Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Georgia

A photograph of Georgia
Photograph · Alexander Roumega · CC0

Georgia holds 3.9 million people and more than a third of them live in Tbilisi, so most visits begin in the capital and radiate out. The country sits on the east coast of the Black Sea, with Russia along the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south and Azerbaijan to the southeast, and the ground rises from beach to mountain village inside a single drive. Two things meet a first-time visitor immediately: Georgian, a Kartvelian language with no relation to any other language family in the world and its own alphabet to match, and wine, since the earliest known winemaking sites anywhere are here. Christianity arrived in the early fourth century, and the churches are correspondingly old.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Georgian
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+995
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Georgian lari (GEL)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and F · 220 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor drinking-water statement was recorded

Planning a visit

  1. January: no seasonality data recorded
  2. February: no seasonality data recorded
  3. March: no seasonality data recorded
  4. April: no seasonality data recorded
  5. May: no seasonality data recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: no seasonality data recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Abanotubani Sulfur Baths Abanotubani Sulfur Baths
    02 45 min

    Abanotubani Sulfur Baths

    Abanotubani is the historic sulfur-bath district in Old Tbilisi, Georgia. Its distinctive brick domes rise from the banks of the Mtkvari River, marking the natural hot springs that have defined this location for centuries.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  2. Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi
    03 30 min

    Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

    The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, known locally as Sameba, stands as the principal modern Orthodox cathedral of Georgia's capital. Its golden dome dominates the Tbilisi skyline, visible from numerous vantage points across the city.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Tbilisi
  3. ქართლის დედა ქართლის დედა
    04 1 hour

    ქართლის დედა

    Mother of Georgia, known locally as Kartlis Deda, is a monumental aluminium statue standing on Sololaki Hill overlooking Tbilisi.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tbilisi
  4. National Botanical Garden of Georgia National Botanical Garden of Georgia
    05 45 min

    National Botanical Garden of Georgia

    The National Botanical Garden of Georgia occupies a deep gorge behind Narikala Fortress in central Tbilisi.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  5. Metekhi Church Metekhi Church
    06 30 min

    Metekhi Church

    Metekhi Church is a historic Georgian Orthodox church perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River in central Tbilisi. Its dramatic position makes it one of the city's most visually striking landmarks.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Tbilisi
  6. Sioni Cathedral Sioni Cathedral
    07 45 min

    Sioni Cathedral

    Sioni Cathedral is the historic cathedral of Tbilisi, dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. Its local name, სიონის ღვთისმშობლის მიძინების საკათედრო ტაძარი, reflects its deep roots in Georgian Orthodox tradition.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  7. Dry Bridge Market Dry Bridge Market
    08 45 min

    Dry Bridge Market

    The Dry Bridge Market is Tbilisi's principal open-air antiques and flea market, known locally as მშრალი ხიდის ბაზრობა.

    • Must see
    • Market
    • Tbilisi
  8. Anchiskhati Basilica Anchiskhati Basilica
    09 30 min

    Anchiskhati Basilica

    Anchiskhati Basilica is a sixth-century church in Tbilisi's Old Town, widely identified as the city's oldest surviving church. Its Georgian name, ანჩისხატის ბაზილიკა, reflects deep local significance.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Tbilisi
  9. Freedom Square Freedom Square
    10 45 min

    Freedom Square

    Freedom Square, known locally as Tavisuplebis Moedani, serves as Tbilisi's principal civic square and a major urban junction.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  10. State Marionette Theatre Rezo Gabriadze State Marionette Theatre Rezo Gabriadze
    11 1 hour

    State Marionette Theatre Rezo Gabriadze

    The Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater and Clock Tower is a cultural landmark in Tbilisi's Old Town, created by Georgian artist, writer, and director Rezo Gabriadze.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tbilisi
  11. Chronicle of Georgia Chronicle of Georgia
    12 45 min

    Chronicle of Georgia

    The Chronicle of Georgia is a monumental sculptural ensemble designed by Zurab Tsereteli, situated on an elevated hillside overlooking the Tbilisi Sea reservoir.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  12. Rike Park Rike Park
    13 1 hour

