Georgia (country) Travel Guide

Plan your next adventure in Georgia (country) with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, what to buy, local customs, and more.


Introduction to Georgia (country)

Georgia is a fascinating country located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, and Azerbaijan to the east. The country has a rich history, unique culture, stunning natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. Its capital, Tbilisi, is a vibrant city with a mix of old and new architecture, a buzzing nightlife, and fantastic food scene.

List of Places to Visit in Georgia (country)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Museum of Georgia: This museum features an extensive collection of Georgian art, archaeology, and history, dating back to the Bronze Age.
  • Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theatre: This stunning building hosts world-class opera and ballet performances throughout the year.
  • Vardzia Cave Monastery: This ancient rock-cut monastery was carved into the side of a cliff in the 12th century and features hundreds of rooms, tunnels, and cave dwellings.

Natural Attractions of Georgia (country): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Svaneti: This remote mountainous region in the northwestern part of the country is home to some of the highest peaks in the Caucasus and stunning alpine landscapes.
  • David Gareja Monastery: This monastery complex is located in the semi-desert area of eastern Georgia and consists of 15 monasteries and thousands of caves carved into the rocks.
  • Kazbegi: This picturesque village in northern Georgia is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and its highlight is Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Georgia (country)

Georgia is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of hiking and biking trails for all levels of experience. Some of the best routes include:

  • Mestia to Ushguli Trek: This challenging hike takes you through the stunning Svaneti region, passing through remote villages and scenic mountain landscapes.
  • Tusheti National Park Trek: This multi-day hike takes you through the remote Tusheti region, offering spectacular views of the Caucasus Mountains and traditional mountain villages.
  • Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: This park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 100 kilometers of trails through dense forests, alpine meadows, and stunning waterfalls.

Best Things to Do in Georgia (country): Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting Tour: Georgia has been producing wine for over 8,000 years and is known for its unique qvevri winemaking tradition. Join a wine tour to visit some of the country’s best wineries, taste different wines, and learn about the winemaking process.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia: Take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia for a unique perspective of the region’s fairy chimneys, rock formations, and historical sites.
  • Svaneti Horse Riding Tour: Explore the remote Svaneti region on horseback and witness stunning mountain views, traditional villages, and centuries-old architecture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Georgia (country)

Day 1: Tbilisi sightseeing, including Old Town, Narikala Fortress, and sulfur baths.

Day 2: Day trip to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, and visit Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Day 3-4: Hiking in Kazbegi region, including Gergeti Trinity Church and Dariali Gorge.

Day 5: Wine tasting tour in Kakheti region, visiting wineries like Khareba and Tsinandali.

Day 6-7: Relaxing in Batumi, a Black Sea resort town known for its beaches, nightlife, and fancy restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Georgia (country)

Must-Try Dishes

  • Khachapuri: cheesy bread filled with sulguni cheese, butter, and egg.
  • Khinkali: Georgian dumplings filled with meat, mushrooms, or cheese.
  • Mtsvadi: grilled pork or beef skewers marinated in vinegar, onions, and herbs.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world and is known for its unique qvevri winemaking tradition, where grapes are fermented in clay pots buried underground.
  • Chacha: a traditional Georgian spirit made from grape pomace, similar to grappa.
  • Lagidze Water: a non-alcoholic soda originally created by pharmacist Mikheil Lagidze in the late 19th century, comes in different fruit flavors.

Where to Stay in Georgia (country): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Fabrika Tbilisi: located in a former Soviet sewing factory, this trendy hostel offers a variety of rooms and dormitories, as well as a restaurant, bar, and coworking space.
  • Rooms Hotel Kazbegi: a luxury boutique hotel located in Stepantsminda village with amazing views of Mount Kazbek and the Caucasus Mountains.
  • Akhali Tsereteli: a traditional guesthouse in the heart of Sighnaghi, known for its beautiful garden and terrace with panoramic views.

What to Buy in Georgia (country): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Chokha: a traditional Georgian wool coat worn by both men and women.
  • Sulguni cheese: a semi-soft, slightly salty cheese made from cow’s milk.
  • Georgian enamelware: beautiful hand-painted plates, bowls, and pots decorated with traditional Georgian patterns.

Local Culture and Customs of Georgia (country)

  • Hospitality: Georgians are known for their warm hospitality and love to host guests and share food and drinks.
  • Tamada: a toastmaster who leads the traditional Georgian ritual of tamada, where guests raise a glass and make a toast to the occasion, the host, and the guests.
  • Supra: a traditional Georgian feast that can last several hours, featuring an abundance of food, wine, and songs.

Best Time to Visit Georgia (country)

The best time to visit Georgia is from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is mild and pleasant, and outdoor activities are widely available. However, keep in mind that July and August can be crowded and hot, especially in popular tourist destinations like Tbilisi and Batumi. If you want to experience snow sports, winter (December to February) is a great time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Georgia (country)

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions: Georgians are proud of their traditions, religion, and cultural heritage, so it’s essential to be respectful and mindful of local customs and etiquette.
  • Try Georgian cuisine: Georgian food is unique and delicious, so make sure to try different dishes and local specialties.
  • Take off your shoes at the entrance: it’s customary to take off your shoes when entering a Georgian house or a religious site.

