How long to spend in Sighnaghi? – Georgia’s City of Love
Perched on a hill in the picturesque wine region of Kakheti, Sighnaghi in Georgia is a charming town that captures the essence of Georgian culture. Known as the “City of Love,” Sighnaghi provides stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the distant Caucasus Mountains, along with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses. There a numerous reasons to explore Sighnaghi, from sampling world-class wines, exploring historic landmarks to exploring its charming village.
I wince when I think about the fact that I almost didn’t make it to Sighnaghi as I had too few days in Georgia. Yet I was determined despite having a full itinerary, so after much juggling and reorganising, I somehow managed to squeeze a day for Sighnaghi – BEST decision made!
In this guide to Sighnaghi, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Signaghi, its unique history, how to get here, as well things to do in and around the ‘City of Love and Wine’.
How Many Days should you spend in Sighnaghi?
1 to 2 days is ideal for visiting Sighnaghi. Spend the first day exploring the old town, climbing the watchtowers, visiting the Sighnaghi Museum, and enjoying Georgian cuisine. Use the second day to visit the Bodbe Monastery and take a wine tour in the Alazani Valley. If you stay a third day, explore nearby Kakheti villages, go for a hike, or simply relax at a guesthouse. I spent about a day in Sighnaghi and managed to see most places, however if you want a more relaxed pace then 2 days is ideal. Ultimately it really depends on how much time you have to explore Georgia.
Why Visit Sighnaghi?
Located only 90 mins from Tbilisi, is the City of Love (and wine), on a hilltop in Kakheti wine region. This city is well placed with weeping views of the Alazani Valley and the distant Caucasus Mountains. According to local legend a heartbroken artist once painted the town in warm, vibrant hues to mend his sorrow, and the colorful streets still carry that sense of quiet romance, hence giving it, its name.
Moreso, Sighnaghi is also a perfect spot to enjoy traditional Kakhetian wine and food. For winelovers a Signaghi is the best placed town from which you can visit multiple vineyards and wineries across the Kakheti wine region. So lets see below all the things to do in this charming city, making it essential on your Georgia itinerary!
1. Stroll the Sighnaghi Old Town
The heart of Sighnaghi is its old town, a perfect blend of European and Georgian architectural styles. The old town’s colorful houses with wooden balconies and the intricate latticework, are hallmark of the town’s charm. As you walk through, look out for art galleries, quaint shops selling handmade crafts, and cafes where you can take a break.
- Best Time to Visit: I recommend picking morning or evening as the best times of day for getting best shots of the city and surrounding city walls and valley beyond. This is also when the temperatures are more milder in the summer months.
2. Visit the Sighnaghi Wall and Watchtowers
The fortification wall of Sighnaghi is one of the longest in Georgia, stretching over 4.5 km. The wall dates back to the 18th century and served to protect the town from invasions. The best way to see and experience the walls is to climb and walk along the walls and the watchtowers for sweeping views of the Alazani Valley and the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains. The walk along the wall is manageable for most, but be prepared for some steep sections.The Sighnaghi wall and fortifications do not require a ticket and are free to access.
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7, though climbing is safest during daylight hours.
- Tips: For the best photos, visit in the late afternoon when the lighting is softer, and the valley below glows golden.
3. Explore the Sighnaghi Museum
You will find the Sighnaghi museum conveniently located in the town center. The museum provides insight into the rich history and culture of the region. Its archaeological section showcases artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age, while the art section displays works by Niko Pirosmani, one of Georgia’s most beloved painters.
I personally skipped the museum in Sighnaghi as I was already covering quite a view museums in Tbilisi and wanted to maximise the time exploring the Old Town and City walls, nonetheless the museum is worth the visit if you have time.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM–6 PM, closed on Mondays.
- Tickets: 10 GEL ($4 USD) for adults; discounts may be available for students and children.
- Tips: Allocate about an hour to explore the exhibits thoroughly. Don’t miss the museum’s terrace, which offers a great view of the surrounding landscapes.
