Dmanisi paleoarcheological discoveries have changed scientists’ knowledge concerning the migration of Homo erectus from Africa to Eurasia. Hominids found in eastern Georgia date back to 1.8 million years and are the oldest and most primitive (small-brained) population of Homo erectus found beyond Africa. This discovery questions the widely believed hypothesis that the evolution of big brains was a driving factor for the exodus out of Africa and opens the doors to future theories and hypothesis.

The world’s oldest and historically most important trade route, which linked China, Central Asia, India, Arabia and Rome/Byzantium, passed through Georgia. One of the branches of the northern route crossed the South Caucasus and then went through Georgia to Byzantium. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Ottoman Turks “closed” the Black Sea, which left Georgia off the Silk Road.

Argonautica, the classic telling of Apollonius of Rhodes, was composed in the 3rd century BC and was based on the earlier sources that have not survived. However, it is known that the story of the Golden Fleece was current in the time of Homer (8th century BC). In those times Greeks thought Colchis to be at the edge of the world and travelling there was considered to be quite risky. Jason and his Argonauts had to perform “mission impossible”, travel to a region where no man had been before. Having arrived in King Aeetes’ palace in Aya (present day Kutaisi), the Argonauts were astonished by the wealth of king’s courts. They were mainly impressed by wide gates, garden vines and four fountains gushing with milk, wine, fragrant oil and water, which grew warm at the setting of the Pleiads, and which in turn at their rising bubbled forth from the hollow rock, cold as crystal.

The Greek myth should not be considered a fairytale. It is known a known fact that ever since the ancient times Georgians knew how to find gold, silver and copper by placing sheepskins in a streaming river. This tradition is still practiced in the villages of Svaneti region. The authenticity of the myth of the Golden Fleece is further proved by the numerous objects of the period found during the archaeological excavations, made in gold, silver and bronze. At present they are kept in different museums in Georgia and abroad.

Medea was the daughter of King Aeetes of Colhis, the granddaughter of Sun god Helios and the niece of Circle. The last one was a sorceress, a magician, and a herbalist who taught young Medea how to mix potions. Medea knew the magical properties of herbs and the appropriate plants for healing.

Thanks to the region’s rich natural resources and its geographical location, Georgia developed metallurgical traditions, which go back to the Early Bronze Age. Unearthed articrafts from this period already demonstrate the advanced skills both in bronze metallurgy and in working with precious metals. Eastern Georgia was rich with gold mines, while west had gold-bearing rivers. Greek authors report on the method of collecting gold, a method that is still practiced in mountainous Svaneti region using sheepskins as sieves, so that gold grains would get caught in fleece. Such fleece might have been the inspiration for the myth of Argonauts.

Georgia adopted Christianity as a state religion in 337 AD. St. Nino was a Cappadocia woman who converted Georgia. Before that, already in 1st century AD, apostles of Christ: Andrew the First-Called, Simon the Zealot (Simeon the Canaanite) and Matthias visited and preached Christianity in Georgia. Along with the Apostles’ mission to the region, the beginning of Christianity in Georgia is also linked to the burial of Christ’s robe in the royal garden in Mtskheta.

Earliest known production of wine made by fermenting grapes, from as early as 6000 BC took place in Georgia. Archeological excavations in Kvemo Kartli region have unearthed petrified grape pips dating back to the Neolithic era. Traditionally wine was fermented in large beeswax-lined clay vessels called qvevri, which were buried underground. This tradition is still widely practiced; many wineries employ the same winemaking techniques that existed thousands of years ago. In December 2013, ancient qvevri wine-making method joined Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Nowadays there are 525 indigenous grape varieties grown in Georgia The best-known wine making regions are Kakheti, Kartli, Racha-lechkhumi. The vintage, Rtveli, in Georgia has become a real autumn celebration.

Georgian language is a member of Kartvelian (Georgian) language family, which is the sub-group of Ibero-Caucasian language group. It does not have any similarities even with North Caucasian language families. Although Georgian is the literary language for all regional subgroups, in addition to Kartuli (Georgian) there are Svanuri and Megruli languages spoken in the west of the country. Many non-native speakers find Georgian pronunciation difficult. For example word ვბრდღვნი/vbrdgvni, has seven consonants in a row.

