Tbilisi

Sololaki offers the best balance: close to the Old Town but quieter and cheaper. Kala (Old Town) is the tourist zone – pricier and noisier. Vake is for those wanting parks and quiet, but it's 15–20 minutes by metro to the center. Avoid Gldani.

Tbilisi is generally safe. Gldani is best avoided at night. Occasional protests take place near the Parliament building – check local news. Pickpocketing happens on Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square – take standard precautions.

Bus #337 to the center costs 1 GEL, running 7:00 AM–11:00 PM. A Bolt taxi costs 15–25 GEL (15–30 min depending on traffic). There is no metro to the airport.

The metro (2 lines, 23 stations) and buses cost 1 GEL per ride. You need a Metromoney card (2 GEL deposit, sold at metro stations). One card = one passenger in the metro. Google Maps accurately shows bus schedules. Bolt taxi rides around the city cost 3–15 GEL.

Magti and Geocell SIM cards are sold at the airport (~15 GEL for 10 GB). Easier option – install an eSIM in advance. Wi-Fi is available in most cafés. A VPN is recommended for accessing certain services.

Yes. Since January 1, 2026, health insurance is mandatory for all tourists. Minimum coverage is 30,000 GEL (~$11,000). The policy must be in English or Georgian. You may be denied entry without it. The fine for not having it inside the country is 300 GEL.

Exchange offices are everywhere in the center with competitive rates. ATMs dispense GEL; fees depend on your bank. Cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops, but marshrutkas and markets are cash only.

Mtskheta is 30 min by marshrutka, half a day. Kazbegi is 3.5 hrs but better with an overnight stay. Gori + Uplistsikhe fills a full day. Sighnaghi (Kakheti) is 2 hrs and pairs well with wineries. For combined trips, booking a tour with a driver is convenient.

May and September are ideal: warm but without the heat and crowds. Summer (June–August) gets hot, up to 38°C. Winter is cheap but grey; the sulfur baths in Abanotubani are especially enjoyable then. January–February offers the lowest accommodation prices (up to −50%).