Georgia

15 reasons to visit Georgia – the amazing emerging destination

Last Updated on 20/05/2024 by kami

My first Georgia trip, back in 2011, changed my travelling forever.

It was the first country in former USSR I’ve ever been to, the first of the (then) unknown destinations I’ve decided to visit.

My trip happened shortly after the war with Russia, before the low-cost airlines started flying there and before Georgia got into the radar of mass tourism.

I didn’t know what to expect from the place and I was even reconsidering my decision to visit Georgia as I felt I’m not ready for such an adventurous solo trip.

But I went, full of fear, and it turned out to be the best trip ever.

I felt in love with Georgia right away and since then I’ve been visiting Georgia over and over again., it’s been over 10 times now. There are always so many great places to visit in Georgia and I love (re)discovering them.

Even if the tourism in the country has changed recently, not in the best way, I still enjoy every single trip to Georgia and whenever I see cheap flights I can’t resist and book them.

Georgia essentials

Planning a trip to Georgia? Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

  • Accommodation: I always book a place to stay on Booking.com
  • Tours: when I decide to go on a tour I either use Viator
  • Get insured for your trip to Georgia with SafetyWing

Reasons to visit Georgia

There are so many reasons why Georgia is among my favorite countries and why you should visit Georgia too.

From delicious food to hospitable people, from incredible landscape to vibrant cities – Georgia has it all!

It’s one of these countries where, within a short span of time, you can swim in the Black Sea, go skiing in the Caucasus mountains and in between enjoy bustling city life.

visit Georgia

If you’re still wondering if you should visit Georgia or not below are some convincing reasons why yes, it’s an excellent idea!

Georgian food is the best

Georgian food is hands down the best. This already is a solid reason why I keep returning to Georgia.

We do have few Georgian restaurants and bakeries here in Warsaw too that I visit frequently but it’s still not as good as in Georgia.

The best thing about the local cuisine is that, even if there are numerous meat dishes, vegetarians will be really happy there too. I know I am!

I start each visit in Georgia with a real feast and the goodies I’m always most looking forward to are badrijani (fried eggplant with walnut sauce), khachapuri (cheese-bread), lobio (very thick bean soup), khinkhali (dumplings), ajapsandali (vegetable stew) and few more.

But my absolute favorite food in Georgia is just a simple salad made from cucumbers and tomatoes.

It’s a pure heaven, the ingredients are so fresh, so crispy like nowhere else. Just writing this made me miss Georgian food!

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Beautiful, diverse landscape

Georgian landscape is breathtaking and there is no exaggeration in this statement.

It’s a relatively small country but offers so much: Black Sea beaches (mostly full of stones but still decent enough to spend some relaxing time at), high Caucasus and lower lush mountains, incredible caves, green valleys and more.

I don’t think there is a boring part of Georgia, everywhere you go you will be in awe of the amazing landscape around you.

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Long and turbulent history

The area of Georgia was an important place already in the ancient world (then it was known as Colchis and Kingdom of Iberia) and for centuries it has been a strong an independent country.

The peak of prosperity happened between 11th and 13th century, especially when Queen Tamar ruled the country (until today she is a role model of many Georgian women but then how many badass queens you know from the history?).

Since the end of the 18th century Georgia was under the Russian rule, it was also part of the Soviet Union (btw, did you know that Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia and his full name was Ioseb Besarionis dze Jughashvili?).

On April 9th 1991 Georgia regained its independence but that’s when the turbulent history has started again – if you follow world’s news you might remember the civil war or the 2008 short war with Russia.

Now finally the peace and stability came to Georgia.

visit Georgia

Excellent wine

While everyone is raving about wines from such exotic destinations like New Zealand, South Africa or Argentina it’s Georgian wine that deserves the attention.

Not only it’s really good, it also has a long history. Did you know that the wine was produced in the area already in the 6th century BC?

These days the main region to taste Georgian wine is Kakheti in the eastern part of the country, 75% of the production comes from there.

What’s more, you can get an excellent homemade wine just about everywhere, you can buy it in the restaurants or at local markets where they are sold in the Coca-Cola bottles (it’s actually part of the charm of the markets).

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Hospitable people

Georgian people are among the nicest and most hospitable I’ve ever met.

Even if over the years tourism has ruined the encounters a bit and now scams happen more and more often I still think very highly of local people.

During my first trip to Georgia I could have experienced some incredible hospitality, including the famous kidnapping when locals didn’t take no for an answer, invited me to their homes and feed me delicious food.