Leonti Mroveli, the 11th century Georgian historian believes that Georgian script was created in the 3rd century BC. However, the oldest surviving inscriptions and literary works date from the 5th century AD. Georgian has been written in three different scripts over its history. The current one is Mkhedruli (military), which has 33 letters in common use.

Although Georgia is only 69,700 square kilometers large, its biodiversity in terms of ecosystems is immense: semi-deserts, subtropics, wetlands, coasts, numerous lakes and rivers, caves, alpine meadows, gorgeous mountain-chains and peaks eternally covered with snow.

Georgians are well aware of this remarkable richness as there is a multitude of nature-protected areas. Georgia takes pride in 14 Strict Nature Reserves, 9 National Parks, 17 Managed Nature Reserves, 14 Natural Monuments and 2 Protected Landscapes. Most of these protected areas consist of forests. Forest comprises 40 % of the country, from which 5% is classified as genuinely ‘virgin’.

Georgia’s bountiful nature is rich in plant species: Up to 5,000 angiosperms (with flowers) and gymnosperms (with naked seeds), about 8,300 crytogams (with spores). Most importantly 380-plant species are endemic to Georgia and around 1,000 are endemic to the Caucasus.

Furthermore, there are more indigenous animals in Georgia than in any other country in Europe (excluding Russia). There are around 110 species of mammals, more than 350 species of birds, 48 species of reptiles, 11 species of amphibians and 160 species of fish. Georgian hills and mountains are home to large carnivores like wolves, brown bears, jackals and lynx. These prey on and live with many hoofed animals: roe deer, red deer, chamois, wild boar, wild goat and the endemic Caucasian tur ‘jikhvi’ (related to the European ibex).

This diversity of its ecosystem makes Georgia a favorable bird watching spot. As all nature areas are very close to each other, it is possible to spot birds in completely different habitats in a short period of time. Special attention should be given to the birds of which many are extremely rare in Europe. Approximately half of the species breed in the country, while the rest use it for wintering, roosting or stopover sites.

Caucasian Snowcock (endemic), Caucasian Black Grouse (endemic), Great Rosefinch, Güldenstädt’s Redstart and Caucasian Chiffchaff (endemic) are the “Big Five” which are the most interesting species for birdwatchers. Here is the list of other special birds for the region: Twite, Red-fronted Serin, Wallcreeper, Citrine Wagtail, White-winged Snowfinch, Red-billed and Alpine Choughs, Chukar, Horned Lark, Water Pipit, Greenish Warbler, Barred Warbler, Alpine Accentor, Common Rosefinch and dozens of other species. Common raptors include: Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Long-legged Buzzard, and Levant Sparrowhawk.

In 2016 Georgia is ranked as number sixteen in “ease of doing business”. It outranked countries such as Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France, Switzirland, Spain as well as its neighbours: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Russia. Setting up a business in Georgia is a straightforward process. Procedures are simple and it only takes a day to register a business. In the last ten years, Georgia has been leading in the rank of fast improving business environments.

Ushguli is the secret heart of upper Svaneti region. It is a community of 4 villages where around 70 families (200 people) reside. The area is snow-covered for 6 months and in this period it is often cut off from the rest of the populated areas. In Ushguli one can find typical Svanetian medieval watchtowers, which date back 8th-12th century. The towers defended inhabitants from the enemies as well and protected houses from the avalanches. They also symbolized the strength of family; the greater tower representing the stronger family. The highest mountain of Georgia and the second highest of the Caucasus range, Mount Shkara (5068 m.) is located in the province and is an amazing background to the village.

• Bagrati cathedral and Gelati monastery

Bagrati cathedral is located on the hill on the left bank of the River Rioni and is a distinct landmark of the city of Kutaisi. The Cathedral was built in 1003 in the period when different kingdoms of Georgia started uniting under the rule of Bagrationi dynasty. It symbolized the political strength and unity of the country. In 1691, cathedral was partly destroyed by explosion caused by Ottoman troops that invaded the Kingdom of Imereti. The ruins of Bagrati cathedral, which had nothing else than the sky as a roof, was so impressive that in 1997, UNESCO decided to include it on their heritage list. Bagrati cathedral was rebuilt by Georgian Orthodox church in 2012. Modern renovation styles led to controversial opinion among Georgians and people of UNESCO. Despite many discussions Bagrati still remains on the UNESCO list.