    Rike Park

    Rike Park is a central riverfront public space in Tbilisi, Georgia, known locally as რიყის პარკი. The park occupies a significant position along the Mtkvari River, serving as a contemporary urban gathering place.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Tbilisi
  13. Leghvtakhevi Waterfall Leghvtakhevi Waterfall
    14 1 hour

    Leghvtakhevi Waterfall

    Leghvtakhevi Gorge and Waterfall is a natural landmark in Tbilisi's historic Abanotubani district. The name derives from Georgian words for fig and gorge, referencing the vegetation once found here.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Tbilisi
  14. Gorgasali Square Gorgasali Square
    15 45 min

    Gorgasali Square

    Gorgasali Square, locally known as Vakhtang Gorgasali Square, is a historic public space in Tbilisi's old town. Also referred to as Meidan, it functions as the central crossroads connecting four significant districts: Kala, Abanotubani, Metekhi Bridge, and Shardeni.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  15. Orbeliani Square Orbeliani Square
    16 45 min

    Orbeliani Square

    Orbeliani Square, locally known as ორბელიანის მოედანი, is a rehabilitated public square in Tbilisi. It forms part of the flower-market quarter and connects nineteenth-century facades with pedestrian lanes at the northern edge of the historic centre.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  16. Queen Darejan Palace Queen Darejan Palace
    17 45 min

    Queen Darejan Palace

    Queen Darejan Palace is a surviving royal residence situated on an elevated position above the Avlabari district of Tbilisi. The structure is historically significant as one of the remaining palaces associated with Georgian royalty.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  17. Juma Mosque Juma Mosque
    18 45 min

    Juma Mosque

    Juma Mosque is Tbilisi's sole surviving mosque, standing as a significant expression of the old town's religious diversity. Located beside the bath district and botanical-garden gorge, it represents the historical coexistence of faiths in Georgia's capital.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  18. Kashveti Church Kashveti Church
    19 45 min

    Kashveti Church

    Kashveti Church is a stone church dedicated to Saint George, located on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, directly opposite the Parliament of Georgia building. Its local name is ქაშვეთის წმინდა გიორგის ეკლესია.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  19. Turtle Lake Turtle Lake
    20 1 hour

    Turtle Lake

    Turtle Lake, known locally as Kus Tba, is a recreational lake situated on a wooded hillside above the Vake district of Tbilisi, Georgia. The area serves as one of the city's most accessible and popular outdoor recreation destinations.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Tbilisi
  20. Lisi Lake Lisi Lake
    21 1 hour

    Lisi Lake

    Lisi Lake is a recreational lake on the western edge of Tbilisi, Georgia. Its local name is ლისის ტბა. The lake and surrounding area form a significant leisure destination for residents and visitors seeking outdoor activity.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Tbilisi
  21. Vake Park Vake Park
    22 1 hour

    Vake Park

    Vake Park is a monumental terraced park serving as a principal green space in western Tbilisi. Known locally as ვაკის პარკი, it occupies a significant hillside position and functions as one of the city's most important recreational areas.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Tbilisi
  22. Armaztsikhe Armaztsikhe
    23 45 min

    Armaztsikhe

    Armaztsikhe is an archaeological site near Tbilisi, Georgia, associated with the ancient kingdom of Iberia. The local name არმაზციხე-ბაგინეთი არქეოლოგიური ძეგლი identifies it as the Armaztsikhe-Bagineti archaeological monument.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  23. Mziuri Park Mziuri Park
    24 1 hour

    Mziuri Park

    Mziuri Park is a restored public park in the Vere valley of Tbilisi, Georgia. Known locally as მზიურის პარკი, it functions as one of the capital's most significant family-oriented public landscapes.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Tbilisi
  24. Dedaena Park Dedaena Park
    25 1 hour

    Dedaena Park

    Dedaena Park is a public riverside green space in Tbilisi, Georgia. Its Georgian name, დედაენის ბაღი, translates to Mother Tongue Park, referencing the prominent Georgian-language memorial located within its grounds.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Tbilisi
  25. Mtatsminda Pantheon Mtatsminda Pantheon
    26 45 min

