Discovering Georgia: A Family-Friendly Adventure in the Caucasus

Georgia, a country between Europe and Asia, is famous for its beautiful mountains, tasty food, and warm people. My family and I spent two weeks there in late October 2024 and loved every moment.If you’re looking for stunning nature and an affordable place to travel, Georgia is a great choice. From the old streets of Tbilisi to the snowy peaks of Stepantsminda, it’s a country full of surprises and charm.

First Impressions

We arrived at Tbilisi International Airport on a short flight from Qatar. For GCC residents, the visa-on-arrival process is seamless with just your passport and ID card. It was quick and hassle-free, and within minutes, we were ready to embark on our adventure. Our pre-booked rental car, arranged through Localrent.com, was waiting at the airport, clean, efficient, and a lifesaver for a trip that involved plenty of driving. A quick stop at the currency exchange, and we were good to go.

To our surprise, we noticed a lot of stray dogs on the streets. However, they were calm and minded their own business.

Meidan bazar

Bridge of Peace Tbilisi Georgia

Tbilisi: A City of Contrasts

Tbilisi is where old and new come together. One moment you’re walking past old stone churches, the next you’re in a modern street with cafes and art. It’s a city full of charm and surprises.We spent a couple of days exploring and I found these places worth visiting.

Freedom Square: A bustling hub surrounded by grand architecture.
Bridge of Peace: A futuristic pedestrian bridge that beautifully lights up at night.
Meidan Bazar: An underground market offering souvenirs and local crafts.
Mother of Georgia: This towering statue offers sweeping views of the city.
Narikala Fortress: Though closed for renovations, the area still offered stunning panoramas.
Mtatsminda Funicular and Park: A fantastic spot for families with kids, complete with amusement rides and a café with a view.

Stepantsminda

Mtskheta-Mtianeti region

Stepantsminda and the Mighty Caucasus

Georgia’s real beauty lies beyond its cities. A road trip to Stepantsminda was one of the highlights. The journey itself was breathtaking, snowcapped peaks, winding mountain roads, and golden autumn leaves. You will find Gergeti Trinity Church, perched atop a hill with panoramic views of Mount Kazbek. It’s as awe-inspiring as it is serene.

Kass Land Diamond Resort

Kazbegi

Gudauri and Kass Land Diamond Resort

Next we headed to Gudauri, a popular ski destination, even though it wasn’t snow season yet. The rolling hills and crisp air made it a lovely stop. The Kass Land Diamond Resort offered a luxurious family-friendly experience with its cozy accommodations and excellent views. The most unforgettable moment of the trip was rafting near Gudauri. The adrenaline rush of navigating the rapids, surrounded by the stunning Caucasus mountains, was quite an experience.

Bakuriani

Bakuriani is a charming mountain town known for its ski slopes and snowy winters. In summer, it turns into a peaceful escape with green trails and crisp air. Though it was late autumn, Bakuriani still delivered plenty of fun. The Crystal cable car ride gave us sweeping views of the surrounding forests and I would say it’s a year round gem.

Batumi

After the mountains, we headed to Batumi, a coastal city with a vibe that’s both laid-back and lively. The Alphabet Tower and the quirky Ali & Nino Statue were fun to see, but the real highlight was the Argo Cable Car ride. Watching the sunset over the Black Sea was an amazing experience. Don’t miss the plane spotting point near the Batumi airport where you can see planes coming to land, flying few meters above your head

Katashi column

Ananuri Fortress Georgia

The Hidden Gems of Georgia

If you have some time to explore you can take a few detours.

Ananuri Fortress: A scenic historical site overlooking the Aragvi River and will give medieval fairytale vibes.
Uplistsikhe: An ancient cave city that’s as fascinating as it is fun to explore.
Katskhi Column: A monastery perched atop a tall natural pillar that is quite unique.

Food in Georgia: Halal Options and Local Treats

Finding halal food in Georgia is possible but requires some effort, especially outside major cities like Tbilisi and Batumi. Many restaurants claiming to be halal may also serve pork or alcohol, so it’s wise to double-check.

Batumi

Tbilisi

Halal Restaurants We Tried

Tbilisi: Old Town has several options offering Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine.
Gudauri: Haveli Restaurant, serving Indian favorites.
Stepantsminda: Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant a comforting option after a day in the mountains.
Borjomi: Beirut Pasha Restaurant and Marhaba Turkish Restaurant.
Kutaisi: White Elephant Restaurant
Batumi: You’re spoiled for choice here. Bursa Restaurant and Kapadokya Turkish Restaurant were standouts.

Khachapuri

Local Delights

While halal Georgian specialties are rare, vegetarian options like khachapuri (a cheesy bread dish) are a good alternative. For a sweet treat, try the ice cream in a freshly baked cinnamon cone, a unique and delightful snack.

Batumi Mosque Arta Jame

Interior of Mosque Arta Jame in Batumi

Mosques and Prayer Facilities

Georgia has a modest Islamic heritage, and you’ll find mosques in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi.

Batumi Mosque, originally built in 1866, was a peaceful spot for prayer and reflection. However, prayer facilities outside these cities were rare. Public areas like malls and airports don’t typically have dedicated prayer spaces, so planning ahead is essential.

Getting Around in Georgia

Our rental car, booked through Localrent.com, was the backbone of our trip. It gave us the flexibility to explore off-the-beaten-path spots like Ananuri Fortress and Uplistsikhe.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Yandex Go were also incredibly cheap and convenient for shorter trips in cities.

Tips for Getting Around

Stick to driving during the day, as mountain roads can be challenging after dark.
Download offline maps to navigate areas with limited cell service.
Public transport is an option in major cities but not practical for rural areas.

Kass Land Diamond Resort & Longest and tallest glass bridge in Europe

We stayed in chalet booked online, which gave us the flexibility and space a family needs. The standout was our stay at the Kass Land Diamond Resort in Tsalka, which offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure. Its standout feature is the Diamond Bridge, a 240-meter-long glass structure suspended 280 meters above Dashbashi Canyon, featuring a diamond-shaped glass café bar at its centre. It is longest and tallest free-hanging glass bridge in Europe and walking across feels like floating above the clouds, providing panoramic views of waterfalls and rugged cliffs. The resort has modern villas, an indoor pool, sauna, and a restaurant serving local cuisine. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and thrilling experiences in nature

Local Culture and People

The Georgian people are warm and helpful, though English isn’t widely spoken outside tourist areas. Gestures, smiles, and Google Translate helped bridge the gap in communication.

Plane spotting point Batumi

Gudauri

Practical Tips for Travelers

Stay Central: In Tbilisi, staying in Old Town allows you to walk to most attractions, saving time and money.
Budget-Friendly: Georgia is a relatively affordable destination. Stick to local eateries and avoid overpriced tourist spots for meals.
Plan Day Trips: Use cities like Tbilisi and Batumi as hubs for day trips to Gudauri, Bakuriani, or Uplistsikhe.
Pack for Layers: Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so pack for both cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
Carry Cash: Many smaller towns and attractions don’t accept cards, so keeping some local currency on hand is essential.

Georgia is budget-friendly, and offers a safe, family-friendly environment with plenty of activities. You will love it if you are a nature lover. From exploring ancient caves to enjoying the crisp mountain air, Georgia truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, this beautiful country is worth every moment.