nice places to visit in tbilisi

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Home » Europe » Georgia » Tbilisi

10 BEST Places to Visit in Tbilisi (2024)

The capital of Georgia is the perfect place to get to know the history and culture of this fascinating country. Almost a third of the country’s population live here, so it’s a great place to get to know locals too, and maybe even practice your first few words in Georgian.

Tbilisi has an envious location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. So, you’ll see examples of both Persian and Russian architecture, evidence of its long and complex history! There are more than enough places to visit in Tbilisi in 3 days, in fact, you may find there’s enough to do for a week.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best places to visit in Tbilisi. Hopefully, our extensive list will be helpful when it comes to planning your trip to the Georgian capital. As well as the standout attractions that are the biggest tourist draws, we’ve included a few off the beaten track gems too!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Tbilisi:

These are the best places to visit in tbilisi, faq on the best places to visit in tbilisi.

Of all the amazing places to stay in Tbilisi , Vake is the top pick.

Vake was once the area of Tbilisi that the rich and the elite called home. It was where all the politicians bought and built their huge houses.

• Go for a run at Vake park or just hang out on the swing set
• Catch a music show at Backstage 76 located in Vake Park
• Soak up some sunshine and take a dip in the Vake Swimming Pool

Knowing what to do when you visit Tbilisi is only half the equation. There are oodles of great accommodation options just waiting for you to check-in so we’ve made it a little easier for you and compiled the best places to visit.

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#1 – Tbilisi Old Town – One of the most amazing places in Tbilisi!

• Get lost in a maze of narrow streets and colourful houses
• Duck into a bar or a kinkhali house and experience some local hospitality
• Experience the charm and character of one of the most famous places in Tbilisi

Why it’s awesome: The area in between the sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress, and Liberty Square is probably the most charming area in the whole of Georgia, never mind just its capital. You could spend hours, if not days, getting lost just wandering the narrow streets of the Old Town. Hidden away in this colourful and characterful district, you’ll find some of the best places to eat in Tbilisi, cool coffee shops, galleries, and an awful lot of cats! There are some important religious spots in the Old Town, including Jumah Mosque – the only Mosque in the world where Sunni and Shia Muslims pray together.

What to do there: It sounds like a cliché, but just wandering around is half the fun of the Old Town. When you get tired, you’re never more than a few steps from a coffee shop or a bar. There, you can experience some real Georgian hospitality! Don’t miss trying speciality kinkhali dumplings either – a Tbilisi must do. Also, look out for the ateshgah, a Zoroastrian fire temple that dates all the way back to 200AD. There are some other cool historic places in the Old Town that you can read more about later in our list.

#2 – Mtatsminda Park – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Tbilisi

• Get outstanding views of the city from the city’s TV tower
• Explore Tbilisi’s highest point – the park’s Ferris wheel
• A lovely romantic place to go with your other half

Why it’s awesome: This is one of the best places in Tbilisi if you want to escape the hustle and bustle without really leaving the city. The highest point of the Georgian capital, Mtatsminda Park offers lots of things to do and see and you could spend an entire day up there. As well as the TV Tower, there’s also a dinosaur park and a fairground. Try the carousel, the waterslides, and the rollercoaster before rounding off your trip there on the Ferris wheel. It’s the highest point in Tbilisi and has excellent views of town! In fact, you could stay in a hostel nearby to make this view a permanent fixture of your morning routine.

What to do there: Wherever you go in Mtatsminda Park, you’ll get fabulous views of the city, so take some snaps! We’re sure that you’ll gain a few more Instagram followers with your stunning shots from here. If you’re travelling with kids, the amusement park is a Tbilisi must do, as is the dinosaur park. However, if it’s just you and your partner, why not surprise them with something really romantic? The Funicular Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Tbilisi, due to the stunning views and fine food!

#3 – Tbilisi Sulphur Baths – One of Tbilisi’s coolest historical sites

• Relax for a couple of hours in hot baths – even in the coldest months of the year
• Learn where the city gets its name from
• One of the most relaxing points of interest in Tbilisi

Why it’s awesome: Did you know that Tbilisi means warm in ancient Georgian? Neither did we until fairly recently. However, that name comes from the sulphur baths, which are what the city was founded on. Nowadays, they’re one of the most popular attractions in Tbilisi. The brick domes on the edge of the Old Town have hot baths, saunas, and even private rooms with masseuses. One thing’s for sure, they’ll certainly be a relaxing escape for a couple of hours!

What to do there: If you’ve been on the road for a while and you feel in need of a bit of TLC, visit the Sulphur Baths! This Tbilisi must do is not only fun and relaxing, but the minerals in the water are good for your skin and overall health. You can book private rooms in the baths too. So, if you’re looking to splurge, you’ll get a refurbished and luxurious experience with hot and cold baths and a sauna. If you’re on a budget, it can be just as rewarding, as you’ll experience an old Soviet-style room.

#4 – Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre and the Leaning Tower of Georgia – One of the unique places to see in Tbilisi

• Be awestruck at the dilapidated Leaning Tower of Georgia
• See a highbrow drama enacted by… puppets
• One of the most unusual things to do in Tbilisi

Why it’s awesome: It may only be a small venue with space for 80 people, but the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre is one of the most important parts of Tbilisi’s cultural scene. The theatre is named after one of the most famous Georgian playwrights in history. He also happened to be a film director, painter, and graphic artist. Quite a busy man. On top of all this, he designed the Leaning Tower of Georgia. A part of the puppet theatre, it’s actually a modern structure made up of abandoned pieces of buildings from the Old Town and buildings destroyed by earthquakes. Definitely a gem if you’re backpacking Georgia or something.

What to do there: We’d definitely recommend seeing a show at the puppet theatre. Gabriadze’s performances are critically acclaimed after all! Puppets were used so as not to attract the attention of Authoritarian rulers, but they tell seriously moving and historical stories. One of the most famous is the Battle of Stalingrad. On the hour every hour, the clock tower shows a Tbilisi must-see too. A screen on the clock tower shows the circle of life when an angel comes out and rings the bell. This is one of the more unusual attractions in Tbilisi, but certainly worth a few hours of your time!

#5 – Narikala Fortress

• Fortress that dates back to the 4th century AD
• Take the cable car up to one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tbilisi
• Another spot where you can get outstanding views of Tbilisi

Why it’s awesome: Wondering how to see Tbilisi from above? Well, if you find Mtatsminda Park is a little too much of a trek, here’s a cool alternative. Narikala Fortress is on the edge of the Old Town, so if you’ve spent the day there, this is a great place to combine into that day. Dating all the way back to the 4th century AD, it used to have a Persian citadel inside! It was expanded upon in the subsequent 1500 years before being damaged by an explosion. Nowadays, you can hike to the top of the fortifications of one of the most famous places in Tbilisi!

What to do there: If you are planning to hike up to the fortress, do be careful as sections near the top can be slippery and quite hazardous. If you just want to enjoy the views, you can take the cable car up and not have to worry about any of that! For any thrill-seekers out there, you’ll find undoubtedly one of the coolest attractions in Tbilisi. From the Fortress, you can take a zipline down to the botanical gardens. Without a doubt one of the coolest ways to get around town!

#6 – Mother Georgia Statue

• One of the most important landmarks in Georgia
• Offers panoramic views over the city
• 20 metre aluminium statue guarding over the capital

Why it’s awesome: Turns out there are a hell of a lot of viewpoints around Tbilisi! Right next to Narikala Fortress is another Tbilisi must-see. The Mother Georgia Statue, aka Kartvlis Deda. Standing atop Sololaki Hill, the 20-metre-tall aluminium statue was designed to celebrate the city’s 1500-year anniversary. It depicts a woman in Georgian National Dress holding two things in her hands. In her left, there is a bowl of wine to greet friends, while in her right there’s a sword to deter enemies. One of the best Tbilisi vacation ideas if you want to learn about the national culture and get some good views!

What to do there: Well, at the statue you’ll probably want to take pictures and admire the views! So, really, it’s more about how you get there than what to do when you’re actually there. If you’re feeling fit and active, you can walk up to the city. However, if you’d prefer something more relaxed, why not take the cable car up? It only costs 1 lari, and the ride over the Old Town gives you a different perspective of one of the most famous places in Tbilisi!

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#7 – Tbilisi AutoMuseum

• One of the largest collections of Soviet cars in the world
• Hidden away in an under-visited part of town
• Take a guided tour to learn more about the vehicles

Why it’s awesome: When you explore Tbilisi, it’s not much fun if you don’t get off the beaten track. Hidden away in a neighbourhood rarely visited by tourists, you’ll find the Tbilisi AutoMuseum. If you’re into cars, you can’t miss this off your Tbilisi itinerary. It’s the largest collection of Soviet cars in the Caucasus region! Not only will you see luxury vehicles owned by Soviet leaders, but the first Soviet pickup and many cars abandoned in small villages.

