Tbilisi – Georgia

Long before Covid negatively impacted travel for the global community, Georgia was dubbed the next big digital nomad hotspot. Of course, things changed a bit in 2020., but now, Georgia is back on track. Its capital of Tblisi is a must-visit hidden gem for every nomad out there.

The Georgian government even started offering a digital nomad visa called “Remotely from Georgia” in an effort to stimulate the economy and encourage travelers to visit long-term. With this new program, citizens from over 95 countries can enter Georgia visa-free and stay for an entire year. 

All that aside, there are SO many reasons to visit Georgia and Tbilisi as a nomad. Food, culture, affordability, mountains, beaches, history… This list goes on and on. 

Interested in learning what it looks like to spend time in Tblisi, Georgia as a digital nomad? Keep reading to find out more about this stunning, culture-filled gateway between Europe and Asia.

Guide to Tbilisi as a Nomad

Tblisi, Georgia has been described as many things, but the most accurate is from a 2019 National Geographic post. It calls this destination “the world’s most Bohemian city”. With its pastel colors, hand-carved architecture, and funky renovations, this description is perfect. 

Tblisi was founded way back in the 5th century AD, meaning it has a strong historic presence. But that hasn’t stopped the city from evolving into a modern – and slightly quirky – hub for short-term travelers and long-term nomads alike.

Whether you’re interested in hitting up museums, dancing in nightclubs, eating to your stomach’s content, or working online, Tbilisi has it all. 

Getting There

Getting to Tblisi is actually straightforward since you can fly into the Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport from basically anywhere. The airport is only 17 kilometers from the city center, and you can get there by bus or taxi.

Getting Around

Tblisi is an extremely walkable city, especially if you’re staying around Rustaveli Avenue, Abanotubani, or the Old Town. So as long as you’re comfortable getting around on foot, feel free to hoof it just about anywhere. 

There will, of course, be some attractions outside of the city that aren’t reachable by foot. In this case, you can take a taxi, or use Uber or Bolt.

Bolt operates exactly like Uber, and it costs about the same as a taxi would. You can also use the city’s public bus system, which will be the cheapest option by far.

Things to Do

Tblisi experienced something of a Bohemian renaissance within the past decade, so many of the extractions give off a boho, eclectic – you might even call it hippy – vibe. 

For example, the Fabrika Complex is a thriving hub that was repurposed from an old sewing factory used in the mid-1900s. The complex houses cool bars, a hip hostel, an upscale boutique hotel, and a coworking space (more on that later). 

Aside from visiting the cultural Fabrika center, you’ll definitely want to explore Tbilisi’s Old Town area. This maze of cobblestone streets houses souvenir shops, trendy cafes, historical sites, sulfur bathhouses, and original Georgian architecture.

Here are a few more things to do during your time in the city: 

• Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral 
• Go for a tour around Tbilisi’s wine regions
• Sign up for foodie classes, like local cheese making or bread making
• Hike the mountains in the Kazbegi area
• Get an authentic Thai massage (for cheap!)
• Take a rooftop yoga class at Fabrika

Accommodation Options

For anyone who prefers staying in the thick of things, booking a room in the Fabrika Hostel is a great choice. They offer affordable dorm beds, private rooms, and apartment-style suites, and there are plenty of common spaces for socializing and chilling. 

Fabrika isn’t the only place to stay in Tblisi, not by a long shot. The entire city is filled to the brim with accommodations that range from quaint B&Bs to full homes on Airbnb. 

Places to Eat

Because Georgia is surrounded by both European and Asian countries, its food is influenced by so many different cultures. Trust me when I say your taste buds will thank you for visiting Tblisi.

One of my favorite dishes is Khinkali, which is a dumpling filled with aromatic spices and meat. Another must-eat dish is Lobiani, which is a bean-filled flatbread that’s traditionally eaten at Barbaroba (the feast of St. Barbara). Then there’s Ajapsandali, which is essentially Georgia’s version of ratatouille. 

Now that you know what to eat, let’s talk about where. My time in Tblisi was filled with food, food, and more food, and a big reason for this is the hodgepodge of cool restaurants and cafés. One of my favorite areas to eat is Fabrika, Shavi Lomi in particular if you want authentic Georgian cuisine. 

You should also check out Wine Factory, an entire area converted from an old winery that’s now dedicated to cocktail bars and Georgian food. If you feel like taking time away from eating and drinking, take a tour of the original cellars that are rumored to have belonged to Napolean.

Bars & Nightlife

Keep in mind that I was visiting Tblisi during Covid times, so bar-hopping wasn’t a big part of my trip. Luckily, things have started to get back to normal, and there are plenty of exciting ways to spend your evenings.

The best areas for bar hopping are Fabrika and Wine Factory, especially if you want to sip on a refreshing cocktail (or 2). Fabrika area bars have a hip young vibe, like The Bartender and Nomad’s Corner.

For local craft beer, head to Tsota Tsota Craft Beer Pub. The brewery is located right at the source of the purest underground water, so they serve some pretty delicious beer in my opinion. 

Coworking in Tblisi

Tblisi has quickly become a digital nomad’s haven, and a big reason for this is the well-equipped coworking spaces, like LOKAL Tblisi. This is where I spent the majority of my time working, and not just because of the comfortable work desks and high-speed internet. 

If you prefer to work on the other side of the river near Fabrika, check out Impact Hub. This is officially a part of the Fabrika Complex, so if you’re staying at the hostel here, it’ll be a quick commute to your work desk. 

Another option is to visit different cafés and restaurants throughout the city with your laptop in hand. This is a great option if you want to try the local cuisine and experience the city while also getting some work done.