Fortunately I was prepared and had some small souvenirs from Poland with me so I could at least pay back this way.

Now I still keep meeting nice people everywhere around who do their best to welcome me in their country.

Just a small hint: if you decide to visit Georgia try to learn at least some basic Russian as it helps tremendously when talking to the locals, especially older generation.

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Vibrant cities

I love the buzz in main Georgian cities.

All three of them: Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi are busy, vibrant and worth a visit.

You should travel to Tbilisi to see beautiful yet crumbling capital with numerous Tbilisi attractions that will keep you occupied for at least 2-3 days. Old Tbilisi, the main touristic spot, looks like from a fairy tale really!

Batumi, the seaside resort, is more than just the beach and funky architecture. The city has a charming old town, amazing botanical garden, some good street art around and lush mountains surrounding the city.

Kutaisi is often overlooked by tourists but second biggest city in Georgia is worth your time too, it’s such a pleasant and offbeat destination.

These cities are a perfect example that Georgia is more than its beautiful nature.

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Interesting abandoned spaces

If you’re fan of exploring abandoned places and would like to visit places like Chernobyl (or maybe you’ve already been there) then Georgia might be an interesting destination for you.

Due to the recent conflicts and weak economy there are numerous places that once, in full glory, were impressing masses and now are decaying, forgotten by many.

The perfect example here is Tskaltubo, a former spa town located just a short ride away from Kutaisi.

Back in the golden times even Stalin used to come here for the treatment, now the fancy sanatoriums, a stunning example of Soviet architecture, are either abandoned or home to IDPs from Abkhazia.

You can even find lots of old abandoned houses in the Old Tbilisi and even if they are slowly being renovated it still breaks my heart to see how damaged some of the beautiful houses are.

But on the other hand they are part of Old Tbilisi’s charm…

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Great Soviet architecture: concrete + mosaics

There are not too many fans of Soviet architecture but for those who admire it (and I’m one of them) Georgia is like a big playground.

During my last visit in Tbilisi I spent the whole day chasing Soviet architecture and mosaics and I’ve seen only a small part of what I was hoping for.

I bet you’ve seen the building that looks like the real life Tetris – that’s The Bank of Georgia headquarters (former Soviet Ministry of Roads) located in Tbilisi, a real gem of brutalism architecture.

But there are many more concrete wonders around, like gaining bigger and bigger fame Chronicle of Georgia monument.

If you like colorful Soviet mosaics you will find plenty of them around too, including in one of the Tbilisi hotspots – Fabrika.

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

The hipster place to be

Speaking of Fabrika – you might not expect it but Tbilisi is one of the most hipster cities you will see in Europe (and definitely in the former Soviet Union) and Fabrika is the heart of it.

A former sewing factory is now full of cafes/bars, start-ups and artists’ studios.

But that’s not the only place where you will find cool and funky places, they are spread all over the city.

Young Georgians are stylish and with a great taste, looking at them makes me often feel jealous as I’m far from being fashionable.

I can’t decide which city is more hipster-ish, Kyiv or Tbilisi.

If you like alterative spots include Tbilisi in your bucket list!

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Perfect adventure destination

Thanks to diverse landscape Georgia can be a great destination for adventure lovers.

You can go skiing here in Gudauri, climb Mt. Kazbek (5047 meters above the sea level), go horseback riding in numerous valleys or paragliding in Caucasus mountains.

Even such a random thing like riding a cable car can be thrilling when you do it in Chiatura where cars remember 1950s and are called “moving coffins”.

Don’t forget about Georgian drivers who are a bit crazy and you say good bye to your life every second marshrutka ride.

Georgia is full of adventures!

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Interesting monuments

Georgia might not be too big on monuments (minus churches but more about them later) but those you can find around are surely impressive.

Some of the best monuments in Georgia include fortresses (like the one in Tbilisi or Gori) and castles (Ananuri, Rabati) as well as incredible cave towns like Uplistsikhe or Vardzia.

There are also some random monuments in the middle of nowhere – when you travel to Kazbegi you will spot on your left side a concrete monument of Georgian-Russian friendship that is located in the most random place ever, on the side of the road, surrounded by beautiful Caucasus mountains.

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Religion

Georgia is the second country in the world, after Armenia, that took Christianity as a state religion, in the 4th century.

All over the country you will find beautiful and one of a kind churches, some of them as old as from the 6th century (like the one in Mtskheta, the “holy city” of Georgia).

