Georgia: One of Europe's Most Underrated Countries
At a Glance
Best for: Mountains, wine, food, culture & city breaks
Where I stayed: Tbilisi (with day trips to Kazbegi, Kakheti, Mtskheta, Jvari Monastery & the Chronicles of Georgia)
Solo Friendly: ★★★★★
Budget: $
Transport: Bolt, marshrutkas, organised day tours & walking
Why it should be next on your bucket list
I really believe it's one of Europe's (some are divided and believe it to be Asia, but let's agree to disagree) most underrated countries and I will happily die on that hill. I'm still surprised it's largely under the radar.
What I still can't get my head around is just how diverse the landscapes and experiences are, all within such a short distance of Tbilisi. In just one or two hours, you can find yourself discovering ancient monasteries towering above valleys with dramatic mountain backdrops, enjoying one of the world's oldest wine regions, or winding your way through roads that look completely different from the city you left behind.
If you're planning your first trip to Georgia, I'd strongly recommend basing yourself in Tbilisi for around 7–9 days and taking a few tours from there, some full day and others half. They're incredibly affordable, especially compared to other parts of Europe, and in my opinion they're what make Georgia so special.
Tbilisi: A Hidden Gem
The city, in short, is a wonderful mix of vibrant, historic and creative. Where you might wander cobbled streets, you will surely find traditional, beautiful balconies everywhere. And in the next area, you may discover a sort of garden, spilling off an otherwise, dilapidated building or uncover hidden courtyards.
Though be warned, Tbilisi is quite hilly in places and navigating some roads can occasionally feel like a workout you didn't sign up for, but my god when I say the views are worth it - trust me! And don’t forget to bring a drone.
This being said, one of my favourite things to do was simply wander around, enjoy coffee in local cafes and feed the sweet, fat stray dogs roaming around (tagged and friendly).
And when eventually the day closes and sunset arrives, head up to Narikala Fortress or Mtatsminda Park to have the best views of golden hour with unmatched views over Tbilisi.
Don't Miss
✦ Old Town (Altstadt) – The heart of Tbilisi, filled with colourful balconies, winding streets and hidden courtyards.
✦ The Leaning Clock Tower & Rezo Gabriadze Theatre – One of Tbilisi's most photographed landmarks. The quirky leaning tower puts on a charming puppet-style clock show every hour, while at 12:00 and 19:00 a tiny angel appears to ring the bell. Don't forget to look for what's often called the world's smallest clock tucked into the building's façade.
✦ Bridge of Peace – Love it or hate it, it's become one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.
✦ Narikala Fortress – The best viewpoint over Tbilisi. I'd recommend going around sunset.
✦ Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda) – Standing proudly above the city, she's one of Tbilisi's defining landmarks and can be reached from Narikala.
✦ Abanotubani (Sulphur Baths) – The famous domed bathhouses that have been part of Tbilisi's history for centuries.
✦ Mtatsminda Park – Ride the funicular for panoramic city views and one of my favourite sunset spots.
✦ Dry Bridge Market – Great if you enjoy antiques, Soviet memorabilia, artwork and browsing for treasures.
✦ Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) – One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world and an impressive stop even if you're not particularly interested in churches.
Where I Stayed
I based myself at King Gorgasali Hotel for around €60 per night, which I thought was fantastic value. The location was excellent, the hotel itself was beautiful and while there was a little bit of street noise, I really didn't mind considering the quality and price.
The breakfast outside is also well worth a mention.
My favourite places to eat and drink
✦ 144 Stairs – One of the best plates of khinkali I had, somehow made even better with pesto. The views alone are worth the uphill climb.
✦ Cafe Daphne – Fantastic traditional Georgian food in a lovely setting.
✦ Karts Coffee – They create little portraits on your coffee cups. Unfortunately my hotel thought mine was rubbish and threw it away... so I guess I've got another reason to go back.
✦ Balcony No.7 – Beautiful traditional Georgian house with gorgeous wooden balconies.
✦ Balcony No.12 – Equally beautiful and full of character.
✦ Usakhelouri – Go for the khachapuri.
Before You Go
Avoid airport taxis. Use Bolt or Yandex instead. Most journeys into the city should cost around 20–30 GEL (€6–10).
Georgia is very card-friendly and I rarely needed cash.
It's incredibly affordable. Expect to spend around €5–10 on dinner.
I found it very safe as a solo female traveller and never had any issues walking alone, even at night.
I'd recommend Magti if you need data. Their unlimited eSIMs are excellent value.
If you fly a drone, Georgia is generally very relaxed about it. Just don't be like me and assume that applies inside monastery grounds too (my stupidity).