Sunday, December 22, 2024

The beautiful but underrated ‘budget’ European holiday spot

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This beautiful European city is the perfect budget holiday destination with temperatures reaching highs of around 30C in June.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is an enchanting mix of European, eastern, medieval and Soviet influences.

With its inexpensive food and low-cost activities, Tbilisi is the ideal destination for a budget getaway.

Visitors can expect sunshine with an average high temperature in June of around 30C during the day with temperatures dropping to around 18C at night.

There are also plenty of things to see and do in this charming capital city.

Old Tbilisi, designated a world heritage site by UNESCO, is a labyrinth of brick houses with pastel-coloured, wooden carved balconies interlaced with lanes that crisscross horizontally and vertically.

For those looking for some relaxation, there are also affordable Persian-style spas in the Abanotubani area. These spas are supplied by natural sulphurous waters.

The underground Meidan bazaar, the souvenir-packed Abkhazi Street, and the bars of Jan Shardeni and Bambis Rigi streets are all nearby. These, along with the quirky Gabriadze Theatre and Clock Tower, are the most touristy areas.

The Chugureti neighbourhood is also brimming with quaint vintage boutiques, antique shops, hidden bars and cosy clubs.

You can also cross the river to the Metekhi neighbourhood, precariously perched on – and in some places hanging over – a rocky outcrop above the water.

Close by, for just a couple of Euros, you can take a cable car up to the ancient Narikala fortress with its irregular twisting walls.

For a quieter exploration of Tbilisi, head to the eastern side of the river where you’ll find decaying grandeur in the streets and 19th-century architecture.

In the city, you can dine like a king for as little as £8 a meal. Georgia is renowned for certain dishes including khinkali – plump dumplings filled with spiced minced meat and khachapuri – a fluffy bread filled with melted cheese.

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