27 Georgia

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Incredibly Generous Visa Policy

Citizens from over 95 countries including the US, EU, UK, and Australia can stay in Georgia for up to one year without a visa. This makes Georgia one of the easiest countries in the world to visit. All visitors are now required to carry health and accident insurance for the duration of their stay.

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Currency and Payments

The currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Tbilisi and Batumi, but carry cash for rural areas, marshrutkas, and smaller towns. ATMs are widely available in cities. The average daily spend for travelers is around 390 GEL (approximately USD 143).

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Getting Around

Marshrutkas (minibuses) are the backbone of intercity transport: cheap, frequent, and requiring no advance booking. Show up at Didube or Ortachala stations in Tbilisi, find your route, and pay the driver. Georgian Railway connects Tbilisi to Batumi (5 hours scenic ride) and Kutaisi. Use Bolt or YandexGo apps for taxis in cities.

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Road Safety Warning

Driving in Georgia can be dangerous, with aggressive overtaking, speeding, and risky maneuvers common, especially on narrow mountain roads. Road accident fatalities have been increasing. If renting a car, drive defensively and avoid night driving on mountain passes. Hiring a local driver for day trips is often safer and more relaxing.

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Wine Culture is Ancient

Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine, with 8,000 years of winemaking history. Traditional qvevri (clay vessel) winemaking is a UNESCO-listed practice. Orange (amber) wine is Georgia's signature style. The Kakheti wine region is a must-visit for wine tasting, reachable as a day trip from Tbilisi.

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Georgian Hospitality and Toasting

Georgians are famously hospitable. If invited to a supra (traditional feast), expect elaborate toasts led by a tamada (toastmaster). It is polite to drink at least a sip with each toast. Meals are abundant and refusing food may be seen as impolite. Learning 'Gamarjoba' (hello) and 'Madloba' (thank you) will delight locals.

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Best Time to Visit

Late spring (late April to May) and autumn (late September to October) offer the best weather with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Peak summer (July-August) is very hot in Tbilisi and tourist sites are overcrowded. Winter is ideal for skiing at Gudauri and Bakuriani resorts.

1

Tbilisi Old Town

📍 Tbilisi

Explore the winding streets of Tbilisi's Old Town, visiting the Narikala Fortress by cable car for panoramic views over the Kura River valley. Walk through the sulfur bath district in Abanotubani and relax in a traditional bathhouse with warm mineral waters. Try khachapuri and khinkali at a local restaurant in the Shardeni Street area.

2

Mtskheta and Holy Sites

📍 Mtskheta

Take a short drive to Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jvari Monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, then explore Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Georgia. Return to Tbilisi and visit the Dry Bridge Flea Market for Soviet-era souvenirs.

3

Kazbegi Mountain Trek

📍 Kazbegi

Drive north along the Georgian Military Highway through dramatic mountain scenery, stopping at the Ananuri Fortress on the Aragvi River. Continue to Stepantsminda and hike up to the Gergeti Trinity Church at 2,170 meters, with Mount Kazbek's glacier-capped peak towering behind it. Enjoy a meal of mtsvadi grilled meat and Georgian wine at a guesthouse in the village.

4

Batumi on the Black Sea

📍 Batumi

Fly or drive to Batumi on the Black Sea coast and walk along the Batumi Boulevard seafront promenade. Visit the Botanical Garden with its subtropical plant collections and coastal views, then explore the old town with its mix of Ottoman and Art Nouveau architecture. Sample fresh seafood at a harborside restaurant and watch the Ali and Nino moving sculpture at sunset.