# 🇬🇪 Georgia

> Georgia is the destination Israelis discovered and won't give up: a three-hour flight, no visa, old-school prices and a whole country that fits into one vacation. Tbilisi with its Old Town, baths and casinos, Batumi with the boulevard, the Black Sea and hotel casinos, the Caucasus of Kazbegi and Gudauri (skiing in winter, hiking in summer), and the wine valleys of Kakheti with the harvest and the supra feast. The food is world-class, the hospitality is real, and there's a Chabad house and a kosher restaurant in both Tbilisi and Batumi.

## Quick facts

- **Currency:** GEL (₾)
- **Time zone:** +1 שעה מול ת״א (UTC+4)
- **Language:** גאורגית · אנגלית ורוסית נפוצות בתיירות
- **Power plug:** C / F · 220V (כמו בישראל, בלי מתאם)
- **Visa for Israelis:** אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים, עד שנה שלמה עם דרכון בתוקף
- **Safety:** בטוחה מאוד, גם בלילה. הזהירות היחידה: כבישי ההרים
- **Main airport (IATA):** TBS
- **Trips from:** ₪990 / 5 nights
- **Traveler rating:** 4.8/5

## Best time to visit

- **Recommended months:** May, June, July, August, September, October
- **Peak season for Israelis:** Georgia works year-round: the Israeli peak is July-August (school break, Batumi and the mountains) plus Sukkot and Pesach, with a second winter peak at Hanukkah and January-February thanks to skiing in Gudauri and Bakuriani. May-June and September-October are the most pleasant and cheapest months, and September-October is also harvest season in Kakheti.

## Weather by month

Measured in Tbilisi.

| Month | Avg. temp | Conditions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ינו | 7°C | Cool |
| פבר | 9°C | Cool |
| מרץ | 14°C | Cool |
| אפר | 20°C | Recommended |
| מאי | 25°C | Excellent |
| יונ | 29°C | Excellent |
| יול | 32°C | Hot |
| אוג | 32°C | Hot |
| ספט | 27°C | Excellent |
| אוק | 20°C | Recommended |
| נוב | 13°C | Cool |
| דצמ | 8°C | Cool |

## Destinations within the country

- [Tbilisi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/tbilisi): Tbilisi has become the Israelis' backyard capital: three hours by air, visa-free, and a city that feels like Prague meets Istanbul.
- [Kakheti](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/kakheti): Kakheti is Georgia's wine country, and what most Israelis know as 'the winery day trip from Tbilisi' is really a whole valley that deserves at least a night or two.
- [Kazbegi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/kazbegi): Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) is the image everyone knows from Georgia: the tiny Gergeti Trinity Church on its hill, and behind it the 5,047-meter snow-capped Mount Kazbek.
- [Borjomi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/borjomi): Borjomi is a green mountain spa town that Israeli travelers often include in a family or romantic journey between Tbilisi and western Georgia.
- [Batumi](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/batumi): Batumi is Georgia's Black Sea resort city, and in summer it feels almost like an Israeli neighborhood: a 7 km boulevard lined with glittering towers, a casino in every major…
- [Gudauri](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/gudauri): Gudauri is the ski resort Israelis have adopted as their own: two hours north of Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway, at 2,200 m, with wide, open pistes that are perfect for…

## Where to stay

- **Tbilisi, Old Town and Rustaveli** — Best for: First visit, couples, base for day trips. Most Israelis' base: the Sololaki lanes and Shardeni Street within walking distance, the baths, the metro and the big Rustaveli hotels with their casinos. Easy for Kazbegi and Kakheti day trips, but loud near the bars on weekend nights.
- **Batumi, the New Boulevard** — Best for: Summer, families, casinos and nightlife. The Hilton, Sheraton and Radisson towers on the boulevard with pools, beach and an in-house casino. In peak summer it's the Israelis' Eilat with Hebrew on every corner; those wanting quiet go to Gonio or Kvariati, 15 minutes south.
- **Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)** — Best for: Nature, couples, one night of views. A mountain village facing Mount Kazbek and Gergeti church, with Rooms Hotel and guesthouses. One night is enough for sunset and sunrise on the mountain without racing back to Tbilisi. In winter the pass sometimes closes.
- **Gudauri** — Best for: Skiing, groups, families in winter. Georgia's big ski resort, two hours from Tbilisi, with ski-in hotels in New Gudauri, Hebrew-speaking instructors and cheap passes. Packed with Israelis at Hanukkah and in January, quiet in summer with paragliding and the Friendship viewpoint.
- **Kakheti: Sighnaghi, Lopota and Tsinandali** — Best for: Wine, romance, families at a resort. The wine valley 90 minutes from Tbilisi: walled Sighnaghi with views for couples, Lopota Lake Resort with pools for families, and Radisson's Tsinandali Estate for luxury. One or two nights round out the trip, with no real nightlife.
- **Borjomi and Bakuriani** — Best for: Families, spa, easy skiing. The mineral-water town with its park, hot pools in the forest and spa hotels like the Crowne Plaza, with nearby Bakuriani as the calm ski resort for families and beginners. Two hours from Tbilisi, green and quiet, less "wow" than Kazbegi.

