Carmen
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-23
After Albania, Georgia is TikTok’s second big darling: mountains of khinkali for 5 francs, wine tastings that are almost absurdly cheap, Caucasus panoras like Switzerland’s – just without Swiss prices. Part 2 of our series «Seen on TikTok. Travel drop checked.»: we do the maths to see whether Tbilisi really is Europe’s cheapest city break. Spoiler: on the ground, yes. But the journey changes the calculation.
What TikTok promises
The clips show old-town balconies in Tbilisi, sulphur baths for 10 francs, tables piled with khinkali and khachapuri for a fraction of western prices – and trips to Kazbegi, where the Gergeti Church stands beneath 5000-metre peaks. What the clips leave out: Georgia is not exactly around the corner. There are hardly any direct flights from Switzerland, and with a change en route, travel time quickly reaches 7 to 9 hours each way.
Getting there: the most expensive item
From Zurich or Geneva, you almost always travel via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines, Pegasus) or Warsaw (LOT) – return fares from 280 to 400 francs, depending on the season. That is the big difference compared with Albania: the flight costs almost twice as much. On the plus side, Georgia is not a seasonal destination – Tbilisi works beautifully in October or March too, when tickets are cheapest.
On the ground: cheaper than the hype
This is where Georgia even beats TikTok’s promises: a full dinner with khinkali, salad and house wine costs 8 to 15 francs, a double room in a guesthouse 25 to 40, the metro 20 rappen. The day trip to Kazbegi in a shared taxi: around 15 francs. Even smarter restaurants in Tbilisi stay below the price of a Zurich pizzeria. 40 to 50 francs a day is enough for a very good life.
The honest weekly total
One week in Tbilisi + Kazbegi day trip, per person: flight via Istanbul 320 francs, 6 nights in a guesthouse 120 (shared double room), food and drink 90, excursions and transport 50, sulphur bath and bits and pieces 30. Total: around 610 francs. On the ground, that makes Georgia cheaper than Albania – but the flight pushes the total above the 500-franc mark.
Conclusion: checked – cheap yes, bargain flight no
The series verdict: TikTok is right about prices on the ground, but understates the journey. If you only have a week and are watching your budget, Albania works out cheaper. If you have 10 to 14 days, Georgia gives you more for your money than almost anywhere else in Europe – and a country that still does not feel like a backdrop. Best in May, June, September or October.