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31 Things To Know Before You Travel To Tbilisi, Georgia

After my trip to Batumi, Georgia in December 2017 I always dreamed of coming back to this lovely cwhountry and in October 2018 I finally did. I decided to travel to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia to live like a local for 2 weeks and explore the city as much as I could. All these Tbilisi travel tips I bundled in this travel blog to inform you about the best restaurants, rooftop bars, viewpoints, things to do, places to see, day trips and everything else you need to know before you travel to Tbilisi.

Tbilisi tourism

The capital of Georgia is a very upcoming travel destination and probably one of the most popular places to visit in the Caucasus. The liberal politics compared to the surrounding countries attract a lot of Western tourists and also digital nomads like me. Georgia is a flourishing country trying to get rid of the old Soviet Union image many people still have. Tbilisi tourism is doing all they can to show off that they are a modern place to visit in the Caucasus. In this Tbilisi travel guide I will give you all the info you need to know to make the most of your trip.

My trip to Tbilisi

All I can say is that if you are debating whether to visit Tbilisi you have to give it a go. I got in touch with Georgia tourism first time when I visited Batumi on the Black Sea and fell in love with the easy going culture. People are extremely nice and life still feels laid-back (although Georgians drive like idiots)! On my trip to Tbilisi I lived in the city center for 2 weeks and did a lot of day trips as well. Most of the days I went out eating in restaurants, drank wine in the evenings, visited cute coffee places, found some hidden gems around the city and ticked of the best places to see in Tbilisi. Read here more about how I spent two weeks in the city in my Tbilisi travel blog .

Visa for Georgia

There is a big chance with your passport you can travel to Georgia visa free. Visa free entry is permitted for all Western countries and almost all others can opt for an e-visa. Georgia is very open to tourists and let foreigners stay up to 1 year without any issues. See here a map of all the visa free countries.

How to get to Tbilisi, Georgia

Flights to tbilisi.

The international airport of Tbilisi has daily direct flights to most European countries as well as the surrounding countries like: Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, UAE, Saoudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel and China. 

Direct flights from UK to Tbilisi

There are direct flights from London Gatwick to Tbilisi, check them out here.

Georgian Airways also flies directly to Amsterdam Airport, Koln/Bonn Airport, Brussels Airport, Paris Charles De Gaulle and Rome Fiumicino.

Busses to Tbilisi

If you travel to Tbilisi by bus there is a big chance you will get there by a so-called Marshrutka. These are basically little vans or big cars. Most of them are pretty luxurious and even have free wifi on board. To get from Yerevan, Armenia to Tbilisi, Georgia there are several Marshrutka services in luxury Mercedes vans including wifi for 35 GEL ($13).

Trains to Tbilisi

You can also travel to Tbilisi by train. From Yerevan, Armenia and Baku, Azerbaijan there are daily trains going to Georgia. The overnight train from Baku to Tbilisi takes about 13 hours and cost $35 for a first class ticket, second class is about $20.

Domestic Georgia travel tips

When you are coming from another city in Georgia the best way to to visit Tbilisi is by Marshrutka's. Ask around, Im pretty sure there are daily busses that travel to Tbilisi. From Batumi and Kutaisi there are modern high speed trains serving the capital multiple times a day. A train ride only costs about $8.

Planning a trip to Georgia? Make sure you don’t end up with high roaming costs. Buy a Georgia sim card ! For less than $10 you get 30GB data.

Best time of the year to travel to Tbilisi

Every Tbilisi travel guide will tell you that spring and autumn are the best months to visit Tbilisi. Summer months can be extremely hot and winter months extremely cold. The city is most vibrant when it starts to get hot. People are out on the terraces enjoying the spring sun. So April to June is a good time to travel to Tbilisi. In Autumn you will be able to enjoy the beautiful colors of this season, its dry and has pleasant temperatures. I spent two weeks in the city in October and had one afternoon rain.

As you can see on my Tbilisi pictures it was such good weather that I walked around in a t-shirt in October.

Is it safe to travel to Georgia

Georgia is a very safe country to visit. The crime rate in Georgia is lower than in Western European cities and from terrorists they have never really heard here. Georgia is safer than Western Europe in my opinion. Although always use common sense when travel, it will get you out of trouble in the first place.

Is Georgia Europe or Asia?

Regardless its location, Georgia feels more like Europe than Asia. Officially it is part of the Asian continent, but Georgia and especially the modern capital feels more like Europe. This is also what the locals prefer to be associated with.

Everything you should know when you visit Tbilisi, Georgia

1. how to pronounce tbilisi.

May be one of the hardest to pronounce capitals in the world. Or actually when you know how to pronounce it is not, but almost everyone is saying it wrong! Officially it is: Te-BIL-Lee-See.

2. Currency

The currency that is used in Georgia is called Lari. About 3 GEL = €1 and around 2,5 GEL = $1.

3. Tbilisi is not the government city

In most countries the government is situated in the capital, but not in Georgia. A couple years ago they decide to move the government to Kutaisi. Since then the majestic and amazingly beautiful government building on Rustaveli Avenue is not in use. It is a shame!

4. Price levels in Tbilisi

Because this is the capital it also is one of the most expensive places to visit in Georgia. But don’t worry your well earned dollars, pounds and euros are worth a lot when you travel to Tbilisi. Price levels for Western tourists are like heaven. Meals in a restaurant are about $5, a pint cost not more than $1, for a mid range hotel you will pay $30.

Typical street food or a snack in Georgia. These things are nuts in grape residue and cost about 40 cents per piece.

5. It is safe to drink tap water

The tap water in Tbilisi is perfectly fine to drink. Actually almost everywhere in Georgia you can drink the tap water. Because of its locations next to the Caucasus mountains there are many fresh water sources. Bottled water is cheap and can be bought everywhere for those who want to stay on the safe side. But please people reduce the use of single used plastics!

6. Electricity plugs

If you are traveling from mainland Europe there is no need to buy a travel adapter. I always travel with one just in case but in Georgia they use the the standard European plugs with 230 V. If you are traveling to Tbilisi from the UK, you will have to get a travel adapter .

The Ananuri monastery, a popular day trip from Tbilisi.

Strolling through the old city was one of my favorite things to do in Tbilisi.

There are a couple hiking trails going uphill from the city center. The views get better with the minute.

7. Tbilisi Airport

The international airport of Tbilisi operates from a recently renovated terminal. For some reason a lot of international flights from Tbilisi tend to leave in the middle of the night. Arrivals are pretty early as well. I landed at 3.00am, pretty annoying arrival time I would say. There is free wifi and can also buy a Georgia sim card at Tbilisi Airport .

8. Taxi apps

The way to get around in Tbilisi is Yandex. This is the local Uber, so when you are planning a trip to Tbilisi download this app. A trip around the city will never cost you more than 5 GEL ($2). If you stop a driver on the streets Im sure it will be a hassle to let him know where you are going, plus if they see a tourist prices go up! Downloading the Yandex app definitely is one of my best Tbilisi travel tips!

9. Georgia sim card

When you want to avoid crazy roaming costs then buy a Georgia sim card. I found out that the best Georgia sim card for tourists is either Beeline or Magti. Geocell has a much smaller 4G network than the other two mobile internet providers. I chose Beeline as they have a massive data package: 30GB for less than $10. You can buy a sim card at either the airport or find the internet provider shops on Rustaveli Avenue. Click on the link to find the best Georgia sim card .

10. Religion

Most people in Tbilisi are Orthodox Christians and religion is still practiced and part of their lifestyle. Even younger people still go to church although most of them just do it to please their parents as they told me. Orthodox Christian is very traditional, but a lot of younger people are diverting in to another direction, mostly atheists. The many Muslims that are settling in Tbilisi are turning the city into a multi cultural city. Read why I called one area in the city Little Iran in my Tbilisi travel blog .

11. Everyone smokes in Tbilisi

At least I got that feeling after traveling to Georgia two times now. It is honestly incredible (disgusting) how many people smoke cigarettes. It is such a normal thing to do in the daily life of someone in Tbilisi. Don’t be surprised when your taxi driver suddenly lights a cigarette. Don’t be too shy to tell him not to, you pay, you decide! I hate smoking.

12. Smoking inside forbidden

But luckily a couple months ago the government made it prohibited to smoke inside bars, restaurants, cafe’s, pubs, clubs. Also they banned displaying advertisement for cigarettes. If they would only double the price, I think that would already help a lot. A pack of cigarettes can be bought for less than a dollar! Western tourist will love this new law when visiting Tbilisi. Before it was horrendous inside bars.

13. Marijuana is decriminalised

That said since a year now smoking marijuana is legalised in Georgia. Don’t ask me where to buy it, because I hardly smoke weed. Nowadays, I prefer real drugs! ;) Anyway I am sure you can easily get it on the streets. Just ask someone who is smoking. Im sure for many travelers this is one of those valuable Tbilisi travel tips.

Compared to the conservative countries around, Georgia is pretty progressive! Legalising marijuana is another step towards an open-minded society.

It is hard to explain but Tbilisi just has an amazing vibe!

14. LGTB in Tbilisi

Although it is a criminal offence in Georgia to discriminate LGTB people in Georgia, it is still not commonly accepted in Tbilisi. The strict religious culture makes it a sensitive topic in Georgia. There is a gay bar in Tbilisi but in the past several incidents have been reported there. 

15. Georgian food is heavy

At first when traveling to Batumi I loved the Georgian food and when I was about to visit Tbilisi I got excited again to eat Khachapuri and Khinkali. But honestly said after traveling in Tbilisi and around for more than two weeks, I am not sure about Georgian food (sorry Georgians)! The food is really heavy with a lot of carbs, cheese and meat. And the cheese is strong! I am not saying it is bad, but I am more a lover of Indian, Thai or Italian food.

16. Best Khachapuri in Tbilisi

But when traveling to Tbilisi you have to try Khachapuri. It is kind of like a pizza, but Georgians won’t like it when you say this. It looks the same and in fact it is a lot of cheese on a round bread. For the best Khachapuri in Tbilisi you have to go to Laghidze Water restaurant according to the locals.

This is actually a kind of Khachapuri, but without cheese. A Lobiani is made with beans.

17. Best Khinkali in Tbilisi

Another typical Georgian dish is Khinkali. When you see them you will think: ooooh dumplings. But Georgians get offended when you call them dumplings. But in essence it is of course the same. Eat them with your hands, grab them by the top and bite a little piece out of the dough. Then suck the juice out of it and eat the rest. You have Khinkali filled with cheese, potato or meat. I prefer the ones with meat and when I think about them now it makes me hungry. They are gooooood! Find the best Khinkali in Tbilisi at Zakhar Zakharich .

18. Drink Chacha

You can’t get away with traveling to Tbilisi and not drinking Chacha. The locals will force you to, haha. Chacha is a grape pomace brandy, made from the grape residue after making wine. It is a clear strong shot that often after the meal is served. Often before the meal as well! Haha, welcome to Georgia.

19. Meet the Tamada

When there is drinking involved there is always a Tamada. This is the toastmaster on the table. Anytime the Tamada brings out a toast you have to drink a Chacha again. This can be fun, but can also be horrible.

Freedom square in Tbilisi, the start of Rustaveli Avenue.

20. Wine originates from Georgia

Recent studies discovered that the oldest wine making methods originate from Georgia. And according to Nat Geo and the BBC wine therefore comes from Georgia. Wine is religion in Georgia and the locals are very proud at this fact. Ordering wine in restaurants is cheap. A bottle of wine in a restaurant can be found for only a couple dollars. 

21. Best Restaurants in Tbilisi

There are of course way too many restaurants in Tbilisi and it is hard to tell you the best places to go in Tbilisi. Of course I also did my research before going out for dinner. But from the restaurants I have visited, I would definitely recommend you the following ones for fine dining.

21.1  Barbarastan

A extremely charming restaurant with a cool story. You will need to make a reservation as this is one of the most popular places to go when people visit Tbilisi. A couple years ago they found a very old book with traditional old Georgian recipes somewhere in the rural countryside. These dishes are now being served in this classical restaurant. One of my secret Tbilisi travel tips for you is to reserve a table downstairs in the basement. May be one of the most romantic things to do in Tbilisi. I also must admit that the food was not my all time favorite, but the atmosphere made up for it.

21.2  Black Lion Restaurant

This bistro style cute restaurant with Georgian cuisine is another favorite in the city. They have limited indoor seating available, so making a reservation is a must. The outdoor area is pretty big, but cold in winter I guess. It is a very traditional restaurant and so is the food. Very typical, but a food lovers dream if you are into trying new things.

21.3  Melograno

It was just next to one of my Airbnb’s and since I passed it by many times I had to check it out and was pleasantly surprised. The outdoor area is pretty small, but its pergolas covered with green bushes make it a very charming restaurant. The international food is very tasty and the indoor area is modern-chic. Dress a little more sophisticated, because at this Tbilisi restaurant just off Rustaveli Avenue you will meet some beautiful locals.

22. Best rooftop bar

Tourists love rooftop bars in big cities, right? There are not that many rooftop bars in Tbilisi. You can try the one in the Radisson Blue Hotel, but it is behind glass and not my favorite. A charming rooftop bar is Marani Restaurant . It is located in Old Tbilisi and has good views over the old city.

If you are looking for the Tbilisi restaurant with the best view many Tbilisi travel guides will send you to the Funicular restaurant on top of the hill. Undoubtedly the restaurant in Tbilisi with the best view, but not really my favorite spot though. A little bit too fancy!

23. Nightlife in Tbilisi

As a tourist I am sure you are also interested reading about the Nightlife in Tbilisi. There are several clubs around the city. For some reason Techno is very popular and Tbilisi nightlife is trying to become the Eastern European Techno capital. They have looked at Berlin and are trying to bring that vibe to the Caucasus. The Georgian capital is also a great place for hidden bars, jazz clubs, live music and wine bars.

24. Bassiani Club

The number one place to go if you are into Techno is Bassiani. This raw industrial club is known for hosting amazing Techno parties. It is located under the Dinamo Tbilisi Arena and is where dark house parties are held over the weekend. International renown DJ play here often. 

Don’t ask me where to get drugs now, because I don’t know and I did not try it in the Tbilisi nightlife. All I know is that of course it is illegal. Though Im not afraid to tell you that I love Techno in combination with hard drugs. It is one of the travel adventures from around the world that I got in touch with while traveling.

25. Jazz cafe Singer

Come here to enjoy Jazz music at its best in Tbilisi. Every night there are local talents showing off their Jazz skills and I was able to enjoy some really great gigs. Lovely staff and a cosy atmosphere make this place for a great Jazz night out in Tbilisi.

26. Wine bars

With so many wine bars you are spoiled for choice in the Tbilisi nightlife. I have ticked off quite some wine bars in Tbilisi. Some standard and cheap, some really nice and a little more upscale. Choose your vibe when diving into the Tbilisi nightlife. These are my TbilIsi travel tips for wine bars:

26.1  8000 Vintages

One of the most amazing wine selections can be found at 8000 Vintages. Highly rated on the internet as one of the best places in Tbilisi and I must admit it was a great night out. There are wine bottles in every direction. You can choose a bottle from the shelve, open it and drink it. This place is wine heaven!

26.2  Schuchmann Wine

This place on Rustaveli Avenue is a local hotspot. It is located in an old Caravansarai from the time of Marco Polo in the same building as the Tbilisi Historical Museum. The atmosphere feels very much like the Middle Ages and the wines are amazing. They also serve really good food here.

26.3  Azarphesha

This is more like an Old Georgian restaurant, but I loved hanging out here drinking wine. This place with a historical atmosphere serves amazing wines and equally delicious food.

For a great night out contact Katti Tours. She organizes group trips showing you the best nightlife in Tbilisi. Her gastronomy tours are lovely and so is she! You can join one of her groups or contact her for private groups tours: +995 558779111. She is a beautiful and adorable girl and Im pretty sure your group is gonna have an amazing night out.

27. Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue

A completely different side of the Tbilisi nightlife can be found on the other side of the river. Find a multicultural vibe at the Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue. A popular place for the Muslim community to smoke shisha. But don’t worry alcohol is served in all these bars too. Most of this avenue is turned into a walking street with bars, restaurants and outdoor seating. It is a very lively area at night and a tourist spot in Tbilisi.

28. Things to do in Tbilisi

Enough now about the Georgian culture, handy things to know and where to eat. Lets talk about Tbilisi tourism stuff and let me start with things to do in Tbilisi.

28.1 Cable car

One of the most popular things to do in Tbilisi is a ride with the cable car. The ride is short, but is a great way to see the city from the top. The cable car starts across the river from old town and crosses Old Tbilisi. It brings you to the top of the hill behind Old Town. From here you will have some of the best views of the city.

28.2 Zip lining

There is a zip line right next to the top station of the cable car. I did not try it myself, but had a look as it is only 40 GEL. Honestly I was not impressed. The zip line will take you down on the other side of the hill and you will have to walk up again yourself. The ride is only like 10 seconds and definitely for Georgian standards 40 GEL is then a lot of money.

28.3 Wine tours Tbilisi

As I said before already when mentioning wine bars there are also Gastronomy tours. You will get to go to some wineries, sample food and of course taste wine. Wine tastings are a fun thing to do in Tbilisi. Remember that this is where wine comes from and that Georgians are passionate about their wines. Tastings get real here, not just a little sip! The gastronomy and wine tours organized by Katie were amazing, you can contact her through whatsapp: +995 558779111

28.4 Shopping in Tbilisi Mall

If you are a fan of shopping there is one place in particular I want to send you. In the heart of the city on Rustaveli Avenue you will find the Tbilisi Mall. This modern shopping mall is the largest of its kind in the Southern Caucasus. Find here elegant locals shopping for international brands across more than 250 stores. There is a family entertainment center, a food court and also one of the most modern cinemas in the Caucasus. There are constantly held events in the Tbilisi Mall so keep an eye out for runway shows for example. 

28.5 (Free) Walking tours Tbilisi

There are many walking tours in Tbilisi available. One night I stayed at Fabrika , the most popular hostel in the city and saw a Tbilisi walking tour for 50 GEL. Don’t pay that much, it is a ridiculous price! Every city around the world has free walking tours, just google this. You will meet at a given prime location in the city and a volunteer will guide you around some of the best tourists spots in Tbilisi. Free walking tours depart every day and are tip based and definitely not $20 per person! On top of that locals know best!

More about where to stay in Tbilisi at the end of this travel blog.

28.6 Ferris wheel 

Undoubtedly the best view over the city you will get when you take a ride in the ferris wheel. It is hard to miss when you visit Tbilisi as it towers high above the city. The ferris wheel is located next to the tv-tower.

28.7 TV Tower Tbilisi

Unfortunately the tv-tower is not (yet) a tourist spot in Tbilisi. Rumours are that the impressive tower on top of Mtatsminda hill will be opening up for tourists in the future. Until now we can only imagine how incredible the view from up here would be. The tower is almost 275 meter high and stands on top of a 400 meter mountain. The TV tower looks beautiful when it is lit up at night.

28.8 Mtatsminda Park

Fun to pay a visit if you travel to Tbilisi is the Mtatsminda Park. This small amusement park is not the worlds most spectacular, but hey the entrance fee is just a couple dollars. There is even a rollercoaster! Since it is located on top of Mtatsminda Hill good views from some of the attractions are included.

28.9 Funicular Tbilisi

For just a couple cents it is worth taking a funicular ride in Tbilisi. This old little train will bring you up to Funicular Complex where you can find the ferris wheel, the funicular complex restaurant, the tv tower, the Mtatsminda amusement park and a couple cool bars and coffee places.

28.10 Georgian National Opera Theater

Not something I would normally mention, but it was a great thing to do in Tbilisi. The entrance fee is not that much depending on the show so if you ever want to attend an Opera show for a couple dollars, this is your chance. The interior is amazing and the show was actually pretty cool to witness.

28.11 Tbilisi Sea - summer club

Something completely different and only a summer activity in Tbilisi if you ask me. But when you are here in summer the Tbilisi Sea Summer Club is where locals go for their beach cravings. Beach clubs erect this time of year and people watching and chilling in the hot summer sun is then one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

29. Places to visit in Tbilisi

Apart from the above activities there are some really interesting places to visit in Tbilisi as well. Churches, monasteries, castles, shopping streets, bazaars and more.

29.1 Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Unmistakably one of the best places to see in Tbilisi is the Holy Trinity Cathedral. This majestic Orthodox Church with golden cupola is actually one of the biggest of its kind in the world. You can enter the complex for free and wander around, but you can also visit the church. You have to dress appropriate if you go inside, but there are free cloths at the Cathedrals entrance to wrap around. From here you also have good city views. You can easily get there on foot. From Old Tbilisi it is like 15 minutes walk.

29.2 Rustaveli Avenue

When you visit Tbilisi it is impossible to miss the aorta of this city. Rustaveli Avenue is where it is all happening. The most famous street in Georgia and probably the most expensive place to buy in Georgian monopoly. Find here the best hotels, restaurants, shops, government buildings, churches and much more. Take a stroll along the avenue is always a good idea when you are looking for what to do in Tbilisi.

29.3 Meidan Bazaar

By coincidence I found the underground Meidan Bazaar. It is close to Europe Square in Old Town and it is not so easy to find if you ask me. But if you are looking for souvenirs and asking yourself what to buy in Tbilisi then find some inspiration here. Very charming and taking a stroll through the bazaar is a pretty romantic thing to do in Tbilisi.

29.4 Narikala fortress

In every Tbilisi travel guide the Narikala Fortress will be mentioned as it is such an iconic castle looming large over Old Tbilisi. You can walk up there or you can get there by cable car and walk down a little. It is easy to access the Narikala Fortress complex, but to get to the top of the castle tower is a little more tricky and involves some serious climbing. There is no entrance fee. The views are splendid from the castle walls which can fairly easy be reached. If you are looking what to do in Tbilisi for sunset then head up here.

29.5 Mother of Georgia

Just a little stroll to the right from the top of the cable car you can find the statue of the Mother of Georgia or Kartlis Deda in Georgian language. This woman in a traditional Georgian dress symbolises Georgia and of course is she holding a bowl of wine in one hand! I told you if you travel to Tbilisi you can’t escape wine!

29.6 Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral

A small cathedral that is a great place to see in Tbilisi when strolling along Rustaveli Avenue. This is one of the oldest cathedrals of the city and beautifully decorated with wall paintings. I walked in twice and two times there was a priest preforming a ritual with a young couple. Cool thing to see!

29.7 Bridge of Peace

One of the modern highlights and a top tourist attraction in Tbilisi. When you are an architecture geek you are going to love the Peace Bridge. Although some say that from above it looks like a panty liner, while walking through the Bridge of Peace I was amazed. And I am not even an archi lover that much.

29.8 Turtle Lake

This lake in the southwest of the city is surrounded by woods and a popular place to hang out in summer. The lake is located high above the city in the hills a super cool location. Often there are festivals and events held here in summer, so ask around. You can get there for just 1 GEL by a short cable car ride.

29.9 Lisi Lake

If you want to escape the bustling city then Lisi Lake is a great place to visit in Tbilisi. Just 8 kilometers outside the city center uphill to the west. The lake feels really rural and you will forget the city is just around the corner. It was one of my favorite things to do in Tbilisi if I wanted to switch off.

30. Day trips from Tbilisi

Although there are many things to do and a lot of places to visit in Tbilisi, also have a look at some spectacular day trips and tours. All the below listed activities are worth a visit and some are actually even better on a multi day trip. Bring a little daypack and stay overnight in the mountains.

30.1 Jvari Monastery

Just 16 kilometers out of town you will find a monastery on top of a hill. It still counts as one of the tourist spots in Tbilisi as it is just a 20 minute drive away. The Jvari viewpoint is an amazing instagram spot and the dark and cosy inside of the monastery is very mysterious but captivating. You can feel the religious vibe with all the candles burning. It is ok to take photos and film inside. Dress appropriate!

Remember one of my best Tbilisi travel tips? If you use the Yandex taxi app you can get to the Jvari Monastery for already 18 GEL, that is $7. 

30.2 Mtskheta

From the Javari monastery you are looking out over the the old capital of Georgia. Mtskheta is impossible to pronounce but a lovely charming village. Stroll through the old town and get the a slice of the amazing laid-back Georgia lifestyle. There are multiple restaurants and bars.

This is Mtskheta seen from the Jvari monastery. You can also clearly see the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral from here. Also see 30.3 of things to do in Tbilisi.

For those looking for an active day trip from Tbilisi. Get yourself a taxi to the Jvari Monastery on top of the hill, then hike down to Mtskheta. Enjoy Georgian food in typical local restaurants and have some wines before you order a taxi back to your Tbilisi hotel or Airbnb! More about that later in the where to stay in Tbilisi section.

30.3 Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

When walking around Mtskheta it is impossible to miss the second largest church in Georgia, this Middle Ages masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

30.4 Ananuri day trip

A little further out driving towards the North you will find the Ananuri Monastery. Another beautifully located monastery with a great story. This Tbilisi tourist spot is named after Ana who was captured by Muslims and tortured to reveal the secret passageway to the monastery. She eventually died without ever telling the enemy. There is a castle tower next to it which you can climb up to, but to get cool photos you will have to attempt a risky climb while on the top.

When you visit Tbilisi, the Ananuri monastery is a nice day trip, but it takes 50 minutes one-way and within 15 minutes you have basically seen it. Along the way you can stop at the Jinvali artificial lake and have a tea with good views. Find out more about this day trip from Tbilisi in my Tbilisi travel blog .

30.5 Gudauri Ski Resort

Probably the best ski resort in Georgia, so if you are looking for things to do in Tbilisi in winter you found one. Not only in winter this is a popular place to go if you visit Georgia. In Gudauri you can find multiple day treks, hiking trails and viewpoints. It is about 2,5 hours North of Tbilisi.

30.6 Kazbegi

One of the best day trips from Tbilisi is Kazbegi. This sleepy mountain village close to the Russian border is surrounded by some majestic peaks of the Caucasus. Come here for the fresh air, the hiking trails, the monastery on top of the hill and the endless mountain views. My trip to Kazbegi was one of my highlights of more than 2 weeks traveling in Georgia. Read here all my Kazbegi travel tips.

31. Where to stay in Tbilisi

Just like in any other capital there are endless places to stay in Tbilisi. Though it must be said that in summer season Tbilisi hotel rooms are in high demand. This is simply because Tbilisi tourism is flourishing. If you have read all of the above you can understand that this is an amazing city to visit. So if you are looking for a hotel in Tbilisi in peak season I recommend you to book ahead.

 There are a handful 5 star hotels in Tbilisi, but not that many as you may think. There are actually a couple openings in the next year like Sheraton and Hilton. 

31.1 Best luxury hotels in Tbilisi:

Stamba Hotel Tbilisi: trendy, urban chic design hotel. Review score: 9.6. Price: $250 .

Rooms Hotel Tbilisi: luxury hotspot in Tbilisi. Review score: 9,0. Price: $200 .

31.2 Boutique hotels in Tbilisi

Bloom Boutique Hotel Tbilisi: classical and popular boutique hotel with super homey atmosphere. Review score: 9.5. Price: $110 .

Shota @ Rustaveli Boutique Hotel: spacious rooms, contemporary interior. Review Score: 9.4 Price: $130 .

31.3 Tbilisi Hotels for under $100 per night

Moxy Tbilisi by Marriott: great location, top service, nice contemporary hotel. Review score: 8.7. Price: $90 .

Stay Boutique Hotel Tbilisi: great value for money, simple but lovely. Review score: 9.9. Price: $60 .

Ethno Hotel: quaint boutique hotel, very detailed. Review score: 9.8. Price: $90 .

31.4 Cheap Tbilisi Hotels

Let me first tell you that there are a ton of options if you are looking for cheap hotels in Tbilisi. The following crossed my path when I was looking for places to stay on a budget.

Renaissance Hotel Tbilisi: Good location, great rooftop. Review Score: 9.0. Price: $40 .

Freedom Square Apart Hotel: Central location. Modern interior. Review Score: 9.5. Price: $35 .

31.5 Hostels in Tbilisi

Fabrika Hostel: big hostel, perfect for solo travelers. Review score: 9.0. Price: $10 .

Dvizh Hostel Eli Spali: very central and homey atmosphere. Review Score 9.2. Price: $10 .

31.6 Airbnb in Tbilisi

Another option is to rent an Airbnb in Tbilisi. You will see that there are many options available. For the best location pick something close to Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square or Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue.

I stayed in several places around the city. Sometimes in hotels, but most of the times in an Airbnb. To rent a complete apartment you are looking at around $30 per night. If you want $30 free Airbnb credit then sign up with this link. If you already have an account, create a new account with a different email and get $30 off as well. Easy as hell! :)

This was the view from one of my $30 a night Airbnb's.

Enjoy your trip to Tbilisi!

Thank you for reading my travel blog and I hope all these Tbilisi travel tips were valuable to you. In case you missed it I also wrote about my daily life in the capital in Georgia. My Tbilisi travel blog is about the best coffee places and how I lived like a local. Also wrote about my trip to Kazbegi and the cheap helicopter ride. If you travel to Georgia you might also be interested to travel to Batumi on the Black Sea.

If this was helpful would you please share the link on Facebook or in relevant Facebook groups? Tweet it on Twitter or Pin it on Pinterest. Any share on social media would be wonderful. A small thing for you to do, but could make a big difference for me! Thank you very much.

A guide to visit Tbilisi (includes off-beat things)

By Joan Torres 10 Comments Last updated on April 25, 2024

I lived in Tbilisi for 7 months. And every time someone asks me why they should visit Tbilisi, I say:

I love Tbilisi because it has the perfect balance between something very exotic and traditional, yet it is European and Westernized enough to live in comfortably. 

From traditional bazaars to craft beer scene growing daily, a perfectly-shaped Old City with colorful facades and wooden balconies, a great Communist heritage, epic cathedrals, lakes, and much, much more, Tbilisi is an absolutely great capital to visit.

Based on my experience in this city, I have written this comprehensive travel guide to visit Tbilisi in a 5-day itinerary, with a special mention of off the beaten track things to do in Tbilisi , as well as loads of travel tips, from transportation to my favorite restaurants in the city. 

In this travel guide to Tbilisi you will find:

Table of Contents

• Where to stay
• Tbilisi off the beaten track
• Transportation
• Where to eat
• Where to drink
• Best cafés for digital nomads
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Georgia

With its backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of trekking destination, like Georgia.

🪪 Visa for traveling to Tbilisi

A total of 94 countries can get a 365-day FREE visa upon arrival in the country. 

As a tourist, you won’t be staying there for 1 year, but this is a great visa policy for those digital nomads who want to live in a cheap country without going through any bureaucratic hassle. 

The best part is that you can get this 1 year automatically renewed by leaving the country and re-entering immediately, including crossing the Armenian border.

Moreover, people from countries who don’t appear on the list may apply for an e-visa through this website . 

🏨 Where to stay in Tbilisi

Hostel  – Fabrika ( My preferred choice) – Fabrika is a hostel built in a massive abandoned factory in the area of Marjanishvili, a pretty cool area where you find several cafés and hipster-like bars. It is kind of where the open-minded Georgians and expats hang out. They have both dorms and private rooms and host travelers of all ages. 

Best Hotel – Stamba – Stamba is a really beautiful, relatively new hotel, located in downtown. The decoration is very rustic and it has a couple of independent boutiques and concept stores. They also have a very famous restaurant that is always stuffed with wealthy Georgians. 

Budget Guest House Old City – Guest House Lile – A beautiful, very cozy guest house, located at the heart of the traditional part of the Old Town. 