Georgian monasteries have a distinctive shape, you will recognize them everywhere (only Armenian churches are very similar but more round) with their raw architecture.

However as soon as you go inside your jaw might drop a bit after seeing the beautiful old paintings. If you’re lucky you can even witness a magical play of light pouring in through the small windows.

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Georgia is safe

I remember how afraid I was of visiting Georgia prior my first trip – already on my first day I learned that there is nothing really to worry about, it’s just a regular country and besides using common sense like everywhere else there are no extra safety precautions you should take.

Of course crime happens there, like in numerous other places around the world, but if you’re worrying about Georgia safety you can stop now.

The biggest risk there is travelling around as Georgian drivers are just crazy!

visit Georgia

Affordable prices

The good thing about traveling to Georgia is that it won’t drain your wallet.

Everything is very affordable in comparison to Western European standards.

1 lari is currently around $0,38 or €0,33.

To give you some examples of prices: marshrutka from Kutaisi city to Tbilisi is 10 lari for over 3 hours journey (230kms), metro ride in Tbilisi costs 0,50 lari, you can get khachapuri in the bakery for 2-3 lari, lunch for even as little as 10-15 lari and a decent accommodation for 50 lari/night.

If you’re looking for a low-cost destination that offers good standard for little price Georgia is your answer!

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Visit Georgia before it’s too late

Even if there are more and more tourists visiting Georgia each year (it was on the fourth place of the UNWTO’s 2018 list of fastest growing tourism destinations) the country still is a bit undiscovered.

While most of the tourists focus on the highlights and visit Georgia in the summer time you should travel there in the off season when everything is much calmer and nicer.

It’s a matter of time when tourists will really overflow Georgia and the country will change forever so now is the best time to go, before it’s too late!

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Visit Georgia – practical information

How to get to Georgia

There are three international airports in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi – most likely you will fly into the second one as it serves low-cost airlines from numerous destinations all over Europe and offers really good prices.

If you do arrive to Kutaisi airport there is no need to worry about getting out from there – a local company Georgian Bus has shuttle buses to Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi, connected with all the flights.

You can get the ticket online or after arriving – their stand is right in front of the exit from the arrivals hall, you can’t miss it.

One way ticket from Kutaisi airport to Tbilisi is 20 lari and to Kutaisi city is 5 lari.

In Tbilisi buses arrive to Liberty Square in the very center of the city.

If you fly to Tbilisi there is a local bus no 37 running 24/7 that connects the airport with the city (Liberty Square, Rustaveli metro station and train station), the ticket is 0,50 lari.

visit Georgia

How to get around Georgia

There’re very few train lines that can get you from Tbilisi to Batumi or Zugdidi (and from there you can catch marshrutka to Svaneti) as well as some local destinations.

Most likely you will just use marshrutkas – Soviet style mini buses that are not very comfortable but they are fast, cheap and often your only option.

In Tbilisi they depart from few places, depending on the destination, you will most likely use the Didube station for places in north and west of the country and Samgori station for Kakheti.

If you are short of time or the whole process of finding the right marshrutka is overwhelming you can go for organized tours – there are plenty of them and they are often affordable. Click here to find and book some of the best tours.

What to see in Georgia

You can already see a lot in few days if you base yourself in Tbilisi and go for day trips around but of course the more time you have the better. Some of the places you can’t miss are:

  • Tbilisi – the amazing capital
  • Kazbegi with Gergeti Triniti Church – on the way you should stop in Ananuri and Mtskheta
  • One (or all) of the cave towns: David Gareja, Uplistsikhe, Vardzia
  • Spa town Borjomi
  • Kakheti wine region
  • Kutaisi, with day trips to Chiatura, Tskaltubo, Prometeus Cave, Gelati monastery or Okatse Canyon
  • The Black Sea resort Batumi
  • Svaneti for some amazing mountains view

visit Georgia

visit Georgia

Where to stay in Georgia

There’s a whole range of accommodation to choose from, from hostels and guest houses to boutique hotels – you can choose whatever you like!

Just keep in mind that sometimes the standard, especially in the cheaper places, might not be the best – Georgia is still learning the tourism industry and many people try to earn from a sudden flow of visitors, offering their places to rent that might not really be ideal in Western standards.

Before booking the accommodation take a minute to read the reviews and see pictures to know what you’re getting.

I always find my accommodation at Booking.com and never had any major issues in Georgia. Click here to find your accommodation in Georgia!

