Do you happen to plan a vacation to Georgia but aren’t sure what to expect there? Or you might be completely familiar with the country but don’t know how to get there. Well, you’ve just come to the right place! In this full travel guide to Georgia, we will thoroughly discuss every detail you need to know about traveling to this astonishing place.
Georgia is often an overlooked region in the south of South Caucasus strikes. Think of this country as the coming together of breathtaking nature scenes with a profound history and culture. Visiting Georgia is a unique experience. It gives you the sense of exploring the uncharted lands of the Himalayas. However, it is much more accessible. Besides the wilderness, you’ll surround yourself with a variety of cultures with hospitable people. Even if you’re quite unsure where to point out Georgia on a map, you’ll end up loving this country. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into our 2024 travel guide to Georgia!
How to Travel to Georgia?
Are you wondering how to visit Georgia? First stop is to figure out a way to get there. Georgia offers almost any option for traveling. You can get there by air, railway, or even your car.
How to book a flight to Georgia?
Flying to Georgia is the most convenient way for most travelers. Georgia has three international airports that accept flies from most European and Middle Eastern cities: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi.
How to Get to Georgia by Train?
Currently, Georgia accepts only two international train routes. Both of them come from its southern neighbors, Azerbaijan and Armenia’s capitals.
Traveling to Georgia by Car
Apart from the train routes, you can drive your car to Georgia. The best route is to drive across Turkey however, if you’re going to this country from Russia or Azerbaijan and Armenia as well. Don’t forget to bring a valid driver’s license, a valid foreign passport, a document confirming ownership of the car, and an auto-civil liability policy.
What Requirements Are Needed to Travel to Georgia?
Next stop on our travel guide to Georgia, we’ll review the requirements for your travel. First things first, you’ll need a passport. Make sure that your passport is valid for the entirety of your stay. Then, you’ll need a visa, unless your country’s passport doesn’t require a visa for Georgia. Lastly, Georgia officials obligate every visitor to have travel insurance. This travel insurance must cover all healthcare needs.
Top Georgia’s Cities to Stay in
Georgia’s diverse blend of landscapes gives you many options on where to visit. Everything from the mountainsides to the beaches of the black sea, and ancient architecture to modern cities, Georgia is a land that calls for one thing: adventure!
First, let’s start with its biggest and most famous city. You’ll see the name Tbilisi in every travel guide to Georgia. it is the bustling capital in the heart of Georgia. If things like history, culture, people, or food are your primary focus, this city is made for you. And this city does a great job at attracting history lovers. Besides the very old and historical sides, Freedom Square, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Georgian National Museum are popular destinations.
Our next stop on our travel guide to Georgia is Batumi. The most exciting city on the coast of the Black Sea offers many attractions. If beach life and relaxation define your ideal vacation, Batumi is awaiting you. Along with your stay in Butami’s urban life, you can visit its Botanical Garden and Dolphinarium for more adventure.
Does the idea of hiking or camping in the mountains thrill you? The Caucasus Mountains are a spectacular place everyone needs to check out. Mestia is surrounded by these mountains making it a fantastic city for hiking, trekking, or winter sports. Speaking of winter sports, if you’re a fan of skiing you can pay a visit to Gudauri or the Bakuriani ski regions.
One other thing that Georgia is well-known for is wine. This country has centuries-old traditions of winemaking. Even if you’re not particularly a wine enthusiast, you would enjoy Georgia’s wine region. You can visit the Kakheti region or Telavi. Beautiful vineyards, wineries, and spectacular scenery make up for a memorable trip.
Lastly, Georgia’s western region is heaven for every history buff. The Rioni region has many UNESCO heritage sites. People have been living in this place for thousands of years. Its roots go back to ancient Greek mythology.
Best Hotels to Stay in Georgia
Let’s review some of the best hotels in Georgia based on the city you’re staying in. In this full travel guide to Georgia, we gathered a list to help you better decide:
Tbilisi
- Marriott Hotel
- Biltmore Hotel
- Stamba Hotel
- Kheda Hotel
- Rooms Hotel
Batumi
- Hilton Hotel
- Sheraton Batumi Hotel
- Radisson Blu Hotel
Mestia
- Hotel Banguriani
- Tetnuldi Hotel
Kakheti (Wine Region)
- Schuchmann Wines Chateau & Spa
- Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate
- Kvareli Lake Resort
Rioni Region
- Manino Utsera
- View Racha
- Chateau Mephis Kalaki
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Hotel in Georgia?
