Asia › Caucasus › Georgia

Georgia

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Wine country, mountain villages and old Tbilisi

Georgia is a country of about 3.7 million people between the Black Sea and the Caucasus mountains, with Russia to the north and Türkiye, Armenia and Azerbaijan to the south. Visitors can wander Tbilisi's old town, hike beneath the high peaks around Kazbegi and visit the wine villages of Kakheti. Cave monasteries, stone watchtowers and Black Sea beaches add variety. British and many other visitors can stay visa-free for up to a year. Distances are short and roads are improving, so a week covers Tbilisi, the wine region and the mountains with time left over for a day trip or two.

Country
Climate zone: Humid subtropical

Humid subtropical: Warm temperate climates with hot, humid summers, mild winters and evenly distributed rainfall, common on eastern continental margins.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury

Note: There can be large regional differences in price levels within a country. Be sure to check the price data of individual cities or regions to get a more detailed view.

See price details
Safety: 6.2
General Safety:7
Health & medical:5
Accessibility:4
Tap water:6
Read details
Tourist English: 2/5
English proficiency varies across Georgia. In tourist areas, hotels and major attractions in Tbilisi and Batumi, basic English is common. However, in rural areas and with older generations, Russian is more widely spoken than English.
Last update: 20 Oct 2026
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Georgia Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work
Outstanding for mountains and traditional culture. Hike Caucasus landscapes, visit ancient monasteries, explore historic towns and enjoy renowned Georgian wine and cuisine.
Place score
7.2
Best at:
Forests
8
Traditional culture
8
Hiking
8
Cosy towns
7
Mountains
7
Personal score
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Log in to see how this place matches your personal travel interests.
Suited for
👶 7
Families
🧓 6
Seniors
❤️ 8
Couples
🛡️ 7
Travel Beginners
Georgia – Quick facts
Power Grid: 220 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type F:
Diagram of a Type F power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
£1 ≈ GEL 3.45
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Georgia, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated in Georgia, but not mandatory. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and taxi drivers may expect small tips for good service.
Public drinking: Public drinking is prohibited in some areas of Georgia, but it is generally accepted in parks and other public spaces. Alcohol is commonly consumed in restaurants and bars.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces but allowed in designated outdoor areas.
Independence Day
(26 May)
Celebrates Georgia's independence from the Soviet Union
Christmas
(7 January)
Orthodox Christmas, widely celebrated
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps: Bolt, Yandex
Other: Georgia is known for its stunning landscapes, ancient history, and unique culture. Popular attractions include the Caucasus mountains, vineyards, and historic monasteries.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Georgia, Georgia
🌨️
Jan
🌨️
Feb
🌨️
Mar
🌨️
Apr
⛈️
May
🌦️
Jun
🌦️
Jul
🌦️
Aug
🌦️
Sep
🌤️
Oct
🌨️
Nov
🌨️
Dec
High season: May - Oct.
Shoulder season: Jan. - Feb., April, Dec.
Crowdedness: 5 (Moderate tourist numbers)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Climate varies by region: mountains best for skiing December to March and hiking July to September, Black Sea coast for beaches June to September, Tbilisi and wine regions for sightseeing in spring and autumn
Remote highland roads such as Tusheti and parts of Svaneti are usually passable only June to October
Rtveli wine harvest in Kakheti runs September to October, with grape picking and wine tastings at family cellars

Why travel to Georgia?

Georgia packs mountains, wine, history and food into a small area. Tbilisi has a hillside old town with carved wooden balconies, churches and sulphur bathhouses beside the river. Modern cafes, galleries and wine bars are alongside them. Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in the country, is a short drive away and is a UNESCO site. The country has four UNESCO properties in all, which are the monuments of Mtskheta, Gelati Monastery, Upper Svaneti and the Colchic rainforests and wetlands. The mountains are the second reason. Kazbegi, also called Stepantsminda, is under Mount Kazbek and has hiking, a hilltop church and wide views. Svaneti has stone defensive towers and remote villages. Gudauri and other resorts have skiing in winter, but off-piste skiing is very dangerous so use a guide. Georgia is known as the birthplace of wine and its traditional clay-vessel winemaking is recognised by UNESCO. Kakheti has family cellars and tasting rooms among rolling vineyards. Batumi on the Black Sea has palm-lined promenades and a summer beach scene. Plan at least a week. Late spring and early autumn have mild weather and the harvest season in September and October is busy.

