Georgia

Georgia, or Sakartvelo as locals call it, is a small country in the South Caucasus that packs a remarkable punch for its size. Tucked between Europe and Asia, it boasts a deep and complex history that dates back to ancient kingdoms like Colchis and Iberia, and claims to be one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, and the second state to adopt Christianity as its official religion.

Its capital, Tbilisi, is a vibrant blend of old and new, with sulphur baths, cobbled streets, Soviet-era charm and a fast-growing creative scene. From the dramatic peaks of the Caucasus Mountains to the subtropical coastline of the Black Sea, Georgia’s landscapes are as diverse as its culture. You’ll find Orthodox churches perched on cliffs, medieval fortresses, and ancient cave cities like Uplistsikhe and Vardzia that whisper stories of empires long gone. Georgian hospitality is legendary. Locals often greet guests with a feast called a supra, where homemade wine flows freely and toasts are heartfelt and poetic. The cuisine is unforgettable, with rich khachapuri, fragrant khinkali, and bold flavours shaped by Persian, Ottoman and Russian influences. Despite its growing popularity, Georgia remains incredibly affordable, making it a dream destination for travellers seeking authenticity, adventure and warmth.

While there aren’t many countries we’d visit twice before ticking off our long list of travel destinations, Georgia is a clear exception. For such a small country, it offers so much that one trip simply isn’t enough. We loved it so much we almost had are wedding there and that we even found ourselves dreaming of retiring there one day.

Best time to visit

Peak: May-Jun & Sep-Oct | Pleasant (15–28°C)
Quieter: Mar-Apr & Nov | Cool (8-18°C), fewer tourists.
Avoid: Jul-Aug (30–40°C), Dec–Feb (can drop to -5°C, especially in the mountains)
We went in July and it hot in Tbilisi in the sun but still pleasant and still lovely compared to Dubai.

Currency

Cards are accepted in Tbilisi and other big towns, but cash is king in rural areas.
Carry USD/EUR. We exchanged in Dubai, but you can get good rates in Tbilisi as well in hotels etc. A few places accepted dirhams too for the deposit, such as car rentals.
Avoid exchanging at airport.

Language

Georgian (official) Russian is also understood, especially by older generations.
English is common in Tbilisi and tourist areas, but rare in rural regions.
Locals are warm and helpful, so a mix of smiles, gestures, and Google Translate works well.

Major Places to Visit

Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), Kakheti (wine region – including Telavi and Sighnaghi), Gudauri, Batumi, Kutaisi, Mestia and Ushguli (Svaneti region), Uplistsikhe, Vardzia Cave Monastery, Borjomi, Davit Gareja Monastery Complex.

Must Try Food

Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread, especially Adjarian style), Khinkali (juicy meat dumplings), Lobio (spiced bean stew), Mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers), Badrijani (fried eggplant with walnut paste), Churchkhela (nut and grape juice snack), Pkhali (vegetable and walnut pâté).

Getting Around

Trains: Intercity trains connect major cities like Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. Fast, scenic, and affordable.
Metro: Only in Tbilisi. Cheap and efficient for city center travel.
Marshrutkas: Fixed-route minivans connecting most cities, towns, and villages; common and affordable. Expect experienced but rash driving.
Taxi: Widely used and affordable via apps like Bolt/Yandex Go; short city rides typically start around 3-5 GEL. Avoid airport taxis and regular taxis for scams.
Car Rental: Great for exploring regions like Kazbegi, Kakheti, and Svaneti; 4WD recommended for remote mountain areas.

Sim Card

Magti, Silknet (formerly Geocell), and Cellfie (formerly Beeline). SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to get at the airport or in local shops. Airport prices are higher, if you can wait to get to the city you’ll get a better value. Magti is most recommended for country-wide coverage, especially in rural and mountain areas.

Our Fun/Cultural Tip

Georgian hospitality is truly legendary! If you’re invited to a traditional feast, or ‘supra’, prepare for a memorable evening. The ‘tamada’ (toastmaster) leads profound toasts with homemade wine, often poured from a traditional drinking horn. This homemade wine is a staple of their hospitality; you’ll likely be offered it even when staying in a guesthouse, especially in the Kakheti wine region. A standard line we often heard from every guesthouse was ‘Coffee, Tea, Vino?’. And even if your hosts don’t speak English, their warmth ensures you’ll feel welcome and be invited to join them for a meal.

“Georgia is home to the world’s oldest winemaking tradition, 8,000 years and still pouring”

Discover Mtskheta: Your Guide to Georgia’s Historic Capital Near Tbilisi

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Travel Guide to Georgia from the UAE: Tips, Costs and Must-Knows

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The Ultimate Tbilisi Travel Guide: What to See, Eat and Do

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Top Scenic Stops on the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi

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Explore Sighnaghi: The City of Love in Georgia’s Wine Region Kakheti

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Kazbegi Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Experience Georgia’s Kazbegi: stunning hikes, cosy guesthouses, and the greenest mountains you’ve ever seen.

