Have you ever heard about Georgia? We are not talking about the United States but a country with beautiful sights in the Caucasus mountains.
Georgia is a one-of-a-kind country that you should add to your bucket list. From the cobblestone streets to the desserts and the ambiance, you can see Georgia any time of the year!
I visited Georgia during the winter season this year in 2024.
If you plan to visit, I have good news: There has never been a better time to see it as the country is much more affordable than the neighboring European countries.
If you are a Muslimah Solo Traveler who appreciates the intermesh of cultures, wants to travel cheaply, and is bored of overhyped destinations, Georgia, is one to consider.
Background of Georgia
Let’s discuss Georgia’s history for a moment. The country is situated between the Black Sea and shares the Caucasus Mountains on the south; with Russia on the north and Azerbaijan to the southeast.
According to BBC, Georgia is at a strategically important crossroads where Europe meets Asia (and it is next to Turkiye!). It has a unique and ancient cultural heritage and is renowned for its traditions of hospitality and cuisine.
Did you know, that Georgia was also once part of the Soviet Union? That makes it so interesting to visit especially if you don’t come from a country that had no historical influence by the Soviet Union!
This Article Features All My Experiences in Georgia as a Muslimah Who Solo Travels, Which I Will Share!
1. Stroll Around The Beauty of Old Tbilisi
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia is home to many well-preserved old buildings.
Particularly, The Old Town features charming cobblestone streets and Eastern Orthodox churches on hills. The beauty of the river is just waiting to be explored for any travelers.
How do you stroll around Old Tbilisi?
Once you arrive there, you can walk around old Tbilisi because the landmarks are close to each other, or you can use Bolt (Online transportation in Georgia).
You can learn more about Bolt in my previous Caucasus article here!
2. Try Khinkali (meat dumplings)
Khinkali is a traditional Georgian food. The original is made with meat or beef, but be careful if it contains pork! Make sure to visit a halal restaurant to try Khinkali.
I tried it at a Turkish halal restaurant in Tbilisi. They offered different kinds like original (steamed) or, my favorite, the fried one.
3. Pray in Juma Mosque.
When I solo travel to another country as a Muslimah, one of the things I wonder about is the availability of a mosque.
In Georgia, you can The Juma Mosque right in the heart of Tbilisi, below the Narikala Fortress.
Its stunning mosaic facade attracts a lot of attention from visitors.
MST Tip: It was very crowded during Friday prayers. But a spiritual ambiance that is worth experiencing especially traveling here!
4. Discover Mtatsminda and Enjoy Tbilisi City Views with a Funicular Ride
If you love city views, then you’d love Mtatsminda! The funicular makes it easy for you to venture here on your own without needing to hike (which takes hours!)
Enjoy the stunning view of Mtatsminda Park and dine at the spacious Funicular complex restaurant.
The Funicular is operational every day from 9 a.m. until midnight so that you can ride it at night, and I’m sure it will be a fantastic experience.
- The cost for one trip is 8 GEL (2.97 USD), and you can buy the ticket at the counter or here in Viator
Mtatsminda Park Tours and Tickets
Experience the once third-most-visited entertainment center in the USSR via the tours and tickets available on Viator
5. Narikala Fortress is a Must-Visit If You Appreciate Old Buildings!
____Narikala Fortress (location)Credit: Tia/Muslim Solo Travel
If you’re a Muslimah Solo Traveler who loves old buildings that stood time, then a visit to The Narikala Fortress is a must!
While Tbilisi itself is already so gorgeous, this is considered one of the oldest surviving landmarks in Tbilisi and a city icon that you must visit.
You can reach it by taking a leisurely walk to the hills or using the cable car, which costs 2.5 GEL (0.93 USD) for one trip and operates from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Personally, I took the cable car one-way and then walked back to the city from the hill.
- Directions to Narikala Fortress here
Discover Tbilisi: Hidden Gems and Iconic Sights Walking Tour
Explore Tbilisi through the eyes of a local, some sights include Bridge of Peace, Narikala Fortress and more!
6. Take A Selfie With Mother of Georgia!
While visiting Narikala Fortress, walk a little further to see the giant statue of the Mother of Georgia, also known as the Kartlis Deda.
____The Landmark Mother of GeorgiaCredit: Tia/Muslim Solo Travel
Mother of Georgia is a national symbol that symbolizes the country’s identity. What’s unique about Mother of Georgia is that you’d be able to see her holding a sword! If you’ve traveled quite a bit, you know it’s not common to see a female figure that.
Although as Muslims we don’t do and believe in statues, encountering monuments when traveling can be a mini reminder that is up to one’s interpretation. And we have to say, it’s a nice remembrance from Mother of Georgia that all of us (and You Too!) can travel independently.
MST Disclaimer
You can stroll around, take pictures, and enjoy the view of the surrounding hills. Or even go on a little excursion at the park nearby (directions).
- Directions to Mother of Georgia here.
7. Walking Through The Bridge of Peace
Anybody who loves bridge here?
This very bridge is located on the Mtkvari River in the center of Tbilisi.
It is a beautiful bridge with a glass floor, symbolizing unity and harmony for pedestrians.
MST Tip: The best walking view is at night because you will see beautiful lights!
- Directions to the Bridge of Peace here
Discover Tbilisi: Hidden Gems and Iconic Sights Walking Tour
Explore Tbilisi through the eyes of a local, some sights include Bridge of Peace, Narikala Fortress and more!
8. Try Lumier’s Chimney
If you have a sweet tooth, you should try the Chimney cake!
Chimney cake is one of my favorite desserts from Georgia. My favorite flavor is Chimney cake with vanilla ice cream!
- You can expect one Chimney Cake to cost about 10 GEL (3.72 USD). The best part is that it can be combined with as many toppings as you like!
- Get Chimney Cake from The Lumier’s Chimney throughout Tbilisi (location)
9. Take a Solo Day Tour to The Caucasus Mountains (Especially in Winter!)
“Where else should I visit besides Tbilisi?”
If this question crosses your mind, and you have extra time in Tbilisi, here is the answer! I suggest you to take a one-day tour of the Caucasus mountains, which are Kazbegi and Gudauri mountains. Read my do’s and don’ts from experiencing Caucasus here.
I recently went on a day trip from Old Tbilisi with WST, the best travel company in Tbilisi. You can check it out here! The price is 30 USD per person, and you can experience a winter trip in the Caucasus just like I did.
WST Tour Package(s) in Georgia
From city tours in Tbilisi to day tours throughout Georgia!
Things To Do Alone in Georgia As A Muslimah – My Verdict:
From my experience of traveling solo to Georgia, I would say it was a hidden gem in Europe. What makes Georgia unique? As I mentioned before, it’s because of its crossroads where Europe meets Asia. Therefore, Georgia has a lot of culture, history, and beautiful places.
As a Muslimah Solo Traveler, I recommend Georgia to anyone who wants to travel alone. There is no need to worry because Muslim-friendly and Halal restaurants exist, especially in Old Tbilisi. You’ll easily get reliable and secure public transport in Tbilisi so you can navigate through independently.
Plus, Georgia is still not as crowded as the usual European countries, and the costs are affordable for budget travelers.
It was a wonderful Winter trip. I will come again to Georgia. Does anybody want to join me? Let me know in the comments!