What to do there: To really learn about the cars, take a guided tour. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and while it may sound a little dull if you’re not into your cars, the fact that each car has its own story of how it came to be at the museum is certainly intriguing. The private collection of cars and motorbikes is definitely one of the more unusual attractions in Tbilisi, but it’s definitely worth visiting to see a different branch of Soviet history!

#8 – Chronicles of Georgia

• Visit the ‘Georgian Stonehenge’
• A 30 meter tall statue that’s rarely visited by locals or tourists
• A great idea for what to do in Tbilisi if you’re looking for peace and quiet

Why it’s awesome: It might sound like a fantasy novel series, but it isn’t. No, the Chronicles of Georgia are one huge statue outside of the city centre. Often referred to as Georgian Stonehenge by the locals (the ones that have actually been to see it), the 30 metre statue is covered in depictions of Georgian royalty, myths and legends, and scenes from this country’s complicated history. There are even some biblical scenes close to the bottom of the pillar!

What to do there: There’s every chance you’ll have one of the most incredible landmarks in Georgia to yourself, so take advantage of that. It’s another spot where you’ll be able to get fantastic views of the city, and also the “Tbilisi Sea”. Although locals call it the sea, it’s actually a lake. This is a great place to go if you’re wanting some peace and quiet away from the city for a day, as you can sunbathe on its shores and swim in the waters!

#9 – Dry Bridge Flea Market – A great place in Tbilisi if you love to shop

• Get a totally unique souvenir for your loved ones back home
• Get your haggling hat on!
• Open daily but most popular on the weekends

Why it’s awesome: You can go high street shopping anywhere in the world. However, if you want something truly unique, head to the Dry Bridge Flea Market. You’re bound to find something that you definitely wouldn’t in your home country! Whether it’s vintage Soviet antiques, jewellery, or just stuff for around the house, you’ll find it here at the Dry Bridge Flea Market. Although nowadays it’s a cool spot to pick up some souvenirs, historically the story isn’t quite so happy. People used to come here in the “days of survival” to make a little cash on their belongings.

What to do there: While you’re here, it’d be rude not to pick up some cool souvenirs. Whether that’s for yourself, or for friends and families back home. However, the local sellers can spot a tourist from a mile off and you’ll definitely have a few lari bolted onto your price! Make sure you haggle or even better go to the market with a Georgian friend if you have one!

#10 – Bank of Georgia Headquarters – A great place to see in Tbilisi if you love architecture!

• An unusual design which allows foliage to grow underneath the building
• An example of Russian constructivist architecture
• One of the most unusual attractions in Tbilisi

Why it’s awesome: It may just look like a random collection of boxes at different angles on first glance, but there’s method to the madness of the Bank of Georgia headquarters! South of the city centre, you may think this looks like an impossible Lego structure made by a child, or even a Transformer midway through the change. However, this cool and unusual building is an example of the ‘Space City Method’ of architecture. It allows plants to grow beneath it!

What to do there: There’s really not much to go into the building for, since it’s the headquarters of a bank. However, it’s worth visiting just because this is one of the most unusual examples of Soviet architecture there is anywhere, let alone just in Georgia. Although it’s based on ideas from the 1920s, it wasn’t opened until 1975. Nowadays, opinion is split on the building. Go there and make your own mind up! One thing’s for sure, it’s one of the most outstanding landmarks in Tbilisi!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Tbilisi

Is Tbilisi worth visiting?

As the second biggest city in Georgia, Tbilisi is often overlooked and a true hidden gem. I would say it’s worth a visit if you’re travelling through Georgia.

What is the most famous part of Tbilisi?

The Old Town (Altstadt) is the most famous part of Tbilisi.

Is it safe to travel to Tbilisi, Georgia?

Tbilisi is a relatively safe city to visit, but you do need to be careful of crazy, erratic drivers.

Is 3 days enough time to visit Tbilisi?

Yes, three days is plenty of time to see the main attractions.

Final Thoughts

So, that’s all from our list of the best places to visit in Tbilisi. We hope that you’ve found our extensive list helpful and that you’ve got some ideas for your Tbilisi itinerary! The capital isn’t all serious and historical monuments, it definitely has a fun side too.

It would definitely be easy to stay for a week or even longer in Tbilisi, especially if your travel plans aren’t fixed. But even for the shortest trips, make sure you have our list of the best places to visit in Tbilisi at hand. It’ll save you a lot of stress when you’re mapping out what to do. And it’ll give you a hand when picking the best places to stay too!

So, now that you know about the best places to visit in Tbilisi, let us wish you a fantastic vacation. We hope you have a great time!

Alya and Campbell

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16 Things To Do in Tbilisi, Georgia (3-Day Guide)

Ornate wooden balconies lean over the cobblestone streets of Tbilisi. The capital of Georgia, being a transcontinental country between Europe and Asia, is very different from what you might expect. Tbilisi offers arguably some of the best European food and wine, charming houses with courtyards, artsy and futuristic architecture, and countless corners that make you want to grab your camera. Get to know all the things to do in Tbilisi in three days as it is set to become one of the best places to visit in Europe .

Day 1 – This is Tbilisi, Georgia

Unlike other city trips in Europe, you don’t necessarily have to wake up at sunrise to avoid the crowd. Tbilisi is slowly becoming a European city known for its hospitality and fantastic food & wine.

Here are all your hotel options in Tbilisi.

1. Sulfur Baths of Old Tbilisi

Warm water enriched with minerals from deep underground is used inside the dome-shaped sulfur baths of Old Tbilisi. Around 8:30 AM, make your way to the domes and the mosque-shaped Orbeliani Bathhouse for a few very picturesque photos.

Hotels in Tbilisi 😴

When visiting the city during the colder months, getting a bath treatment is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi. Doors open at 8 AM – Costs 60 – 80‎ Lari .

Tip: For a delicious breakfast or lunch, check out Culinarium Khasheria at the Sulfer baths.

2. Meidan Bazar 

Discover Georgian handicrafts, wine, and many more souvenirs in an underground tunnel bazaar. The shop goes all the way underneath the road and is a 5-minute walk from the Sulphur Baths. 

Alternatively, discover Tbilisi by booking a walking tour .

3. Gallery 27

Gallery 27 is an eye-catching house with impressive carvings and has a photogenic staircase entrance decorated with colored stained-glass windows. The gallery itself offers local arts and crafts, opens at 11 AM, and is a short 5-minute walk from the Meidan Bazar.

Did you know: Tap water in Tbilisi is safe to drink. Bring your reusable bottle and prevent using plastic bottles.

Read more tips on how to reduce plastic while traveling .

4. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

With a height of 87 meters, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Cathedral of Georgia, and its golden dome can be spotted from pretty much everywhere in Tbilisi. 

From Gallery 27, take a 10-15 minute taxi ride to the cathedral and spend one to two hours around sunset wandering around the complex.

In 2004, the Sameba Cathedral opened its doors with a lush green garden, fountains, and a swimming pool where you will see the children play in the summer. The cathedral is free to enter, but to visit the inside, men have to wear long pants, and a woman has to cover her shoulders and head and wear a skirt. 

5. Georgian Cuisine

With Georgia spanning between Europe and Asia this fusion of flavors is one of the most underrated cuisines in the world. Yes, you heard it right – The food in Georgia is in-cre-di-ble! 

Have you heard of Khachapuri? It is Georgia’s most famous traditional dish; a delicious bread shaped like a boat, topped with eggs, cheese and butter. 

Does that sound too traditional? Well, in recent years, many chefs transformed the local flavors of traditional dishes into something better. And since walnuts, eggplant, mushrooms, and cheese are commonly used ingredients finding good vegetarian meals in Georgia isn’t hard at all.

Book your food and wine tour in Tbilisi

Spend the evening at the coolest place in town; Fabrika is a large old Soviet sewing factory transformed into a multi-functional space. It includes the biggest hostel in the region, cafes & bars, artist studios, a co-working space, and a creative industrial open courtyard where everyone gathers for a drink.

The Fabrika space is an absolute must-see and a great thing to do in Tbilisi, as it is a popular hotspot among locals and travelers. 

Day 2 – Old and New things to do in Tbilisi

Goodmorning on your second day exploring the things to do in Tbilisi! You must be buzzing after your first day in this incredible city! Start your day again around 8:30 AM.

7. Leaning clock tower

The first stop of the day is the fairytale-like leaning clock tower of Tbilisi. Tucked away in a side street of the old town, the clock was designed as a part of the puppet theater and attracts many eyes. A fun fact is that it has the smallest and biggest clock in the city.

Tip: Do not miss the angel hitting the bell at the hour.

