Tbilisi, Georgia
Travel Perspective
Tell us about yourself, Fernando. How would you describe your travel style?
I’d describe my travel style as independent, immersive, and experience-driven.
I tend to travel like a backpacker, prioritizing authentic local experiences over comfort or luxury. I’m drawn to places that feel culturally different, especially in Asia, where I can really step outside my comfort zone and experience a completely different way of life.
I love trekking and being in nature, so I often build my trips around hikes or landscapes, whether it’s mountains, deserts, or remote areas. At the same time, I enjoy getting lost in cities, but more in a “observe and absorb” kind of way rather than rushing through attractions.
What matters most to me when choosing a destination is that it offers something unique and genuine—places that haven’t been overly polished for tourism. I like destinations that challenge me a bit, where things aren’t always easy, but feel more real because of it.
I’m not a strict planner either. I usually keep things flexible and adapt as I go, which often leads to better and more unexpected experiences.
What drew you to Tbilisi and did it live up to your expectations?
What drew me to Tbilisi was the fact that I was traveling along the Silk Road route, moving from China toward Turkey, and Georgia was a fascinating stop along the way. It’s a city where you start to feel that transition between Asia and Europe.
It fit perfectly with my travel style because it still feels authentic and not overly polished. After visiting countries in Central Asia, arriving in Tbilisi brought a different energy, more relaxed, a bit bohemian, but still deeply rooted in its history. Walking through the old town, you see that blend of influences in the architecture, the food, and the everyday life.
And it definitely lived up to my expectations. What makes Tbilisi stand out is how effortlessly it combines that Silk Road heritage with a modern, creative vibe. It felt like a turning point in the journey, both geographically and culturally, which made it even more memorable.
What kind of traveler needs to add Tbilisi to their list?
I think Tbilisi works for a wide range of travelers, but it’s especially a great fit for expats and digital nomads.
Georgia has a very relaxed visa policy, allowing many nationalities to stay for up to a year as a tourist, which makes it incredibly appealing if you’re looking for a base rather than just a short visit. On top of that, Tbilisi offers a great balance of affordability, culture, good food, and a growing remote work scene.
It’s also a destination that solo travelers, backpackers, and even casual tourists can really enjoy. It’s easy to explore, has a welcoming vibe, and offers enough variety to keep different types of travelers engaged.
Which experiences or attractions really stood out to you in Tbilisi?
In Tbilisi, a few places really stood out to me.
One is the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi. It’s massive and very impressive, but what I liked most was the atmosphere around it, calm, spiritual, and a strong sense of local life.
But the place that truly blew me away was the Chronicle of Georgia. It’s honestly one of the most epic monuments I’ve ever seen. Huge stone pillars with detailed carvings, overlooking the reservoir, it feels powerful, almost surreal, and not nearly as visited as it should be. Beyond that, just wandering the old town, finding viewpoints, and getting lost in the mix of old architecture and modern spots is one of the best things you can do in Tbilisi.
People say Georgian cuisine is rich and comforting. What were your most memorable meals in Tbilisi?
Georgian food really lived up to the hype in Tbilisi, it’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
Some of my most memorable meals included dishes with eggplant, especially the classic rolls with walnut paste, which I ended up ordering more than once. And of course, you can’t skip khachapuri, the famous cheese-filled bread, simple but incredibly satisfying.
I also remember trying a kind of dumpling/pasta dish (khinkali), which is another local staple and definitely worth it.
In terms of areas, the Old Town and neighborhoods like Sololaki have plenty of great restaurants and cozy spots to try different dishes.
Tbilisi has a vibrant creative energy. How would you describe the evening atmosphere?
I’m not really a party person anymore, but I could still tell that Tbilisi has a very vibrant and diverse nightlife scene.
Instead of clubs, I leaned more toward relaxed evenings, grabbing a glass of Georgian wine in small bars and pubs, which felt much more in line with the city’s vibe. There are plenty of cozy spots where you can just sit, unwind, and enjoy the atmosphere.
One area that really stood out was Fabrika. It’s a hostel complex with a big courtyard full of bars, restaurants, and social spaces, and it comes alive at night. It’s a great place to experience the city’s creative energy without needing to go full nightlife mode.
Exploring a new city can be an adjustment. How did you find navigating Tbilisi?
I found Tbilisi quite easy to navigate overall. It’s a very walkable city, especially around the Old Town, and getting around by Bolt or metro is cheap and straightforward.
People were generally friendly and helpful, even if there’s sometimes a language barrier. English isn’t spoken everywhere, especially by older generations, but you can usually get by without too much trouble.
In terms of safety, I never felt uncomfortable. It’s a pretty safe city to explore, even at night, as long as you use basic common sense. I didn’t come across any scams or situations to worry about.
Culturally, it feels like a mix between Europe and Asia, which makes it interesting but not too difficult to adapt to. Overall, it’s a very approachable destination, even if it might feel a bit different at first.
How did you plan your budget for Tbilisi and what's something you splurged on while you were there?
For Tbilisi I didn’t overplan my budget too much, since it’s a relatively affordable destination compared to much of Europe. I kept things simple, staying in budget-friendly hostels, eating local food, and moving around mostly on foot or with cheap rides.
There aren’t many hidden costs, which is great. Food, transport, and even going out for drinks are all quite reasonable. One tip is to take advantage of local restaurants and bakeries, where you can eat really well for very little.
As for splurging, I’d say I treated myself more when it came to food and wine. Georgian wine is a big part of the culture, and it’s definitely worth spending a bit extra to try different varieties in nice settings.
Tbilisi is shaped by layers of cultures. What is your one lasting takeaway from the trip?
My main takeaway from Tbilisi is how naturally it blends different cultures into one identity. You can really feel that mix of Europe and Asia, past and present, all coexisting without trying too hard.
If I had to sum it up, I’d say it’s a city that’s not defined by one thing, but by the contrast between many. It’s not about ticking off landmarks, but about experiencing that unique atmosphere as you move through it.
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