Georgia | What to Do in Kutaisi?

🏰✨Whether you're heading from Tbilisi to Mestia or Batumi, Kutaisi is a must-visit stopover. This ancient city boasts ruins, monasteries, and a unique "aesthetics of decay" – all free to explore! 🛣️ En Route to Kutaisi: Soviet Ruins 1️⃣ Abandoned Old Bath House A Soviet-era public bathhouse left to decay after Georgia's independence Functionalist architecture with massive domes as key features 🏛️ Eerie and photogenic – frozen in time 2️⃣ Medea Sanatorium Once a wellness retreat for female workers, now an abandoned time capsule Perfect for moody photography and urban exploration 📍 Both sites are free, close to each other, and can be found on maps by their English names. 🏛️ Kutaisi Highlights 1️⃣ Bagrati Cathedral A UNESCO World Heritage Site on Ukimerioni Hill Panoramic views over Kutaisi’s red-roofed old town 🌄 Lush green lawn in front – a popular wedding spot 💒 Walk from downtown (20–30 mins) or take a taxi 🚕 Best time: Sunrise or sunset for soft light and fewer crowds 🍽️ Food & Drinks in Kutaisi 1️⃣ Traditional Restaurants Great value around the White/Red Bridges and David Square Must-tries: khinkali (soup dumplings) 🥟, kharcho (spicy beef soup) 2️⃣ Street Food Stalls Hotioni (meat-filled baked buns) – savory and satisfying Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) – a Georgian classic! 🧀 3️⃣ Central Market Vibrant piles of fresh fruits, local cheeses, and spices 🍇 Grab an affordable lunch at a food stall and eat like a local 💡 Travel Tips All sites are free – perfect for budget travelers 💰 Combine with Mestia or Batumi for a 5–7 day Caucasus itinerary Dress modestly (shoulders & knees covered) for monastery visits Standing at Bagrati Cathedral, looking over the ancient city, you can almost hear echoes of kings and prayers from a thousand years ago. That’s the magic of Kutaisi ✨. #Georgia #Kvaisa