4. Taste Local Wines at Pheasant’s Tears Winery
Pheasant’s Tears is one of the most famous wineries in Sighnaghi, celebrated for its organic and traditional qvevri (clay vessel) winemaking techniques. If you aren’t doing a wine tasting already in the Kakheti region then I highly recommend booking a guided wine tasting. This typcially includes sampling of several wine varieties, from amber wines to robust reds, paired with local snacks. The winery also has a restaurant serving traditional Georgian meals, so you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner with the tasting.
- Opening Hours: 12 PM–10 PM daily.
- Cost: Wine tasting starts at 60 GEL ($22 USD) per person; full meals with wine cost extra.
- Tips: Reserve your spot in advance during peak seasons. Ask the staff for recommendations based on your taste preferences.
5. Visit the Bodbe Monastery
You will find the Bodbe Monastery located about 2 km outside of Sighnaghi. Thai place is a peaceful spiritual retreat surrounded by lush greenery.. It’s famous for being a significant pilgrimage site, housing the tomb of St. Nino, who introduced Christianity to Georgia. The monastery itself is beautiful, with well maintained gardens, covering iintricate frescoes, and panoramic views of the Alazani Valley.
Legend has it that the spring of St Nino contains water thought to have healing properties.This can today be accessed via a short hike from the monastery.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM–6 PM daily.
- Cost: Free, however donations are always welcome.
- Tips: Wear modest clothing as it’s a religious site. I typically found a lot of religious sites and Georgia request ladies to cover their heads with a scarf, however they also provide a small basket of scarves at the entrance for visitors to use whilst inside the site. .
6. Enjoy Georgian Cuisine in Signaghi’s Restaurants
Sighnaghi is renowned for its cozy restaurants that offer traditional Georgian cuisine.
Some popular dishes worth trying in Sighnaghi and pretty much anywhere across Gerogia include khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), and mtsvadi (grilled meat). Pair your meal with local wine or chacha, a Georgian grape spirit.
Restaurants like Pancho Villa and Wine Terrace were recommended locals. If you’re here for only a day, I would recommend picking one of these as they provide good food plus stunning views of the Alazani valley.
- Cost of a meal in Signaghi: 40–60 GEL ($15–20 USD) per person for a full meal with wine on average
- If you’re vegan or vegetarian (like me), ask for lobio (bean stew) or pkhali (vegetable pâtés) which I highly recommend! Each restaurant often does its own twist on these pâtés.
7. Go on a Wine Tour in the Alazani Valley
No trip to Georgia is complete with a visit to Georgia’s wine region, and a wine tour or tasting is a great way to learn about Georgian wines and sample some of the best local fare.
Georgia is famous for its winemaking methods utilising the ancient claypots known as ‘qvevris’ which give Georgian wine its unique flavor and character, rooted in a 8,000-year-old tradition.
Local operators like All Travel Georgia and Wine Tourism offer half-day or full-day tours that typically include visits to multiple wineries, vineyards, and family-run wine cellars. We booked a tour of a local winery with Winetourism in the Kakheti region.
Despite the language difference, we got to learn from our guide Lomtadze and his wife, who run a small winery that has been in their family for many generations. As part of our tour, we wer lucky enough to also partake in a mini khachapuri cooking class while sampling the wine.
- Cost: 150–250 GEL ($55–90 USD) per person, depending on the length and inclusions.
- Tips: Book in advance, especially during the harvest season (September–October). Wear comfortable clothing for vineyard walks and bring a hat for sun protection.
8. Experience the Scenic Views at Sunset
Sighnaghi’s elevated position makes it one of the best places in Georgia to enjoy sunsets. The viewpoints near Hotel Kabadoni or the watchtowers along the Sighnaghi Wall are ideal spots to watch the sun dip below the horizon, bathing the Alazani Valley and the distant Caucasus Mountains in warm hues.
9. Take a picture with the Love Heart
The Love Sign in Sighnaghi is the town’s homage its reputation as the ‘City of Love’. To get here is a short walk af about 10 mins from the Old Town, close by to the Sighnaghi wall. The sign is situated in a prominent spot overlooking the Alazani valley.
