Best in Apr
Georgia
Tbilisi
Moderate
From $59 /day
Georgia
Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a land where ancient traditions meet a surging modern energy. This dramatic territory is defined by the soaring peaks of the Greater Caucasus, rolling vineyards that have produced wine for over 8,000 years, and a capital city, Tbilisi, that blends bohemian charm with Soviet-era grit. You will find a culture that famously treats every guest as a gift from God, offering hospitality that is as legendary as the landscape itself. Whether you are exploring remote mountain towers or sharing a feast in a leafy courtyard, Georgia offers an authenticity that is rare in the modern world. It is a destination for those who seek deep history, rugged adventure, and a culinary scene that is truly unlike any other.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$59 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Tbilisi
Languages
Georgian
Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
1 $ ≈ 2.67 ₾
Plug Type
Type C/F (220–240V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+995
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
GET (UTC+4)
Emergency
112 (all services); also 022 (Police)
Why Visit Georgia
The Cradle of Wine
With an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition, Georgia uses unique clay vessels called Qvevri to ferment its grapes. You can visit ancient cellars in the Kakheti region and taste amber wines; the traditional Qvevri wine-making method is recognized by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible heritage.
Rugged Caucasus Landscapes
From the snow-capped peaks of Kazbegi to the high-altitude stone towers of Svaneti, the mountains offer world-class trekking and skiing. These remote valleys host one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe, Ushguli (~2,100m).
A Feast for the Senses
Georgian cuisine is a flavorful blend of walnuts, pomegranate, fresh herbs, and various cheeses. Participating in a Supra, a traditional feast led by a toastmaster, is a transformative cultural experience that goes far beyond a simple meal.
Exceptional Value for Money
With a daily budget of approximately $59 / ₾158, you can enjoy high-quality accommodation, private transportation, and multi-course meals. It remains one of the most affordable yet culturally rich destinations in the region.
Layered History and Architecture
The country is dotted with UNESCO-listed cathedrals, cave cities like Vardzia, and modern avant-garde structures. Tbilisi's Old Town provides a maze of carved wooden balconies and sulfur baths that have hosted travelers for centuries.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Georgia
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Tbilisi
The vibrant capital is a mix of narrow cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and trendy wine bars. It serves as the country's cultural heart, where you can soak in centuries-old sulfur baths and explore the Narikala Fortress.
Kakheti
Known as the premier wine region, Kakheti is a fertile valley located in eastern Georgia. Travelers flock here to visit the picturesque town of Sighnaghi and tour the numerous wineries producing traditional Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grapes.
Svaneti
A remote mountainous region in the northwest, Svaneti is famous for its distinct medieval defensive towers. It is a haven for serious hikers and those looking to experience the unique culture of the Svan people amidst the highest peaks of the Caucasus.
Adjara
Bordering the Black Sea, Adjara offers a subtropical climate and the bustling resort city of Batumi. It combines pebbled beaches and modern skyscrapers with lush botanical gardens and mountainous hinterlands.
Imereti
Centered around Kutaisi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, this region is famous for its karst caves and monasteries. You can visit the impressive Prometheus Cave or the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery.
Best Time to Visit
Georgia is best visited in late spring or early autumn to enjoy mild weather and outdoor festivals. Summer is perfect for high-altitude trekking, while winter offers affordable skiing in the Caucasus Mountains.
Peak Season
Jul, Aug
Summer is the busiest season, especially on the Black Sea coast and in mountain regions like Svaneti. Temperatures in Tbilisi can exceed 30–35°C (86–95°F), making the cooler highlands a popular escape.
Shoulder Season
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
These months offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. May and June see blooming wildflowers, while September and October feature the 'Rtveli' wine harvest and vibrant autumn foliage.
Off-Peak
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Winter is cold, with snow common across the country. It is the low season for cities but peak for ski resorts like Gudauri and Bakuriani. January is festive due to Orthodox Christmas and New Year traditions.
Getting Around
Georgia has an extensive and affordable transport network, though infrastructure varies from modern high-speed trains to aging Soviet-era minibuses. City travel is most efficient via metro or ride-hailing apps.
Train
Modern Stadler double-decker trains connect Tbilisi to Batumi up to 3 times/day. Typical one-way fares: II Class 36 GEL, I Class 76 GEL. Tickets should be booked in advance as popular routes sell out quickly.
Bus
Known locally as marshrutkas, these minibuses are the primary way to reach smaller towns and villages. They are cheap (~$2.36–$12 / ₾6.3–₾32 for intercity) but often lack air conditioning and fixed schedules.
Metro
Tbilisi public transport has a flat fare of 1 GEL that includes 90 minutes of unlimited travel when paying by MetroMoney card or a bank card. Metro is the quickest way to avoid traffic.
Taxi
Bolt is widely used in Tbilisi; Yandex Go also operates in Georgia. Using apps is recommended for upfront pricing.
Food & Drink
Georgian food culture is deeply communal, centered around the 'Supra' or traditional feast. Meals are characterized by the heavy use of walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and aromatic herbs like coriander and tarragon, accompanied by the world's oldest varieties of wine.
