The Gay Tbilisi Guide (Georgia 🇬🇪)

Intro to Gay Tbilisi

In a city where ancient Orthodox churches dot every corner and tradition runs deeper than the Mtkvari River (Kura River), Tbilisi's rainbow-colored undercurrent might surprise you. Georgia's capital is experiencing a queer renaissance that's as complex as its famous wine 🍷.

Welcome to gay Tbilisi, where Soviet-era apartments host secret drag shows and traditional supra feasts sometimes come with a side of fierce. While it's not exactly the San Francisco of the Caucasus, this city's LGBTQ+ scene is carving out its own unique identity, one underground party and activist meetup at a time!

My first taste of Tbilisi was in 2016 when I first fell in love with it. In 2024, we stayed in Tbilisi for a month and traveled around Georgia for another month (most notably, Batumi - Georgia's second-largest city on the Black Sea), and one thing that I truly love about Tbilisi (and the country, for that matter) is the rebellious nature of the progressive crowds here. From in-your-face graffiti expressing "F#$% Russia" to passionate, politically-motivated younger crowds, I truly hope and believe that once the new generation takes over, this city and country will be unstoppable. In my opinion, the country needs progressive, LGBTQ+ tourists to continue to steer it in the right direction.

But politics aside, Tbilisi is also just a fascinating and historical place city to visit. Dating back to the 5th century, you will immediately feel the vibe is the perfect fusion of Georgian, Middle Eastern (Persian), Western, and Russian. Even if it may not be the World's most open, flamboyantly gay place in the world, it will capture your heart in other ways. Even if I have traveled a lot, it is one of my Top 5 favorite cities on the globe.

One can get truly entranced wandering around Old Tbilisi

Frequently Asked Questions About Being Gay in Tbilisi

How does the political climate affect LGBTQ+ life in Tbilisi?

The political landscape in Tbilisi is about as stable as a three-legged chair when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights 🤣. While Georgia technically banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in 2014, the reality on the ground is... complicated.

The Georgian Orthodox Church still wields massive influence over politics, often pushing back against LGBTQ+ progress. When politicians need votes, guess which community becomes the convenient talking point? 🎯 Georgia recently passed an anti-LGBTQ+ law in September 2024 that echoes laws passed in Russia. Pride events are banned along with flying the rainbow flag, and it restates the ban around same-sex marriage. The freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals are at stake, and it’s a big step backwards for the republic. It also doesn't help that the party that instated this law, Georgian Dream, took the majority again in the October 2024 election.

But it's not all doom and gloom (for now)! A growing number of progressive politicians, particularly from younger parties, are vocally supporting LGBTQ+ rights. The European Union's influence (Georgia really wants that EU membership) has been pushing things in a more rainbow-friendly direction.

The real impact? LGBTQ+ Tbilisians often live in a strange middle ground. While you won't face legal persecution for being gay, good luck getting your same-sex partnership recognized. Many locals play an exhausting game of being out in some circles and closeted in others, especially at work and with family.

International pressure has helped somewhat - when anti-LGBTQ+ violence at Tbilisi Pride made global headlines in 2021, the government actually had to address it (though their response was about as enthusiastic as a cat getting a bath). The EU's watchful eye means officials at least pretend to care about protecting queer rights, even if enforcement remains spotty.

Church is clearly a big part of Georgia's agenda.

Which areas are safest for LGBTQ+ travelers in Tbilisi?

Let's be real - Tbilisi isn't exactly waving rainbow flags from every balcony, but there are definitely some neighborhoods where you can breathe a bit easier 🌈. Vake is your best bet, especially around Vake Park and Abashidze Street. This upscale area is home to lots of young professionals and international folks who tend to be more open-minded.

The Vera neighborhood, particularly around Chavchavadze Avenue, is another safe haven. You'll find plenty of progressive cafés, art galleries, and wine bars where same-sex couples can relax without drawing unwanted attention. Mimosa and Mosaika, while not explicitly gay, have become a bit of a queer hotspot.

Mtatsminda and Rustaveli Avenue areas are generally LGBTQ-friendly zones, thanks to their artsy vibe and tourist presence. Just keep the PDA subtle - even straight couples keep things low-key here!

As for safety tips: use common sense and read the room. While holding hands might raise eyebrows in more traditional areas like Saburtalo or Gldani, nobody will bat an eye if you're sharing a bottle of wine with your "friend" at a restaurant.

What is gay nightlife like?