Interestingly, Sighnaghi is also famously known for its round-the-clock wedding registry, where couples can tie the knot at any time, day or night. You will find the registry at the Sighnaghi Wedding House located near the town’s main square, here couples can come to tie the knot anytime 24/7 – nothing like a spontaneous destination wedding!
Hidden Gems in Sighnaghi
In addition to the regular scenic sights in Sighnaghi, its worth considering these lesser known experiences –
Georgian Bread Making Class
Get hands-on experience by joining a local family in baking traditional Georgian bread called “Tonis Puri.” You’ll learn how to prepare the dough and bake it in a tone, a deep circular clay oven.
It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture and, of course, enjoy freshly baked bread. We did a similair experience and tried our hand at Imerui khachapuri – a filled version of the traditional Georgian bread as part of our wine tour, followed by a traditional homemade Georgian meal with the owner of the Lomtadze winery that we visitied.
- How to Arrange: Ask your guesthouse host or a local tour operator.
- Cost: Around 20–30 GEL ($7–11 USD) per person.
2. Visit the Sighnaghi Ethnographic Park
Often overlooked, the Ethnographic Park is a hidden gem that showcases traditional Kakhetian architecture and rural life. You can explore replicas of old Georgian houses houses, wine cellars, and even participate in workshops learning a fun activity like pottery or weaving.
- Location: On the outskirts of Sighnaghi.
- Cost: Entrance fee is about 10 GEL ($4 USD), plus additional for any classes.
3. Explore Nearby Hiking Trails
Beyond the well-trodden paths, Sighnaghi offers numerous hidden trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, ancient ruins, or secluded picnic spots. One such popular trail is the Black Grouse Falls trail (9.2km / 5.7 miles) located in Laghodekhi National Park which is a challenging yet rewarding route with scenic views walking across valleys and meadows.
How to Reach Sighnaghi from Tbilisi?
Reaching Sighnaghi from Tbilisi is straightforward. Marshrutkas (minibuses) are the cheapest option, costing 6–10 GEL ($2–4 USD) from Samgori Bus Station, taking about 2.5 hours. Private taxis offer faster and more comfortable rides for 150–200 GEL ($55–75 USD) and take about 1.5 hours. Renting a car is ideal for flexibility, with prices starting at 100 GEL ($37 USD) per day.
After weighing out the pros and cons of renting a car versus hiring a driver, we decided to hire a driver given driving can be challenging in Georgia if you are not used to drivers in Georgia being a little more aggressive and not always signaling, as well poor signage in place in the countryside.
For a bit more of a hassle-free experience, we decided to book a private transfer with Gotrip Georgia (200–300 GEL / $75–110 USD) that allows stops at scenic spots en route. You can opt for a Russian and English speaking driver, typically with the english ones costing slightly more.
How to Get Around Sighnaghi?
Sighnaghi is compact and best explored on foot, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and stunning viewpoints. To visit the Bodbe Monastery (2 km away), you can either walk, take a taxi (10–20 GEL / $4–7 USD), or rent a bike. Local taxis are also handy for visiting nearby wineries or vineyards and usually cost 20–50 GEL ($7–18 USD) per trip. For a unique experience, consider bike rentals offered by some guesthouses. Rental cars are unnecessary within the town but useful for exploring the Kakheti region.
Hiring a Driver vs Renting a Car in Georgia
Hiring a driver costs around 150–250 GEL ($55–90 USD) per day and is perfect for those unfamiliar with Georgian roads or who want a stress-free experience. Drivers often act as informal guides, sharing insights about local culture and attractions.
Renting a car, priced at 100–200 GEL ($37–75 USD) per day, is ideal for travelers seeking flexibility and independence. Roads in Georgia are generally good, but drivers should be cautious of aggressive local driving habits, livestock on roads, and unmarked speed bumps. Choose based on your confidence in driving and your travel itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Sighnaghi and the Kakheti region
The best time to visit Sighnaghi depends on your preferences for weather, but in my opinion there really isn’t a bad time.
