A trending travel destination embracing diversity
Did you know the Georgian capital of Tbilisi continues to have a moment? While a small city, Tbilisi offers plenty of diversity to captivate many visitors. Tbilisi’s streets echo a diverse history, where Georgian Orthodox, Judaism, Armenian Apostolic, Russian Orthodox, Islam, Catholic, and Lutheran religions and structures mingle. The Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) launched the New Eastern Europe Religious Engagement Initiative in June to promote ongoing religious freedom. Contrastingly, modernity is encroaching as the capital attracts digital nomads, foodies, and fashion-obsessed youth. Sounds interesting? Read on for more details on this Georgian jewel!
Fashion finds
Do you know who is sporting Georgian fashion? Watch out for fashion luminaries, including Lorde, Kaia Gerber, and Gigi Hadid. They gravitate towards established and under-the-radar brands. After four years of pandemic difficulties and a neighboring war in the Ukraine, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi returned this year, bolstering tourism. MBFW Tbilisi, hosted in a former Coca-Cola factory, will soon become home to Georgia’s inaugural fashion school, crucial for bolstering the emerging fashion scene. To bring Tbilisi style into your lives now, you can find some notable highlights in fashion and lifestyle shops below!
Housed in a former wine factory, IERI, can be considered the only destination store selling strictly Georgian designers. Brands including Tata Naka, Sofio Gongli, Ingorokva, and Situationist come together under one roof brought there by creative director Anka Tsitsishvili. IERI offers free worldwide shipping and showcases the city’s fashion vibe through inspiring mood boards and editorials. More Is Love established itself as another find for contemporary local Georgian designers. A feminine, playful showroom showcases designers like Nina Zarqua (colorful feathered mules) and Babukhadia (utility separates). The online site makes for easy shopping from abroad.
Make sure to add Dry Bridge Market to your itinerary, an open-air flea market staged on the Dry Bridge (Mshrali Khidi) daily. Adjacent to Dedaena and 9 March parks, the market began in the ‘90s after the collapse of communism. Along with vendors selling Soviet memorabilia and household items, you can find crafts, souvenirs, and artwork. Speaking of artwork, Taso Gomelauri and Irina Jibuti make ceramics in the back of their sunlit shop, Ceramics 1300. In Tbilisi, hand-thrown and hand-glassed items come in subtle, off-kilter colors at accessible prices. You can also enjoy live music, a pop-up art exhibition, or grab a bite across the patio!
Good Stays
Plenty of inspiring and comfortable hotel options exist if you decide to visit. Stamba Hotel, a former Soviet publishing house turned design masterpiece, frequently ranks high on travel lists. The hotel maintains some original features, including a newer lounge/co-working space with bookshelves and a rooftop pool. With an idea of “bringing old and new Georgia together in the intellectual and cultural district of Vera,” Rooms Hotel caters to hyper-localist ideas. Part of the Millennium Collection, Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, in a towering glass skyscraper, can be considered the highest hotel in the Caucasus region. The modern setting offers all the amenities a business traveler might want—city and river views, a host of food and beverage outlets, and a relaxing sauna!
Authentic Georgian cuisine
Republic 24 features two of the city’s traditional restaurants with different chefs. Attracting a younger audience, Chef Levan Kobiashvili puts a high-end spin on chakapuli. Meanwhile, Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze runs a 24-hour restaurant (Fridays & Saturdays) featuring khashi, the Georgian hangover cure. Barbarestan takes inspiration from Chef Barbare Jorjadze’s century-old recipe book. The concept came to life when her son and his 11 children decided to open a family restaurant in her name.
Café Littera often makes the World’s 50 Best Discovery List for a fairytale-esque, charming garden behind a 120-year-old writer’s house. Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze focuses on modernizing Georgian flavors with international touches and a menu of Biodynamic wines. A visit to Wine Factory N1, an oenophile’s adventure, comes with several wine bars, dining, and shopping experiences. Cozy indoor and alfresco seating makes for the perfect visit in any weather!
Whether exploring Tbilisi online or traveling, consider all the options to enjoy this diverse and safe destination. Weigh in your favorites below!