While I will cover this in more detail down below, we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of queer options available. Keep in mind that I say LGTBQ+ friendly or queer friendly, as you won't find very men-centric gay events like ROAST or Recon in London, for example.

The general vibe is most similar to that of Berlin, where you have electronic- and techno-heavy, alternative bars and clubs versus camp, out-in-the-open places playing Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. However, unlike clubs like KitKat in Berlin, which portrays a very sex-positive culture, clubs in Tbilisi are a bit more subdued (understandably). You won't see too many men walking around in harnesses and jockstraps. But have no fear, there are darkrooms in some places!

Nevertheless, the numbers of venues to go out in and feel safe are certainly more than what you might find in even slightly more liberal Eastern European countries, like Belgrade, Serbia. There are safe places to go, and we will cover those in more detail below.

Having some beers at Mozaika, one of the few LGBTQ+ friendly bars in Tbilisi

What are the most popular gay dating apps in Tbilisi?

When it comes to finding your next Georgian prince charming, you've got a few digital options to swipe through. Grindr takes the crown as the most-used gay dating app in Tbilisi, especially in the city center and around Vake Park. Just don't expect the same bustling activity you'd find in London or Berlin! Additionally, you can expect very few locals to show their faces in their profile, and if you get a photo, it will often be an expiring one. I hope you have a good photographic memory!

Tinder comes in as a close second, with many locals preferring its more discreet nature. You'll find a mix of out-and-proud Tbilisians and those still testing the waters.

Pro tip: set your radius wide, as the gay community here isn't exactly massive 😅.

Hornet has gained some traction recently, particularly among younger locals who appreciate its social networking features. It's like the cozy neighborhood café of dating apps - smaller crowd but friendlier vibes.

Planet Romeo still hangs around, though it's mostly populated by tourists and expats.

Quick reality check: while these apps are active, don't expect hundreds of matches. The local scene is intimate (pun intended), and you'll start recognizing the same faces across all platforms pretty quickly. But hey, that just means you might actually end up making some genuine connections rather than endless swiping!

I cannot help but think this building in Rhike Park looks like spread legs 🙃

Are there any major LGBTQ+ events in Tbilisi?

While Tbilisi's LGBTQ+ scene is still evolving, the community has been making waves with some noteworthy events - though they often come with a side of drama.

Tbilisi Pride Week was the biggest event on the calendar, usually held in early July. But don't expect the glitter-covered parade floats you'd see in Amsterdam! These celebrations tend to be more focused on activism and solidarity, with events like film screenings, discussions, and small-scale gatherings.

The catch? Pride events often face significant opposition and security challenges. In 2021, the planned march had to be cancelled due to safety concerns, but the community responded with impromptu peaceful demonstrations instead. Talk about resilience! In 2024, the event was cancelled after the anti-LGBTQ+ law, so let's see what is possible going forward.

Throughout the year, Bassiani club hosts "Horoom Nights" - legendary queer parties that have become safe spaces for self-expression. These events are your best bet for experiencing Tbilisi's underground LGBTQ+ scene in all its glory.

Bassiani, one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ safe spaces in Tbilisi

The Tbilisi International Film Festival occasionally features LGBTQ+ themed movies and discussions, though these screenings tend to fly under the radar. Keep an eye on progressive art spaces like Chaos and Gallery 4710 - they often host queer-friendly exhibitions and cultural events.

Remember: these events require some street smarts. Follow organizers' social media for last-minute location changes, and always prioritize safety over visibility.

The Bottom Line

Navigating gay life in Tbilisi is like mastering the art of Georgian dance - it requires patience, rhythm, and knowing when to step forward or back 💃. While the city might not be hosting massive pride parades (yet), there's an undeniable energy bubbling beneath the surface, powered by resilient locals and progressive spaces that keep pushing boundaries.

For LGBTQ+ travelers and locals alike, Tbilisi offers a fascinating glimpse into a community in transition. Sure, it might not be the easiest place to wave your rainbow flag, but those who take the time to discover its queer scene will find something truly authentic - and hey, isn't that worth more than another generic gay district? 🌈

The cats and dogs of Tbilisi will always be on the gays' sides!

Gay Tbilisi Map

Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Tbilisi

While the gay scene is of course a little rocky, you likely won't receive backlash for asking for a shared bed for you and your partner at most hotels in Tbilisi, but go with international chains if that makes you feel safer.

