Didn’t the Russian army just level this city?

No. don’t think so. There were two remote regions that is still being held by Russian forces. I am glad you reminded me and need to dig up that info.
What i am hearing and reading that this is quite a safe place but not much to do or see.

I really wanted to have actual readers prespective as they tend to bring the best out of nothing.
This will give me time to figure out how to plan the trip in case I do take it. Probably the first and last time I would go so might as well as take the best use of it.

I guess we have not too many people trying to visit Eastern Europe!!!!

Well not Georgia, anyway

I’m sure the military situation has calmed down plenty enough now, so that shouldn’t be a problem. However I think I’ve read before, maybe on virtualtourist that the city isn’t all that safe- lots of foreigner muggings. I the old lonely planet I have mentioned highway robbery in the more desolate mountain areas. Not trying to scare you away, just mentioning.

My overall impression is that Armenia and Azerbaijan are much safer, but Georgia has better sights. I really, really hope to visit that region in the next few years. Globe Trekker made an episode of it, check that out if you haven’t. Good luck and do report back!

Just thought of something else. Russian used to be widely spoken there and suggested for travelers to learn some basics. However, not sure how someone speaking Russian might be taken now. Learning Georgian looks pretty impossible, but I would learn to ask: 1) Do you speak english? 2) Do you speak russian? and always ask them in that order.

I think the situation with language is similar to Ukraine and the Baltic states. While the population is hugely nationalistic in their desire to avoid being dominated by Russia and their hatred for all things from the Soviet Era, a large percentage of the population in cities is ethnically Russian and wants to continue to speak their native language. Stalin was a Georgian, but Russian was his 1st language.

I like rob_co2’s idea — ask politely and ask about English first.

There aren’t really a lot of ethnic Russians left in Georgia but since a fairly large number of Georgians are either living permanently or temporarily working in Russia, so many people learn Russian to be able to go there. Plus that language is still the lingua franca of the entire region for communication with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Oh boy, this is my thread
I was born and raised in Tbilisi. Although I left 8 years 4 days ago, I can advise you on some things, but not on others. Things have changed huge in recent years. I’ll type up a looong message, but feel free to ask more Q’s. 1. It was not a very safe place 8 years ago, nor was it 2 years ago. Mugging was very popular, pickpoketing I hear remains on top. Be very careful and watch your stuff. Stay in public areas (I was local, I got mugged fairly regularly. Back then police didn’t give a damn either. I don’t expect that to change)
2. Russian army has not leveled the city. They would love to, but no. No bombs were dropped in the city itself. There are still tensions about two regions – Abkhazia and South Osetia, but both are distant from capital. I have grandparents still living there and, it’s all calm as far as war goes.
3. Places to visit… Where do I start… I guess it depends if you like history, nightlife, shopping, etc.
History:
Country is full of it. Georgia, Tbilisi especially, had pretty cool history. Old churches, ruins, forts can be found not far from city. Narikala – fort within city limits. Very cool. See it at night when it’s lit. Walk up and down Rustaveli (big street) – big street. With opera house on it, a few old-er buildings (that pat got majorly trashed during civil war 1990-92, but rebuilt). If you want more – go to Mtskheta – a town maybe an hour away (I bet there are buses). If you can, go to Dzhvari – a monastery on top of a hill overlooking Mtskheta. Views are pretty spectacular. If you want to get into the countryside, you can see really cool stuff there, but I would not recommend it unless you are accompanied by a guide (or at least someone who speaks english). Also in Tbilisi – you gotta go to hot springs. I’ve never been (yeah, I know, I grew up there), but heard good stories.
Nightlife:
I don’t know any. I was 16 and ever-broke when I left (part of the reason I did)
Shopping:
I know that changed. If you are really determined to buy some cheap chinese and turkish made stuff, head to Lilo. You can get stuff for pretty cheap.
Language:
It is a tough language to learn. I was fluent in it. But after not using it much for 8 years, I nearly forgot it. I can still make conversation, so tell me what you need to know and I’ll sound it out for you.
I’ll add stuff as I think of it.
Good luck – it’s tough to get by there, but history is great. Nature is amazing too, if you get to get out of town
—— Tim

Thank you for everyone’s response. So can you add a little bit on Batumi, baku and Yerevan.
How far would they be from Tbilisi? is it possible to have day trips to the above places? Is it safe on a taxi to go there?

Batumi is a cool place. But it’s a port town. You won’t see much there except for ships. If you want to go to seashore and hang by the beach, yeah, that’s a good place. Though we usually went to Kobuleti – it’s close to Batumi, but it’s a small town where people have rooms for rent right across the street from the beach. It was nice, quiet and cheap.

No, none of those places are within daytrip range. I think it took us 4-6 hours to get from Batumi to Tbilisi. It is across an entire country (and Georgia is a small country). Taking a train, you’d be best taking overnight to Batumi. You get on around 11 – 12 at night and get off at 6-7 am.
Baku and Yerevan, as you I’m sure know, are in different countries alltogether. I have never been to either. I’m sure both are fair distance away, so I wouldn’t do daytrips.
I’m not sure what you mean by taxi. If you mean a small car for hire that will take you wherever you want to go – that’s typically a good, safe option. With the unemployment where it is in Georgia a large part of population is making living by doing that. You can try finding a guy that you can pay per day and he can drive you around wherever you want to go. That would be an awesome option if you want to see some things away from the city.
Other popular form of transportation – vans, locals call them “Marshrutki”. They got routes to all imaginable parts of the city as well as other cities and countries. Just make sure you’re ok with long driving cramped in a small van along mountain roads (I’m telling you this after recently visiting Italy’s Amalfi coast and nearly puking on a way to Positano).
In general all transportation is safe. Remember it is operated by people who are just trying to make living. If you tip them (typically not expected), they will be really happy and may do nicer things for you. Try to make conversation – taxi drivers like to talk (I guess it’s universal in all cultures )
—— Tim

Thank you very much on the insight!!!
Really appreciate it.

Plane fares: What kind of fares is a good economy fare to Tbilisi? flying between Jan 10th to Feb 10th?
Which would perhaps be the best route to go from
New York/Newark (Best I have seen is 1450.00 via Turkish air through Istanbul)
London Heathrow: (Best i have seen so far is Ukrainian Internation via gatwick for about 287.00 GBP)

Look on
www.farecompare.com
I just pulled up search for January, from NY all airports to Tbilisi (only has one airport), lowest was like 900.
My parents have flown through Vienna and through Zurich. Istanbul is kinda backtracking (longer travel time).
I’m jealous you get to go there I haven’t got to go back in 8 years. Maybe this summer…
If you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me tsitsik[at]gmail[dot]com
How long are you going for?
—— Tim

Frankly, I am not very excited about it. At my age, travel is not worth it. I was also warned today about the unusual weather and the bitter cold.
For the first visit it will be around 5-7 days but if things go well, then it will be a second visit for about a month.
Although mine is purely for work reason, the weekends will be quiet and boring and I am hoping to do some sightseeing.
I have also been told that Saturday is a working day for my host so it may not be that boring.
I am still hoping for a direct flight but have been told it is too expensive.

Any feedback as to what to do on my spare time. I will be going to Baku drive from Tbilisi.