Visit the clock tower on this guided walking tour

8. Flea Market

The daily ‘Dry Bridge’ flea market is perfect if you love old and antique items. A huge assortment of jewelry, vinyl records, books, old cameras, maps, clothing, and so much more is carefully laid out on the ground in the park. It’s open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day and is a 10-minute walk from the leaning clock tower. Oh, and don’t forget to bargain! It is very common.

Good to know: There are many street dogs in Tbilisi. Fortunately, they are all tagged, and the locals take good care of them.

9. Tbilisi Peace Bridge and Rike Park

Follow the path down along the riverside, and pass by the mushroom-like building ‘Public Service Hall’ towards Tbilisi’s Peace Bridge. This pedestrian bridge connects old to new Tbilisi, with on the other side a green park with fountains, art, and flowers. A good place to relax and enjoy the city.

10. Sachino – Queen Darejan Palace

The charming turquoise balcony hanging over the edge of a cliff is the former summer residence of Queen Darejan and is overlooking Rike Park. It’s a short walk uphill from Rike park and free to visit inside.

11. Narikala Fortress

Rike Park is also the cable car station to Narikala Fortress on the top of the hill. A 360-degree view over the city in a quick cable car ride will only cost you one Lari. (0.35 USD) 

On top, walk the trail to the old Narikala Fortress that was built in the 4th century. From there you will have a panoramic view of the city. Follow the 1500-meter trail down to get back into Tbilisi’s old town.

Explore all the highlights of the Old Town of Tbilisi 

Bonus thing to do in Tbilisi – Georgian interiors 

Behind the old Tbilisian house walls, lie courtyards and stairways that could be part of a movie scene, they are that beautiful. Make sure to check out the Blue House , London Hotel and Kalantarov House .

Day 3 – Tbilisi Outskirts  

For this third day of things to do in Tbilisi, it’s recommended to use the taxi a little more often. Traditional taxis are cheap but get ready to bargain. Bolt is an Uber alternative and a good option to get around the city.

13. Chronicles of Georgia

One of the best things to do in Tbilisi is a morning trip to the Chronicles of Georgia. Standing 30-meter tall, this massive 16-pilar monument overlooks the Tbilisi sea. The shape, decorations, and structure are spectacular and definitely worth a visit, as it is free to visit and open 24/7. 

How to get to the Chronicle of Georgia:

The easiest way is to use the Bolt app and ask if the driver can wait for you at the monument. Expect to pay between 20 and 40 GEL for a round trip. (~ 6 – 13 USD)

Alternatively, book a tour to the Chronicles of Georgia that includes transportation, a guide, and other sights in Tbilisi.

14. Gardenia Shevardnadze

On your way back from the Chronicles, stop at the tea house and stunning garden of Gardenia Shevardnadze. Escape from the city in a relaxing garden atmosphere and try the delicious cakes, coffee, and tea.

15. Cooldown at Mtatsminda Park

Mtatsminda Park is a park at the highest point of Tbilisi at 770 meters. It can be reached by an impressive funicular ride all the way to the top. Inside the park, you can enjoy a nice breeze, have lunch or a coffee or visit one of the attractions, as it is also an amusement park. There is no entrance fee for the park, only for the attractions.

16. Wine, Georgian wine!

Wine-lover or not, you have to taste Georgian wines. Wine is Georgia, and Georgia is wine – winemaking and drinking have been part of their culture for over 8000 years! Long before Italy started making wine. Nowadays, Georgia makes wine for every taste, and it is one of its biggest export products. Close your adventure in Tbilisi with a delicious glass of wine or join a wine tasting tour of the Kakheti wine region.

How to Visit Tbilisi

Tbilisi has direct flights to major cities in Europe and into the Middle East .

Amsterdam , London, and Paris have multiple direct flights per week and there is a daily flight to Dubai, Egypt , and Israel.

Getting from the airport to Tbilisi city can be done by bus or taxi. Bus 37 runs every 15 minutes and is a 50-minute ride to the city center and costs 0,5 Lari. (0.20 USD) Another option would be taking a taxi that takes 25 minutes and will cost you about 35 Lari. (11.5 USD).

Easily book your airport transfer online

Getting around Tbilisi

By foot – Tbilisi and its charming little streets are fantastic to discover simply by walking. The distances between the things to do in Tbilisi are relatively short, especially the first two days of this city trip guide.

Public transport –  The yellow buses and the metro are dirt cheap and make it easier to cover a larger distance. Pay in the bus and subway with a “Metromoney” card – a single ride costs 50 Tetri (0.20 USD) and can also be used in the Rike Park cable car.

Taxi – Taxis in Tbilisi are everywhere, but be prepared to agree on a price before entering the car. The taxi app Bolt works conveniently and gives you a fair price.

Where to stay in Tbilisi

Most things to do in Tbilisi are located in the old and charming city center, and this is also the best area to stay in Tbilisi. The city offers accommodation for any kind of budget, including some great hostels ( search for a hostel here ).

How much does Tbilisi cost?

Although Tbilisi feels like a European city, just like Budapest , it is surprisingly affordable. Currently, 1 USD is equal to 3 Lari.

Costs of Traveling in Tbilisi

Travel on a budget in Tbilisi, from $220 − $450 USD weekly per person, mid-range $700 − $1790 USD, and high-end from $1760 − $2510 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $60 − $200 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $8 − $50 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $1 − $3 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $50 − $100 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $10 − $30 USD
• Activities: $10 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Where to eat in Tbilisi

The food culture in Tbilisi is huge. Traditional and fusion restaurants serve delicious Georgian cuisine. The following restaurants are our favorites and also offer vegetarian options.

• Culinarium Khasheria
• Keto & Kote
• Puri Guliani

Best time to visit Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a great city to visit year-round; however, a little bit of sunshine would make your visit even better. The best time to visit Tbilisi would be in Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September and October).

During summer, temperatures rise to 30-35 degrees, which is still doable but not great to walk around in the entire day.

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Used your article as a reference for our trip to Tbilisi and had a very nice time. Thank you.

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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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Must-see attractions in Tbilisi

Narikala Fortress

Dominating the Old Town skyline, Narikala dates right back to the 4th century, when it was a Persian citadel. Most of the walls were built in the 8th…

National Gallery

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Anchiskhati Basilica

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Kartlis Deda

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Parliament Building

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Open-Air Museum of Ethnography

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MOMA Tbilisi

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Project ArtBeat

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Botanical Gardens

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Concert Hall & Exhibition Centre

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Kashveti Church

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Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Art

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Armenian Cathedral of St George

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Tbilisi History Museum

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Bridge of Peace

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Mtatsminda Pantheon

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Jvaris Mama Church

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Freedom Square

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The 11 best things to do in Tbilisi

Ancient buildings, natural wine and an innovative club culture – here’s how to make the most out of Georgia’s capital

The capital of Georgia –  a small country straddling the borders of  Europe and Asia  – Tbilisi is a fascinating hodgepodge of cultures sitting right at the heart of the historic Silk Road trading route. It’s   a place where ancient history sits side-by-side with slick new developments, sometimes on the same street. U ltra-modern glass-covered highrises neighbour medieval churches almost as old as the city itself, while blocky Soviet-era industrial buildings, with their strict utilitarian design, are being repurposed all over the place. A factory is now home to stylish cafes and shops; a print house is now a modern hotel and restaurant; a deserted swimming pool under a stadium is now a nightclub that regularly gathers over 1,200 people.

Tbilisi is a place to indulge, whether that’s in history, architecture, nightlife, food, wine – or everything all at once, it’s up to you. Aside from the wine. That’s a must.

Tamar Lortkipanidze is a travel writer and Tbilisi native. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our   editorial guidelines   and check out our latest   travel guides   written by local experts.  

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1.  Take a cable car to the Mother of Georgia

Hop on a cable car from Rike Park and take in the skyline as you soar to  Sololaki  Hill, which overlooks Tbilisi. Here you’ll find the gargantuan Mother of Georgia ( Kartlis Deda ), a 20-metre-tall aluminium sculpture of a woman in national dress. She holds a sword in one hand, to fight enemies, and a cup of wine in the other, to welcome guests. It’s considered the symbol of the city. Up here you’ll also find Nariakala, a massive fourth-century fortress built by Vakhtang I Gorgasali, the Iberian King who founded Tbilisi. Catch a ride back down on the cable car, or if you’re feeling energetic, follow a narrow hiking path down past Leghvtakhevi Waterfall.

2.  Explore Tbilisi’s Old Town on foot

Tbilisi’s Old Town is an immensely interesting and easily walkable area. Start with checking out the gorgeous architecture in Sololaki, an area crowned one of Time Out’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2021.  Cut through the newly renovated Gudiashvili Square and go down to Shavteli Street to visit the Gabriadze Theatre, with its famous crooked clock tower, and Anchiskhati Basilica (the oldest church in Tbilisi, built in VI century AD). Head down to the Mtkvari River, making sure to check out the undulating Bridge of Peace, and stroll along the bank toward Metekhi Cathedral and Queen Darejan’s Palace. For a well-organised and informative tour, search for a local company organising walking tours. Do keep in mind that if a tour is advertised as free, it’s tip-based and you should have some cash on hand.