There are a ton of hotels in Tbilisi that are just aesthetically incredible. This city is artsy, and that is reflected heavily in the decor of the hotels. We stuck with the gay-friendly areas mentioned above (near Vake Park and Rustaveli Avenue), but there are definitely some cool options in Old Tbilisi if you are looking for a more rustic vibe. Here are some recommendations:

Top Recommendation:

Rooms Hotel, Tbilisi

This hotel is one of the few hotels on Booking.com in Tbilisi with a Travel Proud badge for being notably LGBTQ+-friendly. And on top it being good for the gays, it is beautiful. Each room features unique decor, cozy beds, and the first floor lounge and restaurants is unbeatably stylish. Guests also love it for the breakfast and staff. It is super close to gay-friendly bars like Mozaika Bar and Mimosa.

Other Recommendations:

• Philharmonic by Mercure: Also located nearby Rustaveli Metro, Mercure hotels are known to be quirky, creative, artsy and thus safe for gays 😉.

• Folk Boutique Hotel: If you'd rather stay closer to some tourist attractions like the sulfur baths (more on this later) or Narikala Fortress, this hotel is a cozy one close to all the action.
• Fabrika Hostel: For something more on the budget side, but also based in a super trendy, LGBTQ+-friendly old sewing factory, look no further than Fabrika Hostel. You will have plenty drinking and eating spots just downstairs in the courtyard, and it's hipsters-galore! It is undoubtedly one of the best places to meet other travelers and locals in Tbilisi.

• If you are looking for something to help to connect to other queer locals and find a safe space, check out MisterBnb. This online marketplace and hospitality service allows you to rent short-term lodging in residential properties, with the aim of providing safe and welcoming spaces for gay male travelers.
• If you are looking for an apartment a bit more long-term like we did, your best bets are Airbnb where you have hefty monthly discounts.

Gay Tbilisi Nightlife: Tips, Bars, and Clubs

We have been pleasantly surprised that for a country that ranks quite low on the Equaldex, the gay nightlife in Tbilisi is quite impressive. The gay life certainly triumphs that of other South Caucasus capitals cities like Yerevan, Armenia or Baku, Azerbaijan, a thousand times over. Often these are the only safe places where Tbilisians and Georgians (and people from other parts of the Caucasus) can come and be free.

There is even a darkroom culture that I would say is more common and far superior to even London (maybe not as advanced as Berlin though 🤣).

But there are a few things you should know before you plan your night out in Tbilisi. In particular, life is much easier if you plan well in advance of your trip, so let's have a look at some tips.

Gay Tbilisi Nightlife Tips

• Many of the major clubs (Bassiani, Khidi, TES, etc.) implement a face control technique for letting club-goers in. How does this work? When you arrive at the club and get to the front of the line, you will be asked to face a camera and someone on the other side judges whether you get in or not. It seems a bit superficial, and there are claims that the clubs are even racist, but allegedly this is to ensure the crowd is a safe and inclusive one - although this may seem a bit counterintuitive.
• There are ways to bypass this nerve-wracking procedure 👆. On each of the club's websites (i.e. Khidi's process), you can go through a verification process where you put in information including passport data and social media accounts, and they will take a few days to verify your account. We did this as soon as we came to Tbilisi for a few clubs and collectives and most of them took under a week to respond.
  • The added benefit of doing this you sometimes get free tickets to events, can buy tickets directly online, and can bypass the occasionally massive queues at clubs (Bassiani on Saturdays can be quite infamous for this).
• Make sure to take your passport or ID with you to the nightclubs.
• Back to the racism thing, the clubs are known to not be overly welcoming of Russians. I have mixed feelings about this, since a lot of Russians who come to Tbilisi are escaping the war and/or are LGBTQ+ and trying to escape Russia's oppressive laws, but that seems to just be the way things roll here.
• As mentioned, these clubs are quite queer friendly, so feel to express yourself freely (PDA included) once you are inside.
• You generally won't find men-centric events, so expect a mix of all genders at most parties.

Gay Tbilisi Bars

There are quite a few bars catering to the queer and gay crowds in Tbilisi. While many are not exclusively LGBTQ+-bars, they are very welcoming and the majority of the clientele will identify in the LGBTQ+ categories.