🏙️Cities & Regions
  • 1 Tbilisi
    Capital city of Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering a mix of medieval architecture, vibrant markets and historic churches. Its winding streets reveal Ottoman influences, Georgian hospitality and a growing culinary scene.
  • 2 Batumi
    Coastal city on Georgia's Black Sea coast, known for architecture, botanical gardens and vibrant nightlife. The boulevard offers seaside promenades, cafés and a mix of historic attractions. Visitors enjoy river cruises, the iconic Alphabet Tower and nearby beaches.
  • 3 Stepantsminda
    A mountainous region in Georgia's north, known for its dramatic peaks and ancient monasteries. The landscape features deep valleys, terraced vineyards and traditional stone villages that dot the slopes of Mount Kazbek.
  • 4 Mestia
    This historic region in Georgia's Svaneti mountains features towering stone towers, deep valleys and traditional wooden churches. Visitors explore ancient villages, rugged peaks and UNESCO-listed architecture that define this remote, culturally rich destination.
  • 5 Mtskheta
    An ancient crossroads of trade and culture, this city hosts a cathedral that survived invasions and a fortress overlooking the Kura River. Its cobbled streets reveal medieval architecture, while nearby monasteries offer insight into early Georgian Christianity.
  • 6 Gudauri
    A Georgian mountain resort where ski slopes, alpine trails and snow-covered peaks attract winter sports enthusiasts. It offers a peaceful retreat from busy cities, with cozy lodges and scenic views that make Gudauri a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure in the Caucasus.
🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Narikala Fortress
    This historic fortress offers panoramic views of Tbilisi's winding streets and ancient architecture. Visitors can explore its stone walls, learn about Georgian history and enjoy sunset vistas over the city from this iconic landmark.
  • 2 Old Town Hall
  • 3 Gergeti Trinity Church
  • 4 Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
  • 5 David Gareja Monastery Complex
  • 6 Sighnaghi
  • 7 Batumi Boulevard
  • 8 Tsikhisdziri fortress
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Vashlovani National Park
  • 2 Borjomi
  • 3 Kakheti
  • 4 Bakuriani
  • 5 Aleksandre Kazbegi Street
  • 6 Batumi St
  • 7 Tusheti
  • 8 Mestia
  • 9 Svaneti
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Sataplia Nature Reserve
  • 2 Martvili canyon
  • 3 Mtirala National Park
  • 4 Dashbashi Canyon Natural Monument
  • 5 Prometheus Cave
  • 6 Lagodekhi Protected Areas
  • 7 Katskhi Pillar
  • 8 Kolkheti National Park
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 Central Bazaar
  • 2 Flea Market Dry Bridge
  • 3 Tbilisi Mall
  • 4 MARKET
  • 5 Indoor Clothes Market
  • 6 Galleria Tbilisi
  • 7 Plaza Hotel
  • 8 Merani Shopping Gallery
🎈Events
  • Tbilisoba (October)
  • New Wine Festival (May)
  • Black Sea Jazz Festival (July)
  • Tushetoba Festival
  • Tbilisi International Film Festival
  • Rtveli (Grape Harvest, September-October)
  • Art Gene Folk Festival
  • Batumi International Art-House Film Festival
  • Tbilisi Fashion Week
  • Tbilisi Open Air Music Festival

Popular travel destinations in Georgia

Knowledge before you go

  • Buy health and accident insurance that covers your whole stay.
  • Pre-book taxis through a ride-hailing app to avoid haggling and check the car has seatbelts.
  • Pay in lari because shops and hotels may quote prices in dollars or euros.
  • Hire a local guide for off-piste skiing or hiking near boundary lines because conditions are risky.

How to travel to Georgia

Most visitors arrive by air at Tbilisi International Airport, which has flights from European cities, Türkiye, the Gulf and neighbouring countries. Kutaisi and Batumi also have international airports with budget flights, so check them if you want to start in the west or on the coast. By land, Georgia shares borders with Türkiye, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. Crossings with Türkiye and Armenia are the most common for travellers. Entering from Russia through South Ossetia or Abkhazia is illegal. Border rules can change, so confirm which crossings are open before an overland trip. British citizens can enter without a visa for up to one year. Many other nationalities have similar rules, so check the rules for your passport. All visitors need health and accident insurance covering the whole stay. Airlines or immigration may ask for proof of it while your passport should be valid for the whole stay.