Gelati Monastery was built during the golden age of Georgian history. King David IV “the Builder” (1089-1125) began building the monastery in 1106. The monastery was completed in 1130 in the reign of his son and successor Demetre. Next to the monastery David built an academy, which was one of the most important centres of culture, science and education in Georgia. The monastery contains several buildings from different periods. The Gelati Monastery has preserved a great number of murals and manuscripts. Outstanding example is the altar mosaic (12th century) of the main church, which depicts the Virgin with the child flanked by archangels. In 1994, Gelati monastery and Bagrati cathedral were included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list as a single entity.

• Historical monuments of Mtskheta

Mtskheta is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is located in eastern Georgia at the confluence of Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers and is only 20 km. away from Tbilisi. During 3rd century BC – 5th century AD Mtskheta used to be a capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia. Also, the Great Silk Road used to pass through Mtskheta. This city was the site of early Christian activity, and the location where Christianity was proclaimed as the state religion (337), when the Cappadocian woman St. Nino arrived to enlighten the country. After centuries Mtskheta still remains a religious heart of the country.

In 1994, due to its historical significance and numerous outstanding examples of medieval architectural monuments, the “Historical Monuments of Mtskheta” became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jvari monastery was built on the site of a pagan temple where St. Nino erected a large wooden cross as a symbol of victory over paganism. The complex contains several buildings from different periods. The main church of cruciform was built between year 586 and 604. It is characterized by the balanced harmony of proportions and perfect adjustments of moderate decorations with tectonic architectural forms. Afterwards, the decoration of Jvari facades with stone curved figural and decorative scenes became common feature in Georgian churches. Furthermore, the exceptional location of the Jvari monastery – built on a cliff overlooking Mtskheta, together with its harmonious interaction with the surrounding landscape, is what makes Jvari truly unique.

The Svetitskhoveli cathedral complex is located in the centre of Mtskheta and includes the 11th century cathedral, the palace and gates from the same period, and the 18th-century gates. Svetitskhoveli is the second largest cathedral in Georgia and represents the highest peak of development in medieval Georgian architecture. Furthermore, Svetitskhoveli is known as the burial site of Christ’s robe and remains one of the most beloved worship places of Georgians.

• Upper Svaneti

Located in the northwest of Georgia, the Upper Svaneti has kept a remarkable degree of its original medieval appearance throughout the centuries, which often makes it referred to as the most authentic part of the country. The region is notable for its glaciers and picturesque summits, some of which are higher than 5000 meters. Small mountain-slope villages, which can contain up to 200 medieval watchtowers, depict the typical landscape of the region. In 1996, due to its antiquity and fantastically remote atmosphere, UNESCO declared Upper Svaneti a World Heritage Site.

Georgian polyphonic singing (2008), ancient Georgian traditional qvevri wine-making method (2013) and living culture of three writing systems of the Georgian alphabet (2016) are included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In 1977, NASA placed a phonograph record (so-called “Golden Record”) containing sounds and images from earth on a board of Voyager 2. Should the interstellar space in the distant future bring the Golden Record to other (potentially existing) civilizations, and should these civilizations discover the recorded message, they will know about the diversity of life and culture on Earth. Georgian song “Chakrulo” is one of the 27 musical selections from different cultures and eras, which is now travelling in the spacecraft. At this moment, Voyager 2 is 16 billion kilometers away from Earth and continues its journey towards the infinite.

Multi-voiced singing and choral character are the most remarkable features of Georgian folk music. Many researchers agree that Georgian polyphonic singing pre-dates Christianity and that it is one of the world’s most lively preserved polyphonic musical traditions. Georgian polyphonic music is characterized by diversity of forms, where interrelation of voices (two, three or even four) create complex harmonic contrapuntal combinations. For these reasons Georgian polyphonic singing was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

Katie Melua is of Georgian origin. Born and raised in Georgia up till the age of 9, her family and she first moved to Northern Ireland and later on to England. She made her musical debut in 2003 and her first two albums became international number ones. Katie is a proud citizen of Britain but considers herself Georgian and every year returns to her childhood home.

Georgia joined the Junior Eurovision Song contest in 2007 and since then has won three times (2008, 2011, 2016). In 2012 and 2017 Georgia was voted as the runner-up. All in all this is the best result any country has ever achived on the Junior Eurovision.

