Tbilisi: Georgia's Hidden Gem? (You Won't BELIEVE This!)

Episode Tbilisi Tbilisi Georgia

Tbilisi: Georgia's Hidden Gem? (You Won't BELIEVE This!)

Tbilisi: Georgia's Hidden Gem? (You Won't BELIEVE This!) - My Unfiltered Take

Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I just got back from Tbilisi, and my brain is still swimming in khachapuri and the lingering scent of ancient history. The promise of "Georgia's Hidden Gem" seemed a tad… hyperbolic. But damn, did Tbilisi deliver. This isn't your polished, pre-packaged travel experience; it's raw, it's vibrant, it's messy, and it’s utterly, wonderfully captivating.

Accessibility: Finding My Feet (and Hopefully Yours)

Let's get the serious stuff out of the way first. Accessibility in Tbilisi? It's a mixed bag. The city is built on hills, which is stunning, but wheelchair accessible infrastructure isn't always the priority. Sidewalks can be uneven, and some older buildings are… challenging. I didn't personally test it, but if you have mobility needs, be prepared to do your homework and contact the accommodations ahead of time. Some hotels claim accessibility (more on that later), but always confirm your specific requirements.

Internet – The Lifeline (and My Sanity Saver!)

Right, so Internet access is crucial, right? Especially when you’re navigating a new city and documenting your adventures. Good news! Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! (Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.) That’s a huge win. And I mean, all rooms. This is a seriously convenient factor. I had Internet [LAN] in my room too, though I didn't actually use it. And you can get Wi-Fi in public areas too. So, you’re covered. I would also add to that Internet services in general are good.

Cleanliness and Safety – Because, You Know, Life

This is the post-pandemic world, folks. Cleanliness and safety are paramount. The place I stayed at, which I'll get into, seemed to take it seriously. I saw Anti-viral cleaning products being used, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I was also pleased to see that they offer Hand sanitizer widely available Staff trained in safety protocol and Sterilizing equipment.

The "Things To Do" Rabbit Hole (and Where to Actually Spend Your Time)

Okay, let's talk about what Tbilisi has to offer. Prepare to be overwhelmed (in a good way).

Historic Charm Overload: Wandering the Old Town is a must. Cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and ancient churches… it's a photographer's dream. I got delightfully lost every day.
Sulfur Baths – The Good Kind of Sweat: Listen, I was skeptical about the sulfur baths. Like, sulfur? Sounds… unpleasant. But trust me on this one. The warm, mineral-rich water is incredibly relaxing. I opted for a private room (totally worth it – hello, privacy!) and emerged feeling like a reborn goddess. (Okay, maybe a slightly less wrinkled, slightly more relaxed version of myself.)
Narikala Fortress – Views for Days: Take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of the city. Breathe in the fresh air, snap some photos, and feel like you're on top of the world. (Important note: the cable car itself might not be fully accessible, so double-check.)
Bridge of Peace – A Modern Marvel: This glass-and-steel bridge is a bold contrast to the old city. A great place to stroll and take it all in.
The Food! The Glorious Food! Where do I even begin? Khachapuri (cheese bread, in all its glorious forms), khinkali (soup dumplings), shashlik (grilled meat skewers)… my stomach is rumbling just thinking about it. Exploring the local restaurants is the absolute best.

My Stay: The Ups, the Downs, and the Khachapuri Coma

I stayed at a place (I’ll spare you the name for now – you’ll see why shortly) that, on paper, promised the moon. It had a Pool with a view, a Spa/sauna, a Fitness center, and a host of other amenities. Daily housekeeping was a given (thank goodness!), and the Breakfast [buffet] looked epic.

But, and there’s always a "but," right? This particular place, while striving for excellence, had some quirks.

The Pool Fiasco: The Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Pool with view. The reason I booked the place. Looked stunning in the photos online. Reality? It wasn't quite as Instagram-worthy as advertised. Small, slightly crowded, and the "view" was partially obstructed by a… well, a building. It's still a pool, and I did use it, but don't go expecting a tranquil oasis.
Spa Escapades: I booked a Massage . The place also offers a Body scrub and a Body wrap so you can see that. The massage itself was… interesting. Let’s just say the therapist seemed less like a skilled masseuse and more like someone who’d watched a YouTube tutorial five minutes before. The Spa was nice, the Sauna was great, but the massage? Let’s call it an experience. And don't get me started on the Steamroom.
Breakfast Battles: The Breakfast [buffet] had something for everyone: cereal, eggs, cheeses, fruit etc., offering a Buffet in restaurant and Asian breakfast but it was chaotic. It was a battle of elbows and a constant struggle to find a clean plate. I really like the Coffee/tea in restaurant, though!

