Georgia is the new trendy destination! Undiscovered by mass tourism so far, you can get to know a ascinating country with an impressive culture here.
Not to mention Georgian cuisine, which was celebrated as a gourmet’s paradise even in Soviet days. From stuffed chinkali to steaming hachapuri fresh from the stone oven to the exceptional Georgian wines – the culinary scene is one of a kind.
Georgia is one of the latest trend travel destinations. In recent years, the country in the Caucasus has become one of the most interesting destinations in the region. But how to travel such a relatively exotic country? In this post you’ll find travel tips and helpful information for your Georgia trip – and don’t worry, it’s not that complicated!
Travel tips for Georgia
So if you’re in the mood for an exciting destination that’s (still) off the beaten path and has a few surprises in store, this is the place for you! Georgia’s landscape is a dream for outdoor fans and hiking enthusiasts, and city lovers will ravel about the capital Tbilisi on a trip to Georgia! So why not take a vacation in Georgia?
Winter is harsh and very cold in the mountains. In the capital Tbilisi, temperatures are more pleasant and somewhat warmer than in Central Europe. In summer , it can get really hot in Tbilisi as well as in the rest of the country, so a beach vacation at the Black Sea might be more suitable.
In Tbilisi you can still find many charming old buildings!
How to get to Georgia
From Germany, Lufthansa and Georgian Airways fly directly to Tbilisi, Ryanair is planning to establish a regular flight. Turkish Airlines offers connections via Istanbul. Georgian Airways offers direct flights from several German airports. The duration of the flight is about 4 hours.
Not particularly crowded: The spacious airport of TbilisiWith Georgian Airways to Tbilisi
Transportation within Tbilisi and to other places
You can get from city to city in Georgia by bus, train or so-called Marshrutkas (minibuses). You can also hire a private guide and driver! More on this under ➜ Language & communication. Within Tbilisi, there are buses and a metro network that is easy to use for tourists without any knowledge of Georgian.
You should set aside some money for typical souvenirs (also relatively cheap), e.g. carpets or other handicrafts.
Accommodation
Especially in the capital, Tbilisi, there are now some really chic little boutique hotels that offer excellent value for the money. For example, I can recommend the Museum Hotel Orbeliani or the Fabrika Hostel for those on a tight budget.
The restaurant of the Fabrika Hostel is also open for non-guests – absolute recommendation!
Food Drinks
Georgian cuisine
Georgia is famous for its varied cuisine. Eating out is very affordable. However, Georgian cuisine is very meat-heavy, so vegetarians may experience some restrictions. Vegan cuisine is not very widespread or even known.
Dishes are often served in such a way that they are divided at the table
Georgian wine
Besides the numerous specialties such as Khachapuri and Chinkali, Georgia is also known for its wines. Georgia is one of the first countries in the world where wine was grown. The special aging in underground clay amphorae gives the traditional Georgian wine its special bouquet.
Language & Communication
English is not very widely spoken in Georgia. Even in the capital Tbilisi, it is sometimes difficult to communicate. The Georgian language belongs to the South Caucasian languages and even uses its own script, which makes it all the more difficult if you want to learn the basics.
With language skills, travelling is definitely easier! Many Georgians with foreign language skills have recognized this shortcoming and offer themselves to tourists as tour guides for the entire trip. So if there is still room in your budget for this, I highly recommend hiring a local guide for your stay!
I have never been able to decipher anything, but I loved the Georgian script!
In Tbilisi, for example, we met Irina, who, in addition to touring Tbilisi, also shows tourists around the whole country. Irina even speaks German. I have already recommended her frequently and have received very positive feedback. So if you need a tour guide, write to me under contact and I’ll forward you her details (she doesn’t have her own website etc, so this is a real first hand recommendation!).
Safety
Petty crime and road traffic
I felt safer in Tbilisi than in many bigger European cities. However, you should also exercise the usual caution here. In general, I found road traffic in Tbilisi much more dangerous, both as a pedestrian and as a passenger: Georgians have a very fast driving style!
Unsafe regions in Georgia
Many might think of possible unstable political situations in the Caucasus and resulting dangers, but I didn’t notice anything of that in Tbilisi, and according to our Georgian companions it should be the same in other tourist areas like Batumi or Swanetia.