Best Super Budget Hostel – Pushkin 10 Hostel – A cheaper option than Fabrika, this hostel is just outside the walls of the Old City. Really comfortable and everything is brand-new. 

🗺️ Best tours from Tbilisi

This blog always tries to encourage independent travel but, if you are short in time, and want to travel comfortably, GetYourGuide offers a wide range of budget tours which can be booked with just one click and are always conducted by professional local guides.

So far, these are some of their most popular tours in and from Tbilisi:

• Day trip to Kazbegi – One of the most stunning mountain regions in Georgia.
• Day trip to the wine region of Kakheti – Wine tasting and lovely European-like towns.
• Day trip to Mtskheta, Gori, and Uplitsikhe – UNESCO World Heritage Churches, Stalin’s birthplace and a cave city.
• Day trip to Davit Gareja & wine-tasting   – The best cave monastery city in Georgia and 
• Tbilisi walking tour – Explore Tbilisi with a professional guide.

Top places to visit in Tbilisi

If you have more than a few days, here you can read a complete 1-week Georgia Itinerary

Tbilisi Itinerary on day 1 – Exploring the Old Town, from Freedom Square to the Mother of Georgia

You should explore the beautiful Old Town when you visit Tbilisi on day 1. 

On this Tbilisi travel guide, I have highlighted the most important landmarks in the map below but you should also wander around all the narrow alleys to discover the beautiful facades Tbilisi is famous for, as well as the many peculiar statues, churches, and synagogues. 

Remember that, for more generic insights to the Georgian culture, read my Georgia travel guide

Day 1 What to visit in Tbilisi – Map

1 – Freedom Square

Start your day in Freedom Square (or Liberty Square). This is the busiest spot in the city, the most used metro station and the square from where you can go in pretty much any direction.

During the Soviet Union, it used to be called Lenin Square and, where you see a golden statue of Saint George and the Dragon, there used to be a Lenin Statue which was pulled down shortly after Georgia got its independence in 1991.

Do you want to explore Tbilisi with a professional local guide ? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

2 – Pushkin street

From Freedom Square, go down to Pushkin street, where you will see the last remains of the Old City wall, as well as quite a few buildings with traditional facades. Then, turn right just before  Ambassadori Hot el .

Traveling to Baku? Read my guide to visit Baku

3 – The Puppet Theatre and the clock tower

This twisted and architectonically weird, but pleasant to the eyes building, is the most Instagrammable spot in the city. On the hour, a small window in the upper part of the tower opens with some creepy mannequins coming out from it.

Actually, this is one of my least favorite places to visit in Tbilisi, but not because of the building but the cheesy atmosphere. 

I recommend, however, you sit at the terrace of Hangar Bar, a popular spot for expats despite its touristic location. They sell really cheap beers and you get a clear view of the building. 

4 – Anchiskhati Church

After no more than 20 meters, you will see the 6th-century Anchiskhati Church, the oldest in the country. It contains some really nice frescoes. 

5 – The Peace Bridge

If you continue straight, at some point you can turn left and see a sort of futuristic bridge called the Peace Bridge. It was built in 2010 to represent the transition from the dark past of Georgia to a more prosperous future. Some people don’t like because it looks too modern. I like it 🙂

The river that goes through the middle of Tbilisi is called the Mtkvari river (or Kura), and it flows 1,500km river from Turkey to the Caspian Sea, in Iran . 

6 – Meteki Church

The iconic church that sits at the edge of the cliff is from the 13th century and it was built by a Christian Georgian King, but later served several purposes, from barracks to a jail, and a theatre. During the last years of the USSR, a group of Christian people launched a campaign to restore its original purpose as a Church. 

7 – The sulfur baths

It is said that a Georgian King named Vakhtang, who lived in today’s Mtskheta in the 5th century, went hunting in this part of today’s Tbilisi when a wounded deer got miraculously healed after falling into a hot spring. He was so amazed by the curative properties of that place that he decided to move the capital from Mtskheta to Tbilisi. 

This part of the Old Town has been home to several bathhouses since the 12th century and today, they are a must-visit, especially if you visit Tbilisi during the colder months.

For more information, including prices, etc., check this guide: Visiting Tbilisi Sulphur Baths.

In the old Georgian language, Tbilisi literally means ” warm place ”, a name that originated after discovering the hot springs.

8 – Jumah Mosque

This is one of the very few mosques in the world where Sunni and Shia Muslims pray together.

Built in the 18th century by the Ottoman Empire (but destroyed and rebuilt several times), with its mud-brick walls, the building is totally camouflaged among the facades of the Old City.

Pro Tip – For some reason, the viewpoint from where you get the best perspective of the city is barely known for by most travelers. It is exactly here: 41.685942, 44.811485.

9 – Take the cable car to Narikala Fortress

When you travel to Tbilisi, one of the highlights is going up to Narikala Fortress before sunset, from where you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city.

You could actually walk but, if you want to take the cable car, you need to go back to Rike Park (the park right across the Peace Bridge).

The fortress dates from the 4th century. It was built by the Persians but it has served similar purposes for the Umayyads, several Georgian Kings, and the Mongols.

10 – The Mother of Georgia

This massive 20-meter aluminum female statue is frankly impressive, and polemical, as well.

The glass of wine that she holds in her left hand represents Georgian hospitality towards foreigners, whereas the sword that she holds in her right hand represents hostility to foreign invaders, a message clearly referring to the Russians. 

Read: Azerbaijan 3-week itinerary

Tbilisi Itinerary on day 2 – From Sameba Cathedral to Station Square

When you visit Tbilisi on your second day, I recommend you explore the other side of the Kura river.

Day 2 What to do in Tbilisi – Map

Sameba Cathedral

Sameba Cathedral is an utterly tall Church, the tallest in the country and one of the largest Orthodox Churches in the world. It is not an old Church, however, as it dates from 2004 and was built to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus. Still, it is an impressive complex.

Avlabari neighborhood

Avlabari is the neighborhood just down from Sameba Cathedral. You won’t see any tourists here but a very local vibe, so different from the Old Town.

It is on your way to the next destination, so I recommend you check out its many traditional shops. By the way, this is the best place to buy churchkhela (the traditional candle-shaped candy).

Mushroom building

This mushroom-shaped building is where the administrative offices are. It worth checking out from outside and it is on the way anyways. 

The Soviet Market (Flea market)

In Daedena park, there is a flea market selling all sorts of Soviet artifacts, from gas masks to coins with Stalin’s face and more.

By the way, in this park, there are also some second-hand book shops which, basically, are wooden shelves placed on the handrail of the river. 

Read: A guide to visit Iran

Marjanishvili

Marjanishvili is the new trending neighborhood and the area I used to spend most of my time in, as it had a few bars, good restaurants, digital nomad cafés, and there weren’t many tourists around.

Here you will find a few abandoned factories from the USSR, an abandoned theater and traditional architecture.

Dezerter Bazaar

If you continue straight towards Station Square, you will bump into Dezerter Bazaar, the largest traditional market in the city, selling absolutely everything, from loads of coffee to fruit, electronics and everything you may think of. It is a chaotic bazaar in its most Middle Eastern style.

You can also find stalls selling grain coffee and buy an awesome espresso for 0.50GEL. 

Tbilisi Itinerary on day 3 – Downtown, Tbilisi Sea, Chronicles of Georgia

On your day 3 visiting Tbilisi, explore the new part of town by walking Rustaveli Avenue all the way to Vake. Then, go to the suburbs to visit a very unique monument and a massive lake. 

Rustaveli is one of the main avenues in Tbilisi and was named after Shota Rustaveli, a Georgian poet considered the greatest contributor to Georgian literature.

Day 3 What to visit in Tbilisi – Map

The National Museum of Georgia

From the first pre-historic civilizations that inhabited the region until the invasion of the USSR, the National Museum of Georgia showcases all the layers of history of today’s Georgia.

I was mainly interested in visiting the Soviet museum but, unfortunately, most of the shown documents shown were in Russian and the English explanation was rather poor, so I didn’t learn much about it. You can, however, hire a guide or get an audio speaking guide. The entrance fee is 7GEL.

The Georgian Parliament

The Georgian Parliament is the place which is currently witnessing the transition from a religious, conservative state into a modern, progressive society. You should know that, in Tbilisi, two kinds of society coexist: the ultra-religious, homophobe wing and the open-minded young crowd who are demanding change.

For more information, read the ”Country” section of my Georgia Travel Guide . 

Well, this Parliament is the place where this young crowd gathers for protesting every single week, like the massive electronic rave that was organized against the closing of Bassiani, a famous techno club that welcomes the LGBT community, in which the police organized a nonsensical, abusive and violent raid.

That peaceful protest was disturbed by Georgian religious nationalists and ended up with some crazy violence. I witnessed it myself. 

The rest of Rustaveli Avenue

From checking the Opera House to fancy shops, some churches, and quite a few majestic buildings, Rustaveli is a pleasant place to walk through. 

If you want to check out a different area, Vake is the neighborhood where the Georgian middle-upper class lives, hence where you will find the fanciest restaurants and shops, but also the most open-minded Georgians and still, traditional architecture.

I recommend you walk all the way until Mziuri Park, a beautiful park with very nice statues whose center is dominated by a really nice outdoor café where the young students gather for coffee or beers. 

Chronicles of Georgia

The Chronicles of Georgia is a massive, odd monument visible from many places in the city and composed of giant pillars whose walls are decorated with some outstanding carvings that showcase different episodes of the history of Georgia and Christianity, like a representation of  Saint Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia, and several Georgian Kings. 

Moreover, from here you get a double epic view, Tbilisi Sea on one side and the Soviet suburbs on the other. 

How to get to the Chronicles of Georgia: 

• By metro: Get off at Guramishvili or Grmagele Metro Station and then walk for 20 minutes. 
• By taxi: By Yandex, from downtown, it should cost around 15GEL.

Tbilisi Sea

A nearly 10-kilometer artificial lake that serves as a reservoir, Tbilisi Lake is a different dimension from Tbilisi’s urban jungle.

It has plenty of beaches and picnic spots but I recommend you go on the area highlighted on the map, as it has a few pretty cool bars which are perfect places to end your day over a few beers. You can only come here by car.

Are you traveling to Central Asia? Here you can read my guide to the Stan countries

🧭 Extending your Tbilisi itinerary – Off the beaten track places to visit in Tbilisi

You will need at least 2 days to discover all these places.

Map of the off the beaten track things to do in Tbilisi

Soviet Modernism and buildings

If you like Soviet relics, Tbilisi has a great offering of Communist Heritage which doesn’t appear in any Tbilisi travel guide but most importantly, it seems to be one of the pioneers of Soviet Modernism, an artistic movement that flourished during the last decades of the USSR and mainly consisted of buildings with weird shapes and lots of murals.

Soviet architecture seems to have its momentum among travelers who like to get off the beaten track and Tbilisi will not disappoint you. 

Bank of Georgia Headquarters

Built by the Soviets in the 70s to serve as the Ministry of Highway Construction, this piled-brick, unique and extravagant building was later acquired by the Bank of Georgia. You can’t enter inside but seeing it from outside is the best part.

Soviet Murals & statues

There is a large collection of Soviet murals and statues all over the city. I have highlighted 3 of them on the above map but you can check all the locations on this link . These are the location of my 3 favorite ones:

• Technical University Metro station
• Fire Station Sarbutalo
• Georgia Exposition Center

If you like offbeat Soviet stuff, you will definitely enjoy the capital of Minsk. Read my travel guide to Minsk

Wedding Palace

Another example of extravagant Soviet Modernism, this cathedral-shaped building was built as a wedding palace. Later, it was purchased by a wealthy Georgian and today, it is leased for private events. 

Triple Soviet Block

Not part of the Soviet Modernism movement but for Soviet architecture lovers, this is an absolutely impressive piece and one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi.

It consists of three massive Soviet, concrete buildings connected by a metal bridge from where you get stunning views of Tbilisi’s Communist skyline.

The bridge is crossed quite often, as it is the only way to access the upper part of the neighborhood on foot. You can go up, no problem. The elevator works with coins (like most elevators in this area).

The Soviet cable car that takes you to Turtle Lake

If you think the cable car that goes all the way up to Narikhala fortress is too modern, and boring, then I recommend you take the one in Vake that takes you straight to the Turtle Lake.

It is one of those tuna can-shaped, rusty boxes, not very stable, but as solid as any Soviet artifact/construction. 

Abandoned hippodrome

An abandoned hippodrome today has become a place where Georgians come for a run or to hang out with their dogs. From here, you can also get a pretty cool view of Tbilisi’s Soviet skyline.

I lived 10 minutes away from this place, so used to come here for a run every couple of days.

More off the beaten track things to do in Tbilisi

These are other off the beaten track places to visit in Tbilisi.

They aren’t Soviet Heritage but still worth to visit. 

Kyiv also has plenty of off the beaten track stuff. Read my travel guide to Kyiv

Abandoned trains of Gostiridze

Right next to the train station of Gostiridze there are, literally, one hundred abandoned trains of all colors and some of them have been turned into houses which actual families live in.

You can walk around the area, enter inside the trains and do whatever the hell you want. Even the people living in those trains didn’t tell me anything. 

Abandoned Cable Car Station of Rustaveli

Located downtown, in one of the fanciest spots in the city, but hidden among the buildings, you find this circular, abandoned building that used to serve as a cable car station until they shut it down due to an accident in which some people died. 

Tbilisi underground Street Art

As you may notice, Tbilisi is packed with underground passages all over the city which, somehow, replace the crosswalks from the main streets.

These underground passages are actually pretty interesting to see because they are home to some sub-cultures, from musicians to traditional shops and, of course, pieces of very elaborated street art.

The two most impressive ones are the passages located down of Heroes Square and at the end of Pushkin Street (river side). Both places are highlighted on the map.

Not a very off-beat thing but still, a spot barely visited by most tourists. Lisi Lake is a tiny lake located in Sarbutalo, whose shores are filled with many bars and it is a popular meeting point among the young crowd who gather to have a bath or drink some beers.

A really cool place to spend the day. 

I recommend visiting Tbilisi’s Chinatown to those people who have (a lot of) time and like weird, stuff because this place is really weird and obscure. 

All right, Chinatown is a ghost mall, absolutely huge by the way, where you find weird stores, like a one selling souvenirs and clothes from Turkmenistan.

The shops are open and all people working are Chinese, yet, there is no one shopping and, in the outdoor part, you find super authentic Chinese restaurants always packed with Chinese. 

It doesn’t make sense and it is a waste of money but Georgians say that it was built for money laundering purposes. 

🛺 Transportation in Tbilisi

How to get from/to the airport.

• Bus – You can take bus #37 which goes from the airport to Freedom Square, right in front of the fancy mall. It costs 0.50GEL, like a single metro/bus ride. 
• Taxi – If you have Yandex (the Russian Uber), a taxi ride to the city center should cost around 20GEL (6-7€). If you don’t have the app, good luck bargaining the price with the taxi drivers. Their rates start at 30GEL and if they see you are a tourist, they may ask 50 or 60GEL. 

The metro in Tbilisi consists of those very deep metro stations characteristic of the Soviet Union. There are two lines and they go to pretty much all the places I mentioned in the Tbilisi itinerary. One single ticket costs 0.50GEL, but remember to buy the metro card, which costs a few additional GEL. 

Where the metro doesn’t go, you can take the bus and Google Maps tells you the bus number when you calculate the route. It works with the same metro card, but you can also buy single tickets in the bus. 

Yellow mini-vans

The abundant yellow mini-vans are a faster alternative to the buses but they are more difficult to use because the signs are in the Georgian alphabet. A single ride costs 0.80GEL. 

As I said, download Yandex or Taxify (it is slightly more expensive). With these two apps, rides within the city cost 3 to 5GEL. 

There are two functional cable cars, the one that takes you to Narikala fortress and the one that goes to Turtle Lake. Both work with the regular metro card. 

There is a funicular that takes you all the way up to Mtatsminda Park just behind Rustaveli. You need to buy a special card. 

Bus station to Mtskheta, Kutaisi, Kazbegi , Batumi or Borjomi

To go in those directions, you should go to the station located in Didube, where you also find a traditional bazaar worth checking out. Didube is also a metro station. A taxi from the city center would cost around 8GEL. 

Bus station to Sighnaghi, Telavi, Yerevan

To go in these directions, the bus station is named Ortachala and this is the location: 41.675794, 44.834233 . (By the way, buses and marshrutkas to Yerevan also leave from Didube and Station Square but I think in Ortachala you have more options. The closest metro station is  Isani, 15 minutes away on foot. 

Train Station

The train station is located in Station Square and the different lines connect Tbilisi with Batumi and go all the way up to Zugdidi and everything in between. You can also take a train to Yerevan and Baku . Tickets can be purchased at the station itself, but you can also book in advance on this website . 

🍲 Where to eat in Tbilisi

This section focuses on my favorite restaurants in Tbilisi. For a detailed explanation of Georgian food, remember to check my travel guide to Georgia . 

Mid-range restaurant (My favorite) – Culinarium Khasheria – The chef is a lady who used to live in different parts of Europe and then she opened this restaurant serving traditional food with a modern touch. It has a great selection of local wines as well. By the way, the restaurant is located in a very touristy area and, for this reason, you are likely to see some tourists but there are many locals as well and, in any case, several Georgians recommended this place to me. 

Mid-range restaurant – Shavi Lomi – An outdoor, very quiet restaurant at the heart of Marjanishvili serving traditional food. All the Georgian food on the menu is great and I recommend you get gobi as a starter. 

Fancy restaurant – Barbarestan – The fanciest restaurant in town serving local, high cuisine. In my opinion, it is a bit overrated but that it is because you also pay for the excellent service and the setup. 

Local budget restaurant – Mapshalia – For just a few laris, this traditional local eatery is very authentic and barely discovered by travelers.

Best Khachapuri Adjaluri – Retro – This restaurant was right next to my apartment and the locals told me that they serve one of the best Khachapuri Adjaluris (boat-shaped bread with cheese) in town. 

Best Khinkali and traditional food – Shemoikhede Genatsvale – Also pretty cheap and not discovered by travelers, this is the best budget restaurant to taste the largest variety of traditional food and many locals claim that they serve some of the best khinkalis . 

Try to avoid Machakhela – A popular Georgian chain which has restaurants all over the city. Seriously, they have 30 or 40, and always in the most convenient locations. They tend to be busy but the food is average compared to the restaurants from the list, so don’t go there.  

🍻 Where to drink in Tbilisi

These are some of the bars I used to go drinking:

Amodi – Local vibe and good for both beers and dinner. This bar is located on the upper part of the Old Town, so you get a pretty panoramic view of the city. 

Bauhaus – Outdoor bar located in Daedena Park and a place where you can be drinking beer from early afternoon to 4 or 5am. It is always filled with locals. 

Fabrika – Fabrika was my favorite after-work place. Great atmosphere and several bars to choose from. 

Warszawa – When you don’t know where to go, you go to Warszawa to have some quick shots. You will recognize it because there are always groups of people standing and drinking outside of it. 

Dive Bar – This is like an institution in Tbilisi. They serve cheap, craft beer and the people are a mixture of regular expats and cool Georgians. 

☕ Best cafés for digital nomads in Tbilisi

These are just some of the cafés where I used to work:

Prospero’s Books – Really quiet, nice outdoor area and a working atmosphere. 

Fabrika – The best internet plus it has the main advantage that the best after work area is right next door. 

Kiwi Café – A vegan-friendly café. 

The Coffee Lab – The best coffee in town. 

Hurma – Nice breakfast and a working atmosphere as well.

❗ More information for visiting Tbilisi

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Georgia destination

• Travel Guide to Kakheti
• Travel Guide to Kazbegi
• Georgia Travel Guide
• Georgia Itinerary
• Best Books on Georgia
• Trekking Guide to Georgia

Check more city guides

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Asmara Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Dubai
• Beirut Travel Guide
• Erbil Travel Guide
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Baku Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Minsk
• Kiev Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Nouakchott
• A City Guide to Mosul

10 comments

wow, I wish you had published this earlier, as I just went to Tbilisi last week. Anyways, what a great guide to Tbilisi. Sadly, I didn’t visit any of the of the off the beaten track places, even though I passed by that station Gostiridze on my way to Didube 🙁 Question: you said you lived there. Did you rent an apartment on Airbnb or what did you do? I just found the Airbnb apartments to be quite pricey.

Hi Marc, we rented it through a local website named place.ge. It was difficult because many of the agents didn’t speak english but we found a few who did. We paid 300USD for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sarbutalo. Pretty good and you could sign a 6-months contract. The people I met who rented it through Airbnb paid doubler than us.

Great info!

We’ve been in Tbilisi for 2 months so far and love all your suggestions of things to see and do. We did, however, get arrested while walking through the abandoned trains so anyone hoping to see them should keep that in mind. The police weren’t too bad and just made us delete our photos but it was a bit nerve wracking being escorted to the station…

really? I am so sorry to hear that, i had no idea you could get in trouble for doing that. I just walked around freely without any problem!

Hi , did you run the trip to Kurdistan, and will you be running the expedition to Georgia soon? Thanks

Hi Michael, the trip to Kurdistan will take place on May 21st. Georgia expedition doesn’t have a date set

I really like your blog. I think you’re the best travel blogger I’ve come across. Your writing style is easy to read, but detailed enough. Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate what you’re doing. Keep it up!

thanks for your kind comment Patrick! Yes, I like to keep it simple but at the same time insightful 🙂

You are a perfect guide writer:) Thank yo so much!

I have a feeling that in a place like this, you won’t experience the ugliness of political cultures like you would in developed regions. The isolation in this town seems to give people a sense of escapism.

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Finding Love and Home in Tbilisi, Georgia

“When did you first hear of Georgia?” Mako asked after a long drag from her cigarette.

We were drinking wine outside Fabrika , an old Soviet fabric factory now converted into a multi-use center with bars, restaurants, co-working spaces, shops, artist studios, and a hostel. Mako was a Georgian guiding a mutual journalist friend on assignment.

“Hmm…” I replied, taking a sip of my wine. “That’s a good question. On one level, I’ve known about Georgia for a long time, because, well, I know my geography. But, as a place that was more than just a name on a map, it’s only been a few years — when I started thinking of more unique and off-the-beaten-path places to visit — that I really thought ‘Hmm, Georgia? That could be interesting!’”

I had been in Georgia for only a few days. When I left London for a trip to Azerbaijan in June, I added nearby Georgia to the itinerary as an afterthought. Friends spoke highly of the country and, since I was already going to be nearby, I thought why not kill two birds with one stone.

My original plan was to spend about a little over a week in the country, hitting some of the highlights and whetting my appetite for another trip (to me, a week in a country is never enough time).

But, after being required to head home earlier than expected, I only had time to see the capital, Tbilisi.

From the moment I got off the bus from Azerbaijan , I was in love with the city.

Yes, I know. I know. That’s such a cliché. To fall for a place right away. But sometimes a destination just hits you to your core right away. The energy — the essence — of where you are just flows through your body and you feel like you’re coming home to a place you didn’t even realize existed minutes prior.

It’s as if a part of you had always been there and you were simply returning to make yourself whole again.

Such is the magic of these things.

Over the next few days, that magic connection only deepened.

Before arriving, I had pictured a grimy old city with crumbling, ugly Soviet-era buildings and graffiti. In my mind, it was still frozen in the immediate fall of the Soviet empire.

Instead, I found a beautifully preserved Old Town with cobblestone streets and stunning buildings with ornate balconies; lots of spacious parks, wide streets, eclectic artist spaces, and funky cafés; and modern and sometimes futuristic architecture. It was a lot more like Europe than I had anticipated.

I spent my first day wandering the old town. I gazed at the Metekhi Church with its giant equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali overlooking the Mtkvari River. This is where the king built his palace when he made Tbilisi his capital in the fifth century. (Legend has it that he founded Tbilisi while hunting and discovered the sulfur baths, but a city existed here long before he came along! He just revived it.) The simple, domed-shaped brick building is popular with locals, as legend says the fifth-century martyr St. Shushanik was buried here.

From there I walked across the bridge, toward the famous sulfur baths, a collection of brick-domed buildings containing subterranean bathhouses. These baths helped make Tbilisi famous, as the waters are claimed to help soothe symptoms in chronically ill patients, like arthritic pain or poor blood circulation. There used to be 63 of these baths in Tbilisi but only a handful are left now. They are still wildly popular, though I don’t see the charm in smelling like rotten eggs.

These bathhouses straddle a small river that feeds them and then meanders through a canyon that you can follow to the amazing Dzveli Tbilisi sulfur waterfall. There, the sound of the city melts away, and you feel more like you’re in a national park than a national capital.

I wandered some more and located the entrance to Tbilisi’s gigantic National Botanical Garden, where I found a zip line, tons more waterfalls and rivers to swim in (which, given the high temps during my visit, were well utilized by locals), hiking paths, and flowers and shrubbery. Amidst this peace, I often had to remind myself that I was in a chaotic major city and not some little quiet mountain town.

From there it was up to the Narikala Fortress, which dominates the skyline. Dating back to the fourth century, it was once a Persian citadel. Most of the walls were built in the eighth century, but in 1827 an explosion of Russian ammunition stored there wrecked the whole thing. The cliffs the ruins are on offer the best views of the entire city. You can see for miles, which is probably why the site was chosen for the citadel. A cable car connects it with Rike Park on the other side of the Mtkvari River.

The next day, I explored the city’s history museums (which, to my surprise, had a good amount of English translations). I highly recommend the Georgian National Museum, which has a detailed exhibit on the country’s history; the Nikoloz Baratashvili Memorial House-Museum, which houses materials related to the life and work of the romantic poet, period furniture, folk musical instruments, paintings, and lots of history about 19th-century Georgia; and the David Baazov Museum, which talks about Jewish history in Georgia (Israel and Georgia have a close relationship).

However, after having hiked a lot in Azerbaijan , walking in the stifling summer heat of Tbilisi wasn’t that exciting to me. So, after a day and half of sightseeing, I found myself indoors drinking tea, writing, consuming a (un)healthy amount of wine, gorging on food at Fabrika, talking to other travelers, getting to know the staff at a local coffee shop, and hanging out with a friend.

I can’t say I really know Tbilisi. Sure, I can get around the subway now. I have an idea of what things cost. I know a little about the city and country. I met some cool people. I have a vague sense of place

But I don’t know it the way I know New York or Paris or Bangkok or a thousand other place I’ve lived or spent years traveling to.

But I feel like I know it.

Tbilisi is a city bursting with activity. A city of art and history. Of enjoyment. Of an energy that seemed to say, “Come enjoy the good life over wine. Don’t fret over the little things. Just enjoy the moment”

Tbilisi’s energy is my energy.

And, though it’s terrible to end a travel article with the cliché “I can’t wait to go back,” I honestly can’t wait to go back.

I felt at home in that city.

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Book Your Trip to Georgia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite place to stay is Fabrika . Stay there if you can!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

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14 Top Things to Do in Tbilisi – Tbilisi Travel Guide

Wondering what are the top things to do in Tbilisi? Here is our guide to the best things to do and the best places to visit in Tbilisi. Keep reading this article to make the best out of your visit to Tbilisi.

Beautiful churches, amazing singing, great food, and a fantastic culture …that’s Tbilisi in a nutshell! Cynthia and I lived for about four months in Tbilisi, the gorgeous capital of Georgia . Just thinking about this city brings back thousands of beautiful memories .

Tbilisi has a huge cultural and historical richness, unlike anything we have experienced anywhere before. When we lived there, we fell in love with the city and its people and took our time to discover this gorgeous place.

We fell in love with this gorgeous city…

Tbilisi is a fantastic city! It’s a place where you can taste some of the most iconic Georgian dishes , the best Georgian wines , see some amazing traditions and it’s also a good starting point to do some of the most amazing hikes in Georgia !

If you’re a remote worker and work online, you should also know that Tbilisi is one of the best cities in the world for digital nomads !

Tbilisi is positioned right in the center of the country and it’s easily reached by public transport from the borders of Turkey and Azerbaijan . It also takes only a few hours to reach the city by train from Batumi .

We loved this city so much that we just can’t wait to go back! To help you fall in love with Tbilisi, here is a guide to the top activities to do in the city. It also includes the best places to visit in Tbilisi, as well as where to stay and where to eat in Tbilisi.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A few things you need to know before going to Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a very big city. It’s the biggest city in Georgia and now has a population of over one million inhabitants.

Tbilisi literally means ”warm place” in the Georgian language because the city was built in an area where there are a lot of sulfurous hot springs (I’ll tell you how to bathe in them farther down).

Because Tbilisi has the most important airport in the country, usually, most of the people will start their Georgian journey in Tbilisi, or Tbilisi will be the only place they will visit in Georgia.

The city of Tbilisi has different districts but most of the interesting sights and places to see are located near the old town.

The old town of Tbilisi looks the same way it has for centuries and is super well preserved. It has beautiful narrow alleys and old houses built around small courtyards.

If you love churches, you’re in the ideal city to see plenty of beautiful ones! Tbilisi has a lot of gorgeous churches and I’ll tell you which ones to visit in this guide.

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Have a look at all our articles about Georgia!

Where is Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is located right in the center of Georgia. It’s 5 hours from Tusheti and 6 hours from Batumi by car.

The city lies in the Eastern part Georgia on both banks of the Mt’k’vari River.

Find out what are the top things to do in Batumi!

Recommendations and tips before visiting Tbilisi

The younger generation in Tbilisi generally speaks a bit of English but if you want to get closer to the Georgian culture, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to pick up a few Georgian words.

Here are a few Georgian expressions that will help you in Tbilisi:

Gamarjoba : Hello

Didi madloba : This means thank you very much

Gaumarjos : Cheers

Because Georgia has been part of the Soviet Union for a very long period of time, the older generation also speaks perfect Russian.

Learning a few words or expressions in Georgian or Russian before visiting the country will definitely be handy.

If learning languages is not your thing, I would recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Russian phrasebook and dictionary . It’s packed with thousands of sentences that will help you in different situations and scenarios such as ordering food or finding a place to stay.

I would also recommend getting a map software on your phone that works offline.

Maps.me has helped us navigate the narrow streets of Tbilisi and many other Georgian cities.

One of the cool features of Maps.me is that it can be used both online and offline. Connect to the wifi at your hostel and download a map of the part of Tbilisi you wish to explore. This map works with the GPS chip in your phone so it will continue working, even when you’re offline.

And finally, I highly recommend getting a Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . Although the tap water in Tbilisi is not dangerous, it may contain many new bacteria that your body just isn’t used to.

If you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria or parasites gets trapped in its filter, while the clean water passes through.

Check out these awesome itineraries around Georgia !

Arriving at Tbilisi airport and reaching Tbilisi airport from the city center

There are three different ways that you can reach the city center of Tbilisi from the airport, by taxi, by bus or by train.

By train : You can take a train from the airport to the main train station in Tbilisi, however, it only runs at 8.45 am and 6.05 pm.

By bus : There’s a minibus (#37) that runs daily (from 7 am to 11 pm) to and from the airport to the city center (Rustaveli station or Freedom Square). It costs only 0.50 GEL and you pay the driver but it can take up to 45 minutes to reach the city center as it stops everywhere along the way.

By tax i: There will be plenty of taxi drivers at the airport who will be very happy driving you to the city center. You’ll have to bargain for the price but the normal rate for a taxi to and from the airport shouldn’t be more than 30 GEL!

