Tbilisi holidays

Must-do's as a traveller:
 

Explore the Old Town:
 

• Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town, admiring the colourful houses and historic churches.
• Visit the majestic Holy Trinity Cathedral, a stunning example of Georgian Orthodox architecture.
• Discover the ancient Narikala Fortress, perched atop a hill overlooking the city.
• Explore the sulphur baths, a unique cultural experience dating back to Roman times.
   

Immerse yourself in nature:
 

• Take a cable car ride up to Mtatsminda Mountain for panoramic views of the city.
• Visit Tbilisi Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis with a diverse collection of plants.
• Hike through the scenic trails of the nearby mountains, such as Mtatsminda or Turtle Lake.
• Take a day trip to Kakheti, Georgia's wine region, and visit historic wineries and learn how Georgian wine is made.
   

Cultural experiences:
 

• Discover the rich history of Georgia at the Georgian National Museum.
• Enjoy a traditional Georgian feast, featuring delicious dishes like khinkali, khachapuri, and satsivi.
• Visit the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre to experience a world-class performance.
• Explore the vibrant flea market, where you can find unique souvenirs and antiques.
   

Day trips:
 

• Mtskheta: Visit the ancient capital of Georgia, known for its stunning Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery.
• Kazbegi: Hike to the Gergeti Trinity Church, a picturesque church nestled in the mountains.
• Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: Explore this beautiful national park, home to diverse wildlife and stunning natural landscapes.
   

Food, culture, & wildlife
 

Food: Georgian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavours and hearty dishes.
 

• Traditional Georgian restaurants: Indulge in delicious dishes like khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), and satsivi (a walnut sauce with meat or poultry) at popular Georgian restaurants like Pasanauri or Sakhli.
• Wine tasting: Explore the wine regions of Kakheti and Imereti, famous for their ancient winemaking traditions. Visit local wineries like Khareba or Pheasant's Tears to taste a variety of Georgian wines.
• Street food: Savour delicious street food, such as mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers) and churchkhela (a traditional Georgian candy) at local markets and food stalls.
   

Culture: Tbilisi is a city steeped in gothic history, offering a rare insight into a past not popularly visited by people.
 

• Ancient architecture: Explore the historic Old Town, with its narrow, cobblestone streets and ancient churches like the Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica.
• Museums and galleries: Visit the Georgian National Museum to learn about the country's rich history and culture or explore the modern art scene at galleries like the Shota Rustaveli State Academic Theatre.
• Theatrical performances: Enjoy world-class performances at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre.
• Traditional music and dance: Immerse yourself in the country's folk traditions through music and dance performances at venues like the Ethno-Cultural Centre.
   

Wildlife: While Tbilisi itself is a bustling city, there are opportunities to experience nature and wildlife.
 

• Mtatsminda Park: This mountain park offers stunning views of the city and a chance to spot local bird species.
• Tbilisi Zoo: Home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears.
• Day trips to nature reserves: Explore nearby national parks like Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, where you can encounter diverse wildlife, including bears, wolves, and various bird species.
   

Travel tips
 

Travel visa information:

• Most nationalities, including US and EU citizens, can enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year. You can also check other need-to-know destination-specific travel information here.

Currency:

• The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL).

Language:

• Georgian is the official language, but Russian and English are widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

Climate:

• Tbilisi has a humid continental climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit.

Transportation:

• Tbilisi has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, metro, and shared taxis. However, when it comes to Old Town, walking is the best way to explore the tourist attraction. 

Safety:

• Tbilisi is generally safe for tourists. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding dimly lit areas at night and being aware of your belongings.

Customs:

• Georgians are known for their warm hospitality and traditional values. It's considered polite to be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting religious sites.

Dress code and alcohol:

• Dress code: Casual attire is suitable for most occasions in Georgia, and more specifically, Tbilisi. However, it's advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
• Alcohol: The legal drinking age in Georgia is 18. Wine is a major part of Georgian culture, and you'll find plenty of wine bars and restaurants offering local wines.