Borjomi
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Georgia
Did you know?
- A mineral-water source rises in the gorge beside marked hiking country.
- A cable car climbs to a plateau with a Ferris wheel and broad views.
- Try khachapuri, chkmeruli, and pine-cone jam near the city park.
See also
Akhaltsikhe
Georgia41.64°N 42.99°E · 1,029 m
Gori
Georgia41.98°N 44.11°E · 588 m
Kutaisi
Georgia42.25°N 42.70°E · 120 m
Chokhatauri
Georgia42.02°N 42.24°E · 150 m
Overview
This central Georgian resort is known for distinctive mineral water and hiking in the nearby national park. A plateau with a Ferris wheel adds an easy viewpoint above town.
Languages: Georgian
Why go?
Borjomi is a famous resort town in central Georgia, popular for its distinctive mineral water. The source is in the Borjomi gorge, and the nearby Borjomi Kharagauli National Park is the largest in Georgia, offering excellent hiking. The town has many hotels and a plateau with a Ferris wheel and great views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Trains to Tbilisi depart from Borjomi Parki station at 05:50 and 16:35, taking about 4 hours. Tickets can be bought on the train with exact change. Marshrutki are faster but more expensive. Direct buses connect to Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. The tourist information office can help with schedules.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The centre of Borjomi is walkable. City buses run along the main road for 0.20 lari. Bus No. 1 goes to Likani, No. 3 goes to Kvibisi, and No. 4 goes south to Atskuri (unconfirmed). The city bus station is at the small outdoor market.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Pirosmani Street offers many guesthouses with prices between 15 and 25 lari per person. Notable options include Leo's Homestay (20 lari), Hillside Guesthouse (20 lari), RiverSide Hostel (18 lari), and Hotel Meidani (40 lari). The tourist information can also arrange a guesthouse.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Local specialties include khachapuri and chkmeruli (chicken in garlic sauce). Old Borjomi restaurant serves excellent khachapuri (about 10 lari). Metropoli offers Adjaruli Khachapuri for 7 lari. Homemade pine cone jam, sold near the city park, is said to be good for respiratory infections. For drinks, Omo's Bar has a modern vibe with a selection of beers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The main attraction is the Borjomi mineral water source in the central park (5 lari). Take the cable car (15 GEL each way) to the plateau with a Ferris wheel. Natural hot pools (10 lari) are 2.8 km from the park. Signposted walks include a climb to Cross Mountain and a circular walk past the natural pools. The Borjomi Kharagauli National Park offers hiking. Other activities include visiting Libani's abandoned sanatorium and the Tshala Waterfall.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Shopping
Near the entrance to the city park, locals sell homemade jam made from pine tree cones, claimed to help with respiratory infections and improve immunity.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Vardzia, the famous cave monastery, often combined with Akhaltsikhe fortress. The tourist office offers a 70 lari tour covering Vardzia, Green Monastery, Akhaltsikhe fortress, and Khertvisi Fortress. Bakuriani ski resort is also nearby, though the scenic narrow gauge train is not running as of 2024.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Train to Tbilisi (4 hours, 05:50 and 16:35). Direct marshrutki to Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. Vardzia, Akhaltsikhe, and Bakuriani are all accessible as onward destinations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Borjomi Hostel
Dorm with no electricity or heating, pitch black room.
Recorded price: 15 lari per night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Fridon
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Green Rose Guest House
Cute guest house, clean and well maintained with reasonable prices. Nice view, no road noise, but a very short walk from the railway station, restaurants, tourist information etc. Owner very helpful and friendly and speaks decent English. Laundry for 20 lari, great (in taste and quantity) breakfast for 22 lari per person. Some hot food available although we didn't try. Some rooms have access to a kitchen. Contact the owner directly on WhatsApp for a better deal than through booking sites.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hillside Guesthouse
Central location but very quiet, due to being at the end of a dead end street. Sitting in front of the guesthouse can be very relaxing, especially when Nick's two cats are around. Nick and his mother are very friendly, helpful and socialising. Nick speaks English quite well. The local breakfast prepared by Nick's mother was always very yummy and filling. Also it was easy to get in contact with other travellers here, which added to the traveller friendly atmosphere. Wi-Fi worked very well and washing service can be provided.
Recorded price: From 20 lari
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Borjomis Kheoba
28 comfortable rooms, mineral water spas, outdoor swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Prices from 65-250 lari including all meals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Meidani
Very nice clean rooms with heating, ensuite, TV, Wi-Fi, excellent location.
Recorded price: 40 lari per night (Mar 2016)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Leo's Homestay
Leo and his mother have 2 rooms that can accommodate 7-8 or so people. The price for the night is 20 lari a person, and for 5 lari more Leo's mother will make breakfast, which often features a substantial number of pancakes. Leo is also a great source of information about Borjomi and the surrounding area, and regularly arranges excursions for his guests, such as trips to Vardzia and horseback riding in the Borjomi-Kharagauli national park. He also speaks excellent English.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
RiverSide Hostel
Nice, clean hostel with good facilities. It's on the main road so can be a little noisy at night, but there isn't much traffic so this is not a huge problem. Owners friendly and helpful.
Recorded price: 18 lari
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Guesthouses 15–25 lari per person; dorm bed 15 lari at Borjomi Hostel.
Food
Khachapuri from 7 lari; meal at Pesvebi about 24 lari.
Transport
City buses 0.20 lari; train to Tbilisi 4 hr (05:50, 16:35 from Parki station).