Spring (April–June) offers mild temperatures, typically ranging from 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F). Spring here has blooming landscapes and fewer crowds, making it a perfect time to explore.
Fall (September–October) is ideal for wine enthusiasts to visit Kakheti, as it coincides with the grape harvest season (Rtveli) and showcases vineyards at their peak. Temperatures during fall range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and this is one of the busiest periods, so expect more tourists. Although I went in late fall and found tourist numbers had dropped significantly.
Summer (July–August) brings warmer weather, with highs of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). It’s ideal for outdoor activities but can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
Winter (December–February) is the quietest season, with temperatures averaging -1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F).
If visiting in winter, pack warm clothing, including a heavy jacket, gloves, a scarf, and sturdy shoes suitable for walking on icy paths. For any season, I highly recommend researching wineries in advance and checking their availability and opening hours, particularly during the quieter winter months, to avoid disappointment.
How long to spend in Sighnaghi?
A day is sufficient to explore Sighnaghi itself. While you can definitely stay longer to explore, to me Signaghi is the perfect day trip destination which can be covered in a day trip from Tbilisi or with an overnight stay in Old Town.
If you want to explore the surrounding Kakheti wine region and check out the vineyards, then 1-2 days is a reasonable amount of time.
Where to Stay in Sighnaghi
Although Singnaghi can be done in a single day trip from Tbilisi, it is often worth staying a night here. This is especially the case, if you are combining a visit to Sighnaghi with a separate wine tour in the Kakheti wine region nearby.
Sighnaghi has a range of accommodations for different budgets. For luxury, the Kabadoni Hotel features modern amenities, a spa, and panoramic valley views, with rooms starting at 350 GEL ($130 USD) per night. For Mid-range travelers, there are plenty of choices, one such is the Lazare Hotel, 150–200 GEL ($55–75 USD) per nigh with decent amenities and comfortable beds. Budget options like Guest House Nato provide a homely experience starting at 50–70 GEL ($18–25 USD).
Your best bet is booking in advance especially during peak seasons like fall and spring.Based on my personal experience, I would recommend opting for guesthouses or Airbnbs over hotels in this town, for a more authentic and local experience..We booked Hotel VIM in Sighnaghi quite last minute, so didn’t have much by way of expectations, yet were blown away by the breakfast spread, the hospitality as well the sun filled balcony we had to ourselves overlooking the town.
Currency and Costs in Sighnaghi, Georgia
The currency in Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL), with an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD = 2.8–3.0 GEL and 1 EUR = 3.0–3.2 GEL, though rates can vary slightly. Small shops, markets, and taxis typically prefer cash, so it’s a good idea to carry some with you. While most hotels and restaurants in Sighnaghi accept credit cards, cash is essential for smaller establishments, local markets, and taxis.
While we found there are some ATMs are available in Sighnaghi, they may be limited, especially during peak tourist seasons when they could run out of cash temporarily. So it’s wise to withdraw enough cash in advance, either in Tbilisi or at a larger town on your way, to cover expenses like meals, transportation, and entrance fees. Additionally, you may find it easier having smaller denominations, as breaking larger bills can sometimes be challenging in smaller shops or taxis here.
Local Etiquette and Culture
- Georgians are renowned for their hospitality, we found this to be especially true when it comes to food, so don’t be surprised if locals invite you for a drink or a meal or end up giving you something free just to try on the house.
- At religious sites like the Bodbe Monastery, wear modest clothing.Women are often required to cover their head and although I didn’t being my pwn scarf, but often just borrowed one from the basket often found in front of church entrances which provide spare scarves
- As we learnt at our dinner with our gracious hosts at the Lomtadze winery, dining etiquette often involves elaborate feasts (supra), led by a toastmaster (tamada), with frequent toasts.
- Georgian is the official language, but many locals speak Russian, and English is increasingly common in tourist areas.
- Learning a few basic phrases like “Gamarjoba” (hello) or “Madloba” (thank you) is always appreciated.
Let me know what you are most excited to see in Sighnaghi and across Georgia!
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