Weekend in Borjomi

The original outdoor pump house where locals fill up. A simple concrete pavilion storing cold, naturally carbonated water direct from the spring. Three taps each run at a different

Tip: Arrive before 9am to avoid the queue. The water is coldest and fizzes hardest first thing.

Expansive green space along the Borjomula River. Has a mineral water spring where you can fill your bottle for free. Paths lead past a small zoo, a cable car (fee required) and a f

Tip: Bring an empty bottle. The warmer water from the outdoor tap tastes less metallic than the chilled dispenser inside the pavilion.

Small information centre with relief maps, stuffed wildlife displays and free advice on day hikes. You can borrow walking poles and a paper map, then walk the 1km nature trail loop free of charge.

Tip: Go early to book a free guided walk in English — they run at 10am if enough people sign up. Otherwise grab the map and do the 'Beech Trail' on your own.

Two-floor museum covering Borjomi's history from Bronze Age settlements to Soviet spa culture. Entry is 3 GEL (under £1). Exhibits include old photographs, archaeological finds and a stuffed brown bea

Tip: Most labels are in Georgian only. Use the Google Translate app on your phone — there's free WiFi inside.

Early 20th-century hunting lodge of Tsar Nicholas II's uncle, now a museum. Exhibits cover the Romanov family's time in Borjomi and the building's Soviet sanatorium years. Entry is 5 GEL (about £1.50)

Tip: The ticket includes the garden and a short film. Skip the film and walk straight to the rear terrace for views up the valley.