Kutaisi

Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan

$24.99

Shop Book

Getty Images/Cultura RM

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Kutaisi

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

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. But it would be a mistake to skip this lovely town, which makes a great base for exploring the region of Imereti and has a smattering of worthwhile sights and restaurants to enjoy itself.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Bagrati Cathedral

Kutaisi

Kutaisi's cathedral was built in 1003 by Bagrat III, with a tall drum and pointed dome resting on four freestanding pillars. In 1692 a Turkish explosion…

Palace-citadel

Kutaisi

The ruined palace-citadel immediately east of the Bagrati Cathedral dates back to the 6th century. It was ruined in 1769 by bombardment from the forces of…

Kutaisi Historical Museum

Kutaisi

The history museum has superb collections from all around western Georgia, but a guided tour is a good idea as labelling is poor. The highlight is the…

Market

Kutaisi

Kutaisi's indoor produce market is one of the largest, liveliest and most colourful in Georgia, full of cheese, walnuts, spices, herbs, fruit, vegetables,…

Colchis Fountain

Kutaisi

The central square, Tsentraluri moedani, focuses on the large ornamental Colchis Fountain, adorned with large-scale copies of the famous gold jewellery…