Things to Do in Borjomi, Georgia: Springs, Sulfur Pools, and Forest

Borjomi is one of Georgia's best-known resort towns — Georgia the country in the South Caucasus — set in a green valley ringed by forested hills. Unlike the bigger cities, it isn't about architecture or urban life; it's about nature, fresh air, and slowing down. The town has been famous for its mineral water since the 19th century, when it became a favorite of the Russian imperial family, and it still carries that identity as a place to walk, soak, and recover between more active parts of a trip. It works especially well as a stop between Tbilisi and Akhaltsikhe, or as a short nature escape from the capital.

What is there to do in Borjomi?

The main things to do in Borjomi are walking Central Park and tasting the mineral water at the source, soaking in the forest sulfur pools beyond the park, riding the cable car for a view over the valley, and hiking in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Add the Romanov palace grounds at Likani and easy onward trips to Akhaltsikhe, Vardzia, and Bakuriani, and Borjomi fills a relaxed full day or works as a base for the wider region. This is a destination for nature and recovery rather than monuments and sightseeing.

Walk through Borjomi Central Park

Borjomi Central Park is the main gathering place in town and the starting point for most visits. It follows the Borjomula River and combines walking paths, small bridges, forested stretches, and open spaces, with a relaxed feel where locals and visitors come to walk and sit by the water. The highlight is the mineral water spring, where you can taste Borjomi water straight from the source — the flavor is strong and a little unusual, but that's part of it. You can easily spend a few hours here without a plan, walking deeper into the park or sitting by the river.

Taste the mineral water at the source

Borjomi's identity is tied to its mineral water, one of the country's most recognizable products and exported internationally. Tasting it at the source is different from the bottled version: warm and strongly mineral rather than the cold, carbonated drink most people know. Whether or not you like the taste, it's central to understanding Borjomi's history and reputation as a health resort. One honest note — many first-timers find the warm source water an acquired taste, so don't be surprised if you prefer the bottled kind.

Visit the Borjomi sulfur pools

The Borjomi sulfur pools are one of the most enjoyable things to do beyond Central Park. You reach them on a marked path that runs deeper into the forest, and the walk along the river through quiet, green surroundings is part of the experience. Tourism information places them roughly 2 kilometers beyond the rear of Borjomi Park, which makes them an easy extension of a park visit.

The pools are open-air and fed by warm sulfur water. According to the Georgian National Tourism Administration, the water generally sits around 32–38°C, which makes the pools appealing in any season, including the colder months — the contrast is especially memorable in autumn and winter, when the forest air is cool and the water stays warm. This isn't a luxury spa; the appeal is natural and local, closer to a forest bath than a formal wellness center. The site has showers and changing rooms, which makes a visit practical. For anyone spending a full day in Borjomi, the pools give the day a proper finishing point and round out the town's identity around bathing and recovery, not just drinking the water.

Take the cable car for a view over Borjomi

From Central Park, a cable car runs up to a viewpoint above the town. The ride is short, but it gives a good sense of Borjomi's layout — a narrow valley wrapped in dense forest — and from the top you can see how the town blends into the landscape. A simple activity, but worth doing to understand the setting.

Explore Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Georgia and a major reason to visit the region. It offers forest trails, hiking routes of different lengths, and large stretches of undisturbed nature with wildlife. You don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it — even short walks near the park entrances give a good impression of the environment, while longer routes deeper in need proper planning and equipment. For travelers who like nature, this is one of the more rewarding areas in Georgia.

Visit the Romanov palace grounds at Likani

Just outside Borjomi, the Romanov palace at Likani reflects the town's past as a resort for the Russian imperial family. The palace is now a state residence and its interior is not generally open to visitors, but the surrounding area can be explored and gives a sense of how Borjomi developed as a 19th-century health destination. Check access before making a special trip, as it varies.

Relax in the forest and by the river

One of the main reasons to come to Borjomi is simply to slow down. The combination of forest, river, and clean air makes a calm environment that contrasts with the busier cities. Walking without a plan, sitting by the river, or just spending time in nature is a real part of the visit — and a useful reset if you've come from a hectic stretch of travel.

Combine Borjomi with nearby destinations

Borjomi is well placed for combining with other destinations: Akhaltsikhe and its Rabati Castle, the Vardzia cave monastery beyond it, and the mountain resort of Bakuriani. That makes it a flexible stop within a larger southern Georgia itinerary, and many travelers base in Borjomi to reach the others.

Why Borjomi is worth visiting

Borjomi offers something different from the rest of Georgia. It isn't about monuments or busy sightseeing — it's about nature and fresh air, relaxation, light exploration, and a historical spa culture. It works as a balance within a trip, especially after more active or urban destinations. The trade-off is exactly that: travelers chasing big-ticket sights will find more elsewhere, while those who want to slow down get the most from it.