Short answer: Yes! Tbilisi is a place to experience. Normally, I wouldn’t have planned a vacation there, even a short one, but back in 2019, a good friend of mine, footballer Andrei Ciolacu, played in the Georgian championship, so I took advantage of the context and paid him a four-day visit, to the most exotic place I’ve been at the moment. It is something different, I for sure keep a lot of memories seven years from that moment. The place is only 2 hours by plane from Bucharest, took a Tarom flight in the middle of the night, and after traversing the whole Black Sea, in the breaking of day, my arrival in the airport was ticked. As you can imagine, I was tired as hell, so needed some sleep quite quick.
First impression from Tbilisi!
The taxi driver did not know any English, but he did deliver me safe and sound to the proper address. Fun enough, in Georgia not only they have a different language, not similar to any other, but a completely different alphabet. Which makes things very interesting. After a well deserved rest, and then up to speed in exploring the place. It is not an itinerary-like article. I’ve just wander for half a week in the city, and I find it really charming. It is a combination between old, soviet, and new, futuristic. People are kind, prices are cheap. It is not the cleanest city I’ve been to, but neither is it filthier than Bucharest. Or at least it wasn’t back in the day, when I’ve visited it.
How beautiful are the Caucasian mountains
The city center looks quite amazing, with an interesting cathedral, narrow almost charming streets, a very deep metro network, and great wine. Georgia is famous for wine, and also for food, which I am illustrating below. Actually this is about image, emotions, and less about words. Because Tbilisi is a place to explore on your own, not to use a fixed guide, like in common touristic locations. Maybe Georgia is not a popular touristic attraction, comparing to other places, but it can be. For example, once climbing with the funicular to the local fortress you have a wonderful view not only seeing the spread of the city, but also you can glance at the mighty Caucasian mountains. It is really a blessed view.
Try the Georgian food, mandatory
The cliffs from the city center, with the buildings on top make the landscape amazing, and it seem to perfectly wind in the general image. The river that goes thru the city is quite yellowish color for my taste, but the bridges above it look really good. Also, it was a pity I wasn’t allowed by the city stadiums guards to enter and see it a bit, but in the end everything pulled out great. In general, Georgians are very good people and friendly if you need anything, even if they don’t speak English. Found a very nice cafe, where breakfast was so good. Khachapuri is a great traditional dish, not the same I would say about khinkali, but if I were you, I would give it a try. Like I did, of course.
Twisted image of Tbilisi
The traffic in Tbilisi is a bit wild, and you need to take precaution even on the side walk, as cars might pass, but you are also “welcomed” to cross the streets on unmarked places, even if you really need to be careful. The point is that drivers can leave you do your thing, without pushing the horn. What more can be added? I preferred the beer, even if Georgia is better known for its wine, as said. The beer tastes good, and so do the deserts. The soviet architecture reminiscence can be interesting and surprising for those who didn’t grow up in such a country – I did, so not that of a much amazement. Apart from these words, you can see the pictures.
Yes, you should visit Tbilisi!
Especially that, on the outskirts of Tbilisi you can go to see a famous monument, and also a large lake. The country, and its capital city has a lot to offer, reason for which, now, seven years almost from my visit there, I still hope to visit, one day, Batumi, at least, as well. Or even the Caucasian mountains. One thing I forgot to mention, but it is quite relevant, since it is still standing, the mayor of the city is… Kakha Kaladze, former AC Milan football player, who assumed office in late 2017, so he is in place for almost a decade. To add up: yes, Tbilisi is very worth visiting and enjoy it, because it has a culture that for sure enriches ones travel experience, so, go for it if you have any chance, or if you where doubtful until you read this!
