Hey fellow nomads! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination with stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious food, look no further than Georgia! In this post, I’ll share my 2-week backpacking adventure in Georgia, where I lived on a broke budget of less than $15 a day.
Day 1-2: Tbilisi
I arrived in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, with a budget of less than $15 a day. I was excited to explore this ancient city, filled with historic landmarks and vibrant culture. I stayed at a hostel for $5 a night and spent my days wandering through the Old Town, visiting the Narikala Fortress, and indulging in delicious Georgian cuisine like khinkali and khachapuri.
Day 3-4: Gori
From Tbilisi, I took a marshrutka (minivan) to Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. I visited the Stalin Museum and explored the historic town, all for under $10. I stayed at a local guesthouse for $10 a night and enjoyed traditional Georgian hospitality.
Day 5-6: Svaneti
Next, I traveled to Svaneti, a stunning region in northwestern Georgia known for its towering mountains and picturesque villages. I hiked to the top of Mount Shkhara, explored the ancient village of Mestia, and marveled at the breathtaking scenery. I stayed at a local guesthouse for $15 a night and enjoyed homemade Georgian meals.
Day 7-8: Batumi
From Svaneti, I headed to Batumi, a charming coastal city on the Black Sea. I strolled along the promenade, visited the Batumi Cathedral, and relaxed on the beach. I stayed at a hostel for $10 a night and enjoyed the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 9-10: Kutaisi
Next, I traveled to Kutaisi, a historic city in western Georgia. I explored the Bagrati Cathedral, visited the Kutaisi Market, and marveled at the stunning scenery. I stayed at a local guesthouse for $10 a night and enjoyed traditional Georgian cuisine.
Day 11-12: Tbilisi
For my final two days, I returned to Tbilisi and explored the city’s many museums and galleries. I visited the National Museum of Georgia, the Tbilisi History Museum, and the Modern Art Museum. I stayed at a hostel for $5 a night and enjoyed the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: $5-15 per night (avg.)
- Food: $3-5 per meal (avg.)
- Transportation: $5-10 per ride (avg.)
- Attractions: $5-10 per person (avg.)
- Total daily budget: $12-15
Transportation:
Metro and Buses in Tbilisi
- $1-2 per ride
- Easy to navigate, with English signs and announcements
- Runs frequently, from 6 am to 11 pm
Marshrutkas (Minivans)
- $5-10 per ride
- Connects cities and towns, with frequent departures
- Can be crowded, but a great way to meet locals
Buses in Batumi
- $1-2 per ride
- Runs frequently, from 6 am to 11 pm
- Easy to navigate, with English signs and announcements
Tips and Tricks
- Use public transportation or walk whenever possible
- Buy a rechargeable metro card for convenience
- Marshrutkas can be hailed anywhere, not just at designated stops
- Be prepared for crowded and bumpy rides
Where to stay:
Hostels
- Nazaruri Hostel (Tbilisi): Starting from $5 per night
- Bohema Hostel (Tbilisi): Starting from $7 per night
- Lentekhi Hostel (Svaneti): Starting from $10 per night
Guesthouses
- Guesthouse Khetshi (Tbilisi): Starting from $15 per night
- Guesthouse Mzia (Batumi): Starting from $12 per night
- Guesthouse Nino (Kutaisi): Starting from $10 per night
Budget Hotels
- Hotel Old Metekhi (Tbilisi): Starting from $20 per night
- Hotel Rcheuli (Batumi): Starting from $25 per night
- Hotel Kutaisi (Kutaisi): Starting from $20 per night
Airbnb
- Private room in Tbilisi: Starting from $10 per night
- Apartment in Batumi: Starting from $20 per night
- House in Svaneti: Starting from $30 per night
Food:
Traditional Georgian Dishes
- Khinkali (dumplings): $1-2 per piece
- Khachapuri (cheese bread): $2-3 per piece
- Mtsvadi (skewers): $3-5 per skewer
- Lobio (bean stew): $2-3 per serving
- Chakapuli (sour soup): $2-3 per serving
Street Food
- Shawarma (kebab): $2-3 per serving
- Pkhali (vegetable patties): $1-2 per piece
- Gozinaki (caramelized nuts): $1-2 per serving
Local Markets
- Debi Market (Tbilisi): try traditional Georgian dishes and fresh produce
- Batumi Market (Batumi): indulge in seafood and local delicacies
- Kutaisi Market (Kutaisi): sample traditional Imeretian cuisine
Nightlife:
Tbilisi
- Fabrika: A hipster hangout with live music and craft beer
- Drama Bar: A trendy spot for cocktails and DJ sets
- Khidi Club: A popular club with electronic music and themed parties
Batumi
- Batumi Boulevard: A scenic promenade with bars and clubs overlooking the Black Sea
- Piazza: A lively square with bars, clubs, and live music
- Iveria Club: A popular spot for electronic music and dancing
Kutaisi
- Kutaisi Bar: A cozy spot for wine and traditional Georgian music
- Lounge 33: A stylish bar with cocktails and DJ sets
- Kutaisi Night Club: A popular spot for dancing and live music
Conclusion
My 2-week journey in Georgia was an unforgettable adventure. With a budget of less than $15 a day, I was able to explore historic cities, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Georgia is a hidden gem for budget travelers, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and unforgettable travel experience.
