Travel

Postcards from Tbilisi Georgia, with Co-Founder Kate Heppell

It’s not the first place most people think to visit—but it should be. Through the eyes of our Co-Founder Kate, join us as she shares her postcards from Georgia. Everywhere you turn, there’s colour, character and soul. The food? Outrageously good. The people? Warm, proud and endlessly welcoming. And the vibe? Equal parts old-world romance and creative rebellion.




Georgia—why? 

Most people won’t think to go to Georgia. But they should. It’s a city of contrasts—yes, some buildings are weathered and leaning, but everywhere you look, there’s beauty, creativity, and a fierce sense of independence. Georgia is proudly not Russia, and you feel that spirit. 

Healthy, friendly street dogs wander freely (and seem to run the place). The restaurants! - Honestly some of the best food I’ve ever had—bold flavours, stunning settings, and serious atmosphere. Think moody lighting, surprise hidden courtyards, and jaw-dropping cakes. And don’t miss the perfume scene—you can get a custom scent made just for you at Chemi Suli Perfume Studio. 



Tbilisi is famous for its balconies, and rightly so. Whether they’re hanging off old stone homes or tucked into neoclassical courtyards, they give the city a really cool, romantic and theatrical charm. 

And beyond the food and flair? History is everywhere. We’re talking 14th-century castles, 6th-century churches, and a patchwork of architecture that stretches from Medieval to Art Nouveau, Soviet Modernism, and wild experimental structures. Tbilisi—and Georgia more broadly—gives you a taste of it all.



OK—cut to the chase. 3 restaurant picks for Tbilisi? 

I could have listed 10, but here are 3 I loved. Trust me!

Iasamani – Exquisite Georgian cuisine in a stunning setting. That's all I’ll say. 

Maspindzelo – Buzzing vibe, excellent Georgian food. A must-do. 

Cher’ie Pasta Bar – Yes, Italian, but with a Georgian twist. Gorgeous setting and fab food.



Must-do activities? 

Honestly, I could give you 20—but here’s my top 7 in no particular order: 

1. Dry Bridge Market. An outdoor treasure trove of antiques, Soviet relics, art, jewellery, and traditional crafts. Even my husband— the first to complain about hitting a market - annoying bud! —enjoyed it. Great outdoor activity. 



2. Snow at Gudauri. Now this might surprise you but if you are there in the right season, hit the ski resort in Gudauri. We didn’t ski, but we should have. The kids were in jeans and hoodies, and honestly, it would’ve been fine as the sun came out. We still had a blast tobogganing and donut-ing. My husband reminisces often of ski-ing in Switzerland in trackies as a kid—and I really should’ve recreated the moment! 



3. Sulfur Bathhouses – Chreli-Abano. We did a private room with 12 of us. Definitely get the body scrub—and brace yourself for the bubbles. I’ll say no more! 



4. Get a Caricature at the Clock Tower. Want to teach your kids how to laugh at themselves? This is the way. Great fun, and the artists are fabulous fun. Our guy really made the experience memorable. 



5. Botanical Gardens + Zip Line. Stunning gardens, wild poppies growing like weeds (in the best way), and a zip line that my husband and kids thought was pretty cool. 


6. Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia). A statue towering over the city, wine in one hand (for friends), sword in the other (for enemies). She’s kind of fabulous— you have to go. 



7. Visit a 6th-century church. Yep—6th. Century. That’s not a typo. The history here is absolutely jaw-dropping.