Whether you want ancient Georgian tourism, dark tourism, red tourism, foodie tours, or simply a bit of danger at dodgy borders, then Gori travel pretty much offers a bit of everything.
How though do you get there, when should you go, what should you see, where should you eat and drink, and of course what should you do? This is the ultimate YPT Gori Guide.
Table of Contents
What the Gori Guide?
In case you missed the memo, Gori is a small town of about 45,000 people that is around 85 km from the capital of Tbilisi. This means that if there is no traffic and the Bolt driver goes like a bat out of hell, you can be here in about an hour.
The main reason to come here, at least from a Pioneer point of view, is that it was the hometown of former Soviet Iron Man Joseph Stalin. This meant that back in the day it was a true Soviet tourism spot. Things have obviously changed, but red tourists, particularly those from Russia and China, still come here in significant numbers.
Yet while Stalin is a huge draw, there are also a lot of other great historical attractions that are thousands of years old, such as the cave city. It is also rural Georgia, so the food, wine and indeed beer here are pretty epic.
5 Top Things to Do in Gori Guide
Of course there are more than just five things to do in Gori, but here we have listed the five main ones, as well as how to manage your Gori travel to these places.
5. Wander Around Stalin Avenue and Central Gori
Stalin Avenue is pretty much where it is at in Gori. This is where you find food, bars, restaurants, shops and a awhile heap of Gori life. Stalin park is particularly great of an evening for a wee bit of people watching.
Everything is within easy walking distance once you are in the centre.
4. Climb Gori Fortress
Towering above the city is Gori Fortress, one of the oldest landmarks in the region. While much of what you see today dates from the medieval period, the site itself has been fortified for centuries. The short climb is worth it purely for the views across the city and the surrounding countryside.
The fortress is around a ten minute walk from the Stalin Museum and entry is free. Great views of the city.
3. Visit Ateni Sioni Church
If you have your own transport, or hire a Bolt for an hour or two, then the beautiful Ateni Sioni Church is well worth the trip. Dating back to the 7th century, it sits in a stunning valley surrounded by vineyards and mountains, its a pretty pretty spot.
It is around 12 km south of the city and easiest reached by taxi.
2. Explore Uplistsikhe Cave City
Predating both Christianity and even much of recorded Georgian history, Uplistsikhe is one of the oldest cave cities in the Caucasus. Wander through ancient tunnels, temples, wine presses and homes carved directly into the rock while enjoying spectacular views over the Mtkvari River.
Located around 10 km east of Gori, it is easily reached by Bolt, taxi or marshrutka.
1. Visit the Stalin Museum
Let’s be honest, this is why you came. The Stalin Museum remains one of the last great Soviet museums, complete with the house where Stalin was born, thousands of exhibits covering his life, and the famous armoured railway carriage that carried him to Yalta. Love or hate him a picture next to the statue is a must. You can read our full guide here.
The museum is located right in the centre of Gori and can easily be visited on foot.
Eating and Drinking in Gori Travel Guide
Being just an hour from Tbilisi means that there is not really a Gori cuisine as such, nor is there really a street food Gori scene. There are both good and bad restaurants and bars here.
Here’s our five top tips.
5. Cafe 22
Address: 22 Stalin Avenue, Gori
A solid choice for breakfast, coffee or a light lunch. Basically OK place to hang out and eat without being life changing.
4. Restaurant Chinebuli
Address: 10 Chavchavadze Street, Gori
Traditional Georgian food done well. Come here for khinkali, grilled meat and excellent local wine.
3. Georgia House
Address: 5 Stalin Avenue, Gori
A friendly restaurant serving generous portions of classic Georgian dishes, with plenty of seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Old Marani
Address: 76 Queen Tamar Street, Gori
Great food and nice people, but it gets its fame from being the best bar in Goris. Do the drink challenge and see you can match my moxi!
1. Black Stars BBQ
Address: 13 Besarion Jughashvili Street, Gori
Our number one pick in Gori. Black Stars serves some of the best barbecue in town alongside excellent Georgian favourites. Great big portions, cheap booze and a great view of the fortress.
One restaurant you will often see advertised as the “best” is KE&RA – now while I loathe talking bad about a place, I did find it overpriced overrated and awful.
Sleeping in Gori Travel Guide
There’s actually only a few listed hotels on booking sites like Trip.com, mainly Gori Apartments and Georgia Gold, which you can read about here. These come in at around the $60 mark per night, but are very good.
If you want something more rustic and local, there are plenty of guesthouses around that you can book through Georgian apps, or just by exploring. These are usually about half the price.
Alas I have not been able to work out if the slightly dodgy old InTourist Hotel is still there.
Getting in and out of Gori Guide
Gori is one of the easiest places in Georgia to reach and sits on the country’s main east to west road and railway.
Road distances
- Tbilisi: 85 km (around 1 hour)
- Mtskheta: 60 km (45 minutes)
- Uplistsikhe: 10 km (15 minutes)
- Borjomi: 70 km (around 1 hour 20 minutes)
- Kutaisi: 140 km (around 2 hours)
- Batumi: 330 km (around 5 hours)
Train times
Regular trains run between Tbilisi and Gori throughout the day, with the journey taking around 1 hour 20 minutes. Trains also continue west to Kutaisi, Poti, Zugdidi and Batumi. Tickets are inexpensive and can be bought online or at the station. Taking the train in Georgia is a whole heap of fun.
Marshrutkas also leave regularly from Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi throughout the day and are often the quickest option if traffic is light.
You cannot travel to South Ossetia from Gori despite it being like next door unless you want to get shot. I very almost learned this the hard way.
Click to see the must have apps in Georgia.
Conclusion
Whether you go with us, or by yourself Gori travel is essential when you visit Georgia, particularly if you have a penchant for Red Tourism, but even if you do not.
And you can visit Georgia with YPT!