Language in Georgia

Georgia has its own alphabet that is just the prettiest but you understand literally nothing.

It took me a while to recognize the name “Tbilisi” written in Georgian (თბილისი) and that’s about it.

Getting around with English only is doable, especially in touristic areas but often knowing some Russian is a life-saver, even if it’s just enough to ask where is your marshrutka and what’s the price for the ride.

It’s also good to know few Georgian words, that always brings smile on people’s faces.

Those I use most often are didi madloba (thank you) and gamarjoba (hello) – don’t confuse it with “gaumarjos” (cheers) – I did it once at Kutaisi airport and got friendly laughs from the border officer in return.

visit Georgia

Travel insurance in Georgia

I never travel without the insurance as you never know what might happen on the road and better safe than sorry (I’ve learnt my lesson).

I can recommend SafetyWing that offer the insurance dedicated to travelers just like you and me.

Click here to get the insurance policy for Georgia here.

Further reading

I published many articles about Georgia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Caucasus and ask your questions there.


For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

  • If you don’t want to miss new posts and news from me click here to sign to my newsletter! You can also follow me on Bloglovin!
  • Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
  • I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Georgia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. If you like what you are reading and seeing here and would like to support me and my blog please consider using those links. It would be like getting me a virtual drink that you don’t have to pay for! Thanks!

LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

visit Georgia


love, kami 2

If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin!

32 Comments

  • Reply
    Alison
    29/12/2018 at 16:37

    Wow, Kami, what an excellent, comprehensive post, and your photographs are absolutely fabulous. Recently we visited Slovakia and Hungary where we found the information in your blogs was really helpful. I look forward to following you in your 2019 adventures too.

    • Reply
      kami
      27/01/2019 at 14:28

      Thank you for your kind comment Alison, I’m glad I could help! All the best and happy travels!

  • Reply
    kris
    18/01/2019 at 07:42

    thanks again for all your wonderful information, I am heading to Georgia as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan, (March to May) based wholly on your blogs.
    Hope you enjoyed Jordan again but this time with your Mum a great place. Who couldn’t like Petra.

    • Reply
      kami
      27/01/2019 at 14:29

      Thank you Kris! Yes we did enjoy Jordan a lot, just like you said – Petra is incredible. I’m sure you will have an amazing trip to the Caucasus, if there is anything I can help you with feel free to message me!

  • Reply
    Marek Kremer
    06/02/2019 at 13:43

    Amazing pictures Kami! Do you carry some advanced equipment on your tours?
    Nice reading too. Seems you have seen most of it :-)

    • Reply
      kami
      12/02/2019 at 13:47

      Thank you! I use Fujifilm xt10 and can definitely recommend it. It’s a small and handy camera to use and it takes amazing pictures.

  • Reply
    Hanne
    17/03/2019 at 23:14

    Georgia was my first solo backpacking-trip, and Georgia has a very special place in my heart. Such a wonderful country. Thank you for a good read. I found myself nodding all along. I also agree on your listing of highlights, but i wonder if you ever went to Ushguli in Svaneti? Ushguli is probably one of the prettiest and most magical spots i have ever seen.

    • Reply
      kami
      05/04/2019 at 14:38

      I’m glad you liked the post :) Unfortunately I haven’t made it to Svaneti yet but I think it’s a matter of time as I really do hope to get there one day, everyone says it’s a breathtaking place!

  • Reply
    Grace
    19/05/2019 at 08:42

    Looks amazing! Since you’ve travelled to Georgia so often, do you feel it’s save to bring a baby along?

    • Reply
      kami
      25/06/2019 at 17:24

      Yes, I think it is! Depending on the age of the baby it just might be a bit challenging with a stroller, but definitely safe.

    • Reply
      Gaesi KM Maviya
      09/03/2021 at 19:43

      Hi
      I am seriously considering to buy property in Batimi and I already have an offer. What advise would you give me.

      • Reply
        kami
        12/03/2021 at 22:04

        I’m sorry but I’m not an expert in buying properties in Georgia. Good luck!

  • Reply
    Misha
    23/06/2019 at 10:50

    Hey Kami, as a Georgian, I want to thank you for such a detailed and kind post, everything is on spot!

    One small typo correction – wine has been produced here since 6th millenium BC, not century :)

    • Reply
      kami
      25/06/2019 at 17:24

      Thank you Misha for correcting me! Glad you liked the post :) All the best!