The first three are all on the same street, Vashlovani St., making it a little unofficial gay haven:

• Mimosa: This is one of our favorites, mainly because you can pay 5 GEL (less than 2 Euros) and you get to control the fate of the jukebox music that everyone listens to (I made everyone listen to A LOT of Kesha the night we went). They have themed nights, friendly staff, and the drinks are strong and not too expensive. They allegedly do face control, but we did not experience it when we were there.
• Mozaika: Basically on top of Mimosa (entrance is on the right), this is a more alternative bar where the music of choice is darker electronica and the interior feels like you are in somebody's home or attic - how unique and so Tbilisi. This is also a great place to get a few drinks before hitting the clubs or just heading downstairs to Mimosa.
• Success: This bar is temporarily CLOSED but has been a staple in the Tbilisi LGBTQ+ scene since 2016. It should hopefully reopen, but for the time being, they offer a monthly party with Slut Union at TES (see below).

Other Gay Tbilisi Bars

• Unholy Bar: We love the name of this bar and the name matches perfectly for what goes on in here. More of a bar fused with a club and one tiny little dance floor, Unholy Bar stays open until the wee hours of the morning. For the darkroom lovers out there, Unholy Bar has a little one for you to get unholy in right next to the smoking room.

Expect fast-paced pop music transitions at Unholy Bar

• Fabrika: As mentioned in the hotel recommendations, this may look like an industrial hostel from the outside, but there are bars and restaurants scattered all over the courtyard and the place is buzzing with energy any day of the week. This place is incredibly hipster and a big hang out spot for the local and traveling LGBTQ+ crew. You cannot go wrong with any of the bars or restaurants, but keep in mind that they close at 1 AM, so it is a great pregame spot.

Gay Tbilisi Clubs

After some drinks at one of the aforementioned bars, it is time to head on to the clubs. Like I have mentioned a few times, these aren't specifically gay, but some of them have LGBTQ+-focused nights and in general, are just LGBTQ+-friendly.

• Bassiani: The most famous of the bunch! Open Friday and Saturday nights until morning and located underneath a stadium, Bassiani is oftentimes considered the Berghain of Tbilisi (before Berghain got too mainstream 😉). There are two floors, Bassiani and Horoom. Generally Horoom is considered the more LGBTQ+-friendly of the spaces and there is a darkroom. They have strict face control, but registering and verifying yourself before coming helps facilitate the process.

• Khidi: The other well-known sibling of Bassiani, Khidi is also renowned for its alternative vibe and a safe space for the gays! The music tends to be on the harder side of techno and like Bassiani, there is face control, so register and get verified beforehand.
• TES: TES is known for having parties Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so if your dates to Tbilisi don't line up over the standard weekend, you will have more of a chance to check out the club-life in the city. They currently run a monthly party featuring Success and Slut Union, which is the most LGBTQ+-friendly of them all. We especially loved the outdoor garden to hang out in, and before you ask, yes, they have a darkroom. Like the others, there is face control, but you can get verified beforehand.

A cheeky little photo at TES in the garden

• Left Bank: Opened on Thursday and Sunday for performances and Friday and Saturday for club nights, Left Bank is one of the newcomers in the scene. Not as vocally queer as the others, it is still a safe place, and they are adamant on making it a comfortable and expressive environment for everybody.

Our Other Tbilisi Recommendations

Our Favorite Tbilisi Restaurants

Georgian food is no joke. It is one of those cuisines that is the ideal balance of healthy and comforting. If you are new to Georgian food, head here for a quick crash course.

And now onto the restaurant scene of Tbilisi, which is nothing short of phenomenal. In the span of a single street, you'll find everything from divey little restaurants for cheap khinkhali and khachapuri to fine dining establishments with unique bespoke Georgian-fusion recipes.

Georgian Restaurants

• Barbarestan: A classic family eatery where the dishes are inspired by the iconic 19th-century cookbook of Barbare Jorjadze. This is where you can taste the genuine flavors of Georgian cuisine that time almost forgot. The atmosphere is even a throwback, with soft lighting, lace tablecloths, and vintage dishes. Complete your meal with a selection from their in-house aged Qvevri wines, making for a truly unique dining experience. I came here in 2016 and again in 2024, and it is still as I remember it.

• kneina: This one gives off more of a traditional Georgian restaurant with brick walls, but the 4.9 rating is completely justified. You will get luscious food options and jazz music playing in the background. This one may now take the throne for my favorite restaurant in Tbilisi.
• Maspindzelo Express: Right next to Mimosa Bar and Mozaika Bar, Maspindzelo takes Georgian cuisine and levels it up. Every dish was memorable, particularly the Chicken Shkmeruli and also the atmosphere was trendy, but not over-the-top.
• Mapshalia: If you are looking for something unpretentious, uncomplicated, cheap, and quick, but also incredibly delicious, Mapshalia has your back. Their khachapuris are top-notch.