The Silver Linings (and Why I'd Still Go Back)

Despite the minor hiccups, I wouldn’t hesitate to return to Tbilisi. Why? Because the city's spirit is infectious. The people are warm and welcoming, the food is divine, and there’s a sense of adventure around every corner.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure

Oh, the food! This is where Tbilisi truly shines.

Restaurant Revelries: The city has restaurants galore, offering various cuisines. They have Restaurants of course. The place I stayed had an A la carte in restaurant, which I have to say was good. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant too, and also offer Western cuisine in restaurant. You have Coffee shop and a Snack bar too. I really enjoyed the International cuisine in restaurant the most.
Bar Hopping: There are more bars than you can shake a stick at, from cozy wine bars to lively pubs. I didn't try the Poolside bar at the hotel, but it looked decent.
The Snack Attack: Don't forget the street food! Khachapuri sellers are everywhere, offering a perfect snack. I wish they have had more Soup in restaurant because I was cold some days.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter

The hotel offered a bunch of services:

Air conditioning in public area.
Concierge
Daily housekeeping.
Elevator.
Facilities for disabled guests.
Ironing service.
Laundry service.
Luggage storage.

The Perks and Quirks of My Hotel (and What I Learned)

There were some genuinely wonderful things. The staff was genuinely helpful and friendly. The location was fantastic (in terms of walking distance to the Old Town).

My Hotel's Check-in/out [express] was super convenient, as was the 24-hour Front desk [24-hour]. The elevator was vital. The additional toilet, a godsend. The room was comfy with air conditioning, an alarm clock, bathrobes, and a safe. The included Wi-Fi was fantastic. The free car park was great.

Important considerations:

The Smoking area was a godsend.
The Non-smoking rooms were well-maintained.
They had Cashless payment service.

The Emotional Verdict: Tbilisi, You Win!

Look, Tbilisi isn’t perfect. It's got its flaws, its quirks, and its moments of chaos. But that's precisely what makes it so lovable. It's a city that wears its heart on its sleeve, a place that surprises and delights at every turn. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets, taste the most incredible food imaginable, and experience a culture that's both ancient and vibrant.

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Episode Tbilisi Tbilisi Georgia

Okay, here we go. My attempt at a Tbilisi itinerary… Prepare for a chaotic, unfiltered, and probably slightly over-caffeinated trip report. Buckle up, buttercups.

Episode Tbilisi: A Chronicle of Culinary Chaos, Cobblestone Cruising, and Existential Kink (or Maybe Just Kink… I Don’t Know Yet!)

Day 1: Arrival and the Age-Old Quest for a Good Coffee, Dammit!

Morning (ish – let’s be honest, it was probably 10 AM): Landed in Tbilisi. Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks… or maybe it was just the sheer excitement/terror of being in a new place. Tbilisi Airport is… well, it's an airport. Nothing to write home about, except maybe for the surprisingly efficient immigration process. Score!
The Search for Caffeine (and My Sanity): Ubered (the app is surprisingly reliable here!) to my Airbnb in the Sololaki neighborhood. Gorgeous old building – think crumbling balconies and charm for days… and maybe a slight hint of mold. Okay, a bigger hint. But hey, the view of the city made me forget about the potential fungal blooms. Immediately hit the streets in search of coffee. This is crucial. Coffee is life. I'd read about some amazing cafes, but I’d also forgotten my guidebook. Wandered. Wandered. Finally, found a place called "Look At Me, Please". The coffee? Pretty damn good, considering I was starting to hallucinate based on the lack of sleep, the heat, and the jet lag. My first Georgian experience: a strong espresso and a deep breath. Life was good.
Afternoon: Stumbled around Sololaki. Cobblestone streets are beautiful, but… my ankles. They were screaming. Checked out the Freedom Square. Meh. It's a square. Did get a good photo of the Golden Statue, though. I think I'm really going to like this city. I mean, it has personality. A crumbling, slightly dusty, and definitely charming personality. Almost got run over by a particularly aggressive taxi driver. Added to the experience, I suppose.
Evening: Dinner at a place called "Barbarestan". Heard about that place. It was a blast. Seriously. They give you old Georgian recipes and history booklets. I went for the Mtsvadi (grilled pork skewers) which I almost burned my mouth on. Then I tried to order the Georgian wine, but I was overwhelmed… I was already drunk. I'm sorry, but seriously, I'm still learning and it was just great to start with. The waiter told me to be calm, and I said, "I am more than calm, I am a drunk mess". He smiled, took my order, and when the food arrived, I was suddenly quiet because I was eating, and then everything in the world was good… Or maybe it was the wine. Who can tell? Walked home later. The stars were big and bright. Beautiful.