## Getting around

- **Airport to city:** Tbilisi Airport is 17 km from the center: Bolt from the app is ₪35-50 and 25-35 minutes, the taxi rank ₪70-100, and bus 337 runs 24 hours to Freedom Square for ₪2. In Batumi the airport is 6 km from town, Bolt ₪15-25. From Kutaisi (Wizz and Israir flights in season) Georgian Bus shuttles reach Tbilisi and Batumi for ₪35-45, 3-4 hours.
- **Do you need a car?** Not in the cities: Bolt is cheap, parking is hard and driving is aggressive. For the mountains most Israelis take a driver with a car for the day (₪350-600) or join a tour, because the Kazbegi and Gudauri road is winding and snowy in winter. A rental only pays off for a week-long route through Kakheti, Borjomi, Kutaisi and Batumi, and then full insurance and an international license are a must.
- **Transport tips:** Between Tbilisi and Batumi choose a 40-minute domestic flight (Georgian Airways, ₪200-350), a 5-hour fast train (₪60-90, book on the railway site in advance) or a driver stopping at Borjomi and Prometheus Cave. Marshrutkas (minibuses) from Didube station are cheap but awkward with luggage. Book a day driver through the hotel or GoTrip with price, hours and stops agreed upfront.

## What it costs (for Israeli travelers)

- **Round-trip flight from TLV:** ₪800-1,500 (holidays & summer: ₪1,900+)
- **5-night package pp:** ₪2,600-4,200 (flight + 4★ hotel)
- **Mid-range hotel/night:** ₪250-500 (double room)
- **5★ hotel/night:** ₪550-1,200 (Rooms Kazbegi: ₪900+)
- **Restaurant meal:** ₪40-90 (pp, with wine)
- **Local beer:** ₪9-16
- **Coffee:** ₪7-14
- **Bolt ride in town:** ₪8-20
- **Driver with car per day:** ₪350-600 (per car)
- **Ski pass / wine tasting / baths:** ₪90-140 a day · ₪40-90 · ₪120-250 per room
- **Daily budget pp:** ₪220-450 (excl. flight & hotel)
- **Family of 4, one week:** ₪14,000-24,000 (all-in)

## Kosher food, Chabad & Jewish community

- **Chabad house:** In Tbilisi Chabad operates at 25 Kote Afkhazi Street, steps from the Great Synagogue, with daily minyanim and Shabbat meals by advance registration; Batumi has a Chabad house with summer Shabbat meals and a historic synagogue on Vazha-Pshavela Street. Georgia's Jewish community is among the world's oldest and the synagogues in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Oni are worth a visit. Kazbegi, Gudauri and Kakheti have no Chabad, so order food from Tbilisi. — Rating 4.5/5 (15 reviews) · Address: 25 Kote Afkhazi St, T'bilisi 0105, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7280151309557059294) · [Website](https://chabadtbilisi.ge/)
- **Kosher food:** The kosher King David restaurant in Tbilisi, by the synagogue, serves kosher Georgian meat dishes all week, and Chabad provides packed meals for day trips and for Gudauri skiing. Carrefour in Tbilisi and Batumi has a shelf of internationally certified packaged goods, and markets sell fruit, nuts, churchkhela and tone bread. Travelers who don't keep strictly kosher enjoy salads, lobio, stuffed vegetables, cheeses and trout in regular restaurants, since Georgian cooking is largely vegetarian.