Georgia always ranks high in the Olympics, World and European Championships in wrestling and judo. Since the first appearance of Georgia as an independent country in the 1994 Olympics, the country has won 40 Olympic medals (10 Gold, 12 Silver, 18 Bronze), 19 of which are in wrestling and 12 in judo. The other nine medals were won in weightlifting (7), shooting (1) and boxing (1).

Besides the above-mentioned individual sports, Georgia has also shown good results in three team sports: chess, rugby and basketball.

In 2015 Georgia’s female chess team became world champions after winning the final game in the World Women's Team Chess Championship against home team China. While Georgia’s female chess team have never been world champions before, Georgian female chess players such as Nona Gaprindashvili and Maya Chiburdanidze have been many times a winner while representing the Sovjet Union.

The national rugby team (Georgian national union) is the best team on European tier 2 countries. It has won the European Nationals Cup 13 times and has 6 conecutive wins, which is a record.

The basketball national team plays in the European Championship A Division and will be a co-host of EuroBasket 2022. Georgia participated four times in FIBA EuroBasket: in 2011 (11th place), in 2013 (17th place), in 2015 (15th place), in 2017 (17th place). Individual results also call for attention: several players made it into the NBA and many of them play for big European clubs, so there is definitely enough basketball talent in Georgia!

Football has always been the most popular sport in Georgia even though the results of the last few decades are not as impressive as the above-mentioned sports. However, it should not be forgotten that the Georgian team Dinamo Tbilisi in 1981 won the European Cup Winners Cup (now UEFA Europa League) and outran teams like Feyenoord, Valencia, Benfica, West Ham United and many more. This was a huge event for whole Georgia.

Sataplia Nature reserve is located 6 km northwest from the city of Kutaisi. The territory is well known for its views of the surrounding area, as well as for its beautiful 500 hectares Colchian type mixed forest. Sataplia State Nature Reserve was created in 1935 in order to protect the forest, dinosaur footprints and the karst caves. Sataplia is located in the Imereti, a region rich with speleological sites. Good example of this is the Prometheus cave which has 5 halls and is approximately 20,000 metres in length. Million year-old stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, travertines, stoned waterfalls, cave pearls, subterranean rivers and lakes can be seen in these caves, which are considered to be one of the richest cave systems in Europe. The tourist path is more than 1 km long, at the end of which tourists can enjoy almost 300 metre boat ride on an underground lake.

Gudauri ski resort (2200 m) is located on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, 120 kilometres from the capital city – Tbilisi. The southern facing of the slopes ensures plenty of sunshine throughout the season, which lasts from December to mid-April. Gudauri has 22 prepared runs (over 50 km.), from which 30% are easy, 55% intermediate and 15% advanced terrains. Professionals can enjoy slalom, the giant-slalom, the super-giant slalom, and the speed slope. All the treks are FIS certified. The longest run is around 7 km. The lower lift station is located at 1,990 m. and the top station is at 3,007 m. The slopes in Gudauri are avalanche safe and completely above the tree line, which is perfect for the off-piste skiers. It is also possible to heli ski in Gudauri, which gives access to up to 4200 metres of pristine snow. In remote valleys around Gudauri, one can enjoy cross-country skiing as well.

Bakuriani ski resort is located on the northern slopes of the Trialeti range in the sub-tropical zone at 1700 meters. The region around Bakuriani is covered by coniferous forests. Mount Kohta (2255 m.) is the highest mountain of the resort used for skiing. Bakuriani was originally developed as an Olympic training facility and therefore it meets Olympic standards. Here the skiing season lasts from mid-December to late March. All together, the runs consist of 70 km of terrain with 12 ski tracks of different difficulty. The longest piste is around 4 km long. In addition to downhill skiing, visitors can enjoy cross-country trails and ski mountaineering.

Hatsvali ski resort is located 8 kilometres away from Mestia in the authentic administrative centre of Upper Svaneti region (Northwest Georgia). It is a young mountain resort with a developing infrastructure. Here one can ski or snowboard even in the peak of summer, however the official season lasts from December till mid-April. The lower part of the resort is at 1865m, while the highest point is Mt. Zuruldi at 2347 m. There are 3 runs, the longest of which is 2600 m. There are a lot of opportunities for freeriders.

