Kutaisi (Georgian: ქუთაისი) is the arrival place of many tourists, due to its airport being one of the main links between Georgia and Europe.
This city in the west of Georgia used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Georgia in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, the aftermath of the Soviet Union can be felt, with its cold, concrete tower blocks littered around the city. Before heading elsewhere in the country to places such as Tbilisi, Batumi, and Borjomi, it's worth spending a few days here.
The city itself does not offer a lot to tourists, but there are a number of sights which simply cannot be missed nearby. Tours can be easily arranged through the vast majority of hotels, hostels, and tour operators. But if you want more freedom, car rentals are also available. Check out the Where.ge team's list of the top things to do in and around the city, as well as where to stay, eat, and drink.
KUTAISI STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Contained in the former National Bank of Georgia building, the Kutaisi State Historical Museum is considered one of the country’s most important scientific-research institutions.
Over 160,000 items are kept in the museum, which also houses an extensive research library and laboratory. There are permanent exhibitions which are displayed on the two floors, and display items ranging from 7th-century BC to medieval weaponry, art from the last few centuries, and manuscripts from the 10th century. The museum also has several ethnographic displays of traditional life in western Georgia, as well as a superb collection of Georgian manuscripts and books.
The “Gold Treasury” exhibition presents an impressive collection of icons and artifacts, including a large, jewel-encrusted cross from Bagrati Cathedral.
ADDRESS 1 Tbilisi Str., Kutaisi.
TICKET Adult 3 GEL, students 2 GEL, schoolchildren 1 GEL
OKATSE CANYON
Okatse Canyon is accessible through most hotels, hostels and all tour operators in the city. It’s just 50 km away (approximately 1 hour driving). The 2.3 km pedestrian trail begins in the Dadiani Park in Gordi village and will lead you through the forest to the exciting panoramic trail. While the river gurgles along at the bottom of the canyon, you walk along the sheer cliff-face. The canyon trail is 780 m long, and at the end, there is a panoramic platform, thrilling for those with a head for heights! If you have enough time, take a ride to the Kinchkha Waterfalls located quite close to Okatse. From the visitor center, it will take you another 40 minutes’ drive. It’s also possible to camp or stay overnight there.
WHERE: Near Gordi village, 50 km from Kutaisi
TICKET: Free in winter, 5 GEL the rest of the year
TEL (+995) 571 10 32 38
OPEN: 10 AM – 6 PM, Daily except Mondays
SATAPLIA
Established in 1935 to protect the Sataplia Cave and dinosaur footprints found in the area, this small reserve 9 km from Kutaisi was renovated some six years ago. The first stage of the tour sees an enclosed space and a clamber up a staircase with smooth limestone rock below, the three-toed footprints of some 7 species of “Sataplasaurus” dinosaurs left in the rock dated to the Cretaceous Period (165-65 million years ago) clear to see. In the caves you'll find a well-lit, sturdy 314 meter-long pathway and beautiful rock formations, including the bulbous “heart” rock in the center. Back outside there is a narrow pathway past golden cliffs and woods below- in which honey bees used to live (Sataplia means “For Honey,” which the locals used to harvest). The bees moved on long ago. Another gem, if you have the legs, is to walk to the glass walkway which juts out over the edge of the highest point and offers a fabulous view of the valley. There was a simple but interesting museum in the wood- with a dinosaur skeleton and black and white photos of those who originally discovered the dinosaur footprints.
WHERE: 5km from Kutaisi. Take minibus 45 from Javakhishvili Str., Kutaisi
TICKET: 6 GEL
OPEN: Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, earlier closing in autumn and winter.
PROMETHEUS CAVE
Also known as Kumistavi Cave, the cave of Prometheus is located 20 km from Kutaisi. The cave was discovered in 1984 and is the biggest cave in Georgia. Although only one tenth is open for tourists, it takes about an hour to explore it’s 1000 plus meter route. A 280-meter boat tour on an underground river is also available at times.
The concrete paths and steps are well-laid and the multi-colored lighting is something truly spectacular. Stalactites, stalagmites, mirror pools, petrified waterfalls, “bottomless holes,” huge cavernous ceilings and a trip to the lowest point with a river miraculously running through. The guide service could do with developing- little details must be asked for as there are no signs and only basic information is given, no fun legends or dark secrets (like the fact the paths were first developed there during soviet times with the intention of making the caves a bunker for authorities to hide out in). Prometheus wasn’t mentioned once on the tour, and although we can guess that that particular legend didn’t take place there, it would at least be fun to pretend and spice up the visit with some “maybes” and “what ifs!”
WHERE: A few kilometers from Tskhaltubo town
TICKET: A standard tour is 6 GEL and a boat tour 7 GEL
OPEN: Daily, except Mondays. November to April 10 AM - 5 PM, May to August - 10 AM - 6 PM, in September and October from 10 AM - 5:30 PM.
Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink
HOTEL KUTAISI CALIFORNIA
“You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave,” goes the famous 70s song by the Eagles. This is the Where team’s top choice for where to stay. We wondered if the Georgian hotel version of this hit song lived up to its musical namesake. As we were shown to the room, which was elegant, spacious, wooden and homey, we were not disappointed; you really won’t want to leave your room. “Such a lovely place,” we thought to ourselves as the owner left, the door closed, and we were alone to enjoy our temporary residence. Included with all rooms is a modern, private en suite bathroom with a shower which could knock you down if you aren’t careful. There is a large, shared kitchen with an arsenal of quality cooking equipment at your disposal. Or, should you wish to experience local cuisine, there are many cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the property. The hotel situated is a short 10-minute walk to the city center, and 30 minutes from Bagrati Cathedral. Kutaisi Train Station is 600 m away, and Kutaisi International Airport is 21 km from the property. Kutaisi Hotel California has 5 rooms. 1 family room for 4 people, 1 triple room, 1 double room and 2 twin rooms.
ADDRESS 32 Gogebashvili Str., Kutaisi
TEL (+995) 597 03 07 30
http://www.kutaisihotelcalifornia.com/
ALMANO RESTAURANT KUTAISI
This modern bar and restaurant offers an impressive range of drinks and Georgian and European meals. From hot and crispy Khachapuri to light and healthy Caesar salads, there’s something for everyone. Friendly staff greet you at the door and guide you to a table. Should you need any help or advice, they are on-hand and happy to help. English, Russian and Georgian are spoken well. The cozy atmosphere ensures an enjoyable time out with friends, dates or just some time alone.
ADDRESS 12 Fanjikidze Str., Kutaisi
TEL (+995) 551 55 07 77
PAPAVERO BAR/RESTAURANT
Located in central Kutaisi, this restaurant/bar offers a wide range menu of Georgian and European foods and a wide selection of wines, beers and colorful cocktails. From cheesy and crispy Khachapuri to more unusual choices such as cows tongue, this place has something for everyone. Sit back and relax in this comfortable hipster setting, with classy carpets and aristocratic armchairs. Serving staff are friendly, fast and always on-hand to offer suggestions. In the evenings, you can enjoy live music from local bands.
ADDRESS Tsisperi Kantselebi Str., Kutaisi
TEL (+995) 431 24 68 24
OPEN 10 AM – midnight
By Tom Day