Access summary

  • Tbilisi: Fly to Tbilisi (TBS) from European, Middle Eastern hub airports.
  • Batumi: Seasonal international flights to BUS; buses, trains from Tbilisi/Kutaisi.
  • Kutaisi: Low-cost carriers to KUT from Europe; buses connect to major cities.

Where to stay in Georgia

Tbilisi has the widest choice, from hostels and guesthouses to boutique hotels in restored old houses and large international chains. The old town and the Sololaki and Vera districts put you near restaurants, wine bars and sights. Rustaveli Avenue is central and convenient but has frequent demonstrations, so check the mood before booking. Outside the capital, family-run guesthouses are a highlight. In Kakheti, guesthouses are in wine villages and many serve home-cooked dinners and their own wine. Kazbegi has hotels with mountain views and simple guesthouses in the village. Svaneti has family guesthouses and small hotels in Mestia and Ushguli. Batumi has beach hotels, apartments and high-rises, with the busiest period in summer. Book ahead for summer, the autumn wine harvest and the winter ski season. Prices may be quoted in dollars or euros but you pay in Georgian lari.

How to get around Georgia

Tbilisi is easy to get around and longer trips need more planning.

In Tbilisi:
The old town is walkable though hilly, the metro covers the main axis and buses and minibuses fill the gaps.
Order taxis in a ride-hailing app instead of hailing one on the street. This avoids haggling and you can check the car has working seatbelts.

Between towns:
Minibuses called marshrutkas run from bus stations to most towns and mountain villages.
They're cheap and leave when full. Trains link Tbilisi with Kutaisi and Batumi and sleeper compartments usually have locks.

By car:
Hiring a car or a driver gives the most freedom for Kakheti and the mountains, though rural roads are often poorly lit and in poor condition.
Expect stray livestock, erratic driving and landslides. Heavy rain or snow can close mountain passes.

Licences and guides:
A UK licence is valid for up to a year and some hire firms ask for a 1968 international permit.
The drink-driving limit is lower than in the UK and trekking in the mountains is better with a local guide.

Food in Georgia

Georgian food is hearty and made for sharing. Khachapuri is cheese bread and the boat-shaped Adjarian version comes with an egg and butter on top. Khinkali are large soup dumplings that you hold by the top knot and eat with your hands. Other staples include walnut-based dishes such as badrijani nigvziani, grilled meat skewers called mtsvadi and kharcho, a spiced beef soup.

Wine is central. The country's winemaking uses clay vessels called qvevri. Amber wines made from white grapes with skin contact are a local speciality. Long meals are led by a toastmaster called a tamada who sets the order of toasts.

Vegetarians can eat well on bean dishes, cheese bread, aubergine and herb salads. Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight because drink spiking has been reported. Dining out is cheap by European standards.

Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-55 %
Daily expenses in Georgia are around 55% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

+7 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to GEL) is 7% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is more expensive compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£35
£76
£201
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£15
£38
£98
🍝 Food per day
£18
£35
£94
🚕 Transportation per day
£2
£3
£10
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£13
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£7.50
🍟 Fast food combo
£6.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£6
☕ Cappuccino
£2.20
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£1.70
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£0.25
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£6
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£0.85
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£4.20
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£23
🤧 Cold medication
£6.50
💇 Basic haircut
£7

Safety information overview

General safety
7
Crime is low but pickpocketing occurs in crowds. Demonstrations in Tbilisi can turn violent, so avoid them. Rural roads are poor and mountain weather changes quickly. Avoid the boundary lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia and follow government advice on parts of the country.
Health & Medical
5
Tbilisi has good but costly medical facilities and options elsewhere are limited. Rabies treatment is available in major towns. Vipers live in the countryside and altitude sickness affects high areas such as Kazbegi. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential. Call 112 for an ambulance.
Accessi­bility
4
Accessibility is limited. Tbilisi's old town is hilly with cobbles and steps. Pavements are often uneven or blocked by parked cars. Many monasteries sit on steep paths. Newer hotels and malls have ramps and lifts. A private driver makes sightseeing far easier.
Tap water
6
Water quality varies by area, so tap water isn't a sure bet for visitors. Those with sensitive stomachs may prefer bottled water even in Tbilisi. Bottled water is widely available and cheap. In villages and the mountains use bottled or filtered water.

Packing recommendations for Georgia

Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.

📷
Camera
⛰️
Trekking poles
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
☂️
Folding umbrella
🩱
Swimwear
👛
Cash in small denominations
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
for visiting churches
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
for variable weather
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type C/F plugs
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Show more

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