Tbilisi, Georgia, is like Berlin, but with fewer people, Sturzaker said.
Claire Sturzaker/Tales of a Backpacker
Sturzaker went to Tbilisi, Georgiafor the first time in January. The city was cold, but it warmed up with Georgian feasts, including dumplings, cheese bread and dishes like garlic chicken.
The city is ideal for solo female travelers as it has a compact old town and affordable, easy-to-use public transportation systems.
“You could easily spend a week here exploring the different areas and taking day trips,” she said.
Sturzaker said Tbilisi has a similar vibe to Berlin.
“Everyone seemed cooler than hipster, if there is such a thing, just edgy enough and with really unique fashion,” she said. “People were all really nice too.”
And it's not just the local style that reminds him of the German city.
“Tbilisi has an interesting mix of architecture with unique and beautiful buildings all over the city, in different styles,” she said. “There are lots of cool bars and restaurants and different neighborhoods to explore.”
She added that the destination is ideal for digital nomads because there are a lot of cafes and coworking spaces.
Sturkaer recommends taking day trips outside the city to experience the region's wine history and breathtaking views.
“Take a tour of the Sighnaghi vineyards to learn about traditional Georgian wine, made in clay pots buried in the ground,” she told BI. “Visit the Chronicles of Georgia, a hilltop sculpture overlooking a reservoir just outside the city.”
If you're visiting in winter, Sturzaker also recommends skiing in Gudauri, two hours north of Tbilisi.
