Is Borjomi Worth Visiting? A Candid 24-Hour Experience

Nestled in the lush hills of Georgia and just a few hours from Tbilisi, Borjomi beckons travelers with its rich history and mineral springs. But is Borjomi worth visiting? We recently spent 24 hours there, immediately jumping into its offerings, sipping its famed water, and even braving some unexpected moments.

Here's how it went.

A tree with a moss-covered trunk stands majestically by a rocky stream in Borjomi's lush green forest, embodying the area's natural beauty and rich culture. This picturesque scene raises the question: is Borjomi worth visiting? With its stunning landscapes and cultural richness, it's undeniably a destination that captivates all who explore it.

A Historical Spa Town's Roots

Borjomi has long been synonymous with its naturally carbonated mineral water. This small resort town gained fame during the days of the Russian Empire in the 19th century. At the time, Russian aristocrats flocked here, drawn by the supposed healing properties of the springs.

The water, bottled since 1890, remains one of Georgia's biggest exports, celebrated for its unique taste and trace elements like radon. Historically, Borjomi also housed a summer residence for Joseph Stalin, adding to its cultural and political significance.

Yet, some elements of this legacy are visible in small, charming ways—like the "Ekaterina Spring," named after a noblewoman who sought its therapeutic effects. With its moss-covered forests and air of mystery, the town holds onto its history like a well-worn book, begging to be explored.

If you are convinced on visiting Borjomi, here is a day trip from Tbilisi that also go to the famed Vardzia caves.

Book it here

Beneath a turquoise metal and glass pavilion, people gather around a mineral water fountain that echoes Borjomi's vibrant culture with its geometric design. As trees sway gracefully in the background, you might wonder, is Borjomi worth visiting? This captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural charm provides more than enough reason to explore this enchanting destination.

The Ekaterina Spring with *cough* interesting water-one of the 150 springs in Borjomi

Checking Into Borjomi: Charm or Chaos?

Our Borjomi adventure began at a guesthouse that left us both amused and exasperated. From a unused stairwell crawl space to a kitschy kitchen, the design was a patchwork of mismatched functionality. While the hospitality was warm, the aesthetics? Let's just say, they were a conversation starter.

Pro Tip: Pick accommodation thoughtfully if interior design impacts your mood.

For a more grounded Georgian experience near Borjomi, check out Vardzia and Akhaltsikhe destinations for unique alternatives.

The beauty of a stone bridge with a circular arch spans a rocky stream, surrounded by trees and buildings with red roofs in the mountainous area of Borjomi. This picturesque setting is truly one of its must-see spots and might make you wonder, is Borjomi worth visiting? With such charm, it certainly invites exploration.

Surviving the "Terrifying Bridge" and Central Park

Our next stop was Borjomi Central Park, the heart of the town and home to one of its mineral water sources. But before diving into the park, we crossed a bridge that could have been straight out of an action movie—complete with gaps wide enough to make you question your steps.

In the park, we found ourselves face-to-face with the infamous spring water. Locals praise its healing properties, but sipping it raw from the source is not for the faint-hearted. Slimy, salty, and impossibly pungent, it's an acquired taste that's easier to admire from a pre-packaged bottle than a bubbling fountain.

A person stands in a room where beauty and culture intertwine, graced with an ornate, empty fountain centerpiece. The Borjomi-inspired space is adorned with arched doorways, marble columns, and framed photos on the walls. Observing these elements might make one wonder, is Borjomi worth visiting to experience its charm firsthand?

An old, no longer functioning spring at the entrance of Central Park. It is a very basic museum now.

A Foodie Highlight: Cafe Iggy

While the water disappointed, the local cuisine redeemed our day. At Cafe Iggy, we feasted on "khinkluks," a twist on traditional Georgian khinkali dumplings, smothered in a creamy sauce. The trout, baked in grape leaves, was a highlight that showcased the region's flavors.

If you're a foodie, this might be one of the few reasons to stick around Borjomi. For more traditional dining experiences across Georgia, don't miss Tbilisi's rich food culture.

A decorative plate showcases the beauty of creamy, molded dumplings elegantly sprinkled with sumac, reminiscent of a refined culinary culture.

The khinkluks were possibly the most memorable thing about Borjomi

A Dip to Forget: Sulfur Baths

Sulfur baths promised a restorative dip, as it has done successfully in Tbilisi, but reality had other plans. Despite their historical significance, the pools felt neglected, with freezing water that lacked the therapeutic warmth we’d imagined. Often touted as a top activity, we found it underwhelming at best and downright uncomfortable at worst.

Saving Tip: Skip the baths unless you're confident in the conditions during your visit.

Two black dogs rest on the stone pavement, one peacefully asleep while the other sits alert with its head tilted. The beauty of Borjomi's vibrant greenery and timeless stone steps creates a serene backdrop, blending nature and culture in perfect harmony. It makes you wonder, is Borjomi worth visiting? With its picturesque landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, it certainly seems so.

Even the doggies were not fans of the cold waters of the sulfur baths

Hidden Gem: Mtsvane Monastery

Our day took an unexpected turn at Mtsvane (Green) Monastery, a peaceful retreat deep in the forest. Covered in moss and dating back to the 9th or 10th century, it felt worlds apart from the more touristy parts of the town. The atmosphere was serene, a rare find that made the trip feel worthwhile.

Amidst the natural beauty of Borjomi, a stone tower with arched windows and a metal cross atop stands quietly, surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky, echoing the region's rich culture. This serene setting makes one ponder: is Borjomi worth visiting for those seeking both scenic tranquility and a touch of cultural heritage?

For travelers looking for an even more serene and offbeat adventures in Georgia, Tusheti might also be up your alley.

The Verdict: Is Borjomi Worth Visiting?

So, is Borjomi worth visiting? For us, it wasn’t a resounding "yes." The famed water and baths proved more disappointing than we'd hoped. Yet, Borjomi's undeniable charm lies in its stunning natural surroundings and green spaces. It was some of the most breathtaking scenery we encountered in Georgia.

If you're a history buff, a nature lover, or curious about its mineral water legacy, you may still find enough here to enjoy. But for us, one day was plenty. Would we head back? Probably not, but Borjomi might still steal your heart in ways it didn’t steal ours.

Would you visit Borjomi?

Borjomi at dusk unveils its beauty with silhouetted hills against a cloudy sky, illuminated buildings, and a river reflecting the dim light. With such stunning scenery on offer, one might wonder, is Borjomi worth visiting? The answer lies in its enchanting landscapes and inviting ambiance—a must-see spot for any traveler.

Farewell, Borjomi.