Your Complete Travel Guide To Georgia (The Country!)

So, you’ve got Georgia on your mind—and no, not the U.S. state with peaches and Southern drawls—we’re talking about the jaw-droppingly beautiful country nestled in the Caucasus. Think dramatic mountains, charming old towns, food that makes your heart sing, and wine that never ends. If you're craving a destination that's still a little under-the-radar but bursting with charm, Georgia (the country!) might just steal your heart.

Think snow-capped mountains, winding old town alleys, food that warms your soul, and locals who treat you like family. Whether you're a culture chaser, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys wine with a view—Georgia hits all the right notes. Let’s make sure you’re all set before you take off. From snagging the best flight deals to finding the perfect bowl of butter chicken in Tbilisi, here’s everything you need to know.

Booking The Best Flight

Alright, step one: getting there without blowing your budget. Georgia's main international hub is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), and there's also Kutaisi International Airport, which is a hit with budget carriers like Wizz Air. Now, if you’re anything like the rest of us, you want a good deal.

Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices. Even better? Set price alerts and let the deals come to you. Flights with stopovers in Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul are usually cheaper than direct options (plus, hello duty-free shopping). Book flights for mid-week—Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly. And a little trick: clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode when you search. It helps dodge those sneaky price hikes. As for airlines, FlyDubai, Pegasus, and Air Arabia strike a nice balance between affordability and comfort. If you're flying out from India or the Gulf, expect a travel time of around 7–9 hours, usually with a layover.

How Many Days Do You Need?

So, how long should you stay? Honestly, you could spend a month here and still have more to see, but if you’re planning a solid getaway, 6 to 8 days is a great starting point. Here’s a quick trip outline that works well:

Day 1-2 – Tbilisi:

Start in the capital. Get lost in the old town’s alleyways, dip into a traditional sulphur bath, and take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for sunset views over the city.

Day 3 – Kazbegi (Stepantsminda):

Just a few hours from Tbilisi, but it feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Don’t miss the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched dramatically against snow-dusted peaks.

Day 4-5 – Kakheti (Wine Country):

Time to slow down. Visit charming Sighnaghi or Telavi, sip on homemade wine, and soak in that famous Georgian hospitality. The locals? Absolute gems.

Day 6-7 – Gudauri or Mestia:

If you're visiting in winter or love the mountains, head to Gudauri for snow sports, or Mestia for alpine adventures and epic hiking. Tight on time? No problem. Focus on Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and Kakheti—it’s the perfect mix of city, mountains, and countryside.

Must-Visit Spots Across Georgia

For a country that’s about the size of Ireland, Georgia really over-delivers when it comes to variety. One moment you’re sipping coffee in a boho café, the next you’re standing in front of a centuries-old monastery with mountains in the background. Here are the places that shouldn’t be missed.

Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital is effortlessly cool—part vintage, part modern. Walk the cobblestone streets of the old town, admire those pastel-hued balconies, and don't skip a soak at the Abanotubani sulphur baths—your skin will thank you.

Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

If there’s one place that’ll make your jaw drop, it’s here. Set against the stunning Caucasus Mountains, it’s peaceful, spiritual, and utterly photogenic.

Sighnaghi

They call it the City of Love, and it’s not hard to see why. Red-roofed houses, hilltop views, and wine at every corner—this tiny town is like a slice of Tuscany in the Caucasus.

Gudauri

Love snow? You’ll love Gudauri. It’s Georgia’s go-to ski resort and great even for beginners. Not into skiing? No worries—just sip some mulled wine and enjoy the views.

Borjomi

A quiet retreat known for its mineral water and lush forests. It’s perfect if you want a break from sightseeing and just need a forest walk and some fresh mountain air.

Uplistsikhe

This ancient rock-hewn cave town looks straight out of a fantasy film. It’s been around since the Iron Age and still gives off serious mystical vibes.

Batumi

Fancy a beach break? Head to Batumi, a quirky coastal city with a cool mix of old and new. You’ll find pebbled beaches, street art, and even a Ferris wheel by the sea.

Best Indian Restaurants In Georgia

Missing a good masala fix? Georgia’s got a growing list of Indian spots, especially in Tbilisi. Craving a comforting plate of biryani or a warm daal after days of khinkali and khachapuri? Tbilisi has a surprisingly decent Indian food scene—and these places totally hit the spot:

Spice Garden (Tbilisi)

This one's got a lovely, modern vibe and nails those North Indian flavours. Their biryani? Aromatic, flavorful, and straight-up satisfying. Great for a sit-down dinner when you're missing a proper Indian meal.

