20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia

Borjomi is a small resort town in Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region known for its mineral water springs, freshest air, and connection to the Royal Family – Romanovs. In Soviet times, the resort was one of the most popular destinations for those with health problems. Today, it needs help to return to its popularity with new high-class hotels and renovated infrastructure. So, here are my recommendations on top things to do in Borjomi, where to eat, and what other landmarks to see.



Disclaimer

This post includes affiliate links to products, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund my blog and bring more authentic articles to you 🙂  Learn more

Download this guide as a mobile app

Is Borjomi worth visiting? 

The resort town lies in a magnificent gorge with slopes covered with deciduous and pine forests. The main wealth of the city is its mineral water of volcanic origin which is known for its therapeutic properties. 

When Georgia was a target of many invasions in the Middle Ages, the settlement in Borjomi gorge fled to other parts of the country, resulting in an almost deserted town. 

things to do in borjomi

The heyday of Borjomi started at the end of the 1820s when Grenadier Regiment from Kherson, a city in Ukraine, was placed in the suburbs of Borjomi. 

Soldiers found a sour water spring on the river bank and told their commander, who had a stomach ulcer. The Borjomi water helped him treat the pain. He then ordered the construction of a bathhouse nearby. Soon after, the stories of this miraculous sour water spread and reached the Viceroy of the Caucasus, Yevgeni Golovin, who had an ill daughter. This water also cured the girl. 

In 1844, the new Viceroy of the Caucasus, Mikhail Vorontsov, developed a project of Borjomi. According to the project, he established the administration of Borjomi mineral waters in the town, followed by the construction of new bathhouses, hotels, and a park. Consequently, all this resulted in the tourism boom from all over Georgia and nearby countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. 

In 1862 when Mikhail Romanov, the brother of the Russian Emperor, became the new Viceroy and replaced Vorontsov, he turned Borjomi into an estate of the crown prince. He built the summer residence of the Royal dynasty of the Romanov. 

Very soon, Borjomi became the first-class health center that provided the same quality health services as its European counterparts. 

During the Soviet era, the government built many sanatoriums and boarding houses here. Unfortunately, most of them are demolished and abandoned today. 

The start of the bottled Borjomi water

A pharmacist of a military field hospital, Zakharov was the first to package the drinking Borjomi mineral water into half-liter bottles and sell them in Tbilisi in 1850. 

A couple of decades later, in 1894, Mikhail Romanov built a water bottling facility in the Borjomi mineral water park, followed by a glass factory on the outskirts of the town. 

things to do in borjomi

Borjomi water is one of the favorite spring carbonated drink for many Georgians. Since 1900, it has been imported to Russia, slowly expanded its horizon, and is now sold in 30 countries. 

ADVICE: always travel with comprehensive travel insurance that also covers COVID. I personally use SafetyWing

Can you visit the Romanov palace? 

Before we get into what is in Borjomi to see and do, one of the most frequent questions I get asked is if it’s possible to visit Romanov Palace in Likani. 

This most iconic building in Borjomi used to be Romanov’s summer residence in Likani Park, a neighboring townlet 7 km from Borjomi. 

Now, it’s part of Hotel Borjomi Likani Health & Spa Centre and is closed to outsiders. Only the hotel guests can marvel at the palace while walking the massive park of centennial oaks, pine trees, and decorative plants. 

When Romanovs decided to build their summer mansion here, this also stimulated the construction of the first hydro-power plant in the Russian Empire to supply the summer mansion of the Royal Family with electric power. 

The complex consisted of seven buildings; the main was built in Mauritanian style and had unique architectural features. 

During the Soviet times, many first leaders of the countries came here for holidays and stayed at the mansion, including Joseph Stalin, in 1951. They say Stalin stuck two nails in the Romanov study room, one on the desk to hang a cap and another on the wall for his tunic. 

