We boarded our flight from Bangalore to Delhi and then from Delhi to Tbilisi on a Saturday, planning to keep Sunday for settling in and resting before starting the first week, which was a work week for me.
Landing in Tbilisi around midnight, we used the airport’s internet to book a Bolt taxi, which made the hour-long commute to our Airbnb seamless. The drive was mesmerizing, with distant hills glowing under the city lights. Despite the late hour, the streets were alive with people, cars, and weekend vibes, creating an exciting first impression of the city.
Our Airbnb host, Alexy, had left the keys in a locker, ensuring a smooth check-in. The cozy one-bedroom apartment greeted us warmly, featuring two beautiful balconies—one connected to the living room and the other to the bedroom. It was the perfect start to our month-long adventure in Georgia.
That same morning, we stumbled upon a tiny bakery run by an elderly woman near our stay. She baked traditional Georgian delights, and the warm, fresh aroma instantly brightened our day. It was a simple yet heartwarming start to our time in Tbilisi.
The plan for the day started with getting groceries for the week, and as always, the go-to place was the local market. We found Dezerter Bazaar, a vibrant market within walking distance from our stay. Walking through the streets of Tbilisi was a treat in itself, with stunning architecture lining the way, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Dezerter Bazaar has everything you could need—fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, meat, eggs, and more. However, the ideal time to visit is early morning when the market is bustling with activity. We arrived in the afternoon, and by then, many stalls had already closed. Despite that, we managed to gather everything we needed for the week, focusing on ingredients to cook quick and healthy meals with the limited kitchen facilities at our Airbnb.
It was a perfect mix of exploration and practicality, giving us a glimpse into local life while setting up for a comfortable stay.
With this, we were all set for the first week. We also took some time to plan activities for our son, starting with exploring nearby parks to keep him engaged in the coming days.
When traveling with kids, one of the most important considerations is how to keep them engaged. Their natural curiosity and boundless energy mean they can’t sit idle for long. To ensure a smooth trip, we planned ahead by identifying activities he enjoys and spaces where he could play, explore, and unwind. Finding nearby parks was part of this preparation, offering him a chance to stay active while allowing us to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Day Routine in Tbilisi
Like many locals, we started our days late. My remote work hours were from 10 AM to 6 PM—better than in India—allowing for a few hours of overlap with the U.S. timezone. My workdays were interspersed with breaks for tea, lunch, and refreshing walks. The post-lunch strolls were particularly enjoyable, soaking in the charm of old streets and historic architecture. A half-hour to an hour of walking felt effortless.
During the day, my wife and son explored nearby parks. On other days, they stayed in and engaged in activities like drawing, painting, puzzles, and crafts. After work, we dedicated our evenings to wandering through the streets for 2-3 hours almost daily—sampling street food, discovering great restaurants, and indulging in authentic Georgian cuisine. Khinkali (dumplings) and Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) quickly became our favorites, often paired with local Georgian beer, which came in an impressive variety.