      • Reply
        Mariam
        03/07/2019 at 12:45

        Kami hi! Loved your post and that you love being here so much! ❤ You are always so welcome! I had the same correction though, so decided to just reply here, the oldest wine remains have actually been discovered in Georgia -not Armenia, as written in your post- and it has been scientifically proven by the University of Pennsylvania

        And one more detail, it is specifically King Tamar – she was enthroned as a title “King” -Queen is incorrect- by her own father to signify that she herself was the ruler of Georgia and had as much power and influence as any other ruler of male gender. It is during her ruling period. That’s the historically correct title and an important detail in our history, and hope you can change that too ❤ Male and female equality was prominent even so long ago in Georgia, you can even read a phrase in “The Knight in Panther’s Skin” (dedicated to King Tamar by Rustaveli) that (literal translation) “the cubs of a lion are equal, be it a male or a female”. It’s a world wide known peom and you can find it’s amazing translation in Eng by Lyn Coffin (even technical part-rhyming- is identical).

        Best wishes and ❤❤ from Georgia,
        Mariam

  • Reply
    habertt
    09/07/2019 at 12:37

    nice sharing. I also visited there for having enjoyment.

    • Reply
      kami
      20/07/2019 at 12:29

      Thank you. Glad you had a good time in Georgia

  • Reply
    Elinor
    10/07/2019 at 19:57

    Good lord Kami … the more you show these former USSR pictures, the more I want to go and explore them …. It’s the language that’s holding me back and the cyrillic … I tried to learn russian with duo lingo or something like that … but I gave up … it’s too hard … I literally could go just now … Again a solo travel with no idea of those alphabets. it’s kinda scary to be honest.

    • Reply
      kami
      20/07/2019 at 12:31

      It’s not that bad really and in bigger and touristy places people speak some English. Google Translate helps a lot too. You should really try, some nice, big city for a start. I’m sure you will enjoy it!

  • Reply
    markken
    08/10/2019 at 12:21

    I also spent a really good time there during my last summer holidays and we came back with smiley faces.

    • Reply
      kami
      06/11/2019 at 21:36

      I’m glad to hear that :)

  • Reply
    Shorya
    02/11/2019 at 11:41

    Hi Kami, Very well written or very much detailed information about Georgia. I definitely would advise anyone to go by your words and experience. I have also been to Georgia more than 10 times and i love the country and love the Georgian people.

    • Reply
      kami
      07/11/2019 at 15:24

      Thank you! I’m really glad to hear you had good experience in Georgia too. This is such a wonderful country!

  • Reply
    Doris
    06/07/2020 at 16:11

    Thanks a mill for the post.
    We’re planning our first trip there and the info is outstanding.

    • Reply
      kami
      20/07/2020 at 08:22

      I’m glad you found it useful. I’m sure Georgia will enchant you, this is such a great country!

  • Reply
    Isa
    11/04/2021 at 19:40

    Kami,
    Great job, nice reading. Next time if you visit Georgia, go to Zugdidi, (eastern part) and visit Dadiani Museum and botanical Garden.
    The museum was residence of Megrelian Princes Salome Dadiani and her husband, Aschil Miurat, who was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte.
    They have Napoleon Bonaparte’s mask there in museum along with other interesting staff belonged to them after, you can visit Svaneti, which is close to Zugdidi,
    Thank you for your interesting stories

    • Reply
      kami
      27/06/2021 at 12:18

      Thank you! I’ve had Zugdidi on my bucket list for a long time so hopefully next time I will finally make it there! :) Thanks for the recommendation!

  • Reply
    KathyT
    18/09/2021 at 19:43

    Thank you! I am packing my bags! I don’t speak Russian but my son-in-law does but if I can’t talk him into being our guide, does anyone offer tourist interpreters or guides services?

    • Reply
      kami
      25/11/2021 at 17:30

      There are plenty of tour companies and guides in Georgia, you will easily find some you can use there. Georgia is amazing, I’m sure you will enjoy it too!

    • Reply
      Rusudan
      28/01/2022 at 17:01

      Hi, responding very late, but yes I work as guide in Georgia more than 10 years. If you have questions you can write me, I will gladly assist you

  • Reply
    Hawer
    17/11/2023 at 17:04

    Thank you so much for the intensive description of Georgia, without your information, I wouldn’t have been able to understand such a beautiful country.

    • Reply
      kami
      20/11/2023 at 12:37

      I’m glad you enjoyed the article. All the best!

Leave a Reply

Let’s become friends!

Join me on Facebook for even more travel updates!