Borjomi

ბორჯომი

A famous spa town nestled in a forested river gorge, renowned for its mineral springs and elegant Central Park. Visitors come to drink the naturally carbonated water, ride the cable car and relax in the warm sulphur pools.

Things to do

• Drink from the mineral spring — Sample the warm, naturally carbonated Borjomi water straight from the source pavilion at the entrance to Central Park.
• Stroll Borjomi Central Park — Wander the elegant Yekaterina Park with its historic mineral water hall, fountains and riverside promenade.
• Ride the cable car — Take the cable car up from Central Park to the plateau with a Ferris wheel and panoramic views over the gorge.
• Soak in the sulphur pools — Hike about three kilometres up the forest trail beyond the park to bathe in the warm open-air sulphur pools.
• Visit the Borjomi Local Lore Museum — See exhibits on the Romanov summer retreat, the spa's history and regional natural history.
• Explore Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park — Head into one of Europe's largest protected areas for marked hiking trails through dense forest and alpine meadows.
• See the Romanov Palace at Likani — Tour the former imperial summer residence of the Romanov family just outside town along the river.

Food to try

• Georgian mineral water tasting — Compare the famous Borjomi water fresh from the spring against the bottled version sold everywhere in town.
• Khachapuri — Enjoy the cheese-filled bread, often served in the Adjarian boat shape topped with butter and egg at local cafes.
• Khinkali — Order these juicy spiced meat dumplings, a mountain favourite eaten by hand with a sprinkle of black pepper.
• Trout and mushroom dishes — Try freshwater trout and wild forest mushrooms sourced from the surrounding gorge and national park.
• Churchkhela — Buy the string of nuts dipped in thickened grape juice, a chewy sweet sold by vendors around the park.
• Homemade Georgian wine and chacha — Sample local wine and the strong grape brandy chacha offered in family-run guesthouses and taverns.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring a bottle for the spring — The mineral water is free at the source, so carry a container to fill and taste it warm as locals do.
• Respect the supra toast tradition — If invited to a feast, wait for the tamada (toastmaster) before drinking and honour each toast.
• Dress in layers for the gorge — The forested valley and higher plateau stay cool and can be damp even in summer, so pack a warm layer.
• Cash is handy for park vendors — Small cafes, cable car and market stalls often prefer Georgian lari cash, so carry some for convenience.

Nearby

• Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park — 6 km
• Green Monastery — 7 km
• Sapara Monastery — 38 km
• Akhaltsikhe — 40 km