{"id":55635,"date":"2025-12-03T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/places-to-visit-in-georgia-and-a-5-day-travel-guide\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T14:50:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T11:50:31","slug":"georgia-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/georgia-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Georgia: Must-see places, budget tips, and trip planning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Georgia travel guide:<\/strong> Practical information<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Traditional sulfur baths and houses with colorful balconies in Tbilisi\u2019s Abanotubani district.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Traveling to Georgia is very easy and convenient for Turkish citizens. Entry is allowed with the new ID card, and neither a passport nor a visa is required. Border crossings are usually quick, but it\u2019s essential to make sure your ID is up-to-date and has a chip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currency and budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The country\u2019s currency is the Georgian Lari. In Tbilisi, a filling meal from street vendors or small restaurants costs between 15\u201325 Lari. Public transportation tickets are about 1\u20132 Lari, and museum admission fees range from 5\u201310 Lari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transportation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For intercity travel in Georgia, trains, buses, and shared taxis are the main options. The train ride between Tbilisi and Batumi takes about five hours, with a second-class ticket costing around 35 Lari. City taxis are also fairly inexpensive, though meters are seldom used; therefore, it\u2019s important to agree on the fare before getting in. In both Tbilisi and Batumi, ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Yandex Go offer safe, fixed-price rides. Tbilisi Airport is 17 km from the city center, and the 24-hour bus line 337 provides the cheapest connection to downtown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel apps that come in handy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Several apps can make traveling in Georgia much easier. As mentioned above, Bolt and Yandex Go let you get taxis safely and at reasonable prices. Navigating the city becomes simple with Google Maps and its offline maps feature. For those using public transportation, the Tbilisi Transport app provides bus and metro schedules. Food delivery apps like Glovo and Wolt, which are especially popular in Tbilisi and Batumi, offer quick and convenient options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first step for your Georgia trip is booking your flight<\/a>. While Tbilisi and Batumi are the main attractions on most itineraries, Borjomi\u2019s natural beauty and Kutaisi\u2019s historic charm add a different flavor to the journey. Once everything is ready, it\u2019s time to head out and explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Days 1 and 2: Exploring Tbilisi, the heart of Georgia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A panoramic view of Tbilisi, featuring the Kura River in the center, Metekhi Church perched on a rocky cliff, and Sameba Cathedral rising in the background.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Georgian word ‘tbili,’ meaning \u201cwarm,” referring to the hot springs connected to its founding legend. According to legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali found these springs while hunting and decided to build a city nearby. Today, the Abanotubani district, with its dome-shaped sulfur baths, still embodies that legend\u2019s spirit. The Old Town is where visitors truly experience the soul of Tbilisi. Its cobblestone streets are lined with traditional houses that feature wooden balconies; small caf\u00e9s and colorful shops give the neighborhood the feel of an open-air museum. The Anchiskhati Basilica, dating from the 6th century, is the oldest church in the city. Sioni Cathedral, rebuilt multiple times after countless calamities, remains a powerful symbol of the Georgian people\u2019s enduring devotion to their history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overlooking the city, Narikala Fortress has stood since the 4th century AD. A cable car ride from Rike Park takes you up to breathtaking views of Tbilisi in all its details. At the fortress\u2019s base is the Botanical Garden, one of the city\u2019s lushest spots, filled with diverse plant species and walking paths. A walk along the Kura River and up Rustaveli Avenue reveals the modern side of Tbilisi, with the Parliament building, the Georgian National Museum, and the Opera House lining this boulevard. The National Museum is especially notable for its collections, which range from archaeological finds to the Soviet era. Among the city\u2019s post-independence landmarks is Sameba Cathedral. Completed in 2004, it is the largest cathedral in the Caucasus. Another modern symbol of Tbilisi is the Bridge of Peace on the Kura River, connecting the old and new parts of the city with its glass-and-steel design. \nTogether, these two structures create a striking visual dialogue between past and present. Mtatsminda Hill is one of the most popular spots to enjoy the city panorama. The funicular line, opened