    Mtatsminda Pantheon

    Mtatsminda Pantheon is a burial ground and memorial complex on Mtatsminda hill in Tbilisi, Georgia. The local name is მთაწმინდის პანთეონი. It serves as a national pantheon where notable Georgian cultural and public figures are interred.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  26. Vera Park Vera Park
    27 1 hour

    Vera Park

    Vera Park is a neighbourhood park in Tbilisi's central Vera district, known locally as ვერეს ბაღი. The park functions as a lived-in green space serving the surrounding residential area.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Tbilisi
  27. Tbilisi National Park Tbilisi National Park
    30 1 hour

    Tbilisi National Park

    Tbilisi National Park is Georgia's first national park, established to protect forested ridges immediately north of the capital city. The park encompasses substantial mountainous terrain that serves as a critical green belt for Tbilisi.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Tbilisi
  28. Bank of Georgia headquarters Bank of Georgia headquarters
    33 45 min

    Bank of Georgia headquarters

    The Bank of Georgia Headquarters is a landmark of late-Soviet modernist architecture in Tbilisi.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  29. Kartlis Deda
    34 45 min

    Kartlis Deda

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  30. Tbilisi Circus Tbilisi Circus
    35 1 hour

    Tbilisi Circus

    Tbilisi Circus is a circular hilltop building overlooking Heroes Square in Tbilisi, Georgia. The structure serves as a prominent Soviet-era entertainment and architectural landmark. Its distinctive circular form and elevated position make it visually notable in the cityscape.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Tbilisi
  31. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
    36 30 min

    Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin

    The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin is the Catholic cathedral of Tbilisi, standing within the historic centre of Georgia's capital. Its local name is ღვთისმშობლის ამაღლების კათოლიკური კათედრალი.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Tbilisi
  32. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
    39 45 min

    Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

    Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is a Georgian Orthodox cathedral located in Mtskheta, the ancient capital near Tbilisi. Its local name is სვეტიცხოვლის საკათედრო ტაძარი.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  33. Jvari Jvari
    42 30 min

    Jvari

    Jvari Monastery is a sixth-century hilltop church overlooking the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers above Mtskheta. The local name is ჯვრის მონასტერი.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Tbilisi
  34. Shavnabada
    68 45 min

    Shavnabada

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  35. Zegarda
    81 45 min

    Zegarda

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Tbilisi
  36. Keeni
    94 20 min

    Keeni

    • High
    • Viewpoint
    • Tbilisi

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Georgia be?

Seven to ten days supports Tbilisi plus Kakheti, Kazbegi or a western city without racing across the country. Combining Svaneti, the Black Sea and the capital needs additional nights because mountain and cross-country transfers consume substantial portions of a day.

What entry documents are needed for Georgia?

Georgia’s official eVisa service explains whether advance permission applies to a particular passport. Confirm the permitted stay, entry route and documentation there, and consult current government guidance before any overland crossing rather than assuming every neighbouring border operates normally.

What is the best way to travel around Georgia?

Tbilisi and Kutaisi are useful air gateways; trains serve a limited set of major corridors, and marshrutkas or hired vehicles reach many regional towns. Mountain itineraries need weather and road checks, while Tbilisi’s metro and buses handle most urban movements.

When is a practical time to visit Georgia?

May to June and September to October are versatile for cities, wine regions and lower mountain routes. High passes may open later or close earlier, and Batumi has a wetter pattern, so one national forecast cannot settle dates for a multi-region journey.

What money and payment basics apply in Georgia?

Georgia uses the lari. Cards are common in Tbilisi, yet guesthouses, markets and mountain transport can still depend on cash; withdraw or exchange through recognised providers and confirm whether an quoted tour price includes regional transfers.

What practical safety details should I save for Georgia?

The emergency number is 112, with Type C and F sockets at 220 V. Tap-water guidance is Not recorded in this dataset; seek local confirmation, and keep official road or emergency alerts available when travelling into mountain districts.