Alternatively, instead of hailing a cab at the airport, you could use Yandex providing that the airport wi-fi works well. Yandex is an app that works in Georgia the same way Uber does in other countries. Taxi drivers in Tbilisi tend to ask exorbitant prices if they see you’re a foreigner.

For Georgia as for Central-Asian countries like Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan , it’s better to download the Yandex app on your phone.

Yandex works as a cab-hailing app meaning you won’t have to negotiate directly with the driver and you can avoid being ripped off. If you use Yandex in Tbilisi, the taxi rides become extremely cheap.

Discover Tusheti, Georgia’s most beautiful and remote region

Should you exchange money at Tbilisi airport?

Airport exchange offices are never the best place to change money, I would suggest just changing a small amount of cash into Lari at the airport and then heading to the city center.

It’s better to exchange money directly in Tbilisi. However, I would advise not changing money in the very touristic parts of town such as in Freedom Square or near the Old Town.

Also, another thing you need to be wary about is that some exchange offices in Tbilisi have commission rates as high as 30%. Before you exchange any currency in Tbilisi, make sure that the company where you’re exchanging money does not have any commission fee.

Is Tbilisi safe?

After living in Tbilisi for four months and visiting it countless times afterward, I would say that Tbilisi is a very safe city.

There is a strong presence of police in the touristic parts of the city so no need to feel unsafe. Violent crime happens very rarely in Tbilisi and it never targets foreigners.

With the recent increase in tourism however, it’s important to be aware that the most popular parts of town might attract pickpockets.

The best solution to avoid being pick-pocketed in Tbilisi is to stay aware of your belongings and surroundings at all times. You should leave all your important items at your hotel and walk around only with what you need.

I suggest always keeping your wallet in your front pocket or carry a money belt . Another great option is to travel with a slash-resistant and lockable anti-theft bag . I would also recommend getting good travel insurance that covers theft .

When is the best time of the year to visit Tbilisi?

Winters in Georgia can be extremely cold while in Summer, the city of Tbilisi will become super busy and crowded with tourists.

I would say, the best time to visit the city, in terms of tourist density and ideal weather is in the Spring and during Fall.

What are the top things to do in Tbilisi?

1. visit the gorgeous cathedrals of tbilisi.

The amount of beautiful churches and cathedrals in Tbilisi is absolutely mind-boggling. If you’re a fan of stunning old buildings with beautiful architecture, Tbilisi is the place for you! Wherever you stand in the city, there will always be a church not too far from you.

One of the most beautiful and impressive churches in Tbilisi is the Holy Trinity cathedral. The Georgians know it as ”Sameba”.

It’s located on Elia Hill above the left bank of the Mtkvari in the historic neighborhood of Avlabari.

This huge cathedral was built between 1995 and 2004 so it’s not as historical as the other cathedrals in the city. It’s still very impressive though.

Sameba is the third largest Orthodox cathedral in the world.

Another very beautiful church to visit in Tbilisi is St. Nikoloz church. This church is located at one of the oldest fortress of the city, the fortress of Narikala.

The view you’ll get of the city from this church is stunning! The shortest and most exciting way to reach Narikala is going there by the cable car from Rike Park.

Here is where you’ll St. Nikoloz church and Narikal fortress in Tbilisi:

2. Get lost in the old Town of Tbilisi

Whenever I visit a new city, one of my favorite things to do is to walk around the older, more historical part. When Cynthia and I arrived in Tbilisi, one of the first things we did was going for a stroll in the old town.

The Old Town of Tbilisi is a mix of old and new architecture. It’s a gorgeous mix of cobblestones, cafes, local art shops and colors.

It has been renovated a lot over the last few years. These renovations maintained the authentic look and style of construction that was originally used to build the houses so it’s an area that still feels very authentic.

The old town is where you’ll find all of the most awesome cafes in town. It’s also where you can enjoy some hot sulfur baths (see below).

3. Enjoy a Georgian sulfur bath

Taking baths of boiling water was quite popular during the Soviet period. Many people would do it as a form of therapy since long immersions in hot water were supposed to have some healing benefits.

Tbilisi was built in an area that was known for its hot springs, in fact, the name Tbilisi itself means the ”hot place”. It’s possible to enjoy hot sulfur baths in the old town of Tbilisi near the Abanotubani district.

These hot indoor pools are the best place in Tbilisi to relax your calves after a long walk around town. The baths feel especially good if you visit them during the colder months of the year.

Prices for the sulfur bath vary a lot. There are public rooms available for 3 GEL. The cheapest private rooms are 30 GEL while the more expensive ones go for 100 GEL.

The style of the private rooms also varies depending on the price you pay for them. The cheaper rooms are very basic, they have a soviet-era kind of look with just a hot bath and a cold shower.

The more expensive rooms, on the other hand, can be quite luxurious. They sometimes come with their own private saunas and they are much bigger.

4. Walk across the bridge of peace

Although my girlfriend use to joke that this bridge looks like a sanitary pad flipped upside down, it’s a very beautiful and romantic place to spend the evening.

Some locals even say that you haven’t really been to Tbilisi if you haven’t crossed that bridge.

It crosses the Kura river and connects the old town with Rike Park.

The bridge is equipped with LED lights that glow at night with the colors of the Georgian flag.

Here is the location of the peace bridge in Tbilisi:

5. Visit the Mtatsminda park and get a gorgeous view of the city

If you want the most gorgeous view of the city, you should head over to Mtatsminda Park. It’s the highest point in Tbilisi and the view you can get from this park is stunning!

It’s a particularly good place to enjoy the sunset and a famous romantic spot for young Georgian couples.

You’ll have a gorgeous view of the city from the Ferris Wheel in Mtatsminda Park…

The park has a lot of restaurants and bars as well as a Ferris wheel from which you can see the whole city. There’s also an amusement park with plenty of roller coasters to go on.

You can reach this park with the bus 124 or by the Funicular railway.

6. Take a cable car to the mother of Georgia

Going up to the statue of the mother of Georgia located above the old town is an absolute must while in Tbilisi. The best way to get there is to take a cable car from Rike Park.

These are two great activities in one! By taking the cable car (you could also walk up) you’ll get a fantastic view above the old city.

The cable car is also super cheap (just one Lari).

The cable car to the mother of Georgia will give you an amazing view of the old town…

The perfect representation for the Georgian national character is the 20-meter aluminum statue of Kartvlis Deda in Tbilisi.

This monumental “Mother of Georgia” is holding a cup of wine in one hand, which stands for hospitality and a sword in the other, which represents the Georgian’s love of freedom and fierceness to fight for their liberty.

The mother of Georgia statue is quite impressive…

She is the protector and the definition of what Georgia was, is and will be: friends will be welcomed with wine, enemies with a sword!

Here is where you’ll see the gorgeous statue in Tbilisi:

7. Swim under some waterfalls

When people hear the name Tbilisi, they rarely associate it with waterfalls but surprisingly enough, Tbilisi has two of them and stunning ones on top of that!

One of these two waterfalls is located in the botanical garden of Tbilisi and it’s not forbidden to swim underneath it so don’t forget your swimsuit!

The other one is in the old town, close to the sulfur bath. It’s better to swim there on a hot summer day since this water never really warms up and stays rather cool throughout the year.

8. Enjoy savory traditional Georgian dishes

Alexander Pushkin once said – ”Every Georgian dish is a poem” and it’s absolutely true! Nowhere will you have dishes as savory and delicious as in Georgia.

The food in Georgia is fantastic and the best place to try it is in Tbilisi. It’s meat-heavy and usually contains a lot of cheese but if you don’t like eating meat too much, Tbilisi also has some great vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

Have a look at our article 10 dishes from the Georgian cuisine you absolutely have to try . It will give you an insight into Georgian cuisine and will give you an idea about the dishes you could sample in Tbilisi.

9. Try some Georgian candies

Tbilisi is the best place to try some traditional Georgian candies. The most delicious one, in my opinion, is Churchkhela . It looks like a sausage and has walnuts inside.

The first time my girlfriend and I saw churchkhela, we thought it was some kind of decoration. Maybe people liked to hang colored sausages in the front windows of their stores

We later found out that it’s a traditional Georgian candy. The main ingredients are almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts or sometimes raisins that are threaded onto a string.

The string is repeatedly dipped in concentrated fresh grape juice which dries into a chewy gelatin-like coating around the nuts. It’s packed with protein and sugar and is often served at home with coffee. A healthy candy for sweet teeth like us!

Another great Georgian candy to try is called Taklpi . It’s a fruit roll that comes in various flavors, plums, apple, and kiwi, just to name a few.

10. Go on a day trip or on a multi-day trip outside of the city

Tbilisi is the perfect base for a day trip around the city or for a week-long adventure around Georgia . The most popular day trip from Tbilisi is to a holy Georgian town called Mtskheta.

Mtskheta is located just 20 km away from Tbilisi and it’s one of the 15 best places to visit in Georgia . We explain how to reach this little town in this article .

If you plan to go on a big tour of Georgia and use Tbilisi as a base you can find some great itineraries in Georgia in 15 days – 3 Complete Travel Itineraries for backpackers, adventurers, and culture lovers .

If you would prefer a guided day trip outside of Tbilisi have a look at these great tours:

-From Tbilisi: David Gareji Monastery Where Time Stands Still

-Tbilisi: Mtskheta, Gori, Stalin Museum & Uplistsikhe Tour

-Borjomi & Bakuriani: Small-Group Full-Day Tour from Tbilisi

– Kazbegi, Gergeti & Ananuri Mountains Private Full-Day Tour

11. Enjoy the nightlife in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has a cool selection of bars, pubs, and clubs that are garnering international attention. There is always some cool event or party going on! All you need to do is to have fun.

If you want to party like a local in Tbilisi, you should check out Canudos Ethnic Bar. It has a pretty chill and fun ambiance.

Here is where you’ll find this bar in Tbilisi:

If you’re into electronic music, then the best option is the Bassiani club. This is where you’ll find it:

12. Visit a flea market filled with soviet-era antiques

This flea market is called the dry bridge bazaar and it’s the best place to find paraphernalia of old soviet-era items.

You can find absolutely everything and anything here, from paintings, and soviet buttons, to paintings and drinking horns. Yes, you heard that right, drinking horns!

After the fall of communism, locals started coming here to sell their goods in the hope of making a bit of cash. It became the primary means of survival for some people and they have been buying and reselling things in this market ever since.

Prices may be a bit overinflated, especially if the sellers realize you’re a foreigner. It’s better to go with a friend that speaks Russian or Georgian and that has good bargaining skills.

This bazaar is open every day of the week from 10 AM until 5 PM unless it rains.

Here is its location:

13. Walk around the stunning Chronicle of Georgia

The Chronicle of Georgia or the ”monument of kings” as it’s also called is a stunning place. It’s surprisingly enough not a very known place in Tbilisi even among locals.

The Chronicle of Georgia consists of gigantic pillars that reminded us of Stonehenge.

The top parts are decorated with scenes of the history of Georgia, mainly with the kings and queens who reigned over the country while the lower parts portray the life of Jesus.

The monument was created by Zurab Tsereteli, a Georgian sculptor. The construction started in 1985 but it’s still partially incomplete.

It must take ages (and huge ladders) to create a monument of this size!

In front of the monument is a cross that represents the Cross of St Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia.

Behind the rock pillars is a small chapel and when you walk around them, you’ll have an amazing panoramic view over the Tbilisi Sea.

Find out how to visit this stunning monument in Discovering the Chronicle of Georgia – a hidden gem in Tbilisi .

14. Swim in Tbilisi sea

I started by telling you that Tbilisi has some waterfalls. Now I’ll make the city look even more exotic by telling you it has a sea!

Well, it’s not an actual sea but it’s a pretty decent water reservoir and it’s the perfect place to swim on a hot summer day.

Tbilisi sea opened in 1953 and became a popular spot for locals who want to escape the heat of the city during summer.

Bring some food and some water because there aren’t many food stands or restaurants near the rocky beaches of the artificial lake.

Here is where you’ll find Tbilisi sea:

You can take a taxi from Didube Metro Station to the Tbilisi sea. You’ll have to bargain for the price but don’t pay more than 12 GEL.

You could also take bus 11 or 36 to get there. Here is a website with all the different city buses in Tbilisi that can bring you to the reservoir.

Planning a trip to Georgia?

Read How much does it cost to travel and live in Georgia

Where to eat in Tbilisi – What are the best restaurants in Tbilisi?

If you’re a fan of delicious food and want to try everything the Georgian cuisine has to offer, you’ll have a blast in Tbilisi!

Tbilisi has traditional restaurants where you can sample the best of the Georgian gastronomy. There is also great European cuisine, and good vegan and vegetarian options in town.

Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the city:

Bina N37 is a lovely rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy some amazing Georgian food as well as great vegetarian dishes. This place has a very cozy and familiar atmosphere and the service is incredible!

The owner treats everyone with attention and care and the waiters are super attentive. Eating there feels almost like eating at your best friend’s house.

The spacious balcony with its wine barrels will instantly make you feel at home. If you want some traditional Georgian food , they have delicious Khinkalis and Khajapuris as well as some savory shashlik.

Here is where you’ll find this rooftop restaurant in Tbilisi:

If you fancy an affordable Italian meal in a romantic setting, Melograno is the place for you!

This restaurant offers Italian dishes made with the freshest and most delicious ingredients. Here, you’ll definitely get a lot for your money!

They have a great selection of pasta, fish, and vegetarian options. They also have a fantastic selection of homemade lemonades.

The outdoor courtyard is in the shade and it’s a great place to relax in the afternoon.

This restaurant is decorated to look like the inside of someone’s living room.

Black and white pictures, shelves full of books, and an old keyboard are some of the few elements that add to the cozy atmosphere of the place.

Nikolozi has very affordable prices and you’ll get nice big portions. I highly recommend the eggplant with walnut, the soup, and the khinkalli, they all taste so good. The homemade red wine is also a must!

Here is the location of Nikolozi:

Read also: Vardzia – the ancient Cave City of Georgia

Where to stay in Tbilisi? – What are the best hostels in Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is a city that is worth taking the time to discover so you’ll want to stay there at least a couple of nights.

Tbilisi has a wide choice of hostels for budget travelers who want to save money to explore during the day and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening.

It’s a city that can get pretty expensive during the summer holidays but there are still a few comfortable and more importantly, affordable places where you can stay.

Most hostels will charge you around 15 – 20 GEL ($6 – $8) for a night in a dorm. Here are some of the hostels that we recommend in Tbilisi:

Hostel terrace

The name of this hostel says it all, it has a gorgeous terrace from which you can admire the city center of Tbilisi. Hostel terrace is perfectly located right in the heart of Tbilisi right next to all of the interesting sights and attractions.

Cynthia and I loved relaxing and having a tasty breakfast with a view on the terrace of this hostel. The dorm rooms are very spacious and they have large windows.

Something I thought was really cool is that some of the rooms have a decorative fireplace. Although these fireplaces are just for show, they give the rooms a warm atmosphere.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Hostel terrace”

This hostel is super quiet and relaxing and if you want a good long night of sleep, it’s the place you should book. The hostel is in a big house on a very quiet street near the old city.

M42 is a place where you can find the perfect combination of positive energy, awesome people, friendly meetings and bright colors.

This hostel is super clean and spacious and it has a big garden where you relax with other travelers in the evening. If you’d rather cook your own food instead of eating out, the hostel has a super big kitchen with all the pots and pans you could need.

Click to check out rates and availability for “M42 Hostel”

Namaste Hostel

This hostel has a very artsy vibe and it’s beautifully decorated. Namaste offers bright dorms and private rooms with nice city views as well as a stunning terrace. Have a look at how gorgeous the hostel is !

It’s a very cozy hostel in a picturesque place. You can grab a morning coffee sitting on the wide balcony and watch the Old City while you slowly wake up.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Namaste Hostel”

How to get to Tbilisi?

How to get to Tbilisi from Batumi by train?

There is a train that goes from Batumi to Tbilisi twice a day. The train covers the distance between the two cities in five hours. The first train leaves Batumi at 07:30 AM and arrives in Tbilisi at 12:25 PM while the second train leaves at 18:55 PM and arrives at 23:50 PM.

We have never been able to buy a ticket on the Georgian railway official website. What we did instead was buying our tickets from the train station in Batumi one day in advance.

Here is the location of the train station in Batumi. It’s quite a long walk outside of the city, so I would advise hoping in a cab to get there:

Batumi is a lovely city to explore for a couple of days…

How to get to Tbilisi from Batumi by bus

There are two bus companies that operate between Batumi and Tbilisi, Metro Georgia and Book away . You can find the schedule for the different buses and their prices on this website . It takes 6 hours to cover the distance between the two cities by bus.

You can buy your tickets online ahead of time and then take the bus from this terminal:

Another option instead of taking a bus is hoping on a small shared van called a Marshrutka. They leave from the station just behind the Railway Station in the center of town, you just have to show up and they leave once they’re full.

How to get to Tbilisi from Batumi in your own car?

If you have your own car or if you’re renting one, you’ll have a pleasant journey driving from Batumi to Tbilisi. There are 374 km between the two cities and driving there takes almost 6 hours.

We hope you have a fantastic time in Tbilisi, we also hope that this guide helped you find the best activities and things to do in Tbilisi. Have you been to this city before or would you like to visit Tbilisi in the future? Let us know in the comments below or by contacting us .

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service through one of the links, we get a commission at no extra costs to you! See it as a small donation to keep this blog going so we can create more awesome posts. Thank you!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – GEORGIA TRAVEL TIPS:

• Everything you need to know about traveling independently in Georgia (visa, how to get to and around Georgia, where to stay,…):

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Backpacking in Georgia

• Plan your trip to Georgia:

The best of Georgia in 15 days – 3 complete Travel Itineraries 

• Georgia travel costs:

Georgia on a budget – How much does it cost to travel to Georgia 

• Hiking in Georgia:

7 Beautiful off-the-beaten-path Hikes

• Skiing in Georgia:

Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia

• Hitchhiking in Georgia:

Hitchhiking in Georgia – the good, the bad and the untold stories

• Our Georgian city guides:

Top Things to Do in Batumi – Our Guide to a Perfect Stay

Top Things to Do in Tbilisi – Our Guide to a Fantastic Time in Tbilisi

GEORGIA TRAVEL RESOURCES:

• Accommodation & Lodging:  Booking.com & Airbnb
• Car rental in Georgia:  Rentalcars.com
• Travel Insurance for Georgia:  World Nomads
• Detailed guides about hiking in Georgia: Caucasus Trekking
• Lonely Planet Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
• Georgia Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture
• Georgia, a guide to the Cradle of Wine
• The First toast is to peace: travels in the South Caucasus

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24 Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia + Tbilisi Travel Guide

Updated July 2023, 24 Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia + Tbilisi Travel Guide was originally published in March 2021

My first arrival to Tbilisi was near-disastrous, but I’d come to quite like the city over the next few days even though I was battling pouring rain, winds, and a canceled press trip that brought me there in the first place.

Return visits have only made my fondness for Tbilisi grow (also waistline, you know, because irresistible Georgian food and bottle after bottle of inexpensive yet exquisite Georgian wine).

So without rambling too much going on about all the things I love about Tbilisi, I’ve created a Tbilisi Travel Guide with a 3 day itinerary covering the 24 best things to do in Tbilisi, as well as recommendations for the best places to stay in Tbilisi, best Tbilisi restaurants (and what to order at them!), as well as tips for getting around the city. 

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Get Around Tbilisi: A Guide to the Tbilisi Metro

A 3 Day Tbilisi Itinerary & the 24 Best Things to do in Tbilisi

Tbilisi itinerary: day 1, 1. look for georgian souvenirs in the underground meidan bazaar.

Meidan Bazaar  sits right in the middle of Tbilisi’s Old Town, having served as a major crossroads along the Silk Road as goods passed from the Levant, Arabia, East Asia, Europe, and just about everywhere in between. And like many of Tbilisi’s delights, sits completely underground. 

Dating back to the 4th century, Meidan Bazaar has a long-standing history and is one of the best places to pick up Georgian souvenirs to take home, though it can feel a bit touristy. 

Nearest metro station:  Avlabari (10-minute walk | 670 meters)

2. Head to the Abanotubani District of the Old Town and Treat Yourself to a Sulfur Bath

Tbilisi was chosen as the location of Georgia’s new capital in the 5th century, owing largely to the wealth of natural hot springs that run underground in the  Abanotubani District . 

Several domes dot the narrow valley that Abanotubani sits in, home to the famed bathhouses. Of course, the  Orbeliani Bathhouse  is the most famous, owing to its tiled mosque-like facade. 

Nearest metro station:  Avlabari (15-minute walk | 1.6 km) Getting to Abantubani from Meidan Bazaar: 4-minute walk | 320 meters

3. Find the Hidden Lagvtakhevi Waterfall

If you keep walking beyond the famous facade of the mosque-like Orbeliani Baths in the Abanotubani District, you’ll continue along a waterway that eventually dead-ends at 22-meter tall  Lagvtakhevi Waterfall .

A series of bridges and walkways lead up to a viewpoint of the falls, making it an easy stroll for those already meandering around the Old Town. 

Nearest metro station:  Avlabari (18-minute walk | 1.3 km) Getting to Lagvtakhevi Waterfall from Abanotubani: 5-minute walk | 310 meters

4. Learn About Georgia’s 8,000 + Year Winemaking History at the Tbilisi Wine Museum

With a winemaking history that stretches back over 8,000 years, the  Tbilisi Wine Museum  is a must on your Tbilisi itinerary.

Our guide Nino navigated us through the underground labyrinth where she thoroughly explained Georgia’s long-standing winemaking traditions such as the use of the Qvevri-  the clay Georgian winemaking vessel.

Wine is undoubtedly a large part of the nation’s history so Nino’s guided tour with us was interspersed with historical facts and developments within Tbilisi and the country, including the series of events and attacks that led to so much of Tbilisi being built underground and about its plethora of underground mineral streams used for the production of wines.

The Tbilisi Wine Museum is conveniently located beneath the Tbilisi History Museum inside the  Karvasla building .

Cost:  15 GEL (includes guided tour) Nearest metro station:  Avlabari (13-minute walk | 920 meters) or Liberty Square (14-minute walk | 1.1 km) Getting to Tbilisi Wine Museum from Lagvtakhevi Waterfall : 11-minute walk | 700 meters

5. Comprehend the City’s Longstanding History at the Tbilisi History Museum

Located inside the  Karvasla – a building dating back to the 17th century that served as a caravanserai along the ancient Silk Road, the  Tbilisi History Museum  houses over 50,000 artifacts that date clear back to the Bronze Age.

Cost:  5 GEL Nearest metro station:  Avlabari (13-minute walk | 920 meters) or Liberty Square (14-minute walk | 1.1 km)

6. Shop at Gallery 27 and Admire the Stained Glass Work at the Kaleidoscope House

Betlemi Street  is easily one of the most gorgeous areas of Tbilisi with its colorful homes and art splattered at every turn, but the most famous site on the street has got to be the  Kaleidoscope House . 

The best time to visit is on a sunny day in the afternoon (we had clouds when we visited, unfortunately) to catch the rainbow reflection of the stained glass on the floor and walls. 

But the main reason to trek up the stairs of the Kaleidoscope House is to visit the  Gallery 27 shop  where you can pick up unique and handmade gifts and souvenirs. 

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (13-minute walk | 1 km) or Avlabari (15-minute walk | 1.1 km) Getting to the Kaleidoscope House from Tbilisi History Museum/Wine Museum: 3-minute walk | 270 meters

7. Explore Betlemi Street & Historic Quarter

Tbilisi’s Old Town is already pretty artsy, but my favorite part had to be Betlemi Street and its historic quarter owing to its interesting sites and colorfully decorated buildings and art installations.

The previously mentioned  Kaleidoscope House  sits in the Betlemi Historic Quarter in addition to the  Check Point Hotel , the colorfully painted and tiled  Cafe Frida’s , the Zoroastrian fire temple of  Ateshgah , and the  Upper Betlemi Church .

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (13-minute walk | 1 km) or Avlabari (15-minute walk 1.1 km)

8. Take in the Best Tbilisi Views from Tabor Monastery of the Transformation 

For the best views of Narikala Fortress and Old Tbilisi, the walk up to the  Tabor Monastery of Transformation  is well worth the effort. Of course, sunset and sunrise are the best time to be there.

The Tabor Monastery of Transformation itself dates back only to 2012 after taking 10 years to complete.

To get to the Tabor Monastery on foot, you’ll need to follow Baazovi Street from the Abantubani District to its end and then follow a series of stairs and paths (sometimes you will feel as if you’re walking through someone’s backyard) to eventually arrive on a small outcrop from which the monastery is only a short walk up from.

For those not looking to go on an adventure, there is a road that goes all the way to the monastery, so going by taxi is a possibility.

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (31-minute walk | 1.8 km) Getting to Tabor Monastery from Betlemi Quarter: 26-minute walk | 1.5 km

Make a cool day trip from Tbilisi: Visit the Rkoni Monastery Complex

Tbilisi Itinerary: Day 2

9. marvel at the grandeur of the holy trinity cathedral sameba.

At 87 meters in height, the  Holy Trinity Cathedral  (also called the Sameba Cathedral) in Tbilisi is the tallest building in all of Georgia? and the largest orthodox church in the country.

The cathedral opened to the public in 2004 and is surrounded by a manicured garden, fountains, and more. 

Make sure to have a headscarf handy (ladies) and wear either long trousers or a full-length skirt. 

Nearest metro station:  Avlabari (9-minute walk | 670 meters)

10. Watch the Show on the Hour at the Clock Tower

The   Leaning Clock Tower of Tbilisi  is one of the city’s most iconic sites, despite not even being that old compared to other highlights.

The famous clock tower was constructed in 2011 by renowned puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze, who also built the attached  Puppet Theatre  in Tbilisi’s Old Town. 

On the hour the window at the top of the clock tower opens and an angel comes out onto the balcony and bangs a bell.

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (12-minute walk | 910 meters) Getting to the Clock Tower from Sameba: Take the metro from Avlabari to Liberty Square then walk 12-minutes | 910 meters

11. See the Remaining Old Tbilisi Walls

Historically speaking, Tbilisi was a walled city, and not until it was dragged into the Russian Empire in the late 18th century did the city of Tbilisi begin to expand outside these old stone walls. 

The best place to see the  Old Walls of Tbilisi  is along Pushkin Street up to Baratashvili Street.

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (8-minute walk | 640 meters) Getting to the Old Walls from the Clock Tower: 5-minute walk | 410 meters

12. Shop at Dry Bridge Flea Market

On either side of the  Chughureti Bridge , you’ll find merchants participating in the daily  Dry Bridge Flea Market  selling all kinds of wares from old vinyl records, jewelry, cutlery, books, cameras, to Soviet-era pins, and even the odd Lenin or Stalin bust. 

Nearest metro station:   Liberty Square (16-minute walk | 1.2 km) Getting to the Dry Bridge Market from the Old Walls: 11-minute walk | 790 meters

13. Stroll Around Rike Park & Tbilisi Bridge of Peace

Linking  Rike Park  to Old Tbilisi across the river, the  Tbilisi Bridge of Peace  is one of the many funky-modern structures you’ll quickly notice when you arrive. 

The Bridge of Peace is a pedestrian bridge that was opened in 2010 and designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi. Michele De Lucchi also designed the Ministry of Internal Affairs building as well as the residential Administration of Georgia building. 

Nearest metro station:   Avlabari (10-minute walk | 590 meters) Getting to the Tbilisi Peace Bridge from Dry Bridge Market: 17-minute walk | 1.3 km

14. Gaze from the Balcony of Queen Darejan’s Palace

Uphill from Rike Park sits the palace that served as  Queen Darejan’s  summer home. The main attraction is the turquoise balcony overhanging a cliff. 

Nearest metro station:   Avlabari (5-minute walk | 380 meters) Getting to the Queen Darejan’s Palace from Rike Park: 9-minute walk | 550 meters

15. Check Out the Converted Spaces at Fabrika Tbilisi 

Once an old Soviet sewing factory,  Fabrika  was converted into a hip multi-functional space. Inside you’ll find all types of cool art studios, a  hostel , bars, cafes, co-working spaces, and even a courtyard to hang out in. 

Nearest metro station:  Marjanishvili (6-minute walk | 660 meters) Getting to the Fabrika from Queen Darejan’s Palace : Take the metro from Avlabari Station to Marjanishvili Station and walk 6 minutes | 660 meters

16. Peek Your Head into the Abandoned Mtatsminda Cable Car Station

The  Mtatsminda Ropeway  stopped abruptly on June 1, 1990, when the cable broke, killing 19 and injuring 40 more. Since that fateful day, the cable car, as well as its stations, have been left to decay for the last 30 years.

The  Lower Mtatsminda Station  is located just off Rustaveli Avenue, just walk through one of the arches of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences building.

You can’t get inside the building (unless the door happens to be unlocked and you don’t get run off by construction workers but you can peek your head through the broken windows to gaze up at the spiraling stairs and graffiti inside. 

As of 2021, the  Lower Mtatsminda Station is undergoing construction  to restore the cable car line. When I was back again in 2023, it was still under construction.

Nearest metro station:  Rustaveli (3-minute walk | 210 meters) Getting to Lower Mtatsminda Station from Fabrika : Take the metro from Marjanishvili Station to Rustaveli Station and walk 3 minutes | 210 meters

17. Check Out Narikala Fortress & St. Nicholas Church

Narikala Fortress  is high up on a steep hill next to the Abanotubani sulfur bath district, offering epic 360º views of Tbilisi.

Dating back to the 4th century originally, Narikala suffered severe damages over the years, so the walls today largely were reconstructed in the 16th and 17th centuries. 

St. Nicholas Church  sits in the lower court of Narikala Fortress, having been originally built in the 13th century suffered a devastating fire and was reconstructed in 1996 and 1997.

You can make the walk along a network of trails uphill from either the Abanotubani or Betlemi areas of Old Town to reach Narikala Fortress and St. Nicholas Church or grab a cable car from Rike Park for 1 GEL.

Nearest metro station:  Avlabari (21-minute walk | 1.4 km) or Liberty Square (24-minute walk | 1.6 km) Getting to Narikala from Lower Mtatsminda Station: Take the metro from Rustaveli Station to Avlabari Station and walk 21 minutes | 1.4 km

18. Go Clubbing Underground at Bassiani 

Ever wanted to go clubbing in an underground Soviet swimming pool? Here’s your chance.

Bassiani  is located underneath the old  Dinamo Stadium  where DJs from all around the world put on epic shows. The club is known also for its LGBT-friendly space known as Horoom, which has  stirred protests and police-raids as the club helps to push for change in the still conservative society of Georgia . 

No photos are allowed to be taken inside Bassiani and camera phones will have a sticker placed over the lens.

Unfortunately, Bassiani has been shuttered for the time being due to the pandemic but will likely resume operations in the future. Check the  Bassiani website for updates  on its re-opening. 

Nearest metro station:  Station Square II (7-minute walk | 540 meters) Getting to Bassiani from Narikala: Take the metro from Avlabari Station to Station Square II Station and walk 7minutes | 540 meters

Headed toward Gori? Don’t miss the Ancient Cave City of Uplistsikhe

Tbilisi Itinerary: Day 3

19. visit the chronicles of georgia.

Not going to lie, the  Chronicles of Georgia  is the only site on this  best things to do in Tbilisi  article that I have not personally visited on any of my trips to Georgia. It was on my to-do list on my last visit but I just didn’t make it over there- maybe next time. 

As the name insinuates, the 16 pillar monument tells the chronicle of Georgia’s history. It was created by Georgian painter, architect, and sculptor Zurab Tsereteli in 1985, but was never completed.

