Historical streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia
Helen Hatzis
Helen Hatzis
May 11, 2025 ·  7 min read

Why Everyone Is Talking About Travel to Georgia (the Country)

Why Everyone Is Talking About Travel to Georgia

Blooming white rhododendron flowers in the Caucasus mountains in June
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The Caucasus nation of Georgia is quickly becoming a favourite for travellers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures. Set where Europe meets Asia, this beautiful country is rich in ancient history and stunning landscapes.

From the vibrant streets of Tbilisi to the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains, Georgia offers a perfect mix of unspoiled nature and deep cultural roots.

The time to visit is now before the secret of this magnificent destination spreads too widely. Georgia awaits with open arms and amber wine, ready to captivate your heart and awaken your senses.

Food & Hospitality

Khinkali with meat filling in a plate
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In Georgia, hospitality isn’t just a custom-it’s a way of life, a dance of generosity that leaves you feeling like family. Georgians are renowned for their genuine, heartwarming hospitality. Each toast, each dish, is a celebration of connection and kindness.

Here, every meal is a warm embrace, where khachapuri and khinkali tell stories of the land. The Supra feast invites you to linger, laugh, and savour life’s simple joys with open-hearted hosts.

A Celebration of Tradition and Joy

Concert of Georgian National Ballet "Sukhishvili".Georgian dance
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Georgia’s soul sings in polyphonic harmonies, ancient dances, and vibrant folklore that pulse through every village and city. Festivals burst like wildflowers, colouring the calendar with joy, tradition, and spirited celebration.

Step into a world where history dances with the present, and every melody tells a tale of resilience, passion, and timeless beauty. Here, culture isn’t just preserved-it’s lived, breathed, and shared.

Affordability & Accessibility

Brown leather wallet put on wooden table top
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Georgia welcomes travellers with open arms and gentle prices, a hidden gem untouched by the rush of mass tourism. It’s a place where your dreams stretch further and your wallet breathes easier.

Accessible and inviting, Georgia offers a rare chance to explore wild landscapes, ancient streets, and warm hearts without the crowds. Here, adventure feels personal, and discovery is yours alone.

Tbilisi – Capital of Cool

Historical streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia
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Tbilisi, Georgia’s captivating capital, blends centuries of history with a bold, modern energy. Set in a dramatic valley along the Mtkvari River, the city’s skyline mixes ancient fortresses, colourful houses, and cutting-edge architecture.

In Old Tbilisi, cobblestone streets wind past wooden balconies, secret courtyards, and lively bathhouses. Trendy cafes and art galleries are bringing fresh life into historic neighbourhoods, creating a vibrant creative scene.

Often called “The New Berlin,” Tbilisi has become a magnet for artists, digital nomads, and travellers looking for inspiration. Its welcoming spirit, rich culture, and laid-back vibe invite visitors to linger, explore, and feel right at home.

Old Tbilisi’s Charm

The Juma Mosque in Tbilisi Old Town, Kala, Georgia
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Old Tbilisi unfolds like a living museum where crooked houses with intricately carved balconies lean into one another along winding lanes. Every weathered facade tells a story of Persian, Ottoman, Russian, and Soviet influences that have shaped this resilient city through centuries.

The Abanotubani district houses famous sulphur baths and distinctive brick domes that dot the landscape where locals have soaked for generations. According to legend, these therapeutic waters were the reason King Vakhtang Gorgasali founded the city after his hunting falcon fell into a hot spring.

As twilight falls, the Narikala Fortress lights up, casting a golden glow over the old quarter’s terracotta rooftops. The fortress is accessible by a scenic cable car ride that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire cityscape below.

Fabrika – Tbilisi’s Hipster Haven

The Fabrika Hostel
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Fabrika, a transformed Soviet sewing factory, now pulsates as Tbilisi’s epicentre of creative energy and bohemian spirit. The industrial complex has been reimagined as a multi-functional space where travellers mingle with local artists in a vibrant celebration of Georgian innovation.

Colourful murals adorn concrete walls, creating the perfect backdrop for artisanal shops and design studios that populate this cultural hub.

This urban oasis represents the future of Georgian culture while honouring its industrial past. Fabrika’s transformation mirrors Tbilisi’s own evolution-preserving historical essence while embracing contemporary global influences with confidence and flair.

Batumi – Black Sea Beauty

Aerial view of Batumi, Georgia. Downtown and port
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Batumi, Georgia’s top Black Sea resort, stuns visitors with its mix of Belle Époque charm and futuristic skyscrapers, all wrapped in lush, subtropical greenery. Its palm-lined boulevard stretches seven kilometres along the coast, perfect for a laid-back stroll where the mountains almost touch the sea.

The city’s bold architecture shines with landmarks like the Alphabetic Tower and the moving sculpture of Ali and Nino. In the Old Town, beautifully restored 19th-century buildings and ornate balconies tell stories of Batumi’s days as a lively port city.

