Georgia Travel Tips: from the UAE to Tbilisi and Beyond

Giorgi Lomidze • May 8, 2025

For travelers from the UAE, Georgia is more than a quick getaway. It offers a cool, green contrast to our desert. Georgia is full of charm, culture, and affordable adventures. In just a few hours, you can trade high-rise skylines for snowcapped mountains, lively bazaars, and timeless orthodox churches.

But Georgia isn’t just about seeing—it’s about experiencing. And to do that right, you need more than a ticket and a hotel. You need local knowledge. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this guide will help you. It offers the best travel tips for Georgia, especially for travelers from the UAE and Middle East.

When to Go: Finding the Perfect Season

Let’s start with the basics—when should you visit Georgia?

Spring (March to May) is ideal for light hiking, city walks, and visits to the botanical garden in Tbilisi.
Summer (June to August) is great for the Black Sea coast in Batumi and escaping to cool mountain towns like Mestia or Kazbegi.
Autumn (September to November) is harvest time and one of the best seasons for trips to Georgia—the wine flows, the leaves turn golden, and the weather is perfect.
Winter (December to February) is ski season. Snowy slopes in Gudauri and cozy guesthouses make it a magical time to explore.

💡Georgia Local Travel Tips: If you're coming from the UAE, avoid the Tbilisi heat in August—plan for the mountains or the Black Sea coast instead.

Flights and Arrivals from the UAE

Direct flights to Tbilisi and Kutaisi are frequent and affordable. WizzAir, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia are go-to options. Entry is smooth: UAE passport holders can enter visa-free, and expats often qualify for an eVisa.

✈️ Pro Tip: Check if your return flight is from Batumi—you can land in Tbilisi, explore the country, and fly out from the Black Sea coast for a diverse itinerary.

How to Get Around Georgia (Without Stress)

Georgia has a surprisingly efficient public transport system for those in the know.

Metro: Tbilisi’s underground is reliable and has beautifully designed metro stations. Pick up a Metromoney card.
Buses and Marshrutkas: Local minibuses called marshrutkas go between cities. They're affordable and fast.
Bolt and Yandex: Ride-hailing apps that work just like Uber.
Car Rentals: Useful for exploring remote areas like Tusheti or Svaneti. Just be prepared for mountain roads.

🚇 Georgia Travel Tips Tbilisi: Tbilisi Metro is not only cheap but also surprisingly artistic. Visit Rustaveli Avenue station—it’s grand, clean, and efficient.

Where to Stay: Comfort for Every Budget

Georgia offers accommodations ranging from luxury suites to cozy homestays:

Hotels: Luxury seekers should try Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, Stamba in Tbilisi, or the Radisson Blu in Batumi.
Private Room Stays: Platforms like Airbnb offer affordable private room options in city centers and countryside homes.
Guesthouses: Perfect for mountain areas. Many offer homemade breakfasts and help with transport.

🏨 Local Tip: Want to stay in Tbilisi for a few days? Choose a private room in Sololaki or near Rustaveli Avenue for walkable access to attractions.

Money, Credit Cards & Connectivity

Georgia’s currency is the Lari (GEL). Most places accept credit cards, especially in cities. Still, always carry some cash for marshrutkas, street food, or rural stops.

1 AED ≈ 0.75 GEL
Meals range from 10–40 GEL
SIM cards (Magti, Geocell, Beeline) cost about 30–40 GEL

📱 Pro Tip: Get a Magti SIM at the airport—it has the best signal in mountains and along the Black Sea coast.

💳 Travel Tip: Use your UAE-based credit card for hotel bookings and high-end restaurants, but have GEL ready for small vendors.

What to Wear and Cultural Etiquette

Georgia is stylish but relaxed. What you wear depends on where you're headed:

City Style: Tbilisi locals are fashionable. Dress smartly for dining or going out.
Religious Sites: Modest clothing is essential when visiting orthodox churches or monasteries.
Mountains: Pack hiking boots and layers. Nights get chilly—even in July.

🧣 Georgia Travel Tips: Carry a scarf and long skirt or pants for church visits. Georgian people are respectful, and you’ll fit in better when dressed modestly.

Where to Go: Your Georgian Adventure Map

Here are the must-see destinations—and a few local favorites:

Tbilisi (Spend at least 3 days in Tbilisi!)