Day 2: Sulfur Baths, Souvenir Shenanigans, and the Question of Whether I Can Handle Khachapuri

Morning: Woke up, regretting the wine, but also feeling strangely… alive? Maybe the "hangover cure" of Georgian breakfast – a greasy, delicious plate of khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) – was working its magic. I devoured it. No regrets. Yet.
Sulfur Baths (the highlight. Seriously.): Booked a private room at the Abanotubani sulfur baths. This was, hands down, the best day. The sulfur smell? Intense. The heat? Sweltering. The experience? Absolutely heavenly. I lay in the mineral-rich water, feeling my muscles melt while everything bad in the world just… faded away. At one point, I think I started communicating with the bathhouse ghosts. They were very friendly. Afterwards, I got a scrub and a massage. My skin felt like velvet. I am a believer!!!
Afternoon: Attempted souvenir shopping. Lost my mind. Seriously. Georgian souvenirs are amazing. I wanted all the things. Embroidered tablecloths, enameled jewelry, ridiculous hats… I probably spent way too much money… but who cares? I also ended up in a heated philosophical debate with a vendor over the ethical implications of selling "genuine" Soviet-era pins. I lost. But I did get a cool Ushanka hat.
Evening: Tried to be cultured. Walked around the Bridge of Peace. It's pretty, but, kind of… flashy? I'm sure someone would call it "iconic", but to me, It looks like a giant sperm. Had dinner at a more modern Georgian restaurant, trying to find something other than cheese bread. I failed. Another khachapuri. I'm seriously considering becoming one.

Day 3: Mountains, Monasteries, and the Eternal Struggle with Georgian Alphabet Pronunciation

Morning: Took a day trip to Kazbegi, the mountains. The drive was beautiful, but those mountain roads? My stomach did NOT appreciate the curves. At one point, I was pretty sure my lunch was going to stage a revolt.
Church of the Holy Trinity at Gergeti: The view from the church? Jaw-dropping. Seriously, it was a moment. Surrounded by mountains, with the church perched on a mountaintop. Spent ages there just… staring. Contemplating… stuff. Like, what is the meaning of life? and why did they only have a bakery at the foot of the mountain? I wanted to buy something to eat, but I have not mastered the Georgian language. It was terrible.
Afternoon: Lunch in Kazbegi. The food? Hearty. The beer? Cold. The company (myself) was great. The Georgian words I had tried to memorize? Completely useless. I just pointed at things and hoped for the best.
Evening: Back in Tbilisi. A quiet dinner… and another khachapuri. I can't help myself. I'm seriously concerned that I'm addicted. Then a walk through the city at night, listening to music and watching people.

Day 4: Wine Tasting, Wandering, and a Moment of Quiet Reflection (Maybe?)

Morning: Wine tasting session. I’m a novice. Georgian wines? Complex, layered, and… well, I ended up very giggly. Learned about the Qvevri method (aging wine in clay pots) and felt a sudden urge to become a winemaker. Probably another wine-induced delusion.
Afternoon: Just wandering. I got lost in the old town again. This time, I was okay with it. Found a hidden courtyard with the most charming little café. Sat there, sipping coffee, listening to the sounds of the city.
Evening: Ate a delicious and enormous Georgian feast at a restaurant recommended by my Airbnb host. I had a bit of everything. Everything. I also had more wine. I don’t remember much, but I do remember lots of laughter and singing. I'm probably going to have to buy a bigger suitcase.

Day 5: Departure. And a Promise to Return (Probably Sooner Than I Think!)

Morning: One last breakfast. One last look at the city. A tear? Maybe. Okay, definitely. I was sad to leave. This city… it got under my skin. Made my heart expand.
Departure: Back to the airport.
Now: Back home. But, I'm already missing it. From the moment I arrived, I was hooked. This place is great, and I need to go back, definitely. This is a great place. Final Thoughts:

Tbilisi is a place of contradictions. Ancient and modern. Crumbling and beautiful. Chaotic and life-affirming. It's a city that embraces you with its quirks and its imperfections, and it leaves you wanting more. I'm already planning my return. Next time, I'll remember to learn more Georgian. And maybe bring a bigger suitcase. And definitely take more pictures. And maybe try some other food besides cheese bread. Okay, probably not.

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Episode Tbilisi Tbilisi Georgia

Tbilisi: Georgia's Hidden Gem? ... (You Won't BELIEVE This!) - Seriously, Prepare Yourself.

1. Okay, Okay, Is Tbilisi Really Hidden? Or Just Overhyped BS?

Alright, let's rip the band-aid off. Hidden? Not *exactly*. Overhyped? Mmm, maybe a little. But here's the thing: Tbilisi feels simultaneously well-known and utterly *undiscovered*. It's like, everyone knows about it thanks to Instagram, right? Vintage shop this, sulfur baths that... But then you *get there*, and it's still this raw, authentic, sometimes-chaotic place.

