Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia

While parts of Tbilisi may feel somewhat run down by American standards, this should not be characterized as unsafe. The Georgian people are proud, welcoming, and helpful (though most speak little or no English). Overall, Tbilisi was quite possibly the second safest I’ve felt while wandering the streets in a foreign city (the most safe being Tokyo, Japan). The mix of modern, ancient, and Soviet-era architecture gives the city unique character that has to be experienced rather than described. Old Tbilisi, with the sulphur baths and Narikala Fortress (first built in the 4th century, but most of what is standing is from the 16th-17th), shouldn’t be missed, but don’t overlook the less-traveled side streets with hints of crumbling buildings.