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Georgia Caucasus

What to Pack for Tbilisi, Georgia

From sulfur baths in Abanotubani to Orthodox cathedrals on the hilltop, Tbilisi demands a mix of modest layers, sturdy walking shoes, and enough room in your bag for a few bottles of Georgian wine.

4 seasons covered
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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Overview
  3. Spring (Mar-May)
  4. Summer (Jun-Aug)
  5. Fall (Sep-Nov)
  6. Winter (Dec-Feb)
  7. Packing Tips
  8. FAQ

Quick answer

Pack layers for Tbilisi's continental climate, where summer days hit 95°F and winter nights drop below freezing. Bring a lightweight scarf for Orthodox church visits (women must cover their heads), sturdy walking shoes for the city's steep cobblestone hills, and a plug adapter for Georgia's Type C/F outlets at 220V.

Seasons

4 seasons covered

Region

Caucasus

Temp range

28-95°F

Country

Georgia

Pack layers for Tbilisi's continental climate, where summer days hit 95°F and winter nights drop below freezing. Bring a lightweight scarf for Orthodox church visits (women must cover their heads), sturdy walking shoes for the city's steep cobblestone hills, and a plug adapter for Georgia's Type C/F outlets at 220V. The Georgian Lari (GEL) is the local currency. US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to one year.

Tbilisi sits in a river valley at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and packing for it means preparing for genuine seasonal extremes. Summers push past 90°F with dry heat that bakes the Old Town streets. Winters drop below freezing with occasional snow. Spring and fall are the sweet spots, offering pleasant temperatures and the best hiking conditions in the surrounding Caucasus foothills.

The city is built on hills, and you will climb. From the winding lanes of the Old Town up to Narikala Fortress, from the Dry Bridge flea market down to the sulfur baths in Abanotubani, every day in Tbilisi involves elevation changes on uneven cobblestones and cracked sidewalks. Comfortable, grippy shoes are not optional.

Georgia is a deeply Orthodox country, and the dress code at churches and monasteries is strictly enforced. Women need to cover their heads and shoulders, and should wear a skirt or wrap over pants. Men need long pants and covered shoulders. Most churches keep loaner scarves and skirts at the entrance, but carrying your own lightweight scarf saves time and feels more comfortable. Outside of religious sites, Tbilisi is surprisingly fashion-forward. Locals dress well, and the cafe culture on Rustaveli Avenue and in Vera has a distinctly European feel.

Temperature: 45-75°F°F APR 26 Temperatures climb steadily from chilly March mornings around 45°F to warm May afternoons near 75°F. April and May are the wettest months, with frequent afternoon showers and occasional thunderstorms. Wildflowers bloom across the hillsides, and outdoor cafe culture kicks into gear along Rustaveli Avenue. Early spring still feels like winter on cold days, so layers are essential.

👕Clothing

Essentials

  • Lightweight long-sleeve shirts x4 (Temperature swings from morning to afternoon can be 20°F)
  • T-shirts or short-sleeve tops x3
  • Medium-weight jacket or fleece (March and early April mornings are genuinely cold)
  • Packable rain jacket (April and May bring frequent afternoon showers)
  • Jeans or casual trousers x2
  • Lightweight scarf or pashmina (Required for church visits. Women cover hair and shoulders.)
  • Skirt or wrap skirt (for women) (Many churches expect women to wear a skirt over pants)
  • Underwear x7
  • Light sweater for evenings

Nice to Have

  • Lightweight pajamas x2

👟Footwear

Essentials

  • Sturdy walking shoes with grip (Cobblestones and steep hills are the norm in Old Town)
  • Flip-flops or shower shoes (For sulfur baths and hostel showers)

Nice to Have

  • Waterproof hiking boots or shoes (For day hikes to Mtatsminda or the Tbilisi National Park trails)
  • Casual evening shoes (Tbilisi restaurant culture is more polished than you might expect)

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+) (Spring sun gets strong by May, especially on Narikala Fortress hikes)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Imodium and digestive aids (Georgian cuisine is rich with cheese, bread, and wine)
  • Prescription medications in original containers
  • Hand sanitizer

Nice to Have

  • Allergy medication (Pollen is heavy in April and May)
  • Travel-size toiletries (Local pharmacies (aptiaki) are well-stocked and affordable)

📱Electronics & Gear

Essentials

  • Type C/F plug adapter (Georgia uses 220V. Check your devices for dual voltage support.)
  • Smartphone with offline maps
  • Portable charger (10,000+ mAh)
  • USB charging cables x2
  • Polarized sunglasses

Nice to Have

  • Camera (Old Town Tbilisi is absurdly photogenic at golden hour)

📄Documents & Money

Essentials

  • Passport (valid 6+ months)
  • Printed copy of passport and accommodation
  • Travel insurance documentation
  • Debit card with no foreign transaction fees (ATMs dispense Georgian Lari at good rates)
  • Credit card (Visa or Mastercard) (Widely accepted at restaurants and hotels)
  • Small amount of Lari in cash (For marshrutkas, market vendors, and taxi tips)

🎒Day Bag Essentials

Essentials

  • Small daypack or crossbody bag
  • Reusable water bottle (Tbilisi tap water is safe to drink)
  • Compact umbrella (Spring showers are frequent and can start without warning)

Nice to Have

  • Wine bottle protector sleeve (You will want to bring Georgian wine home)
  • Phrasebook or translation app (Georgian script is unique. Google Translate handles it well.)