Must Try
Khachapuri Adjaruli
A boat-shaped bread filled with molten cheese, a raw egg, and a slab of butter, traditionally stirred together before eating.
Khinkali
Large, pleated dumplings usually filled with spiced meat and broth; the proper etiquette is to hold them by the 'handle' and slurp the juice before eating the dough.
Badrijani Nigvzit
Fried eggplant rolls stuffed with a rich, savory walnut paste and topped with fresh pomegranate seeds.
Pkhali
Vegetable pâtés made from minced spinach, beets, or cabbage mixed with ground walnuts, garlic, and vinegar.
Lobio
A thick, fragrant bean stew flavored with coriander, garlic, and onions, traditionally served in an individual clay pot with cornbread.
Churchkhela
A popular candle-shaped candy made by dipping strings of walnuts into a thick grape-juice roux and drying them in the sun.
Mtsvadi
Georgian-style shish kebabs made from chunks of pork, beef, or lamb grilled over a fire made from grapevine wood.
Saperavi
A deep, dark red wine made from Georgia's most famous indigenous grape variety, known for its intense berry flavors and high tannins.
Money & Costs
Georgia is a budget-friendly destination where ~$59 / ₾158 per day comfortably covers mid-range dining and accommodation. Costs are significantly lower in rural areas compared to Tbilisi.
Tipping
Tipping is optional; 10–15% is a common guideline when you want to tip. Many venues allow tipping by card.
Cards
Cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in cities. However, cash is essential for marshrutkas, local markets, and guesthouses in mountain regions.
ATMs
ATMs are plentiful in urban centers and usually offer English menus; most dispense both Lari and sometimes USD or EUR.
Culture & Etiquette
Georgians are intensely proud of their Orthodox Christian heritage and their ancient language. Social life revolves around the table, where strict codes of hospitality and a formal toasting tradition remain central to the local identity.
✓
Dress modestly when entering churches; women should cover their heads and wear long skirts, while men should wear trousers and remove hats.
✓
Make direct eye contact when clinking glasses during a toast to show respect and sincerity.
✕
Do not clink glasses when drinking beer; this is sometimes reserved for wishing bad luck upon enemies in certain contexts.
✓
Accept hospitality with gratitude; if invited to a local home, bringing a small gift like flowers or sweets is highly appreciated.
✕
Do not eat the doughy 'handle' of a khinkali dumpling; it is meant to be discarded to track how many you have eaten.
✕
Avoid discussing politics regarding the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia unless the local host initiates the topic.
✓
Address elders with particular respect, as Georgian society maintains a strong hierarchy based on age and family status.
✓
Wait for the 'Tamada' (toastmaster) to finish their toast before taking a sip of your wine during a formal feast.
Safety & Health
Georgia is generally very safe with low rates of violent crime. Visitors should avoid the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia due to political instability and lack of consular access.
Tap Water
varies
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are recommended, along with Hepatitis A and Rabies for those planning extensive outdoor activities or hiking in remote areas.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Bar/club overcharging where patrons are forced to pay exorbitant bills for drinks
- ⚠ Unregulated airport taxis charging triple the standard fare
- ⚠ Short-changing at busy traditional markets or kiosks
- ⚠ Groups of children or beggars persistently approaching tourists in crowded areas
Effective 1 Jan 2026, visitors must have health & accident insurance covering the full stay with coverage of at least 30,000 GEL; you may be asked for proof by the airline at check-in or by immigration on arrival. High-quality private medical clinics are available in Tbilisi and Batumi.
Language
Georgian is a unique Kartvelian language with its own script. English is widely spoken by younger generations in Tbilisi and Batumi, but Russian remains common among older people and in rural areas.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Gamarjoba | ga-mar-jo-ba |
| Thank you | Madloba | mad-lo-ba |
| Please | Tu sheidzleba | too she-eedz-le-ba |
| Yes | Ki | kee |
| No | Ara | ah-rah |
| Cheers! | Gaumarjos! | ga-oo-mar-jos |
| Excuse me | Ukatsravad | oo-kats-ra-vahd |
| How much? | Ra ghirs? | rah gheers |
Visa & Entry
Many nationalities can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year (often 365 days). Rules can differ by nationality and trip purpose (e.g., work/study), so check official guidance before travel.
Max Stay
Up to 1 year (often 365 days) for many nationalities
Passport Validity
Valid for the full duration of stay (at minimum, valid at entry)
Visa-free for
Many, including EU/UK/US and others (verify your nationality on official guidance before travel).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia safe for solo travelers?
How expensive is it to visit Georgia?
When is the best time to visit Georgia?
Do I need a visa for Georgia?
Is English widely spoken in Georgia?
What is the best way to get around Georgia?
Can I drink the tap water in Georgia?
What are the must-try dishes in Georgia?
How should I tip in Georgian restaurants?
What should I wear when visiting Georgian churches?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore Georgia?
Browse our 1 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.