Borjomi is one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. It sits in a green, forested gorge in the south of the country, and its name is known far beyond Georgia thanks to the famous Borjomi mineral water. For many of my guests it is the perfect “breath of fresh air” day after the busy streets of Tbilisi.
In this guide I will tell you how to get there, what to do in Borjomi and how to combine it with Rabati Castle in one day.
How to Get from Tbilisi to Borjomi
Borjomi is about 160 km from Tbilisi, roughly 2.5 hours by car.
- Private car with a driver – the best option. You can stop wherever you want on the way and easily add Rabati Castle to the same day.
- Marshrutka – there are minibuses from Tbilisi, but they are much less comfortable for a round trip in one day, and you depend on their timetable.
That is why I always recommend going to Borjomi by private car. On the way you can also stop in Gori for coffee.
What to Do in Borjomi
Borjomi Central Park
As soon as you enter Borjomi, you arrive at the huge Central Park with amazing nature: a river, old trees, bridges, walking paths and fresh mountain air. It is lovely in every season – green in spring and summer, golden in autumn and snowy in winter.
Taste the Mineral Water at the Source
In the park you can try Borjomi mineral water straight from the spring. It is warm and quite salty – not everyone loves the taste, but you have to try it at least once! Bring an empty bottle if you want to take some with you.
Take the Cable Car Up the Hill
Right near the park entrance there is a cable car that takes you up the hill. From the top you have a beautiful view over Borjomi and the gorge, and there is a small amusement area with a Ferris wheel. It is a short and fun ride, great for photos.
Sulphur Pools at the End of the Park
If you have time, walk deeper into the park (about 30–40 minutes) to the open-air sulphur pools, where warm mineral water fills outdoor pools in the middle of the forest. Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you want to swim.
Likani Palace and the Old Town
On the way in or out of town you pass the Romanov Palace in Likani, the former summer residence of the Russian royal family, and the charming old houses with carved wooden balconies in the centre of Borjomi.
Combine Borjomi with Rabati Castle
Borjomi is easy to combine with Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikhe, about an hour further south. Rabati is a huge, beautifully restored fortress complex with a church, a mosque, a synagogue area and a citadel – a symbol of how different cultures lived together here for centuries. The view from the walls at sunset is fantastic.
Our Borjomi and Rabati day trip from Tbilisi includes both places in one comfortable day.
Have More Time? Add Vardzia
With an overnight stay in the region you can also visit Vardzia, the famous 12th-century cave monastery carved into the cliffs, about 1.5 hours from Akhaltsikhe.
A Typical Borjomi and Rabati Day Trip
- Morning – pick-up in Tbilisi, coffee stop on the way
- Late morning – Borjomi Central Park, mineral water spring and cable car
- Lunch – in Borjomi or Akhaltsikhe
- Afternoon – Rabati Castle
- Evening – drive back to Tbilisi
Local Tips for Visiting Borjomi
- Go by private car – much more comfortable than the marshrutka, and you can add Rabati the same day.
- Wear comfortable shoes – you will walk a lot in the park.
- Bring a jacket – Borjomi is cooler than Tbilisi, especially in the evening.
- Autumn is magical – the forests around Borjomi turn gold and red in October.
- Try local food – order khachapuri and the local trout or mushrooms when in season.
Borjomi Day Trip: FAQ
How far is Borjomi from Tbilisi?
About 160 km, around 2.5 hours by car.
Can I visit Borjomi and Rabati Castle in one day?
Yes. With a private car it is a comfortable full-day trip from Tbilisi.
Can you drink the water in Borjomi park?
Yes – you can drink Borjomi mineral water for free directly from the spring in Central Park.
What is the best time to visit Borjomi?
All year round. Spring and summer are green and fresh, autumn has beautiful colours and winter brings snow.
Plan Your Borjomi Trip With Us
Want to see Borjomi and Rabati without worrying about transport? Book our Borjomi and Rabati day trip or message us on WhatsApp. More ideas: Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave, Kakheti wine tour and Tbilisi to Kazbegi.
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