Georgia, the country, is one of the places I haven't heard about until it became a popular vacation spot for Filipinos in the UAE. Being a budget-friendly destination situated at the intersection of Europe and Asia, I often hear my friends rave about it.
Those raves did spark curiosity, so one day, I found myself spontaneously booking a flight to Georgia's capital - Tbilisi.
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Here are the things to know before you go to Tbilisi, Georgia:
Visa
Residents of United Arab Emirates can obtain a visa on arrival in Georgia, and can stay in the county for 90 days. The following documents are required at the airport before you check-in to your flight:
- Passport with a valid residence visa
- Return Ticket
- Accommodation booking
- Travel Insurance: We purchased ours from RSA website for 50 AED each.
- Proof of funds: We were simply asked by the staff about our pocket money and we informed her that we have 300 USD on hand for our 3-day trip. And that's it, off we go to the immigration gate!
Money
The currency in Georgia is called Georgian Lari. As of writing, 1 GEL is equivalent to 1.37 AED or 0.37 USD. We had half of our travel money changed to the local currency because 300 USD is actually more than enough for a short break, provided that accommodation is already pre-booked and paid!
Language
Kartvelian is the official language of Georgia. Russian is also widely spoken. But worry not, getting lost in translation can rarely happen as most people working in restaurants and hotels can understand English.
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| The city that loves YOU! |
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| This charming capital is just a short-haul flight away from Dubai! |
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| And it's visa-free for UAE residents! One of the main reasons why a lot of people LOVE Tbilisi! |
Weather
With its location in the Caucasus region, Georgia is blessed with a varied climate in four beautiful seasons. Spring is not too hot and not too cold. Summer is pleasantly warm. Autumn is crisp and cool. Winter is mildly chilly compared to other places, but temperature can dip below zero degrees in the mountains.
What to pack for Tbilisi, Georgia?
Ed and I went last October. It was autumn and the weather was perfect for long walks! So make sure to pack a comfy pair of shoes, leather jacket or light trench coat, and leggings if you intend to wear dresses.
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| Early autumn in Tbilisi, Georgia |
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| The leaves are starting to turn gold! I can only imagine how dreamy this place is during the peak of Autumn! |
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| The breeze is cool and it gets chilly at night, so make sure to pack clothes that you can layer. |
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| More golden trees near the House of Justice Tbilisi |
Transportation
From the airport
Taking the public bus from Tbilisi Airport to the city is cheap and convenient. Bus #37 stops in front of the Arrival Hall. One way fare is 0.50 GEL. Travel time from the airport to Freedom Square takes an hour since it has a lot of stops along the way.
If you're in a hurry, you can book a private transfer ahead. We booked ours at Holidays by FlyDubai along with our flights and hotel stay package because we were not aware about the public bus.
If you're in a hurry, you can book a private transfer ahead. We booked ours at Holidays by FlyDubai along with our flights and hotel stay package because we were not aware about the public bus.
Getting around the city center
The must-visit attractions in Tbilisi can be easily reached by foot. There are public buses and a metro system as well. But since we stayed in the city center and our trip was purely for rest and relaxation (and eating good food... ahem grilled pork!), we opted to explore by simply walking around.
Tip: Download Google Maps Offline to track your journey.
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| The streets of Tbilisi |
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| To the Old City Wall |
Where to stay in Tbilisi?
As mentioned, this trip was spontaneous planned. We decided to book flights and accommodation a day before our actual departure; hence, we settled for an affordable travel package at Holidays by FlyDubai. Our FlyDubai round trip flight was paired with a 2-night stay at Citadines City Centre Tbilisi.
I honestly didn't expect much from this aparthotel, but it turned out to be a wonderful base in the capital of Georgia. It is located in Freedom Square, a few steps away from Galleria Tbilisi shopping mall, Liberty Square Metro Station, and National Museum of Georgia. A lot of good restaurants are within the area, and famous attractions are within walking distance.
We stayed in a Studio Classic accommodation. It is a super spacious room with a fully equipped kitchen and a living area with a sofa bed!
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| Citadines City Centre Tbilisi |
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| You can see the Sameba from the hotel roof deck! |
What to eat in Tbilisi?