Packing Tips for Tbilisi

  1. 1 Carry a lightweight scarf at all times. Georgian Orthodox churches require women to cover their hair and shoulders, and many expect a skirt over pants. A scarf solves both problems and doubles as warmth in air-conditioned restaurants.
  2. 2 Tbilisi is built on hills. Expect to walk up steep grades on cobblestone and cracked pavement daily. Shoes with ankle support and good tread will save your feet and your knees.
  3. 3 Bring a universal plug adapter for Type C/F outlets at 220V. US devices that only support 120V (like hair dryers without dual voltage) will need a voltage converter or you risk burning them out.
  4. 4 Georgian Lari (GEL) is the only accepted currency. ATMs are plentiful in Tbilisi and dispense Lari at fair rates. Many restaurants and shops accept Visa and Mastercard, but market vendors and marshrutka (minibus) drivers need cash.
  5. 5 If you plan to visit the sulfur baths in Abanotubani, book a private room in advance at Gulo's or Chreli-Abano. Bring your own flip-flops and a swimsuit. Towels and scrub mitts (kisi) are usually provided.
  6. 6 Georgian wine is world-class and inexpensive. Leave space in your bag or bring a wine bottle protector sleeve. A bottle of good Saperavi or Rkatsiteli costs $5 to $10 at local shops.
  7. 7 Tbilisi tap water is safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle and skip the plastic ones. The city also has free public drinking fountains scattered throughout the Old Town.
  8. 8 Download the Bolt app for rides. It works like Uber and is the most reliable way to get around. Rides across the city rarely cost more than 5 to 10 GEL ($2 to $4 USD).

Tbilisi Travel Guide

First Time in Tbilisi: The $50/Day City Where Wine Is 8,000 Years Old and Dinner Comes With 15 Toasts

4-day itinerary, daily costs, neighborhoods, and local tips

→

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for Tbilisi, Georgia?
Pack layers suited to the season. Tbilisi has genuine four-season weather, from below-freezing winters to 95°F summers. Regardless of when you visit, bring a lightweight scarf for Orthodox church visits, sturdy walking shoes for the steep cobblestone hills, a Type C/F plug adapter for 220V outlets, and a debit card that works at Georgian ATMs. Leave space for wine purchases.
What is the dress code for churches in Georgia?
Georgian Orthodox churches require modest dress. Women must cover their heads and shoulders, and many churches expect a skirt covering the knees rather than tight pants. Men need long pants and covered shoulders. Most churches keep loaner scarves and wrap skirts at the entrance, but carrying your own lightweight scarf is more hygienic and convenient. Always ask permission before taking photos inside.
Do I need a visa for Georgia as a US citizen?
No. US citizens can stay in Georgia for up to one year without a visa. You need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. No advance registration or arrival card is required. Georgia has one of the most generous visa-free policies in the world for American travelers.
What power adapter do I need for Georgia?
Georgia uses Type C and Type F plugs at 220V and 50Hz. US travelers need a plug adapter, and should verify their devices support dual voltage (110V to 240V). Most modern phone chargers and laptop adapters handle dual voltage automatically. Hair dryers, curling irons, and electric shavers often do not, and plugging a 120V-only device into a 220V outlet will damage it.
What should I bring to the sulfur baths in Tbilisi?
Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a small towel. The private rooms at most bathhouses provide towels and kisi (scrub mitts), but bringing your own flip-flops is more hygienic. Book a private room at Gulo's Thermal Spa or Chreli-Abano in advance, especially on weekends. Budget 80 to 150 GEL ($30 to $55 USD) for a private room with a scrub treatment.
Is Tbilisi tap water safe to drink?
Yes. Tbilisi's tap water is safe to drink and tastes clean. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill throughout the day. The Old Town has public drinking fountains as well. If you travel to rural areas outside Tbilisi, ask locals about the water quality before drinking from the tap.
What currency do I need in Tbilisi?
Georgia uses the Georgian Lari (GEL). One USD converts to roughly 2.70 GEL. ATMs are widely available in Tbilisi and dispense Lari at competitive rates. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and larger shops. Cash is needed for marshrutka minibuses, market vendors, and small cafes in the Old Town.
What should I NOT bring to Tbilisi?
Skip heavy formal attire, beach resort gear, and US-only electronics without dual voltage support. You do not need malaria medication or special vaccinations for Tbilisi. Avoid bringing only shorts and tank tops because you will need modest clothing for the many church and monastery visits that make up a core part of the Tbilisi experience.

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Plug types, visa, cultural notes, and regional packing across Georgia.

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