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to stay at the hotel and tour the park and the mansion. However, if you decide to book a room, I recommend paying attention to a gorgeous Soviet-era mosaic pool inside the park. 

14 best things to do in Borjomi City

I often get asked what is in Borjomi for a traveler to see. As mentioned earlier, the town is slowly gaining popularity, so there are a few things to do in Borjomi on your visit. 

Borjomi Things to Do Map

All the Borjomi landmarks listed here are available as a public list on Google Maps. Click here to save it.

Hunt down the streets for Soviet mosaics and other decorations

The town is relatively small; you can walk around its main avenues for an hour or so. Admire old buildings and Soviet mosaics and various iconography adorning old buildings. 

If you are traveling from Tbilisi to Borjomi by marshrutka and you hop off at the last stop, when walking towards the center, you’ll notice one of the most extensive mosaic walls in the town at 7 Meskheti Street. 

A few meters down, the TBC Bank Branch has a wrought iron bas-relief-like decoration where a boy holds a hammer and sickle in his hands, accompanied by a girl, sun, and a pigeon.   

The small park along the river bank on Kirov Street also has some decorative mosaic walls from Soviet times, and so does the Borjomi Central Park.

Look at Romanov’s china and old Borjomi bottle labels at Borjomi Museum

One of the things to do in Borjomi that shouldn’t be missed is to visit its museum. 

Located at 5 Tsminda Nino St, Borjomi Museum showcases one of the rarest exhibits available in Georgia – porcelain china and other memorabilia of the Royal Family Romanovs and old bottles of Borjomi mineral water with centuries-old labels and diplomas. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 4

Sadly, the museum is not in a great state and requires significant renovation and tourist infrastructure. There are some writings in English and Georgian, but I’d prefer each item to have descriptions similar to other museums you see in Tbilisi or Gori, for instance. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 5

The first floor of the museum showcases the Antic period and items found in different archeological sights in nearby places. The second floor represents Romanovs’ memorabilia, a glimpse at Borjomi water production, and several traditional clothes. The third floor exhibits taxidermy, plants, trees, and insects found in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. 

  • Opening hours: 1 April till 1 November: 10 am – 6 pm; 1 November till 1 April: 10 am – 5 pm. Closed on Mondays. 
  • Entrance fee: adults – 5 GEL, guided tour 30 GEL in English, 15 GEL in Georgian. 

See renovated Cavalry Building

Merab Kostava Garden hides one stunning building that has been abandoned for many years. On my last visit in December 2022, I was pleasantly surprised to see it renovated with the plan to turn this Cavalry Building into a museum. At least that’s what the banner in front of it said. 

things to do in borjomi

The Cavalry Building, built in 1880, is a cultural heritage site constructed in a pseudo-Gothic style. With its surrounding park, the building was a summer residence of Emperor Nicholas II Romanov.

The building, built from natural stone, brick, and wood, has typical Georgian wooden-carved ornaments that decorate the pediment, cornices, and balconies, making it one of the best examples of 19th-century architecture. 

Peek inside the Borjomi Park train station

Besides being a stunning building with massive leaded glass windows, the Borjomi Park train station hides a unique remnant of the Soviet past. 

We already established that Borjomi was a popular recreational destination in Georgia among post-Soviet countries. The station still preserves a train schedule written with paint on a glass window as proof and the remainder of its glory. 

Writings are in Georgian and Russian, but to give you a perspective, trains from various cities of Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, to name a few. The table also lists prices for adults and children in different class carriages. 

Shop for local handwoven socks and souvenirs

From the train station, the path leads to Borjomi Central Park through Erekle Street, lined up with cafes and handcrafted souvenir stalls. One of the best souvenirs in Borjomi is handwoven socks and various items made from wood, such as utensils, bowls, boxes, etc. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 8

On the same street, you’ll also find a souvenir shop called Caucasus Nature Jewels, showcasing various handcrafted items from different artisans and studios. 

