A Week in Georgia (the Country): What I Wish I Knew Before Going

I’ll be honest—before I booked my ticket, I barely knew where Georgia was on the map. A friend casually mentioned Tbilisi over coffee, and three hours later, I had a week-long itinerary open on my laptop and a one-way ticket in my inbox. What I didn’t expect? Georgia would become one of the most surprising, charming, and completely underrated places I’ve ever visited.

If you’re thinking of visiting Georgia (no, not the U.S. state—the one nestled between Europe and Asia), here’s what I wish I knew before going.

1. You Don’t Need a Lot of Money—But You’ll Want to Splurge

Georgia is shockingly affordable. I’m talking $5 meals, $10 wine tastings, and beautiful guesthouses for under $30 a night. But what no one tells you is this: you’ll want to splurge a little.

Whether it’s a mountain-view room in Kazbegi or a fine-dining experience in a 19th-century bathhouse in Tbilisi, the extras are still affordable by Western standards—and totally worth it.

My advice: Budget backpack-style, but allow yourself at least two luxury moments. You won’t regret it.

2. Tbilisi Deserves More Than a Day

Most guides treat Tbilisi like a stopover. I made the same mistake—planning just 24 hours in the capital before heading to the mountains. Huge mistake.

Tbilisi is a kaleidoscope of contradictions: ornate balconies and brutalist architecture, ancient sulphur baths and hipster cafes, cobbled streets and neon-lit wine bars. The vibe is somewhere between Berlin, Istanbul, and nowhere else on Earth.

Give it at least three days. Wander the old town, climb up to Narikala Fortress, and get lost in the Dry Bridge flea market. Bonus: locals are warm, patient, and always ready to pour you a glass of homemade chacha (a local brandy).

3. You’ll Eat Like Royalty—Even If You’re Vegan

Georgian food is comfort on a plate. Think cheesy bread (khachapuri), dumplings (khinkali), roasted meats, fresh herbs, eggplant with walnut paste, and soups spiced with coriander and garlic. Every dish felt both unfamiliar and deeply satisfying.

But here’s the surprise: Georgia is secretly vegan-friendly. Orthodox fasting traditions mean many dishes are naturally plant-based. Look for “Lenten” menus or ask for vegetarian khinkali—you’ll be fine.

Must try: Lobio (bean stew), badrijani nigvzit (eggplant rolls with walnut paste), and ajapsandali (Georgian ratatouille).

4. The Roads Are… Creative

Driving in Georgia is an adventure. The views? Absolutely stunning. The roads? Let’s just say your GPS might cry.

I took a marshrutka (shared minibus) to Kazbegi, which swerved around cliffs with the casual energy of a Fast & Furious movie. If you’re renting a car, be ready for:

Potholes that feel like small craters

Cows casually crossing highways

Drivers who treat lanes as polite suggestions

But honestly? It’s part of the charm. Just avoid night driving.

5. Don’t Skip the Countryside—It’s Where the Magic Lives

Tbilisi is electric, but the soul of Georgia is in its villages and valleys. I spent two days in Kazbegi (home to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church) and another in Signagi, a hilltop town in the heart of wine country. Both felt like stepping into a fairytale—just with Wi-Fi and incredible food.

If I had more time, I would’ve added:

Mestia (for dramatic mountains and glacier hikes)

Tusheti (for off-the-grid adventures)

Borjomi (for spa vibes and mineral springs)

6. Wine Is a Way of Life

Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, with 8,000 years of history and a winemaking technique so ancient UNESCO protected it.

Most families have their own wine barrels in their basement, and it’s not unusual to be invited in for a tasting—especially in Kakheti, the wine region.

Try the amber wines, made in qvevri (clay pots buried underground). They’re funky, earthy, and unlike anything you’ll find in the supermarket.

7. English Is Not Everywhere—But People Are Incredibly Helpful

Outside of Tbilisi, English is hit-or-miss, especially with older generations. But Georgian hospitality is real. I had grandmothers write directions on napkins, teenagers use Google Translate to help me buy bus tickets, and one man who literally walked me 10 minutes out of his way to show me a hidden viewpoint.

A few words in Georgian go a long way:

Hello: Gamarjoba

Thank you: Madloba

Delicious: Gemrieli (you’ll need this one a lot)

8. One Week Isn’t Enough—But It’s a Great Start

My original plan was to pass through Georgia on my way to somewhere else. But I left with a strong urge to return—maybe for a month, maybe longer.

There’s something about Georgia that sticks with you. Maybe it’s the way strangers toast to your health like you’re an old friend. Maybe it’s the contrast of crumbling Soviet buildings and pristine alpine meadows. Or maybe it’s the wine. Probably the wine.

Final Thoughts: What I’d Do Differently
If I could plan my week in Georgia all over again, here’s what I’d change:

More time in the mountains (especially Mestia)

A second day in Signagi just to slow down and sip wine at sunset

An extra day in Tbilisi for markets and museums

But even with the small hiccups, this trip felt like discovering a secret. And that’s rare in 2025.