The Chronicles of Georgia is located on a hill overlooking the Tbilisi Sea on the outskirts of the city.

The cheapest and easiest way to get there is to get on the Tbilisi Metro Red Line and get off at Ghrmaghele Station and then once outside take Bus #60 from the stop nearest the station entrance to the Military School stop. From there, walk the remaining 500 meters to the Chronicles of Georgia. 

Alternatively, order a taxi using the Bolt app to the Chronicles of Georgia and expect it to cost 10-20 GEL (one way).

Nearest metro station:  Ghrmaghele (2.4 km from Chronicles of Georgia)

20. Crawl Through the Wells at Stalin’s Underground Printing Press Museum

A small featureless house sat in the Isani neighborhood of Tbilisi hid a series of tunnels where a young Joseph Stalin (still going by his birth name of Iosif Djugashvili) printed various newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets, calling for the removal of the Tsar. 

Bolshevik Revolutionaries would be led down a 15 meter deep well that led to another dry well via a tunnel and then up a 10 meter staircase to a basement where an old German printing press where for three years propaganda materials were printed in Georgian, Russian, and Armenian.

The printing press was purchased in Ausburg, Germany, dismantled, and then smuggled to Tbilisi by Bolshevik supporters. In 1906 the police found Stalin’s headquarters and removed the printing press, then destroyed the house, filling the well with soil.

During the Soviet era, the house and wells were reconstructed and the printing press returned. 

Now, the  Underground Printing Press and House  serve as a museum, managed by the National Museum. We were guided around by quite the character who made the visit to the museum that much better. 

These days the museum does get some tourists, though it’s become a pilgrimage site for Chinese visitors paying their respects to Stalin.

Note that you’ll need to have a basic understanding of either Russian or Georgian as the museum guides on hand speak them. They do have a printed sheet in English to explain the history of the museum if you do not understand Russian or Georgian but know that the tour is that much more entertaining if you can understand the guide’s commentary. 

Entry to Stalin’s Underground Printing Press Museum is by donation. 10 GEL is recommended. 

Nearest metro station:  300 Aragveli (7-minute walk | 380 meters) Getting to Stalin’s Underground Printing Press from Chronicles of Georgia: Take bus #60 to the Military School and then take the metro from Ghrmaghele Station to 300 Aragveli Station and walk 7 minutes | 380 meters

21. Liberty Square

Liberty Square  (also known as Freedom Square) is located on Rustaveli Avenue and has been the epicenter of many pivotal points in Georgia’s historical revolutions. It was the site of the  1907 Tiflis Bank Robbery , numerous demonstrations rallying for Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union, and the  Rose Revolution  among others. 

Several important Tbilisi monuments are centered around Liberty Square including a bust of Alexander Pushkin, the Tbilisi City Hall, the Liberty Monument, the former Bank of Georgia, and the old Tbilisi local government office. 

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square  Getting to Liberty Square from Stalin’s Underground Printing Press: Take the metro from 300 Aragveli Station to Liberty Square Station and walk upstairs

22. Discover the Country’s Deep History at the National Museum of Georgia

Take a deep dive into the natural and human history of the nation of Georgia with a history that dates back over 40 million years and presents relics that go back over 1 million years at the  National Museum of Georgia . 

Note that the fascinating Soviet Occupation Hall Museum is housed within the same complex as the National Museum of Georgia.

Cost:  5 GEL or 10 GEL if including the Soviet Occupational Hall Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (7-minute walk | 530 meters) Getting to the National Museum of Georgia and Soviet Occupation Hall from Liberty Square: Walk 7 minutes | 530 meters

23. Understand the Complicated Relations and History During the USSR-era at the Soviet Occupation Hall

Georgia was occupied by the Soviet Union for seven decades spanning from 1918 to 1991. The  Soviet Occupational Hall  helps to explain the history of Georgia under the USSR period, as well as the national liberation and anti-occupation movements that took place during this turbulent 73 years.

The Soviet Occupational Hall is located on the fourth floor of the National Museum of Georgia.

Cost:  10 GEL Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (7-minute walk | 530 meters)

24. Wander Around Mtatsminda Park

Located atop Tbilisi’s highest point-  Mount Mtatsminda , sits a park of the same name. It features a Ferris wheel, rollercoaster, waterslides, and more. From Old Town, you can take a funicular ride to the top. 

Entrance to  Mtatsminda Park  is free, but you will need to pay 6 GEL for a ride up the funicular (+2 GEL to purchase the reloadable card for it and other attractions in the park). 

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (14-minute walk to the funicular | 1.1 km) Getting to Mtatsminda Park from the National Museum of Georgia: Walk 530 meters back to Liberty Square and then make the 14-minute walk | 1.1 km to the funicular and ride it up to the park

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Budget: envoy hostel  |  namaste hostel  |  apartment rental.

On my most recent visit to Tbilisi my good friend  Dan  rented an  apartment  in between the Garetubani and Kala neighborhoods just off of Baratashvili/Pushkin Street, which was a perfect place to based for exploring Tbilisi.

On a previous visit, I had stayed at the  Envoy Hostel  after a bleary-eyed 3 am arrival for a press trip to the Abkhaz Region that was canceled mere hours before my flight departed. I hopped in a taxi from the airport and asked him to take me anywhere that had a bed and was cheap-ish. I think he could tell I was at end of my rope that day and said he knew somewhere nice and dropped me off at Envoy. 

The hostel was clean, the staff was excellent, and the shared spaces led me (who can be a little quiet and not so social sometimes) to meet several other solo travelers to explore around Georgia with. Envoy is also perfectly situated in the Old Town just below Narikala Fortress between Abanotubani District and the Betlemi Quarter.

Nearest metro station to Envoy Hostel:  Avlabari (15-minute walk | 1 km)

For those looking for a hostel experience but at a cheaper rate, the  Namaste Hostel  came highly recommended. The hostel is conveniently located in the Betlemi Quarter. 

Nearest metro station to Namaste Hostel:  Avlabari (14-minute walk | 980 meters)

Midrange:  Check Point Hotel  |  Fabrika Hostel & Suites

I didn’t stay at the  Check Point Hotel,  but I did visit the property as we had popped into the Cafe Freida for a coffee and fell in love with the place. Its located in the artsy Betlemi Quarter of Old Town and is easy to see why this is a favorite among travelers. 

Nearest metro station to Check Point Hotel:  Avlabari (16-minute walk | 1.1 km) or Liberty Square (15-minute walk | 1.2 km)

Another fan favorite is the  Fabrika Hostel & Suites  located within the old Soviet-era sewing factory converted into a new and hip hostel, co-working spaces, bars, art studios, and artisan shops. 

The Fabrika Hostel & Suites is situated in the Marjanishvili neighborhood. 

Nearest metro station to Fabrika Hostel & Suites:  Marjanishvili (8-minute walk | 660 meters)

Splurge:  Stamba Hotel

If you’re looking to splurge, the  Stamba Hotel  would be my top pick after we popped into the hotel on a chilly afternoon. The interior architecture is nothing short of impressive, showcasing a brutalist framework that highlights the industrial era within this hotel inside a former publishing house- the highlights being the 5-story atrium with jungle plants vining up metal frames and the ultra-cool library-themed Lobby Bar.

Stamba is located on Rustaveli Avenue/Merab Kostava Street in the Vera Historic District.

Nearest metro station to Stamba Hotel:  Rustaveli (3-minute walk | 270 meters)

Best Restaurants in Tbilisi

So I will preface this section by saying: I fully plan to write a post dedicated to the delicious dishes of Georgia (yes, it’s that good) one of these days, but for now, here is a list of some of the best places I ate in Tbilisi. 

I also wanted to throw out there too that I feel you’d be hard-pressed to find truly bad food in Tbilisi, so don’t be scared to pop into a random restaurant you happen to be passing by- that’s how we discovered a number of the places on this list. 

Where and What to Eat

Amra Restaurant

Hands down, Amra is my favorite restaurant in Tbilisi… and that’s after eating my way across the city. Amra was the first Abkhazian restaurant in Tbilisi, which originally existed in the city of Sokhumi in the western region of Abkhazia but was recreated in Tbilisi after the owners were forced to leave during the brutal 1990s war. 

But moving on from the history and back to the food…

My favorite dish is the  spatchcocked chicken in Abkhazian adjika sauce  (it says “Chicken on a spatula in Abkhazian adjika sauce). It’s quite similar to Shkmeruli which is a dish of perfectly fried chicken sat in a bubbling bath of creamy garlic-milk sauce, though this Abkhaz twist on the dish adds the delicious and fiery adjika sauce to the mix (I often dream of this meal). 

Other mouthwatering dishes we had here were the  ghebzhalia , a chunk of sulguni cheese in a bowl of heavy cream and chopped mint leaves; the  Kliari fried sulguni with adjika , sulguni friend in breading and adjika and served with a cream sauce; the  elarji , a mixture of cornmeal and sulguni that is commonly eaten in both the Abkhaz and Samegrelo regions; and the  Sokhumi ice cream , a vanilla ice cream topped with a citrus jam and nuts.

Don’t forget to try some  Abkhazian wine – we went with the red and quite honestly it was one of our favorite wines in all of our travels in Georgia and we’ve had some amazing wines there.

Nearest metro station:  Amra moved as of my latest visit in March 2023! Amra is now in a round building on Lake Lisi. The closest metro station is Delisi. From there, take a Bolt (6-7 minutes) or walk (about 35 minutes). It’s no longer located outside State University Station.

Sabatono was another favorite of ours, serving up some great Georgian classics. 

Some of our favorite dishes at Sabatono were the  lobio , a mashed bean soup that texturally reminded me of refried Mexican beans, spiced with utsho suneli (blue fenugreek), crushed walnuts, onion, garlic, coriander, and cilantro;  badrijani nigvzit , a popular Georgian appetizer of fried eggplant stuffed with a paste of walnut and garlic, topped with pomegranate seeds;  chashushuli,  also called ostri (meaning  spicy  in Russian), is a fiery Georgian beef stew in a tomato-based sauce spiced with onion, garlic, chili, coriander, and parsley; and the  Adjarian khachapuri , the famous eye-shaped boat of bread, with melted sulguni and an egg cracked on top.

Naturally, we had to pair this with a Georgian red, so we opted for the  Kindzmarauli , which was one of my favorite types of red wine in the country.

Nearest metro station:  Rustaveli (5-minute walk | 360 meters)

Hinkali Factory

As the name of the restaurant suggests, khinkali are the main attraction on the menu here at Hinkali Factory, though they do have an extensive menu. In case, you don’t yet know: khinkali are delicious soup dumplings and Georgia’s most popular dish.

First, we kicked off the meal with an appetizer of  Ispanakhis Pkhali  as a pre-khinkali warm-up round. Ispanakhis Pkhali is a pate of spinach, ground walnuts, utsho suneli, cilantro, and coriander topped with pomegranate seeds. 

Next, we ordered heaping plates of their  kalakuri khinkali , dumplings stuffed with beef spiced with cumin, onion, parsley, and cilantro, and the  sulguni khinkali , which are served up with delicious melty cheese inside. 

Tip:  There are rules to eating khinkali! First, you must pick up the little dump by its top knot and carefully bite open one of its bottom corners and slurp all of the soupy broth out of the khinkali or else you’ll end up doused in khinkali juice. Once you’ve sucked out its juices you can eat the khinkali, though do not eat the top knot- that’s to be proudly displayed on your plate to showcase how many of these delicious dumplings you can hog down. 

Of course, we paired this all with a perfect bottle of  Saperavi .

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (12-minute walk | 870 meters)

In the Shadow of Metekhi

Initially, we popped into In the Shadow of Metekhi after having left Stalin’s Underground Printing Press in search of coffee and a toilet (we had to pee, ok), but we ended up sticking around for lunch. But for starters- the main draw to the restaurant is its outdoor balcony right on the Mtkvari River with perfect views of Old Tbilisi.

Since it was more like a brunch for us since we didn’t have breakfast (but lots of coffee that morning, hence the peeing), we decided to first order the  Ajarian chirbuli  which seemed reminiscent of shakshuka- only better. Chirbuli hails from the Adjara region of Georgia and is a sauce-like dish of tomato, tkemali (Georgian sour plum sauce), onion, ground walnuts, coriander, garlic, and herbs with eggs poached in the saucy concoction. 

We also decided to try out the  Mkhlovana khachapuri , which is a round-shaped variation of khachapuri stuffed with cheese, beetroot leaves, and spinach. It’s also called Pkhlovana khachapuri and hails from the Mtiuleti and Khevi regions. A similar variation that originates in South Ossetia called chakhragina khachapuri exists with just cheese and beetroot leaves.

Nearest metro station:  300 Aragveli (9-minute walk | 730 meters)

Kafe Leila is a vegetarian restaurant offering up an array of traditional and contemporary dishes with a cool interior that in a way reminded me of being back in the historic houses in  Shiraz ,  Iran . 

We ordered the  green salad with mushrooms , figuring that eating a bowl of leafy greens wouldn’t kill us (and we probably needed it); the  Imeretian lobio with mchadi , the previously mentioned bean soup prepared Imeretian style with slightly different sices and a side of mchadi, a Georgian cornbread; and the  adjapsandali , a traditionally vegetarian dish of eggplant and zucchini stew in a tomato-basil sauce reminiscent of ratatouille.

And since we rolled into Kafe Leila for lunch we paired it with a bottle of  Tsinandali , a lovely white wine from the Kakheti region. 

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (13-minute walk | 930 meters)

Chashnagiri

Chashnagri probably wins the prize for the best cheap food in Tbilisi on this list- it’s also a chain, so you can find several locations around the city.

We ordered a  khachapuri  (sorry I can’t remember the name of it) but it was a long loaf of bread stuffed with sulguni that was baked on a spit over a flame; some  kalakuri khinkali , same meat and herb ones we had at Hinkhali Factory; and the bubbling cast iron of  shkmeruli , a dish hailing from the village of Shkmeruli in the Racha region of a perfectly roasted or fried chicken bathed in thick garlic-cream sauce. 

We paired dinner here with a bottle of  Kvanchkara – a beautiful red wine which, fun fact, was also Stalin’s favorite wine.

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (9-minute walk | 710 meters)

Restaurant Hide

Right next to the Meidan Bazaar, Restaurant Hide has one thing in common with the ancient marketplace- it’s also underground. Follow a staircase down to find yourself in a hip subterranean bar and restaurant. 

We ordered  pork ribs in adjika , some delectable gooey  sulguni stuffed mushrooms , and washed it all down with a bottle of  Kindzmarauli .

Nearest metro station:  Avlabari (13-minute walk | 940 meters)

The Cone Culture

If you like ice cream, then a visit to the Cone Culture is in order. The little walk-up shop regularly experiments with new flavors, but their signature is the unique vanilla adjika ice cream that is, as you guessed- spiced with salty, spicy, savory adjika. Other offbeat and unique flavors include persimmon, feijoa, dogwood, blue cheese, whiskey, and many others in addition to more conventional flavors.

Nearest metro station:  Liberty Square (10-minute walk | 730 meters)

Kvarts Coffee

Kvarts Coffee is a one-of-a-kind, blending art and coffee. The artists on hand will draw your portrait on your coffee cup! And the coffee is excellent too (especially the lavender raf). 

You can check out  Kvarts Coffee on Instagram , where you can also DM them a photo of you or friends/family and get the portrait drawn on a wine bottle to pick up. How neat is that?

Nearest metro station:  Rustaveli (9-minute walk | 670 meters)

Cafe Frida is inside the  Check Point Hotel , which is perfectly decorated and offers up an array of light snacks, coffee, homemade lemonades, beer, and wines. They also have a great view of Old Tbilisi’s Betlemi Quarter from their upper terrace.  Check out Cafe Frida’s menu here .

Nearest metro station:  Avlabari (16-minute walk | 1.1 km) or Liberty Square (15-minute walk | 1.2 km)

Getting Around Tbilisi

Getting around Tbilisi is a cinch with a network of metro stations, buses, cable cars, and the Bolt taxi app. Of course, since I love Soviet-era metros thanks to their grandiose stations in cities like  Tashkent  and  Almaty , it’s my preferred way to get around the city. 

To use the  Tbilisi Metro , buses, and Tbilisi cable car you’ll need to purchase a rechargeable Metromoney card in a metro station 2 GEL and then top up the card at either a window or from one of the orange machines you’ll see in the station. 

A single ride on the metro or bus will cost 50 tetri (0.5 GEL). A one-way ride on the Tbilisi cable car is 2.5 GEL or 5 GEL return. 

Finally, for those taking longer rides or to places not covered so well by the public transport system, the  Bolt app  will come in handy. Bolt essentially functions in the same way as Uber or Yandex where you can input pick up/drop off locations and get cost estimates for the trip. 

Check out the Tbilisi Metro Stations

Have Any Questions About This Tbilisi Travel Guide?

Ask in the comments section below

Need Travel Insurance for Georgia?

Start shopping plans over at  battleface , my go-to travel insurance choice, or over at  World Nomads .

More Posts From Georgia:

Crossing the Georgia-Armenia Border by Marshrutka

Tbilisi Metro: Georgia Underground

Exploring the Best Wine Regions of Georgia

How to Get to Pankisi Valley from Telavi, Georgia 

Visiting the Rkoni Monastery & Queen Tamar Bridge, Georgia

Pankisi Valley Travel Guide

Visiting Uplistsikhe Cave Town, Georgia 

Hiking to Abudelauri Lakes in Georgia

Tbilisi’s Bunkers: A Secret Soviet Underworld

1 thought on “24 things to do in tbilisi, georgia + tbilisi travel guide”.

Tbilisi offers arguably some of the best European food, charming houses with courtyards, artsy and futuristic architecture, and countless corners that make you want to grab your camera.

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A view of Tbilisi's old town district, also known as the Kala 

Why Tbilisi's One of My Favorite Cities in the World

Georgia’s capital is anything but orderly. Despite this—or because of it—it's one of the best, most strikingly original cities in the world.

There are cities that make sense. The streets glide along straight, clean lines, their names uniform from start to finish. Bridges are crossable. Signs point in the proper direction.

Then there’s Tbilisi .

Riotous and anarchic, the capital of Georgia is anything but organized. Locals use Soviet-era street names—Leselidze, Davitashvili, Perovskaya—found only on decades-old maps. Wine is sold in repurposed Coca-Cola bottles for a dollar a liter from boulevard underpasses. The electricity still cuts out in the heart of the “Kala,” Tbilisi's historic   old town.

Despite this—maybe even because of it—this city is one of the best, most strikingly original travel destinations in Europe or Asia, if not the world.

Pop into an unmarked courtyard near the Armenian Norashen Church —overgrown with ripe pomegranates—and find yourself among well-fed stray cats in a bohemian artist’s studio (one of the workers may invite you for home-brewed, noxiously alcoholic chacha ; he will not let you refuse, nor should you wish to).

Sneak into the basement of the red-brick seminary across from Sioni Cathedral and buy Tbilisi’s best bread—dough thrown against the scalding sides of a circular   tone oven—from an elderly kerchief-wearing woman for 30 cents a loaf.

Head up a slanting set of town house stairs in the fin de siècle neighborhood of Sololaki and find yourself in a speakeasy-style apartment café called Linville , where tables hide behind vines on wrought iron balconies and afternoon tango milongas take place under decorative Victorian parasols.

Slip across the Dry Bridge, past the ruined frescoes of the former Grand Hotel,   to the flea market and bargain with bearded ex-professors for wooden icons, Soviet-era gas masks, and Turkish tea glasses. Come more than once and the vendors will remember you (I buy my jewelry—traditional Georgian enameling—from the same seller every year; she recalls not just my taste, but that of the mother and grandmother I purchased gifts for).

The cliché, of course, is that Tbilisi represents the epitome of East meets West: a Silk Road crossroads where Arab, Ottoman, Mongol, and Russian imperial forces each left their own distinctive cultural mark. And in the heart of the old town, where rugs dangle from whitewashed wooden balconies and bearded Georgian Orthodox priests jostle with tourists on narrow cobblestone streets, it’s a compelling fantasy.

But the city's reality is far more complicated—and intoxicating.

“East” and “West” are all but meaningless terms here, where the ancient fortress lording over old town has been used both by and against each set of conquerors, where the horizon—and the snowcapped Caucasus beyond—is punctuated by smoky Soviet tower blocks.

On Grishashvili Street, near the sulfur bathhouses—traditionally staffed not by ethnic Georgians, the by-far majority in this famously tolerant city, but by Muslim Azeris—a half-hidden chaikhana , or teahouse, serves baklava at carpeted banquettes before an open fire. A five-minute walk along the Kura River leads to   Tartine —a French brasserie popular with expats and well-heeled locals alike—and café au lait delivered in gargantuan bowls. And at KGB , a restaurant whose tagline is “We’re still watching you,” Soviet kitsch takes on a hipster vibe.

Not all locals are as gleefully tongue-in-cheek about their city's past, however. Shopping at the bazroba (bazaar), or feasting on caraway-spiced khinkali meat dumplings in wood-paneled working men's taverns, you’re as likely as not to be dragooned into someone’s rhapsodic ode—in a mixture of Russian, Georgian, English, and fervently expressive gesturing—to the beauty of the mountains, the Virgin Mary, Mother Georgia, the tradition of hospitality, or women who happen to be in the vicinity.

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Still, if Tbilisi has an aesthetic, it’s “retro collage.” Hidden bars like O Moda Moda —which doubles as a vintage clothing atelier—offer mulled wine and cocktails alongside traditional tarragon lemonade and syrupy Lagidze nectars served from massive soda fountains. Tbilisi’s most iconic eatery, Purpur , is a collection of mismatched tablecloths, 19th-century lamp shades, and crumbling flea market bric-a-brac.  

But few places capture Tbilisi’s energy like the city’s hottest new restaurant, Café Littéra —brainchild of new celebrity chef Tekuna Gachechiladze—located in the palatial mansion that once housed the Soviet Writers’ Union. The food— chakapuli stew made with   mussels instead of the traditional lamb, pomegranate-dusted river trout served a la tartare, classic badzhe sauce made, all but blasphemously, with almonds instead of the customary walnuts—reflects the best of Tbilisi’s breathless fusion culture.

Sure, the electricity might still go out at times.

But Georgians will light candles, shrug, and pour you another drink.

Tara Isabella Burton is a regular contributor to National Geographic Traveler . Read her lovely feature story, " A Toast to Georgia ," and follow her on Twitter @NotoriousTIB .

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Travel company "LOVE TRAVEL" is an organization based in Tbilisi, Georgia, specializing in creating unforgettable travel experiences. They offer a wide range of tours and excursions for tourists, including both individual and group options. LOVE TRAVEL also actively supports eco-tourism and provides travel opportunities that benefit the environment. They organize ecotourism and help travelers immerse themselves in the natural beauty and culture of Georgia. The company is proud of its positive reviews from satisfied tourists and travelers, which confirms the high quality and professionalism with which they approach travel organization. If you are looking for a reliable partner for your next adventure in Georgia, "LOVE TRAVEL" could be a great choice.

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CITY GUIDES , GEORGIA · February 24, 2024 Last Updated on March 13, 2024

A GUIDE TO EXPLORING TBILISI, GEORGIA

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a country with a fascinating history and rich geographical and cultural diversity. Over centuries, it has witnessed the influence of the Byzantine and Mongol empires, leaving behind a unique architectural legacy reflected in its ancient churches, fortresses, and monuments.

With a deeply rooted cultural identity and a millennia-old winemaking tradition, Georgia stands out as a destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty with a rich historical heritage.

Tbilisi is the lively capital of Georgia and is home to over one-third of the country’s population. The city boasts a stunning valley location, picturesque Old Town, and diverse architecture. Additionally, Tbilisi is known for its excellent dining and drinking options, hipster culture, techno scene, and general cool vibe. As a result, it has gained a reputation as the most cosmopolitan city in the South Caucasus region.

Here is the ultimate guide to exploring Tbilisi and Georgia with tips, the best things to do, and places to stay.

Best Places To Stay In Tbilisi, Georgia

 The best area to stay and explore Tbilisi is Old Town due to its proximity to tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars. Here are nine of the best hotels to stay in Tbilisi, organized by luxury, mid-range, and budget options.

Luxury Tbilisi Hotels

• Tbilisi Marriott Hotel – Located on Rustaveli Avenue, this hotel is close to the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Freedom Square, and St George Statue. The hotel has rooms which can accommodate up to four people.
• Rooms Hotel Tbilisi – The upscale boutique hotel has ten coffee shops, five onsite restaurants, free self-parking, and 110 individually furnished rooms.
• The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi – This luxury spa hotel offers premium rooms, deluxe twin rooms, club rooms and executive suites. The hotel offers guests the use of the onsite spa and has two onsite restaurants.

Mid-Range Tbilisi Hotels

• Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi – Located in Freedom Square, this hotel is within walking distance of the St George Staue and the Georgian National Museum. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and an onsite spa.
• Best Western Tbilisi City Center – This hotel is located in Vake, a neighborhood in Tbilisi, close to the Galleria Tbilisi and Dry Bridge Market.
• Tbilisee Hotel – Within a ten-minute walk from St George Statue, Bridge of Peace, and Shardeni Street, this hotel is a great base for exploring the city. The hotel has rooms with balconies, junior rooms, and family rooms that can sleep up to five people.

Budget Tbilisi Hotels

• Ramada by Wyndham Tbilisi Old City – This hotel has 108 rooms, including family rooms, twin rooms, a king room, and three twin rooms. Located in Old Tbilisi, this hotel is in a great walkable area of the city. The hotel has an attached winery and a tasting room.
• Clocks Hotel Tbilisi – Complete with a rooftop terrace, this hotel is a great place to stay in the city. The hotel offers studio rooms, executive rooms, double rooms, and twin rooms, sleeping up to three people.
• Moxy Tbilisi – Located close to the Aerial Tramway and the Chreli Abano Sulphur Bath and Spa, this hotel is within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions. The hotel has two onsite restaurants and free wifi.

What To Do In Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital and largest city is a fascinating destination with a wide range of activities to enjoy. The city boasts a rich history and architecture; dedicating at least three full days to exploring it is a worthwhile experience.

Tbilisi offers a unique blend of the old and the new, with its narrow streets, charming old neighborhoods, and vibrant contemporary areas.

Here are 12 of the best things to do and see in Tbilisi.

• Narikala Fortress – This is the place where you can get the best view of Tbilisi from the top. The Tbilisi Cable Car is a nice alternative for those who are tired of ascending to the Narikala fortress and starting their exploration of the city of Tbilisi.
• Sulfur Baths of Old Tbilisi – Known for their healing thermal waters and tiled architecture.
• Juma Mosque
• Meidan Bazar – A lively antique market located near the sulfur baths.
• Walking in Old Tbilisi – Stroll through the picturesque streets of Asatiani, Arsena, and Ivane Machabeli and observe the balconies that characterize the city’s architecture.
• The Dry Bridge Market – An outdoor market known for the sale of antiques and artworks.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral – One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• Leaning Clock Tower – The iconic clock tower in Tbilisi is a structure with a unique clock position.
• Rike Park Concert Hall and the Bridge of Peace – A walk here is ideal for exploring modern architecture.
• The State Academy of Arts Museum
• Mother of Georgia – An aluminum statue that stands above the city from the top of Sololaki Hill.
• Wine Museum

Best Places To Eat In Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgian cuisine is delicious, and one of the most popular dishes is khachapuri, a bread filled with cheese and often topped with an egg. Other recommended dishes include khinkali, dumplings filled with meat and spices, lobio, a bean stew accompanied by bread, satsivi, meat accompanied by a walnut sauce, and pkhali, cold appetizers prepared with fresh vegetables and herbs.

Among traditional Georgian sweets, churchkhela holds a special place. This sweet is made from the juice of various fruits, which is boiled to form a thick substance, and then nuts are threaded onto a string and dipped into the fruit juice mixture. The diversity and authenticity of Georgian cuisine are sure to captivate your palate.

Tbilisi offers a wide variety of options for enjoying typical cuisine and exploring the cafés is a unique experience. Most of these establishments not only serve delicious pastries and coffees but also immerse you in the culture of traditional dishes. The unique architecture and designs of these cafés make having coffee more than just a break, it’s an opportunity to dive into the local atmosphere.

• Chaduna – It is one of the most popular places for breakfast. Their specialty is the Chizhi Bizhi, a dish of tender scrambled eggs in a delicious tomato and onion sauce, with Georgian cheese and fresh parsley on top.
• Café Littera
• Fabrika – A bar, restaurant, and hostel located in a former Soviet factory, known for its alternative and artistic atmosphere.
• Balcony No 12

Best Places To Drink In Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia is the world’s first wine-producing nation, with a rich tradition dating back thousands of years. Viticulture and wine production have deep roots in Georgian culture, and the country has played a pivotal role in global wine history.

The ancient Georgian method of making wine in qvevris, large terracotta vessels buried underground, is unique and has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. For this reason, tasting Georgian wines is a must, especially those made from indigenous grape varieties.

Some places to enjoy great wine are:

• Wine Factory N1
• Tsamgala Wine Shop and Bar
• Vinissimo Wine Bar and Shop
• Vino Underground Tbilisi
• Wine Library
• Vino Wine Bar

The Best Day Trips From Tbilisi, Georgia

Some of the main attractions in Georgia can be visited as day trips from Tbilisi. For those planning to explore destinations beyond the capital, opting for a rental car or hiring a car with a driver Louis (WhatsApp +995 597 25 25 72) offers the utmost comfort.

Kazbegui and Gergety Trinity Church

Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda, is a mountainous region in northern Georgia that captivates travelers with the natural beauty of the stunning Caucasus Mountains. This day tour begins with a stop at the Ananuri Castle, a fortress on the shores of the Zhinvali Reservoir.

Finally, the visit concludes at one of the most beautiful monasteries in the country, the Gergety Trinity Church, surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Caucasus. If you have time during the journey, the Hotel Rooms  has become a popular spot for dining or having a drink due to its panoramic view of the mountains and the monastery.

Kakheti and Sighnaghi

Georgia is renowned for its ancient winemaking tradition. Hence, the wine region of Kakheti is popular as it hosts numerous wineries and vineyards where visitors can have wine tastings and learn about local winemaking techniques.

Tours in Kakheti offer a comprehensive experience, ranging from wine tasting in vineyards to exploring the city of Sighnaghi and visiting the historic Monastery of Santa Nino, which is recognized for introducing Christianity to the region.

Best Tours To Take From Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is a great base and place to stay for a trip to Georgia. It is also easy to travel and take tours from Tbilisi to attractions outside of the city.

Alternatively, numerous companies arrange day tours in Old Town Tbilisi, and booking a day in advance is sufficient. These day tours will allow you to see the main Georgian attractions according to your interests and the duration of your trip.

Here are three of the best tours to take from Tbilisi.

• Explore the stunning mountain peaks and valleys of Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church on a day trip from the city . You can discover the slopes of Gudauri and the rich history of the Ananuri Fortress.
• Embark on a full-day tour from Tbilisi to explore some of Georgia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the ancient Jvari Monastery and the former capital of the Kingdom of Iberia, Mtskheta. You’ll also have the chance to explore the stunning Gudauri ski resort in the Caucasus Mountains and more.
• Explore the heart of Georgia in one day with a guided tour . Enjoy spectacular views of the Kazbeg peak range in the Caucasus Mountains, visit Trinity Church, and savor a traditional gourmet lunch at Fabrika Rooms restaurant.

