Georgia Travel Guide

Discover the best of Georgia with curated guides, insider tips, and honest stories.

Paraglider with pink wing soaring above snow-capped mountains as spectators watch from a rocky trail, Georgia

Row of carved stone columns with volute capitals under arches in a dilapidated pavilion, with trees outside. Tskaltubo, Georgia travel destinations

Ali and Nino, tall metal sculpture made of overlapping circular rings forming two human silhouettes against a pale sky in Batumi, Georgia

View over Tbilisi with red-roofed buildings and a historic stone ruin in the foreground, framed by green shrubs, under a clear blue sky with wispy clouds.

It took me way too long to finally visit Georgia, but once I’d made it there, I didn’t want to leave. This country in the Caucasus, at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, is filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and the world’s longest winemaking tradition. There’s something in Georgia for every type of traveler, from the cool museums and lively nightlife in Tbilisi, to the quaint atmosphere of Kutaisi, the beautiful seaside city of Batumi, and the dramatic peaks in the mountainous region of Kazbegi.

Quick Facts About Georgia

Geography: at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, bordered by Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan

Capital city: Tbilisi, in the southeast

Regions: 9 regions plus two autonomous republics (Abkhazia and Adjara)

Popular cities: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi

Climate: Warm summers and mild winters in most regions, with cooler temperatures and snow in the mountains

Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), the latter especially for the wine region

Languages: Georgian (one of four Kartvelian languages)

Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)

Minimalist travel illustration: a dotted flight path from a map pin on the left to an airplane on the right, looping midway.

Transportation

Unfortunately, I can’t say it’s easy to get around Georgia with public transportation. While the main cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi are well connected, it gets progressively harder to reach more remote areas. Having a car is highly recommended to explore more of the countryside and mountain regions.

Major airports: Tbilisi (TBS), Kutaisi (KUT), Batumi (BUS)

Trains: Georgian Railways connects major cities; they are comfortable and scenic

Buses: Citybus is the main company, offering comfortable and affordable rides

Driving: Great for exploring remote regions like Kakheti, Kazbegi, and Svaneti

Public transport: Tbilisi has a good metro system along with buses, while other cities rely on public buses

Tip: Aside from buses, one of the most convenient ways to get around Georgia, especially to smaller towns, is the marshrutka. These minivans run regular schedules and connect major cities to many surrounding small towns and villages. They are often old and not the most comfortable, but they’ll get you there and are usually very affordable.

Arrivals sign hanging from two cords with an airplane icon on the left and the word ARRIVALS on a beige background.

Other Useful Information

Here are a few more facts to help you make the most of your trip to Georgia.

Safety: Georgia is an overall safe country; exercise caution when driving, as local drivers can be a bit aggressive

Costs: A very affordable country for most visitors, especially compared to most of Europe

Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated: if the service fee is not included in the bill, you can leave up to 10%

Cultural notes: Georgia has a millenary wine tradition, and Georgians are very proud of it

Plugs: Type C & F, 230V

Tip: The regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are currently under Russian occupation, and travel there is restricted. Moreover, under Georgian law, it is illegal to enter these regions via Russia.

My Experience Traveling in Georgia

I spent around three weeks in Georgia in 2024, exploring the main cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. I landed in Kutaisi, where I spent one week slowly exploring the small city and its surroundings. After that, I spent a few days in Batumi before exploring Tbilisi, where I spent just over one week. Tbilisi is my favorite for the variety of things to do, its beautiful yet diverse neighborhoods, and the iconic sulfur baths. But Kutaisi, with its quiet charm, is a close second, and I think it deserves way more attention than it gets. My mission is to go back and explore the beautiful mountainous region around Mestia.

Pictured: Chiatura, Georgia

Illustration of a small pastry with a visible egg yolk in the center on a light beige background.

Georgia Travel Resources

Official tourism website: Georgia.travel
Flights: Trip.com or Kiwi.com to find affordable flights to and from Georgia
Accommodation: Booking.com is my go-to, but Agoda is a good alternative
Transportation: Check Omio for all means of transportation; Georgian Railways for train rides
Ridesharing apps: Bolt is my go-to in Georgia; alternatively, try Yandex Go
Navigation: Google Maps for daily navigation and Maps.me for hiking
Car rental: DiscoverCars allows you to browse countless options in Georgia
Activities: Both GetYourGuide and Viator have tons of choices
Travel insurance: I personally use and recommend SafetyWing. VisitorsCoverage is a good alternative
Sightseeing and attractions: The official websites are my go-to; alternatively, check Klook and Tiqets
Walking tours: Book a free walking tour on GuruWalk and just tip your guide
eSIM: I use either Airalo or Saily, depending on the destination and length of the trip
VPN: I tried different ones, but my favorite is by far NordVPN
Currency converter: Download the Xe app for up-to-date rates

Tip: Georgia is a popular destination during the wine harvest season, called Rtveli. It takes place yearly between mid-September and mid-October, and many towns like Telavi and Sighnaghi have harvest events. Plan in advance if you want to visit during this time!

