Tbilisi Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Maximize your budget with these practical approaches.

Smart Spending

Discount cards and passes: The Metromoney card for public transport, unlimited transfers within 90 minutes.
Free activities: Walking the Old Town, visiting most churches, hiking to Narikala Fortress.
Happy hours and dining deals: Look for lunch specials, often called "business lunch."
Transportation savings: Rely on your Metromoney card for metro and bus. Use Bolt app for transparent taxi pricing.

Accommodation Value

Hostels and guesthouses offer significant budget savings.
Apartment rentals allow self-catering to save on food costs.
Compare prices on Booking.com or Airbnb for best deals.
Consider staying slightly outside the main tourist areas for lower rates.

Travel Essentials for Savings

Travel rewards credit cards for points or cashback. (Capital One Travel)
Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card issues.
Carry some local currency for small vendors.
ATMs generally offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices.

Smart Connectivity

Local SIM cards from MagtiCom or Geocell provide affordable data.
Utilize free Wi-Fi in cafes and public areas.
Consider a VPN for secure public Wi-Fi. (NordVPN)
Download offline maps to save data.

Packing and Preparation

Optimize your luggage and health items.

Packing Smart

Pack light to avoid excess baggage fees.
Use packing cubes for organized luggage. (Eagle Creek)
Bring comfortable walking shoes for hilly terrain.
Layer clothing for changing weather conditions.

Health and Safety

Carry a Basic first-aid kit for minor issues.
Stay hydrated, especially during summer months.
Learn about local emergency numbers.
Maintain general awareness, as in any city.

Language Basics

Learning a few Georgian phrases shows respect.
Use Google Translate with offline packs.
Consider language learning apps for basics. (Babbel)
Don't shy away from gestures; they bridge gaps.

Cultural Immersion

Attend local festivals or events.
Sample local wines and cuisine beyond typical tourist spots.
Visit local markets for authentic experiences.
Engage with locals; Georgians are welcoming.

Local Insights

Discover Tbilisi through the eyes of a local, avoiding common pitfalls.

Avoiding Common Tourist Mistakes

Overpaying for taxis: Use the Bolt app for transparent pricing.
Not carrying cash: Cash remains useful for smaller purchases and local markets.
Underestimating distances: Tbilisi is hilly, wear comfortable shoes.
Only sticking to tourist areas: Explore neighborhoods like Sololaki, Vera, or Vake.

Georgian Customs and Etiquette

Hospitality: Georgians are very welcoming; accept offers of help or conversation graciously.
Toasting (Supra): If invited, be ready for many toasts. Participate and reciprocate.
Eye contact: Generally direct and signifies sincerity in conversations.
Politeness: A smile and politeness open many doors.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

Queuing: Less formal than in some Western countries. Practice patience in lines.
Personal space: Can be closer in crowded public transport or markets.
Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants and for good service.
Street photography: Generally fine, but ask permission for close-up shots of individuals.

Impress Locals with Language

Greetings: Gamarjoba (hello), Dila Mshvidobisa (Good morning), Saghamo Mshvidobisa (Good evening), Nakhvamdis (Goodbye).
Polite Phrases: Madloba (thank you), Ukatsravad (Excuse me / Sorry), Ki (Yes), Ara (No).
Dining Phrases: Gemrielia (Delicious), Gaumarjos! (Cheers!), Angarishi, tu sheidzleba (Bill, please), Mtsʼonvare (Enjoy your meal).
Using basic Georgian phrases is always appreciated and open doors to warmer interactions.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your approach based on your travel companions.

Solo Traveler Insights

Safety: Tbilisi is very safe for solo travelers. Practice general awareness.
Social: Stay in hostels with common areas (like Fabrika Hostel) to meet others.
Join free walking tours, these often attract other solo visitors.
Engage with locals in cafes and bars; Georgians are often friendly.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Activities: Include Mtatsminda Park (amusement rides, funicular).
Visit Tbilisi Botanical Garden, Tbilisi Zoo, and Gabriadze Puppet Theatre.
Food: Khachapuri and Khinkali are generally kid-friendly and popular.
Transportation: Strollers are challenging on cobblestones. Bolt is convenient.

Managing Group Logistics

Consider apartment rentals for shared space and cost savings.
Book popular tours and restaurant reservations in advance for availability.
Use Bolt XL or similar services for larger group taxi rides.
Designate a group leader for coordination and set clear meeting points.

Accessibility Considerations

Mobility challenges exist due to Tbilisi's terrain and older infrastructure.
Plan routes carefully, focusing on accessible venues.
Consider hiring accessible transport if needed for specific mobility.
Research specific locations and their accessibility features before your visit.

Pro Tip

Always confirm prices for street vendors or taxis before a ride if not using Bolt to avoid misunderstandings.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficiency makes your Tbilisi visit more rewarding.

Smart Timing

Visit popular spots like Narikala Fortress or Holy Trinity Cathedral early morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds and better light.

Fast Transport

The Bolt app provides quick and efficient taxi rides. The cable car to Narikala saves a steep walk.

Efficient Routes

Group attractions by neighborhood, dedicating a day to Old Town and another to Rustaveli Avenue to minimize travel time.

Pre-Booking Essentials

Dining & Stays

Book popular restaurants for dinner, especially on weekends.
Secure accommodation bookings, specifically during high season.
For day trips, pre-book organized tours or intercity train tickets.

Transport Options

Consider private transfers for direct airport-to-hotel trips.
Check public transport schedules for efficient commutes.
Purchase your Metromoney card upon arrival for easy public transport access.

Local Pace

Tbilisi generally does not have long queues at major attractions, so "skip-the-line" passes are rarely needed.

Tbilisi Travel Hacks