Uplistsikhe cave town is located in eastern Georgia (shida kartli region), 10 kilometres from the city of Gori. Uplistsikhe covers 40.000 square metres and is the only surviving pre-Christian rock-cut monument in Georgia. Archeologists believe that Uplistsikhe is one of the oldest settlements of Georgia. Uplistsikhe was inhabited from 1st millennium BC till the 13th century AD, which is why it contains various structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages. This cave town was located on the Great Silk Road and played an important political and religious role in Georgian history. Before the Christian times, Uplistsikhe was a centre of pagan worship, which explains the co-existence of pagan and Christian architecture in the complex. One of the most famous features of Uplistsikhe is the unique combination of different styles of rock-cut cultures from Iran and Anatolia (eastern Turkey).

Vardzia cave complex (southern Georgia) was constructed in the second half of the 12th century. The original complex was a rock cut veiled city where people could hide during invasions. Unfortunately, the 1283 earthquake exposed some part of the dwellings and passageways. Luckily, it did not manage to ruin the uniqueness and greatness of the city. The complex consists of 13 floors and stretches along the cliff for almost 500 metres. In the centre of the city is the main cathedral, which preserved mural paintings (12th century) that have a crucial significance in the development of the Medieval Georgian wall painting. It includes one of the last four portraits of the iconic Queen Tamar.

David Gareja monastery complex is located in Kakheti region, eastern Georgia. The first monastic community at this place was established in the 6th century by one of the 13 Assyrian fathers – David. These fathers came to Georgia as religious missionaries and with their preaching strengthened Christianity in Georgia. They founded several monasteries and hermitages; they are also initiators of the ascetic movement in Georgia.Today the David Gareja complex consists of 19 monasteries, only Lavra still being active. This unique cave complex is famous for its semi desert landscape and panoramic views across Azerbaijan. Rock-cut caves, many of which are richly decorated by authentic mural paintings, are another famous feature of David Gareja. The area is also well known for bird watching and for its reptiles.

The earliest artifacts of cloisonné enamel in Georgia date back to 8th - 9th century. The Georgian collection is unique for its diversity and high artistic value. The masterpieces are created in 11th-12th century; they are marked with surprising boldness of color, dynamism, and a strong emotional emphasis.

The masterpieces of Georgia cloisonné enamel are kept in the treasure-houses of the world's well-know museums: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The State Hermitage Museum, etc. However, the biggest collection is kept in the tresury of the Museum of Fine Arts, Tbilisi. The most unique item on a display is Khakhuli triptych of the Holy Virgin composed in 12th century. The central icon of the triptych depicting Virgin Mary is deemed the largest specimen of the cloisonné enamel in the world (its dimensions are 116 cm x 95 cm). Combining a large number (115 items) of medieval enamels from different times (8-12 centuries) and origins (both Georgia and Byzantine) into a harmonious whole, the Kakhuli Triptych can be regarded as a small “museum” of this branch of art. It compares to the rich treasury of the Venetian enamels, particularly with famous Pala d' Oro.

Since the 15th century, the tradition of cloisonné enamel has been lost in Georgia. However, it was revitalized in the last decade of 20th century. The values of traditional classical forms are nowadays uniquely combined with the contemporary trends, making the offerings more attractive and demanded.

"The knight in the panther’s skin", is a national epos of Georgians. Shota Rustaveli composed it in the period of Queen Tamar’s reign (1184-1213), which is often referred to as the Georgian renaissance. The poem consists of over 1600 stanzas which give valuable information about the issues, ideals and lifestyle of the people of different nations. ‘The knight in the panther’s skin’ is probably the most important piece of Georgian literature as it covers such universal subjects as friendship, love, devotion, gender equality, struggle for freedom, etc. The poem being translated into a few dozen languages proves that ideas presented in the poem are indeed universal.

Hazelnuts and walnuts are one of the major export products of Georgia. Country supplies approximately seven percent of the world market and is 3rd biggest provider of nuts in the world. Georgian nuts are exported to more than 50 countries. EU member states - Germany, Italy, Czech republic, Belgium and France are the biggest purchasers.

Georgia’s other main export products are: motor vehicles (re-export), ferro alloys, cooper ores, wine and mineral water. Georgia's main export partners are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Turkey and USA.

Georgia is famous for its cuisine, which is remarkable for its use of assorted kind of meat, fish, vegetables, pickles and pungent seasonings. Nuts (specially walnuts), different sauces, herbs and spices are an organic part of the everyday food in Georgia. Cheese is one of the key ingredients in Georgian cuisine; one of the most popular traditional dish Khachapuri (cheese pie) is made in many different ways.

