A practical guide to Georgia · Sakartvelo
Everything you need for a first trip to Georgia: why it is worth the journey, how to get from the airport to your hotel, how to ride the metro, where to go, what to eat and what the weather will be like.
Georgia sits where Europe meets Asia, between the Black Sea and the Caspian, with the Greater Caucasus along its northern edge. In a country smaller than Ireland you can stand on a 5,000-metre glacier view in the morning and swim in the subtropical sea by evening. Here are the reasons travellers keep coming back.
Archaeologists have found traces of grape wine in clay jars near Tbilisi dating to around 6000 BC. Georgians still ferment wine in buried clay vessels called qvevri, a method listed by UNESCO as intangible heritage. There are more than 500 native grape varieties.
A Georgian saying holds that "a guest is a gift from God". Expect to be fed generously, toasted with sincerity and invited to sit a little longer than you planned.
Kazbegi, Svaneti, Tusheti and Racha offer some of the most dramatic hiking in Europe: glaciers, alpine meadows, medieval stone towers and villages above the clouds. Winter brings skiing in Gudauri, Bakuriani and Mestia.
Georgia adopted Christianity in the 330s. Cliff-top monasteries, frescoed cathedrals and cave cities, several of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fill the landscape.
Khachapuri with molten cheese and egg, juicy khinkali dumplings, walnut sauces, pomegranate, fresh herbs and grilled mtsvadi. Georgian food is a regular reason people plan a second trip.
Citizens of around 95 countries can stay without a visa for up to a year. A metro ride costs 1 lari, a hearty lunch around 20–30 lari, and Bolt or Yandex Go taxis are cheap and transparent.
Tbilisi and Batumi are relaxed cities to explore on foot, day and night. Petty crime levels are low compared with many European capitals; normal city precautions are enough.
The Georgian script, with its 33 rounded letters, is one of only fourteen alphabets in the world. Georgian polyphonic singing was among the first traditions UNESCO recognised as a masterpiece of oral heritage.
Before you fly: since 1 January 2026 every foreign visitor needs travel health and accident insurance covering at least 30,000 GEL for the whole stay, in English or Georgian. Check the visa rules for your passport on geoconsul.gov.ge and evisa.gov.ge. See Travel Tips for the full checklist.