Just outside the city, the Batumi Botanical Garden spills down seaside cliffs, packed with plants from all over the world. Wandering through bamboo forests and citrus groves, you’ll catch breathtaking views of the turquoise sea below.

Mtskheta – Georgia’s Ancient Capital

Sunset view of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and mountains in sunset, Mtskheta, Georgia
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Mtskheta, the spiritual heart of Georgia and former capital, sits at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers just 20 kilometres from Tbilisi. This sacred city houses some of the country’s most significant religious monuments within its compact historic centre.

The 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral stands tall and majestic, believed to hold Christ’s robe according to Georgian Orthodox tradition. Its weathered stone walls bear intricate carvings that have witnessed royal coronations and pilgrimages throughout centuries of tumultuous history.

Perched dramatically on a hilltop overlooking the town, the 6th-century Jvari Monastery commands breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Kazbegi & Gudauri – Mountain Majesty

Georgian Military Highway, Caucasus mountains.
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Kazbegi shows off nature at its most breathtaking—jagged peaks slicing into blue skies and green valleys where shepherds still tend their flocks. Driving the Georgian Military Highway from Tbilisi feels like watching a living painting with waterfalls, ancient fortresses, and the colourful Georgian-Russian Friendship Monument along the way.

High above it all, the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church sits 2,170 metres beneath the mighty Mount Kazbek, offering epic views after a hike or 4×4 ride. Nearby, Gudauri turns into Georgia’s top ski spot each winter, with 70 kilometres of perfect slopes—and even heli-skiing for serious thrill seekers.

Upper Svaneti – Towers in the Sky

Ushguli village at sunset in Svaneti, Georgia.
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Upper Svaneti, a remote mountain region where time seems suspended in the Middle Ages, with UNESCO-protected villages crowned by tall stone towers built to survive old family feuds. Some of these watchtowers soar up to 25 metres, standing as proud reminders of Svaneti’s wild history.

The town of Mestia is the perfect base to explore this alpine dreamland, where glaciers spill from 5,000-metres peaks and wildflowers blanket the valleys. The local museum shows off stunning icons and metalwork, proof of the region’s rich artistic roots.

For true adventurers, a four-day trek to Ushguli—Europe’s highest year-round village—reveals even more jaw-dropping landscapes. This remote community of weathered stone homes feels untouched by time, offering a rare, authentic slice of Georgian life.

Borjomi – Mineral Springs & Nature

The Mineral Water Pavilion in the Central Park of Borjomi - Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia
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Borjomi, tucked in a gorge along the Mtkvari River, has been a wellness destination since the 19th century, known for its mineral springs. Visitors can taste the famous carbonated water straight from the source in Central Park, where it bubbles up at 38-41°C.

The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park spans 85,000 hectares of untouched wilderness, with limestone canyons, alpine meadows, and rich forests. Hikers can explore trails ranging from easy walks to more demanding treks, uncovering hidden waterfalls and stunning views far from the crowds.

The Romanov summer palace, with its intricate wooden latticework and lush gardens, speaks to Borjomi’s past under imperial Russian influence. The palace creates a nostalgic atmosphere, much like the classic European spa towns where aristocrats once came to relax.

Kutaisi – Georgia’s Second City

Bagrati Cathedral during evening blue hour, Kutaisi, Imereti, Georgia.
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Kutaisi, Georgia’s legislative capital and one of the world’s oldest cities, blends deep history with a laid-back, provincial vibe. The Bagrati Cathedral, standing tall since the 11th century, gazes over the Rioni River, its newly restored dome gleaming in the sunlight.

Just outside the city, the Gelati Monastery complex takes you back to Georgia’s medieval golden age, with its main church showcasing stunning frescoes that have kept their vibrant colours for over 800 years.

Nearby, the Prometheus Cave offers a journey into nature’s wonder, with glowing stalactites and stalagmites forming otherworldly shapes. Thoughtfully lit, the vast chambers reveal millions of years of geological beauty, leaving visitors in awe.

Colchic Rainforests – Georgia’s Natural Wonder

Kolkheti National Park in Georgia in early spring
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The Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands, a recently added UNESCO World Heritage site, are a vital ecological haven. Spanning 80 kilometres along Georgia’s Black Sea coast, this ancient forest holds species that have survived since the Ice Age.

Visitors can explore these ancient woods on elevated boardwalks that wind through moss-draped trees and lush greenery. Sunlight filters through the canopy, illuminating the forest floor covered in ferns and wildflowers, creating a magical, prehistoric atmosphere.

With over 1,100 plant species and unique animals found nowhere else, this protected area offers nature lovers a chance to witness a living museum of plant evolution, perfect for birdwatching and guided walks.

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Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. 

Safe and mindful travels!