Buy local delicacy 

If you don’t know, Georgians have two types of fruit or vegetable condiments – pavidlo, which resembles western jam, and muraba, more liquidity preserve, which also has big fruit or vegetable slices inside. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 9

Borjomi, Bakuriani, and Abastumani are known for muraba made out of cones; it’s a local delicacy believed to be beneficial for those who suffer from bronchitis. However, it’s also a natural way to improve your immune system. Apart from the cone muraba, you can also buy yellow powder – coniferous tree pollen – with similar beneficial properties to our health. 

Try the natural chewing gum

I can almost see your face when reading the title of this section 🙂 One of the unique things to do in Borjomi is to find gum – a chewing gum made from the resin of pine or spruce trees.

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 10

It is hard to chew at first and breaks into small pieces, but it becomes softer and one-piece as you chew. It has a distinctive coniferous-tree-like taste. As a child, I loved chewing it until my jaws heart.

Marvel at Persian-style Firuse

Just before going to Borjomi Central Park, you’ll notice a gorgeous turquoise building, now a Golden Tulip Hotel. It was a summer residence of Iranian consul Riza-Mirza-Khan built in 1892. He called it Firuze, as the word ‘piruzi’ stands for the turquoise color in Georgian. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 11

Admire the gorgeous Aineh-Kari architecture, a Persian art of making mirror mosaics, on its balcony ceiling. Then direct your attention below the pediment on its sides to see the engravings – the year of the construction and the name of the house Firusa written in Russian and probably Latin on two sides of the building. Correct me if I am wrong, but Google was not much of a help.   

Stroll down the Borjomi Central Park 

Borjomi Central Park is one of the main attractions of the city. This massive park dates back to 1842 and is home to the original Borjomi mineral water source – Ekaterine Spring, an old bottling factory, the former Borjomi dam, and open-air sulfur baths, all listed below as separate entries and things to do in Borjomi. There’s also a well-preserved Soviet-era mosaic I mentioned earlier. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 12

The park is like an amusement park with various rides and rope city for kids to enjoy their time, along with a few cafes and restaurants. However, note that off-season, these venues are closed. 

Strolling down the paths and crossing various small bridges over the Borjomula River is an excellent way to relax and enjoy the fresh air. 

  • Opening hours: every day, 6 am till 8 pm. 
  • Entrance fee: Georgian citizens – 2 GEL; Foreigners – 5 GEL. 

Tour around the former bottling factory

Right after the entrance to Borjomi Park, you’ll notice a stone-brick building on your left side. It used to be the first bottling factory of Borjomi mineral water. 

The ground floor of the building is like a small museum showcasing archival photos of Borjomi city and the factory itself, as well as a marble fountain in the center. You’ll immediately notice the plaque-like table listing all Borjomi water’s minerals in Georgian. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 13

The authorities constructed the first bottling factory in Borjomi in 1854, followed by another factory inside the park by Grand Duke Mikhail Romanov in 1894 and a glass factory in 1896. This bottling factory inside Borjomi Central Park continued working until the 1950s. 

Right at the beginning of Borjomi water production, the factory issued 1,350 bottles in 1854, and by 1913, more than 9 million Borjomi mineral water bottles were sold across the Russian Empire. 

After Georgia became part of the Soviet Union, Borjomi water production grew, resulting in Borjomi being the third most recognized brand of the USSR after Aeroflot Airlines and Volga cars. 

Today, Borjomi water is produced at Borjomi Mineral Water Bottling Factory No 1, located on the way from Borjomi to Bakuriani. 

Besides the former factory, this building is also home to an abandoned concert hall and a library. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see a library door, but we wandered for a few minutes inside the concert hall on the second floor. 

Try the Borjomi water straight from the source

Borjomi is known to have around 150 mineral springs, out of which only 60 are tapped. The central source is located inside Borjomi Central Park, a few meters from the entrance. 