## Attractions

- **Abanotubani Sulphur Baths** (Duration: 1-2 hours) — Rating 4.5/5 (11,603 reviews) · Address: N2 Abano St, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4731015332575202809) · [Website](http://www.chreli-abano.ge/)
- **Gergeti Trinity Church** (Duration: Full day) — Rating 4.8/5 (10,216 reviews) · Address: MJ6C+V4J, Kazbegi, Oni, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6180293617488451368)
- **Jvari Monastery** (Duration: Half day) — Rating 4.8/5 (11,799 reviews) · Address: RPQM+C79, מצחתה, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15491609820827358747)
- **Svetitskhoveli Cathedral** (Duration: 1 hour) — Rating 4.8/5 (15,504 reviews) · Address: RPRC+V9C, Narekvavi-Mtskheta-Railway Station, Mtskheta, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17027219629073574106) · [Website](http://www.heritagesites.ge/)
- **Ananuri Fortress** (Duration: 1 hour) — Rating 4.6/5 (15,845 reviews) · Address: 5P73+G5H, Ananuri, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16064550412089135502) · [Website](http://www.heritagesites.ge/)
- **Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument** (Duration: 30 min) — Rating 4.8/5 (9,883 reviews) · Address: FFR3+R4V, גאניסי, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=839339850595573692)
- **Gudauri Ski Resort** (Duration: A day to a week) — Rating 4.6/5 (4,652 reviews) · Address: Redco New, Gudauri 4702, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5532182678945321452) · [Website](http://www.gudauriski.ge/)
- **Batumi Boulevard** (Duration: Half day) — Rating 4.8/5 (15,529 reviews) · Address: 1 Nikoloz Baratashvili Street, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9499721919345703217) · [Website](http://www.boulevard.ge/)
- **Ali and Nino Statue** (Duration: 30 min) — Rating 4.6/5 (28,942 reviews) · Address: MJ4V+66F, באטומי, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6533487441952877240) · [Website](https://batumi.ge/ge/)
- **Batumi Botanical Garden** (Duration: Half day) — Rating 4.7/5 (20,454 reviews) · Address: MPR4+M4 Green Cape, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4574072351925181070) · [Website](http://bbg.ge/)
- **Bodbe Monastery** (Duration: 1 hour) — Rating 4.8/5 (7,087 reviews) · Address: JW4M+GG9, Sighnaghi-St. Nino Monastery, Sighnaghi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4591785572332800143)
- **Tsinandali Estate** (Duration: 2 hours) — Rating 4.8/5 (653 reviews) · Address: Tsinandali village Kakheti Region Telavi, Tsinandali 2217, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8139236661097215620) · [Website](http://tsinandaliestate.ge/)
- **Prometheus Cave** (Duration: 2 hours) — Rating 4.6/5 (13,656 reviews) · Address: 9JG2+P6R, Kumistavi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8224838761757385313) · [Website](https://apa.gov.ge/en/eco-tourism/servisebi-da-tarifebi/Prometheuscave)
- **Martvili Canyon** (Duration: Half day) — Rating 4.5/5 (5,188 reviews) · Address: Martvili-Taleri-Chkhorotsku, Inchkhuri 3100, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15002075937782105156) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/share/15QxQR495w/)
- **Borjomi Central Park** (Duration: Half day) — Rating 4.6/5 (15,581 reviews) · Address: 50 9 აპრილის ქუჩა, Borjomi 1200, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2176491381493123817) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/borjomipark/)
- **Dashbashi Canyon** (Duration: Half day) — Rating 4.3/5 (255 reviews) · Address: Dashbashi Canyon, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8617118600938133943)
- **Uplistsikhe** (Duration: 2 hours) — Rating 4.7/5 (12,182 reviews) · Address: Uplistsikhe Complex Road, Kvakhvreli, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16533148448941173245) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566157947503&mibextid=ZbWKwL)
- **The Chronicle of Georgia** (Duration: 1 hour) — Rating 4.8/5 (14,344 reviews) · Address: Chronicles of Georgia Temqa, QRC6+65V, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=249916733586662859)