One of our faves, Lobio, a pot of beans served with pickled veggies

Khinkali, Georgia's take on dumplings, ravioli, pierogies, etc.

Other Restaurants

• Café Linville: The atmosphere is what makes this place shine (just take a look at their Instagram). One moment you are walking up and impossibly sideways staircase in Old Tbilisi and the next you feel like you are in a stylish, old Georgian lady's house. The food is a blend of European and Georgian and while I don't think it as flavorful as some options above, we still left totally satisfied. The cheese khinkali with the pesto dressing actually made me like khinkali 🤫.
• Lolita: Another European-style dining establishment (with the odd Georgian dish here and there), where the atmosphere is fantastic. Open-air cooking in a courtyard, combined with outdoor seating (with heat lamps during the cooler months), and super unique and artistic decor, Lolita is a place you will want to hang out for a long and leisurely afternoon.
• CVC Chinese Cuisine: When you're tired of Georgian and European dishes, give CVC Chinese a go! They have very authentic bowls of Chinese noodles for good prices (and I lived in China for 4 years!). I recommend start with the wood ear salad and move onto the Shaanxi-style noodles as a main.
• Plover: The concept of this place is simple, plov (a comfort rice dish which I have found as far west as Azerbaijan and as far east as Xinjiang, China) and craft beer. It has big portions and is a nice change from Georgian food sporadically!

My Grandmother was not Georgian, but I cannot get over how her home looked like Cafe Linville!

Our Favorite Tbilisi Cafés

• Shavi Coffee Roasters: Our favorite place for coffee as they prepare two different brews every day from around the world...because you can only have so many Americanos as a brewed coffee replacement. The atmosphere is nice for a little date or to work for a bit.
• Kvarts: This place is unique in that they will sketch your portrait directly on the cup! Great place for a quick stop on Rustaveli.

Can you guess which is Fabio and which is Ryan?!

Our Favorite Things to Do Around Tbilisi

Tbilisi is literally teeming with things to do that will make you fall in love with the city. Considering it dates back to around the 5th century, you can imagine there are endless options. We will make another post on this at some point, because it really deserves its own post, but here are few things to help you start planning your trip and getting inspiration.

Take a Sulfur Bath

I put this one first because what gay doesn't love a sauna or bath?! Well, the saunas and baths here are very different from what you will find from other (gay) saunas around the world, but they deserve a visit nonetheless. They aren't gay at all, but the wandering eyes you will get from some guys in the public bathing areas will make it feel otherwise.

The name Tbilisi actually means "warm place" thanks to the sulfur hot springs that run below the city. Thanks to that, there are several bathhouses located around the city. You and your travel buddies/partner/etc. can actually reserve a private hammam room at one of them, which will be much more exclusive and comfortable. If you show up spontaneously, you might have to settle for the public bath, which is an experience! I have done both and for a first-timer, the private option is much more preferable.

You can also choose to get a kisa scrub. This is when a generally old, corpulent man with years of tender experience will scrub you down, massage you and exfoliate you.

I could go on and on about these baths, but that is for another post. Check out our post, which goes into our specific experience and tips for first-timers.

Recommended Sulfur Baths:

• Chreli Abano Baths: A luxury option in an iconic Persian-style building.
• Sulfur Bath No 5: Both private and public baths, I have visited this one twice and while the public baths are a bit too public for me, I can highly recommend this venue.

All the sulfuric pleasures lie below these domes (Sulfur Bath No 5)

Wander Old Tbilisi

When I first came to Tbilisi in 2016, Old Tbilisi is what sold me on the city. It is this district filled with crumbling facades, and while it is much more restored in the present day, it still maintains this very old world charm that feels less artificial than other old cities around the world (unlike Baku's Icherisheher, for example).

The diverse, crumbling facades of Old Tbilisi

Hike up to Mtatsminda Park

A landmark you will surely notice from the get-go is the iconically tall TV tower and Ferris wheel on top of a hill overlooking the city. This is just the start of Mtatsminda Park and a fabulous way to get good views of the city. For the active ones, you can actually leisurely hike up to the top. Alternatively, there is a funicular to do the dirty work for you.

You can also hike up through Mtatsminda Pantheon, where you will find a cute church.

Hiking up through Mtatsminda Pantheon to get to the top!

Plan Onward: Where to Go From Tbilisi

Georgia is one of my favorite places to travel in the world, as while it is small, it offers something for everyone.

