Things to Do in Telavi, Georgia: A Practical Guide

When planning what to do in Telavi, Georgia, allocate one full day for the town centre. Telavi is a compact city that serves as the administrative centre of the Kakheti region. The central grid is highly walkable, and the main sights—a 17th-century royal palace, an ancient plane tree, and a daily farmers’ market—sit within a short distance of each other.

A second day is recommended to explore beyond the city limits. You will need extra time to reach nearby monasteries, regional wineries, and estates like Tsinandali (8 to 12 kilometres away). Trips in late September or October coincide with Rtveli, the traditional Kakhetian grape harvest.

Batonis Tsikhe (The Prince’s Castle)

Batonis Tsikhe (the Prince’s Castle) served as the primary residence of the Kakhetian kings in the 17th and 18th centuries. The complex is located in the centre of town at 1 Irakli II Street.

Defensive stone walls enclose the site, which contains several historical structures:

• King Erekle II Palace: The former royal residence.
• Telavi History Museum: This regional museum has occupied the halls of Batonis Tsikhe since 1935.
• Additional structures: Two churches and the remains of a royal bathhouse.

The museum ticket includes entrance to the King Erekle II Palace.

Opening hours and tickets

Batonis Tsikhe is open from 10:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays). The entrance fee is 7 GEL (approximately €2.20).

The Giant Plane Tree (Chadari)

Known locally as Chadari, the Giant Plane Tree (Platanus orientalis) is situated in the city centre. You will find it in a small park area near the intersection of B. Kvernadze Street and E. Akhalkatsishvili Street.

The tree is approximately 46 metres (150 feet) tall. The trunk is around 12 metres (39 feet) in circumference. It is estimated to be over 900 years old.

Visiting the tree is free, and the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round.

The tree is undergoing a 35,000 GEL rehabilitation project, 90% funded by Telavi’s twin town of Biberach, Germany.

Telavi Bazaar (Farmers’ Market)

Telavi Bazaar is the town’s central farmers’ market, located on Giorgi Saakadze Street.

It is open daily from 07:00 to 18:00. Bring Georgian lari, as many vendors only accept cash.

Vendors sell regional food products and Kakhetian specialities, including:

• Traditional Georgian sweets: Churchkhela (nuts dipped in thickened grape juice) and tklapi (fruit leather).
• Local cheeses: Akhmeta cheese, dambalkhacho, sulguni, and nadughi (Georgian ricotta).
• Local alcohol: Draught qvevri wine and traditionally distilled chacha.

Navigating Telavi Old Town

Telavi is highly walkable. The palace, plane tree, and market are all within walking distance of each other. Our Old House, a four-room guest house at 25a Shota Rustaveli Avenue, is located 450 metres from the King Erekle II Palace and a short walk from the market and the Giant Plane Tree.

Walking to the Giant Plane Tree from Freedom Square takes about 15 minutes. The 1.2-kilometre route follows Chavchavadze Street and B. Kvernadze Street.

Alternative transport options from Freedom Square include:

• Marshrutka: Minibuses heading towards Ikalto village stop near the tree. The ride takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs 0.5 GEL.
• Taxi: A short ride from the centre costs approximately 5 GEL.
• Ride-sharing: Apps like Bolt operate in Telavi.

Transport Connections

Telavi is located approximately 100 kilometres from Tbilisi.

From the capital, marshrutkas depart from Ortachala Marshrutka Station, while shared taxis leave from outside Isani Metro Station.

Transport between major Kakhetian towns is limited. A single daily marshrutka to Sighnaghi departs at 09:30, except on Sundays.

Telavi serves as a staging point for trips into the Caucasus Mountains. To reach Tusheti, head to Zemo Alvani (25 kilometres from Telavi), the primary departure point for shared 4x4s heading up the mountain pass.