13 May 2025
5 min read
Author: Kajal SharmaSo, you’re finally planning to visit the land known for its pristine beaches and majestic mountains, warm hospitality, and delicious food—the beautiful country of Georgia. Then get ready, because in this Georgia travel guide for first time visitor, we will cover everything regarding visiting the country, from the best time to visit to the country's currency.
And before we step into the details, let us share a secret with you. If you haven’t booked your trip yet, contact the leading travel agency, Next Holidays, which will make sure that you have a hassle-free trip. Besides, they always have exciting offers and discounts on the horizon.
Now, time to understand the depths of Georgia, beyond its natural beauty.
Currency and Visa
The two most important things you need to know in this Georgia travel guide for first time visitor are the requirements for a visa and the country’s currency. After all, these are the first steps to entering the country.
Georgia Visa Requirement
Whether or not you need a visa to travel to Georgia depends on your citizenship. Georgia offers visa-free travel to more than 100 nationalities, which include citizens of South Africa, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, the US, the UK, and the EU.
If you are from a country that requires a visa to travel to Georgia, don’t worry. It will take around 5 days to process. Remember to apply in advance so you can be prepared for all kinds of circumstances.
Georgian Currency
One of the most important things to know while going through the Georgia travel guide for first time is money. Georgia’s official currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). The country uses both banknotes (lari) and coins (tetri). 100 tetri make 1 lari.
- Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 lari
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 tetri, as well as 1 and 2 lari
When you’re buying something, you might find prices displayed in Euros or USD. This is only for your understanding. The only legal payment method is the official currency, which you need to carry at all times.
Georgia Travel Guide: Best Time, Duration, and Getting Around
Once you have calculated your budget for the trip, booked your flight, and gotten the visa, it will be time to pack your bags and make the most out of your trip. But wait, did you know when is the best time to visit the country? Or how much time exactly do you need to cover all the major attractions in Georgia? Well, this is what the Georgia travel guide for first time visitor is for. Below, we have shared everything about duration, the ideal time to visit, and traveling around the country.
When Should You Visit
The best time to visit Georgia is the summer season (July to August). During the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), you can find a blend of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. For winter sports and festive experiences like Christmas in Georgia, November to March is the best period.
Thus, if you’re on a low budget, the Georgia vacation guide recommends traveling during the off season or shoulder season, which means you should travel anytime other than the summer months of July and August. On the other hand, if you want to do it perfectly and large crowds don’t seem to bother you, summer is the best season to visit.
Before working on the ‘when’ part, if you’re still confused about the ‘why’ part, read this blog about the top reasons to visit Georgia.
How Much Time Do You Need in Georgia
Technically, the longer you stay in a country, the more familiar you will get and the better you will explore. However, if time is a constraint, then this Georgia visitors guide recommends staying at least a week during your visit to Georgia. Anything less than that will make you miss out on getting to know it. Plan your trip such that you get an insight into the mountains, the beaches, and everything else that makes the breathtaking country of Georgia.
Also, irrespective of your duration of stay in the country, plan your itinerary thoroughly (unless you are more of a spontaneous person). We are suggesting this because you wouldn’t want to one day watch someone’s Instagram story of a beautiful place in Georgia and think to yourself,
“Damn, how did I miss it?”.
How to Reach Georgia
Now that you have decided the time of the year for your visit, it’s time to understand how you can enter the country. It is, in fact, one of the most important parts of Georgia travel guide for first time visitor. Well, you can easily reach Georgia by flight. In case you cannot find a direct flight from your place of departure, you will surely get a connecting flight. Around a dozen flights arrive in Tbilisi from Europe alone.
The country’s main international airport is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) in Tbilisi. While you can also check for flights landing at Batumi International Airport (BUS) and Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), we recommend you make the capital’s airport your priority. Travelers have so far reported more convenience when it comes to arriving at the Tbilisi International Airport (TBS).
How to Travel Around in Georgia
Once you arrive at the airport, what do you do? Well, you head towards your stay. But how do you do it? In fact, how are you going to travel around the country in general? This is why this Georgia travel guide for first time visitor is here for you. Firstly, you can hire a car and get the freedom to drive anywhere. If you’re looking for more affordable options, travel in private-run minibuses or marshrutka.
Apart from this, you can also take internal flights and trains to travel from one part of the country to another. And if you’re looking to travel from one place to another that will take a lot of time via bus, you can hire a taxi. All in all, even if you’re on a budget, remember that there are several ways to save money on a trip. Since your time in the country is limited and you may or may not return here, you have to make the most of it. So, wherever possible, hire a taxi or take that flight—whatever it takes to ensure that you have ample time to explore the country.
Looking for more places to travel during the summer holidays? Here are some of the most popular Summer Destinations to visit from UAE.
Must-See Attractions in Georgia
What is a Georgia travel guide for first time visitor that does not suggest the top-rated places to visit in Georgia? Yes, that’s right—we’re going to share a list of attractions that you must visit. No matter how short or long your stay in the country, these places cannot be missed. They truly define Georgia.