Travel to the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, however, is not advised. (Source: German Federal Foreign Office)
Solo female travel in Georgia
I was not traveling alone, yet I wouldn’t worry about traveling to Georgia alone as a woman. Also, I have not heard of any major problems of women traveling alone.
Vaccinations & Health
Georgia may still be an exotic destination, but you are safe from tropical diseases. Particular caution is required when coming into contact with the many street dogs and with hygiene in simple restaurants. Medical care often does not meet European standards. A private travel health insurance is advisable, also in case of a possible return transport for better care!
There are many street dogs in Tbilisi, but they are chipped by the city administration.Street dogs characterize the cityscape and are tolerated even in front of official buildings – Georgians seemed to me very relaxed and animal-friendly
Internet & WiFi
Free Wi-Fi is offered in many restaurants and cafes. In Tbilisi there is also a public network of the city with several hotspots in the center. The network quality in Tbilisi is very good in general.
You will find Wi-Fi everywhere in restaurants and cafes in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi in particular is emerging as an international hotspot for digital nomads, thanks to the low cost of living. Co-working spaces like Fabrika are a good place to start.
Somehow it’s no wonder that Tbilisi and Georgia end up more and more often on travel wish lists: Things are happening in Tbilisi. While tourists can still somehow come to terms with overcrowded and hyped city destinations like Berlin or Barcelona by going there out of season, the whole thing looks different for the ever-growing number of nomadic freelancers and artists. Berlin and Barcelona have always been prototypes for energetic, international cities where it was possible to live and work spontaneously and at low cost. But just: That was once.
The Fabrika in Tbilisi was once a – surprise – factory.
Fabrika Tbilisi: Hostel & Sanctuary for Creatives and Digital Nomads
Coworking spaces are no longer these small-scale organized office communities that you can book into spontaneously – they have now become a real industry in which big players are happy to play. At the appropriate price. It is also not getting any easier for artists to find suitable studio space.
And somehow, at least in Berlin, this is reflected in the mood of the city. Everything has become a little less creative, less spontaneous, less innovative. As a tourist, you may not care about that at first, but a creative, vibrant environment influences the atmosphere of a city. And this spontaneous, exciting – isn’t that what interests us about such cities? Fabrika Tbilisi is not only a coworking space, but also a pretty cool hostel! (By the way, there are also private rooms).
An old Volkswagen van serves as a photo booth at Fabrika Tbilisi.
Fabrika Tbilisi – the urban hotspot of Tbilisi
Fabrika in Tbilisi is such an exciting place. Formerly a large textile factory, here is a kind of cultural center of the city. The centerpiece is the large building on the side of the street: where sewing machines once rattled in Soviet times, hipsters from all over the world now sleep in the Fabrika Hostel. The lobby: an old hall with meter-high mullioned windows, furnished with comfortable sofas and pinball machines.
Next door is the adjoining restaurant with good cuisine, you can feel the will to create innovative dishes! So delicious!
However, there are other bars and restaurants on the premises, plus artist studios and a large coworking space. And all kinds of little gimmicks: the most beautiful murals, a converted VW van as a photo booth and an old Lada as a photo spot.
Well, it would be a bit last-minute and pretty spontaneous—but would I maybe, just by chance, be up for a weekend in Tbilisi? Sandra from Tracks and the City didn’t even have to ask. Spontaneous trips? They’re always the best. So then—let’s go find the best sights and tips in Tbilisi.
The best sights in Tbilisi & what to do
It’s not that Georgia has nothing else to offer—quite the opposite! Georgia is kind of the new “it” destination for nature lovers because it’s a great place for hiking and has a certain exotic appeal—it’s not yet on the radar of package tour travelers and is blessed with incredible mountain landscapes.
But Tbilisi as a city break? Does Tbilisi have any sights? Here in Germany, Georgia’s capital is still relatively unknown. Unfairly so. And best of all: Tbilisi is accessible year-round. The flight takes 4 hours, but with a little luck, it’s pretty relaxing—and you’ll land in a destination that’s (still) spared from tourist crowds.
The beautifully decorated arcades are typical of the old buildings in Tbilisi.
Wear your most comfortable sneakers and off to the old town! The old town center of Tbilisi is well-kept and well-preserved, and houses many sights such as the clock tower of the Reno Gabriadze Theater, the Sioni Cathedral or the old caravanserai. Here you can also find the best examples of the typical old Tbilisi architecture: the romantic houses with their ornate wooden arcades make you want to move in right away!
