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Kutaisi

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At a glance

Country
Georgia
Region
Imereti
Population
130,000
Best time to go
May to June, September to October
Main airport
Kutaisi International (KUT)
Coordinates
42.27°N, 42.69°E

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Overview

Kutaisi is one of the oldest cities in the world, once the capital of the kingdom of Colchis in the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece. Today it is a relaxed, leafy city on the Rioni river, with a big market and tree-lined boulevards.

Many travellers arrive here on budget flights and head straight on, but it is worth a couple of days. Medieval monasteries, deep canyons and caves full of stalactites are all within an easy drive.

Things to see

  • Bagrati Cathedral
    Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Bagrati Cathedral

    An 11th-century cathedral on a hill above the river, with views over the city.

  • Gelati Monastery
    Photo: Ihor Burliai, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Gelati Monastery

    A medieval monastery and academy with glowing frescoes and a mosaic of the Virgin in the apse.

  • Motsameta Monastery
    Photo: CHARGERLEVANI, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Motsameta Monastery

    A small monastery perched on a cliff above a bend in the river.

  • Prometheus Cave
    Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Prometheus Cave

    A long cave of stalactites, stalagmites and underground rivers, with boat rides in parts.

    Tickets and tours
  • Green Bazaar
    Photo: Alexkom000, CC BY 4.0

    Green Bazaar

    The city's main market, piled with fruit, spices, cheeses and churchkhela sweets.

Things to do

  • Martvili Canyon
    Photo: AlexandreAssatiani, CC BY 4.0

    Martvili Canyon

    Walk the paths or take a boat through a narrow limestone canyon of turquoise water.

    Find tours
  • Okatse Canyon
    Photo: FingerWiki, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Okatse Canyon

    A metal walkway clings to the canyon wall high above the river, with the Kinchkha waterfall nearby.

    Find tours

  • Eat Imeretian khachapuri

    The region's round, cheese-filled bread is simple, comforting and best eaten hot from the oven.

Where to stay

Getting around

The centre is walkable, and marshrutka minibuses and taxis cover the city. Hire a driver for the canyons and caves.

Shuttle buses and taxis from the airport take around 30 minutes to the centre. Trains and minibuses run from Tbilisi.

When to go

Late spring and early autumn are warm and green, ideal for canyon trips. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is mild but grey.

Plan your trip to Kutaisi

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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