Georgia Travel Guide
Georgia sits at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, where the Caucasus Mountains shelter ancient stone churches, vineyard-draped valleys, and a food culture that steals hearts at first bite. From buzzy Tbilisi to the high trails of Svaneti and the Black Sea glow of Batumi, Georgia blends living tradition with easygoing hospitality that travelers remember long after they leave.
When to Visit Georgia
Spring from April to June brings mild weather, green valleys, and blooming vineyards. July and August are warm across the lowlands and ideal for Batumi and the Black Sea, while mountain regions like Kazbegi and Svaneti open fully for trekking. September and October are harvest months with golden light, grape picking, and wine festivals. Winter from December to March suits ski lovers in Gudauri and Bakuriani. Curious about timing your trip around climate and crowds? Check out our full When to Visit Georgia guide for tailored tips.
How to Get to Georgia
Most visitors fly into Tbilisi International Airport with growing connections from Europe and the Middle East. Batumi and Kutaisi airports serve seasonal and budget routes that are handy for the coast or western Georgia. Overland entry is possible from Turkey and Armenia through well used border posts, and trains link Tbilisi with Batumi and Zugdidi for onward mountain travel. Want route ideas and smart transfers between regions? Explore our detailed How to Get to Georgia guide for the best options.
What to Do in Georgia
- Wander Old Tbilisi and the sulfur bath district for layered history and steamy relaxation
- Ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress at sunset for sweeping views of the Mtkvari River
- Day trip to Mtskheta to see UNESCO listed Jvari and Svetitskhoveli cathedrals
- Hike in Kazbegi to Gergeti Trinity Church under Mount Kazbek’s dramatic summit
- Taste qvevri wines in Kakheti and learn how amber wines are made in clay vessels
- Explore Svaneti’s medieval stone towers and trails around Mestia and Ushguli
- Follow the wine and foodie scene in Telavi and Signagi’s pastel old town streets
- Unwind in Batumi with palm lined boulevards, botanical gardens, and seaside cycling
- Ski in Gudauri or Bakuriani and try heli skiing if you are an advanced rider
- Discover cave cities like Uplistsikhe and Vardzia for ancient rock cut architecture
What to Eat in Georgia
Georgia’s comfort food is soulful and generous. Try khachapuri in its many regional styles, from Adjarian with an egg in the center to Imeretian with cheesy layers. Order khinkali dumplings and twist the top knot to sip the juices, and pair grilled mtsvadi with tangy tkemali plum sauce. Do not miss pkhali veggie spreads, badrijani nigvzit eggplant with walnut paste, churchkhela nut sweets, and house made qvevri wines that define local tables. Hungry for deeper tastings and restaurant picks? See our dedicated What to Eat in Georgia guide for a delicious roadmap.
What to Buy from Georgia
Pack home amber wines from small producers, fragrant churchkhela strings, wildflower honeys, and Adjika spice pastes. Look for felt crafts from the mountains, enamel jewelry, hand woven textiles, and traditional clay or wooden tableware. Tbilisi’s Dry Bridge market is a fun stop for vintage finds and local art. Want a curated shopping list with trusted shops and markets? Head to our What to Buy from Georgia guide for smart souvenir ideas.
Georgia Nightlife
Tbilisi leads with a creative bar scene, natural wine bars, and respected techno clubs that run late on weekends. You will also find cozy live jazz venues, rooftop cocktails with views of Narikala, and seaside lounges in Batumi during summer. Prefer a night plan with neighborhood picks and dress code tips? Dive into our Georgia Nightlife guide for the latest hotspots.
Georgia Festivals and Fairs
| Event or Festival | Month | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisoba | October | Citywide celebration of Tbilisi with music, food stalls, and cultural shows |
| Rtveli Harvest | September to October | Grape harvest festivities across Kakheti with tastings and village feasts |
| New Wine Festival | May | Open air tastings in Tbilisi featuring qvevri producers and family wineries |
| Batumi Black Sea Jazz Festival | July | International jazz acts on the coast with open air stages |
| Art Gene Festival | June to July | Folk music, dance, and crafts in Tbilisi and regional venues |
Georgia Important Days and Holidays
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| January 7 | Orthodox Christmas |
| January 19 | Epiphany |
| March 3 | Mother’s Day |
| March 8 | International Women’s Day |
| April variable | Orthodox Easter and Bright Monday |
| May 9 | Victory Day |
| May 12 | St Andrew’s Day |
| May 26 | Independence Day |
| August 28 | Mariamoba Dormition |
| October 14 | Svetitskhovloba |
| November 23 | St George’s Day Giorgoba |
Things to Know for a Georgia Trip
- Visa policy is friendly for many nationalities and stays of up to a year are possible for some passports
- Currency is Georgian Lari and ATMs are common in cities and larger towns
- English is spoken in tourism areas though Russian and Georgian are more widespread outside cities
- Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and carry a scarf for women to cover heads
- Roads can be winding in mountain regions so plan extra travel time
- Tap water in Tbilisi is generally safe though many travelers prefer bottled water
- Book mountain stays early in July and August since rooms sell out in small villages
- Taxis are affordable but use ride hailing apps or agree on fares before you start
- Power sockets are type C and F at 230V so bring a suitable adapter
- Travel insurance with mountain coverage is recommended if you plan to hike or ski
Georgia rewards slow travel with warm welcomes, layered history, and plates that never arrive half full. If this sounds like your kind of journey, start shaping your itinerary with our handpicked Places to Visit in Georgia guide for routes that match your travel style.
