Planning a visit to Georgia?

Georgia has become a captivating hotspot for international travelers, thanks to its vibrant history, culture, and stunning location! Just twenty years ago, many mixed it up with the U.S. state, but now adventurers are discovering the enchanting country nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, where Europe meets Asia. With breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and exquisite organic wine, Georgia is a gem waiting to be explored! 

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is widely recognized as one of the safest cities in the world, ranking 44th out of 380 cities on the 2025 Safety Index. The safety score for walking alone at night is notably high, at 70.9.

Georgian locals are known for their warm hospitality, making it a welcoming environment for travelers. Popular tourist areas like Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and Mestia are well-patrolled and have a vibrant atmosphere. However, like any destination, it’s wise to take typical precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and being aware of your surroundings. Additionally, keeping your belongings secure and being cautious when using public transportation can enhance your safety.

Is Georgia tourist-friendly? What’s the attitude towards foreign visitors?

Georgia is renowned for its hospitality and is often considered one of the most welcoming countries in the world. In Georgian culture, guests are treated with great respect and are almost regarded as gifts from God. Tourists are not only welcomed but also crucial for the economy, especially in remote and mountainous regions where tourism can be the primary source of income for locals.

Visitors are often impressed by the kindness and generosity of Georgians. Locals frequently offer directions, invite strangers to join in traditional dances, share meals at their homes, and serve traditional Georgian wine and chacha from their cellars.

To show your appreciation for their hospitality, you might want to impress them with some basic Georgian phrases: “Gamarjoba” for hello, “Madloba” for thank you, and “Gaumarjos” for cheers.

How is water and food safety in Georgia?

One of the main concerns for people when travelling abroad is food and water safety. Whether it is safe to drink tap water and how food hygiene is maintained are important considerations.

In general, tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. However, it may contain different minerals than you are accustomed to. It is best to start with bottled water and gradually transition to tap water in small doses.

Nightlife safety in Georgia

Cafe bars are a big part of Georgian nightlife and are generally safe. However, you need to take precautions as you would elsewhere, such as never letting your drink out of sight and going out in groups.

Tbilisi and Batumi have the best nightlife options, as they are the biggest cities in Georgia. However, it’s best to avoid “gentlemen’s clubs”. Some of these venues are infamous for overcharging tourists for drinks or services and threatening those who refuse to pay.

The good news is that police are actively cracking down on these scams, and during 2022 and 2023, several individuals were charged.

In general, stick to bars and clubs that have numerous positive reviews. If you have a local guide, ask them for recommendations as well.

What About Political Unrest? Does It Make Georgia Dangerous to Visit?

Georgia is one of the safest countries in Europe, but whenever it appears in Western media, it may not seem that way. This is mainly due to the fact that about 20% of the country is occupied by Russia. Two regions, the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and South Ossetia (also known as Samachablo), have been under Russian control since the 1990s, following a war with Russia in 2008. As long as you avoid travelling to these occupied regions, you are unlikely to encounter any danger.

Another factor to consider is the protests that take place in Tbilisi, especially during the summer and often following elections. Since November 2024, there have been ongoing demonstrations in front of the Parliament in Georgia, sparked by the parliamentary elections held in October. While the initial days of the protests were marked by violence, the gatherings have generally been peaceful since then. Most protests occur at night when groups of young demonstrators gather in front of the Parliament and block Rustaveli Avenue.

All cafes, restaurants, galleries, and museums on Rustaveli Avenue are open, and there is no danger in visiting them during the daytime. Georgian protesters are peaceful; there is no violence or vandalism as might occur in some countries during political unrest.

As a visitor, the primary safety consideration is to avoid the protest areas at night. Specifically, it’s advisable not to walk down Rustaveli Avenue near Parliament after dark.

Using taxis in Georgia

Taxis can be a major concern for tourists. For foreigners who are not familiar with the local language and may struggle to communicate with drivers (as not all of them speak English), it is advisable to use a taxi from a reputable company. While there is no Uber in Georgia, services like Bolt, Yandex, and Maxim are available. Among these, Bolt has the best reputation. You can use their app, which eliminates any language barriers and confusion regarding directions or pricing.

If you decide to hail a taxi from the street, make sure to ask for the fare to your destination in advance to avoid being overcharged. Keep in mind that drivers can be quite talkative; even if they don’t speak your language well, they will often try to engage you in conversation on various topics.

Is Georgia a Safe Country for the 2SLGBTQI+ Community and Travelers

Georgia is one of the few former Soviet countries that has enacted comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, including those against hate speech and hate crimes related to sexual orientation, as well as laws addressing discrimination based on gender identity. However, Georgia is not widely regarded as a particularly gay-friendly destination. This perception is largely due to the strong influence of the conservative Orthodox Church throughout the country.

Attitudes toward the 2SLGBTQI+ community can vary significantly in Georgia, and identifying as 2SLGBTQI+ does not necessarily mean that tourists will encounter problems. Nevertheless, it is advisable to exercise caution and remain aware of local attitudes. Additionally, travelers with an ‘X’ gender marker on their passports should be aware that they may face difficulties entering countries that do not recognize this identifier.

Georgia stands out as one of the safest travel destinations in Europe! While you might experience some impatient drivers and simpler alpine communities, the country truly shines with its stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, mouthwatering cuisine, and exceptional wine. One charming aspect of Georgia is how easily it captures your heart, so be prepared—this beautiful country might make you want to return again and again! Are you ready to embrace the adventure and fall in love with all that Georgia has to offer?

In summary, Georgia is one of the safest countries to travel to in Europe. While you may encounter impatient drivers, undeveloped alpine communities, and volatile politics, the country has so much to offer, including breathtaking views, generous hospitality, delicious food, and excellent wine. The main risk of visiting Georgia is that this beautiful country can be pretty addictive. So, think carefully about whether you’re ready to fall in love with Georgia.