Here's my confession: I went with *massive* expectations, fuelled by… well, mostly Instagram. And the first day? I was a bit… whelmed. The Old Town is beautiful, sure, but also packed. The tourist traps were, well, trappy. I almost thought, "Is this it?" Then I wandered off the beaten track… and that's when the magic started.

My verdict: It's got layers. Go beyond the pretty pictures, embrace the mess, and you *will* be rewarded. Promise.

2. The Food... Tell Me About. Is it Just Khachapuri and Khinkali? (Because I'm SO Ready.)

YES. It's a glorious thing. Khachapuri? Eat it. All of it. Every iteration. My god, the *Adjaruli*... that boat of cheesy, eggy, buttery goodness? I still dream about it. I’m sure I gained five pounds in those first few days.

And Khinkali? Okay, these are TRICKY. *Do not* bite the bottom off and let the broth spill down your chin, tourist! (Yes, I did that. Twice.) Pinch the top, slurp the broth, THEN eat. It requires skill, people. Skill and a very large napkin.

But there's SO much more! Think ridiculously fresh salads, grilled meats you can smell a mile away, and the best walnut sauce you'll ever taste. I especially loved the *badrijani nigvzit* (eggplant with walnut paste). Honestly, the food alone is worth the trip. Just, pace yourself. It's deceptively filling.

3. The Sulfur Baths: A Must? (And, Uh, What Exactly Happens There?)

The sulfur baths? Okay, this is a biggie. YES. You absolutely *have* to do it. But be warned: it's a unique experience.

So, picture this: the air smells faintly of… eggs. That’s the sulfur. You strip down, get into a private room (thank GOD – I am not a public bather!), and soak in a warm, mineral-rich bath. You can get a scrub (recommended!), which is a bit… intense. I'll just say the scrub lady was *very* thorough, and leave it at that. Think, exfoliation with the force of a thousand suns. Don't be shy, trust me. It's amazing.

The experience is incredibly relaxing, and afterwards, you feel like you've been reborn. Also, your skin feels unbelievable. Just… accept the smell. It’s part of the charm, like wearing a badge of honor. Plus the place is super photogenic.

4. Where Should I Stay? (And Don't Say "Airbnb in the Old Town"!)

Okay, okay, I won't say "Airbnb in the Old Town," (though, truthfully, it *is* a great option if you find the right one). But here's the deal: the Old Town is… well, it's *old*. Beautiful, yes, but also potentially noisy with cobblestone streets, and lots of other tourists around.

Consider the Vere or Vake districts. They're more residential, a bit quieter, and still within walking distance (or a cheap and quick taxi ride) of everything. Plus, they offer a more "local" vibe. Or, dare I say it, try a hotel that has a swimming pool, you'll thank me later. I didn't.

My tip: Look for a place with a balcony. Sipping Georgian wine while overlooking the city is an essential Tbilisi experience. (I’m now obsessed with Georgian wine, by the way. Dangerous.)

5. Language Barrier: Crippling? Or Conquerable?

Okay, the language thing. It's… an adventure. Georgian (the language) is not related to anything you've likely ever heard. Learning even basic phrases feels like cracking a code. "Gamardsjoba" (hello) is essential. “Madloba” (thank you) is also a good one to know.

The good news? Many younger people, especially in tourist areas, speak English. Even better news? Google Translate is your new best friend. Even a few words of Georgian get you *immensely* further. The locals are generally very friendly and patient, and they appreciate any effort you make.

My Story: I tried to order a taxi in Georgian once. I completely butchered it. The driver just stared at me, then burst out laughing, helped me into the car, and tried to teach me the phrase. It was mortifying, and hilarious. Embrace the awkwardness! It's part of the fun.

6. Okay, Enough with the Food and Baths. What Else Is There To Do?

Okay, besides the food and the baths (which, let's be honest, probably consume a fair chunk of your trip!), Tbilisi has more. So much more.

Walks: Just wander. Seriously, wander the back streets. Get lost. Discover hidden courtyards, crumbling balconies, and the *real* Tbilisi.

Narikala Fortress: It's a hike (or a cable car ride). Offers incredible views. Worth it, even with the crowds. Plus, it's super instagrammable.

Dry Bridge Market: Okay, this is a MUST. A HUGE flea market. You will find… well, you will find *something*. Weird Soviet memorabilia, vintage jewelry, musical instruments… it's a treasure trove of bizarre. Just haggle. Haggle *hard*. (I got ripped off on a vintage enamel pin, but I still love it.)

Museums and Churches: Don't forget the history! There are some really interesting museums, and the churches are stunning.

Honestly, just get out there and explore! And wear comfy shoes. You'll be doing a LOT of walking.

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