| Hotel’s name | Price range | Hotel’s name | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Hotel, Tbilisi | $220-$390 600-1068 GEL | Hotel Banguriani, Mestia | $109-$120 300-330 GEL |
| Stamba Hotel, Tbilisi | $232-$355 635-970 GEL | Tetnuldi Hotel, Mestia | ~ $70 ~ 190 GEL |
| Biltmore Hotel, Tbilisi | $150-$220 410-600 GEL | Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate, Kakheti | $210-$353 575-967 GEL |
| Rooms Hotel, Tbilisi | $115-$190 315-520 GEL | Kvareli Lake Resort, Kakheti | $136-$180 374-493 GEL |
| Kheda Hotel, Tbilisi | $78-$110 213-300 GEL | Schuchmann Wines Chateau & Spa, Kakheti | $110-$165 300-452 GEL |
| Hilton, Batumi | $100-$620 274-1700 GEL | Manino Utsera, Rioni | $170-$204 465-560 GEL |
| Sheraton Hotel, Batumi | $173-$270 474-740 GEL | Chateau Mephis Kalaki, Rioni | $79-$120 216-329 GEL |
| Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi | $135-$265 370-726 GEL | View Racha Hotel, Rioni | $52-$83 142-227 GEL |
What Are the Best Transportation Options in Georgia?
Knowing the transportation system is a crucial part of how to visit Georgia. We suggest these three means of transportation are the most practical ones: public transportation, taxis, and renting a car.
Public Transportation and Taxis
Tbilisi is the only city in Georgia that supports a metro system. It is a fast and easy-to-use option. It only has two lines which makes navigation so simple. However, it covers the majority of city parts. Besides, each ride will cost you 0.5 GEL ($0.37) making it an affordable option. You can also get a rechargeable “Metromoney” card for 2 GEL ($0.73) and get discounts.
Most cities in Georgia have well-established bus and taxi lines. Georgia’s 1 GEL ($0.37) bus rides can take you almost anywhere in urban districts. Besides, if you don’t mind spending some extra bucks, you can get a taxi ride for a range of 5-10 GEL ($1.71-$3.42). As you can guess it’s probably a faster and more comfortable option.
Renting a Car in Georgia
No matter how practical the public transportation system in Georgia is, it won’t cover the whole country. If you’re planning on a daring adventure in Georgia, you’ll need something more. That’s why we think renting a car would be your best option.
This magnificent landscape needs exploring. Are you interested in all of these places in this travel guide to Georgia? Rent a car and get access to limitless adventures. Besides, renting a car is more cost-effective than hiring a taxi multiple times a day. So, even if your vacation doesn’t include hiking or visiting rural regions, this option might still be more suitable.
The Requirements You Need for Renting a Car in Georgia
- Your age must be between 21 and 79 (some car rental companies might charge extra fees for people under 25)
- A driving license with at least one year of driving experience.
- An International driving license
- A valid credit card
- A valid passport
Top Activities to do in Georgia
Georgia offers many exciting activities. If you’re patient enough, this country can amuse you for days. In this part of our full travel guide to Georgia, we’ll review some of them.
Caucasus Mountains: The Coming Together of Beauty and Adrenalin
Georgia benefits from a natural treasure. The Caucasus Mountains have some of the best hiking trails in Europe. Some famous picks are:
- Mestia to Ushguli: A 4-day trek through the Svaneti mountains.
- Kazbegi National Park: Hike to Gergeti Trinity Church
- Tusheti: A remote region surrounded by untouched nature and traditional villages.
If you’re up to take the challenge of picking one of these trails, breathtaking views are waiting for you. Apart from that, these mountains provide fantastic opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Georgia has some of the best high-class ski resorts, such as Gudauri and Bakuriani. Visiting one of these resorts can shift your vacation from a regular one to something you’ll chat about years after.
Wine Tasting: A Tradition from 8000 Years Ago
If I were to tell you that time travel exists, I wouldn’t be lying to you. Participating in one of Georgia’s wine-making traditions is the closest thing you can get to a time machine. A tradition dating back to over 8000 years ago and is still passing through generations. By visiting the Kakheti region, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the vineyards of Georgia. Here, in the birthplace of wine, you can taste the love and dedication that Georgians have for their drinks. And let me tell you it tastes smooth and delicious, arguably the best you’ll ever drink in your life. No travel guide to Georgia is completed without mentioning Georgian wine.