It is hard to miss a grand turquoise and glassed construction that looks like a domed pavilion, also known as Yekaterinsky or Ekaterina Spring, named after the daughter of Yevgeni Golovin, the Viceroy of the Russian Czar who brought her sick daughter for treatment in 1841. 

The water is a bit warm and has a sulfur taste to it. It is free to fill up the bottle. You can shop for empty bottles outside the park, but bringing your own reusable water bottle is always better. 

Take a bath in hot springs like Tsars used to

At the end of the park, there’s an open-air public hot sulfur spring pool everyone can soak in. 

Borjomi Sulfur Pools, located deep in the forest, were also established by the Romanov family in the 19th century. Fed by hydrogen-sulfide thermal spring, the pools are open year-round, including winter, and the water temperature is 30-32C hot. In the mid-2000s, these pools were renovated and remodeled, now offering restrooms and change rooms. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 14

You’ll need to walk around 3km on a dirt road through a dense forest with a gorgeous natural landscape to get to the pools. There’s an option to go by a minivan parked inside the park where the paved pathway ends, but I highly recommend walking to it. 

The track is marked and easy to follow, so you can’t get lost. From the start of the dirt road, you’ll need around 35-40 minutes to get to the pools. Therefore, with some time to relax and go back, aim for approximately 2 hours for this activity. 

  • Opening hours: every day, 7 am – 8 pm. 
  • Entrance fee: adults – 5 GEL; sunbed – 10 GEL; towels to rent – 10 GEL. 
  • Tip: There are swimsuits for both men and women for rent, but I recommend taking your own. 

Note: Google Maps shows an incorrect pin for these pools, so remember to save my Borjomi list for the correct location. 

Enjoy views over Borjomi

When you are done exploring the park, go back to the entrance to catch the Borjomi cable car, which takes passengers to the plateau and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding coniferous tree forests. 

The ride takes only around 2 minutes and costs 15 GEL one way for tourists, which seems quite pricey, but the views are stunning. Moreover, you get the experience of a Soviet-era cableway if you have yet to ride one. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 15

There’s a Ferris Wheel at the plateau for even better views and a few restaurants. I have to admit, I haven’t sat down at the restaurant, so I can’t recommend it. 

If the price seems relatively high for you, but you still want to have the experience, you can buy a one-way ticket and then hike down from the plateau for around 30 minutes to end up in Borjomi Central Park. The path is easy to follow. 

  • Opening hours: every day; 10 am – 8 pm 
  • Entrance fee: Georgian citizens – 6 GEL one way; Foreigners – 15 GEL one-way

See the old locomotive

The nearby ski resort Bakuriani is connected to Borjomi via a historic 37.2 km long narrow-gauge railway. The construction of this 900 mm line began in 1897 when Georgia was part of the Russian Empire. Due to the rugged terrain, it took workers four years to finish the railway. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 16

This route is even more special because Romanovs commissioned Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the Eiffel Tower, to design the bridge over the Tsemistkkhali River near Tsagveri village. 

Initially, the steam engine pulled the trains back in the day before the line was electrified in 1966. The original steam engine that ran from 1902 till 1966 on the Borjomi-Bakuriani line stands at Tori Street, a few minutes from the second Borjomi train station. I have it marked in my Borjomi things to do map

6 other things to do in Borjomi 

Samtskhe-Javakheti region is full of exciting destinations that are rarely on the radar of many travelers. In this section of the other things to do in Borjomi, I focus on a few attractions very close to Borjomi, former sanatoriums, hiking opportunities, and the most extensive cave town in Georgia. 

Hunt down abandoned Soviet sanatoriums in Likani

Likani, a small townlet next to Borjomi, also has its mineral water source bottled under the same name. Likani mineral water combines hydro-carbonates, magnesium, and calcium with high quantities of natural carbonic acid gas. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 17

Back in the heyday, just like Borjomi, Likani was full of sanatoriums and hotels. One of the most striking ones is the former sanatorium Mountain Valley constructed in the 1970s. 

