Tbilissi

What's the best time of year to visit Tbilisi?

Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) offer the most comfortable weather, mild and good for walking the Old Town's hills. Summer gets hot, often into the 90s Fahrenheit, while winter is cold but rarely extreme. Fall also lines up with the grape harvest season, a good time for wine-region day trips outside the city.

Is Tbilisi safe for travelers?

Yes, Tbilisi is generally considered safe, with low rates of violent crime toward tourists. Petty theft is uncommon but not unheard of in crowded tourist areas. Traffic and uneven sidewalks in the Old Town are more of a practical concern than crime. Walking at night in central areas is generally fine, though it's smart to stick to well-lit streets.

Is Couchsurfing a good hostel alternative in Tbilisi?

Yes, especially given Georgia's famous hospitality culture. Tbilisi hostels are inexpensive, but Couchsurfing offers something hostels can't: a genuine invitation into local life, sometimes including a home-cooked supra, plus a free stay and a host who can point you toward wine regions and neighborhoods worth exploring.

What neighborhoods should travelers explore or stay in, in Tbilisi?

Old Tbilisi is central, walkable, and full of character, with balconied buildings and sulfur bathhouses. Vera is quieter and leafy with a younger, café-going crowd. Marjanishvili feels more local and sits right on the metro line. Tbilisi's hills mean some walking routes are steep, so comfortable shoes help.

What's the traveler and local community like in Tbilisi?

Famously generous. Hosts often go out of their way to include guests in a supra, a big communal meal with toasts and homemade wine, or introduce them to friends. It's a community where hospitality is a point of cultural pride, so travelers often end up with plans made for them rather than needing to seek things out.