Most people think of Georgia and picture two things: cheap wine and old churches. While that’s technically accurate, it’s a bit like saying New York is just hot dogs and tall buildings. You're missing the soul of the place. Honestly, if you just stick to the main tourist drags in 2026, you're going to feel like you're in a theme park version of the Caucasus.
Georgia is currently in a weird, beautiful transition. One minute you're staring at a 6th-century monastery, and the next you’re walking past a brutalist Soviet tower that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. It’s gritty. It’s lush. It’s confusing. And it’s arguably the most rewarding place to travel right now if you know where to look.
The Reality of Things to See and Do in Georgia
If you want the "real" experience, you have to embrace the chaos. Start in Tbilisi, but don't just stay in the Old Town. Sure, the Narikala Fortress is cool, and the views are objectively great, but the "hidden" side of the city is where the magic is. Have you heard of the Chronicles of Georgia? Locals call it the Georgian Stonehenge. It’s this massive, black stone monument on a hill overlooking the "Tbilisi Sea" (which is actually a reservoir). It’s eerie, silent, and massive. Most tourists skip it because it’s a bit of a trek from the center. Their loss.
Then there are the sulfur baths. You’ve probably seen the brick domes of Abanotubani on Instagram. They’re iconic. But here’s the thing: skip the "fancy" private rooms if you want an authentic vibe. Go to one of the older, slightly more run-down spots like Gulo’s Thermal Spa. Ask for a kisi scrub. A stout Georgian person will basically sand-paper your skin off with a rough mitt. It sounds painful. It kind of is. But you will never feel cleaner in your entire life.
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Beyond the Capital: Canyons and Caves
Once you’ve had your fill of Tbilisi’s wine bars and crooked clock towers, get out. Head west toward Kutaisi. This used to be just a stopover for budget flights, but it’s becoming the adventure hub of the country.
The Prometheus Cave is a literal underworld. We're talking stalactites that have been growing for millions of years, illuminated by neon lights that make it feel like a subterranean disco. If you’re claustrophobic, maybe sit this one out. Otherwise, it’s spectacular.
Not far from there is Martvili Canyon. You can take a small inflatable boat through emerald green water between high limestone walls. It’s short—maybe 15-20 minutes—but the colors are so vivid they look edited in real life. If you want something more intense, Okatse Canyon has a hanging walkway that dangles 140 meters above the forest floor. It’s not for the faint of heart. My knees were definitely shaking by the end of it.
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The High Caucasus: Kazbegi vs. Svaneti
This is where the big debate happens. Most people with only a few days go to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi). It’s easy. You drive up the Georgian Military Highway, which is genuinely one of the most beautiful roads on Earth. You see the Gergeti Trinity Church perched against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek. It’s the postcard shot.
But if you have time? Go to Svaneti.
Svaneti is different. It’s remote. It’s home to the Svan people, who have their own language and a history of building stone "defense towers" to hide from invaders (and avalanches). The village of Ushguli is one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. In 2026, the road is better than it used to be, but it’s still a wild ride. You’re surrounded by 5,000-meter peaks. It feels like the end of the world in the best way possible.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Georgian Food
Let's talk about Khachapuri. You know the one—the bread boat with the cheese and the egg (Adjaruli). It’s delicious. It’s also a heavy, buttery brick that will put you in a coma for three hours.
The real secret to Georgian cuisine isn't just the cheese bread; it’s the walnuts and the spices. Try Pkhali—minced vegetables (like spinach or beets) mixed with walnut paste and pomegranate. Or Shkmeruli, which is chicken drowned in so much garlic sauce you’ll be sweating it out for days.
And the wine? Georgia has been making it for 8,000 years. They use a qvevri, a giant clay jar buried underground. The wine is "amber" or "orange" because the skins stay in during fermentation. It tastes earthy, tannic, and nothing like a French Chardonnay. It’s an acquired taste. Honestly, the first glass might confuse you. By the third, you’ll be a convert.
Practical Logistics for 2026
- Transport: Use the Bolt app in cities. It's cheap and saves you from haggling with taxi drivers who will definitely overcharge you. For long distances, marshrutkas (minibuses) are the way to go. They’re cramped, the drivers think they’re in the Fast & Furious, and there’s no schedule. It’s part of the experience.
- Timing: May/June and September/October are the "Goldilocks" months. Summer is meltingly hot in the valleys, and winter shuts down the high mountain passes.
- Money: Most places in Tbilisi take cards, but keep cash (Lari) for the mountains. You can’t pay for a mountain horse trek with Apple Pay.
- Dress Code: If you’re entering a church, women need a headscarf and a skirt (most churches provide wrap-arounds at the door), and men shouldn't wear shorts. It’s a respect thing.
Actionable Next Steps
Instead of just pinning "Georgia" on your map, pick a region and commit. If you like hiking, book a guesthouse in Mestia and plan the four-day trek to Ushguli. If you’re a foodie, head to the Kakheti wine region—specifically Sighnaghi—and do a proper cellar tasting.
Don't try to see the whole country in a week. You'll spend the whole time in a van. Pick three spots, eat way too many Khinkali (dumplings), and let the country's weird, ancient energy do the rest. Start by checking flight prices into Kutaisi (KUT) instead of just Tbilisi (TBS); you can often save hundreds of dollars and start your trip right in the heart of the canyon lands.