Visit the Ancient Heritage of Georgia
Do you want to know how to visit Georgia? Know that history is an inseparable Part of this country. Georgia is home to many UNESCO sites and historical buildings. Some famous options you can pay a visit are:
- Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi
- Sulfur Baths
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- Narikala
- Vardzia
- Georgian National Museum
Besides these attractions, Georgia has ancient cave towns. Visiting a 3000-year-old cave town is not something you can find anywhere. We suggest you include one of these places in your vacation plan:
- Uplistsikhe: 3,000-year-old cave town with tunnels, churches, and living quarters.
- Vardzia: Cave monastery complex built into the cliffs with hundreds of rooms.
- David Gareja: Semi-desert monastery carved into the rocks near the border with Azerbaijan.
A Relaxing Weekend on the Coast of the Black Sea
Last, but not least, we highly recommend visiting the Black Sea beaches. That’s why we talk about it in this part of our travel guide to Georgia to this region. The largest city on Georgia’s western coast is Batumi. This city offers many attractions like the Batumi Botanical Garden, Ali and Nino statue sight, Dolphinarium, Piazza Square, and the Miracle Park.
If nothing tops your ideal vacation but a nice evening on a quiet beach, this place is meant for you. Nevertheless, sitting on Batumi’s shore and watching the sunset over the waves of the Black Sea makes a memory that is hard to forget.
Practical Tips While Traveling to Georgia
We dedicated the last part of our travel guide to Georgia to some safety and useful tips. Let’s review some general information about this country:
- Georgia is bordered by Russia to the North, the Black Sea to the West, Turkey and Armenia to the South, and Azerbaijan to the East.
- Georgia’s currency is named Lari (GEL) and is equal to 0.37 US dollars.
- Most people speak the official language of the country, Georgian. The language uses its unique script as well.
- This country has a population of approximately 3.7 million.
- Over 83 percent of the population are Orthodox Christians.
Some Useful Georgian Phrases Worth Learning
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gamarjoba: (gah-mahr-joh-bah) | Hello |
| Gtkhov (gt-khov) | Please |
| Madloba (ma-dloh-bah) | Thank you |
| Ki / Ara (ki/ara) | Yes/No |
| Ver Gavige (ver ga-vi-ge) | I don’t understand |
| Nakhvamdis (na-khvam-dis) | Goodbye |
| Ra girs? (ra girs) | How much is this? |
| Meh Minda | I want |
| Gvino (gvi-no) | Wine |
*Bonus phrase: If you’re having a romantic getaway to Georgia, it’s good to know the I love you phrase in Georgian: miq’varkhar (mee-k’var-khar). You’ll thank me later!
Safety Tips to Remember in Georgia
Along with some general safety tips, like insurance or alcohol considerations, there are some traditional obligations you need to know:
- Always ask for permission before taking a photo from someone.
- It is forbidden to take photos of airports or military bases in Georgia. If not careful, you might get in trouble for that.
- Cover your arms, shoulders, and legs when you’re visiting religious places. It’s part of respecting their culture.
- Note that drug-related policies are really strict in Georgia. Many prescribed or even non-prescribed medicines are banned in Georgia.
Georgia is rather a safe country even for solo female travelers. Pay attention to these simple rules and you’ll be fine.
Last Word
Georgia is often overlooked by many people worldwide. It’s not that odd if this is the first time you’ve heard about this country. Yes, it’s not a state in the US! However, this is what makes this small country in the Southeast part of Europe a hidden gem. A lot of unique and wonderful experiences are waiting there for every traveler. And Hopefully our travel guide to Georgia has been successful in showing it to you. You’ll collect amazing stories about spectacular mountains, 3000-year-old cave towns, splendid wine, and cathedrals. Besides, this country is a quiet and safe place full of hospitable people. So, don’t hesitate! Book your next flight to Tbilisi.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Georgia?
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are the ideal times to visit Georgia. However, if you’re interested in hiking, summer is the perfect time.
Do I need a visa to travel to Georgia?
Citizens of over 90 countries, including the USA, EU countries, Canada, Australia, and many more, can enter Georgia visa-free for up to a year.
What is the local currency, and can I use credit cards in Georgia?
Georgian Lari (GEL) is the official currency of Georgia. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger cities, restaurants, and hotels, but it’s advisable to carry cash for small shops, markets, and rural areas.
