Discover Kutaisi, Georgia’s Ancient City also it’s Cultural and Adventure Hub
Georgia’s tourism is undergoing a quiet revolution, and its ancient city Kutaisi is at the heart of it. Long viewed just as a transit point for budget airline Wizz Air, Kutaisi is now emerging as a destination in its own right. This city offers a deep dive into authentic Georgian culture, serves as a perfect base for epic mountain adventures, and sits at the center of a fascinating wine region.
With Georgia welcoming a record 5.5 million visitors in 2025, more than a quarter arrived through Kutaisi International Airport. However, the city itself has been overlooked. This is rapidly changing as travelers discover its walkable charm, historic layers, and strategic location for exploring western Georgia’s best offerings.
Discovering Kutaisi’s Authentic Heart
What sets Kutaisi apart is its authentic, lived-in feel. Described by travel writer and resident Emily Lush as a “very liveable city,” it offers a close-knit community vibe missing in the capital, Tbilisi. Its traffic is lighter, and its historic center is wonderfully walkable.
As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, history is everywhere:
Explore the UNESCO-listed Bagrati Cathedral overlooking the city.
-Wander the historic “Jewish and Catholic Quarters”.
-Experience daily life at the vibrant “Green Bazaar”.
-Discover a surprising legacy: Kutaisi is considered the “home of Georgian punk rock”, a scene kept alive by new bars and music venues like Riff Raff.
The social scene thrives in neighborhood wine bars such as Wild and Amber Wine, where you can mingle with the local creative crowd.
Your Basecamp for Western Georgian Adventures
Kutaisi’s greatest asset is its unbeatable location, making it the perfect hub for regional exploration. In just a few hours, you can reach some of Georgia’s most spectacular landscapes.
Key day trips and regional access from Kutaisi:
-“Svaneti:” Journey into the high Caucasus Mountains via the stunning “Zagari Pass” (recently remodeled in 2024) to see medieval tower villages like Mestia and Ushguli. It’s a premier destination for summer hiking and winter skiing at Hatsvali and Tetnuldi.
-“Racha & the Black Sea:” Head north for dense forests and hiking trails, or west to the coastal capital of “Batumi”.
-Imereti Wine Region:” Travel south into rolling green hills and family-run vineyards for intimate wine tastings (more below).
-Guria & Samegrelo:” Explore tea plantations, spicy cuisine, and lush canyons.
The Emerging Wine Region of Imereti
While the eastern region of Kakheti is famous for powerful reds, the area surrounding Kutaisi “Imereti” is gaining acclaim for its lighter, fresher wines. The region’s wetter climate and limestone soils produce excellent sparkling and white wines, often fermented in smaller clay vessels called “churi”.
Here, wine is a family affair. At estates like the award-winning “Baia’s Wine”, just 20 minutes from Kutaisi, visitors are welcomed for long lunches and endless pours amidst the vines. It represents a more personal, less commercial wine experience that is drawing connoisseurs from around the world.
A Truly Unique Cultural Experience
For a taste of raw, ancient tradition, plan a trip around Orthodox Easter. Just 45 minutes from Kutaisi, villages compete in “Lelo Burti” or “field ball.” This centuries-old, no-holds-barred game akin to a chaotic, village-wide rugby match culminates with the winning team placing the ball on a grave to honor the dead. It’s a powerful, unforgettable spectacle of local culture rarely seen by tourists.
Kutaisi is no longer just an airport on the map. It’s a gateway to the soul of western Georgia a place of deep history, vibrant community, stunning nature, and warm hospitality, all waiting to be discovered.
