This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a vibrant city on the rise with lots to offer travelers. Many budget airlines are now operating flights to Tbilisi from destinations around Europe, so Tbilisi is becoming a popular new backpacking and holiday spot as it is cheap, has great food and friendly locals, and is rich in history and culture. Surrounded by mountains and with a lovely river running through its heart, it's easy to see why Tbilisi is becoming more and more popular as a holiday destination. The old town is very pretty, with cobbled streets full of cafes, restaurants and pubs, and buildings with a kind of crumbling charm with shady balconies full of plants and painted wooden shutters over windows. Tbilisi has many great museums, a wealth of beautiful architecture, many historic churches, and an excellent art and culinary scene.
When in Tbilisi you are spoilt for choice for restaurants -- bring your appetite! You cannot come to Georgia without trying khachapuri, a local delicacy that's basically a huge cheese pie. There are many varieties and different regional twists on khachapuri, but the most famous would have to be the adjaruli khachapuri, which is a gigantic boat-shaped pastry full of cheese and topped off with a fried egg and a stick of butter.
There are also many choices for Tbilisi hostels and accommodations -- you'll find dormitory accommodation, rooms for rent in private homes, boutique hotels, and large international chain hotels. Most Tbilisi hostels have Wi-Fi access, some offering breakfast and many with small bars attached. The majority of Tbilisi hostels are centrally located and are within walking distance of the main train station and bus terminals. Taxis are inexpensive in Georgia and if you're arriving late at night, they can be a good option for getting to your Tbilisi hostel if you don't know your way around.
Georgians are well known for their friendly and welcoming manner; they are truly warm and helpful people who will go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your stay in Tbilisi and anywhere else you go in Georgia.
Written by local expertz for Tbilisi
michael cowgill
