Borjomi surprises most travelers — because there is far more here than the famous bottled water sold across the world. This green valley hides a Tsar's palace, one of Europe's largest national parks, and the highest ski slopes in the Caucasus, all within a short distance of each other. Spring and summer are especially rewarding: cool air, deep forest, and far fewer crowds than Tbilisi.
#1 Borjomi Central Park and Mineral Water Spring
Every visit to Borjomi starts here. The riverside park is home to a natural mineral spring where you can drink for free around the clock. The water has a faint sulphur edge and a distinct mineral saltiness, and flows at roughly 37-41°C. Beyond the spring, the park has rides, a cable car across the valley, a mineral-water swimming pool, and riverside restaurants — it is the living heart of the town, used daily by locals and travelers alike.
- Bring an empty bottle and refill at the park taps for free — the water tastes noticeably different warm and fresh from the source versus the bottled version.
- The cable car across the valley gives excellent views and costs around 5 lari; the ride up and back takes about 10 minutes.
- The park gets very crowded on summer weekends, especially in August — come early (before 10 am) or in the early evening after 5 pm.
#2 Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
At over 85,000 hectares, this is the largest national park in the Caucasus and one of the largest in Europe. The terrain runs from ancient beech and pine forest to alpine meadows, and trails range from short day walks to a 5-day cross-mountain route. Brown bears, deer, and several hundred bird species live in the park. The main visitor center near Likani Gate has trail maps, staff who speak some English, and camping equipment for hire — a genuine escape for anyone who wants real wilderness close to a town.
- Register at the Visitor Center before entering the forest; the fee is around 5-10 lari, and a local guide is required for overnight multi-day routes.
- The Borjomi-Likani Loop (8 km) is the most accessible trail for first-timers — it passes good valley views and a small waterfall.
- Heavy snow closes many trails in winter; plan your visit between May and October.
#3 Likani Palace
Built in the late 19th century as the Romanov dynasty's summer villa, Likani Palace dates from the era when Borjomi was the preferred resort of Russia's upper classes. The neo-Byzantine building sits inside a large wooded garden beside the river. It was later used as a retreat by Soviet leaders including Stalin, and today it remains the official residence of the Georgian head of government. Interior access is restricted, but the exterior and parts of the grounds can be viewed and photographed.
- Some parts of the palace grounds are open to visitors — confirm current access with a local tour operator before making the trip.
- The 3-km riverside path from Borjomi to Likani is one of the prettiest walks in the valley and works well by bicycle too.
- The best view of the cream facade is from the opposite riverbank in the afternoon, when the light falls directly on the building.
#4 Bakuriani
The oldest ski resort in the Caucasus sits on a plateau at 1,700 metres above sea level. In winter it receives heavy snowfall and offers slopes for every ability level. In summer the mountain transforms into excellent hiking and mountain-biking territory. The temperature here runs 10-15°C cooler than Borjomi town throughout the year. Bakuriani also has playgrounds, a public park, and traditional Georgian restaurants that are popular with domestic travelers.
- The narrow-gauge railway from Borjomi to Bakuriani is an experience in itself, winding through valleys and forest for 2.5-3 hours — worth the ride even if you don't stay.
- Summer means no snow, but the high meadows are green and full of wildflowers — well-suited to short and medium day hikes.
- Weather on the mountain changes fast; even in summer, always bring a warm layer.
#5 Borjomi Mineral Water Bottling Facility
Borjomi mineral water is one of the oldest and most recognised drink brands in Eastern Europe, with a commercial bottling history going back to 1850 and a long reputation as the most popular mineral water of the former Soviet Union. The factory tour covers the extraction process — water drawn from 8,000 metres underground — quality testing, and the bottling line, finishing with tastings of fresh water from several different springs, each with its own flavour profile and temperature.
- Book the factory tour in advance through the town tourist office; pricing and schedules vary by season.
- The fresh spring water has a stronger sulphur character than the bottled version — tasting them side by side during the tour is worthwhile.
- Buy water to take home at the factory or from town shops; prices are much lower than at Tbilisi airport.
#6 Borjomi Valley Villages
The valley around Borjomi holds Georgian rural villages where traditional life continues largely as it has for generations. Residents grow grapes, produce local wine, and keep livestock on the hillside terraces. Wandering the villages outside the town is one of the most genuine ways to see Georgian country life without tourist crowds. Several families open their homes to visitors as homestays, serving home-cooked food and house wine at very reasonable prices.
- Ask at the Visitor Center about guided village walks with a local guide — the cost is low and the insight is far greater than going alone.
- Homestays in villages near Borjomi run 20-40 lari per night including breakfast, which is genuinely good value.
- The grape harvest in September-October is the liveliest time to visit; small village wine festivals take place across the valley.
Where to stay in Borjomi for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Borjomi — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Rivendell
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Crowne Plaza Borjomi by IHG
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Borjomi UnderWood
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Erik's Guest House
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Tours, tickets & activities in Borjomi
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Before You Pack
Borjomi is at its best from May through September, when national park trails are fully open and the weather makes walking and hiking genuinely pleasant. Plan at least 2-3 days to cover the ground properly — one day for the trip up to Bakuriani, another for the national park.