Georgia: Top Travel FAQs

Is Georgia vegetarian friendly?

Yes, Georgia is surprisingly vegetarian friendly. Traditional Georgian cuisine features several delicious vegetarian dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients. Staples like lobio (spiced bean stew), pkhali (vegetable and walnut paste), badrijani (fried eggplant rolls with walnut paste), and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) are naturally meat-free.
Many restaurants and local eateries offer vegetarian options, especially in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi. However, in more rural areas, it’s helpful to learn or carry a translation of common phrases like “No meat, please”. Vegan travellers may need to double-check ingredients, as cheese and dairy are common.
For vegetarian travellers, Georgia offers a rich, flavourful, and affordable food experience that doesn’t compromise on taste or tradition.

Is Georgia still a good travel destination from the UAE?

Yes, Georgia is one of the most popular travel destinations for UAE residents. It’s visa-free for UAE citizens and residents of many nationalities, with direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. The short 3.5 to 4-hour flight especially on Wizz Air and Air Arabia, makes it ideal for long weekends or week-long getaways. Georgia offers a cool climate during UAE’s hot summer months, stunning mountain scenery, rich culture, and affordable prices. Whether you’re into snow in winter, greenery in spring, or wine tasting in the fall, it’s a year-round destination that suits couples, families, and solo travellers alike. Especially with schengen visa delays in UAE, Georgia is one of the top spots to visit for similar natural beauty compared to European countries. Even in off peak seasons Georgia is an absolute wonder to visit.

Does Tbilisi airport have wifi upon landing?

Yes, Tbilisi International Airport offers free Wi‑Fi in both arrivals and departures, with no registration or time limits required. You can use this Wi‑Fi to download or access ride hail apps like Bolt or Yandex right after landing, just be sure to switch off your mobile data to avoid roaming charges. This way you can also wait to reach the city to buy a sim card.

Is Georgia safe for travellers?

Yes, Georgia is considered very safe for travellers, and its capital, Tbilisi is often ranked among the safest cities in Europe. Crime rates are low, especially violent crime. Locals are generally welcoming and helpful towards tourists.
Solo travellers, including women, often feel comfortable walking around, even after dark in central areas. Of course, as with any destination, it is best to stay alert in busy places and keep an eye on your belongings.
Tip for UAE residents: Georgia is safe, tourist-friendly, and well accustomed to Gulf visitors and often recognise you and may ask you ‘Hind’ or ‘Arabiya’? and say hello.
Use apps like Bolt for reliable transport. Avoid remote driving at night, and be cautious on mountain roads, especially in winter.
Personal experience: In Kazbegi, I dropped my hair tie without realising. A man noticed and came running after me just to return it. Such a small item, but the gesture spoke volumes about Georgian hospitality.

What’s the best way to get from Tbilisi airport to the city centre or hotel?

Taxis are the easiest option and take about 20–30 minutes. Using apps like Bolt or Yandex Go is recommended for fair prices, usually around 30–35 GEL. Airport taxis can be more expensive. Many hotels offer airport transfers too which maybe around 10-15 GEL more expensive than a Bolt.
For a budget option, take bus number 37, which runs from 7 AM to 11 PM and costs just 0.50 GEL. There is also a train service and minibuses (marshrutkas), but these may be less convenient.

Is Georgia really affordable?

Yes, Georgia is a very affordable travel destination for visitors from the UAE. The current exchange rate is around 1 AED to 0.74 Georgian lari (GEL), making it easy to manage your budget while enjoying your trip.
Accommodation in Georgia ranges from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels, typically costing between 100 and 200 GEL per night (about 130–260 AED). We even stayed in beautiful guest houses in the mountains for as less as 80AED. Eating out is also inexpensive, traditional dishes like khachapuri and khinkali cost as little as 5–10 GEL (7–13 AED) at local eateries. Public transport, including buses and the metro in Tbilisi, is very cheap, with fares starting at 0.50 GEL (less than 1 AED). Taxi rides or popular apps like Bolt offer affordable city travel for around 5–15 GEL (7–20 AED).
You can get in between cities with Mashtrutkas which is the budget option. We did a mix of both. Renting a car is the only cost that will be slightly higher than UAE, given the higher petrol prices. Georgia is visa-free for UAE citizens and residents, making it even easier and more affordable to plan your trip. Whether you’re exploring Tbilisi, the wine region of Kakheti, or the mountains of Svaneti, Georgia offers great value for money and unforgettable experiences.