3.  Visit the Georgian National Museum

A must-see for first-time visitors (or returning visitors who skipped it), the Georgian National Museum is home to some of the country’s most important historic artefacts. From a display of prehistoric skulls, including the Dmanisi hominins –  the most complete hominid skull ever found –  to an exhibition that takes a deep dive into the Soviet occupation, this is the place to develop an understanding of Georgia’s long history.

4.  Take a closer look at Niko Pirosmani’s paintings at the National Gallery

Niko Pirosmani is arguably Georgia’s most famous painter. Even if you’re not into art, visiting his exhibition on the second floor of the National Gallery is a must. The main characters of Pirosmani’s primitivist art are everyday people, and his paintings can be a better window into the past than any history book. The permanent exhibition area also displays works of other seminal artists like Lado Gudashvili, David Kakabadze and Iakob Nikoladze. And keep an eye on the schedule at The National Gallery for their exciting roster of temporary exhibitions.

5.  Follow the tiled stairs to the Tbilisi Art Academy

Hidden away near the Zara store on Rustaveli Avenue, you’ll find a set of stairs decorated with 2000 painted tiles. They lead up to the beautiful Tbilisi Art Academy, an 1850s building that blends European Neo-Baroque and traditional Persian architecture. Its Mirror Halls, with carved walls and ceilings decorated with glinting mirror shards and Qajar masters’ paintings, is one of  Tbilisi’s most overlooked gems. One word of advice – the academy building is closed to visitors during the exam and holiday seasons, so do check it's open before visiting.

6.  Drink a glass (or five) of Georgian wine

Georgia is regarded as the cradle of wine, boasting an 8000-year history of winemaking – so even if you’re only in Tbilisi for a day, this one is a must. While most Georgian restaurants will have wine on the menu, it’s the small wine-focused restaurants and bars with selections of natural wines you should pay attention to. Luckily, there are plenty of them in the city centre. Try Flags Wine Bar on Akhvlediani, a no-frills venue that offers an affordable selection of wines from small independent wineries. If you’re looking for some food to soak up the wine, Ghvinis Kurdebi in the old Wine Factory offers traditional Georgian dishes that can be paired with delicious local wines.

7.  Look around the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, which the Georgians call simply Sameba (Trinity), is the main spiritual centre of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Architect Archil Mindiashvili’s design blends traditional Georgian and more lavish Byzantine styles, making it much more opulent than typical Georgian churches. The massive complex, built between 1995 and 2004, is perched on top of Elia Hill, only adding to the grandeur. Its interior, decorated with frescoes and mosaics, is just as impressive.

8.  Check out the ‘Georgian Stonehenge’

Located away from the most popular tourist attractions near the Tbilisi Sea, it’s worth going out of your way to see the Chronicle of Georgia. The sculptor and architect Zurab Tsereteli started working on the massive 16-pillar structure in 1985, but was never able to finish it due to political tensions and the subsequent fall of the Soviet Union. Each of the monument’s massive 35-meter-tall pillars depicts important events in Georgian history, starting from St Nino converting King Mirian III to Christianity. Due to the height and scale of the structure, it’s sometimes cheekily referred to as the ‘Georgian Stonehenge’. 

9.  Get scrubbed down at a sulfur bath

Sulfur baths are one of Tbilisi’s biggest draws. In fact, according to legend, they’re the entire reason the city was built in the first place. Most of the baths are located in a neighbourhood aptly named Abanotubuani (‘Abano’ means ‘bathhouse’ in Georgian) and are easily recognisable with their brick and tiled domes popping out of the ground. Nowadays many bathhouses have been refurbished to cater to tourists. Usually, you’ll rent a private room to steam on your own or with friends. If you do decide to visit and soak, don’t leave without a kisa scrub .

10.  Ride the funicular railway to Mtatsminda Park

At 770 metres above sea level, Mtatsminda Park is the highest point in Tbilisi. Covering more than 100 hectares, the area houses a theme park, numerous cafes and bars, and the Tbilisi TV Tower. Locals, however, come here for three things: the breathtaking views of the city, a ride on the 65-metre-tall Ferris wheel, and the many festivals hosted annually at the park – including wine, cheese, honey and ice cream fairs. For the full experience, catch a ride on the funicular cable railway from Chonqadze Street and enjoy the views on the way up.

11.  Learn about Georgian wine in the Karvasla Event Hall

Karvasla Event Hall (not to be confused with the shopping centre) is an old caravanserai (a type of roadside inn) near Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi Old Town. The top floor serves as an exhibition hall for modern and experimental art, while the ground floor houses the Tbilisi History Museum’s collection of archival photos, historic clothes, furniture, carriages and dioramas of heritage buildings. But the best thing to see here is the Wine Museum in the underground chambers. It’s a capsule of Georgia’s 8000 years of winemaking, displaying various wine-related ephemera, including Qvevri (a large egg-shaped earthenware vessel unique to Georgian winemaking) and  Satsnakheli (a wine press made from either wood or stone).

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Wander-Lush

52 Unique Things to Do in Tbilisi: The Ultimate Guide

Planning a trip to Georgia and wondering what to do in Tbilisi? This mega guide brings together all my favourite things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia – including free activities, unusual and unique attractions, immersive experiences, and local favourites.

First published in 2017 and freshly updated for 2023, this is my mega Tbilisi Guide. Read on for the best things to do in Tbilisi, accurate and up to date for what’s open now and current restrictions.

Tbilisi is the kind of city that draws you in, reveals itself slowly, then gets right under your skin. Dripping with tradition yet effortlessly cool, Tbilisi is suave and chaotic, charming and eccentric all at once.

Don’t get me wrong, it does have its flaws. But to me, Tbilisi is a city beyond compare.

I first visited Tbilisi in 2017. After several return trips, I decided to move here at the start of 2020. At this point, I know the city inside and out. And yet every time I walk out my front door, I fall in love with Tbilisi just that little bit more.

Tbilisi has a well established tourist trail. But you won’t find many of the typical ‘big ticket attractions’ on this list.

Instead, I want to show you some of my favourite cool, weird, alternative and off-beat things to see, do and experience in Tbilisi – the kind of things that will make your trip unforgettable.

For even more ideas, see my seasonal guides:

• Things to do in Tbilisi in summer
• Things to do in Tbilisi in autumn
• Things to do in Tbilisi in spring
• Things to do in Tbilisi in winter

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

8 quick Tbilisi tips for your trip

Before we discover the best of Tbilisi, here are a couple of quick tips based on the questions I get asked most frequently.

• Don’t come in summer. Mid-June through to the end of August is peak tourist season and it’s far too hot and cloying to be enjoyable. September/October and May/early June are the nicest times to visit Tbilisi. → See my detailed guide on when to visit Georgia and my Georgia Events Calendar .
• Never take a taxi from Tbilisi Airport. It’s a surefire way to start your trip on the wrong foot. Instead, pre-book a private transfer with GoTrip , use the city bus, or download the Grab app before you leave home. → See my Tbilisi Airport Arrivals Guide for more details.
• Buy a local sim card when you arrive. It’s essential for booking taxis, general navigation and translation. → See my guide to buying a Georgian sim card for the best providers and step-by-step instructions for getting set up.
• Stay in Sololaki, Lower Vera, Avlabari or Chugureti. These inner-city suburbs are the most suitable for visitors. You’ll find my accommodation recommendations in the next section.

• Adjust to ‘Tbilisi Time’. Tbilisi is a late riser and most restaurants, museums etc. don’t open until 10 or 11am. → If your accommodation doesn’t provide breakfast, here is a list of cafes that open early .
• Remember that Tbilisi is a very safe city. But you still need to exercise common sense. There are a couple of tourist scams to be wary of, and petty theft does occur from time to time. → See my tips for staying safe in Tbilisi .
• Don’t under-budget. Georgia is great value for money, but not everything in Tbilisi is ‘cheap’. → See my detailed Tbilisi travel budget .
• Bring good walking shoes and a scarf. Tbilisi is hilly with cobblestone streets, so your feet will thank you for packing good shoes. Ladies, always carry a lightweight scarf that you can throw over your hair when visiting churches. → Take a peek at my Georgia Packing List .

→ For more helpful tips, here are 23 things to know before you visit Georgia .

Where to stay in Tbilisi

If it’s your first time visiting Tbilisi, I recommend staying somewhere in the city centre. My favourite neighbourhoods are Sololaki (south-east of Liberty Square), Lower Vera (around Stamba Hotel), Avlabari (across the river from the sulfur baths), and Chugureti AKA Marjanishvili or Plekhanovi (around Fabrika).