Don’t:

  • Speak Russian: although many Georgians speak Russian, due to the Soviet Union’s influence, it’s best to speak Georgian or English when communicating.
  • Be too loud in public: Georgians value politeness and modesty, so avoid being too loud, aggressive, or disrespectful in public places.
  • Wear revealing clothes in religious sites: it’s considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothes or hats inside Georgian Orthodox churches or monasteries.

Safety and Health

Safety in Georgia (country)

Georgia is a relatively safe country, with a low crime rate, especially compared to other countries in the region. However, it’s always advisable to take common-sense precautions, such as avoiding dark and secluded areas at night, not flashing valuable items, and being aware of pickpockets in crowded places.

Health in Georgia (country)

Georgia has a well-developed healthcare system that provides accessible and affordable healthcare to all citizens and foreigners. However, it’s recommended to have comprehensive travel health insurance that covers emergency medical care, as well as any necessary vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to Georgia (country): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Georgia (country)

  • Tbilisi International Airport (TBS): the main airport in Georgia, located about 17 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi.
  • Kutaisi International Airport (KUT): a smaller airport located about 220 kilometers west of Tbilisi, mainly serving low-cost airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair.

Bus Stations Near Georgia (country)

  • Sadakhlo Bus Station: a major bus station located on the Georgia-Armenia border, offering connections to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
  • Didube Bus Station: a busy bus station located in Tbilisi, offering connections to other major cities in Georgia, such as Batumi and Kutaisi.

Other Options

  • Train: Georgian Railways operates several domestic trains connecting major cities in Georgia, as well as an international overnight train to Baku, Azerbaijan.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car is a convenient way to explore Georgia, especially outside major cities. However, keep in mind that driving in Georgia can be challenging due to poor road conditions and aggressive driving habits.

How to Get Around in Georgia (country)

  • Marshrutka: minibusses that operate on fixed routes and are the most common form of public transportation in Georgia, affordable and convenient for traveling between cities.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in major cities and can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or booked through taxi apps like Yandex.
  • Shared Taxi: Shared taxis operate between smaller towns and villages and are faster and more convenient than marshrutkas but can be more expensive.

Where to Go Next from Georgia (country): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Azerbaijan: neighboring Azerbaijan is an ideal destination for those interested in Islamic culture, ancient history, and the oil boom of Baku.
  • Armenia: Armenia is a land of monasteries, mountains, and history, an ideal destination for adventure and cultural tourism.
  • Turkey: Georgia and Turkey share a long and rich history, and there are many historic sites, like Ani and Van, to visit on your trip.

Conclusion

Georgia is a hidden gem in the Caucasus region, offering a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and delicious food. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wine tasting, or exploring ancient monasteries and museums, Georgia has something for everyone. Plan your next adventure using our comprehensive travel guide and discover the full potential of this amazing country.

Rugged alpine landscapes of Svaneti in Northwestern Georgia Rugged alpine landscapes of Svaneti in Northwestern Georgia A classical statue from Georgia, 2nd century BC, displayed at the Georgian National Museum A classical statue from Georgia, 2nd century BC, displayed at the Georgian National Museum Georgian king Vakhtang VI sought support from France and the Papal States in order to fight Islamic invasions. Allying with Western European powers to resist hostile neighbors is a recurring theme in Georgia's history Georgian king Vakhtang VI sought support from France and the Papal States in order to fight Islamic invasions. Allying with Western European powers to resist hostile neighbors is a recurring theme in Georgia's history One of the most prominent Georgian women of the 19th century, Princess Catherine Dadiani is remembered for resisting Ottoman incursions in Western Georgia One of the most prominent Georgian women of the 19th century, Princess Catherine Dadiani is remembered for resisting Ottoman incursions in Western Georgia Georgian troops in Baghdad, 2006 Georgian troops in Baghdad, 2006 Visa policy of Georgia Visa policy of Georgia Some souvenir stands present only Georgian honey and Turkish dried fruits, which are not very authentic Some souvenir stands present only Georgian honey and Turkish dried fruits, which are not very authentic Guests partaking in a ''supra'', a Georgian banquet Guests partaking in a ''supra'', a Georgian banquet Khinkali and lobiani Khinkali and lobiani Bladdernut salad Bladdernut salad Saperavi wines Saperavi wines Public mineral water source in Borjomi Public mineral water source in Borjomi Georgian police car Georgian police car Trashed cemetery in Tskneti, Tbilisi, Georgia Trashed cemetery in Tskneti, Tbilisi, Georgia ''Macrovipera lebetina obtusa'' ''Macrovipera lebetina obtusa'' ''Euscorpius italicus'' ''Euscorpius italicus'' ''Euscorpius mingrelicus'' ''Euscorpius mingrelicus''


    Kakheti
    Kartli
    Northwestern Georgia
    Rioni Region
    Samtskhe-Javakheti
    Southwestern Georgia