The buildings feature extensive colorful mosaic work on one of the adjoining blocks. It’s surprising to see it reasonably untouched, displaying Soviet themes and local industrial motifs. This work of art is one of my favorite Soviet mosaics in Georgia. Today, it’s turned into an apartment building where many families live. 

You can get to Likani from Borhomi by a minibus that stands near the bus stop at Meskheti street number 3 or by ordering a taxi via Bolt. 

If you opt-in for public transport, exit the vehicle at the final stop or until you see a bridge. Then, cross the bridge and walk for a few minutes to reach the sanatorium. 

Another one is Sanatorium Likani, which I still need to explore. 

Tip: First time using Bolt? Use code YRP76 to get discounts on your first rides. 

Go on a day trip to Bakuriani

As mentioned above, Borjomi is also very close to one of the ski resorts of Georgia – Bakuriani. The snow-covered coniferous forests are absolutely stunning in winter. You can escape the hot days on a day trip from Borjomi in the summer months and still enjoy those spectacular mountain views.  

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 20

Before COVID, an electrified narrow-gauge railway, we call Kukushka, connected Borjomi to Bakuriani. Sadly, that hasn’t been relaunched just yet. Therefore, to get to Bakuriani from Borjomi, you’ll need to take a minibus or marshrutka that leaves from Borjomi bus station every hour from 9 am to 5 pm. 

Experience white water rafting on the Mtkvari river

Adventure enthusiasts will enjoy the exhilarating pursuit of white water rafting along the Mtkvari River’s lively currents, nestled near Borjomi. 

The essence of white water rafting lies in skillfully navigating an inflatable boat down a mountain river, a brave endeavor characterized by overcoming rapid flows, swirling whirlpools, and challenging obstacles.

things to do in borjomi
Photo Credit: Nikoloz Mchedlidze

A seasoned instructor accompanies you within the boat throughout this thrilling journey, providing expert guidance and precise directives. Depending on the size of the group, an additional instructor trained in safeguarding practices independently follows the boat with a kayak.

The summer months, when river levels decrease, are optimal for rafting. If you’re considering embarking on this adrenaline-pumping excursion, I recommend contacting the esteemed Extreme Rafting company to organize a comprehensive tour. 

I have done rafting twice, and it has always been Tengo’s rafting camp in Chitakhevi. He and his team are certified rafting guides with extensive training and are committed to safety. The team provides top-tier gear, including life jackets, helmets, and waterproof boots if you need one. Before rafting, Tengo or one of his team members gives a comprehensive safety briefing explaining what to do in different situations. ‘

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 21
Photo Credit: Nikoloz Mchedlidze

While Extreme Rafting has different rafting spots of varying difficulty levels, the one from Chitakhevi to Likani is around 8 km long, taking approximately an hour from start to finish. 

On-demand, the guide can stop at various spots along the way for you to either swim in the river or jump into it from a tree branch. Tengo was accommodating on our trip, giving us slightly extreme challenges in navigating swirling pools. 

When reaching Likani, a van awaits you to return to the campground. 

You should bring an extra set of clothes for rafting specifically and change it. You’ll most likely be soaked in water from head to toe: pack shorts or leggings, a T-shirt and sandals, or tennis shoes. 

How to do rafting: You can see all the spots Tengo does rafting tours on their website or contact them on Facebook and schedule the trip. 

Visit old churches in the Borjomi area

There are two important religious buildings within the Borjomi territory – Timotesubani and Mtsvane (Green) Monastery. The best way to visit those churches is by taxi. Otherwise, you’ll walk a lot, and public transport to those small villages is scarce.

Village Timotesubani is home to a well-preserved, 28-meter high Georgian architecture monument dating back to the 12th-13th centuries – the Holy Dormition Church. The church has unique murals and frescos painted in the 13th century, referring to the Golden Age of Queen Tamar’s reign. 

