I feel ashamed to say it but I came to Georgia quite prejudiced. I expected a worn down post Soviet state and got to see a capital city that can easily stand next to most EU capitals and even beat them in numerous segments, from beauty to safety.
Tbilisi is a fantastic city and spending 3-4 days enjoying and exploring is a sweet spot I’d go for if I were to come back. City is full of life and happenings, with gorgeous facades (David Aghmashenebeli Avenue, holy moly), monuments and bridges. Unlike in Armenia, here you can avoid using YandexGo(as EU citizen I had problems with registration as it’s Russian app) and go with Bolt as a taxi option. Prices are very affordable and much cheaper compared to anywhere in EU as average salary in Georgia is about 450€.
I was truly suprised as to how clean everything is - city is very well mantained with almost no graffiti, wondeful street art and numerous souvenir shops. Unlike Armenia, in Georgia you feel very strong pro EU and pro Ukraine vibes (Russia occupies 20% of Georgian territory) and much more people speak English. People are generally quite hospitable and know how to deal with tourists.
Georgian food is fantastic and you will find Georgian restaurants on every corner offering wide range of local dishes.
Special hidden gem that I liked was Chronicles of Georgia - it’s a huge complex honoring the history and christian heritage of Georgia.
As the biggest downsides I would mention a lot of aggressive tourism workers trying to get you to go to their tour or sit in their restaurant. Also, was greatly dissapointed with Stalin museum. It could be such an interesting attraction but instead it greatly lacks any enthusiasm from their guides and it doesn’t offer much.
Also, had a horrible experience at Tbilisi airport that, for whatever reason, didn’t allow online check in but only decided to tell me that when I came to passport check.
Georgia is great and pit it high on your bucket list. Wish them best of luck in getting into EU!
Pic 1: night view of Tbilisi
2: Armenian church
3: Main church of Tbilisi
4: in front of Parliament
5: clock tower
6: night view
7 and 8: river views
9: mother Georgia monument
10: street graffiti
11: beautiful facade
12: city stadium
13: Chronicles
14: sea of Tbilisi
15: detail from city center
16: church and moon
17: meeting of rivers
18: inside of the Church
19: countryside views
20: detail from Stalin museum