Old Town: Cobbled lanes, bathhouses, and local charm.
Abanotubani Sulfur Baths: A must-do. Book a private room for a spa-like experience.
Botanical Garden: A tranquil escape behind the Narikala Fortress.
Rustaveli Avenue: The main street lined with shops, cafes, theaters, and historic sites.

🕍 Visit Tbilisi Tip: Try a walking tour to learn the history behind Tbilisi’s mix of orthodox churches, mosques, and Art Nouveau buildings.

Kazbegi:

Drive the scenic Georgian Military Highway.
Stop at Ananuri Fortress, then head to Gergeti Trinity Church for jaw-dropping views.

Kakheti:

Georgia’s premier wine region.
Tour family-run vineyards and taste qvevri wines.
Don’t miss Sighnaghi, the City of Love, with its hilltop views.

Batumi (Black Sea Coast):

Relax on the beach, enjoy the local food scene, or explore the dancing fountains.
Great summer destination for families.

🚗 Pro Tip: Use Bolt for short rides and rent a car for longer trips to Georgia’s countryside. Roads are scenic, but mountain routes require focus.

What to Eat (and How to Eat It)

Here’s your essential food checklist:

Khachapuri: A cheesy bread, often shaped like a boat (Adjarian style).
Khinkali: Juicy dumplings—don’t cut them! Hold the top, bite, and slurp the broth.
Mtsvadi: Georgian grilled meat skewers.
Badrijani: Eggplant stuffed with walnut paste.
Churchkhela: Grape juice and nuts, like a Georgian energy bar.

🍷 Local Tip: In Tbilisi, go to Vino Underground or Dadi Wine Bar to try organic wines. Georgians are proud of their 8000-year-old winemaking traditions.

Religion and Local Life: Blending Traditions

Georgia is deeply rooted in Orthodox Christianity, but it’s diverse and open-minded:

You’ll see orthodox churches on almost every hilltop.
There are also mosques, synagogues, and Armenian churches, especially in Tbilisi.
Religion is respected but not enforced. Emirati visitors will appreciate the shared value of honoring tradition.

🕌 Cultural Tip: Friday prayers may be available at the Jumah Mosque in Tbilisi. Ask your hotel or a local guide.

Shopping and Souvenirs: What to Bring Back

You won’t leave Georgia empty-handed if you know what to look for:

Lurji Supra (blue tablecloths)
Spices and Svaneti salt
Handmade wool crafts
Qvevri wine and Chacha (grape brandy)

🛍️ Pro Tip: Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi is great for vintage art and Soviet-era trinkets.

3-Day Sample Itinerary (for UAE Long Weekend Trips)

Need a quick escape? Here’s a sample plan for 3 days in Tbilisi and nearby areas.

Day 1 – Visit Tbilisi

Explore Old Town, Sulfur Baths, and the Botanical Garden.
Dine on Rustaveli Avenue.

Day 2 – Kazbegi Day Trip

Leave early.
Visit Ananuri, stop for photos at Jvari Pass.
Reach Kazbegi by midday and see Gergeti Trinity Church.

Day 3 – Historic Sites & Shopping

Drive to Mtskheta, Georgia’s religious capital.
Return to Tbilisi for shopping and sunset at Mtatsminda Park.

🗓️ Local Travel Tips Georgia: Always check the weather if heading into the mountains—conditions change fast, even in summer.

Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned travelers slip up. Here are a few avoidable errors:

Assuming all taxis are honest: Use Bolt or Yandex.
Ignoring public transport: Tbilisi’s metro stations are modern and efficient.
Forgetting to bring snacks on long road trips—especially in remote areas.
Not checking religious site dress codes.

✅ Tip: Don’t underestimate how much walking is involved in Old Town Tbilisi—wear comfortable shoes.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Visit Georgia?

Georgia is that rare country where the mountains meet ancient cities, and modern cafés sit beside medieval towers. For Middle East travelers, it offers the perfect mix of affordability, beauty, and adventure—all just a few hours away.

With these local travel tips Georgia, you’ll not only see the highlights—you’ll travel deeper, eat better, and connect more genuinely with the culture. Whether you're spending 3 days in Tbilisi or exploring the Black Sea coast, your Georgian journey starts with curiosity and ends in unforgettable memories.

So what are you waiting for?

🌍 Pack your bag. Georgia is calling—and it’s closer than you think.