- Khachapuri: traditional Georgian cheese bread with a runny sunny-side up egg in the center
- Khinkali: Georgian dumpling filled with meat or mushroom or potatoes
- Mtsvadi: juicy grilled pork
- Churchkhela: candle-shaped candy made from natural juice and nuts
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| Breakfast in Tbilisi: Khachapuri! |
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| Local candy (chuchkhela), local dumpling (Khinkali), and the super tasty grilled pork! |
Tbilisi Travel Itinerary and Expenses
Day 1
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Time
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Activity
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Expenses
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11:00
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Flight from Dubai to Tbilisi via FlyDubai
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1,100 AED/person
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14:30
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Arrival in Tbilisi International Airport
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15:00
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Private transfer to Hotel
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80 AED for 2
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16:00
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Check-in at Citadines City Centre Tbilisi
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Change USD to local currency (GEL) in a money exchange shop near the
hotel.
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17:00
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Walk to Bridge of Peace and Rike Park
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18:00
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Dinner in a Local Restaurant
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32 GEL for 2
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19:30
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Grocery in Galleria
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5 GEL
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20:00
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Back to the hotel
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| Tbilisi Freedom Square |
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| Bridge of Peace |
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| Mtkvari River |
Day 2
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Time
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Activity
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Expenses
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06:30
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Wake alarm
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07:30
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Walk to Old City Wall and Clock Tower
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08:30
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Walk back to Freedom Square for breakfast
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09:00
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Breakfast in DeGusto in Freedom Square
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12 GEL for 2
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10:00
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Do-it-yourself Walking Tour:
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Two-way cable car ticket: 12 GEL for 2
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13:00
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Lunch in Lost Crayfish Hermanos
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68 GEL for 2
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14:00
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Walk to Metekhi St. Virgin Church
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15:00
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Walk to Sameba (Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi)
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16:30
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Walk to Dry Bridge
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17:00
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Walk to Café Leila in Ioane Shavteli
St
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20 GEL for 2
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18:00
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Sightseeing while strolling to Freedom Square
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19:00
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Dinner in Sakhli # 11
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83 GEL for 2
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20:30
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Back to the hotel
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Alternatively, the second day in Georgia can be spent visiting other towns and ski resort. We saw tour banners while we were walking around Tbilisi and noted that one day excursion price starts at 34 GEL/person.
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| Old City Wall |
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| The Leaning Clock Tower of Tbilisi |
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| Wine wine wine! |
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| Kaleidoscope House in Gallery 27 |
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| Cable car from Rike Park to Narikala Fortress |
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| The cable car ride offers the best views of Old Tbilisi! |
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| Mother Georgia watches over the city |
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| Aerial view of Tbilisi from the fortress |
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| Cray cray for lunch at Los Crayfish Hermanos! :) |
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| Metekhi St. Virgin Church |
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| view of Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church compound |
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| Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi |
Day 3
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Time
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Activity
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Expenses
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06:00
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Wake alarm
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07:00
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Walk to Old Tbilisi
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07:30
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Breakfast in the restaurant with the I Love Tbilisi sign
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30 GEL for 2
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08:30
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Explore Old Tbilisi
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09:00
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Walk to Abanotubani Sulfur bath houses and Love Lock Bridge
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10:00
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Walk to Rike Park and Bridge of Peace
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11:00
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Walk back to the hotel
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11:30
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Check out
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12:00
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To the airport
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13:00
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Lunch in the airport
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40 GEL for 2
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15:30
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Flight from Tbilisi to Dubai
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| Abanotubani district |
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| Tbilisi's very own Love Lock Bridge |
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| View of Narikala Fortress from Abanotubani |
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| The Sculpture Tree of Life in Rike Park |
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| Hiked up at the steps of Rike Park to Avlabari to see this amazing view! |
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| I love Rike Park! I could see myself relaxing here every weekend if I live in Tbilisi. |
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| At the entrance of Tbilisi Concert Hall and Exhibition Centre |
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| Crossing the Bridge of Peace for the last time? Nah! We'll be back for sure! :) |
Estimated Budget for this 3-day Itinerary
Details
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Expenses in
AE Dirhams
per person
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Flights and
Accommodation
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1,100 AED
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Transportation
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41 AED
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Food
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200 AED
approx
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Activities
and Extras
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15 AED
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Total
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1356 AED
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And also READ my other blog post: Instagrammable Spots in Tbilisi!
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