## Restaurants

- **Mendi's Tbilisi** (טביליסי, מול בית הכנסת הגדול, ₪₪) — Chabad Tbilisi's mehadrin kosher restaurant opposite the Great Synagogue: kosher khinkali, skewers and Israeli dishes, daily 12:00 to midnight. The anchor for kosher travelers in Georgia, with a Batumi branch too. — Rating 4.4/5 (962 reviews) · Address: 7 Bambis Rigi St, T'bilisi 0105, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8347679601115545630) · [Website](http://www.shabat.ge/)
- **Kosher Restaurant King David** (טביליסי, מתחם בית הכנסת הגדול, ₪₪) — The veteran kosher restaurant inside the Great Synagogue compound, with kosher cheese khachapuri, khinkali and Shabbat by reservation, at low prices. — Rating 4.4/5 (714 reviews) · Address: Kote Aphkhazi Str, 49 კოტე აფხაზის ქ, თბილისი 0105, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12624039234315364400) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/KosherRestaurantinTbilisiandBatumi/)
- **Shavi Lomi** (טביליסי, ₪₪) — The old house with the courtyard every Israeli hears about: modern Georgian, walnut salad, stuffed vegetables and barrel wine. Book ahead. — Rating 4.5/5 (3,946 reviews) · Address: PR54+9FV, Zurab Kvlividze St, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5349691423837450253) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/%E1%83%A8%E1%83%90%E1%83%95%E1%83%98-%E1%83%9A%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9B%E1%83%98-Shavi-Lomi-Tbilisi-Cuisine-122512711165833/)
- **Barbarestan** (טביליסי, ₪₪₪) — A chef's restaurant built on a 19th-century cookbook, the trip's celebration dinner. Lamb with plums, a rich vegetarian selection and top Georgian wine. — Rating 4.6/5 (2,972 reviews) · Address: D, 132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, T'bilisi 0112, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7388145962250604086)
- **Pasanauri** (טביליסי, ₪) — Tbilisi's most famous khinkali, ordered by the piece and eaten by hand. Cheese and mushroom for vegetarians. — Rating 4.6/5 (5,471 reviews) · Address: 17 Nikoloz Baratashvili St, T'bilisi 0105, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12688254749107582403) · [Website](https://www.instagram.com/restaurantpasanauri?igsh=MTltZXU3a3U5MjFrbQ==)
- **Machakhela** (טביליסי ובטומי, ₪) — The chain where Israelis eat their first Adjaruli khachapuri, cheap, open late and easy with kids. — Rating 3.8/5 (5,613 reviews) · Address: 23 Ovanes Tumaniani St, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16854302066052399589) · [Website](http://www.vdcapital.ge/)
- **Retro** (בטומי, ₪) — Where Batumi eats the original Adjaruli khachapuri: a giant bread boat with cheese, egg and butter, a long queue and a tiny price. — Rating 4.3/5 (1,414 reviews) · Address: 1 Davit Gamrekeli St, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11868719257014557502) · [Website](http://www.retro.ge/)
- **Pheasant's Tears** (סיגנאגי, קאחתי, ₪₪₪) — A winery and restaurant in Sighnaghi with a full Georgian supra, natural qvevri wines and a view over the Alazani valley. Kakheti's big night. — Rating 4.2/5 (724 reviews) · Address: JW8C+C4H, Sighnaghi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=18211062240351727856) · [Website](https://www.pheasantstears.com/)
- **Rooms Hotel Kazbegi Restaurant** (קזבגי, ₪₪₪) — The famous terrace facing Mount Kazbek and Gergeti church: river trout, salads and khachapuri at the spot everyone photographs. Open to non-guests. — Rating 4.5/5 (5,497 reviews) · Address: 1 V.gorgasali St, Stepantsminda 4700, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3989614361985718486) · [Website](https://roomshotels.com/kazbegi/)
- **Cafe Leila** (טביליסי, העיר העתיקה, ₪₪) — A vegetarian cafe with Persian decor opposite the Clock Tower: Georgian hummus, stuffed vegetables and tea by the pot. The fix for those who eat only vegetarian abroad. — Rating 4.4/5 (1,533 reviews) · Address: 18 Ioane Shavteli St, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2608375418126172390) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kafe-Leila/1527434497473136)
- **Salobie Bia** (טביליסי, ₪) — Lobio in a clay pot, mchadi and khachapuri at street prices by Freedom Square. Cheap, fast and real. — Rating 4.6/5 (2,673 reviews) · Address: Rustaveli Theater, 17 Shota Rustaveli Ave, T'bilisi 0108, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11910202216351291245) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/salobiebia)
- **Ethno Tsiskvili** (טביליסי, צפון העיר, ₪₪₪) — "The Water Mill": a huge complex with a river, dancing and live music every night and every classic. The big night out for Israeli groups and families. — Rating 4.7/5 (6,396 reviews) · Address: 99 Akaki Beliashvili St, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4893030621056386169) · [Website](https://tsiskvili.ge/)
- **Terrassa Askaneli** (בטומי, רחוב רוסתוולי 40, ₪₪₪) — Askaneli winery's upscale terrace in Batumi: refined Georgian cooking, the estate's wines and a sea view. Batumi's celebration dinner. — Rating 4.3/5 (1,153 reviews) · Address: 40 Rustaveli Ave, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7745174608801293196) · [Website](http://terrassaaskaneli.ge/)