#2 Mtatsinda
Tbilisi lies in a valley along the Kura River, so it makes sense to check out the city from one of the surrounding mountains. Mtatsinda is a popular destination, even for locals. You can get up (and down) via a fairly modern cogwheel railway. And at the top, you’ll find the most amazing view of the city, an amusement park with a Ferris wheel (for those who still want to go higher), a petting zoo, and various restaurants at the chic mountain station.
From Mtatsinda you can see far over Tbilisi.
By the way, the petting zoo is a Georgian thing: The Georgians are very fond of animals and next to the petting zoo, between the cotton candy stand and the fairground stalls, there is a stand where two huge St. Bernards can be cuddled for a small fee. Usually, I’m not a big fan of any kind of animal attraction, but these two seemed so relaxed and happy, probably even Peta would have given his blessing. Nice gimmick at night (besides the view) is the TV tower, which changes color almost every minute.
Yes, I know—I’m not really into religion or the church, but in the end I always end up in at least one anyway. Church history is simply part of the picture if you want to explore a country’s culture and history. This is especially true in Georgia, with its deeply religious population and very long church tradition. Georgians have their own version of the Orthodox Church, their own patriarch, and their own customs.
As is customary in Orthodox churches, there are no seats, and services can sometimes last half a day. But that’s okay—churches are often as bustling as a train station: sometimes you step outside for a smoke, then you run into acquaintances, and amid all the comings and goings, a baptism or even a wedding takes place. Even though we were obvious tourists, we were immediately welcomed into the congregation, but we ultimately declined the priest’s offer to present our intercessions to the Lord on our behalf due to the language barrier.
Please note: The dress code is strictly enforced. Women are required to wear head coverings, and in some churches, skirts are even mandatory (in most cases, headscarves and wrap skirts are available to borrow). Photography may be prohibited. The highlight is Sameba Cathedral, which was built as recently as 2004 and towers high above the city.
Sioni Cathedral in downtown Tbilisi is one of the most important churches of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
#4 The magnificent houses from the Wilhelminian period
From splendor to decay: There is much to discover in Tbilisi’s old buildings.
It’s unbelievable, how many architectural highlights are to discover behind some half-ruined facades. Some houses are inhabited and privately owned, but you can ring the doorbell and ask nicely. Georgians seem reserved toward strangers at first glance, but strangely enough have no problem with a group of tourists strolling through the backyard of their own house with their cameras.
#5 Georgian specialties
Definitely worth to try!
#6 Georgian wine and spirits
Georgians are no strangers to good food and drink: they drink, eat, drink, eat—until the doctor comes. And it’s no wonder: Georgia is the world’s first wine-growing region, and during the Soviet era, it was considered the Mecca of fine cuisine. Georgian cuisine is so incredibly good that it’s impossible to sum it up in this short paragraph: a separate food guide is coming soon. For now, let’s raise a glass of chacha (Georgian brandy)! And there’s good news for vegetarians: Georgian cuisine isn’t actually that meat-heavy—Sandra from Tracks and the City did some special research for her upcoming Veggie Food Guide.
Special: Georgian wine matures in clay jars and tastes particularly intense.
#7 The Georgian alphabet
With all the squiggles, the Georgian alphabet is really pretty.
I, being such a philistine, had no idea that Georgian had its own alphabet. I thought it was just Cyrillic letters or variations thereof. But it actually does have its own alphabet, which—in my opinion—looks absolutely beautiful with all its flourishes and curves. It’s kind of really flowery and a total feast for the eyes.
#8 Stray Dogs and Cats in Tbilisi
It’s immediately obvious: There are plenty of stray dogs and cats roaming the streets of Tbilisi. Before I could feel my heart break, I was assured that all the dogs were registered—and indeed, all the dogs are very well-groomed and appear healthy. And that’s not all. Most of them are so trusting that once they’ve taken you into their doggy hearts, it’s hard to get them to leave you alone. Nowhere are they chased away or mistreated, as one might be accustomed to seeing in other countries. On the contrary: even in front of the Prime Minister’s official residence, dogs are allowed to lounge around and lie completely relaxed in front of the building, right next to the security guards.
