Essential Travel Info
Everything a first-time visitor needs to feel at home in Tbilisi — money, transport, safety, and the little things locals wish you knew.
First-Time Visitor Essentials
The eight things worth knowing before you land.
Currency
Georgian Lari (₾ GEL)
Cards accepted almost everywhere. Carry small cash for markets, marshrutkas, and rural areas.
Language
Georgian (ქართული)
English is common in tourist areas; Russian is widely understood. A friendly “gamarjoba” (hello) goes a long way.
Time Zone
GMT+4
Georgia Standard Time. No daylight saving — the clocks never change.
Emergency
112
One number for police, fire, and ambulance. English-speaking operators available.
Power Plugs
Type C & F · 220V
European two-pin plugs, 220V / 50Hz. Bring an adapter if you're from the US or UK.
Drinking Water
Tap water is safe
Tbilisi tap water is clean and safe to drink. Refill your bottle from the city's fountains too.
Visa
Visa-free up to 1 year
Citizens of ~95 countries (EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia and more) enter visa-free for up to 365 days. Confirm your own eligibility.
Best Time to Visit
May–Jun · Sep–Oct
Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and the vineyards at their best. Summer is hot; winter is cold but charming.
Getting Around
From the airport to your last khinkali — how to move through the city.
From Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
- The airport sits about 17 km southeast of the center — roughly 20–30 minutes by car.
- Bus 337 runs between the airport and Freedom Square day and night for a flat fare, paid with a Metromoney card or contactless bank card.
- The train to Tbilisi Central runs only a few times a day — check the schedule before relying on it.
- For a taxi, order through the Bolt app rather than accepting rides from drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to stay, wander, and eat — a quick orientation.
Old Town (Kala)
Cobbled lanes, sulphur baths, and balconied houses. The postcard heart of the city.
Good for: First-timers, sightseeing, photography
Sololaki
Art-nouveau facades, hidden courtyards, and some of the best specialty coffee in town.
Good for: Architecture lovers, cafés, slow mornings
Vera & Vake
Tree-lined streets, parks, boutiques, and modern restaurants. Calmer and greener.
Good for: Longer stays, families, quiet nights
Marjanishvili
Across the river, mixing Soviet-era grandeur with buzzing nightlife and diverse food.
Good for: Nightlife, budget eats, real city life
Safety
Tbilisi is one of the safest capitals in the region.
Violent crime against tourists is rare, and locals are famously hospitable. A little everyday awareness is all you need.
- Petty theft is uncommon but watch your belongings in crowded markets and on packed transit.
- Traffic can be assertive — cross at marked crossings and don't assume cars will stop.
- Tap water is safe, but stick to bottled water on trips into the mountains.
- Solo travelers, including women, generally report feeling safe day and night in the center.
- Save the emergency number 112 and your accommodation's address in Georgian.
In an emergency, dial
112
Local Rules & Etiquette
Small courtesies that Georgians deeply appreciate.
Do
- Accept hospitality warmly — being offered food, wine, or a toast is a genuine honor.
- Learn a few words: “gamarjoba” (hello), “madloba” (thank you), “gaumarjos” (cheers).
- Dress modestly when visiting churches — cover shoulders and knees; women may cover their heads.
- Let the tamada (toastmaster) lead the toasts at a supra feast.
Avoid
- Don't refuse a toast outright at the table — sip if you can't drink a full glass.
- Don't discuss politics with strangers unless invited; topics like the 2008 conflict are sensitive.
- Don't photograph people, especially in rural areas, without a smile and a nod first.
- Don't tip excessively — rounding up or leaving 10% is plenty where service isn't included.
Accessibility
An honest picture for travelers with mobility needs.
- The historic center's cobblestones, steep lanes, and stairs make some areas challenging for wheelchairs.
- Not all metro stations have elevators; newer buses are low-floor and wheelchair-friendly.
- Larger hotels and modern restaurants increasingly offer step-free access — call ahead to confirm.
- Bolt lets you note accessibility needs, and drivers are generally willing to help.
- Pavements can be uneven; a travel companion is helpful for the Old Town's hilliest parts.
Weather & Seasons
What to expect — and what to pack.
Spring
10–22°C
Green hills and blossoming trees.
Pack: Layers and a light rain jacket.
Summer
25–35°C
Hot and dry; evenings on terraces.
Pack: Light clothes, sunscreen, a water bottle.
Autumn
12–25°C
Grape harvest and golden light — the best season.
Pack: Light layers for warm days, cool nights.
Winter
0–8°C
Cold, sometimes snowy, cozy wine cellars.
Pack: A warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes.
Useful Apps
Download these before you arrive.
Bolt
Ride-hailing and scooters — the everyday way to get a taxi.
Wolt
Food and grocery delivery from thousands of Tbilisi spots.
Google Maps
Live transit routes, walking directions, and offline maps.
TTC
Official Tbilisi Transport Company app — buses, metro, and cards.
TBC / Bank of Georgia
Handy if you open a local account or use QR payments.
Google Translate
Download Georgian offline for menus and signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to what visitors ask most.
Keep Exploring
Now that you know the essentials, dive into the good stuff.
Plan 2 days
in Tbilisi
Tell our AI how long you're staying, what you love, and your budget. It builds a day-by-day itinerary — instantly.
Start planning — it's freeDay 2: National Museum → Dry Bridge market → rooftop bar
Day 3: Vake Park → wine tasting → farewell khinkali feast