## Nightlife

- **Fabrika Tbilisi** — Bar courtyard, Tbilisi — Rating 4.6/5 (15,038 reviews) · Address: JSC NINO, 8 Egnate Ninoshvili St, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17594368915314407962) · [Website](https://fabrikatbilisi.com/)
- **Bassiani** — Techno club, Tbilisi — Rating 3.5/5 (1,098 reviews) · Address: 2, Akaki Tsereteli Ave, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5088636615131950458) · [Website](http://bassiani.com/)
- **KHIDI** — Club, Tbilisi — Rating 4.1/5 (546 reviews) · Address: President Heydar Aliyev Embankment, T'bilisi 0160, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6436660063453913330) · [Website](http://www.khidi.ge/)
- **Black Dog Bar** — Pub & microbrewery, Tbilisi — Rating 4.5/5 (1,101 reviews) · Address: 33 Lado Asatiani St, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2701657018333247479) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/blackdogbartbilisi/)
- **Moon Night Club** — Club, Batumi — Rating 4.4/5 (315 reviews) · Address: 14 Sherif Khimshiashvili St, Batumi 6010, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12107887856903466334) · [Website](https://senateclub.ge/)
- **Take Five** — Jazz bar & club, Batumi — Rating 5/5 (4 reviews) · Address: 5/7, Tashkenti Turn, T'bilisi 0160, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9944645326849047103) · [Website](https://instagram.com/pizza_takefive_?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=)
- **Drunk Cherry Gudauri** — Après-ski, Gudauri — Rating 4.5/5 (2,637 reviews) · Address: New Gudauri Block 4 Gudauri, 4702, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=9782577344516832662) · [Website](http://drunkcherrygudauri.com/)

## Casinos

- **Casino Adjara** (In hotel טביליסי, ליד רדיסון בלו איווריה) — Tbilisi's biggest and oldest: 250 slots, 50 tables, low minimums and open 24 hours. Free entry with a passport. — Rating 3.8/5 (865 reviews) · Address: 1 26 May Square, T'bilisi 0171, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=2535437907855455664) · [Website](http://casinoadjara.com/)
- **Shangri La Casino Tbilisi** (In hotel טביליסי, ליד גשר השלום) — The flashiest, at the end of the Peace Bridge with river views, shows and free drinks for players. The Israeli favorite for a first night. — Rating 4.1/5 (1,489 reviews) · Address: River Mtkvari Right Embankment მშვიდობის ხიდი, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7094019373454104003) · [Website](https://shangrila.ge/)
- **Casino Iveria** (In hotel Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, טביליסי) — Inside the Radisson on Rustaveli, 200 slots and 30 tables; handy for hotel guests. — Rating 4.1/5 (1,546 reviews) · Address: Rose Revolution Square, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16352299735587092505) · [Website](http://casinoiveria.com/)
- **Casino International Batumi** (In hotel Sheraton Batumi Hotel) — Batumi's famous casino at the Sheraton, roulette and blackjack all night, packed with Israelis in July-August. — Rating 4.4/5 (341 reviews) · Address: 40 Rustaveli Ave, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12305559975354730752) · [Website](http://www.cibatumi.com/)
- **Eclipse Casino** (In hotel Hilton Batumi) — A modern, polished casino at the boulevard Hilton with VIP tables and a bar; many pair it with a hotel stay. — Rating 4/5 (790 reviews) · Address: 1, 6010 Lech and Maria Kaczynski St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=10123030167910443832) · [Website](https://eclipse.casino/)
- **Casino Peace** (In hotel Radisson Blu Hotel Batumi) — A pleasant, less crowded casino at the Radisson Batumi, low minimums and the occasional Hebrew-speaking dealer. — Rating 3.4/5 (196 reviews) · Address: 2/21 V.Pshavela,Ninoshvili Batumi, Batumi 6000, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15258714209048393678) · [Website](http://peacebatumi.com/)