Georgian table culture known as supra has a deeper implication than an ordinary meal. Georgian mealtimes are the way of spending quality time with family and friends. Georgians believe that "the guest comes from god", so it’s not surprising that Georgian celebrations are always lavish, during which huge assortments of dishes are prepared. Wine and traditional polyphonic music are important elements of Georgian supra as well. The head of supra is called Tamada, he is introducing toasts and making sure that everybody is enjoying the time spent together.

The novel "Ali and Nino" was first published in Vienna in 1937. Today this literary masterpiece is available in 30 different languages. The novel is set in Baku and covers the turbulent times from 1909 to 1920 (World War I, Bolshevik Revolution). Although the love story of Azerbaijani Muslim boy and a Georgian Christian girl is at the centre of the novel's events, “Ali and Nino” is much more than a romance. Book provides deep insight into the conflicts between eastern and western cultures and outlines the disparities among different religious philosophies. Furthermore, it shows how two people who have totally different religious and cultural backgrounds overcome challenges in order to stay together.

Based on the research of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), since 2013 Georgia has one of the highest Global Peace Index (GPI) in the world. In 2016 it ranked number 6 and outran countries like Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Iceland, etc.

Every region of Georgia has its own unique dance tradition. Often the story of the region is told through the dance. Considering the turbulent history of Georgia it is not surprising that most of the dances involve clashing swords, flying sparks and daggers quivering in the floor. In this field of folklore the vigorous, leaping male dances are elegantly combined with the graceful, gliding female moves. Colorful costumes, wild drumming, pipe and accordion music create an unforgettable effect.

Georgian folklore dancers have performed at world’s best venues. The Royal Albert Hall (London), The Coliseum (Rome), The Metropolitan Opera (New York), The Madison Square Garden (New York), Palais des Sports (Paris), Palais des Congrès (Paris) and many more have hosted Georgian dancing groups. In 1967, Georgian folk group “Sukhishvili” performed in La Scala (Milan). It was the only time when a folklore group was allowed to perform at the world’s renowned opera house. The curtain was lifted 14 times, which is an absolute record.

The capital of Georgia - Tbilisi (population 1.5 million people) is a significant economic, social, and cultural centre of the country. Located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, along the historic Silk Road routes, the city has for centuries been exposed to transmission of influences from East and West alike. Modern Tbilisi is a multicultural and multiethnic city, which still functions as a bridge between Asia and Europe. While walking through the old part of the city one can sense its history and learn more about its special religious status; everyone is welcome. Not only religious buildings catch your eye, but also the typical 19th century houses with colorful wooden balconies and small courtyards. Another landmark of Tbilisi is Narikhala fortress (4th - 17th century), which overlooks the old part of the capital; famous for its numerous religious buildings, museums/galleries, sulphur baths, modern cafes, traditional bakeries, carpet and souvenir shops.

National Botanical Garden of Georgia is located in the city centre, right at the foothills of Narikala Fortress. The NBGG occupies approximately 100 hectares and is an ideal place for walking, biking and picnicking. The garden contains 4500 species of ornamental and medicinal plants from different parts of the world. There are several other parks and lakes within the city, ideal to visit during the hot months of the year. One of the most prominent places in the city is The Open Air Museum of Ethnography, which is just a few hundred metres away from the Turtle Lake. Museum occupies 52 hectares and displays examples of folk architecture and craftwork from different regions of the country. In July, the museum hosts an annual summertime folk culture festival Art-Gene. Georgian National History and Georgian National Art Museums are two other highlights. Both hold really unique collections, which must be seen. Another impressive landmark of Tbilisi is funicular, which offers the best city view. The symbol of Tbilisi is a Statue of Mother Georgia: in her left hand she holds a bowl of wine to greet friends and in her right hand a sword to protect city from enemies. Rustaveli and Agmashenebeli Avenues are famous for their neoclassical and art deco style buildings – also a highly recommended must-see.

The capital of Georgia does not stand still. Tbilisi has developed fast in the last few decades, and has kept on impressing the visitors with its new landmarks, such as: Holy Trinity Church, Monument of St. George, Gabriadze puppet theater, Tbilisi Public Service Hall, Peace Bridge, etc.