All these neighbourhoods are safe with a great local vibe, beautiful architecture, and plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars nearby.

→ I have separate guides for Tbilisi’s best Airbnbs , family-run guesthouses and hostels .

Here are my top overall picks for every budget:

TOP CHOICE: The House Hotel Old Tbilisi (⭐ 9.7). Located in the heart of the old town, this beautiful new boutique hotel has luxe rooms arranged around a typical Tbilisi yard. Enjoy your morning coffee on the pretty blue balcony, then dive into an incredible complimentary breakfast served in the courtyard at Blue Fox Restaurant.

BUDGET: Pushkin 10 (⭐ 9.4). Located 400m from Freedom Square and footsteps from the popular Orbeliani Market and Atoneli Street precinct, this central hostel offers tidy 4 or 8-bed dorms plus private doubles overlooking a shared Tbilisi courtyard. The sunny kitchen and breakfast room with city views is a highlight.

MID-RANGE: Vagabond B&B (⭐ 9.3). Located in hip Chugureti, 600m from Marjanishvili Metro Station, this house has a relaxed, home-away-from-home atmosphere. Singles and doubles have private bathrooms, and shared dining and outdoor spaces are made for coming together over a meal or a glass of wine.

BOUTIQUE: Communal Hotel Plekhanovi (⭐ 9.4). With 14 immaculate rooms, an onsite Levantine restaurant and their own wine bar and gift shop, Communal is one of the best hotels in Georgia. The location in an up-and-coming part of Chugureti is ideal for dining and nightlife. Also see their sister property, Communal Sololaki .

HIGH-END: Stamba Hotel (⭐ 9.2). Located at the top of Rustaveli Avenue, walking distance from both the old town and Vera district, this hotel is nestled inside a former Soviet-era printing house and epitomises ‘industrial chic’. Rooms are stunning, the buffet breakfast is one of the best in the city, and there are several onsite bars.

Tbilisi is just the beginning…

Discover all the best things to do in Georgia! Join my email list and I’ll send you a copy of my PDF guide ‘365 Things to Do in Georgia’.

52 awesome things to do in Tbilisi: The ultimate list

Everything listed here is located within Tbilisi’s city centre and is easy to reach by foot, metro or taxi.

→ For things to do outside the city, see my guide to the 15 best Tbilisi day trips .

Overall best things to do in Tbilisi

Let’s start with the classics. Here are the things I enjoyed most the first time I travelled to Tbilisi and always recommend to friends and family when they visit.

1. Sip coffee inside a former Soviet sewing factory

Tbilisians have a knack for taking abandoned, ramshackle buildings and relaunching them as vibrant public spaces. There’s a printing house reincarnated as a hotel, a public pool that’s now an art space, and most famous of all, a Soviet-era sewing factory reborn as a hostel and multipurpose creative space.

Some people think Fabrika embodies ‘Tbilisi cool’. Others believe it’s a commercialisation of the subculture. Personally, I’ll always have a soft spot for this venue – it’s simply one of the best places in Tbilisi to drink, eat, shop, work and socialise.

The outside of Fabrika is a canvas for street art. Inside, the ground floor resembles an oversized, light-filled lounge room complete with a cafe/restaurant, mismatched sofas, and dozens of brightly coloured Caucasian rugs .

The Fabrika Courtyard houses half a dozen cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques including Flying Painter Store , which sells a small collection of retro garments made in the factory.

• Insider tip: You’re no longer allowed to take photos with a DSLR camera in the Fabrika lobby, so use your phone instead.
• Further reading: Learn the story behind Fabrika here .

2. Go for a scrub at the Abanotubani Sulfur Baths

When Tbilisi superseded Mtskheta to become Georgia’s capital in the 5th century, the location for the city was chosen because of the natural hot springs that course underground (Tbilisi means ‘warm place’). Persian-Ottoman style bath houses were erected atop this geothermal playground, most of them in Abanotubani, the Old Town’s iconic sulfur bath district.

Each one of Tbilisi’s famous domed bathhouses (there are about a dozen) taps into the precious warm waters to offer a range of health and beauty treatments. During the 1990s when running water was scarce, many families relied on the baths for daily use. The experience today is far more touristy, but there are some bathhouses that are more authentic than others.

For a truly local experience, go nude at the sex-segregated public baths. Alternatively, most bathhouses have private rooms where you can bathe and steam solo (or with a friend). Don’t miss out on the exfoliating scrub down called a Kisi , similar but different to a Turkish hammam treatment.

• Insider tip: Chreli-Abano might be the most beautiful bathhouse on the block but the interior is not the most authentic. Read my guide linked below to find out which baths are the best.
• Further reading: Detailed guide to the sulfur baths with etiquette tips for first-timers.

3. Explore Old Tbilisi by foot

Tbilisi has always been a meeting place for different cultures and religions ever since the days of the Old Silk Road . You can smell, taste and hear the diversity – but most obviously, you can plainly see it in the city’s eclectic architecture.

To experience the ‘real Tbilisi’, you have to get out and explore on foot, taking as many deliberate-yet-aimless walks as your feet can handle. Both Old Tbilisi’s Kala ‘Castle’ district and the Sololaki neighbourhood are a paradise for people watching, architecture peeping and street photography.

Old Tbilisi is a huge area that includes Abanotubani, Betlemi Street, and the area around the Old Meidani Square plus the Avlabari and Chugureti districts across the river. The pocket of streets behind the Old City wall is particularly atmospheric: All winding alleys, tumbledown houses, Tbilisi courtyards and grand balconies.

While popular Shardeni Street and the Cotton Rows are nice, I prefer Sololaki, the old merchant district, which lies west of Freedom Square. You can immediately feel the difference as this area is more organised with a gridded layout. There are crumbling beauties and stunning public buildings around every corner.

My favourite streets include:

• Asatiani Street
• Arsena Street
• Ivane Machabeli Street

See items #25 and #26 on this list to learn particular buildings and entryways to look out for.

• Insider tip: It pays to go with a guide so you can learn the hidden histories behind the buildings and go inside some of the entryways.
• Further reading: Here is my round-up of the best walking tours in Tbilisi .

4. Embrace ‘Italian courtyard’ culture

One quirk of the city’s anatomy that you’ll see all over Tbilisi (especially in Sololaki and Chugureti) are the so-called ‘Italian courtyards’. Behind seemingly uniform and tidy stone facades lies a tangle of gardens, water wells, balconies, covered walkways, galleries and spiral staircases.

The development of this style of communal living was influenced by old Silk Road caravanserais , where there was always a central area for socialising and negotiating deals. Later on, during Georgia’s time as a Soviet Republic, many private homes were divided up to make room for the many thousands of families ushered into the city. Extensions were hastily made and external staircases tacked on to create new entrances. This explains the hodgepodge appearance of some buildings.

It was around this time that Tbilisians started referring to their outdoor spaces as ‘Italian courtyards’, apparently a nod to the Mediterranean-inspired lifestyle they evoke. Each courtyard is brimming with life and almost like a mini ecosystem with its own rules and daily rhythms.

One of my most enduring images of Tbilisi involves a line of underwear flapping lazily in the breeze. You’ll learn to recognise and love laundry days, when the whole city hangs its clothes out to dry in a photogenic display.

• Insider tip: A great way to experience Tbilisi is to stay in an Airbnb with a shared courtyard. Just note that there’s not much privacy from the neighbours.

5. Comb through kitsch at the Dry Bridge Flea Market

The Dry Bridge Market (so-called because the bridge it’s staged on no longer spans the Kura river) is a huge open-air flea market that takes place every day of the week. Rummaging for treasure here is a must do in Tbilisi.

Hundreds of vendors convene to pedal boundless quantities of antiques, vintage paraphernalia and Soviet kitsch, including war medals, vinyl, KGB ID books, gas masks, chandeliers, maps of the former USSR, Soviet-issue film cameras, Christmas decorations – and anything and everything else you can imagine.

Underneath the bridge and in Dedaena Park, painters set up their easels and sell original artworks. You can also find carpets and various handmade items.

• Insider tip: There are more vendors on Saturdays and Sundays so it’s best to visit on the weekend if possible. Things get going around 11am. Polite bartering is commonplace and accepted. For a ‘less-touristy’ alternative, try the Barakholka market at Ortachala.
• Further reading: Guide to the Dry Bridge Market & what to buy.

6. Discover Georgian food beyond Khinkali and Khachapuri

On my first visit to Tbilisi, I met lots of travellers who had come to Georgia just for the food. I can totally sympathise: Georgian cuisine is surely one of the most underrated on earth. It’s notoriously decadent – heavy on carbs and dairy – but at the same time surprisingly fresh, fragrant and flavoursome.

