Welcome to Georgia, a country that is bursting with luxury experiences including gastronomical feasts, five-star hotels and stunning landscapes that can all be enjoyed in unique ways. Located between Asia and Europe, you’ll find a country with an exciting mix of influences that can be found in its architecture, restaurants and attractions. If you want to give your next holiday an upgrade, whether it’s through high-end or one-off experiences, Georgia is the perfect destination for your next escape.
Where to eat out
Hungry for a great time? Well, in Georgia you can dig into a food scene that covers old-school meals to new fusion restaurants. Traditional Georgian cuisine is all about fresh meats, vegetables and spices. So whether you’re after a hero’s breakfast or a celebratory supra (feast), Georgia has meals to remember.
The capital, Tbilisi, is a city for walking – and eating. While you wander through the cobbled streets, you’ll work up an appetite. Not only will you be spoilt by the beautiful buildings, but by the choice of restaurants with hot chefs, trendy eateries and luxury dining experiences.
Rigi Gastrodouqan serves some of the country’s must-eat dishes: a khachapuri (a cheesy, eggy wonder) and Lobiani (bread filled with beans). The family restaurant Barbarestan’s menu mixes traditional dishes with playful concoctions, from a mutton leg with shilaplavi to a duck with chocolate sauce.
You’ll feel right at home in Keto and Kote, as it is inside an old building and boasts cosy décor. The menu includes healthy salads, from an avocado salad to a chicken salad. Put these restaurants to your foodie radar: Black Lion Hub, Chveni, Republic 24, Litera, Shushabandi, Alubali and Ninias Garden.
If you want to meet new people, make a beeline for Fabrika Tbilsi. The former Soviet sewing factory is one of the coolest spots in the capital. It has been transformed into a must-visit destination with concept stores, restaurants, bars and a giant communal dining space.
If you wish to discover other Georgian cities, we suggest going to Batumi or Kutaisi. In the coastal city of Batumi, book a table at Terrassa Askaneli’s terrace for sunset and dig into traditional food including soups, khinkali and hot pastries.
At Sinori Batumi you can also enjoy authentic Georgian cuisine – here it’s all about comfort food, from juicy steaks to seasonal desserts.
Kutaisi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world – not only is it rich in history but also its food. Inside Debi Sister it’s all very grandma chic – enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine as well as live music. Lilestan, with yellow walls and green tablecloths, is popular for its pretty desserts.
What to see and do
With its rich tapestry of cultural offerings, from blockbuster museums to quirky galleries, Georgia has more something to suit all travellers. Tbilisi’s Selfie Museum of Georgia, anyone?
When you land in the capital, start your trip off by visiting Georgian National Museum to learn about the nation’s past. If you’re an art lover, put these galleries on your hitlist: The National Gallery, Art Palace of Georgia, Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts – Art Museum of Georgia and Zurab Tsereteli MoMa Tbilisi.
The family will enjoy the Museum of Illusions and Tbilisi Digital Space. If you want to share your Georgian experience with your nearest and dearest, pick up souvenirs at Dry Bridge, an antiques market in Old City, and Communal Craft, an arts and craft shop. While it’s worth stopping off to the stores of Georgian designers including Ieri, Dot’s, Anouki, Materiel Tbilisi and Chatsma Store. Love art? Add 4710 Gallery and The Why Not Gallery onto your cultural list.
Georgia has plenty of cities, from Batumi to Kutaisi, bursting with cultural sights. Batumi is booming with amazing attractions including UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites such as Mtirala National Parks, Kintrishi and Kobuleti Protected Areas. You’ll be blown away by Makhuntseti waterfall and Batumi Botanical Garden.
Kutaisi, located in the region of Imereti, has just as many cultural wonders. Marvel at the natural beauty of Prometheus cave, Okatse Canyon and Sataplia Nature Reserve. Then relax at one the spectacular spas: Resort Sairme has healing waters that will rejuvenate you and Resort Tskaltubo has treatments to help you unwind.
Where to stay
Georgia is the land of hospitality and has luxury hotels to suit families, couples and solo adventures. You’ll receive a warm welcome in your home away from home, as Georgians love to show off their country.
Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace has an outdoor pool, recently renovated rooms and stunning views of the city. Stamba Hotel has New York uber-cool vibes and its own Chocolaterie & Roastery.
While the Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi is located in the first glass skyscraper in the capital. Other hotels include Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, Iota Hotel and Shota Rustaveli Boutique Hotel.
Make sure you schedule some time outside of the capital, too, and visit spots like Batumi and Kutaisi.
If you love a big brand hotel, then in Batumi you can take your pick from Le Meridien Batumi, Radisson Blu Batumi, Sheraton Batumi, Wyndham Batumi and Hilton Batumi. While the Colosseum Marina Hotel has an epic design that includes a gladiator-inspired arena.
In Kutaisi, Best Western is well located in downtown and the terrace is a must for mountain top views. Newport is situated in a building that is a cultural heritage site and was built in 1914, while other top hotels include Memoir and Solomon.
Interested in Ecotourism?
If you’re after a sustainable travel destination, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s easy being green in Georgia. Georgia is home to a wide range of ecosystems, from subtropical rainforests, mountain steppes to alpine ecosystems.
This mountainous country has unspoiled areas, and a high level of biodiversity that includes unique flora and fauna. The landscape is so diverse, as you can go from humid mountainous forests to actual deserts.
Almost a quarter of terrestrial vertebrates and fish and plants are considered endemic to the Caucasus region. The species are so varied and include 12 amphibians, 54 reptiles, more than 100 mammals and over 370 species of birds.
Visitors will love a Georgia, as this is a country where you can truly go an adventure.
For more information about the destination, visit georgia.travel.