Taste of India (Tbilisi)

No fuss, no frills—just solid, affordable Indian food. It’s a go-to if you're vegetarian or on a budget. Their paneer dishes and thalis are simple but genuinely good.

Haveli Indian Restaurant (Tbilisi)

Think homestyle comfort food. If you’re in the mood for a classic thali, buttery daal tadka, or something that reminds you of home-cooked meals, Haveli won’t disappoint. It feels like a warm hug after a long travel day.

Namaste India (Batumi)

This coastal town also has Indian flavours on offer, ideal if you're craving something familiar after all that khachapuri.

Pro tip: Georgia’s local food is incredible, but not always vegetarian-friendly. Indian restaurants are a real lifesaver if you’re looking for variety or sticking to veg.

Best Time To Visit Georgia

Georgia is a year-round destination, but the best time really depends on what you’re after.

Spring (April to June):

Lush greenery, blooming flowers, and pleasant weather—perfect for exploring cities and countryside alike.

Autumn (September to early November):

Arguably the best time. The vineyards are full, the weather is crisp, and the colours are magical.

Winter (December to February):

Snowy mountain towns like Gudauri and Bakuriani are stunning. Great if you’re into skiing or just want to cosy up by a fire.

Summer (July to August):

It can get hot in Tbilisi, but this is a great time to head to the mountains or Black Sea coast.

If it’s your first time, aim for late September to early October. You’ll catch the tail end of warm weather, colourful foliage, and wine harvest festivities.

Local Transport

Getting around Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state!) is refreshingly simple—and in many cases, a real adventure in itself. Whether you’re sticking to the cities or heading off into the mountains, there are plenty of ways to explore without breaking the bank.

Marshrutkas are the most common way locals travel. These are shared minivans that run set routes between towns and cities, and while they don’t always follow a strict schedule, they’re cheap, fast, and give you a slice of real Georgian life. You just hop in, pay the driver (usually cash), and off you go. No fancy bookings required.

If you’re staying in Tbilisi, the metro system is surprisingly efficient and very affordable. There are also buses and minibuses that crisscross the city, and a rechargeable Metromoney card makes it super easy to tap and go. For short distances or when you're feeling tired, taxis and Bolt (Georgia’s version of Uber) are easy to find and affordable—just watch for surge pricing in peak hours.

For longer distances, trains are a comfortable option. The Tbilisi–Batumi line is especially popular, offering scenic views of the countryside, plus you can choose between basic seats or upgraded ones with a bit more legroom. Renting a car is also a great option if you want to explore places like Kazbegi, Kakheti, or the remote villages of Svaneti at your own pace—but be warned: Georgian drivers can be a little... enthusiastic.

Whatever your travel style, Georgia’s got you covered—just show up with a sense of curiosity and maybe a translation app, and you’ll be good to go.

What To Pack

Georgia’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, so layering is key. Here’s a quick checklist:

Clothing: Layers, layers, layers. Think T-shirts, light sweaters, a warm jacket (especially if you're heading to the mountains), and comfy walking shoes.

Rain protection: A compact umbrella or waterproof jacket.

Power adapter: Georgia uses European standard plugs (Type C & F) with 220V supply.

Medications: Carry your basics—pharmacies are common but language barriers might be tricky.

Travel-friendly snacks: Especially if you're vegetarian or halal, keep a few backup snacks on hand for road trips.

Cash: While cards are accepted widely, some remote areas and taxis may prefer cash. The local currency is Georgian Lari (GEL).

Sunblock and shades: Especially important in summer or high-altitude areas.

Google Translate: Georgian script is beautiful but totally different—this will help a lot.

VPN: For streaming or using certain apps that might be limited regionally.

Georgia is a country that surprises you—in the best way possible. One minute you're wandering through ancient churches, and the next you’re sipping homemade wine with a local family who just invited you in. It’s warm, welcoming, and wonderfully easy to explore, even if it’s your first time in the region.

Whether you’re chasing mountains, history, or just a new experience that’s budget-friendly and rich in soul, Georgia ticks every box. And yes, your Instagram is going to look amazing.

Ready to pack your bags?