Georgia Travel Tips: from the UAE to Tbilisi and Beyond

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.