How To Get To Tbilisi, Georgia

To enter Georgia, it is necessary to have a passport with a validity of at least six months and the address of your accommodation. Most nationalities do not require a visa for tourist purposes; it’s a matter of checking the requirements based on your passport. Here is a list of countries where Georgia has a visa-free regime .

Thanks to the country’s advantages, Georgia has recently become a popular destination for digital nomads. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, serves as the primary entry point for those traveling by air.

Furthermore, traveling to Tbilisi from Armenia is popular either by train or by bus due to its proximity. Although the train option is favored for its Soviet-era charm, it is not highly recommended unless you have ample time, as the schedules are limited, and the journey takes approximately 12 hours. The South Caucasus Railway can be complex to navigate, so purchasing tickets directly at the station is advisable.

On the contrary, private cars or vans, known as marshrutka, are more popular due to their cost-effectiveness and a shorter travel duration of 6 hours. The company Confort 2012 provides the following options for traveling between Yerevan and Tbilisi. The cost of the trip is 50 GEL or 8000 AMD. For booking, it is possible to send a WhatsApp message to (+995514012224) with your name, phone number, and check-out time. Individual car options are also available.

Departure time from Yerevan (Kilikia Bus Station): 07:30, 08:30, 10:30, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00.

Departure time from Tbilisi (M. Avlabari St.): 07:30, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00

Currency In Georgia

The official currency of Georgia is the Lari (GEL). Due to the increase in tourism, credit card payments are widely accepted in restaurants and businesses. However, when venturing outside the capital, it is advisable to exchange euros or dollars at any currency exchange to have cash, as card usage may be less common in rural areas.

Language In Georgia

The official language in Georgia is Georgian, which has its own unique and ancient alphabet. Although Georgian is the predominant language, the majority of people also speak English.  Despite the Soviet legacy, the influence of the Russian language is less pronounced due to historical tensions between the two countries.

Weather In Georgia

Situated in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia experiences noticeable climatic variations throughout the year. Although spring and autumn are considered the ideal seasons to visit, it is a versatile destination that can be explored year-round.

Security And Safety In Georgia

Georgia is a very safe country, but due to the increase in tourism, minor scams and thefts can occur. It’s important to adhere to basic precautions, such as agreeing on the fare before taking a taxi or making a purchase at markets. Due to political tensions, it is advisable to avoid areas near the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

How To Dress In Georgia

Georgia has no specific dress code restrictions, especially for women. However, being a predominantly Christian country with many major tourist attractions, such as churches and monasteries, women should cover their heads with a scarf to enter these places.

Therefore, carrying a pashmina to cover the head when visiting these religious sites is recommended. In addition, it’s advisable to bring appropriate clothing based on the weather and season, as well as comfortable shoes.

How To Move Around Georgia

Walking is the best way to explore the city, but public transportation options, such as the metro , are available. Taxi apps like Bolt have become popular and efficient for exploring the city and its diverse corners. Another widely-used option to explore the city is the Hope On Hope Off sightseeing Tour in Tbilisi .

Tbilisi, Georgia Wrap Up

Tbilisi is a must-visit destination, whether on a day trip or a week-long vacation. I hope that this ultimate guide to Tbilisi, Georgia helps you find out everything you need to know about the city and country.

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Tbilisi or Georgia. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.

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The Ultimate Tbilisi, Georgia Travel Guide

September 10, 2017 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Lauren Melnick

Since its revolution in 2003 outing the Soviet government, Tbilisi has come a long way. The city has transformed itself into a cosmopolitan hot spot overflowing with a mix of old meets new that is waiting to be explored.

After discovering Georgia offers South Africans a one-year free visa , I ended up spending almost two months exploring the country. But I kept coming back to Tbilisi and fell in love with its winding lanes, beautiful architecture and the rich history that gives the city its unique charm.

Here’s my ultimate Tbilisi, Georgia travel guide!

Table of Contents

How to Get to Tbilisi

Marshrutkas / buses, where to stay in tbilisi, what to do in tbilisi, georgia, other helpful tips for visiting tbilisi.

I flew in from Izmir, Turkey to Tbilisi. The flight takes about two hours and depending on when you book, costs less than a domestic flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The cheap flights will mean that you’ll fly in late, arriving at 2:00 a.m. But most hostels and hotels provide a taxi transfer giving you an easy way to get to your final destination without haggling.

But if you arrive during the day, the cheapest way to get from the airport into the city is on the metro or the local bus.

Getting Around Tbilisi

Getting around Tbilisi and the surrounding areas is cheap, easy and safe. But if you’re unsure about how to get somewhere, head to the tourist information office in Freedom Square.

All the staff speak English and will happily explain which bus to catch from what station to get to your final destination. They will also give you a map and provide other information such as costs and departure times.

Tbilisi is a city you can easily explore on foot. Not only is it safe, but most sights aren’t too far from each other, and you’ll discover plenty more in between.

Travelling by metro was my favourite way to get around Tbilisi. Tickets only cost GEL 0.50c (R 2.60) each way and the trains were fast, reliable and clean.

While I tend to avoid taxi drivers like the bubonic plague when abroad, that didn’t happen in Tbilisi. Whether I hailed them from the street or used their Uber-like app, the drivers were always friendly and helpful even with the language barrier. Rides around the city aren’t expensive and will only set you back a couple of GEL. But if you are going to the airport expect to pay GEL 20 (R105.00) one way.

One of the cheapest ways to travel long distance in Georgia is with the marshrutkas. Instead of forking out for organised tours, I went by myself to places like Kazbeki, Telavi, Signagi and Armenia. It cost me so much less, and I had more chances to interact with the locals.

In Tbilisi, you’ll also find buses that you can take to get around town. These are also super affordable and come with free onboard Wi-Fi.

The best place to stay in Tbilisi is in the old neighbourhoods.  You’ll find a more authentic vibe and loads of little streets to explore during the day. There are also tons of accommodation options to suit the frugal backpacker or those looking to splurge.

• Namaste Hostel:  I spent the majority of my two months in the region staying at  Namaste Hostel . In part, it was because my bag along with my passport was stolen, but I also had the best time there. It is more expensive than the dirt cheap hostels you’ll find around the city, but you’ll have some of the best views, free coffee and a vibe that will more than make up for it.
• Ateshgah Residence:  For those looking for something different,  Ateshgah  is a detached holiday home in the heart of Tbilisi. It’s the perfect spot in the city for travellers who want more privacy and something different from the typical hotel experience. But it’s one of the city’s most popular boutique accommodations and commands R 3000 per night.
• Artists Residence:  If you want some luxury without a hefty price tag,  Artists Residence  is an incredible Tbilisi hotel. It’s a place where art and design meet, transforming an ordinary townhouse into an experience.
• TiflisLux Boutique Guest House:  If you’re on a budget, but over staying at hostels,  TiflisLux  is a great compromise for your wallet. The rooms are beautifully decorated with views of the city or the Mtatsminda Mountain. The best part? It’s only R 450.00 a room for two people!

READ MORE:  Checking In: Namaste Hostel, Tbilisi

Where To Eat Vegan In Tbilisi

Vegans will have a hard time finding a bite to eat at restaurants around the country. Luckily, there are a few spots in the city that have started to cater for a plant-based diet. But cooking your own food will become your only option once you move outside of the capital. Unless you’re okay with eating the same three vegan-friendly local dishes over and over.

If you’re a vegan on a budget, Kiwi Cafe is one of the better options in the city. But while its menu is limited it’s more robust than other restaurants in town. I went back a few times for their falafel and to spend time with the cafe cat. #catstalkersunite

Cafe Leila is located in Old Tbilisi right by the famous clock tower. It’s a great place to people watch, and it’s filled with unique decor that adds to its romantic ambiance.

But for vegans, it’s a little oasis. You’ll find more variety to choose from than other spots around town, and while the prices are expensive, the quality of food is top notch.

I highly recommend the pumpkin soup!

If you want to try some local Georgian food as a vegan – head to Machakhela. It’s a popular restaurant chain in the country, and you’ll find many dotted around Tbilisi.

For starters, try the eggplant with walnut sauce. It is served cold (for some strange reason), and while I liked it, I do think it would taste better warmed up.

For mains, you can try the lobio. It’s beans served in a clay pot and is delicious. Otherwise, there is the khachapuri. While this dish is traditionally made with loads of cheese and a raw egg in the middle, Machakhela has a few variations. I tried the one that came with a stew of vegetables inside sans any animal products.

But I’m not sure if the dough was 100% vegan. There was a bit of a language barrier, so double check before ordering.

Menu G  is Tbilisi’s answer to Uber Eats. There were a few times where I wasn’t in the mood for the whole restaurant vibe or cooking, and this app saved my day.

I had some delicious veggie burgers and falafels from restaurants around the city and recommend using it even if it’s just to get some mealtime inspiration.

Whether you stay in Old Tbilisi or the more modern parts, there are tons to do around the city. But most of Georgia’s charm does lie in its natural beauty and smaller towns scattered across the country. Depending on your travelling style and interests, you’ll only need two to three days to explore this capital city.

Here’s what I loved doing:

• Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi at sunrise.  It’s one of the largest religious buildings in the world and worth the visit – even if you aren’t religious. One of the best times to visit is at sunrise for zero crowds and the perfect morning light. Plus, if you get there early you can also avoid getting hassled by the gipsies.
• Watch the sunset at the top of the ancient Narikala fortress.  But don’t go up alone. Bring a bottle of wine (or a friend or two) to keep you company for a beautiful sundowner overlooking the city.
• Learn about Georgia’s history at the National Georgian Museum.  If you’re a nerd like me, you’ll enjoy a trip to this museum. It’s filled with an ancient hominid skull collection as well as other artefacts from the first humans that roamed the country’s plains. Upstairs, you can learn more about Georgia’s recent history such as its Soviet occupation.
• Go on a day trip.  One of the best parts about Tbilisi is that it’s only a few hours from beautiful sights across the country. I went on a day trip to David Gareja, a monastery complex built into the rock on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja. I also went on a wine tour around Telavi, and there are many more places to choose from.
• Get lost exploring the cobbled streets.  I don’t know about you, but my sense of direction is only activated once I’ve either walked or driven through a place a few times. As I don’t drive when I travel abroad, I go out of my way to explore a place on foot. Tbilisi is filled with old winding alleyways with buildings that have stood the test of time. Be sure to keep an eye out for the intricate designs on doors as you walk past!
• Indulge in some wine tasting.  Georgia is the birthplace of wine. For real, it’s the oldest wine region in the world and is home to a UNESCO winemaking method. Wander into any of the wine shops in Tbilisi and the owners will be more than happy to offer you a free wine tasting. Be prepared for a few shots of cha cha (Georgian vodka) in between.
• Explore the nightlife.  Tbilisi comes alive once the sun goes down. Whether you’re looking for a spot for a drink or want to experience the clubbing scene, you won’t find a shortage of options. One of my favourite bars was the Drunk Owl. I found it to be more of a local watering hole with excellent cocktails and taste in music.
• Languages:  Georgian, Russian, and English.
• Cash:  You can withdraw USD and the local currency at any Visa or Mastercard ATMs. While most places accept card, cash is still the preferred payment method.
• WiFi/Data:  You can buy a SIM card at the airport and load it up with data. But Tbilisi has free public WiFi in most places and on public transport like the buses.
• Fireworks:  Georgians love fireworks. A LOT. So much so that they celebrate anything and everything with a short firework display every single night. Yip. You can expect crackers to go off anytime in the evening – even as late as 2 am.

Do you have any tips for visiting Tbilisi, Georgia? Sound off in the comments below!

Want more trip inspiration? Check out my other posts on Georgia:

• 7 Experiences You Absolutely Must Have in Georgia
• Checking In: Namaste Hostel

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Heading to Tbilisi? Here's everything you need to know about navigating the quirky ancient streets of Georgia's capital city!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

February 28, 2018 at 1:13 am

Thanks for the guide and the vegan places!

February 28, 2018 at 9:05 am

Glad to hear you found my Tbilisi, Georgia travel guide useful 🙂

May 19, 2018 at 10:45 am

Thanks for the tips. I am visiting Georgia next week and shall bookmark this page!

May 25, 2019 at 9:57 pm

This is what I suffered while on a travel to Tbilisi.

A good info to your followers so they will be forewarned.

Thanks, please share.

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A Full and Detailed Tbilisi Travel Guide & Tbilisi City Guide!

Categories Europe , Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia is a fantastic city to visit. In fact, Georgia itself is a brilliant Country to visit. It’s becoming more and more popular as one of the best countries to visit for a holiday in Europe as well as a backpacking trip around Europe!

I loved my time in Tbilisi, and after spending 5 days in Tbilisi with my Dad I got a really good feel for the City, so here is my full and detailed Tbilisi travel guide and Tbilisi City Guide on things to see and do in Tbilisi, things to eat, places to eat, where to stay and a few important Tbilisi travel tips to help you have the best time!

Tbilisi Travel Guide

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Best Time to visit Tbilisi Georgia.

Georgia is one of those countries that has real seasons so the best time to visit Georgia depends on what weather you like!

I visited Tbilisi in May and it was the perfect temperature, I could tell Summer was coming but Spring was still in the air with comfortable temperatures of around 20°. Summer will bring very hot temperatures and December and January will bring freezing temperatures! I think mid-Spring and mid-Autumn are the best times to plan a visit to Tbilisi.

How long to stay in Tbilisi Georgia.

I spent 5 days in Tbilisi however we were purposely exploring slowly and did a lot of chilling too. I would say 2 or 3 days in Tbilisi is a good amount of time to see the city if you’re on time constraints, otherwise, you can easily pass 5 days there if you have the time. There’s a lot to see in Tbilisi actually!

Where to stay in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Tbilisi is a big city, or at least when looking at a map of Tbilisi it appears to be. It’s by no means a big city like London or Paris but when you look at the attractions to visit it does appear quite spread out.

Hostels in Tbilisi

I kicked off my stay in Tbilisi at Fabrika Hostel which is on the East side of the city. This is one of the best hostels I have stayed in and has to be the best hostel in Tbilisi, I even wrote a blog post all about it here .

In short, it’s a converted soviet sewing factory, it’s been decorated brilliantly with an industrial, shabby, chic design. On first appearance, it does seem slightly out of the centre but it’s really not and it’s nice to walk through some ‘local’ streets to get back to the hostel from the river and the main tourist areas.

Airbnb in Tbilisi

For the second half of our week, we stayed in an Airbnb on the west side of the river which is one of the best locations to stay in Tbilisi in my opinion. I stayed at ‘Finding Nino’s place’ which you can find on Airbnb via this link  and I would highly recommend it.

It’s perfect for 2-4 people, feels really local… because, well, it is! It’s in a good location (although slightly up on the hill so expect hill walks to get back), it was a really good price for the whole apartment and Nino herself was lovely!

I noticed that Tbilisi has some great Airbnb options when looking so unless you want a hostel and a hostel feel then I would suggest getting onto Airbnb and I would recommend staying over on the West side of the city, to be honest.

There are also lots of hotels in Tbilisi for all budgets so be sure to have a look on  Booking.com here !

Things to do in Tbilisi

Now for the fun bit! There are plenty of things to see and do in Tbilisi and actually one of the best things about the city is that you can see stuff up on the hill or from afar and think ‘’Oh what’s that, I need to see it!’ and you just end up walking over to it or come across stuff when walking around Tbilisi but here are just a few ideas to get you started.

I really recommend exploring Tbilisi by yourself and at your own pace however, a city tour to get a real understanding of Tbilisi’s history would be a good idea.

 If you want to see Tbilisi and the rest of Georgia really well, I would recommend checking out one of these tours , you could do a city tour, a bike tour, a wine tour, a mountain tour!

See both sides of the river

I stayed on both sides of the river which meant we got to explore both sides so whichever side you stay on, make sure you venture over the river to the other side of the City to explore.

Narikala Fortress & the Cable Car up

The best view of Tbilisi is from the Narikala Fortress! To get to Narikala Fortress take a cable car from Rike Park which is close to the Bridge of Peace. It cost us 95p for a return journey for 2 people so it’s pretty cheap!

You pass over the river and then go right over the top of one of the old neighbourhoods which gives a great view into how all of the houses are perched on the hill. Once you are at the top and have taken in the view you can walk along some steps to the Fortress. You can climb some walls of the Fortress but it looked a bit dodgy to us so we just took in the view.

Mother of Georgia Statue

From Fortress hill you can go right to the base of the Mother of Georgia statute.

This lady is perched high and looks over the entire city with a great view of Tbilisi. It’s said she has a sword in one hand for the enemy and a glass of wine in the other for friends and that she holds the wine higher than the sword because she would prefer friends to arrive, and this pretty much sums up Georgia’s history. They would prefer to be friends but are ready to fight if needs be.

Botanical Gardens

Whilst I didn’t get to the Tbilisi Botanical gardens, they are up by the Fortress and look really nice so if you want a rest from city life then have a walk around them for a bit.

Thermal Baths in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has Thermal Baths and is very famous for them. Tbilisi is built on hot springs a bit like Budapest. The world Tbili in Georgian actually means warm!

There’s a bath district in the city which is called Abanotubani and it’s located underneath the Fortress hill. I went to Gulo’s Thermal Spa which I would recommend as one of the best thermal spa’s in Tbilisi because its a great price and place.  I wrote a full post about  Gulo’s Thermal Bath here with prices and how to book!

Mount Mtatsminda

Right upon a very big hill is a huge pylon and it can be seen all around the city, especially at night when it lights up. From some angles in the city, you can also see a Ferris wheel which looks very scary as it looks like it’s perching on the edge of the hill!

This hill or mountain I guess you could say is Mount Mtatsminda and it actually has a whole theme park on top of it! I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going up there for the theme park as it’s not the best Tbilisi attraction unless you have children but I would say go to take in the incredible view of Tbilisi City! We went at golden hour on a sunny day and it was beautiful!

To get Mount Mtatsminda there is a funicular from Vilnius Square station. It is a walk uphill to get to the station from elsewhere in the city but there’s also lots of taxi’s if you do not want to walk. The funicular cost about £3.85 for 2 people and once up the top, it’s free to walk around and breathe in that fresh, fresh air!

Tbilisi Clock Tower

This is an interesting clock tower. I’m going to be honest and say I have no idea what it resembles or means but it’s worth passing by, it’s also on the edge of Old Tbilisi and has some nice streets around it.

Tbilisi Free Walking Tour

I always like to take a free walking tour in cities as I think it’s a great way to get my bearings, especially if I do it on the first day. It’s also a good way to get a locals perspective of the city and learn some history and facts. I did the tour with Tbilisi Free Walking Tour and it was very good!

We didn’t cover as much ground as I would have liked but we learned some interesting stuff, heard some old legends and stories about the city and even got to try out some Georgian wine and hear how they make it which is something Georgia is actually known for!

I really wish I had done a better and more in detail tour whilst I was there to learn more about the city and culture, one of these would have been great!

Sameba Cathedral / Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Tbilisi is full of churches! You’ll pass so many as walk around Tbilisi but if you visit just one I would recommend seeing Sameba Church, it’s up on the hill on the East side of the city and is huge, in fact I believe it’s the biggest church in the Caucasus region and one of the largest religious buildings in the world!

I actually didn’t get to it which is my only Tbilisi regret so make sure you go so you don’t regret it!

Bridge of Peace

To help you cross the river be sure to use the Bridge of Peace. It’s a very new and architecturally interesting bridge. Fun fact, it’s been nicknamed Always Ultra because errmm it kind of looks like a sanitary pad..!

Dry Bridge Flea Market

This bridge and the grassy area beside Dry Bridge is home to a flea market open every day and when I tell you they sell everything, I mean everything!!

There’s a huge amount of useless stuff.. empty bottles and Marriott hotel slippers for example, they also have things from gas masks and war memorabilia to records, dvd’s, jewellery, glasses and soo much more! It’s a sight to be seen that’s for sure so definitely check it out.

Georgian National Museum

Tbilisi has a few museums but what Dad and I were really interested in was the soviet era and the Georgian National Museum has a floor dedicated to this era inside it. To be honest, it wasn’t that detailed and didn’t provide a huge amount of information but it was worth going and I would recommend it if you want to learn a bit more, just don’t expect too much!

Take in the Architecture

As you walk around, remember to keep looking up, take different streets than you have before because this city changes so much down each street. Sometimes you’ll see beautiful well-preserved buildings, sometimes you see crumbling buildings, some due to lack of money and care, others due to recent earthquake damage and sometimes you see modern silver buildings that are super new and innovative!

Unique Things to do in Tbilisi

Chronicles of georgia monument.

The Chronicles of Georgia Monument is a huge monument perched upon a hill just outside of Tbilisi that not many people know about or visit! It’s definitely a unique place to visit in Tbilisi!

To get to The Chronicles of Georgia Monument from Tbilisi was a bit difficult due to not many tourists visiting and not many locals seeming to know about it, but after some pointing at a map and some hand signals, we found a taxi driver who knew where we wanted to go! It’s located to the north of the Tbilisi Sea (which is actually a reservoir) so i pointed this out on the map.

We agreed on 40 GEL for him to take us there, stay for about 40 minutes and then bring us back into the city. The journey took about 20 minutes and before we knew it we had pulled up in a quiet car park. The Chronicles of Georgia Monument is very random but it’s certainly impressive.

The pillars and huge and from the back you can see across Tbilisi sea. I was also pleased that it was indeed very quiet, this is not on any Tbilisi Day Trips yet but I can imagine in a few years this place will be on the tourist radar!

We only stayed for 30 minutes or so as there isn’t anything else to do at The Chronicles of Georgia Monument and headed straight back so it was a very quick trip but if you have time I would definitely recommend it!

Day Trips from Tbilisi 

Tbilisi is a great city but there’s a lot more to Georgia than just Tbilisi! For various reasons we didn’t base ourselves anywhere else other than Tbilisi but we did take a day trip up to The Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi which was actually my favourite day in Georgia!

We got a private driver for our day trip to the Kazbegi Mountains and headed North up the country a few km’s from the Russian border and stopped to take in the mountain views on the way. I would 110% recommend doing this trip especially if you’re just basing yourself in Tbilisi, I wrote a whole blog post on the  day trip here and filmed the trip which you can  watch here .

And if you want to escapre Tbilisi for a few days, here’s a guide to Signagi , one of the prettiest towns in Georgia!

This is one of the day tours that are on offer which you can book online to save you having to look when you get to Tbilisi:

What to Eat in Tbilisi.

Georgia is actually very popular for its local Georgian dishes and you can get them all in Tbilisi at Tbilisi’s Best Restaurants ! There are a few key dishes that you’ll no doubt try and see everywhere, especially in tourist places.

The food is very carb-heavy because there’s a lot of bread on offer (but its soo good!), and just so you know, it’s easy to be a vegetarian in Georgia but probably harder to be Vegan in Georgia as they eat a lot of dairy! Here is just a quick rundown on the best Georgian Foods to eat in Tbilisi and how to eat them!

You’ll probably see Khachapuri everywhere and oh my is it good! Bread with a cheese filling, complete with an egg on top and butter! And the correct way to eat it.. with your hands only! No knives or forks!

Kihnkali are Traditional Georgian dumplings.. who knew Georgian’s loved dumplings but they do!

They come with a few fillings, meat, cheese or mushroom and we actually preferred the cheese over the meat.

Although they might be sold individually on the menu the correct way to order Kihnkali is to order 5 per person, and to eat them is quite an art.

How to eat Kihnkali correctly is to pick them up by the stem and turn them upside down, take a bite and suck out the juice and then continue to eat them, if the juice is running down your arm then let it, apparently, this is better than getting it on the plate! But make sure you don’t eat the stem! No Georgians eat the stem (although it’s tempting), so put the stem back on the plate and move onto the next. To actually see me eat one then check out this vlog!

A cucumber and Tomato salad does sound quite boring right, even one with walnuts sounds boring, but salads in Georgia are not boring and are a great food to try in Georgia!

I was advised to try one of these simple salads and along with the walnut paste that we had on ours, all the spices they put on and the incredibly fresh and tasty tomatoes it was so good! (and helps balance out the fats from the Khachapuri!)

BBQ meat is very popular here, we had some nice dishes and although they are quite dry we had some chicken with pomegranate seeds and it was so nice!

Churchkhela

Around Tbilisi, you’ll see what looks like candles hanging up in shop fronts and stalls, these are actually edible! Inside them are nuts, walnuts usually, and the coating is fresh grape juice which then set around the nuts, the setting process takes a few months which is pretty crazy!

I did buy two and I’ll admit that I wasn’t a huge fan as to eat them you literally just bite into them and I figured they had just been hanging out in the open for probably quite a long time, however they are popular and if all else fails they make for a good picture!

What to Drink in Tbilisi Georgia.

Georgia is actually known for its wine and every blog post I read before going to Georgia raved about its wine. They make their wine by storing it in clay pots for months instead of big metal containers like a lot of other countries do. We didn’t end up drinking that much but we did do some tasting on the walking tour where we tried 3 types of wine and red, both sweet and dry. I loved the sweet red wine and later on we brought a bottle from the shop which was only a few pounds!

We drank more beer whilst we were there and liked the Argo which was super cheap.. cheaper than tea or coffee!

Cha cha is also something you may hear about, this is often referred to as Georgian vodka is often home-brewed so I can only imagine that it’s very strong!

Where to Eat and Drink in Tbilisi

We actually ended up eating on the same street (and in the same restaurant) pretty much all week because we figured we liked the food and this street must be the best area to eat in Tbilisi.

It was actually quite hard to find places to eat that weren’t on a main tourist street I thought, local restaurants were not that obvious, but either way here are 2 streets in Tbilisi with great restaurants. Both are walking streets away from the traffic which is one of the main reason we liked them and they’re on different sides of the city.

Erekelle II Street

This is a major tourist street but it’s one of the best places to eat in Tbilisi, it’s not that big and has maybe 8-10 restaurants and cafe’s along it. It’s pretty and it’s quiet and the staff are used to working with tourists so it’s good. We ate in a place called Pastorali most days and we loved the food there so I would highly recommend it. There’s also quite a few stray dogs and cats on this street, they’re friendly and just do their own thing but if you happen to have any leftovers I’m sure they won’t say no!

Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue

When I stumbled across this street I could not believe it. The buildings were so pretty, they had all been newly painted in bright colours with cute balconies and there were all different types of cafes lining the walking street. We enjoyed a lovely piece of cake and tea (so British I know!) at Cafe Velo.

We did, however, find it hard to find a dinner place in the evening so I would recommend street for lunch in Tbilisi or a snack/coffee.

Supermarket / Small store

If you’re staying in an Airbnb I would suggest heading to a supermarket to get some breakfast supplies because honestly, I have no idea where you’d find a good breakfast in Tbilisi or Brunch for that matter!

There are lots of small supermarkets as well as lots of cute little independent stores ran by the older generation and as with any foreign supermarket, you can find some weird and wonderful things! They sell some great cheeses and amazing fresh bread for about 20p!

If you want to see Tbilisi and the rest of Georgia really well, I would recommend checking out one of these tours , you could do a city tour, a bike tour, a wine tour, a mountain tour!

How to get around Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a totally walkable city! There is a metro and I thought we’d need to use it, but apart from the cable car and funicular, we didn’t use any public transport.

Tbilisi Travel Tips

Buy bottled water, don’t drink from the tap.

The plug adapter is a European adapter.

When you want to cross main roads look for an underground passage, there are a lot of passages along the very big roads because they’re so busy and there are no lights!

To cross a smaller road you just have to walk out and be confident, hold your hand out to tell drivers to stop and keep it out whilst you are walking across the road so they know to slow down.

Watch where you step, the pavement’s have holes and all sorts in them everywhere! There’s also a lot of dog poop!

Don’t worry about wifi, there is good wifi everywhere.

There are a lot of ATM’s and exchange shops.

I hope this either makes you decide to go to Tbilisi or helps plan your trip to Tbilisi and gets you excited for it!

• For more of my Georgia posts see:
• Day Trip to Kazbegi via the Georgian Military Road
• Visiting the Thermal Bath’s & which one to choose!
• Fabrika Hostel Tbilisi Review

To SEE my trip to Georgia check YouTube Vlogs Here !

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Viveka Gustavson

Wednesday 19th of December 2018

Hi there, leaving for a Christmas escape to Tbilisi on Friday. Thank you so much for all the useful information. So excited over my trip. Merry Christmas.

TheWanderingQuinn

Thursday 20th of December 2018

That will be so fun! You’re welcome and thank you for reading! :)

Thursday 7th of June 2018

Do you think it is better to take money from the ATM or exchange EURO? Thanks

I’d say to take money from the ATM when you’re there. :)

Friday 4th of May 2018

Thank you so much for the great information about Tbilisi and the photos too. I will be there in five days. Your experiences will help me a lot.

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for letting me know that you found it helpful. Enjoy, you’ll love it I’m sure! :)

Wednesday 18th of April 2018

I'm starting to plan my trip to Georgia this summer and this guide has been super helpful! I definitely can't wait to explore Tbilisi! :)

Thursday 19th of April 2018

Ooh I’m so glad! Thank you for letting me know Maja! You’ll love it I’m sure. I’ll be following along on insta! :)

sd malhotra

Sunday 4th of March 2018

excellent Blog. Did you see any Georgian Dance during your visit?

Thank you. No I didn’t see any which is a shame.

Things to do in Tbilisi: The Ultimate Tbilisi Travel Guide

“Where is Georgia?” I was asked more than once when I told my friends and family about my Tbilisi travel plans . “The country,” I had to explain, “shares borders with Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Not too far from Dubai, only a three-hour flight.” I booked this trip very impulsively one afternoon, thanks to an affordable Flydubai flight and a growing sense of restlessness. It helped that as a UAE resident, I could get a 90-day visa-free entry. Then, with plenty of time to explore the city, I set about finding the coolest things to do in Tbilisi . 

When I first arrived in Tbilisi, I didn’t know what to expect and had done no research on what to do in Tbilisi. Unlike other, more well-planned trips, this time I only had a rough idea of the places I’d travel to within Georgia during my month in the country. But I found so many cool and interesting places to visit in Tbilisi, that I did not want to leave and ended up staying longer than planned.  

I spent about three weeks in Tbilisi, wandering tirelessly through its crumbling old town, looking up at intricately carved wooden balconies, ruined buildings with gaping walls and overgrowth, leafy lanes where artists sat painting, and many many churches, fuelled by nutritious churchkhela (Georgian candy) and warm potato bread from basement bakeries, whose aromas beckoning from street-level windows, were impossible to resist.

I explored the posh neighborhoods around Freedom Square and Rustaveli, joined the stylishly dressed locals to watch the Opera, and dined in fancy restaurants with ample enthusiastic toasting to good health and celebration. There was no lack of cool, interesting and quirky places to visit in Tbilisi. 

After I was done sightseeing in Tbilisi, I set about discovering life like a local. I stepped into places that didn’t have English menus, learned how to eat khinkali (steamed dumplings) the right way, and joined the locals to shop, not in the fancy stores along Rustaveli Avenue, but in the open subway market at Station Square. To work, I visited many cafés, some, with far more interesting décor than coffee, and to rest, I joined families, retirees, and, artists in the city’s many quiet parks.

I got to the point where I didn’t need to read the boards to know if I was taking the right metro and I knew exactly what I wanted to eat when I entered a restaurant. Thanks to a two-day trip to the Kakheti wine region , soon, I knew my Georgian wines well enough. I even found an indie theater where I watched a performance that seemed part-fantasy.

