How to Travel Georgia on a Budget – Tips for Saving Money
Georgia is an increasingly popular travel destination, and for good reason. This small but diverse country in the Caucasus offers everything from ancient churches and dramatic mountains to vibrant cities and delicious cuisine. But what makes Georgia truly special for budget travelers is how affordable it is. You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy all that Georgia has to offer. With a little planning, you can experience the best of the country while keeping your costs low. Here’s how to travel Georgia on a budget.
1. Choose the Right Time to Visit
Georgia can be visited year-round, but your budget may stretch further depending on the season. The shoulder seasons—spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to October)—are ideal. Prices for accommodation and flights tend to be lower, the weather is mild, and popular destinations are less crowded.
Avoid visiting in peak summer (July and August), when prices rise due to demand, especially in tourist hotspots like Batumi and Kazbegi. Winter can also be affordable, especially for those interested in skiing in
2. Book Flights Smartly
Flights to Georgia can be quite affordable if you book in advance and use comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Tbilisi and Kutaisi are the two main international airports. Kutaisi, in particular, is a hub for budget airlines like Wizz Air, which offers extremely low-cost flights from across Europe.
Consider flying mid-week, avoiding holidays, and using flexible dates to find the cheapest options. Also, don’t overlook the possibility of flying into one city (like Kutaisi) and flying out from another (like Tbilisi) to save both time and money.
3. Stay in Budget Accommodations
Georgia offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels are available in most towns and cities and often include breakfast. Staying with local families in guesthouses can not only be cheaper but also provide authentic Georgian hospitality and home-cooked meals.
In Tbilisi, consider hostels in the Old Town for central access, while in rural areas, guesthouses often provide both food and lodging for a fixed price. Sites like Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb are great for finding deals, and booking in advance usually helps secure the best rates.
4. Use Public Transportation
Public transport in Georgia is extremely affordable. Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) are the most common way to travel between cities and regions. While they may not be the most luxurious or spacious, they are fast, frequent, and cost-effective. A trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, for instance, costs just a few dollars.
Within cities, Tbilisi has a clean and cheap metro system, and buses and minibuses are also available. For local trips, apps like Bolt are cheaper and more reliable than regular taxis. If you’re traveling with friends or in a group, consider splitting a private car or hiring a driver for longer day trips—it can be surprisingly affordable when costs are shared.
5. Eat Like a Local
One of the best things about Georgia is its cuisine, and fortunately, you don’t need to dine in fancy restaurants to enjoy it. Local eateries called “kitchen cafés” or “family restaurants” serve generous portions of traditional dishes like khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), and lobio (bean stew) at very low prices.
Markets and bakeries are also excellent for picking up cheap, delicious meals. Street food, such as churchkhela (nut and grape snacks) or freshly baked breads, is both filling and inexpensive. Many guesthouses include breakfast and offer optional dinners that are both delicious and cost-effective.
6. Enjoy Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Many of Georgia’s most memorable experiences are either free or cost very little. You can wander through the historic streets of Tbilisi’s Old Town, hike in the Caucasus Mountains, or visit centuries-old monasteries and fortresses without paying a fee.
Museums, churches, and cultural sites usually have a very low entrance fee, if any. Nature is one of Georgia’s biggest draws, and exploring it—whether you’re hiking in Svaneti, wandering around Kakheti’s vineyards, or relaxing by the Black Sea—won’t cost much.
Walking tours in major cities like Tbilisi or Batumi are available and often operate on a “pay what you like” basis, allowing you to control your budget while learning about the local culture and history.
7. Limit Your Alcohol Spending
Georgia is famous for its wine, and while it’s very affordable by Western standards, costs can add up quickly if you’re indulging frequently in bars or restaurants. Instead, consider visiting wine cellars in regions like Kakheti, where you can taste wines directly from local producers, often at no charge or for a small fee.
Supermarkets and small shops also sell a wide range of Georgian wines and spirits at very reasonable prices. If you’re staying in a guesthouse, you might be treated to homemade wine or chacha (a strong grape brandy), especially in rural areas.
8. Skip the Tour Packages
While Georgia has a growing number of tour operators, many of the country’s highlights are easy to visit independently. Public transport or renting a car gives you more freedom and flexibility, and often at a lower price than a structured tour.
If you do want a guide for specific regions, such as the mountains of Svaneti or historical areas like Mtskheta, look for locally run day tours rather than international packages. These are usually cheaper, more authentic, and support the local economy.
9. Travel in a Group
If you’re traveling with friends or meet others along the way, sharing costs can drastically reduce your expenses. Group travel makes renting cars, booking tours, and even accommodations much more affordable.
In popular hostels and guesthouses, you’ll often meet other budget travelers heading in the same direction. Consider teaming up to save money on transport and guides.
Final Thoughts
Georgia is a dream destination for travelers who want to explore diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture without spending a fortune. With affordable transportation, budget-friendly food and lodging, and countless free attractions, it’s easy to see why so many backpackers and savvy travelers are heading to Georgia.
By following these simple money-saving tips, you can fully enjoy everything this remarkable country has to offer while keeping your expenses low. Whether you’re trekking in the mountains, sipping wine in the vineyards, or soaking up history in Tbilisi, Georgia proves that adventure doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.