisi
- Kutaisi Travel FAQ
- More Kutaisi Inspiration
Capital of the historic Imereti region and one of the oldest settlements in Europe, Kutaisi is compact, peaceful, green, and has a friendly ‘big village’ vibe. At the same time, it has great infrastructure, a growing restaurant-bar scene, oodles of interesting architecture and history, overgrown parks, overflowing markets, and beautiful churches at...
If you’re just passing through and you only have 24 hours in Kutaisi, I recommend you follow Day 1 of this itinerary. It’s definitely a jam-packed program, but you’re guaranteed to tick off most of the must-sees within the centre along with the beautiful Gelati and Motsameta monasteries on the outskirts of the city.
With two days in Kutaisi, you can explore more of the historic centre and spend some time in the city’s lesser-known Jewish and Catholic neighbourhoods. This day is full of museums, history, culture and architecture, with sunset at Bagrati Cathedral to top it off. If your accommodation doesn’t provide breakfast, start your day with eggs and Rachan ...
Day 3 of this Kutaisi itinerary takes you beyond the historic centre to explore two newer residential districts, Balakhvani and Rustaveli on the opposite side of the river. In the afternoon, take a side trip to Tskaltubo to explore the abandoned Soviet-era spa houses and once-grand sanatoriums.
If you have 4 days in Kutaisi or more, I suggest you venture further from the city to enjoy the landscapes around Upper Imereti and Samegrelo. Here are three day trip options. For a full list of suggested day trips and alternative destinations – including hot springs and tea fields – see my new Kutaisi Day Trip Guide.
If you’re flying into Kutaisi, see this guidefor tips on how to get to the city centre from the airport. If you’re already in Georgia, Kutaisi is easily accessible from almost everywhere else in the country, with both minivan (marshrukta) and train connections available.
See these guides for transport tips: 1. How to travel from Kutaisi to Svaneti(Mestia) 2. How to travel from Kutaisi to Batumi 3. How to travel from Kutaisi to Tbilisi
How many days to spend in Kutaisi?
1-3 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Kutaisi.With just one day in Kutaisi you can see all the highlights in the city centre. 48 hours in Kutaisi is enough time to explore the historical districts, and with 3 days, you can spend some time on the opposite side of the river and explore Tskaltubo as well. If you enjoy nature and urbexing, Kutaisi is a better base than Tbilisi, with multiple day trip options right on the city’s doorstep. Kutaisi is also the ideal gateway to Batumi and...
How to get around Kutaisi?
The best way to get around the centre of Kutaisi is to walk.If you want to go across the river, use the blue city bus #1, which stops at the big market and Central Bus Station. Bus #3 goes to Rioni Station and Kutaisi International University (if you want to see the street murals there). Taxis are readily available in Kutaisi, too – Bolt app works but there are fewer drivers so you might have to wait a bit longer for a ride at certain times of day.
Is Kutaisi cheap?
Like the rest of Georgia, Kutaisi is an affordable travel destination.Prices in Kutaisi tend to be lower than in Tbilisi or Batumi – expect to pay around 20-30% less for accommodation and food.
Oct 19, 2020 · The ancient Georgian city of Kutaisi is emerging as a destination to rival the nation’s capital, Tbilisi, offering travelers an eclectic mix of culture, history, and natural attractions alongside the best of Georgia’s famed wine and welcoming hospitality.
- Richard Collett
- Bagrati Cathedral. The massive Bagrati Cathedral is the city’s most recognizable landmark and also the center of some controversies. 📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: free | 👉 Book Bagrati Cathedral Tour on Viator.
- Gelati Monastery. Gelati Monastery is famous for its stunning medieval frescoes and ranks as one of the best day trips from Kutaisi. 📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 598 67 80 76 | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Sat – Thurs, 9 am – 7 pm | Entrance: free | 👉 Book suggested Gelati Monastery Tour.
- Prometheus Cave. Georgia is famous for its mountains but also has some equally breathtaking subterranean wonders. 📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 577 10 14 17 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: ₾ 23 adults, ₾ 5.5 children 6 – 18 | 👉 Book Suggested Prometheus Cave Tour.
- Kutaisi City Center. Kutaisi’s City Center is adorned with fascinating statues, peaceful parks, and everything else a visitor could want. 📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Suggested Kutaisi Walking Tour on Viator.
Once the capital of several historical kingdoms within Georgia, Kutaisi is today something of a charming backwater. Now the country's third city – Batumi eclipsed it as second city in 2014 – most people know Kutaisi for its airport, which has become Georgia's main hub for low-cost airlines.
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Among the oldest cities of Georgia, Kutaisi stands out with its unique history and centuries-old adventure. Its uniqueness is strengthened by the legend - that it is the land of the mythical Golden Fleece, and the fact that at different times it was the capital of the kingdoms of Egrisi-Lazika Kingdom, Abkhazia, Imereti, and finally the Kingdom ...