What I loved about Tbilisi, as I did about Georgia as a whole, was its ability to surprise me with something when I least expected it. The thing that stood out to me was the friendliness of the locals, who in spite of being used to tourists, are not bored, irritated, or indifferent. Chivalrous behavior, smiles, a warm greeting, and a genuine interest in others was the norm everywhere I went and I can say, without a doubt, that Georgia is the friendliest country I’ve been to .

Plan your Georgia Trip

• Browse hotels on Booking.com or Hotels.com
• Book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups
• Book tours and day trips with Get Your Guide
• Browse flights on Skyscanner 
• For digital nomads, SafetyWing Insurance is currently the best option

If you’re planning a trip to Tbilisi , I put together this very detailed Tbilisi travel guide with the very best things to do in Tbilisi, plus practical tips and information, so you can enjoy this city as much as I did.

What To Do in Tbilisi

There are plenty of interesting places to visit in Tbilisi , so don’t rush through the city in a day. Give it time, because Tbilisi is one of those cities that has so many layers to it and most tourists never get to the most fascinating parts because they’re rushing through. I spent around three weeks in the city and I still did not run out of things to do in Tbilisi,  perhaps because I wasn’t just interested in the very touristy activities, but also in the cool and somewhat quirky every day things. 

Explore the Old Town and the Best Places to Visit in Tbilisi

Tbilisi’s old town begins around the sulphur bathhouses in Abanotubani, under the shadow of the historic Narikala Fortress ruins and runs all the way to Freedom Square. Hidden in its labyrinth streets are monuments, churches, a mosque, museums, cafés, 19 th century houses, and buildings with gaping holes in their facades that have their own stories to tell.

There are regal balustrades and carved wooden balconies, and creepers and ivy that dress the faces of half-demolished buildings. There are old ladies with kind faces selling churchkhela and old men singing older Hindi movie songs in drunken stupor. Travel Tbilisi for even a day, preferably outside of the busy season and you begin to see that its charms are in the most unexpected of moments. 

There are children who call out to each other across the maze-like lanes and young women dressed in black dresses and impossibly-heeled black boots marching downhill with an urgent sense of purpose. And then, right next to you on benches, there are the retirees, taking it all in, this life that goes on around Tbilisi. Tbilisi’s old town is truly one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi- so I suggest starting your exploration of Tbilisi here. 

You can easily spend a leisurely day walking around the old town and stopping to rest by the river or at one of many quaint cafés. Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Church, Erekle Square, Gabriadze Theater (and its whimsical clock tower), Metekhi Church, and the Bridge of Peace are just some of the Tbilisi attractions and sights in the area. Alternatively, you can also do a hop-on, hop-off bus and boat tour around the main sights at your leisure.

Watch My Video: 48 Hours in Tbilisi

Ride up the cable car to the Narikala Fortress

Head across the Metekhi river to the same side as Avlabari metro station and ride the cable car from Rike Park all the way up to Narikala Fortress. Before you head to explore the ruins, walk along the ridge to pay your respects at Kartlis Deda, the 20m tall Mother of Georgia statue that was erected in 1958 and stands over Tbilisi like a guardian, welcoming friends with a cup of wine in one hand and enemies with a sword in the other.

The Narikala Fortress dates to the 4 th century with a large part built by the Arabs in the 7 th and 8 th centuries. Much of the damage to the fortress came from the 1827 explosion of Russian ammunitions stored here. Inside the complex, the Church of St Nicholas dates from the 12 th century and was rebuilt in 1996. The walls of the fortress offer panoramic views over Tbilisi but is broken in parts, so be careful of how far you climb up.

Relax in the Tbilisi Botanical Gardens

On your way back from Narikala Fortress, head into the lush, sanctuary-like Botanical Gardens complete with a waterfall, ponds, and a photogenic bridge. These gardens were formerly the city’s royal gardens and today, local families are seen relaxing around, especially on weekends and public holidays. It’s easy to spend a few leisurely hours here but remember to wear good walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. This isn’t a big tourist attraction, but a more laidback thing to do when you travel to Tbilisi. 

Soak in a Sulphur Bath at a Traditional Bathhouse

Tbilisi’s traditional sulphur bathhouses are located in the Abanotubani area of the Old Town and with their brick domes and stinky clouds of sulphur steam, are hardly difficult to find. They’re definitely one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi- both for their historic significance and the local experience. Just follow the smell of rotten eggs when you travel to Tbilisi’s old town. The city is located on sulphuric thermal springs and gets its name from them, Tbili- meaning warm.

Indulge in the centuries’ old tradition either at a public bathhouse, separated by gender but otherwise where you’d need to leave all your modesty behind and get in naked, or, at a more comfortable and pricier private bathhouse, where you can book a private bath, with an additional massage or scrub for yourself, or together with a friend or partner. Gulo’s Sulphur Spa comes highly recommended, even by locals, and if you want to know exactly what the experience is like, here is a detailed post by another travel blogger Ellie , who also shares tips on how to choose a bathhouse that is right for you.

Experience Drama, Theater, and Opera

Tbilisi has a lively and mature drama, theater, arts, and opera scene, and if you want to go beyond the tourist experience, it’s worth taking the time and planning in advance so you can see the cultural side of the city.

The  Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi on Rustaveli Avenue is a sight to behold, with its neo-Moorish architecture and was founded in 1851, making it one of the oldest opera houses in the region. It was recently renovated and now hosts internationally acclaimed opera, theater, and ballet performances. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tbilisi. 

The easiest way to book a ticket and find out about the shows is to walk up to the ticket booth inside the opera house . We watched the acclaimed musical Carmen inside the grand opera house and enjoyed it. Not to mention that the price of tickets to watch opera, theater or ballet in Tbilisi is way more reasonable compared to other cities.

Along Rustaveli Avenue, and elsewhere around Tbilisi are several opera houses, many independent, and venues where the styles range from classic and contemporary to new age, underground and experimental.

I found myself in a daze, mesmerized by a larger-than-life production of music, song, dance, mimodrama and aerial acrobatics in an unassuming venue known as the Movement Theater , and if you can find tickets available online, I can only highly recommend it. There is also the Gabriadze Theater , a delight for lovers of puppetry and marionette. Info Tbilisi and Tbilisi Guide are some websites where you can find out more about theater listings and live entertainment.

Do a Wine-Tasting in Tbilisi

Georgia is the birthplace of wine after all, or so the Georgians claim and given how great the wine is, I believe them. If you’re a wine drinker traveling to Tbilisi, drinking lots of local wine should be high up on your list of things to do in Tbilisi.

Head to Vintage wine shop along Kote Aphkhazi St. in Tbilisi for a free wine tasting and to buy bottles of excellent wines from independent small producers.

While there are tons of wine shops offering free tastings in Tbilisi, the quality and the attitude of the staff really varies. After being thoroughly ignored by the staff at Vino Underground, I returned for a second time to Vintage where after a fun tasting session, we bought six bottles of wine from intense dry reds and semisweet reds to fruity whites.

The friendly staff here is really passionate about wine, well informed and eager to share that knowledge peppered with cultural context and interesting narratives. Most of all, they’re not in a rush to whisk you out and move onto the next customer or pushy to get you to buy a certain wine.

Of course, if you have an extra day, head an hour away to Signaghi, in the wine region of Kakheti to visit different wineries and do wine-tastings outside of the city.

Watch a Dinner Show in Tbilisi

If this is your first time to Tbilisi, you absolutely must do a dinner show with traditional dancing and music . Yes, it sounds like a typical tourist attraction in Tbilisi, but this is one experience you will love and look back at fondly, provided you do it at the right place.

When you see that local families are out celebrating at what might otherwise be a touristy experience, it is a good sign. There are many restaurants in Tbilisi that offer dinner with a traditional show and out of the two that I tried, I loved In the Shadow of Metekhi , so that’s the one I’ll recommend.

Ankit and I watched in fascination as talented Georgian artists twirled and pranced to the music and a group of singers broke into a soulful ballad over mouth-watering local dishes and wine at In The Shadow of Metekhi . The hours passed by quickly and before we knew it we were dancing (yes, in the restaurant) in a circle with members of a Georgian dinner party of 20 that was out celebrating a special occasion. The service was outstanding as was the food. Reservations are essential and recommended four to five days in advance.

Take a Day Trip From Tbilisi

If you’re only visiting for a weekend or a few days, I highly recommend doing one or more day trips from Tbilisi . Luckily, there are some amazing landscapes, fascinating monasteries and an incredible wine region, a short drive from Tbilisi, that can easily be visited on a day trip.

This great value-for-money day trip in the wine region of Kakheti and the restored town of Sighnaghi  combines sightseeing, visiting David Gareji monastery, and wine tasting and tours.

If you don’t have enough time to visit the mountainous region of Svaneti, definitely do a day trip to Kazbegi , to see snow-clad mountains and enjoy fantastic views over Mount Kazbeg, paraglide and visit the ski resort of Gudauri in winter.

A day trip to Mtskheta and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is one of the most popular day trips from Tbilisi.

You can also visit the Prometheus Caves, 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati monastery on a day trip from Tbilisi.

Shopping in Tbilisi

If you plan to do some shopping while in Tbilisi, here is what I think you should buy and where to get it:

Tbilisi Travel Tips: Where to Go for Souvenirs and Quirky Finds

Tribal jewelry, vinyl records, old briefcases, gramophones, saxophones, Soviet-era silver cutlery, ornate plates, classic timepieces, hunting knives, instant cameras, camera lenses, and fake Ray Bans lie sprawled along one side of the Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi, a treasure trove of quirky and vintage finds and stuff from everyone’s grandma’s house. If you’re into that sort of thing, then the Dry Bridge Market is one of the quirkiest places to visit in Tbilisi. 

With a love for flea markets that borders on obsession, I visited the market four times and each time found something interesting to look at or buy.

The souvenirs here and in the artists’ park (just under the bridge) are cheaper than elsewhere in Tbilisi and some, hand painted, are unique and more value for money. The scarves, fridge magnets, art, and trinkets here make for good gifts and souvenirs.

The market is open from 10am to 6pm and is busier on Sundays. To avoid disappointment, don’t come here around closing time or on national holidays.

Tbilisi Travel Tips: Where to find Art & Crafts

If you want to take home a beautiful piece of art from Tbilisi , shop around at the park just under the Dry Bridge Market and along the bohemian neighborhood of Shavteli Street leading upto the Gabriadze Theater. On weekends, you’ll see artists painting on the streets with their pieces on display on the walls behind them.

There are beautiful landscapes of the Georgian countryside, interesting pieces that draw from street scenes in Tbilisi, and some pieces crafted in wood. Ask for permission before taking photos and always pay compliments if you really like something, even if you do not plan to buy; the artists are usually the ones selling as well.

Tbilisi Travel Tips: Shopping for Clothes and Footwear

Seeing as I had my ankle-high winter boots that served me well while part-walking part-sinking through a concoction of cow-dung, mud, and snow on the slushy streets of Ushguli in Svaneti and hiking in Mestia , I hadn’t carried an alternate pair of walking shoes for warmer days in Tbilisi. Luckily, Tbilisi is a cheap city to shop in and soon, in a shoe store in the underground subway at Freedom Square, I found the perfect shoes; a pair of lightweight and smart black Oxfords that made me blend in (all the Georgian women were wearing them).

On a local’s tip I went to the subway market at Station Square (just outside Tbilisi Central Railway Station) and was surprised to see a huge market of shoes, clothes, and leather jackets. It’s a local market mainly for women, English isn’t widely spoken, sizes are not standard (so try before you buy), and haggling is the norm. But if you’re into shopping on a budget, this is a must go-to place to visit in Tbilisi. 

Which is the Best Month to Visit Georgia (and Tbilisi)?

Summer can be very hot and harsh in Georgia, so I’d choose to come either in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) that is in my opinion, the best time to visit Tbilisi. Winters are quite cold, snowy and road closures are common. 

Tbilisi is rightly getting a lot of attention at the moment as Tbilisi tourism is booming . If you didn’t already know, Tbilisi is wildly popular with travelers in the Middle East (and cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Riyadh) as a preferred destination for short breaks, long weekends and public holidays . I met four other people I knew in Dubai while simply strolling around Tbilisi during an Eid holiday. So if you’re visiting Tbilisi during one of these times, expect crowds.

That said, when I arrived in Tbilisi in late March, early April, it was not so crowded, and it was cold with sunny days (that I much prefer over hot summer days), so for me, that was perfect to explore. There was still plenty of snow in Gudauri, Kazbegi and Svaneti, so if you plan to hike around in Georgia, maybe best to come in May . 

Does it snow in Tbilisi Georgia?

It rarely ever snows in Tbilisi, even in December- January, but it does snow in places like Gudauri, Kazbegi and Svaneti. So if you’re looking for white snowy landscapes in winter, head out of Tbilisi to higher altitudes. When I visited in April, there was still plenty of snow in Kazbegi, Gudauri, as well as Mestia and Ushguli in Svaneti.

How to Get to Tbilisi

Visit tbilisi by air.

If you’re flying to Georgia from abroad, you’ll arrive in one of three international airports in either Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi . Several airlines fly to Georgia and these include flydubai (affordable flights from Dubai, flying direct), Air Arabia, Turkish Airlines, Gulf Air and others.

To get to Tbilisi city from the Tbilisi International Airport:

• A taxi should cost about 30 -50 GEL ($11-19) (depending on the meter) and is available just outside the Arrival Hall. The journey to the city center should be about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• The public bus route number 37 from Tbilisi airport to Tbilisi city center is available 24/7 and costs just 0.50GEL ($0.18) one-way. The bus stop is just outside the Arrival Hall. 
• The train to Tbilisi central railway station is one of the cheapest public transportation options from the airport to the city and costs just 0.50GEL ($0.18) one-way . The airport railway station is just a few minutes walk from the arrivals area, and you can buy tickets when you get there.
• If you’re a couple or a group, this private airport transfer might be more convenient and good value-for-money.

If you arrive in Kutaisi and want to get to Tbilisi:

•  You can either take the train ( see schedule and book tickets here )  that takes just under five hours, or take a marshrutka (minibus) that takes almost four hours.
• Georgian Bus operates transfers from Kutaisi International Airport to Tbilisi , and you can either book tickets online in advance or when you arrive.
• Otherwise, head to Kutaisi bus station and take one of these buses to Tbilisi (or elsewhere in Georgia) .

If you arrive in Batumi and want to get to Tbilisi:

• You can either take the train ( schedule and book tickets here )that takes about five hours or take a bus or minibus (slowest).
• Metro Georgia operates buses from Batumi to Tbilisi , you can see schedules online and book tickets as well before you arrive .
• You can also fly from Batumi to Tbilisi if you’re short on time but that will be a pricier option. 

Also visiting Batumi? Here are the best things to do in Batumi . 

Visit Tbilisi By Road

If you’re coming from Armenia or Azerbaijan , the other two destinations in the Caucasus region that a lot of people visit when they’re visiting Georgia, you can also arrive by road or train .

• If you’re arriving from Yerevan, Armenia to Tbilisi, you can either come by bus (that takes five and a half hours) or by train ( Train No. 372 on the South Caucasus Railway ) that takes over ten hours but is cheaper. If you’d rather come by bus, check schedules and book tickets here . 
• If you’re coming from Baku, Azerbaijan to Tbilisi, you can come either by bus or by train. Train no. 38 takes quite long at over 12 hours, schedules and tickets are available here .   There are also buses from Baku International Bus Terminal to Tbilisi, they take over 11 hours and schedules and tickets are available here . 

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

When in Tbilisi, apartments are the smarter and more affordable choice versus hotels . During my trip, I stayed in four different apartments and one hotel (for just one night) and it was easy to see that apartments offered far greater value for money.

I found my apartments through Airbnb and Hotels Combined and found that they were of similar quality. If you join using Airbnb using this link , you’ll get $25 credit to use on your first booking.

A good thing to know about staying in Tbilisi is that a lot of the buildings, even residential ones, are in a state of part disrepair. It’s not unusual for buildings to have one or two broken façades or walls with ongoing construction or repairs. I joked that the sound of Tbilisi is, “thud thud thud,” because that’s the constant sound you can hear through the paper-thin walls during the day (never in the evening so you can sleep soundly).

But once you get over the appearance of the buildings and enter the apartments, you’ll see that they seem new and styles range from classic, elegant, cute, vintage grandma, quirky, and artistic to luxe. Every place I stayed at was modern, comfortable, and had a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, kettle, pots and pans, and cutlery.

Search for Accommodation in Tbilisi

The apartments were always clean and hosts were extra nice and always available to help. The apartments usually have hot water, an AC, a heater, TV and free WiFi. Hosts are ready to help you with taxi and transport bookings, and can also arrange tours for you around the country.

Lastly, from my experience traveling as a solo female, apartments are safe- the buildings are residential and there are other locals and families living there.

Here are the places that stood out to me and are worth recommending:

Falcon Apartments- Rustaveli

Blue doors apartment, apartment rustaveli tbilisi, traveling to tbilisi & looking for the best neighborhoods to stay in tbilisi as a tourist.

I stayed both in the old town, near the sulphur baths in Abanotubani and in the newer part of the city, on and around Rustaveli. I’d recommend looking for something along Kote Apkhazi, the main street running through the old town, or the streets parallel to it, around squares like Meidan Square, Erekle Square, Freedom Square, along Rustaveli Avenue or the streets branching off or parallel to it. The area around 9 th of April Park and the neighborhood of Sololaki are also great and close to the metro.

The tourist sights are located here and there are great cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and pubs around, as well as three metro stations to get anywhere (Rustaveli, Freedom Square, and Avlabari). Taxis are also easily available here at all times of the day or night.

What and Where to Eat in Tbilisi

Meals in Georgia are more like feasts, even if you’re ordering for one. When you’re eating with people, the dishes on the table are usually to share. The portions are generous, the cuisine is flavorsome, the cheese is rich and abundant, the service is impeccable, the wine is intense, and the toasts, well, they’re endless.

If you’re someone who likes to eat their way around places, you’ll love being in Tbilisi and the rest of Georgia because Georgian food is absolutely delicious. You’ll return home with love handles as solid evidence of just how rich this cuisine, that blends the flavors of Asia, the Middle East, Balkans, and Mediterranean, really is. 

From the wildly popular national dish khachapuri , a large round bread generously topped or filled with cheese or cheese, butter, and a raw egg, or a meat stew or creamy spinach and khinkali , Georgian dumplings filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese, to lobio, a stew of kidney beans, onions, and herbs that provides steaming comfort in the colder climes of Svaneti, here is a detailed post about what to eat in Georgia , and I suggest you use it to get oriented with the cuisine.

While wandering around Tbilisi, you are sure to spot churchkhela, this candle-like Georgian candy is sold for as low as 3GEL a piece on the streets and in shops. The candy is made of dried grape juice thickened with flour and is filled with nuts (like walnut, almond, hazelnut etc) and just one can fill you up with energy for hours.

Buy it fresh from the ladies in the street, ask them to remove the thread in the center and cut it into little pieces so you can carry it around and share.

Tbilisi Travel Practical Information: Where to Eat in Tbilisi

Over two weeks, I tried many places and returned to some that became my favorites for the food, service, value for money, and the ambience. The quality of food served in most restaurants in Tbilisi is high and you have to be really unlucky to have a bad meal, especially if you go with local choices on the menu. By all means, make your own discoveries and walk into places that appeal to you but feel free to use my recommendations as a starting point.

Machakhela has a few different branches around Tbilisi, but it’s probably easiest to get to the one behind the big I Love Tbilisi sign in the old town next to the sulpur baths.

Favorite dishes: Kebabs (try the salmon or meat), Pkhali and Badrijani Nigvzit.

Pasanauri is a simple restaurant that seems to be quite popular with locals gorging on khinkali. There are a few branches around Tbilisi. 

Favorite dishes: Khinkali and Kebabs

Friend’s House

Friend’s House Restaurant and Bar became my go-to place for dinner on Erekle Square because not only was the ambience great with live music downstairs and a saxophonist in the outdoors section, it was much more reasonably-priced than its neighbors, the food was excellent, and the service was attentive. I even took a group of new friends here and re-visited with a friend who spontaneously booked a weekend trip to Tbilisi while I was there and with Ankit when he joined me for four days.

Favorite dishes:

Chicken Shkmeruli, Satsivi, Mushrooms in Sulguni, and Chakhokhbili

KGB is a casual restaurant in Erekle Square that does Georgian cuisine with a modern flair and the slightly high prices are worth it for the good food.

Favorite dishes: Kebabs (to die for) and Chicken in red wine.

Café Gabriadze

Ankit and I enjoyed our anniversary dinner at the quaint, aesthetically designed restaurant Cafe Gabriadze by the Gabriadze theater that does a modern, creative spin on Georgian cuisine that delivers on taste, service, and ambience. Dining here makes you feel like a character in a film about the golden era of Georgian theater as you move about the different dining rooms and lounge areas of the house. Not only is this restaurant recommended for its food, it’s also one of the more beautiful places to visit in Tbilisi, right next to the quirky clock tower in the old town. 

Favorite dishes: Cotleta and Mtsvadi

This Georgian coffee chain has a few different locations in Tbilisi but the Coffeesta on 52, Rustaveli Avenue, close to Rustaveli metro station is my favorite. Head here for breakfast and don’t forget to try their vanilla or chocolate cream and almond croissants, they’re just irresistible.

Where to Drink in Tbilisi: Cafes and Bars in Tbilisi

Tbilisi nightlife options range from cute or quirky artsy cafés with vintage décor, and edgy bars where tattooed teenagers with goth make-up drink and dance to a trendy dive bar perfect for drinks over live music and conversation and clubs where silhouettes sway to techno music, lost in smoky anonymity.

I’ve included some of the places that I found and liked in this Tbilisi travel guide because when it comes to nightlife in Tbilisi, you can never really say about the bars and clubs- sometimes a place with promising reviews might be full of teenagers on a certain night. I for one, am too old for that kinda thing.

Café Linville

Tbilisi is home to eclectic, artsy cafés where people go during the day to drink cocktails, wine, or coffee. One such place is Café Linville that might remind you of your grandma’s house with vintage décor, floral wallpaper, and old-fashioned lamps. It’s perfect for intimate conversation, taking a break during the day, or simply sipping wine as you write or read.

DiveXFabrika

DiveXFabrika in the premises of the popular Fabrika Hostel in Tbilisi is one of the coolest bars in the city and is buzzing with 20 and 30-something hostel residents, expats, and tourists, as well as locals. The ambience is casual and relaxed and there’s a large selection of local craft beers.

An underground techno club underneath the Soviet-era Dinamo Stadium, stepping into Bassiani is like entering a whole other world, far from the Tbilisi of the conservative and religious; where people seem like ghosts hypnotized by techno and floating through a realm of smoke and shadows. Bassiani holds a number of LGBTQ-friendly events in a country that still battles homophobia. If you’re a techno fan or just curious like us, it’s worth visiting but remember to call in advance- it’s only open one night a week. Here’s an interesting piece on Vice about Bassiani’s activist role in modern-day Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Travel Tips

Exchanging money in tbilisi.

Georgia’s currency is the Georgian Lari or GEL and one lari is divided into 100 tetri. While most big places, especially in the cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi will accept cards, and you’ll find ATMs easily, make sure you have enough cash for eating at smaller restaurants or buying things from markets, shops and flea markets. 

When you head into smaller towns and villages such as those in Svaneti, ATMs might not be readily available and not many places will accept card payments, so definitely bring some cash. 

You can exchange USD and Euros at the airport, banks and will also find slightly better rates at small money exchange offices in Tbilisi city center. 

How to Dress in Tbilisi

Tbilisi locals love black and I’m glad I packed a lot of black, neutral, and navy pieces for my trip. That’s not to say you can’t wear fuchsia or yellow but you’re more likely to stand out in a sea of dark, neutral, and earthy tones. The general style is smart and practical, think fitted denims with t-shirts, tops, or shirts, and sundresses, sometimes paired with a jacket or cardigan (depending on the weather). Spaghetti straps, mini-skirts, and hot shorts? Not so much except for the tourists.

You’ll be walking a lot on the city’s cobbled hilly streets , so bring comfortable, lightweight walking shoes or sandals plus a nicer pair for going out.

For formal dinners where you can watch a traditional dance show while you dine and if you plan on watching any theater or opera, carry something that’s semi-formal at the least, as many restaurants have a no-ripped jeans and sneakers policy. Locals at such venues are generally smartly dressed and you don’t want to look like the oddball tourist who showed up in their North Face jacket.

Men should pack a pair of pants, one or two shirts, and a semi-formal blazer or jacket, and a pair of formal shoes . Women should bring an elegant dress or top to pair with trousers or fitted dark wash jeans and pretty shoes .

You will be visiting orthodox churches and monasteries when you visit Tbilisi, where you’ll need to have y our head (women only), shoulders, arms, and knees covered . So dress appropriately and women should use the spare headscarves and wraparound skirts placed outside churches for visitors.

Winter can get really cold in Tbilisi. When I visited in April, there were some chilly and windy days when the temperature dropped by 10-12 degrees Celsius from the previous day. I was grateful for my all-weather North Face Suzanne jacket that comes with multiple layers that can be zipped on and off. On warmer days, I simply zipped off the warm shell and the quilted layer that was left wasn’t only perfect weather-wise but also looked great to wear around the city.

How to Get Around in Tbilisi

Getting around in Tbilisi is really easy, thanks to easy and cheap taxis (only 5GEL anywhere within the city center, downtown and the old city), an excellent metro system , and lovely walk-able streets that connect most of the tourist interest places to visit in Tbilisi.

For the metro, it’s best to buy the Metromoney Card for 2GEL that you can recharge (for as much as you like) to use while traveling by metro or the local bus. You get discounted rates on all transportation versus if you were to buy point-to-point tickets without the card. When you leave Tbilisi, you can return the card at any metro station and get back your 2GEL.

It’s an easy and leisurely walk between the old town, Freedom Square, and Rustaveli , but if you don’t want to walk, there is the metro and several buses.

To get to the city from the airport a taxi should cost about 25-30 GEL (at the time of writing) or ask about the bus to the city. If you’re a couple or a group, this private airport transfer might be more convenient and good value-for-money.

Travel Tbilisi Essentials

Visa for georgia.

Some nationalities can travel to Georgia visa free, while others may be granted visa on arrival. Yet for other nationalities (depending also on where they are resident), it is recommended to obtain the visa from a Georgian embassy in advance. You can check conditions of visa for your nationality here . There is also an e-visa portal , but before you apply, check that you’re eligible depending upon your nationality. 

As an Indian national who is a UAE resident , I was eligible for a visa on arrival in Georgia , and had no problems getting this with a return ticket and apartments booked, as well as travel insurance that was mandatory to travel to Georgia (the airline asked for this at check-in). Still, as visa rules can and do change frequently, and there have been some mixed reports about travelers facing issues at Tbilisi passport control, I suggest checking the requirements online and calling or emailing a Georgian embassy closest to you to confirm.

Travel Insurance for Georgia

During my visit in 2017, travel insurance was mandatory to enter Georgia. Anyway, I never travel without travel insurance because you never know what might go wrong on the road- accidents may happen, or you might seriously fall ill and need medical help that can be costly abroad. Wherever you’re going and no matter for how long, I always suggest getting travel insurance .

How to get a SIM Card in Tbilisi?

Tourism in Tbilisi is booming at the moment, so it’s really easy for tourists to get a Georgian SIM Card at the Arrivals Hall at Tbilisi airport . There are three companies selling tourist SIM cards at the airport- Geocell, Magti and Beeline with different offerings when it comes to calls and data. I mainly use data, but need to be able to make some international and local calls as well, so I went with Magti. But you can choose from the three depending on what you need.

Magti and Beeline reportedly have better coverage – that might be important if you’re visiting the mountains in Kazbegi or Svaneti or traveling elsewhere outside of the big cities. If you’re just interested in data, then Beeline turns out to be the cheapest with their data packages. If you’re looking for a bit of international and local calls, as well as decent data , then pick Magti . 

Languages Spoken in Tbilisi

The languages spoken in Tbilisi and the rest of Georgia are Georgian and Russian , as well as English . If you don’t speak any Russian or Georgian, don’t worry- Georgia sees a lot of tourists and English is widely spoken in Tbilisi and other cities . I had no problems communicating in English even in Mestia and other villages in Svaneti. 

If you find yourself confused by Georgian signs or schedules, just ask a local for help. Whether or not they speak any English, they will definitely find a way to help you because like I said before, the Georgians are extraordinarily kind. 

Useful Georgian phrases to know

Here are some nice Georgian phrases to know so you can interact with the locals, something I highly recommend doing. Speaking a bit of Georgian brings a smile to their faces.

• Hello- Gamarjoba (ga-mar-jo-ba)
• Thank you- Madloba (mad-lo-ba)
• Please- Tu Sheidzleba (tu-she-id-zle-ba)
• Goodbye- Nakhvamdis (Na-khvam-dis)
• Cheers- Gaumarjos (Gau-mar-jos)

Is Tbilisi Safe?

I visited Tbilisi solo and spent most of my time there alone. I stayed in apartments alone, both in slightly run down buildings in the old town, as well as somewhat nicer ones in the newer parts of the city. I walked home alone late at night from bars and restaurants, and took taxis as well. 

Not once did I feel unsafe or alarmed , or like I had to look over my shoulder. As with any other place that sees a lot of tourists, I’d be careful about my stuff in overly crowded places, but otherwise there is nothing to worry about, even as a solo woman.

To share an example of how well I felt taken care of, I’ll tell you about the time I took the overnight train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi to get to Mestia in Svaneti . I was in a compartment of four, and as is the case when I travel solo on overnight trains, I hoped I’d not be in the company of three other men (would make me uncomfortable, especially if they were too chatty or something, luckily that has never happened). I shared the compartment with an older woman and two young men. 

When the ticket inspector came and said something to me in Georgian, the lady who didn’t speak any English told him something, pointed to my ticket and sent him on his way. She also got me a blanket and pillow sleeping set when I did not know where to get it. One of the two young men, very chivalrously, carried my bag off the train and across a small section of tracks, without me asking, and placed it on to the platform with a gentelman-ly, “Good day”. 

Especially in Svaneti, people were very helpful, and I’d say even somewhat protective of me traveling solo as a woman. 

To answer the question, yes, if you’re going to visit Tbilisi, you should know that Tbilisi is very safe and if you’re a woman traveling alone, you will be more than fine here and elsewhere in Georgia. 

Have you been to Tbilisi? Don’t forget to try the amazing food , and read about my experience traveling there as an Indian .

Visiting Georgia? You might want to read this guide to Georgian visas and might be interested in these posts:

Ultimate Guide to Tbilisi: Things to do, where to stay, eat, shop and practical information

Best Things to do in Batumi

Don’t Miss The Food in Georgia: What To Eat

Traveling Around Georgia as an Indian

If you have been, I’d love to hear what you thought of it or if you would like to go. Would you add any other places to visit in Tbilisi to this list?

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book tours or accommodation using them, I get a small commission, at no extra cost to you, that goes towards running this site. That said, I never recommend accommodation or tours that I haven’t booked or wouldn’t book myself, and spend a considerable amount of time to find the best deals and value-for-money tours and accommodation rates. I have stayed at two out of three apartments mentioned in this post.

Tuesday 10th of September 2019

a very useful blog and thank you. I visited in late August for the rugby game. A couple of things to add, if I may? Beeline's coverage in Tbilisi was flawless, I didn't have an issues with it at all. Friends House is an excellent little restaurant :-) Tbilisi is very hot in late August. A few words of Georgian and a warm smile go a long way in Georgia. Such friendly people if you put a little effort in! Thanks again for the blog!

