Georgia Travel Guide

Georgia is located in the eastern shores of the Black Sea with a population of almost 4 million. The country has remarkable natural wonders and a vibrant social life which is accompanied by a unique cultural heritage. Georgia has plenty to offer to its visitors around the year and attracts almost 9 million international tourists annually.

General Information

Language

The only official language of Georgia is Georgian. Abkhazian, Azerbaijani, Armenian and especially Russian are also spoken in various parts of the country. Its alphabet is written in its own system, the Georgian script.

Common Phrases

• Didi madloba! – Thanks a lot!
• Rogorkhar? – How are you?
• Ra gkvia? – What is your name?
• Me mkvia ... – My name is …
• Me arvlap'arak'obkartuls. – I don’t speak Georgian.

Capital of Georgia

Tbilisi is the capital city of the country and located in the eastern part of the country. Tbilisi is also a prominent cultural, economic and historic center of the country.

Time Zone

Georgia has only 1 time zone. The country follows the Greenwich Mean Time GMT +4.

Currency

The currency used in Georgia is Georgian Lari (GEL). The currency replaced Russian ruble in 1995. There are many currency exchange vendors and banks in populated areas. 

Main Economic Activities

Georgia is ranked as 118th in the world in terms of GDP per capita (nominal) in 2017. The country is a growing economy with prominent agriculture, mining, and energy sectors.

Where is Georgia?

Georgia is located in the western part of the Caucasus peninsula, in the eastern coast of the Black Sea. Its neighbors are Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia.  

Best Time to Visit Georgia

The western part of Georgia has a temperate oceanic climate with a high chance of rain throughout the year. Eastern part of the country has a continental climate with hot and dry summers, cold winters.

How to Get to Georgia?

Pegasus Airlines offers direct flights to Tbilisi International Airport from İstanbul SabihaGökçen Airport. The flight duration is 2 hour and 15 minutes. You can buy your direct flight tickets to Tbilisi from İstanbul from here.

Public Transportation in Georgia

You can use public buses, small buses, metro and taxis to get around in the cities. In a public bus, the fare is paid in cash and costs relatively low. Metro is only available in Tbilisi with two lines and tickets are available in every station. Small buses cover many areas in city centers.

They do not have fixed stops on the route, pick-up and drop-off is made on demand and fare is paid in cash.

Transportation from Tbilisi International Airport to City Center

Tbilisi International Airport is located 17 kilometers away from the city center. You can get to the city center with public bus, train or taxi.

Public bus line 37 is located in front of Arrivals Hall and available 24/7. The trip costs 0.50 GEL.

The train network is newly implemented into the airport and only available in 7.55 AM and 4.55 PM. The trip approximately takes 40 minutes and costs 0.50 GEL.

There are also many airport taxis available in the airport 24/7 with fixed fares to specific routes. The trip to the city center from the airport approximately costs 40 GEL.

Places to Visit in Georgia

Georgia is located on the southern border of Russia and eastern shores of Black Sea. Its natural beauties, cultural heritage and history are making the country the one of the most popular touristic locations in its region. Tbilisi is the most popular tourist city of the country and also its capital, has amazing historical monuments that are sure to amaze you. Georgia is home to the spectacular nature of the Black Sea and Caucasus combination. The country is quite rich in terms of tourism with all its values.

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia and is the cultural, economic, and historic center of the country. Old Town, The Holy Trinity Cathedral, Mtatsminda Park, The Mother Statue, and Tbilisi Reservoir are the most popular attractions in the city. 

Batumi

Batumi is the most important port city of Georgia and attracts millions of tourists every year. The city is famous for its vibrant social life, amazing beaches, and spectacular natural beauties. Batumi is also home to many spectacular landmarks such as Astronomical Clock, Alphabetic Tower and St. Nicolas Church.

Where to Stay in Georgia?

Tbilisi is one the most popular destinations of its region and offers many accommodation options to its visitors.

If you are in Tbilisi for the first time, it is recommended for you to stay in hotels located around Shota Rustaveli Avenue since you will be walking distance away from most of the cities main attractions. Also, you can engage with the everyday life of the locals. 

If you are looking for a calmer vacation, it would be best for you to stay in hotels around Chargali Street since you will be walking distance away from the Tbilisi Reservoir.

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What to Eat in Georgia?

Georgia has a unique kitchen with amazing recipes that mostly consists of pastry, corn, meat, and vegetables. 

Khinkali

Khinkali is a special Georgian dumpling and its main ingredients are varying with the region. The traditional khinkali contains minced meat, onions, chili pepper, and cumin. “ShemoikhedeGenatsvale” in Batumi is one of the best restaurants in the city that serve traditional khinkali as well as other Georgian recipes.

Kharcho

Kharcho is the renowned soup recipe of the country. The soup contains beef, rice, walnuts, and special tomato sauce. “Barbarestan” is one of the best restaurants in Tbilisi that serves traditional kharcho. 

Shopping in Georgia: Best Souvenirs to Buy

Minankari jewelry, blue tablecloths, ceramics, scarves, tea, and jam are the authentic Georgian souvenirs that you can buy for loved ones. They are available in many local vendors that are scattered around populated areas.

Things to Know Before Visiting Georgia

• Turkish Lira is commonly accepted in Batumi.
• Batumi and Tbilisi are bicycle-friendly cities and there are many places to rent them.

Nightlife in Tbilisi

Tbilisi does not have a diverse nightlife scene but has many great bars that are open after midnight. Most of them are concentrated around ShalvaDadiani and LadoAsatiani Streets.

Holidays in Georgia

Some religious days are subject to change every year such as Easter Holiday or Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan).

• 1st and 2nd of January – New Year’s Day and Holiday
• 7th of January – Orthodox Christmas
• 19th of January – Orthodox Epiphany
• 9th of April – Day of Unity
• 26th of April – Orthodox Good Friday
• 27th of April – Holy Saturday
• 28th and 29th of April – Easter 
• 9th of May – Day of Victory 
• 12th of May – St. Andrew the First-Called Day
• 26th of May – Independence Day
• 28th of August – St. Mary’s Day
• 14th of October – Day of Sveticxovloba
• 23rd of November – St. George’s Day

Festivals in Georgia

• Tbilisi International Film Festival (December, Tbilisi)
• Tbilisi Jazz Festival (July, Tbilisi)
• Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre (July, Tbilisi)

Visa Requirements

Those who want to visit Georgia, which is one of the most touristic countries of the Caucasus, also have the option of obtaining an online visa, such as e-visa. After you apply online, you can enter the country with a certificate and stay in the country for 30 to 90 days. Georgia also allows many countries to enter with their own electronic identification cards. You can click on this link to see the list of nationalities that Georgia offers e-visa and other country lists with different visa application requirements. 

You can learn the details of the Georgia visa application process from the "Georgia Visa Guide" article.

FAQ about Georgia

Do people in Georgia understand English? 

No, most local people don’t understand English thoroughly except for younger generations and tourism employees.

Is Georgia an expensive country?

No, most of the country has relatively cheap options regarding accommodation, food & drinks and transportation.

Is tap water drinkable?

Yes, tap water does not pose a health risk in urban areas. 

Is Georgia safe?

Yes, Georgia is a fairly safe country with low crime rates. However, visitors should be cautious about pickpocketing in various means of public transport and in crowded areas.