Another essential religious sight is the Green Monastery, nestled into the forest, creating beautiful and tranquil scenery as you walk towards it. The monastery complex includes a single-nave church and a bell tower from the 15th-16th centuries. 

Hike Borjomi Kharagauli National Park 

Borjomi is also home to a massive Borjom-Kharagauli National Park that spans around 851 sq. kilometers and features all the different trails for hiking and camping lovers, both for beginners and professional hikers. 

Twelve different trails go from 400 to 2,642 meters above sea level, of which Panorama and Footprint are the most popular. 

To go on the hike, you first need to register at the visitors center of the Borjomi Kaharagauli National Park. 

Since I have yet to hike the park myself, here is a detailed guide of what to expect in Borjomi Kharagauli National Park from my travel blogger friends. 

Explore the biggest cave town in Georgia

Nestled in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Vardiza cave town is the biggest of its kind in Georgia. It is located only 90 km from here, making it a slightly easier day tour from Borjomi than from Tbilisi. 

20 Wonderful Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia 22

Unfortunately, public transport from Borjomi to Vardzia is scarce, and if any, the marshrutkas go to Alkaltsikhe; from there, you’ll need to get another marshrutka or a taxi. Therefore, the best way to explore it is by a rental car (I recommend LocalRent). 

Tip: If you are still eager to visit Vardzia cave town from Tbilisi, here is an organized tour for you to join that includes Borjomi Central Park, Rabati Castle, and Vardzia. 

Where to eat in Borjomi

When you walk in the city, you immediately notice that it doesn’t lack dining venues, but which is the best restaurant in Borjomi to have lunch or dinner? During our stay in Borjomi, we managed to try a few places. 

Cafe Iggy – inspired by a short story by Jemal Karchkahdze of the same name Igi, this newly opened cafe on Kostava Street is quite charming, with a mural of the story’s plot on its walls. The menu here is small, but you can find something to your taste. 

I absolutely loved khinklukebi, or tiny Khinkali dumplings in pepper sauce. However, abkhazura with tashmijab was not great. Abkhazura is one type of Georgian sausage from Apkhazia region, while tashmijab is a Svanetian mashed potato with cheese inside. The sausage was dry, while mashed potatoes were not stretchy as in Mestia and didn’t even taste like they had cheese inside. 

Pesvebi Borjomi – a local restaurant serving typical Georgian cuisine in a traditional interior with massive wooden tables and chairs, carpets, and folk items. Their Khinkali is delicious, but if you are after local Meskhetian, specialty – try Tatarberagi – boiled dough topped with yogurt and onions fried in ghee. 

My Home – right in the center of Borjomi, the menu here is extensive, offering Georgia, European, and Ukrainian meals. For something very local, try Apokhti – Meskhetian dried meet Khinkali.

Rio – a tiny coffee and juice bar near Borjomi Central Park that also serves mini donuts, or pishkebi, as Georgians call it.

Borjomi travel planning tips

How many days are enough for Borjomi?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions I always get. Borjomi is an excellent place for a weekend getaway from Tbilisi for a relaxing holiday. Two days are more than enough; however, if you plan on exploring more areas of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, I would add one or more days to my Borjomi itinerary. 

How to get to Borjomi

Getting to Borjomi is not a big problem at all. There are several options to get to Borjomi from Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Gori, Batumi, or other towns in Georgia. 

Tbilisi to Borjomi by a marshrutka 

If you are looking for the cheapest yet fastest way to get to Borjomi from Tbilisi, the minibus or marshrutka should be your choice. Daily marshrutkas ran from Didube Bus Station, starting from 8 am until 7 pm, costing 12 GEL one way. The journey takes around two hours. The final minibus from Borjomi to Tbilisi leaves at 6 pm, but make sure to be there a few minutes early. 

Tbilisi to Borjomi by train

The train from Tbilisi to Borjomi leaves at 06:20 pm daily, costing 2 GEL. You can purchase tickets at Tbilisi Central Railway Station. Unfortunately, these tickets are not sold online.