Your first meal in Tbilisi must feature a heaving platter of Khinkali , doughy dumplings filled with minced meat and herbs, mashed potato or cheese. The world of Khachapuri , Georgia’s famous ‘cheese bread’, extends far beyond the boat-shaped Adjaruli Khachapuri that dominates social media. There are more than a dozen regional varieties with different fillings, shapes and toppings.

Once you’ve ticked off the top two delicacies, seek out Tbilisi’s best restaurants and sink your teeth into regional Georgian cooking. There are so many different stews, soups and fresh vegetable dishes to try ( many meals are naturally veg-friendly ) – after years of eating in Georgia, I haven’t come anywhere close to sampling them all.

• Insider tip: Believe it or not, there is such a thing as ‘bad Khinkali’. Don’t waste a meal – download my free guide to the 10 Best Khinkali in Tbilisi .
• Further reading: The 35 best Georgian restaurants in Tbilisi for this year .

7. Do a Georgian wine tasting

In Georgia, wine is both sacred stuff and serious business. Making Qvevri wine in clay amphora is a UNESCO-recognised tradition and an integral part of culture and identity.

There are hundreds of endemic grapes and literally thousands of varieties of wine – be sure to try at least a couple of ambers and of course the legendary Saperavi. Allocate ample time to visit Tbilisi’s many bars where you can soak up Georgian wine culture one glass at a time.

If you want to sample bottles from small family vineyards and alternative appellations areas in Kartli and Upper Adjara, a sit-down wine degustation is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi. 8000 Vintages hosts budget-friendly tastings led by a professional sommelier and is my top choice.

If you’re serious about wine, you’ll want to head out of Tbilisi to explore Kakheti, Georgia’s premier wine region. Check out my transport guide for getting to Kakheti from Tbilisi and my detailed guide to visiting Kakheti , the cradle of viticulture.

• Insider tip: Looking for the perfect Kakheti day trip from Tbilisi? I highly recommend travelling with Eat This! Tours. Read more about them here , and use the code wanderlush to get 5% off your booking.
• Further reading: Tbilisi’s best wine tastings, wine bars and wine shops .

8. Go bar hopping at Wine Factory N1

Speaking of wine: Another of my favourite Tbilisi activities is to visit Wine Factory N1 on a sunny afternoon. Built in 1894-96 by architect Alexander Ozerov, this was a major centre of wine production during Imperialist and Soviet days. After lying abandoned for some years, it reopened in 2017 as a dining and entertainment precinct.

Wine Factory N1 ( Ghvinis Karkhana ) is the beating heart of sleek Vera district. As well as wine bars, you’ll find cocktail bars, a slew of excellent restaurants (my top picks are Shushabandi and Veriko ), a few cafes, a cooking school, and several boutiques inside the grounds. IERI Store on the top level is the best place in Tbilisi to shop for Georgian designer clothing.

Reminders of the Wine Factory’s history – old wine barrels repurposed as pop-up bars, preserved Soviet-style mosaics – dot the extensive grounds. Don’t miss going underground to view the brick cellars, where you can peer through a glass portal at a huge collection of 100-year-old (very dusty) wine and cognac bottles, including several from Stalin’s personal collection.

• Further reading: See a complete list of the best bars in Tbilisi .

9. Listen to polyphonic chanting at Tbilisi’s oldest Orthodox church

Just outside one of the most-visited Tbilisi tourist attractions, Theatre Square with its ‘leaning clock tower’, tiny Anchiskhati Basilica is hidden away and quite conspicuous. It’s not one you want to miss though, especially on a Sunday morning when the chapel rings out with rousing polyphonic chanting.

If you’re not familiar with Georgian polyphony, this is a unique vocal style that involves singing multiple melody lines in unison. It’s a secular tradition that predates Christianity, but a version of it is performed during Orthodox mass. Listening to a well-rehearsed ensemble is almost an otherworldly experience, especially in a church with tailored-made acoustics.

Anchiskhati Basilica, home of the world-renowned Anchiskhati Choir, has daily mass and a Sunday morning service with polyphony that starts at around 10am. Visitors are welcome to join provided you’re discreet and follow the dress code (more tips below). You don’t need to sit (or stand!) through the entire service – the liturgical singing usually happens towards the end.

• Insider tip: When entering a church, monastery or convent in Georgia, men need to cover their shoulders and knees, and women also need to cover their hair. Some more conservative places require women to be wearing a long skirt rather than pants. Most churches have wrap skirts and headscarves you can borrow at the front door. Photography may or may not be permitted – if in doubt, ask first.
• Further reading: 10 churches in Tbilisi worth visiting .

10. Feel small at Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

One of the top Tbilisi sights, Georgia’s largest church is a symbol of the city: Its gilded dome can be spotted from just about anywhere in Tbilisi, especially at night when it is illuminated with flood lights.

But it’s only when you get up close that you feel the true scale of this majestic building, one of the tallest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world. Holy Trinity took almost a decade to build and was only completed in 2004 with the help of donations from generous Tbilisians.

When you arrive at the top of Elia Hill, a promenade leads to the base of a cascading stone staircase which you must summit to reach the main doors. The opulent interior is all marble and gold – I find the outside equally spectacular, especially the view of the towering facade on approach. You could spend a good hour inside Holy Trinity exploring the various chapels, cloisters and crypts.

• Insider tip: Avlabari neighbourhood where Sameba is located is very interesting, so take the time to wander around while you’re there. Also visit the Armenian Pantheon behind the church. There’s lots more to see in Tbilisi’s old Armenian quarter, including item #23 on this list.
• Further reading: Essential tips for visiting Sameba Cathedral .

11. Marvel at the ultra-modern architecture around Rike Park

Juxtaposed with its gracefully ageing historic homes, Tbilisi’s modern architecture errs on the extravagant side. There’s no misidentifying Tbilisi’s skyline – its instantly recognisable landmarks make it one-of-a-kind.

Three of the most striking structures, the Public Services Hall (AKA ‘mushroom building’), Rike Park Concert Hall and the Bridge of Peace, are all located around Rike Park on the Left Bank of the Kura river. You can walk this route through the park and along the river to see them all up close.

To view Tbilisi’s architecture is also to get a lesson in modern politics. Many of the more ostentatious buildings were dreamed up by former leaders and have a story (perhaps even a scandal) behind them.

• Further reading: Love modern architecture? You’ll also want to check out the Border Checkpoint in Sarpi on Georgia’s Black Sea coast.

12. Shop for Lurji Supra & other handicrafts

Georgia has a rich history of heritage crafts and a vibrant arts scene, encompassing everything from woodwork to Cloisonne enamel and felting. If you’re looking for something special to bring home from Georgia, there are a few independent shops in Tbilisi that sell handmade souvenirs sourced ethically from makers around the country.

My top pick of Tbilisi souvenir is a Lurji Supra , Georgia’s signature blue-and-white tablecloth. I own half a dozen of them at least! Traditional versions are screen-printed on cotton, but you can also find contemporary takes in an array of colours and fabrics, including polyester.

My favourite Tbilisi souvenir shops include:

• EthnoDesign
• Further reading: See my Tbilisi Shopping Map and my list of independent Georgian designers and makers .

13. Walk up the Academy of Arts stairs

Clay pottery is another long-standing craft tradition in Georgia. As you wander the Old Town, you’ll see beautiful ceramic signs on some streets. Look out for the tile plaques on Rustaveli Avenue that bear maxims from the epic Georgian poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin .

On the western side of Rustaveli there is a long flight of stairs that leads up to the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts on Griboedov Street. Each riser has been decorated with gorgeous hand-painted tiles adorned with patterns and symbols.

We have the two talented female artists at Ceramic Room to thank for this public work. Their shop in Vera sells souvenir-sized tiles and household ceramics, and they also host masterclasses at their studio in Sololaki.

When you reach the top, be sure to pop inside the incredible State Academy of Arts main building. Formerly a private mansion house belonging to the Armenian merchant Vardan Astvatsatryan Arshakuni, it was built at the end of the 19th century then bequeathed to the city.

The State Academy of Arts Museum is open on weekdays from 11am until around 5pm and allows you to tour several of the opulent rooms, including the ‘mirror halls’ that are decked out with mosaics and miniature paintings created by Persian master craftsmen. Entrance to the museum costs 12 GEL (card preferred).

• Further reading: How to visit the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts mirror halls .

14. Go inside the Apple of Love, one of the best things to do in Tbilisi for art lovers

Rustaveli is known for its museums and galleries. On the opposite side of the avenue to the ceramic stairs, you’ll find another intriguing art installation.