## Shopping

- **East Point** (Mall, Area: Tbilisi, by the airport) — Georgia's biggest mall: Zara, H&M, Bershka, Pull&Bear, LC Waikiki, a cinema and Carrefour. Israelis' standard stop before the flight. — Rating 4.6/5 (18,215 reviews) · Address: 0182, 2 ალ.თვალჭრელიძის ქ, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3630290012034911497) · [Website](https://eastpoint.ge/)
- **Tbilisi Mall** (Mall, Area: Tbilisi, north) — A huge mall with international brands, a food court and Carrefour for stocking up before the mountains. — Rating 4.6/5 (16,539 reviews) · Address: 213th km, 0131, David Aghmashenebeli Alley, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=507565911838060203) · [Website](https://www.tbilisimall.com/en)
- **Galleria Tbilisi** (Mall, Area: Tbilisi, Rustaveli) — The most central mall, above Rustaveli metro, with Zara and Stradivarius. — Rating 4.5/5 (16,343 reviews) · Address: 2/4 Shota Rustaveli Ave, T'bilisi 0168, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=4214633192325107298) · [Website](http://www.galleria.ge/)
- **Batumi Mall** (Mall, Area: Batumi, center) — Batumi's mall with brands, a supermarket and air-conditioning at the height of summer. — Rating 4.1/5 (8,524 reviews) · Address: 88 Zurab Gorgiladze St, Batumi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14755356612016054060) · [Website](https://www.facebook.com/BatumiMall.ge/)
- **Zara** (Brand store, Area: Tbilisi and Batumi) — Europe prices, full range, none of the queues from home. — Rating 4.1/5 (1,127 reviews) · Address: 42 Rustaveli St, T'bilisi 0114, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14737041537182835529) · [Website](https://www.zara.com/ge/en/stores-locator/zara-tbilisi-rustavelli-s9308)
- **LC Waikiki** (Brand store, Area: East Point, Tbilisi Mall, Batumi) — The cheap Turkish chain Israelis come home from with a suitcase of kids' clothes. — Rating 3.7/5 (154 reviews) · Address: 2/4 Shota Rustaveli Ave, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5280040707243342404) · [Website](http://corporate.lcwaikiki.com/Magazalar)
- **Dry Bridge Market** (Market, Area: Tbilisi) — The famous flea market: Soviet medals, wine horns, art and souvenirs. Haggle. — Rating 4.4/5 (10,230 reviews) · Address: PR23+96X, טביליסי, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11428997057205978411)
- **Dezerter Bazaar** (Market, Area: Tbilisi, by the train station) — The big food market: spices, churchkhela, cheeses and dried fruit at rock-bottom prices. — Rating 4.1/5 (11,255 reviews) · Address: 5 Abastumani St, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5242997632172974218)
- **Carrefour** (Market, Area: Tbilisi, Batumi) — The supermarket for stocking up before Kazbegi or Gudauri, with a shelf of internationally certified packaged goods. — Rating 4.4/5 (6,108 reviews) · Address: 3 Vekua Street, T'bilisi, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=5883031905824584650)
- **8000 Vintages** (Brand store, Area: Tbilisi) — The wine shop where you buy Saperavi and qvevri wine at winery prices, not airport prices. — Rating 4.6/5 (1,347 reviews) · Address: 27 Revaz Tabukashvili St, T'bilisi 0108, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=98217169022986323) · [Website](http://www.8000vintages.ge/)
- **Pull&Bear** (Brand store, Area: Tbilisi Mall / East Point) — With Bershka and Stradivarius in the same malls, the chains young Israelis hunt at European prices. — Rating 2.4/5 (19 reviews) · Address: 70 Vazha Pshavela Ave, T'bilisi 0186, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11888398125241777419) · [Website](https://www.pullandbear.com/ge/en/stores-locator/tbilisi/city-mall-tbilisi-s13530)
- **Metro City Mall** (Mall, Area: Batumi, New Boulevard) — The new mall at the base of the boulevard towers: fashion, a supermarket and a play area, walking distance from the hotels. — Rating 4.6/5 (8,654 reviews) · Address: 70 ვაჟა-ფშაველა, 70 Vazha Pshavela Ave, T'bilisi 0186, גאורגיה · [Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13049845824587930922) · [Website](https://thecitymall.ge/)