These are basic, ancient Soviet trains that travel pretty slowly. The journey takes around 4 hours! However, if you are adventurous, that’s a unique experience in Georgia. On the way back, Borjomi to Tbilisi train leaves at 5:50 am. 

Tbilisi to Borjomi by a rental car

If you’d like to explore Borjomi on your own and are confident in driving on Georgian roads, I recommend renting a car via LocalRent for more affordable prices than any other rental company in Tbilisi. 

Where to stay in Borjomi: Best Hotels in Borjomi

There are plenty of accommodations in Borjomi, be it a guesthouse, an apartment, or a luxurious hotel. Here are a few of my picks: 

Wine Inn Borjomi Aparthotel is a modern hotel in Borjomi city center equipped with a full kitchen, sofa, and living room. 

Guest House Borjomi Valley is an excellent budget-friendly family-run guesthouse with a shared lounge, a terrace, and a kitchen. 

Borjomi Bridge Hotel is a mid-range hotel in Borjomi offering rooms with AC, a desk, a fridge, a safety box, a kettle, and a shared lounge area. 

Golden Tulip Borjomi is a boutique hotel right at the entrance of Borjomi Central Park. It’s a historic building constructed by a former Iranian consul back in 1892 and has now been restored and turned into a gorgeous hotel. 

The Crowne Plaza Borjomi, also located very close to Central Park, is a luxurious hotel often rated as one of the best hotels in Borjomi; it even has its own Borjomi mineral water baths! 

My Favorite Travel Resources

To ease your travel planning, check out all the posts about Georgia travel. Additionally, here are some of the websites and services I use when preparing for my next adventure anywhere in the world.

✈ Book affordable flights on WayAway, a platform that shows the best flight deals, tours, and hotels. With a WayAway Plus membership, you can earn cashback. Get 10% off with code: RFD10

🚫 Get compensation for up to 700$ with Airhelp if your flight was canceled or delayed within the last 3 years.

🚗 Rent a car at Local Rent for affordable prices and convenient service.

❣ Pre-book a private car transfer with GoTrip from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel or any other city across Georgia.

💻 Get a VPN from Surfshark to protect your devices from hackers when using public Wi-Fi when traveling.

📱 Install the Airalo app, which provides local eSIMs for a more affordable internet connection when traveling. Get 3 USD with code: BAIA2592.

💸 Use Wise to withdraw money in local currency without hidden fees and avoid high exchange rates. On top, you might get a Visa or Mastercard debit card.

🍷 For some of the best, expat-designed wine tours check out Eat!ThisTours. Get a 5% discount with code RFD5.

🏨 Find budget-friendly deals on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com.

🩺 Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance, SafetyWing, covering COVID.

☀ Book in advance some of the best city walks, cultural experiences, and day tours to maximize your stay and experience here.

5 Comments

  1. Hello, thanks so much for your blog and all the info!
    Would you recommend staying over in Bakuriani instead of trying to take the train back in time? I’ve also seen there is a minibus option.
    We’re going to be there in December so I’m trying to work out if it is better to simply take the train from Borjomi, stay over then take a bus to Uplistsikhe.

    Thanks so much!

    1. Hi Mandy, there will be a minibus for sure. December is a season, but make sure you ask for the last departure time in Borjomi. Otherwise, you can always stay in Bakuriani, there are plenty of accommodation options

  2. its lovely reading your comments and recommendation, i plan to go there next month, Aug 2019, and sure it will help
    Tamer

  3. Hi,

    Thank you for the informative page.

    When you get down from borjomi train in bakuraini, is it near the mini van, Marshrutka station going back to tbilisi?

    thanking you in advance.

    1. no, it’s not. But you can get a taxi for a small fee around 5-7 Lari. Or there could be a public transportation to get you close to the station where marshrutkas to Tbilisi depart

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.