Created by Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli (who also designed the Chronicle of Georgia, #43 on this list, and contributed to the interior of Saint Sava Church in Belgrade, Serbia ), the ‘Apple of Love’ is a 9-metre-tall sculpture. You’ll find it on Meskhia Street, sandwiched between the Biltmore Hotel and the courtyard at MOMA Tbilisi (the Museum of Modern Art), founded by the artist in 2012.

From the outside, the sculpture is more than a bit mysterious. Then you notice the small doorway. On the inverse side, there’s just enough light to decipher 145 bronze relief panels that tell the origin of life.

• Details: MOMA is open from 11am-6pm Monday to Sunday. Entrance costs 15 GEL.
• Insider tip: MOMA is well worth the ticket price, especially to see the bronze Argonauts sculpture in the atrium. Otherwise you can view the Apple of Love from the street or when visiting the museum cafe.

15. View the collection at the mesmerising Art Palace of Georgia

My favourite museum in Tbilisi isn’t on Rustaveli Avenue, but rather is located on the opposite side of the river in Chugureti, Tbilisi’s old German district. Set inside a magnificent house designed by Paul Stern in 1895, the Art Palace of Georgia is a twofer: Not only are the objects on display inspiring, but the building itself is a work of art.

Officially the Georgian State Museum of Theatre, Music, Cinema and Choreography, this museum houses a private collection of manuscripts, sculptures, sheet music, theatre costumes, paintings and sketches. Exhibits are set amongst exquisite halls, each with hand-painted frescoes, elaborate fireplaces and antique furniture.

I particularly love the gallery devoted to Naïve artists Z. Sekhniashvili and S. Tatishvili on the lower level, and most of all the sketches by Kutaisi legend Petre Otskheli upstairs. You will surely recognise some of his works, including sketches for the 1936 Flying Painter film.

• Details: The Art Palace is open from 10.30am-5.30pm Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance costs 5 GEL (cash only).
• Further reading: Discover more special museums to visit in Tbilisi .

16. Go searching for LAMB

Tbilisi has a vibrant street art scene , with dozens of large-scale murals and small works by Georgian and international artists.

Perhaps the country’s most prolific street artist, LAMB has a style that is instantly recognisable and uniquely Georgian (Khinkali feature heavily in his graff). You’ll notice LAMB’s comical and often subversive work all over Tbilisi and as far afield as Batumi and Yerevan .

Check out this interview with Mishiko Sulakauri (AKA LAMB) and keep an eye out for his works, especially when you’re travelling through Tbilisi’s underpasses.

• Insider tip: Some of the best Tbilisi street art can be found around Fabrika and in the underpass at Baratashvili Bridge. Follow the Niko project to find out about fresh murals.
• Further reading: Love street art? See my guide to the best murals in Batumi .

17. Admire the gravestones at Mtatsminda Pantheon

My favourite unique attraction in Tbilisi has to be Mtatsminda Pantheon. Nestled in the yard at Mamadaviti church, halfway up Mount Mtatsminda ‘Holy Mountain’ (the one with the TV Tower on top), this is the final resting place of some of Georgia’s most important artists, poets, writers, historians, and political dissidents.

Each headstone in the necropolis is completely unique and inspired by the figure it commemorates. Some are understated, others are downright flamboyant. The Georgian calligraphy on the headstones is lovely, not to mention the panoramic views of the city from the terrace.

To get there, I recommend you follow the well-lit road from Sololaki (Mama Daviti Rise). If you’re not prepared for the steep uphill walk, you can alternatively reach the Pantheon by riding the Tbilisi Funicular to the first station.

18. Ride the Tbilisi Metro

When it opened in 1966, Tbilisi’s underground was the fourth metro system in the Soviet Union. True to form, many of its stations were embellished with mosaics, friezes and other decorations , many of which have lasted until today.

Now with two lines and 23 stations, the metro is a very convenient way to travel around the city. Especially since a ride costs only 1 GEL (around 30 US cents). More than that, though, the metro is a part of Tbilisi’s identity. Riding it is a great experience – even if the station escalators and trains speed a little too fast for my liking!

Interesting things happen when you use public transport in Georgia. In Australia, we might call them random acts of kindness. In Tbilisi, these sometimes grand but often unnoticed gestures seem to be part of the everyday social fabric.

Where else in the world would you happily hand your wallet or handbag over to a complete stranger? Don’t let the stony stares from other passengers dissuade you: Riding the metro can be a fun social experience and a window onto society.

• Insider tip: To ride the metro (and use public buses), you’ll first need to buy a rechargeable MetroMoney card or a blue Public Transport card. Both cards cost 2 GEL and can be purchased from any metro station. Use the orange or blue payboxes on the street to top up.
• Further reading: Tips for using public transport in Tbilisi .

Best things to do in Old Tbilisi

Old Tbilisi or Dzveli Tbilisi is a vast area that stretches from Abanotubani (the sulfur bath district) up to Sololaki and across the river to Old Avlabari and Chugureti on the Left Bank.

The combination of Georgian, Jewish, Armenian and German heritage makes it a fascinating area to explore.

19. Stretch your legs on the Betlemi Street Stairs

It won’t take long to realise that Tbilisi is very hilly. In the past, the steep streets of the Old Town were even more difficult to navigate – hence why enterprising locals decided to connect the upper and lower parts of the city with a set of stone steps.

Designed in 1850 by architect Timote Beloi and financed by the city’s craftsmen guilds or Amkaris , the Betlemi Street Stairs run from Sololaki to Upper Betlemi Church, then on towards the Mother of Georgia.

At the top of the stone stairs is a sprawling garden that looks out over the city. The Betlemi Rise Viewpoint has plenty of bench seating under shady vines. You’re bound to make a few furry friends up here as lots of cats call this park home.

From there, you can continue up the metal stairs behind the church to reach the top of the hill, or take the path down the opposite side to get back into the heart of Old Tbilisi.

20. Meet the Mother of Georgia

If there were one landmark to symbolise Tbilisi, it wouldn’t be the Peace Bridge or even Narikala – it would be Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia). A monolithic aluminium statue that stands guard over the city from the top of Sololaki hill, she brandishes a sword in one hand (to meet her enemies) and a bowl of wine in the other (to greet her guests). Wine or die!

Erected in 1958, the original monument was designed by Elguja Amashukeli and crafted from wood. A few years later it was covered with aluminium. Despite its Soviet connotations (you can find similar statues in Yerevan and other cities across the former USSR ), Kartlis Deda endured as an emblem of Tbilisi after Georgia’s independence. In 1997, a new statue replaced the old one.

When visiting the popular 4th-century Narikala Fortress , don’t miss taking a quick detour to get up close and personal with Kartlis Deda.

• Further reading: Quick guide to visiting Narikala Fortress & Sololaki hill .

21. Track down the Zoroastrian Fire Temple

Tbilisi really is a melting pot of traditions and beliefs. Alongside its Orthodox, Apostolic and Catholic churches, synagogues and mosque, the city also has a Zoroastiran Fire Temple.

Normally it’s neighbouring Azerbaijan that is associated with fire worship, but one of the world’s oldest religions was also practiced here in Georgia.

Ateshgah was built some time between the 5th-7th centuries when there was a heavy Persian influence in the city. Having survived the 1795 invasion that destroyed most of Tbilisi, it is one of the oldest – if not the oldest – structures in the city.

The temple, a humble brick structure with a plastic roof, is no longer active. In fact it’s located inside a private residence: If you want to go inside, you’ll need to knock on the door and see if anyone’s home to let you through.

The area around the temple is a beautiful maze of steep streets and wooden balconies.

22. Take a selfie at the Kaleidoscope House

Important note! As of spring 2023, this house is undergoing vital restoration work. Gallery 27, my favourite gift shop in Tbilisi that used to be located upstairs, has moved to Asatiani Street in Sololaki. The door to the Kaleidoscope House might be shut for safety reasons.

In its heyday, mosaic stained glass was a common architectural feature of Tbilisi. Sadly most examples have been lost to time – but there are a few buildings that still boast gorgeous rainbow windows. Another one is the ‘Blue House’ on restored Gudiashvili Square (see #25 below).

One of Tbilisi’s most recognisable landmarks (and a favourite Instagram spot), the ‘Kaleidoscope House’ has large multi-coloured glass windows on all three sides of its front stairway. When the afternoon sun hits at just the right angle, it paints a colourful pattern onto the stairs and wooden balustrades.

• Insider tip: Remember that families live in this house, so be respectful when taking photos and don’t linger on the staircase for too long. If you find the door is locked, it is probably because of the ongoing restoration works.

23. Stand in the belly of an abandoned Armenian cathedral

Important note! There is a new sign at the entrance to the carpark that says entrance to the area where the church is located is prohibited. There is also a sign indicating that a construction project will soon take place on this site. Please approach the area with caution.