## Suggested itinerary

1. **Day 1: Old Tbilisi, Narikala and the baths** — Land, settle near Freedom Square and walk down Kote Afkhazi Street past the Great Synagogue and Shardeni Street to Meidan. Cable car from Rike Park to Narikala, a walk along the wall to the Mother of Georgia and down past the waterfall to Abanotubani. Evening in a private sulphur-bath room and dinner in Shavi Lomi's courtyard.
2. **Day 2: Mtskheta, Rustaveli and Mtatsminda** — A morning in Mtskheta, 30 minutes away: Jvari Monastery on the cliff and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Back to Rustaveli Avenue, coffee at Galleria Tbilisi, Sameba Cathedral across the river and the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park for sunset. Dinner at Barbarestan or Cafe Littera, then Casino Adjara for those who want.
3. **Day 3: the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi** — Leave with a driver at 08:00. Stops at Ananuri Fortress and the Zhinvali reservoir, at Gudauri and the mosaic Friendship Monument, lunch in Stepantsminda. A jeep up to Gergeti Trinity Church facing Mount Kazbek, and Gveleti waterfall for the keen. Overnight at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi with the famous terrace, or back to Tbilisi in the evening.
4. **Day 4: Kakheti, wine and supra** — A driver to Sighnaghi, the walled "city of love" over the Alazani valley; Bodbe Monastery and a tasting at Pheasant's Tears. On to the Tsinandali Estate and a qvevri tasting at Khareba or Shumi, with families swapping one winery for hours at Lopota Lake. A full Georgian supra with a tamada in the evening, sleeping locally or back in Tbilisi.
5. **Day 5: fly or drive to Batumi** — In summer continue to Batumi: a 40-minute domestic flight or a 5-6 hour drive with a stop at Borjomi or Prometheus Cave. Afternoon on Batumi Boulevard, the rotating Ali and Nino statue at sunset and the dancing fountains at Ardagani Lake. Evening at the Sheraton or Hilton casino.
6. **Day 6: the Black Sea, the botanical garden and Makhuntseti** — A morning at the Batumi Botanical Garden on the cliff above the sea, then the beach at Gonio or Kvariati where the water is clearer than in town. Afternoon at Makhuntseti waterfall and Queen Tamar's stone bridge, and Adjaruli khachapuri at Retro. Last night on the boulevard with the Argo cable car and the Ferris wheel.
7. **Day 7: last shopping and the flight home** — Flying from Tbilisi, finish at East Point (Zara, LC Waikiki, Carrefour for churchkhela and spices), 10 minutes from the airport. Flying from Batumi, squeeze in a last beach morning and Batumi Mall. In winter the whole route flips: two days in Tbilisi, then a ski week in Gudauri.

## VAYULOR tips

- 📱 Bolt is the answer to every ride in Tbilisi and Batumi, ₪8-20 in town and ₪35-50 airport to center; for the mountains take a driver with a car for the day.
- 🚗 Don't self-drive to Kazbegi, Gudauri and Kakheti: a private driver is ₪350-600 per car per day, knows the Military Highway and stops at every viewpoint.
- 💳 Cards work almost everywhere, but villages, markets and drivers take cash; withdraw lari at a bank ATM, not the airport exchange booths.
- ✡️ Book Shabbat in advance at Chabad Tbilisi (25 Kote Afkhazi) or Chabad Batumi, and the kosher King David restaurant in Tbilisi is open all week.
- 🎰 Casinos in Tbilisi and Batumi are open 24 hours, entry is free with a passport and table minimums are low; set a budget and go with cash only.
- 🧥 Even in August the mountains are cold: Kazbegi and Gudauri run 10-15 degrees below Tbilisi, so pack a light jacket, closed shoes and an umbrella for rainy Batumi.
- 🍷 Buy wine at a Kakheti winery or 8000 Vintages in Tbilisi, not duty free: the same bottle costs double there. Harvest (Rtveli) is late September.
- ⛷️ For Gudauri skiing book a hotel by the lift, an Israeli instructor and a multi-day pass two months before Hanukkah, plus travel insurance with a ski extension.
- ⏰ Leave at 08:00 for day trips: Kazbegi is three hours each way and the pass sometimes closes in snow; check the forecast the night before.
- 🥟 At a supra the tamada raises toasts and you answer "gaumarjos"; eat khinkali by hand and leave the knot, and a 10% tip is usually already on the bill.