Here are a few of our favorite places based on different interests:

Best For Culture: Kutaisi

One of our favorite things in all of Georgia was to wander around this abandoned sanatorium outside of Kutaisi

Best For Wine Lovers: Sighnaghi

A cheeky wine tasting at Khalani Winery in Sighnaghi

Best For Nature Lovers: Tusheti National Park (alternatively, there is Kazbegi and Mestia, since the road to Tusheti is terrifying)

The beautiful (and eerie) village of Dartlo

Best For Beach Lovers & Architecture Enthusiasts: Batumi

The Black Sea pebble beaches of Batumi

Best For History: Vardzia or Borjomi

The cavernous monastery of Vardzia is beyond impressive!

Alternatively, you can easily get to Yerevan, Armenia (by train or bus) and Azerbaijan (by plane) for two completely different cultures.

Fooling around at the Cascade in Yerevan, Armenia

TL;DR: Plan Your Tbilisi Trip (Logistics)

Best Time to Visit Tbilisi

For the best experience, visit Tbilisi between late Spring (May) and early Autumn (September). During these months, the city’s cafés, wine bars, and street festivals create a lively atmosphere, especially around Rustaveli Avenue and the Old Town.

Summer can get crowded and hot, so the shoulder seasons (May and September) are perfect for fewer crowds and mild weather.

Do I Need a Visa for Georgia?

• EU, EEA, or Swiss Citizen/USA/UK: You can stay in Georgia for up to 12 months without a visa.
• For other nationalities, check iVisa.

How to Get to Tbilisi

• By air: Tbilisi is served by Tbilisi International Airport (TBS).
  • The airport has good connections with European cities and several countries in the Middle East and Asia. From the airport, take a public bus, train, or taxi to the city center. Pre-booking a transfer is also an option for convenience.
  • You can also fly to Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), which has a lot of international flights thanks to Wizzair. However, the journey from Kutaisi to Tbilisi can then be an additional 4-5 hours (by train or marshrutka), so if you are just in town for a weekend, this is not recommended.
• By train: Tbilisi is well-connected to major cities within Georgia (most notably Georgia's second-largest city, Batumi) via Georgian Railways and offers international routes to Armenia. The ride from Tbilisi to Batumi takes about 5-6 hours by train.
• By bus or marshrutka: Buses and marshrutkas provide affordable transport to Tbilisi from many cities in Georgia and neighboring countries, albeit sometimes the marshrutka rides are terrifying. Companies like Georgian Bus offer popular routes, including connections to Armenia.

Internet and Data in Tbilisi 🛜

We recommend using an eSIM for affordable data coverage in Georgia. Airalo offers reliable and affordable eSIM options. Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and set it up before your trip to avoid unexpected roaming charges.

This option is great for when you first arrive in the country to avoid having a data lapse, but if you are in town for a while, consider heading to Cellfie for an even cheaper, generally more reliable option (we paid 15 GEL for 150 GB for 30 days!).

Health and Safety in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is generally safe, with low crime rates, but it’s always wise to stay alert in crowded areas.

As an LGBTQ+ traveler, Tbilisi is becoming more tolerant, but discretion is essential in public spaces. Stick to known LGBTQ+ friendly spots, especially in the city center.

Make sure to have travel insurance to cover medical emergencies or unexpected trip interruptions.

Getting Around

🚶‍♀️ On foot: Tbilisi is very walkable, particularly around Rustaveli Avenue, Old Town, and Vera neighborhoods.

🚌🚇 By bus or metro: Tbilisi’s bus network is reliable and affordable. The metro also features two lines and will get you to most of the places you want in the city. You can purchase a Metromoney card at bus and metro stations for access to buses and the metro system, which will only cost you 1 GEL per ride. You can also use a contactless debit/credit card, but the price will increase to around 1.5 GEL (plus potential international transaction fees).

🚕 By taxi: Taxi services are widely available, and apps like Bolt and Yandex Go offer convenient rides at fair rates. If you decide not to use the apps, most taxis accept cash only, so keep some local currency handy.

What is the Currency in Georgia?

The official currency in Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL). €1 is approximately 3 GEL, making currency conversions straightforward.

How Much Do I Tip in Georgia?

Tipping around 10% is appreciated, though not mandatory. Check your bill, as some places already include a service charge.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Tbilisi and Georgia?

• Power Plugs: Georgia uses Type C and F plugs, so don’t forget a universal adapter.
• Tap water: Tap water in Tbilisi is generally safe to drink.
• Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted, though cash is useful for smaller shops and street markets.