When is the best time to visit Georgia?

Spring and autumn offer the best weather in Georgia. I visited in October and found it the perfect time to be there. Summer is ideal for the mountains around Mestia, not so much for the big cities that can get very hot; winter is great for skiing in Gudauri or Bakuriani.

How many days do I need in Georgia?

Despite being a relatively small country, Georgia has much to offer. I spent roughly three weeks in the country and only managed to see the highlights (without a car). You could see the highlights in a couple of weeks, but in-depth exploration would take well over one month. Below are my top recommendations depending on the kind of trip you are looking for:
City break: 3-4 days for Tbilisi or Batumi, 2-3 days for Kutaisi
Tbilisi & day trips: 5-7 days (with day trips to Kazbegi, Kakheti, Mtskheta)
Georgia road trip: 2-3 weeks (including main cities, wine region, and mountains)

Is Georgia expensive to visit?

I found Georgia to be a very affordable country for someone from Western Europe. It’s certainly among the cheapest countries to travel in Europe, though prices vary depending on the region, with Tbilisi and Batumi being more expensive than the rest of the country.

Is Georgia safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Georgia is overall a very safe country to explore, even as a solo traveler, man or woman. Petty crimes are low, though you should pay attention to your belongings in crowded places, particularly in Tbilisi. Locals tend to drive a bit aggressively, overtaking even when it’s not allowed, so if you rent a car, you should drive carefully, especially in the mountain regions.

What should I eat in Georgia?

Georgian cuisine is flavorful and rich, with traditional dishes including the iconic Adjarian Khachapuri (cheesy bread), khinkali (Georgian dumplings), and pkhali (minced vegetable appetizers). Walnuts are everywhere, including the iconic dessert called churchkhela, aka Georgian Mars. And of course, you must try traditional Georgian wines, particularly qvevri wines.

Do I need to speak Georgian to travel around Georgia?

No, Georgian is not necessary to travel around the country, although learning a few basic phrases can help, especially in rural regions. In Tbilisi, most people will speak English. Those who don’t are typically prepared to deal with foreigners by using translation apps. I recommend having such an app too, like DeepL Translate.

Do I need travel health insurance for Georgia?

Yes, since January 1st, 2026, travel health insurance is mandatory for all visitors entering Georgia, including visa-exempt ones. There are specific requirements for health insurance to enter Georgia, so make sure your insurance meets them. I use and highly recommend SafetyWing, which offers global coverage in 180+ countries.

Two wine glasses clinking together in a toast (illustration on a beige background).T

Browse All Georgia Travel Guides

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October 20, 2025

Traveling from Georgia to Armenia? Here is all you need to know about the overnight train ride between Tbilisi and Yerevan.

Sighnaghi, day trip to Kakheti wine region in Georgia

Kakheti Wine Tour: The Day Trip from Tbilisi You’ll Really Love

October 12, 2025

A trip to Georgia’s wine region Kakheti is a must. Here is everything you need to know if you want to join this day trip from Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Sulfur Baths: A Helpful Guide + My Chreli Abano Visit

October 2, 2025

The sulfur baths in Tbilisi are a must try. These bathhouses are linked to the foundation of the city and offer a perfect opportunity to relax. This is my experience at Chreli Abano, the most iconic bathhouse in Tbilisi.

View of Tbilisi, Georgia from above on a cloudy day

Tbilisi Travel Guide: 30 Great Things to Do in Georgia’s Capital

September 18, 2025

Discover Tbilisi through these 30 amazing things to do, from charming neighborhoods and iconic landmarks to cool museums and traditional sulfur baths.

Five Wonderful Day Trips From Kutaisi, Georgia

December 26, 2024

If you travel to Georgia, you must take a few day trips to discover stunning places beyond the main cities. So here are my favorite day trips and tours from Kutaisi.

16 Best Things To Do in Kutaisi, Georgia in 2026

December 8, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Georgia (the country)? Here are 16 things to do in Kutaisi, Georgia’s third-largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited in the world.

Cartoon woman in a red dress holding a small flag with a cross emblem.

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