## Frequently asked questions

**Do I need a visa for Georgia?**

No. Israelis enter Georgia visa-free for up to a full year with just a valid passport. You get a stamp on arrival in Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi.

**How long is the flight to Georgia and where do you land?**

About three hours nonstop from Ben Gurion to Tbilisi year-round, and in summer and the holidays also direct to Batumi (2.5 hours) and Kutaisi. Israir, Arkia, El Al and Georgian Airways fly, with several daily flights in season.

**When is the best time to visit Georgia?**

May-June and September-October are perfect for Georgia: pleasant in Tbilisi, the mountains open and harvest in Kakheti. July-August is the Israeli peak (Batumi + mountains), and December-March is Gudauri ski time.

**How many days do I need in Georgia?**

Five nights for Tbilisi with a day in Kazbegi and a day in Kakheti, and a full week if you add Batumi. For Gudauri skiing book 6-7 nights. Under four nights means Tbilisi only.

**How do I get around Georgia?**

In the cities Bolt (₪8-20 a ride) and the Tbilisi metro; for the mountains and Kakheti a driver with a car at ₪350-600 a day or an organized tour. Between Tbilisi and Batumi fly 40 minutes or take the 5-hour fast train.

**How much does a Georgia vacation cost?**

A 5-night package with flights and a 4★ hotel costs ₪2,600-4,200 per person, and on the ground you spend ₪220-450 per person per day on food, drivers and fun. A family of four does a week in Georgia for ₪14,000-24,000.

**Is Georgia safe for Israelis?**

Very. Low crime, especially warm treatment of Jews and Israelis, and even Tbilisi at night is safe. The one caution is the mountain roads, which is why you take a local driver instead of self-driving to Kazbegi.

**Where are the casinos in Georgia?**

In Tbilisi: Casino Adjara, Shangri La, Casino Iveria at the Radisson and Casino Jewel at the Biltmore. In Batumi: Casino International at the Sheraton, Eclipse at the Hilton and Casino Peace at the Radisson. Entry is free with a passport, open 24 hours with low minimums.

**Is there kosher food and Chabad in Georgia?**

Yes: Chabad Tbilisi at 25 Kote Afkhazi Street with the kosher King David restaurant next to it, Chabad Batumi with summer Shabbat meals, and a certified packaged-goods shelf at Carrefour. None in the mountains or Kakheti, so order packed meals from Chabad.

**Is Georgia good for families with kids?**

Excellent: the cable car and funicular in Tbilisi, the Gino Paradise water park, the boulevard and dolphinarium in Batumi, Lopota Lake Resort, and beginner skiing in Gudauri and Bakuriani. The prices allow family rooms and a private driver without breaking the bank.

**What should I pack for Georgia?**

A warm layer even in summer for the mountains, closed shoes for Gergeti and the canyons, an umbrella for rainy Batumi, a passport for the casino and a swimsuit for the bathhouses. In winter you can rent ski gear in Gudauri for ₪60-110 a day.

**Which wine and food must I try?**

Adjaruli khachapuri, khinkali, lobio, pkhali, tomato-cucumber salad with walnuts and churchkhela for dessert; drink red Saperavi, amber qvevri Rkatsiteli and one chacha at the end of the supra. In Kakheti buy bottles at the winery for half the Israeli price.

## Book through VAYULOR

- [Flights to Georgia](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/flights/georgia)
- [Vacation packages to Georgia](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/packages/georgia)
- [Hotels in Georgia](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia/hotels/georgia)
- [eSIM data for Georgia](https://vayulor.com/en/esim)
- [Web version of this guide](https://vayulor.com/en/destinations/georgia)
- [המדריך הזה בעברית](https://vayulor.com/he/destinations/georgia.md)

_Last updated: 2026-09-06_  
_Source: VAYULOR (vayulor.com) — an Israeli travel platform: destination guides, flights, packages, hotels and eSIM. Prices on the site are live; any price in this document is an indicative starting price only._