#9 The sulfur baths in Abanotubani
The smell of sulfur may be unpleasant at first sniff and remind you of rotten eggs, but that feeling disappears as soon as you see the magnificent baths in Abanotubani, such as the Orbeliani Bath.
Beautiful: The entrance portal to the Orbeliani Baths in Abanotubani.
Outside, it’s like a scene from *One Thousand and One Nights*; inside, you’ll find private bathing cabins where you can relax alone or with a partner or friends. Massages are also available—and as always, despite the opulence, everything comes at a bargain price. The perfect spot for a little getaway! You can bathe with or without clothes (which Georgians might find a bit strange)—it doesn’t matter, because once you’ve rented the bath, you have it all to yourself! By the way, it’s a good idea to make a reservation on weekends, since the sulfur baths in Abanotubani are very popular even among locals!
The sulfur baths of Abanotubani in Tbilisi.
#10 Getting to know the Georgians
Our travel guide to Georgia, which I’d grabbed just before departure, was brimming with enthusiasm for Georgian hospitality. While I had already pictured Georgians constantly singing and dancing, always inviting you home and practically forcing you to become part of the family, the reality was sobering. I found the locals to be very reserved, not to mention lacking in a service-oriented mindset. Friendly hellos, “please,” and “thank you” are rather rare, but that’s not meant in a negative way. And if you make an effort, you’ll definitely get a nice burst of positive energy in return.
As with this baker here, who after a small warm up even asked us behind the sales counter, so that we could better film his bakery skills. Then he proudly presented his pastry and finally said goodbye to us with air kisses and a lot of winking.
By the way, the bakery is right across from the History Museum—there’s no sign, so just go down the stairs to the basement.
Tips for your stay in Tbilisi: Treat yourself to a local tour guide!
We probably would have missed out on most of these tips and background information forever if Sandra and I hadn’t had our gem, Irina, with us—she enthusiastically guided us through Tbilisi’s Old Town for almost an entire day, was always on hand as our photographer, and is the reason why there will be several more posts about Tbilisi to come.
The thing is, no one in Tbilisi is really geared toward international visitors yet, which is really great on the one hand, but on the other hand, it can be difficult if you’re interested in more background information. There isn’t that much travel literature about Tbilisi yet. Once you’re there, many interesting sights are labeled only in Georgian, and people don’t always speak English. While that looks nice (see 6.), it’s difficult for non-Georgians. All the better that we had Irina, who was also happy to speak German with us. She actually preferred that to English, since she studied in Germany for a long time.
Irina offers her tours on a very private basis, so to speak; she doesn’t have a website or anything like that—so she’s a real hidden gem! If you’re interested in tours in and around Tbilisi with Irina, feel free to leave a comment below this post, and I’ll put you in touch with her.
Boutique Hotels in Tbilisi
You can find good, affordable accommodations in Tbilisi, and some really great boutique hotels have opened there in recent years. One of them is the Museum Hotel Orbeliani, located in the Orbeliani family’s historic city villa (the Orbelianis, by the way, are also the creators of Orbeliani chocolates, a Tbilisi delicacy that’s hard to find—more on that in the upcoming Food Guide!). The location on the multi-lane main street takes some getting used to, but there are also rooms facing the back—and the hotel’s unique and ultra-stylish decor more than makes up for it.
More cool places to stay in Tbilisi:
Fabrika Tbilisi* – Not only meeting place for digital nomads, but also a great hostel! Private rooms are also available. Cheap. You can find out more about Fabrika in my article here.
Rooms Hotel Tbilisi – A very cool boutique hotel near Tbilisi’s grand Rustaveli Boulevard.
Radisson Blu Iveria – It may be a high-rise with a somewhat generic chain hotel vibe, but it has a rooftop pool with the best view of Tbilisi!
Christmas in Tbilisi: Extra tip for Christmas fans!
Georgia and Christmas? Christmas is celebrated extensively in Georgia, and in Tbilisi many main streets such as Rustaveli Boulevard are beautifully decorated for Christmas. The best thing: If you’re sad that the cozy Christmas season is over, you can get another one right after in Tbilisi: Georgians don’t celebrate Christmas until January 7, and until then, along with New Year’s Eve, it’s the most festive time of the year!
Cozy: Tbilisi is also a nice destination around Christmas time.
This research trip by Sandra from Tracks and the City and me was supported by the Tourism Development Department of Tbilisi City Hall.
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