Thursday 27th of September 2018

Hi! Had been to georgia recently and after careful planning and research on various blogs, I stumbled across yours once, and I must say it was worth it, really gave me a precise insight from my stay to the food and entertainment, I could literally visualize georgia through your blog and was going gaga over it, and couldn't wait to experience it, I literally covered all places mentioned and more. Can't wait to get back during winters and experience the same!! Thanks for the great info

Wednesday 14th of March 2018

Would you recommend a self-drive road trip or a chauffeur driven around Georgia? Budget is also in play.

Thanks Pravin

Natasha Amar

Georgia isn't too expensive if you decided to hire a car with driver, how many days and where do you plan to go? Or you could always take public transport- to places like sighnaghi, kazbegi, I took a local overnight train and mashrutka all the way to svaneti, it was of a good standard, cheap and easy to arrange.

Monday 8th of January 2018

This is such a fantastic, comprehensive guide.

Carl Wright

Saturday 6th of January 2018

Loved the fact that you lived life there like a local, from cuisine to bazaars, this is tremendous.

Thanks for reading!

DIY Travel Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia [With Suggested Tours]

Do you want to travel to Tbilisi ? Here’s our DIY Travel Guide to Tbilisi , Georgia , with suggested tours.

The capital of Georgia (the country) is no other than Tbilisi. How to pronounce it? T-Bih-Lee-See. Repeat it 5 times so that you could get the hang of it. This lovely center is filled with gorgeous medieval-style architecture that will make you in awe. If you are here, this travel guide to Tbilisi, Georgia, will help you know what to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

• 7 Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
• List of the Best Luxury Hotels in Georgia (the country)
• How To Get A Georgia E-Visa With Your Philippines Passport [Tourist Visa Guide For Georgia]
• Awesome Places To Explore in Georgia (Asia)
• List of the Best Hostels in Georgia

Table of Contents

Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia

1. get lost on the cobble-stoned streets of old town.

Go to the heart of Tbilisi, the Old Town. With narrow streets and impressive buildings with different styles of architecture built centuries ago, you will appreciate the history and life of the Country. It is also home to many cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s definitely on our travel guide to Tbilisi, Georgia!

Suggested Tour: Tbilisi Old Town Walking Tour

2. Check out the gorgeous churches of Tbilisi

The most prevalent religion in the country is the Georgian Orthodox Church, one of the world’s oldest. One of its founders is the apostle Andrew. As it is one of the oldest in the country, you will see many Orthodox churches in Tbilisi. To name a few, they are Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi and Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary.

Suggested Tour: City Sightseeing and Wine Tasting Tour

3. Stroll the Narikala Fortress

Up above Old Town is a fortress built in the 4th century and expanded in the 7th, 16th, and 17th centuries. Ride a cable car to reach the top and get a view of the charming city. The best time to go is during the golden hour as the sunset makes the scenery more breathtaking.

Suggested Tour: Full-Day Tbilisi and Mtskheta Tour

4. Walk on the Bridge of Peace

Don’t worry, there are also modern structures in Tbilisi, and one of them is the Bridge of Peace. This pedestrian bridge opened in 2010, linking the Old Town to Rike Park. Fun fact: It’s nick-named “Always Ultra,” an American brand making napkins or maxi-pad as it’s said to resemble one.

Suggested Tour: Walking Tour with Lunch

5. Enjoy Mtatsminda Amusement Park

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mtatsminda Park (@mtatsmindapark)

An Amusement park is actually located on top of Mt. Mtatsminda, giving you another stunning view of Tbilisi. You will be riding a funicular up towards the mountain to start your adventure. There’s a giant Ferris Wheel, waters slides, roller coasters, and a Ghost castle! Who says Tbilisi is old and boring?

Suggested Tour: Private Walking and Driving Tour

Where to stay in Tbilisi, Georgia

Budget hotel.

Wine Symphony Boutique Hotel

Set in Tbilisi City, 6 km from Freedom Square, Wine Symphony Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Price: Starts at USD 15 for a Standard Double Room

Mid-Range Hotel

Hotel Piazza

Located in the heart of the old city of Tbilisi, Hotel Piazza offers modern accommodation in a historical surrounding with monuments and beautiful traditional architecture. Every room comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, a work desk, and a minibar. They also offer a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Certain units feature views of the garden or city. Private bathrooms come with a shower.

Price: Starts at USD 40 for an Economy Double Room

Luxury Hotel

The Terrace Boutique Hotel

Featuring a tour desk, ticket service, and 24-hour front desk, The Terrace Hotel is situated in Tbilisi, 1 km from Rustaveli Metro Station. The rooms offer air conditioning, an electric kettle, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The bathrooms include a hairdryer, bidet, and free toiletries.

Price: Starts at USD 100 per night for a Standard Double Room

Where to Eat in Tbilisi, Georgia

Address: 2 Ingorokva Street

If you want some Georgian Food, then you can check out this restaurant. It’s a nice cozy restaurant with affordable food and friendly staff. The eggplant, bread, dumplings, and salad are highly recommended. They are many vegetarian-options here.

Address: G.Tabidze St., 11

In the middle of Old Town is another excellent Georgian Restaurant serving local cuisine and wine. You will find the atmosphere and place perfectly. Highly recommended are the Khachapuri (cheese bread), chicken, honey cake, and wine. You will indeed have a great lunch here!

Sormoni Meidan

Address: Gorgasali St. 3

Ending our travel guide to Tbilisi is the Sormoni Meidan Restaurant. It serves Eastern Europe, Barbecue, and Wine Bar with Vegan Options. It’s also located in Old Town and one of the favorites of locals and travelers. With a cozy atmosphere and delicious food, you would want to come here again and again.

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram .

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9 thoughts on “ DIY Travel Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia [With Suggested Tours] ”

Hi! What were the requirements asked by the immigration in the Philippines when you travelled to Georgia and Armenia?

what is you mode of you transportation going in other places? thanks

I am planning to visit your country this coming January but I don`t have your visa, credit card. Can I use my debit card or traveler’s check? if ever I need some information which airport do I port to? I am travel alone and diable cardholders. Do I need insurance for 5 days visit?

Hi! What month did you to Georgia? Thanks!

https://youtu.be/bntYLrDDniA (My youtube video blog on my trip to Armenia) I am from Philippines working in Dubai

Great article! We might follow yout ititnerary also for our Christmas trip. Btw, is it true that your need an invitation letter when you apply for your visa?

Can you please advise me if it’s okay to bring dirhams or should i bring USD?

Great info and guide! What month did you go? We are planning to go in october, is gudauri or ski resort open that time?

Tbilisi and Georgia really is one of our highlights of 2016. It really is an amazing place with so much amazing food. 🙂

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

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Home » Europe » Backpacking Tbilisi Travel Guide (EPIC Budget Guide 2024!)

Backpacking Tbilisi Travel Guide (EPIC Budget Guide 2024!)

So you’re planning a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia? That might just be the best travel decision you’ve ever made.

When I visited Georgia, it was because I had heard rumours about it being a super dope place. I had no clue just how hard I would fall for it though! I’ve been to a fair share of countries. So when I say that Georgia is one of my favourites , that’s some high praise there.

And Tbilisi, the capital of this underrated Caucasian country, is the embodiment of all the things that make this little country so awesome. Teetering between Europe and Asia, Tbilisi is the best of both worlds, and then some more.

Beautiful, fascinating, full of legend and lore. And great things to do, of course!

If you’re still in the planning stages of your trip, this Tbilisi travel guide shall be your best friend, Jedi master and spiritual guru. Here you’ll find all the most important information you’ll need during your visit: where to eat, where to boogie, where to go for the best vistas, and what are the true Tbilisi highlights.

Let’s get started!

Why Visit Tbilisi?

A 3-day itinerary for tbilisi, top 9 things to do in tbilisi, budget accommodation in tbilisi, tbilisi travel costs, best time to travel to tbilisi , staying safe in tbilisi , how to get into and around tbilisi , working in tbilisi , nightlife in tbilisi ,  faqs about backpacking in tbilisi, final advice before visiting tbilisi .

Here’s an idea: don’t visit Tbilisi if you’re not ready to give your heart to it. Because the city might take it anyway. It’s the best possible intro to backpacking Georgia you could ask for.

Tbilisi is a mixture of influences between its historical entanglement with the Ottomans and the Soviets and its more modern reach towards Europe. 

Gleaming modern structures flank Viennese-style government buildings and charmingly dilapidated residencies. Church towers, minarets, and hills rise from the landscape to give it some posture, and among all that, happy mayhem reigns over the city. Every night, the wine bars and riverside pubs fill with tourists and locals alike toasting to life, love, and living in a wonderful city.

And sure, Tbilisi is pretty as fuck. But since appearances are never the most important thing, I’m happy to report that Tbilisi also has a sexy heart. It shows in the friendliness of its residents, the lively festivals and events around town, its street art and joy for living. 

Tbilisi has no shortage of things to do, delicious food to eat, and conversations to have. 

Backpackers in Tbilisi find a unique, cheap place to check out before heading out to the rest of Georgia. 

For travelling couples , it is one of the most romantic cities I could imagine. 

Then for digital nomads, it is the place that you might think of visiting for a “week or two”, then find yourself getting stuck in for 2 months. Speaking from experience.

No city guide to Tbilisi can capture it fully – you’ll just have to see it to believe it.

What Are the Major Attractions in Tbilisi?

There are tons of cool tourist attractions in Tbilisi, and heaps of stuff to see and experience! Here are some of the most important ones:

• Narikala Fortress. The 4th-century fortress is now in ruins – but free to explore!
• Botanical Gardens. Located behind the Narikala Fortress, it’s a quiet escapade from the city.
• Mother of Georgia AKA Kartlis Deda. Also located next to Narikala Fortress, the 20-metre statue is a symbol of the city.
• Bridge of Peace. The ultra-modern bridge is a futuristic walkway, connecting the Old Town to Rike Park.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba Cathedral). The biggest church in Georgia can be spotted from almost anywhere in the city – it’s kinda the local Eiffel Tower.
• Metekhi Church. Most remarkable for the giant statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi.

• Sulphur baths . There are many, mostly located in the Abanotubani district in the Old Town, but the most famous one (and my personal fave) is Chreli Abano.
• Dry Bridge. Home to a unique antique flea market.
• Old Tbilisi. Colourful houses built on a steep hill, many decorated with famous “wooden lace” terraces and picturesque entryways.
• Betlemi Street. Honourable mention as a part of Old Town, it’s one of the best streets to walk through to see Old Tbilisi.
• Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre. “The leaning tower of Tbilisi” forms a part of the quirky facade of the theatre.
• Mtatsminda park. Small amusement park offers dope views and rickety rides above Tbilisi.
• Kaleidoscope House. Tbilisi’s “most Instagrammed house” has some of the city’s last stained glass windows.
• Leghvtakhevi waterfall. A “hidden” gem in Tbilisi, there’s a waterfall right in the middle of the Old Town.
• Rike Park. A green area on the other side of the river offers great views over the Old Town and has unique art pieces.
• Chronicle of Georgia. Locate d alittle ways off the centre, this majestic monument is well worth seeing.

How Long to Spend in Tbilisi?

The wonderful thing about Tbilisi is that it’s hard to get bored there. Well, at least if your sense of fun is café-hopping and slow meandering around beautiful places. I ended up spending weeks in Tbilisi and I’m still itching to go back!

For a backpacker with a little less time than that, though, 3 days is plenty of time to check off all the most important stuff to see around the city. (And oh joy – I’ve crafted a 3-day itinerary so that you don’t even have to wonder what to do! Keep reading.)

At absolutely minimum, I’d spend 2 days in Tbilisi.

Don’t worry if you don’t manage to see everything at once. Tbilisi is the central hub for all the other spots around Georgia, and if you’re planning to spend more time backpacking the whole country, you’ll most likely have to return to Tbilisi at least once or twice.

So, the first time, spend 2 or 3 days in Tbilisi; and whenever you have to come back to connect to go somewhere else, patch up the Tbilisi sightseeing holes in your itinerary.

Be careful not to get stuck in Tbilisi for too long, though. I love the city but there is SO MUCH more to see exploring the Caucasus .

Fabrika Hostel & Suites

Fabrika is not only the best hostel in Tbilisi – it’s one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at! Built into an old factory building and decorated with cool graffiti, Fabrika is the meeting point for backpackers, digital nomads, and young Tbilians. Their food is 10/10, the courtyard behind it has great pubs and shops, and they organise events from movie nights to yoga sessions on their awesome rooftop.

Your first time visiting the capital of Georgia? No worries, friendo! I’ve walked the walk (on the streets of Tbilisi) and now I’m ready to talk the talk and let you in on the most comprehensive, awesome, 3-day itinerary to Tbilisi.

If you only have one day in Tbilisi, follow the 1-day itinerary but add the sulphur baths. Hopefully you’re here for the full ride, though, because Tbilisi has so much to experience!

Day 1 in Tbilisi

First day in Tbilisi, we’re hitting all the most important points. The best way to explore the town is by walking so wear some comfy shoes!

Walk from the Dry Bridge and its famous flea market along Rustaveli Avenue, the main road running through the city, past shops, cafes, museums and such landmarks as Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Parliament of Georgia .

Explore the Old Town by yourself or join a free walking tour. Check out the eccentric Marionette Theatre, Freedom Square, and discover the few remaining buildings with stained glass windows. 

After lunch, cross the Peace Bridge (an attraction in itself) to get to Rike Park on the other side of the river. From there, take a gondola to the top of the hill to explore Narikala Fortress , the Botanical Gardens and the Mother of Georgia statue.

You can walk down from the fort through the Old Town to see stuff you might have missed earlier like Betlemi Street and “lace” balconies. Don’t miss out on the “secret” Leghvtakhevi waterfall! 

End the day with your pick of poison: tasty wines at a restaurant with a view, craft beers in a riverside pub, or party the night away at the best clubs in Tbilisi. Just because the sun’s down, doesn’t mean the fun stops – there are still many things to do in Tbilisi at night!

Day 2 in Tbilisi

Time to get a bird’s eye view!

Make your way to Mtatsminda Park. The park is located on a hill above the city, and you get there by a funicular. The park might not seem too exciting at first glance if you’re used to world-class thrills. Let me tell you, though, that your heart will surely be racing on the top of the Ferris Wheel… If for nothing else then for the breathtaking view!

(Don’t worry – it’s completely safe!)

Once you’ve returned back to Earth and down to the city, make your way to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the most famous Cathedral in the city. 

Now, you have a grand opportunity to slowly explore the other side of the river that is home to the Avlabari and Marjanishvili areas. They might not be quite as famous as the emblematic Old Town but they’re equally beautiful, filled with old buildings and cozy dining spots. Both are ultra-cool and a lot more local than the Old Town, too. When it comes to cafés and places to eat, Marjanishvili might actually have the best restaurants in Tbilisi.

Day 3 in Tbilisi

On the third day of your trip, grab a taxi or a public bus to go to Mtskheta , the previous capital of Georgia and one of the oldest cities in the country. The town itself is tiny but has a few important monuments, and it’s one of the best day trips from Tbilisi. 

The best thing to see there is Jvari monastery on top of a nearby hill. You can take a taxi to get there or hike – it only takes about an hour to reach the top.

On your way back to the capital, make a detour to the History of Georgia Monument (also known as Chronicle of Georgia) . The impressive monument is one of the top tourist attractions in Tbilisi but since it’s a little ways off the centre, I only recommend going to see it if you have the time.

End your day – and your awesome trip to Tbilisi – with a slow soak in the sulphur baths . The eggy smell might seem counterproductive but Georgians swear on the springs’ power to heal hangovers! Whether you’ve been dipping in your Georgian wines a lil’ too much or not, after such action-packed three days you deserve a bit of relaxation.

Spending More Time in Tbilisi?

This 3-day Tbilisi itinerary above is an excellent Tbilisi 101 that covers most of its key attractions. But if you’re like me and just can’t get enough, there’s still loads left of what to do in Tbilisi.

For museum lovers, I’d recommend taking some time to check out the Museum of Georgia and the Open Air Ethnographical Museum. The Ethnographical Museum is located by Turtle Lake which in itself is a great half-day trip for a picnic, peace and quiet!

There are also more neighbourhoods to explore. Vera is quiet and green, and Vake is a favourite among long-term expats. Vake is known as the “posh district” so you’ll see heaps of fancy old buildings, and Vake Park is a chill getaway from hustle and bustle. Both areas have some great bars and small clubs!

For quirkier Tbilisi, there are a few cool places to add to your list. Visit Joseph Stalin’s underground printing press (but bring a local friend who speaks Georgian or Russian, otherwise you won’t know what the heck is going on). Chase down street art – there’s some especially cool pieces on the Nikoloz Baratashvili Bridge. You should also check out the strange Bank of Georgia building .

And there’s no shortage of awesome day trips from Tbilisi. Visit Gori , Stalin’s hometown, and the nearby cave town of Uplistsikhe . David Gareja Monastery Complex on the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan is also one of the best things to see in Georgia.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

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You definitely won’t be left wondering what to do in Tbilisi with all your time. Here are some of the best things to do in Tbilisi .

1. Walk Through the Old Town

Tbilisi Old Town is all charming terraces and views from wine bars – that is, if you’re brave enough to climb the ultra-steep old streets. Worth it!

Pay special attention to the city’s unique architecture. Tbilian buildings are known for having unique entryways, courtyards covered in light green vines, and occasionally stained glass windows. Be respectful when you explore – most of these houses are residential buildings.

2. Climb up to Narikala Fortress

The old fort in ruins stands atop Tbilisi and it’s one of the best vantage points over the town – and entrance is completely free.

3. Take a Cooking Class

Listen, I’m not one to usually recommend a cooking class, mainly because I never cook. But the awesome thing about Georgian cuisine that all the staples – khinkali, khachapuri, dolmas – are SUPER easy to make. Take a cooking class you might actually end up using later!

4. Soak in the Sulphur Baths

Tbilisi gets its name from the hot springs under the city – bathing in the sulphur springs is iconic and deffo one of the best things to do in Tbilisi. The sulphuric water is said to have many health benefits, and above all, you’ll come out relaxed as hell.

For an extra pampering sesh, book a private room and a body scrub to go with it.

5. Pet a Street Dog

You’ll see a lot of stray pups running around Tbilisi but unlike most cities, these ones are well cared for. They get neutered, vaccinated, and fed by the city, resulting in happy, healthy dogs that love them some pets from travellers.

6. Get Wine-Girl Wasted

The capital of the country with the world’s oldest wine is FULL of places that’ll fill your tank with tasty wine for just a couple of dollars. In fact, Georgia is so fond of its wines that you can even buy ice cream made of it! The best wine bars are found in Old Tbilisi, in Marjanishvili, and in Vera.

7. Thrill Yourself at Mtatsminda Park

The amusement park on top of the hill might be basic but it’s still great for half a day of view-watching and testing out mostly-sound park rides. (The Ferris Wheel is pretty fun!)

8. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

Georgia’s biggest church is visible from almost everywhere in the city but it definitely warrants a closer look, too. It’s impressive from the outside and inside, and surrounded by a small, quiet garden.

9. Check out the Dry Bridge Market

The market on the Dry Bridge is a flea market that’s an absolute treasure trove for anyone who gets giddy about historical or antique souvenirs. Even if you’re adamant about not buying anything, strolling between rows and rows of old mementos is a still a cool experience.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Tbilisi is full of great little spots for budget backpackers. It has the most and the best hostels in the country, lots of Airbnbs around the city, and mid-range hotel options.

The backpacker hostels in Tbilisi range from excellently unique to pretty basic. The cheapest hostel beds go at about $4 pop but even on the finer end of the scale, a bed in a dorm doesn’t cost more than $10-12 USD per night.

There are also several mid-range hotel options, and some private rooms can be as cheap as $12-15 USD per night. That’s so little for a lot of privacy! However, when staying in Tbilisi I would highly recommend renting an Airbnb if you’re not feeling the hostel life.

Finding a cheap, modern Airbnb can be a little tricky: most of the fancier places come with a higher price tag. When you’re staying in Tbilisi though, don’t be afraid of a little wear and tear. Staying in an old-school Tbilisi building is one of the best experiences you could have in the city, and they feel more authentic than the pricy, modern options. 

Most apartments I stayed at looked a little shabby but they were still comfortable with everything I could’ve needed.

Plus, by staying in an older residence, you’ll be surrounded by lovely Georgian neighbours and Tbilisi’s iconic vine-covered courtyards.

The Best Places to Stay in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is awesome for a broke backpacker with a pair of comfy kicks: most things you’ll want to see are at a walking distance (or a very short metro ride away). Still, it pays to get to know the best neighbourhoods in Tbilisi and choose for yourself where you’d like to spend your trip!

Old Tbilisi

This is as central as it gets – all the biggest attractions, like Betlemi Street, sulphur baths and Narikala Fortress, are just a stone’s throw away. The Old Town is also your best bet if you’re in the hunt for the best nightlife!

On the other side of the river, Avlabari is still close to the Old Town but it’s got a more local vibe – and it’s cheaper. It’s no stranger to attractions either, though, claiming the Presidential palace, Rike Park and tons of great cafés within its borders.

Marjanishvili

Marjanishvili is maybe the coolest area in Tbilisi. Home to great food, a handful of attractions and the famous Fabrika Hostel, Marjanishvili has a mixture of local vibes, backpackers and digital nomads roaming around.

In general, Georgia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to travel. That’s awesome news for you and your future trip to Tbilisi!

However, Tbilisi is one of those cities that can be deceptively cheap. Sure, the cost of living in Tbilisi is cheap. You think that everything’s soooo affordable, it doesn’t really matter if you splurge on some things… And then you end up splurging a lot, all the time, and then your Tbilisi travel budget blows up.

This kinda happened to me. There are spots in Tbilisi where you can eat dinner for $3-5 USD but I kept finding myself in places where I was paying $10-12 USD for a single meal. Yikes! Those glasses of wine also add up, then turn into an infinite number of shots of chacha…

But if you’re a little savvier than me, and a little less indulgent, it shouldn’t be a problem to keep your daily travel budget in Tbilisi to $20-30 USD!

Accommodation: For a hostel bed, you can expect to shell out $8-12 bucks; the cheapest beds start at $4 USD. Cheaper private rooms and Airbnbs are around the same price per night, at $13-15 USD, while a mid-range room or apartment might cost you $20-35 USD.

Transportation : Travel around Tbilisi is super cheap: a metro ride is about 20 cents, and a taxi ride for 10 minutes costs about 2 dollars. And, luckily, you can always walk; that’s completely free, babey.

Activities: Tbilisi also has tons of free stuff to do. Most of the sightseeing in Tbilisi is just walking around and looking at nice, free things. The activities that might bite into your wallet most are museums, Mtatsminda Park, and the sulphur baths. 

Visiting the public baths is way cheaper than the private ones, about $1.5-3 USD per head. I highly recommend paying for a private bath – unless you enjoy getting nakey with strangers. (Plus, public baths are sex-separated so you might get separated from your boo or buddy.) The price of private baths varies A LOT between different bathhouses, from about $8-26 USD for an hour for the most basic rooms.

A Daily Budget in Tbilisi

The above was a quick overview of backpacker costs in Tbilisi. For an even quicker overview of travel costs in Tbilisi, check out this table.

Tbilisi on a Budget – Top Tips and Tricks

Tbilisi is cheap, but there is no reason that an experienced broke backpacker couldn’t make it cheap -cheap. Here are some of the tried and tested principles of high-level budget backpackers:

• Carry a portable stove. Cooking your own food saves money, sure. But having a lightweight stove with you is a grand idea anyway. It saves your ass in hostels that don’t have a kitchen. And if you’re gonna get your hike on, you’ll need it in the mountains!
• Grab a tent. Urban campaign spots might be a tad hard to find in Tbilisi, but for future Georgian adventures, you’ll definitely wanna check out the mountains. Pack up a backpacking tent and you’re ready to go!
• Hitchhike ! Finding a ride in Gerogia is easy, and thumb-travel is a very cheap (and adventurous) way to see the lands unknown. In-city hitchhiking is hard but it’s pretty simple to find a ride for example to the airport or to nearby towns once you get outside the immediate city bounds.
• Surf a couch. Couchsurfing is a fantastic way to get to know locals and local life while saving money! There are quite a few hosts in Tbilisi, and there are occasionally also Couchsurfing meet-ups.
• Travel with a water bottle. The sexiest travellers help combat the world-wide plasticapocalypse by avoiding single-use plastic. Get a reusable bottle and fill up anywhere – tap water is drinkable everywhere in Tbilisi.

Why You Should Travel to Tbilisi with a Water Bottle

Because plastic sucks! Spending  money  on water served in plastic is annoying, and, ultimately, we’re better than that.

Single-use plastic is shit.  It’s poisoning our planet, and we only get one of those. We can’t save the world overnight, but we can at least be a part of the solution and not the problem.

That said, you should totally get a  filtered water bottle . They’re a bloody dream! You can drink water from ANYWHERE.

These things ARE a budget backpacker’s best friend. Travel with a water bottle, ditch the plastic, and never waste a cent – nor a turtle’s life – again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Tbilisi’s best seasons are the shoulder seasons surrounding the peak of summer. In May-June and September-October, most summer crowds have gone, and the temperature is very mild and pleasant: t-shirt weather.

Even in the winter, Tbilisi doesn’t get all that cold. Although winter clothes are definitely needed, temperatures plunge below zero and sometimes it snows.

I spent most of my time in Tbilisi in the peak of summer, from June to August. This is the hottest time of the year with temperatures going up to +30 degrees. I personally loved this but a lot of others seem to find “stifling” and “way too hot” and “feels like Hell’s asshole”.

The summer is also peak tourist season, so Tbilisi is at its busiest. Tbilisi being busy is not quite comparable to something like Paris or Barcelona; the crowds are not overwhelming. That’s why timing your trip to the prime tourist season might be a good thing if you want to make sure that the city and its hostels are full of other socially deprived backpackers.

However, tourism numbers in Georgia have been going up every year, so who knows how long it’ll be till the crowds get annoying. The best time to travel to Georgia? That’s right now.

What to Pack for Tbilisi 

There are a few trusty things I always add to my backpacking packing list .

Osprey Aether 70L Backpack

Ya can’t go backpacking anywhere without a blasted backpack! Words cannot describe what a friend the Osprey Aether has been to The Broke Backpacker on the road. It’s had a long and illustrious career; Ospreys don’t go down easily.

Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF

My philosophy is that with an EPIC sleeping bag, you can sleep anywhere. A tent is a nice bonus, but a real sleek sleeping bag means you can roll out anywhere in a and stay warm in a pinch. And the Feathered Friends Swift bag is about as premium as it gets.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Every traveller should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. When you’re camping, hiking, or even if the power just went out, a top-quality headlamp is a MUST. The Petzl Actik Core is an awesome piece of kit because it’s USB chargeable—batteries begone!

First Aid Kit

Never go off the beaten track (or even on it) without your first aid kit! Cuts, bruises, scrapes, third-degree sunburn: a first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

Is Tbilisi safe? Stop your worrying before you even start – Tbilisi is extremely safe.

Of course, you gotta take care of all the normal precautions. Petty theft is rare. But, especially since tourism has been on a huge boom in the past few years, pickpocketing has gotten more common. The best way to hide yo money is in a money belt .

Tbilisi also experiences some earthquakes. Though they are very, very unlikely to be so strong that they would actually do any harm.

Do worry about the traffic: Georgians drive like maniacs. Look both ways twice before crossing, and keep looking.

I never felt unsafe staying in any of my Airbnb apartments even though at first, the security of the places seemed a little lacklustre to me. I mean, a toddler with the right motivation could break into these apartments! When I voiced my concerns, a local told me they had a “built-in human security system”. By that, he meant that curious grandmas living in the same building would notice if anything weird was going on.

One thing to look out for are protests. When I was in Tbilisi, a protest got out of hand and brought out the police with tear gas and rubber bullets. This is a pretty rare occasion but I would avoid protests and parades in Tbilisi, especially if they’re politically tinged.

Unfortunately this includes the Pride Parade. Being gay is not illegal in Georgia but LGBTQ+ travellers might still experience hostility. The the one time the Pride Parade actually got organised, it ended in chaos.

Be aware of common travel scams as well. Many taxis in Tbilisi run without using the meter so you might get overcharged. Nightclub scams targeting young foreign guys do happen too – but more on that later.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Tbilisi 

Tbilisi might come second to Georgia’s real Sin City. Batumi on the Black Sea coast is THE place to head to if you’re ready to get your dancy pants on. However, parties in Tbilisi are pretty good for some lightweight sinning, too.

Tbilisi has its fair share of bars, pubs, and clubs to boogie the night away. The most common poison is tasty Georgian wine, often followed by chacha . Not the dance, although it will definitely inspire some fancy footwork! Chacha is a brandy with a near-lethal strength, especially if you sample it from the locals’ cupboards – they’ve probably brewed it themselves. 

A friendly tip: a good way to get introduced to the terrifying world of chacha is to strike up a conversation with a friendly bar owner at the place where you’ve been drinking, then mention that you haven’t actually tried chacha yet. Georgians are friendly folks and you might just get a shot on the house. That’s how I got my first shot of chacha!

For actual drugs, you’re shit out of luck. Even weed is heavily criminalised in Georgia so it’s hard to come by and risky to smoke.

Dating in Georgia can be fucking awesome because Georgians are georgeous people (lol). I did feel like some of the men were a little too forthcoming for my comfort, but not intimidating. In Tbilisi, I met a lot of young people who spoke great English, were not as conservative as I’d expected, and, do I need to mention it again, really fucking beautiful. So get your Tinder fingers swiping !

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Tbilisi 

No matter where you are or what you do, you’re always at risk to slip in the shower or throw out your back out partying too hard after a few cups of Georgian wine.

A savvy backpacker should always consider getting comprehensive travel insurance before leaving home. A good policy covers you from little boo-boos to 127 hours-style predicaments.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

The easiest way to get to Tbilisi is by flying. The airport is ridiculously close to the city – like, a 15-minute drive close – and many airlines operate direct and indirect flights there.

The cheapest way to get from the airport to the city is on the airport bus that operates about every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to midnight. With all its stops, it can take up to an hour, so don’t rely on it if you’re in a rush!

A taxi is not super-super costly. But it’s still not the ideal option for the brokest backpackers: 40-55 Georgian lari, i.e. $13-17 USD from the airport to the city.

Watch out for scammers! The local taxi mafia prowls on innocent tourists just outside the airport so pre-arrange your taxi or get an official airport one.

Arriving overland is also more than possible. There are overnight trains from both Baku, Azerbaijan, Yerevan, and Armenia that arrive at the Tbilisi railway station. You can also catch a cheap-ish taxi from Yerevan to Tbilisi or vice versa if your plans also include backpacking Armenia .

It’s also possible to arrive by bus (or, marshrutka , as they call the van-like buses in Georgia), train, or hitchhiking from elsewhere in Georgia.

Getting Around Tbilisi 

Tbilisi is not a huge, sprawling city, and most of the areas you’re likely to spend time as a backpacker are close to each other. There are many ways to get around Tbilisi, so here are your options!

Walking around Tbilisi, you’ll definitely clock your daily 10,000 steps. There’s lots to explore, and many of the small alleyways are completely unpassable to cars and other vehicles.

I wouldn’t call Tbilisi the most accessible city unfortunately since a big part of the Old Town is built on a steep hill.

