Georgia is one of the most affordable travel destinations in Europe, offering incredible landscapes, delicious food, and rich culture—all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a backpacker or just looking to stretch your travel budget, these local tips will help you explore Georgia without overspending.
1. Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Where to Stay Cheap in Georgia
Georgia offers a range of affordable accommodation options:
- Hostels – Budget travelers can find comfortable hostels in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi for as low as $5–$15 per night.
- Guesthouses – Many family-run guesthouses in cities and rural areas provide warm hospitality, often including homemade breakfast, for around $10–$25 per night.
- Airbnb & Apartments – Renting an apartment is cost-effective for longer stays, with prices starting at $20 per night.
- Couchsurfing – If you’re open to meeting locals, Couchsurfing is a great way to find free accommodation while experiencing Georgian hospitality firsthand.
👉 Pro Tip: Book accommodation directly instead of through international booking platforms to negotiate lower prices.
2. Eat Like a Local: Cheap but Delicious Georgian Food
Georgian cuisine is filling, delicious, and affordable. Here’s how to eat well on a budget:
- Street Food & Local Bakeries – Try khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) or lobiani (bean-stuffed bread) for just $1–$2.
- Market Fresh Produce – Buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy from local bazaars at a fraction of supermarket prices.
- Budget-Friendly Eateries (Sakhinkle & Sakhachapure) – These traditional diners serve khinkali (dumplings) for around $0.30 per piece and full meals for $3–$5.
- Lunch Specials – Many restaurants offer business lunch menus with soup, salad, and a main course for $5–$7.
- Tap Water – Save money on bottled water! Georgia has clean, drinkable tap water, especially from its mountain springs.
👉 Pro Tip: Avoid touristy restaurants in Old Tbilisi, as they tend to be overpriced. Instead, ask locals for recommendations.
3. Affordable Transportation: How to Get Around for Less
Public transport in Georgia is incredibly cheap compared to Western countries:
- Tbilisi Metro & Buses – A metro or bus ride costs just 1 GEL ($0.35) with a Tbilisi Transport Card.
- Marshrutkas (Minibuses) – The best way to travel between cities; a ride from Tbilisi to Batumi or Kutaisi costs $5–$10.
- Train Travel – The Tbilisi-Batumi train is comfortable and costs $10–$20, depending on the class.
- Ride-Sharing Apps – Bolt and Yandex Go are cheaper than regular taxis, with rides starting at $2.
👉 Pro Tip: Always check prices with locals before taking a marshrutka to avoid being overcharged.
4. Budget-Friendly Attractions & Free Activities
You don’t need to spend much to experience Georgia’s beauty. Many top attractions are either free or very cheap:
- Free Walking Tours – Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi offer free guided tours (tips appreciated).
- Hiking & Nature – The Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi, Mestia, and Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park have amazing hiking trails at no cost.
- Religious Sites – Most churches and monasteries, like Jvari, Gergeti Trinity, and Alaverdi, are free to visit.
- Wine Tasting in Kakheti – Many small wineries offer free or low-cost wine tastings if you show interest in buying a bottle.
👉 Pro Tip: Check out the Tbilisi Botanical Garden or the Chronicles of Georgia monument, which are both free and offer stunning views.
5. How to Save on Tours & Excursions
Instead of expensive guided tours, consider these cheaper options:
- DIY Day Trips – Many destinations like Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe, and David Gareja can be visited by public transport instead of hiring a private tour.
- Group Tours – If you prefer guided experiences, look for small group tours instead of private ones to save money.
- Hitchhiking – In rural Georgia, hitchhiking is common and relatively safe. Locals are often happy to give rides to travelers.
👉 Pro Tip: If you need a private driver for a day trip, negotiate prices in advance to avoid surprises.
6. Shopping & Souvenirs: How to Avoid Tourist Prices
- Markets Over Malls – Instead of shopping at overpriced tourist shops, visit Dry Bridge Flea Market in Tbilisi for unique souvenirs.
- Buy Wine Direct from Wineries – It’s often cheaper than buying from stores.
- Negotiate Prices – Haggling is expected at markets but not in supermarkets.
7. SIM Cards & Internet: Save on Data
Getting a local SIM card is cheaper than using roaming. The best options:
- Magti, Beeline, or Silknet offer tourist SIM packages for $3–$5 with generous data plans.
- Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, and even public parks.
8. Budget-Friendly Destinations in Georgia
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, these cities and regions are great options:
- Kutaisi – Cheaper than Tbilisi, with nearby attractions like Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon.
- Svaneti – Stunning mountain views, budget guesthouses, and free hiking trails.
- Borjomi – Affordable spa town with mineral water springs and scenic nature.
Final Thoughts
Traveling Georgia on a budget is easy if you know where to go and what to avoid. By following these tips, you can experience the country’s breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and rich history without overspending.
💡 Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? Check out our curated list of affordable hotels and guesthouses across Georgia to plan your perfect trip!