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Discover Kakheti wine tasting with our guide. Learn how to get from Tbilisi to Kakheti, top wine tou

Kakheti Wine Tasting: The Ultimate Guide to Georgia’s Wine Country

By Giorgi Lomidze • June 30, 2025

Kakheti, Georgia’s eastern gem, is more than just a scenic region—it's the heart and soul of the country’s ancient winemaking tradition. If you’re curious about wine tasting in Georgia, Kakheti is the place to start. Whether you’re planning a Kakheti wine tour, a day trip from Tbilisi, or looking for the perfect Kakheti Georgia tour, this guide will show you what to expect, where to go, and why Kakheti wine tasting is a must-do experience. Why Kakheti is Georgia’s Wine Capital Wine has been made in Georgia for over 8,000 years, and Kakheti is the region where this tradition is most alive. Rolling hills, endless vineyards, and a unique winemaking method using qvevri (clay jars buried underground) set Kakheti apart. Local families and world-famous wineries invite you to taste wines that are both ancient and innovative. The scenery, hospitality, and flavors here make every Kakheti wine tour unforgettable. How to Get from Tbilisi to Kakheti Traveling from Tbilisi to Kakheti is easy and rewarding. The main city, Telavi, is about a 1.5–2-hour drive from the capital. You can: Join an organized Kakheti wine tour : Many companies offer day trips or overnight tours, which include transport, tastings, and a local guide. Rent a car: Gives you freedom to explore small wineries and scenic villages at your own pace. Use public transport: Marshrutkas (minibuses) run regularly from Tbilisi to Telavi and Sighnaghi, but for a real wine tasting Georgia Kakheti experience, guided tours are more convenient. Top Experiences on a Kakheti Wine Tour 1. Wine Tastings at Family Wineries and Estates Kakheti’s family-run wineries are legendary for their warmth and authenticity. Taste qvevri wines straight from the source, often accompanied by homemade bread and cheese. Larger estates like Shumi, Tsinandali, and Khareba offer professional tastings and tours of their cellars. 2. Explore Sighnaghi – The City of Love This charming hilltop town is a favorite stop on any Kakheti Georgia tour. Sighnaghi’s cobbled streets, panoramic views, and boutique wineries make it a perfect spot for both culture and wine lovers. 3. See the Traditional Qvevri Winemaking Process Unique to Georgia, qvevri winemaking is recognized by UNESCO. During a Kakheti wine tour, you can watch (and sometimes help) with the process—crushing grapes, filling the clay vessels, and tasting wine that’s been aged underground. 4. Visit Alaverdi Monastery and Its Historic Cellar One of the oldest monasteries in Georgia, Alaverdi is also home to an ancient wine cellar still in use today. Many tours include this spiritual and historical highlight. 5. Enjoy Local Cuisine Wine tasting in Kakheti is never just about wine. Expect a full table of khinkali, khachapuri, mtsvadi (grilled meat), and salads. The food here is a perfect match for the robust, earthy wines of the region. What to Expect from a Kakheti Wine Tasting Experience Tastings are generous: Usually, you’ll sample 3–5 wines at each stop—sometimes more! Not just dry reds and whites: Try amber (orange) wines, sweet varieties, and even local chacha (Georgian grape brandy). Meet the winemakers: Many tours include a chance to talk with the family or owners, learning stories that go back generations. Prices: A typical organized wine tour from Tbilisi to Kakheti costs 120–200 GEL per person, including transport, tastings, and sometimes lunch. Private tours and luxury experiences are available too. Tips for the Best Kakheti Wine Tour Book ahead in peak season (spring and autumn) when the vineyards are most beautiful. Don’t drink and drive: Let a local guide handle the roads so you can enjoy every glass. Bring cash: Some small wineries only accept cash payments. Ask about vegan or vegetarian options if you have dietary needs—Kakheti cuisine is surprisingly diverse. Is Kakheti Wine Tasting Worth It? Absolutely. Wine tasting Georgia Kakheti style is an immersive cultural journey, not just a tour. Whether you’re a wine expert or just love a good glass, you’ll find something to remember—and probably want to take a bottle (or three) home. Plan Your Kakheti Georgia Tour Ready to taste history? Whether it’s a day trip from Tbilisi to Kakheti, a private wine tour, or exploring at your own pace, you’ll discover why Georgia is the birthplace of wine and why Kakheti is its crown jewel. So raise your glass—Gaumarjos!—and enjoy the best wine tasting Georgia Kakheti has to offer.