in 1905, takes visitors to the top in just a few minutes. From there, you can see the television tower, amusement park, and viewing terraces. At sunset, you can watch the entire city shimmer with lights from this vantage point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just above Narikala Fortress stands the Kartlis Deda, the Mother of Georgia statue. Towering 20 meters tall, the figure holds a sword in one hand and a wine cup in the other. This symbolic gesture represents a nation ready to offer wine to guests in friendship but also prepared to defend itself against enemies. Visible from many parts of the city, the statue has become one of Tbilisi\u2019s most recognizable landmarks. On the outskirts of the city, near the Tbilisi Sea, stands the \u201cChronicles of Georgia\u201d monument, a massive complex built in the late 20th century. Towering columns, some over 30 meters tall, are carved with depictions of Georgian kings and key Christian figures. The bronze reliefs showcase the nation\u2019s history and religious traditions in a dramatic style. The hilltop location of the monument also adds to its impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city\u2019s gastronomy is one of the most memorable parts of a visit. On the streets of Tbilisi, the dishes you\u2019ll most often encounter are khachapuri and khinkali. Khachapuri, similar to the Black Sea region\u2019s pide, is especially famous in its version topped with a raw egg in the center. Khinkali, large dumplings filled with meat and broth, are best enjoyed when you manage to eat them without spilling the savory juices inside. Another staple is mtsvadi, skewered meat grilled over coals and served in its simplest, most flavorful form. Lobio, a traditional red bean stew, is usually paired with cornbread, while badrijani nigvzit, eggplant rolls stuffed with walnut paste, showcases Georgia\u2019s meze tradition. Also common on Georgian tables are varieties of pkhali, prepared with fresh herbs and spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wine culture in Georgia is a fascinating topic all on its own. UNESCO has recognized the country\u2019s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition as part of the \u201cIntangible Cultural Heritage.\u201d Wines made in clay vessels called qvevri are especially unique, celebrated for their amber hue. Among the most renowned varieties are full-bodied reds from Saperavi grapes and the crisp whites of Tsinandali. While you can easily try these at many spots around the city, it\u2019s also worth exploring lesser-known varieties like Kindzmarauli, Mukuzani, and Rkatsiteli. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a more detailed guide to Tbilisi, check out our full article<\/a>. Once you\u2019ve explored the city and gained some experience, it\u2019s time to head across Georgia from east to west. Starting early, your next destination is Borjomi\u2014an introduction to the country\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Day 3: Borjomi: Thermal springs and a retreat to nature<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Green mountains in Georgia\u2019s Borjomi forests, illuminated by the light of the setting sun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day Three is the time to leave city life behind and head to Borjomi, a small town known for its natural beauty. Direct minibuses from Tbilisi take about 2.5\u20133 hours to reach Borjomi. Famous for its mineral springs and spas, Borjomi has been recognized as a wellness retreat since the 19th century; even the Russian Tsar\u2019s family built a summer palace there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the top of the must-see list is Borjomi Central Park. Strolling through, you\u2019ll feel refreshed by towering trees and crisp mountain air. The walking paths lead to Borjomi\u2019s natural mineral water fountains. Further inside the park, you\u2019ll find a thermal pool, and if you\u2019ve brought a swimsuit, you can relax in the hot mineral waters. We also recommend taking the cable car to the top of the park, where a viewpoint overlooks the entire Borjomi Valley and a small Ferris wheel awaits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For nature enthusiasts, another stop in Borjomi is the Borjomi\u2013Kharagauli National Park. If you enjoy hiking, you can get information at the park center and go on a short nature walk. The easy one- to two-hour trails especially feature lush forests and fresh mountain air. For lunch, Borjomi is known for its local mushroom dishes and meat stews. Since it is a small town, most caf\u00e9s and restaurants are gathered along the main street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During your stay in Borjomi, your day will focus more on nature and relaxation. In the late afternoon, if you wish, you can set out for your next destination, Kutaisi. If there’s no direct bus from Borjomi to Kutaisi, you can first go to the town of Khashuri and catch a bus there. Alternatively, you can take the train from Borjomi. The nostalgic Borjomi\u2013Bakuriani train, known locally as \u201cKukushka,\u201d has been running since the early 20th century and offers a leisurely journey with mountain views. From this point, you can transfer and continue to Kutaisi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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