In short
- Water from the spring is free, but park entry costs 5 GEL.
- The water is naturally warm, uncarbonated, salty, and sulfuric.
- Bring an empty water bottle to fill up at the pavilion.
In this article
Tasting the local water is a standard stop on the typical 12 to 14-hour group tour from Tbilisi. While the spring itself does not charge a fee, you do need to enter Borjomi Central Park first. Here is what to expect when visiting the pavilion.
Where is the Borjomi mineral water spring located?
The spring is located inside Borjomi Central Park at the Mineral Water Pavilion.
Look for a prominent glass dome structure shortly after entering the park. This pavilion covers the original spring source. You will need to pay the park entry fee, which is around 5 GEL, though it is sometimes waived depending on the season.
What does the warm mineral water taste like?
The natural spring water tastes quite sulfuric and salty, and it is served warm.
Unlike the bottled, carbonated Borjomi water sold in stores worldwide, the water straight from the spring is uncarbonated. The strong sulfur scent and salty flavor surprise many visitors. It is an acquired taste, but locals drink it for its therapeutic properties.
Do you need to bring your own bottle?
Yes, you should bring a refillable water bottle to collect the free mineral water.
There are no cups provided at the pavilion. Pack an empty bottle in your day bag before leaving Tbilisi. You can fill it up directly at the spring taps under the glass dome.
What else is there to do in Borjomi Central Park?
Beyond the water pavilion, you can ride a vintage cable car or hike to the sulphur pools.
The Borjomi Cable Car rides up the cliffside to a scenic plateau and Ferris wheel. It costs 5 to 15 GEL one way. If you have enough time, you can also walk to the open-air thermal pools deep inside the park.
Can you swim in the Borjomi mineral water?
You cannot swim at the drinking pavilion, but you can visit the open-air sulphur pools deeper in the park.
The thermal sulphur pools are located at the end of a 3-kilometer flat walk through the woods. Entry to these warm pools costs 15 GEL. If your tour schedule allows a visit, remember to pack swimwear and a quick-dry towel.
How long do tours spend at Borjomi Central Park?
Group tours generally allocate enough time to taste the water and see the immediate park area.
Because the full-day trip from Tbilisi covers over 500 kilometers round-trip, time is limited. You will have time for the Mineral Water Pavilion, which takes about 10 minutes. However, visiting the sulphur pools requires at least 1.5 hours, which may not fit a standard group itinerary.
Questions travellers ask
Is Borjomi Central Park entry free?
No, entry typically costs around 5 GEL. However, the fee is sometimes waived depending on the season.
Is the water from the spring carbonated?
No. Unlike the bottled version sold in stores, the natural water from the pavilion is uncarbonated and naturally warm.
Is it safe to drink the Borjomi spring water?
Yes, visitors safely drink it directly from the source. Just be prepared for its strong salty and sulfuric taste.
