Georgia is a beautiful country located between Europe and Asia, and despite its small size, this country boasts a rich culture, lush nature, and deep history that are reflected in the cities everyday life and aesthetics. Cities in Georgia are like small jewels that are scattered across the beautiful lands of Georgia. It doesn’t matter what you are searching for! Is it bustling capitals or charming coastal towns? The cities in Georgia offer unique experiences for every taste to both residents and visitors. Whether you’re looking to explore the best cities in Georgia to visit, settle down in the safest cities in Georgia, or simply answer questions like “How many cities are in the Georgia country?”, this comprehensive article will guide you through the most important and popular urban centers of the nation.
Cities in Georgia Country
When we are discussing cities in Georgia, the country, it’s important to understand the geographic and cultural spread across the country. There are officially over 50 cities in the country of Georgia, ranging from major metropolises to small regional towns scattered across the land. These cities are distributed across its regions, and each region has its own unique charm, aesthetics, and significance.
These places are considered urban centers and play a crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development. With increasing numbers of expatriates, digital nomads, and tourists, Georgia’s cities are quickly becoming attractive destinations for living, investment, and exploration.
Tbilisi
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is undeniably the most popular city in the country of Georgia. It combines old-world charm with modern flair, since it’s a rapidly developing city. Tbilisi is well known for its cobblestone streets, sulfur baths, eclectic architecture, and burgeoning arts scene that make it a must-visit city. Tbilisi is also one of the best cities to live in in Georgia, offering an international lifestyle with affordable living costs. Apartments for rent in Tbilisi range widely, accommodating students, expats, and luxury seekers alike. As the economic hub, Tbilisi hosts numerous multinational corporations, tech startups, and government institutions. Public transportation, education, and healthcare services are among the most developed in the country and even the region of the Caucasus.
Batumi
Batumi is considered one of the most popular beach cities in Georgia, located on the Black Sea coast. Known for its resorts, nightlife, and modern skyline, Batumi has become a hotspot for tourists and investors alike. Batumi is the second largest city after Tbilisi, and because of the seasonal tourism, it has gained the popularity of investors. The city is especially favored by those seeking a mix of relaxation and business opportunities. With real estate booming and an international airport, Batumi is easily accessible and offers ample job opportunities in tourism, IT, and trade.
Kutaisi
Kutaisi, one of the oldest cities in the country of Georgia, has played a central role in Georgian history. Once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, Kutaisi is now a peaceful city with a strong educational presence, being home to several major universities and the Georgian Parliament (until recently). With landmarks such as the Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, Kutaisi is ideal for history enthusiasts. It’s also more affordable than Tbilisi or Batumi, making it one of the best cities to live in for students or retirees.
Rustavi
Once a Soviet industrial giant, Rustavi remains one of the biggest cities in the country of Georgia by population. While its industrial days have waned, efforts to revitalize the city have led to an improvement in infrastructure and housing. Due to its proximity to Tbilisi (less than an hour away), Rustavi has become a commuter town with growing residential areas. It is one of the small cities in Georgia that offers big-city advantages with a lower cost of living.
Zugdidi, Gori, and Other Important Cities in Georgia
There are other important cities aside from the main, biggest cities of Georgia country, that we have previously mentioned, cities such as Zugdidi, Gori, and other important cities in Georgia.
- Zugdidi—Gateway to Samegrelo
Located in western Georgia, Zugdidi is the cultural heart of the Samegrelo region. It features unique Mingrelian cuisine and the impressive Dadiani Palace.
- Gori—City of History and Controversy
Known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, Gori offers both historical depth and proximity to the Uplistsikhe cave city. It plays an essential role in Georgia’s central region.
- Telavi—Capital of Wine Country
Situated in the heart of Kakheti, Telavi is perfect for wine lovers and history buffs. The city is surrounded by vineyards and centuries-old monasteries.
These important cities in Georgia offer a glimpse into the country’s regional identities and cultural variety.
Safest Cities in Georgia
According to crime index reports and local feedback, Tbilisi, Batumi, and Telavi are among the safest cities in Georgia, reassuring that living in big cities in Georgia is safe. The crime rates remain low compared to European and American averages. In the first half of 2020, Numbeo reportedly ranked Georgia 4th safest globally out of 133 countries and the safest in Europe. These numbers make Georgia particularly attractive for tourists, expats, and families seeking peace of mind. Smaller towns like Signagi, Mtskheta, and Akhaltsikhe also score high on safety, contributing to their popularity among retirees and digital nomads.
Cities in Georgia Country by Population
Georgia is not considered one of the biggest countries by population; in this chart we can see the numbers and density when it comes to cities in Georgia counted by population.
- Tbilisi – ~1.1 million
- Batumi – ~180,000
- Kutaisi – ~150,000
- Rustavi – ~125,000
- Zugdidi – ~45,000
- Gori – ~43,000
- Poti – ~41,000
- Telavi – ~20,000
This shows that while Tbilisi dominates demographically, there are numerous small cities in Georgia that maintain vibrant local communities.
Best Cities in Georgia to Visit
Tourists often ask, what is the most popular city in the country of Georgia? The answer is Tbilisi, followed closely by Batumi and Kutaisi. However, lesser-known gems like Signagi (the “City of Love”), Mestia (gateway to the Caucasus mountains), and Kazbegi (for alpine beauty) are also among the best cities in Georgia to visit. It’s hard to list and rank the best cities in Georgia to visit, since it all depends on an individual taste and preference.
Exploring Beach Cities in Georgia
If you are visiting Georgia and are thinking about exploring beach cities in Georgia, in addition to Batumi, which is a popular destination, the Adjara region features charming beach towns such as Kobuleti and Ureki. These beach cities in Georgia are known for their warm waters and unique magnetized black sands (especially in Ureki), ideal for therapeutic tourism. But if you want to discover more hidden gems, near Batumi you can find smaller cities like Gonio and Sarpi.
Emerging Small Cities in Georgia
If you have already seen other cities or are searching for new experiences, there are several small cities in Georgia that are emerging as vibrant places to live and visit:
- Signagi: Romantic setting, great views, and wine.
- Borjomi: Famous for mineral water and forested nature.
- Mestia: Perfect for hikers and mountaineers.
- Akhaltsikhe: Home to Rabati Castle and multicultural heritage.
These towns offer a more relaxed, authentic experience compared to the major urban centers.
Conclusion
Georgia’s cities each offer something unique—from the cosmopolitan vibe of Tbilisi to the coastal charm of Batumi, the historical depth of Kutaisi, and the romantic beauty of Signagi. Whether you’re an expat searching for the best cities to live in in Georgia, a traveler exploring beach cities in Georgia, or simply curious about how many cities are in Georgia country, this nation has something to suit every taste. With a growing expat community, relatively low living costs, and a rich cultural tapestry, Georgia’s urban landscape is an increasingly attractive option for living, investing, or simply visiting. As Georgia continues to develop, its cities will only become more significant on the global stage. Explore the cities in Georgia Europe today—you might just find your next home or favorite destination.
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