holidays in Tbilisi — it is a city where the flight from Almaty takes three and a half hours direct, and the time difference is only one hour. The best months for a trip are May, September and October: warm, without heat and crowds. In summer the capital is stuffy, but the mountains are nearby. In winter accommodation is cheaper. Plan from three days to a week.
Seasonality and weather: when is the best time to plan a trip?
Tbilisi lies in a basin between ridges, so the climate here is mild, but with sharp temperature swings. The season for holidays in Tbilisi lasts almost all year round, however the impressions from the months differ greatly.
Spring and autumn — the velvet season for walks
April, May, September and October are the best time for leisurely walks around the city. During the day the air stays around plus twenty, and in the evenings a light jacket is still needed. The Old Town in these months smells of blooming acacia and fresh bread from the bakeries. Locals call such weather "velvet" — the sun does not burn, the rains are short and warm. Tours to Tbilisi in the shoulder season cost less than at the height of summer, and there are almost no queues for the cable car. Take an umbrella and a sweater with you: by evening the temperature drops noticeably. For families with small children this is the most comfortable option if the child does not tolerate heat well. In autumn the grape harvest begins in the city, and the markets are bursting with grapes and figs. In a word, if you are choosing when to go to Tbilisi for the first time, settle on May or September.
Summer heat and winter mountains nearby
July and August in the capital are hot and stuffy. The thermometer often rises above thirty-five degrees, and the asphalt gets scorching by noon. Only the early morning and evening hours save you, when the city comes alive on the boulevards. But nearby lie mountain areas where it is cool even at the height of summer. In winter Tbilisi remains mild: snow falls rarely and melts quickly. But an hour's drive away there are already ski slopes, where people go to ski from December to March. Hotels in Tbilisi in winter are less busy, and accommodation prices are noticeably lower. In summer, accommodation should be booked a month to a month and a half in advance, especially in the center. Georgian cuisine seems heavy in the heat, so in summer people more often take cold soups and vegetables. For a trip with children, summer is suitable only provided that you are ready for early outings and daytime rest in the room.
Flight and first days in the city
The first days in an unfamiliar capital always go to adaptation. Let's break down what a tourist from Kazakhstan should know before departure and right after arrival.
Direct flights from Almaty and the time difference
Direct flights fly from Almaty to Tbilisi, the travel time is about three and a half hours. The time difference with Kazakhstan is one hour, and the body barely notices the flight. This is a big plus for holidays with children: acclimatization is gentle. Departures are most often in the evening, so you will get to the hotel already at night. It is better not to plan the first day as packed — leave it for a walk near your accommodation. In the morning go for water and groceries to the nearest store to get your bearings. The drive from the airport takes from twenty minutes to half an hour depending on the district.
Money: lari, exchange offices and cards
The national currency of Georgia is the lari, and in the city it is used everywhere. It is more profitable to change money at exchange offices in the center, not at the airport. The rate at different points differs insignificantly, but the difference of a couple of tetri on a large sum is noticeable. Cards are accepted in hotels, large restaurants and supermarkets, but not in small shops. Cash will come in handy at markets, for taxis on the spot and in guesthouses. There are many ATMs, the commission depends on the issuing bank of your card. Keep a small amount in small notes — they do not always give change from large ones.
Where to stay: districts and accommodation options
The choice of district in Tbilisi determines how much you will walk and how far you will be from the sights. Let's break down the main options and types of accommodation.
Old Town and Sololaki — atmosphere and prices
The Old Town and Sololaki are the most atmospheric districts of the capital, but also the noisiest. Here there are narrow streets, balconies with grapevines and old houses with carved railings. Hotels in Tbilisi in this part are more expensive, especially in high season. But everything is within walking distance: the sulfur baths, Freedom Square, the Bridge of Peace. At night in the Abanotubani area it can be noisy because of bars and guests. If you are traveling with children, choose alleys farther from the drinking streets. Apartments here are often without an elevator, and climbing to the fourth floor up a steep staircase is tiring. But the view from the balcony of the tiled roofs makes up for everything.
