TABERNE
Kutaisi
67.7 km²
total area
147 500 people
population
moderately warm
climate
Kutaisi
region
Why Kutaisi?
The beautiful Georgian city of Kutaisi is located in the western part of the country, about 230 kilometers from the capital of the state, Tbilisi. This is the administrative center of a very famous historical region of Imereti. If Tbilisi is today the official capital of Georgia, then Kutaisi is its historical capital. Local residents even claim that this is almost the oldest city in Georgia.
If you expect any gloss from this city, then you will obviously be disappointed. At first glance, the city may not seem touristy at all, but it is real and truly Georgian. It is very quiet and very calm here, and you even feel some special provincial unhurriedness. The city makes an incredibly pleasant impression – it is cozy, here you can find very beautiful architecture, and in fact there is no such fuss that is present in Tbilisi.
Flight
Kutaisi Airport is called Kopitnari and is located just 14 kilometers from the city. It opened in 2012, but in a few years managed to become one of the most important transport hubs in Georgia. Before departure, you must provide a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19
prices
Kutaisi is the second largest city in Georgia, its parliamentary capital (in 2012, a modern glass building was built here on the outskirts of the city and the Parliament was moved to it). Housing, food and transport prices are comparable to prices in Tbilisi and other major cities.
Accommodation
With a huge selection of accommodation options in Kutaisi, the question arises: are there hotels in the city and how much does it cost to stay in the city? Of course, Kutaisi has a fairly large selection of hotels. We analyzed them and tried to choose the most optimal hotels in terms of price-quality ratio according to various criteria here
Attractions
Interesting
CUISINE AND RESTAURANTS
I consider the cuisine of Imereti to be one of the most delicious in Georgia. Vegetables, herbs, greens, unsalted cheese (it is generously added to Imeretian khachapuri), chicken in abundance. Dozens of sauces: isrim-makvali from blackberries and green grapes, tkemali, tomato-nut, satsivi... The head is spinning from the pleasure that a trip to Imereti and Kutaisi in particular promises.
Transport
The easiest way to get around Kutaisi is by buses and minibuses. Buses are usually old, atmospheric. Sit closer to the first door to enjoy the view from the window, listen to music from the receiver Previously, there was a trolleybus network in Kutaisi (88 kilometers!), It lasted 50 years until 2009, then it was closed. Intercity bus and shuttle service between Kutaisi and Tbilisi, Batumi, Zugdidi
SHOPPING: SHOPS
Shopping in Kutaisi is a trip to the bazaar. There are two of them in the city: one is located near the Colchis fountain, and the second (Chavchavadze market) is somewhat removed from the center. Local residents prefer markets and buy here not only products, but also manufactured goods. According to the reviews about shopping in Kutaisi, you can understand that you need to go to this city for souvenirs. Be sure to visit the bazaars, choose a souvenir hat (shaggy black, like real mountaineers, or made of felt - Svan or Tushino), bargain for wine in a clay jar, choose a horn for wine and buy a few magnets for friends.