Kutaisi

Kutaisi is Georgia's third-largest city and the cultural and administrative centre of the Imereti region in the country's west. Set along the Rioni River, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the area and has served as a historic capital, giving it a character quite different from Tbilisi and Batumi.

The city's landmarks include the UNESCO-listed Bagrati Cathedral, a medieval cathedral overlooking the city, and the nearby Gelati Monastery, one of Georgia's most significant medieval cultural and educational centres. The White Bridge over the Rioni River and the restored historic streets around the centre reflect Kutaisi's layered past.

Popular spots include David Agmashenebeli Square, the lively Green Bazaar with its local produce and spices, and the riverside and park areas that make the centre easy to explore on foot. Outside the city, the Prometheus Cave and Sataplia Nature Reserve are among the region's most visited natural attractions.

Kutaisi has also become a practical gateway for budget and regional travel, helped by Kutaisi International Airport and its position on routes between the Black Sea coast and central Georgia. Education, light industry, trade and a growing service sector anchor the local economy, while the former Parliament building recalls the city's recent political role.

For travellers, Kutaisi offers an affordable base for exploring western Georgia's caves, canyons and monasteries, along with a compact centre, local cuisine and a relaxed pace that suits both leisure visitors and those on regional business.