If you can though, walking in Tbilisi is highly recommended!

There are city buses operating all over the city. They’re extremely cheap at about 50 tetri/ride (16 cents) but a bit complex to figure out. Tourists don’t seem to use the buses too often.

I think I only ever used the bus to go between the airport and the city. The airport bus operates regularly between 7 a.m. and midnight, and it’s a great budget option if you’re not in a rush. However, the drive can take up to an hour – versus just 20 minutes in a taxi.

Travelling around Tbilisi by taxi is cheap. Although as a foreigner you might be more vulnerable to a taxi scam. It’s nothing too sinister – just a painful overcharge.

To avoid this, I took Bolt or Yandex everywhere. Bolt and Yandex are the Uber-style rideshare apps used in Tbilisi. It costs about $2-4 USD for a 10-minute trip. The apps were super useful if I ever needed to get home late at night.

The metro is by far the cheapest and the easiest way to get around Tbilisi. One trip costs 50 tetri (16 cents), and the trains are safe and reliable. The trains run from 6 a.m. to midnight every day of the year.

Some of Tbilisi’s top attractions are built uphill. The best way to reach them is on a funicular or a cable car.

There is a cable car operating between the Narikala fortress and Rike Park. A one-way ride costs 2.5 lari ($0.8 USD), and it can only be paid with a Metromoney card. If you don’t have one yet, you can buy it at the cable car station while paying for your ticket.

The other aerial travel method you might use is the Mtatsminda Funicular to go to the Mtatsminda Park. That ride is also paid with the Metromoney card but it’s slightly pricier at 8 lari (full $2.5 USD).

Buying a Metromoney Card in Tbilisi

Metromoney card is a travel card that you can use in buses, the metro, the cable car, and the funicular.

Getting around Tbilisi is cheap either way but you should still get the travel card; trips with it are cheaper, and dealing with transportation is just so much easier. Plus, you can only get on the cable cars with the card!

The card only costs 2 lari (whopping 65 cents) and you can buy it at any metro station or at the cable car stations. Similarly, you top it up at metro stations, cable car stations, service points, or Bank of Georgia’s express payment machines. Easy-peasy!

Fell in love with the city and now you want to stay there longer? Really can’t blame you!

It’s not exactly easy to find work in Georgia as a foreigner. Both local and international companies prefer to hire Georgian employees so even in Tbilisi – the city’s economic heart – there aren’t many positions available.

Some international companies and organisations do have locations in Tbilisi. Often the best way to find work at them is to directly contact them since vacancies might not be heavily advertised. 

Unless you can find a job teaching English, your chances of finding a job in a Tbilisi-based company are pretty slim. 

If you want to work for a Georgian company, you also need to get a long-term visa.

The Digital Nomad Scene in Tbilisi 

Out of all the cities I’ve ever been a nomad in, Tbilisi is one of the BEST ones. If you’re looking for the best places in the world for digital nomads, look no further. And no, I’m not just biased! Well, not entirely.

Tbilisi has great wifi, tons of nomad-friendly coffee shops and co-working spaces, heaps to do, and an affordable lifestyle. On top of that, the local nomad community is absolutely thriving.

When I was there a few years ago, the nomad scene was quite new. Now, Tbilisi constantly ranks on top of many digital nomads’ favourite cities .

In addition, Georgia is actively encouraging digital nomads to move there. The Remote Georgia programme allows you to stay from 180 days to a year. Or, you know, you can just get the free visa on arrival. Freelancers (yes, that includes digital nomads!) are allowed to work remotely in Georgia with just the basic tourist visa. 

There have also been initiatives that allow digital nomads to work in the same offices as Georgians to help them integrate, international events, and other accommodations to help digital nomads feel welcome. So, if you’re only taking the first steps in becoming a digital nomad , Tbilisi could be your spot 🙂

Teaching English in Tbilisi 

Like I mentioned earlier, finding a job in Tbilisi can be tough – unless you want to teach English.

The Georgian government is working hard to raise the level of English spoken in the country, and English is becoming more and more important in local business. This means good opportunities for English teachers who can actually earn a pretty nice income in Tbilisi.

Make sure you have your TEFL certification before travelling. Finding a job teaching English abroad is much easier with the right qualifications.

Broke Backpacker readers also get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50).

Volunteering in Tbilisi 

If you’re not a digital nomad nor an English teacher but would like to hang around still, there are definitely options to stay longer. One of the best ways to stay in Tbilisi long term is to volunteer. For the measly price of your time and labour a few hours a day, you get free accommodation and meals in exchange.

But freebies are just a bonus. The real reason you should consider volunteering on your next trip is to give back.

Volunteering attaches you to the local landscape more firmly than a regular backpacker just hastily flitting through. It is the more meaningful way to travel by creating connections and doing something good in exchange for all the awesome hospitality that the capital of Georgia has offered you.

There are many online platforms for finding volunteer opportunities. At The Broke Backpacker, we LOVE Worldpackers . It’s one of the best work exchange sites out there with great volunteer opportunities, a communal platform to share your experiences, and a company that actually cares about you.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Tbilisi is not too shabby at all when it comes to nightlife. It’s not a designated par-tay city like Budapest or Madrid, but there are tons of great places to drink the night away.

Georgia is huge on its wines. Just walking around Tbilisi, you’ll probably notice that half of the entryways to houses are covered in vines!

For calmer nights, I highly recommend sitting down with a few glasses of wine and great company. My favourite wine bars in Tbilisi are located on Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue , a cute, picturesque street in the Marjanishvili district. There are some excellent wine bars also in the Vera district and in the Old Town.

Wanting to meet other backpackers? The courtyard behind Fabrika Hoste l becomes a lively nightlife spot at least for the early hours of the night, and it often attracts expat types and travellers.

Another hotspot is by the river in Dedaena park where there are a couple of lively, smallish bars. Third fave area of mine is by the wine bar Veriko where you can find lots of bars and restaurants around one courtyard.

The Old Town as a whole is a popular Tbilisi nightlife spot. But if you wanna hang out with the cool kids, I’d highly recommend checking out these spots.

For the most hardcore party peeps, there’s Bassiani . Built under a sports stadium, the huge place plays grade-A techno and it’s one of the best clubs in Tbilisi, if not THE best. It’s been hailed as the Berghain of Georgia so getting in might not be easy but ya know, it’s a famous spot.

When you’re out in the Tbilisi night, keep your wits about you!

Young guys are especially targeted for a common nightclub scam. A beautiful woman will invite you and your buddy for drinks at her favourite bar. When it comes time to pay, you realise the drinks have been WAY overpriced. Now you’ve got a $500 USD tab to cover, and the sexy girls have suddenly transformed into one huge, intimidating dude flexing his knuckles.

I met a guy who this happened to, and he told me he “should’ve known – the name of the place was literally ‘Nightclub’.”

Dining in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is an excellent spot to explore everything that Georgian cuisine has to offer. 

The most famous staples, khinkali and khachapuri , are available pretty much everywhere. 

(Pro tip to impress the locals: the kh is pronounced like an exaggerated, throaty h-sound; almost like the Spanish J .)

One of the best places to try khinkali – Georgian dumplings –  might be surprising: Machakhela (also known as Samiktno) is a fast-food style Georgian restaurant. Sure, it’s a chain, but they have a wide variety of khinkali to try. Some even veggie-friendly, and they’re very cheap.

The cheapest Georgian food in Tbilisi is found in street stalls. The streets of the city are dotted with hole-in-the-wall bakeries that sell ultra-cheap pastries, breads, and donuts. The only downside? These are greasy and carb-heavy treats.

Other than that, the cheapest food is found in small, almost-nameless buffet-style restaurants where you can fill your plate and your belly for a ridiculously small price. They’re scattered all over but you can find one right in the centre, a place imaginatively called Family Food, right by Freedom Square.

Whatever you do, though, make sure you order a glass or 3 of Georgian wine to go with your dinner!

For vegetarians and vegans, Georgia is not an ideal travel destination but Tbilisi is still pretty easy to cruise. Georgian cuisine is not very vegetable-heavy, and most veggie-only dishes I tried were heavily based on aubergine and beans. Try Kiwi Café and Mama Terra, both of which are fully vegan.

For fancier diners, I’ll throw out one last suggestion: Barbarestan. I’m not gonna lie, this is a fine dining place and probably one of the more expensive dining spots you’ll find in Tbilisi. It’s also super unique: the recipes are based on a 19th-century cookbook of classic Georgian dishes by Barbare Jorjadze. If you have a few extra pennies left in your Tbilisi travel budget at the end of the trip, it’s definitely worth the splurge!

Best Restaurants in Tbilisi feat. Best Cheap Eats

• Lolita – the brunch favourite
• Kiwi Café – vegan food
• Family Food – cheap buffet lunch
• Tiflis – fancy view for a small price
• Mapshalia – excellent food ultra-cheaply
• Moulin Electrique – affordable pub-style food

Is Tbilisi worth visiting?

YES. If you like old cities, good food, and beautiful things, you’ll LOVE Tbilisi! Whether you want to chill or party, or anything in between, it’s all here.

How many days is enough for Tbilisi?

In 2-3 days, you can check off the top attractions. The awesome transport system helps to explore this city really well, even with little time.

Is Tbilisi cheap or expensive?

Tbilisi is super cheap. However, it’s cheap for money-savvy backpackers – it’s easy to let your budget completely blow up.

Should I wear swimwear to the sulphur baths?

In general, sure. But sometimes no. Public baths are separated into women and men’s sections and you’re kinda expected to go in the nude. In the private baths, you can go in however you’d like. (If you’re having a first date there, I recommend a swimsuit – might be speaking from personal experience.)

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There you have it then – the Tbilisi travel guide!

I could wax poetic about this city for pages and pages. It was a place that I came to check out because I had heard it was cool, without even having seen pictures of it (yea, my travel style is kinda chaotic). Whatever expectations I had, I still got blown away.

I loved drinking on the riverside, watching the lights reflect off the water.

Damn, I miss riding the old Ferris Wheel and gasping when the wind made it creak.

Wandering the old streets, getting lost in a world of imperfectly beautiful dilapidated facades and famously picturesque entryways – yeah Tbilisi, you got me.

I collect postcards from my travels, and Tbilisi has the best postcards I’ve ever found on my travels. But I guess that’s to be expected – the entire city is like a snapshot from a postcard.

Look, I get that setting high expectations can be a bad idea. But if you like old towns and good food, fairytale visuals and wine with a view – there’s no reason Tbilisi wouldn’t soon be one of your favourite cities, too.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

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Tbilisi is known for its distinctive architecture, which reflects the city's storied past and comprises an eclectic combine of Medieval, Art Nouveau and Modernist structures. Tbilisi tour features all must-see sights from centuries old church and fortress to contemporary symbols of the city.

The best times to visit Georgia are spring and autumn. But also it depends your personality, if you are winter sport lover like skiing, Gudauri ski resort and Bakuriani wait for you. Especially from mid-May to mid-June and from mid-September to mid-October. At the Time there are grape harvesting (rtveli) which is include in our tour package.

Travel time is a family-owned tour operator and travel agency located in tbilisi, georgia.company was founded in 2013 and since that humble beginning, our dedication to creating outstanding travel experience, has grown into a trusted resource, that has helped of thousands of people better enjoy their travel. now describing our team, we can say, that we are a group of people, who passionate to travel, to explore, to discover. our team here is friendly and affable. we are specialists in the destinations that we offer and possess deep product knowledge about them., kakheti is the historical and largest region in the east of georgia. kakheti is one of the oldest centers of viticulture and wine production. this peculiarity has a significant impact on the tradition and culture of the country, which ultimately creates a characteristic, colorful character of this corner, and at the same time adds a constant, characteristic painterly line to the unified georgian historical and ethnographic canvas. kakheti is distinguished by an abundance of cultural monuments. the most popular seasons to visit this region is autumn, because you will be able to see on your own the winemaking process and even to participate in it. all other seasons are also very attractive in this region - kakheti, with its centuries-old culture, is very rich in monuments of different periods. here you will find ancient settlements, interesting and distinctive medieval temples, which were also important cultural and educational centers, impressive castles, tush towers, and slate houses. tusheti is inscribed in the tentative list of the unesco world heritage. the village bochorna is situated there, which is the highest settlement in europe above sea level. maybe, you heard about most dangerous road in georgia - yes, it’s tusheti's roads... this region is also unique and diverse in terms of nature. there are many waterfalls and rolling lakes hidden in cool greenery in kakheti. vashlovani protected areas are also worth of reminding - on the territory of the national park you will find open fields, desert and gorges, which will make you feel alive and free and these areas will always call you back in your head., adjara - batumi, batumi is a city which visitor find easy to fall in love with, thanks to its unique blend of subtropical coastline and beaches, framed by spectacular snow-capped mountains and boasting legendary nightlife. just 9km north of batumi at green cape there is batumi botanical garden which is popular for thousands of beautiful species of plants. thanks to adjara’s unique micro-climate, gardens can grow an astonishing variety of plants from different regions and climates, all side by side. marvel at the full impact of so many species together in one place, or simply breathe in the scent from these spectacular plants. adjara is not only a seaside - it is a region of one of the oldest traditions in georgia - tradition of hospitality. first "hostels" were built in mountainous adjara and adjarians were hosting strangers, who needed overnight and food. this region is mix of two religions - christianity and musulmanity and good example of co-living in peace. rich history, tasty cuisine, nature full of gems - lakes, waterfalls, rivers, modern architecture, sunny beaches, warm water - this is adjara, samtskhe-javakheti, this region that never stops surprising visitors, from the mineral springs of borjomi to the ancient cave city of vardzia or other less known ones. historically one of the most important cultural centers in georgia, much of the region today is virtually unknown to tourists, but this ancient land of cave cities and hilltop monasteries is once again opening its doors to the outside world. this region is very diverse – if you want to feel the history and touch it, you must visit cave city of vardzia. you want to relive the history – you go to rabati castle. for some relax you can swim in sulphur hot springs. want some birdwatching tour – you are welcome, this region is popular with its big variety of birds, which are attracting ornithologists from all over the world. this is a region of steppes and lakes, gorges and rivers and the tastiest trouts if you want to drink the most popular mineral water of georgia known worldwide, it is also in this region, sure you have heard about bordzomi. an amazing region worth adding to your itinerary, georgian military road, these monumental mountains which are calling you to visit georgia are on every step in every region - georgian military road is one of them... watchtowers and shelter hewn from the rocky cliffs, water reservoirs and castles, monasteries and passes, ski resorts and sour waters, waterfalls, gorges and lakes, travertines, changing climate zones and scenery from greenery to snow just in a hour of drive. serpentine road built in the widest middle part of greater caucasus range used by traders before and now being one of the main transit roads connecting different parts of the continent to each other. and this everything just in a 150 km from the capital of georgia., ski resorts, georgia is always a good choice for your vacations and it doesn't matter which season is it… whether you enjoy downhill skiing, or snowboarding, there are ski resorts that cater to your needs. the mountains here are exceptional because of the caucasus mountains and the ridges, that keep the harsh arctic cyclones away from the country. november to may are rather mild, with a pleasant wind coming from the black sea. snow falls systematically, nevertheless severe frosts are very rare. don't forget, that the currency here is a gel, so prices for equipment, food and hotels are more affordable and at the same time you are getting high quality service and amazing fluffy snow to ski there are 5 main ski resorts in georgia: 1. bakuriani ski resort is situated at an elevation of 1,700 m. above sea level. it is a paradise for ski lovers and an internationally important winter sports center, which meets olympic standards. ski resort has an infrastructure, including: hotels, ski lifts, a funicular, a cinema, a children’s park, and numerous other attractions. 2. gudauri ski resort - the resort is 30 years old, but in this short time it has gained great popularity among ski enthusiasts. gudauri finds itself at 2,200 m. above sea level and its ski season lasts from december to april. today, gudauri is an international mountain-skiing resort of the highest standards, designed for skiers of all levels. 3. goderdzi ski resort this all-season mountain resort is located at an elevation of 2 000 meters. the resort is dignifiedby the extraordinary nature, fresh air, spectacular scenery and well equipped 4 ski pistes with total length of 8 kilometers. slopes at the resort are targeted for all skiers. snow remains from november till april. 4-5. tetnuldi and hatsvali - both of them are situated in svaneti - the pearl of georgia. it is one of the newest skiing areas in europe. with a top elevation of 3,160 m., snow quality & quantity is guaranteed to be deep, dry & delicious. besides of crazy slopes and trails, this ski resorts will blow your mind with scenery around - svaneti is a place, which you must visit, if you want to say, that you have been to georgia, capital of georgia -tbilisi, according to the legend, the lands of tbilisi were covered with forest, where, while hunting, king discovered hot spring. due to the healing properties of the hot water and the favorable location of the place, the king cleared the forest and started building the city. he planned to move the capital from mtskheta to tbilisi, his son dachi completed the construction of the city and declared tbilisi the new capital of georgia in the 6th century. "tbili"— means "warm" and "sio" - "spring", because of that the city was named tbilisi, what means hot spring. the warm and congenial city of tbilisi never fails to impress visitors with its extraordinary and distinctive charm. expect to be welcomed by friendly, cheerful citizens who are ready to meet with international tourists with a sympathetic handshake. with more than 1.5 million residents, tbilisi is georgia's largest city, as evidenced by its intense construction efforts: rapidly developing residential complexes, shopping malls, and entertainment centers have burst onto the scene and are now intertwined with the city's old, enduring architecture. ., at travel time you will deal with the same travel expert from the moment of initial contact until you are safely back at home. we care about your emotions, we care about your unforgettable memories, we care about the quality of all of the parts of your trip. quality is our main focus at travel time we strive to earn repeat business from you and want you to recommend us to your friends and family. your referrals are extremely valuable to us and we know that we have to work diligently to deserve them. by sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get an true and rise experience you simply soul., best time to visit georgia, if you're going to travel in georgia and also interested in exploring, for the first time, you need to choose the correct session. the best time for excursions begins in may, and it will continue till september., winter tourist destinations in georgia, the winter season in georgia is so magnificent because you can do so many things. here are so many locations for resting, for example the most popular destination is gudauri which has so many visitors every year., with its long history, tiny town centre and breathtaking views of the alazani valley, signagi never leaves its visitors not satisfied. another you must see bodbe monastery. it's located just two kilometres from sighnaghi, the area is a important religious place there is a the remains of st. nino, the saint who brought christianity to georgia, borjomi municipality is one of the best places for recreation, mountain sport, hiking or to get acquainted with centuries-old patterns of georgian culture. there are a lot of hiking trails with forests, panoramic views and lakes., things to know before traveling georgia, everyone is surprised how inexpensive the food here is. check the local markets and buy some fresh vegetables and fruits from local farmers. if you are not a big fan of cooking, you can enjoy a wide array of cafes and restaurants each day without breaking the bank., tour places of georgia, rabati castle is a beautiful blend of christian and muslim architecture. don't miss this place if you will be in samtskhe-javakheti region, but take a guided tour inside to hear the history and legends about this place scroll to the right to see more photos snd videos from this place., best places to visit in georgia, the 60km drive into the wilderness from akhaltsikhe to the cave city of vardzia is as dramatic as any in georgia outside the caucasus mountains. the road follows the upper mtkvari river., the towns of georgia, and here we are batumi - city of sunsets... city of life...city of sun...city of cities yesterday batumi met us with such an amazing views and mega nice weather.

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The Country: Georgia

Museums, churches, historical sites and buildings, green open spaces and much more await you in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. Surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Kura River, the city combines the ancient and the modern with a good mix of old streets, dotted with decadent buildings, along with brand new sights and attractions, such as the 360-degree cable car, which takes you up to the Narikala Fortress and lets you enjoy a spectacular view, and the stunning Bridge of Peace, made of steel and glass and beautifully illuminated at night.

Georgia has a longstanding culinary tradition, almost as old as the country itself. It is no wonder then that social dining (and drinking) holds a special position in Georgian culture, with traditional feasts (supra) being very important and ritualised. Leading a supra is always a tamada, toastmaster, whose role is to speak and propose toasts, until the feast is ended. Tbilisi offers a lot of restaurants serving local cuisine in accordance with Georgian tradition and it is not uncommon to stumble upon a typical feast with people toasting, singing and dancing.

After a long day of sightseeing, nothing is better than a good cup of coffee or a flavoured tea, perhaps along with exquisite local pastries, and Tbilisi's cafes offer you all of that, plus some of the most charming views of the old city and the surrounding mountains. Otherwise, if you are up for a glass of wine, you must know that Georgia is considered to be the homeland of wine, so you would better discover the lovely hidden cellars and pop open some of the finest bottles in the region.

Bars & Nightlife

Whether you are a frequent or an occasional party-goer, there is a right place for you in Tbilisi: join a crazy pub crawl around the city and challenge new friends to beer pong games, sit back and enjoy good music and drinks in a cosy bar, dance all night long in a vibrant night club, or join a more elegant party on a terrace. Whatever it is you are looking for, fun is guaranteed.

Tbilisi has a comprehensive offer of malls and fashion boutiques, but for a unique shopping experience you should focus on the traditional handicraft stores, workshops and markets: there you will find the most original souvenirs and get an insight into the country's culture and folklore.

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I've been to 54 countries and have lived in 10. These 5 underrated places are worth the trip.

• Kate Boardman has visited 54 countries around the world and lived in 10, including the US.
• She's enjoyed spots like France and Bali but says people should visit underrated places like Oman.
• In Guatemala, she climbed an active volcano, and in Ecuador, she swam with hammerhead sharks.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kate Boardman , a 36-year-old former teacher and current content creator from Massachusetts who has lived and traveled all over the world. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I first lived abroad when I was 15, when I participated in an exchange program in Germany. I lived there for a year, attending school and staying with a host family.

That was my first exposure to living overseas and truly immersing myself in other cultures. From there, the travel bug hit me hard. It inspired me to study international business in France while I was at university, and future trips after that.

I've been to 54 countries and lived in 10, including the US. The sense of freedom and self-growth that comes from traveling is unbeatable. I also love being able to see the world in a different way.

The most popular destinations are popular for a reason.

Everyone talks about Paris, London , Bali — all travel destinations that are super popular, in part thanks to social media.

I visited Bali in early 2012 and saw it expand firsthand. There was a lot of construction — with many beach clubs being built — and it became overcrowded by foreigners. It's led to locals being priced out of their homes.

I also think spots like Cancun are super overrated; there are way cooler places to visit in Mexico. Many tourists spend a week in an all-inclusive resort and think that's fun — but that couldn't be more unattractive to me.

Obviously, there's still beauty in places that are oversaturated and famous. But I think that there's an excitement that comes from experiencing places that are off the beaten track.

It's often in those places that you can have the most surprising experiences.

I was treated like family in Iran

I would say my favorite country that I have visited is Iran. I went in 2018 and was there for 10 days.

Normally, when I'm traveling, I backpack alone and stay in hostels as a solo traveler. However, in Iran, if you're American, Canadian, or from the UK, in order to get permission to enter the country, you need a set itinerary and a licensed travel guide.

It was a very coordinated trip and a bit more challenging to visit, but it was so rewarding because I was welcomed with the warmest hospitality.

One of the unique aspects of this trip was how close my guide and I became. He went above and beyond, inviting me over to his family's house for dinner, where I got to meet and hang out with his friends and family. It was truly special.

Because I had a guide, everything was kind of set for me in Iran. He arranged different accommodations, including a road trip through the country, where we stayed in various cities at different guesthouses.

It only cost me around $1,000.

The nature and landscape of Iran are absolutely beautiful and amazing. The sights, attractions, and history are mind-blowing. You've got these gorgeous mosaics everywhere. All of the architecture had my jaw dropping in awe while walking around.

The food is also delicious, and the markets are incredible, each filled with gorgeous textiles, jewelry, turquoise, and rugs.

I would totally visit there again. I hope the political situation changes because that would definitely be one of my group trip destinations. I think it's just incredible.

Georgia took me by surprise

Georgia is just one of those countries that's not on a lot of people's radar. And then they go there and they're like, 'Whoa, that's awesome. Why didn't I know about this before?'

I knew very little about Georgia before I visited in 2018. I spent only five days in the country, but I was completely blown away.

I stayed in Tbilisi, which is the capital city. It's a really beautiful, trendy, and artsy kind of city. It has amazing wine and incredible food.

Probably one of my favorite things about the trip is that I stayed in this hostel called Fabrika . It was an old Soviet Union sewing factory that they turned into a super cool, industrial, hipster hostel.

In Tbilisi, I also went on a pub crawl throughout the Old Town, which featured a bunch of underground cellars and bunkers that have been turned into trendy nightclubs and bars.

During my time in the country, I took a trip out to the countryside to an area called Kazbegi, which is absolutely stunning. There were gorgeous and breathtaking mountains, hills, and massive churches.

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In the city, I also had a Turkish bath, which is a big thing in Georgia. I got a full scrub down.

Guatemala has something for everyone

When most people from the US think about going to Central America, they're focused on Mexico or Costa Rica. Guatemala seems to be a place that kind of gets overlooked.

But life is great in Guatemala.

You've got beautiful weather all year round, the jungle, rainforests, and the Caribbean's white sand beaches, while the Pacific side has its black sand beaches. It's got a little bit of everything.

I first lived in Guatemala in 2021, where I worked as a teacher at an international school. They provided housing in Guatemala City. However, after I finished working for them, I moved to a beach town on the Pacific coast and lived there for about six months.

I've traveled there on other occasions too, staying for periods of four or five months.

The typical salary for a Guatemalan is about $500 a month, with a good salary being $1,000. I would say that $2,000 a month is more than enough to live there extremely comfortably.

There are a lot of digital nomads moving there, especially to Antigua — an old colonial town with a lot of charm, cobblestone streets, and painted buildings.

There's just so much to do in Guatemala; it's so magical.

The biggest must do is hiking the active volcano called Acatenango . Sometimes, you can see it erupting right from its base camp. There's not many places in the world where you can experience that.

Another good place to visit is El Paredon, a super up-and-coming hippie surf town. The surfing is great, and you've got these black volcanic sand beaches. It's just a really laid-back place.

Lake Atitlan is also an incredible spot. It's surrounded by volcanoes and several Mayan villages, each with its own personality and vibe.

Oman's deserts are magical

Oman is in the Middle East, bordering the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. I've been there three times between 2016 and 2018.

The country is culturally rich, and the capital city, Muscat, is really beautiful. It has old traditional marketplaces and gorgeous architecture — the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is definitely worth checking out.

The deserts there are incredible, so doing a desert trip is a must. I camped out in the desert with the locals, rode camels, and drove Jeeps over the sand dunes.

Having tea and watching the sunset in the desert was magical too.

Oman also has wadis, which are basically big canyons in the middle of the desert with swimming holes. There, you'll find bright turquoise water contrasting with the orange rock.

The country's islands are also beautiful and incredible for snorkeling. They look like you'd be in the Caribbean, but you're in the Middle East.

The Galapagos Islands are truly like nowhere else in the world

I visited Ecuador last year for about six weeks. I was leading a gap year program with a group of high school students. We split our time between the Galapagos Islands and the mainland, which consisted of cities and the Amazon.

Because Ecuador has incredibly unique biodiversity that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world, The Galapagos Islands are an absolute must. I've never seen such incredible wildlife in my life; so many species exist only on those islands.

While visiting The Galapagos, my group went snorkeling with 50 to 100 hammerhead and Blacktip sharks. We also swam with sea lions and saw giant tortoises.

Another amazing aspect of Ecuador is learning about the Inca culture. My group did a homestay and lived with a family for about 10 days and learned about their way of life.

We experienced how connected they are with Mother Earth, whom they refer to as Pachamama, and learned about their traditional medicine: They grow their own food and seek out plant medicine when they're sick, rather than relying on processed foods.

Learning about and sharing their way of life was truly special.

I want to show people how to travel the world

There are many beliefs people have about different countries and cultures, sometimes considering them too dangerous, expensive, or unattainable.

I want to inspire more people to explore, step out of their comfort zones, and experience more of the world. I am hosting group trips with the goal of bringing people to these countries and showing them why they are so life-changing.

Watch: From Nepal to Kosovo, here's how countries are celebrating Pride

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Georgia footballers protest against Tbilisi’s ‘foreign influence’ bill

Captain of national men’s team among those posting apparently coordinated social media messages

Leading players in Georgia’s national men’s football team have backed mass protests sparked by a “foreign influence” bill criticised for mirroring a repressive Russian law.

Riot police have clashed in recent nights with large rallies of people protesting outside the parliament building in Tbilisi against the bill , which is viewed in Brussels as a threat to future EU membership.

Jaba Kankava , the captain of Georgia’s national football team, which recently qualified for Euro 2024, its first major tournament, posted a picture on Instagram of two protesters staring down riot police on Tuesday night, adding: “Fuck Russia.”

A host of other national team players, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a winger for Italy’s Serie A club Napoli, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is a goalkeeper for Valencia in Spain’s La Liga, also posted what appeared to be coordinated messages on social media.

They wrote: “Georgia’s path is to Europe . The European way unites us!! Forward to Europe!! Peace to Georgia.”

David Kezerashvili, who served as Georgia’s defence minister at the time of the 2008 Russian invasion of the country, said: “The footballers’ decision to back the protests may prove to be a decisive intervention, coming just weeks after millions took to the streets to celebrate their Euro 2024 qualification.

“People understand the economic benefits and freedoms that membership of the European Union would bring to a country like Georgia, and they resent those aspirations being sabotaged. Seeing police in balaclavas take violent action against well-meaning protesters has dark echoes of Georgia’s Soviet past. This is driving a wedge between Tbilisi and Brussels.”

Under a draft bill introduced to parliament on Monday, organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad will be required to register as being agents of foreign influence, with fines for those who do not comply.

The law has been likened to Russian legislation under which journalists, politicians, rights organisations, environmental groups, LGBTQ support networks and others have been obliged to label themselves as “foreign agents” when they publish.

The legislation has provoked violence inside and outside the parliament building. Footage broadcast on Monday on Georgian television showed Mamuka Mdinaradze, the leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s parliamentary faction and a driving force behind the bill, being punched in the face by the opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili while speaking from the dispatch box.

Crowds of about 10,000 people protested outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on Monday and Tuesday night, when they clashed with riot police.

Despite the protests, 83 out of 150 deputies voted in favour of the bill on Wednesday, which must pass two more readings before becoming law. The ruling Georgian Dream party says the legislation is needed to promote transparency and combat “pseudo-liberal values” imposed from abroad.

Georgia’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, said he would not back down.

He said: “As for the west, the opposition talked about this as if we consider the west as an enemy. I will repeat once again that transparency is not a criterion for distinguishing between enemies and friends. First of all, of course, a friend should be transparent, this is the friends’ responsibility before the Georgian public.”

A spokesperson for the European Commission condemned the legislation as a risk to media and civil society freedoms. The EU gave Georgia candidate status in December.

The commission spokesperson said: “This is a very concerning development and the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia’s progress on its EU path. This law is not in line with EU core norms and values.”

The Georgian president, Salome Zurabishvili, who is at loggerheads with the ruling party, has offered her support to the protesters, denouncing the proposed bill as “a Russian strategy of destabilisation”.

A similar bill targeting “foreign agents” was dropped last year after two nights of mass protests.

The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said that Russia had nothing to do with the foreign agents bill, which he described as “normal practice” for a government that wished to “protect themselves from outside influence”.

He claimed that the law was being used to “provoke anti-Russian sentiments” and that “it is unlikely that these impulses are being fed from within Georgia”.

“They’re probably coming from the outside,” he said.

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