- National Gallery (Tbilisi): Watch awe-inspiring artworks by Pirosmani, David Kakabadze, and Lado Gudiashvili.
- Narikala Fortress (Tbilisi): The fortress dates back to the 4th century but is now only a scenic ruin.
- Chavchavadze Estate (Kakheti): Visit the vibrant gardens and palace created by Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, an influential character in the country’s history.
- Tsminda Sameba Church (Stepantsminda): Explore the remarkable church located 2200 meters above Stepantsminda, built on an isolated, lofty perch in the 14th century.
- Batumi Boulevard (Batumi): Take a walk on Batumi Boulevard, the park strip that fronts the main beach.
- Truso Valley (Great Caucasus): Don’t forget to visit the Truso Valley, which is famous for its strange mineral phenomena and abandoned Ossetian villages. Remember to bring your passport because the South Ossetia boundary is pretty close.
- Gudauri: Visit this scenic mountain resort during winter and enjoy winter sports as well.
If you’re traveling during the winter season, particularly between January and March, the two places on top of your itinerary should be Gudauri and Tbilisi. If you don’t have enough time in general, we recommend taking the Tbilisi and Gudauri Tour Package.
Popular Activities - Georgia Travel Guide
Which places you visit and which activities you perform are entirely dependent on the kind of trip you’re looking forward to. Whether you’re looking for a retreat away from your routine life or you are seeking an adventure that will satisfy your soul, plan trip to Georgia based on what you like most. After all, you may not be able to cover everything during your tour, but you can surely cover most of the things you are here for. So, let’s find out which are the top activities for you in Georgia.
For Adventurers
- Go for a cable car ride in Batumi on the Argo Cable Car.
- Pay a visit to the cave monastery of Vardzia.
- Explore the ancient town of Uplistsikhe.
For Nature Lovers
- Take a hike in Tusheti or Svaneti.
- Visit the beautiful Batumi Botanical Garden.
- Experience a ride on the Tbilisi Aerial Tramway.
For Rejuvenation
- Visit Lake Ritsa and enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Watch the beautiful views from Katskhi Pillar.
- Explore Batumi Boulevard.
For Cultural Experience
- Visit the Gergeti Trinity Church.
- Go to the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi.
- Visit monasteries that date back as far as the 6th century.
Planning to visit Georgia with your family but aren’t quite sure? Here's why Georgia is a great family destination.
Safety in Georgia - Is Georgia Safe for Tourists?
Worrying about safety before entering a country is pretty normal. This is why this Georgia travel guide for first time visitor also covers the safety aspect.
Even though you must remain conscious of the usual crimes, Georgia is considered to be an impressively safe country. The biggest risk here is getting into a car accident while driving or crossing a busy street. But honestly, that’s it.
With regard to the nature of the locals, they are truly welcoming and remarkably tourist friendly. Wherever you go, you will be treated well.
What’s more, tourism has boosted Georgia’s economy since gaining independence from the Soviet Union, which is why everyone you meet will somehow have a relation with the industry.
If you’re planning to stay in private homes during your visit, you will understand the true meaning of being spoiled. From emotional toasts by your hosts to grand feasts, they will do everything they can to overindulge.
Want to travel to Georgia at the beginning of summer? Make the best of your festive holidays and travel in June.
Etiquette in Georgia
There are no hard-and-fast rules in this Georgia travel guide regarding actions and behavior, but it’s suggested to consider these etiquettes when in Georgia.
- Give up your seat to pregnant or elderly people whenever you’re traveling on public transport.
- Always remember to say hello to your neighbors if you’re staying in an apartment or have a shared space.
- Discuss politics sensitively and try not to be the first person to raise the subject.
- It’s alright to leave food on your plate but try not to waste food.
- Negotiating at markets is fine, but don’t try to haggle at restaurants or shops—it’s totally disrespectful.
- Throwing away food in the trash is one thing, but make sure you do not throw bread in the can. In Georgia, it’s considered to be sacred and must be tied outside the bin only.
Traveling to Georgia from the UAE? Click here to explore top Georgia tour packages from UAE.
Travel Tips
What to pack, which clothes to carry, getting a local sim card, and carrying cash are all basic tips that are necessary for traveling anywhere in the world. So, what is it that you need to worry about when it comes to traveling to Georgia? Well, here are three quick tips that we would like to finally add to this Georgia tourism guide.
Consider getting travel insurance when visiting Georgia. While it generally seems to be less than necessary, it is actually very useful in case of any incidents.
Learn a few words in the local language that will help you communicate with the locals. These can be greetings and regular phrases. If you have time, you should also learn how to ask for directions. And while you do that, don’t forget to learn what those directions (like right and left) are called in the local language. You get the drill.
If you’re going to stay at a guest house or BNB where the locals are likely to be residing with you, it would be great if you would learn some customs and traditions. Mainly, you must know about the kind of things that can make them feel happy or things that can disappoint them or make them angry. The latter is what you have to avoid obviously. And knowing this means you won’t accidentally disappoint anyone.
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