Perfect Weekend Getaway: Georgia

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by Barbara Yakimchuk

Perfect Weekend Getaway: Georgia

7 Nov 2024

Georgia is one of the most popular destinations to visit from the UAE, with direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to Tbilisi. It offers something for all types of tourists: whether you love exploring different cultures and diving into history, or you are looking to squeeze a weekend getaway into a busy work schedule and need a quiet spot to finish tasks. Those who enjoy activities and sports will also find plenty to do there. Let us see what Georgia has to offer!

If you are already in a wintery mood but have other plans for Christmas or New Year's, I highly recommend considering Georgia, and in particular, Tbilisi, for your November getaway trips! It is an incredible country with unique character, delicious food, and countless must-see spots.

Tbilisi — Where to go

Tbilisi is a city best enjoyed on foot. The weather is still great, around 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for walking around. Georgian architecture is a unique mix of modern and neo-Gothic styles, with carved balconies and beautiful ironwork on doors and staircases. This elegance blends with everyday life: old window frames, laundry hanging from lines between buildings — it all feels a bit like Italy, but here khachapuri replaces pizza.

The streets go up and down, giving you a cardio workout as a bonus! And if you end up a little too far from your place, do not worry — Tbilisi has really affordable taxis. With apps like BOLT and Yandex, you can get a nice car, and a 15–20 minute ride is about 15–20 GEL (around 20–27 AED).

For me, there are a few must-visit spots in Tbilisi. Here they are:

The Old Town

Tbilisi’s Old Town is divided into the Upper City ("Zemo Kala") and the Lower City ("Kvemo Kala"). Locals say that if you have not seen the Old Town, you have not truly seen Tbilisi. The Old Town’s current appearance dates back to 1801 — before then, it was almost completely destroyed by the Persian army.

The Old Town is home to Tbilisi’s oldest architectural landmarks, including churches and mosques, so if you like historic sights, this is a must-see for you. Here, you wlll find the Narikala Fortress (no one knows when exactly it was built, though it took its modern form in the 17th century), the Metekhi and Norashen churches, and many others.

Instagram: @mercurehotels_tbilisioldtown

Sulfur Baths

In Georgia, sulfur baths are not just a typical place for locals to unwind — they are a deep part of the national culture. According to legend, they even inspired the name “Tbilisi.” The story says that in the 5th century, Georgian King Vakhtang Gorgasali saw an injured pheasant drinking from a hot spring and healed instantly. He was so shocked, so it inspired him to establish a city on the spot, naming it Tbilisi, which means “Warm City” in ancient Georgian.

There are quite a few sulfur baths in Tbilisi (not as many as khachapuri restaurants, but still plenty!). You will find both public baths and the bath, providing private rooms, which you can rent for yourself or for a group of friends. I would recommend two:

The most beautiful bathhouse is Chreli Abano — it has been recently renovated and fully decorated with mosaics. It offers 12 private rooms with hot sulfur pools. One room is especially unique, featuring a “Snow Room” with real snow and a temperature of –25°C — perfect for those who love the cold.
Another good option is Gulo's Termal Spa, which has seven rooms, including a couple for larger groups. The interior resembles a classic Georgian courtyard with low walls, brickwork, and vaulted ceilings.

Photo 1, 2: chreli.abano (web); Photo 3: @gulosthermalspa

Artbeat Gallery

If you love contemporary art, Art Beat Gallery is a must-visit. Until 2017, it was a traveling exhibition, bringing art to some of the most remote areas in Tbilisi. The founder’s idea was to make art accessible to everyone. Since then, the gallery has found a permanent space in central Tbilisi, near the Opera and Ballet Theatre. They mostly host temporary exhibitions that change every 1–2 months. Right now, they are showing the Field for Prey exhibition, open until December 8.

Instagram: @gallery_artbeat

Tbilisi — Best coffee spots

If you are in town for a little more than a just weekend and need a place to work, along with a great coffee to fuel early morning calls, here are some top spots:

Shavi Coffee Roasters

They have three locations: 40 Zandukeli, 28 Lado Asatiani, and 17 Egnate Ninoshvili.

My favorite is the last one — it is the most spacious and bright, with three cozy rooms and plenty of work-friendly seatings. The best part is all the natural light coming in through the big windows. All locations serve great coffee and pastries.

Instagram: @shavi.coffee

Chernyi Cooperative Coffee Roasters

A minimalist, spacy cafe with cube-shaped tables and chairs that are wide and comfortable — perfect for spreading out all your staff without worrying about items falling down from a tiny table. The coffee is also nice — they even let you choose your coffee beans, which is rare to find in Georgia.

Instagram: @chernyicooperativecoffeeroasters

They Said Books

This is a must for relaxed mornings when you are free from urgent work tasks and have time to relax. It is a café located in a concept bookstore (with books in various genres and languages). The best thing: you just need to grab a book and enjoy an amazing breakfast with a delicious coffee to ensure you have a perfect and slow morning.

Instagram: @theysaidbooks.coffeeshop

Activities outside Tbilisi

If Tbilisi is not a new destination for you, or you are someone who loves outdoor activities and sports, here are two great options for adventure outside of Tbilisi:

Gudauri

Located in the Kazbegi region, about 120 kilometres from Tbilisi, Gudauri is Georgia's top ski resort. It offers a range of slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers and, to be honest, is a great choice even for those who are used to the luxury of expensive European ski resorts.

You can rent all the necessary equipment on-site. After a day on the slopes, relax at cozy Georgian restaurants nearby. The hotels near the ski slope are comfortable, offering breathtaking mountain views, jacuzzis for those who feel cold in Georgian mountains, and lockers for storing skis and snowboards on the first floor.

Even before the ski season officially opens, Gudauri is a beautiful destination for a day trip for hiking — just keep in mind that it is much colder there than in Tbilisi and make sure to grab some warm clothing! The ski season is expected to start in early December, though the exact date will depend on snowfall, which is to be confirmed in mid-November.

Pexels: @nate-hovee

Mestia

For those who want a mountain escape without skiing, Mestia is a great choice! It takes a bit longer to get there, but an overnight train is available, arriving at 6 am, giving you a full day to explore.

One of the most popular trekking spots there is the “Cross Over Mestia,” which offers views of the Ushba and Tetnuldi peaks. From there, you can also hike up to the famous Chaladi Glacier or along the Zuruldi Ridge.

The Mestia area has trails for all hiking levels. The easiest trek is to the Koruldi Lakes, which can be visited year-round, but offer the best views in spring. The hike there and back takes approximately 4–5 hours.

Pexels: @whitebrand

Missing out on the coolest events in Dubai? We know where you’ll be in November: The Crowd Test Festival — the very first Art and Music Festival by The Sandy Times.

The lineup is incredible: Mainline Magic Orchestra from Spain, Eden Burns from New Zealand, and a lot of your favourite DJs like Hani J, Hassan Alwan, Bazzzuk, and more.

Mark your calendar, snag your tickets, and get ready: November 16, 2024, from 5 PM to 3 AM at Monkey Bar, Dubai.

by Barbara Yakimchuk