Vake and Saburtalo — quiet residential neighborhoods
Vake and Saburtalo are calm districts away from the tourist center. Locals live here, not visitors, and in the evenings children play in the courtyards. Accommodation prices are lower than in the old town, and the apartments are more spacious. You can get to the center by metro or taxi in fifteen to twenty minutes. Nearby there are parks, supermarkets and markets with homemade cheese. For a long trip with children this is a convenient option: quieter, greener, cheaper. There is one downside — there is no atmosphere of the old quarters here.
Hostels, guesthouses and hotels: what to book in advance
In Tbilisi there are not only classic hotels, but also apartments and guest houses. Guesthouses are good for families: there is a kitchen, a washing machine and a separate bedroom. Apartments are convenient for a trip of a week or longer, especially if you cook yourself. Hotels provide service, breakfast and cleaning, but cost more. On Georgian holidays and in high season, accommodation occupancy rises sharply. Book in advance — two to three months before the trip the choice is wider and the prices are lower. Hostels are suitable for those traveling alone or as a couple and wanting to save money.
Getting around the city and beyond
Transport in the capital is cheap and varied, but requires understanding local rules. Let's look at how to get around the city and out of it.
Metro, buses and the Metromoney card
The metro in Tbilisi is a fast and convenient way to get from residential areas to the centre. Fare is paid with a Metromoney card, which is bought at the ticket office at the station. One card can be topped up for several people, which is convenient for a family. Buses run around the city, but during rush hour they get stuck in traffic. Payment on them is also via Metromoney or a contactless card. The card also works on the cable car and the funicular. Keep it handy so you don't have to look for cash at the entrance.
Taxis via apps and haggling on the spot
Taxis in the city are cheap, and via apps the ride is predictable. The app shows the price in advance, and there's no need to haggle. Hailing a car on the street is easy, but the price will have to be discussed before getting in. Agree on the amount right away, otherwise at the end of the ride the number may go up. In the evening and in the rain there are fewer available cars, and you have to wait longer. For trips with children, choose an app: there you can see the make and number of the car.
Cable car to Mtatsminda and funicular to Turtle Lake
The cable car takes you up to Mtatsminda in a couple of minutes and costs little. From the top there's a panorama of the city, especially beautiful at sunset. The funicular takes you to Turtle Lake, where it's pleasant to walk in the heat. Both modes of transport work with the Metromoney card. There are queues on weekends and on warm evenings, so come earlier. With children, the cable car ride becomes an attraction in itself.
What impressions, traditions and little things should you consider?
Impressions in the capital are made up of little things: smells, tastes, conversations on the street. Let's gather what's worth considering before the trip.
Abanotubani sulphur baths and Georgian hospitality
The sulphur baths in the Abanotubani district are the city's calling card and a place to relax after a long walk. The water in the springs is warm and mineral, and the bath domes can be seen from afar. Renting a private room costs more than a shared one, but gives you privacy. Georgian hospitality is felt everywhere: you'll be poured wine, treated to cheese and asked about your trip. Don't refuse the invitation — it's part of the local culture. For families with children, a morning visit works well, when there are fewer people.
Desertirka market: spices, cheese and churchkhela as gifts
Desertirka market is a place where people buy gifts and try local products. Here they sell spices by weight, homemade cheese, churchkhela and dried fruit. Prices are lower than in tourist shops, but haggling is appropriate. Ask how the product will survive the journey: cheese and wine require packaging. Ceramics and tableware are also popular as souvenirs. Come in the morning, when the counters are full and the sellers aren't tired.
Connection, insurance and dress code in temples
Local SIM cards are sold at mobile phone shops in the centre and at the airport. Internet in cafes and hotels is almost everywhere, but the speed varies. Medical insurance will come in handy when travelling with children and in the mountains. In temples, covered shoulders and knees are required, and for women, a headscarf. Photography inside is often not allowed, follow the signs. Respect for the rules of the place makes the holiday calmer.
Terms of booking and payment for tours
The terms of booking and payment for tours affect how you plan your budget and dates. Payment deadlines, cancellation procedure and what's included in the price are better known in advance. This will remove uncertainty and allow you to choose dates calmly. Prices for tours to Tbilisi depend on the season and type of accommodation. Tours to Georgia from Almaty are convenient to book in advance to catch favourable dates.
In short
- The best months for walking are May, September and October.
- The flight from Almaty takes about three and a half hours.
- Change money at exchange offices in the centre, not at the airport.
- In temples, covered clothing and a headscarf are required.