Shamkoretsots Astvatsatsin (AKA Karmir Avetaran Church) was the tallest Armenian Apostolic church in Tbilisi when it was completed in 1809. After a robbery and a failed restoration attempt, it shut its doors to parishioners in 1937.

The church was then repurposed as a bakery, but apparently the dough mysteriously refused to rise. Later it was used as a gym and a library before eventually housing artists’ studios. In April 1989, the church almost completely collapsed in the days following an earthquake. The cupola and western facade were destroyed, leaving part of the cathedral open and exposed.

You can climb into the belly of the church from the adjacent car park. The whole area is scattered with bricks and debris, and a huge crack rises up right through the centre of the ruins. Like so many other buildings in Avlabari, Tbilisi’s historic Armenian Quarter, it’s both magnificent and melancholy.

• Insider tip: Enter from the carpark and climb up inside the church. The area is open and accessible, but give a polite nod to the parking guard as you go through.

24. Do a spin on Queen Darejan’s balcony

Also in Avlabari, just a few blocks from Karmir Avetaran towards Metekhi Church, Queen Darejan’s Palace is a must see in Tbilisi but a place many people seem to skip. The fortified complex overlooking the river was built in the 1770s for Queen Darejan, wife of King Erekle II.

At the front of the palace there’s a delightful blue circular wooden balcony befitting a queen. It affords views of Old Tbilisi and Europe Square. A working nunnery, the Holy Lord’s Transfiguration Convent, is set on the palace grounds. There is also a small church, a charming garden, and a gift shop where you can buy the nuns’ embroidery and lacework.

• Insider tip: I recommend visiting Queen Darejan’s Palace on Sunday morning during mass, when the nuns’ chanting spills out into the garden.

25. Survey the restored facades on Gudiashvili Square, Agmashenebeli Avenue & Atoneli Street

Tbilisi doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to caring for its historic buildings . Many of the Old Town’s most beautiful homes have been left at the mercy of the underground waterways that make the ground such an unstable foundation, causing gaping cracks to open up in the facades and stairs and doorways to cave in. It’s amazing to think that some of these buildings are still inhabitable.

In recent years, more and more houses have been listed as Cultural Heritage Monuments. Projects launched by Tbilisi City Hall have seen houses in several districts restored to their former glory. It started with the facades on the pedestrianised part of Aghmashenebeli Avenue. Atoneli Street near the Dry Bridge Market soon followed, and most recently all the houses on Gudiashvili Square were refurbished.

The repainted and remoulded facades are glorious, and many of the interior frescoes have been refreshed too. On Gudiashvili Square you’ll see another example of typical Tbilisi stained glass windows. As these houses have been given new life, cafes, restaurants and shops have moved in, transforming these areas into vibrant pedestrian zones.

• Further reading: My favourite walking streets in Tbilisi .

26. Say ‘Salve’ to Tbilisi’s entryways

One thing I love about Tbilisi is that it’s totally acceptable to ring the buzzer on an apartment building and hope that someone will let you into the foyer. On more than one occasion I’ve been moseying outside a house when a passerby has given me the punch code to open the door.

Of course that doesn’t mean you can walk into someone’s private space, but the entryways of historic merchant houses in Sololaki particularly are often open to explore. Beyond the wooden doors is a treasure trove of hand-pressed floor tiles, hand-painted frescoes, wrought iron staircases, and stained glass windows.

Many mansions have the word ‘Salve’ imprinted in terrazzo at the front door. This is an old Latin phrase meaning ‘take care’ or ‘good health’ – a sweet sentiment that captures the spirit of Tbilisi so well.

Some of my favourite entryways include:

• 17 Ivane Machabeli Street (painted entryway)
• 18 Tabidze Street (Brothers Seilanovs’ house)
• 9 Geronti Kikodze Street (wrought iron stairs, pictured above)
• Insider tip: Many of these entryways can be accessed quite easily, but I recommend going with a guide to discover more hidden gems and to learn the stories behind the buildings. The Hidden Tbilisi Walking Tour of Chugureti by Tbilisi Free Walking Tours is my favourite.
• Further reading: A look inside some of Tbilisi’s most beautiful houses .

27. Climb to Tabor Monastery for the best city views

One thing Tbilisi is definitely not lacking is viewpoints. Funiculars and cable cars link the low-valley downtown with many wonderful hilltop lookouts . But my favourite spot of all, the location where I took this photo, can be reached on foot.

Tabor Monastery of the Transfiguration sits directly above Abanotubani and looks out over Narikala, the sulphur baths and the river. It’s my favourite panorama by far.

To get there, start from Maspindzelo restaurant on the riverside and take Firdousi Street then Bazovi Street. When you reach the dead end, use the small concrete steps to link up to the new metal staircase. This will bring you to a brand new boardwalk pathway that runs along the ridge to the monastery.

There are several viewing platforms along the way – but note that the open plateau area (where I took this photo) is now fenced off.

The riverstone streets in this area are extremely steep and uneven, so pace yourself and watch your footing! I only recommend doing this walk in the late afternoon – it’s completely exposed and too hot/glary during the day to get decent photos.

The area is under development so it will probably be covered with apartment buildings in a couple of years. For now, you can still enjoy the view in solitude.

• Insider tip: For the best light, I recommend visiting in the late afternoon or at early twilight. Be aware that the path is mostly unlit and I have seen syringes in this area before.
• Further reading:   18 amazing viewpoints in Tbilisi .

Best things to do in Tbilisi for foodies

There’s no two ways about it: Tbilisi is a foodie’s paradise. Here are my favourite activities and experiences that revolve around food and drink.

28. Shop for spices and Sulguni at the Dezerter Bazaar

I love a good local market – and lucky for me, Tbilisi has plenty to browse through . The Dezerter Bazaar might not be the prettiest fresh food market I’ve ever seen (Kutaiai’s Green Bazaar is much more photogenic, I must say!), but it’s brimming with its own gritty character.

An infinite number of stallholders converge on this indoor-outdoor market and the surrounding streets, selling everything from Sulguni cheese to pickles, local honey, spices, herbs, fresh fruit and veg.

A morning at the Dezerter Bazaar will give you a taste of Tbilisi’s food culture, and a hint as to what seasonal ingredients you should look for when ordering from restaurant menus. There is also a cool thrift shop inside the market.

• Insider tip: The Dezerter Bazaar is open daily and is most lively after 10am.
• Further reading: Here are my tips for making the most of your visit to the Dezerter Bazaar .

29. Take a cooking class with Georgian Flavors

Fallen in love with Georgian food and want to try your hand at whipping up a few delicacies? I spent years searching for a good hands-on cooking class in Tbilisi and finally found one in Georgian Flavors , a boutique company run by my friend and food guru, Irma Laghadze.

Irma runs private and small-group masterclasses at her gorgeous home kitchen in central Vera district plus special workshops in Kakheti and Imereti. During the Tbilisi cooking class, you’ll learn all about Georgia’s culinary history while preparing four dishes, then enjoy a sit-down lunch with wine.

You might not be cooking Khinkali and Khachapuri, though: Irma’s aim is to introduce visitors to Georgia’s best regional and seasonal dishes, including special foods from her native Kutaisi.

• Details: Visit the Georgian Flavors website to make a booking.
• Further reading: My experience cooking with Georgian Flavors .

30. Try Shotis Puri fresh out of the Tone

Made from wheat flour and shaped like a tiny, delicious little canoe, Shotis Puri bread is another example of Georgian food par excellence. This table staple couldn’t be more simple or more delectable.

Just about every city block has its own Shotis bakery – often located in a basement – with a traditional round Tone oven. Batons of sticky bread dough are slapped onto the slides of the clay oven and come out with a crispy, crunchy bottom. Needless to say it’s best when piping hot.

At just 1-1.20 GEL a piece, Puri is the perfect on-the-go snack when you’re pounding the pavement in Tbilisi. Some small bakeries also make Lobiani (bread filled with mashed kidney beans) and Nazuki , a sweet version of Puri with cinnamon and raisins.

• Insider tip: If you have trouble locating your local baker, look out for people wielding bundles of fresh bread wrapped in paper and try to retrace their footsteps.

31. Shop & dine at the new Bazari Orbeliani

For a very different kind of market experience, head to the newly re-launched Bazari Orbeliani , a modern covered produce market and dining hall with specialty shops and a Georgian food court! The historic Bazari building on Orbeliani Square has been a food market since 1886. You can see archival photos from the old market days displayed on the lower level.

If you’re searching for edible souvenirs, this is a great place to buy artisan food products such as Georgian spices, wine and chacha , dried fruits, local honey, and tea from Guria. The range is a lot smaller than it was once – most of the lower level has been cleared out to make way for a big cocktail bar.

Upstairs, the fancy food court has a few dozen bars, cafes and restaurants serving both Georgian and international cuisines.

• Details: Bazari Orbeliani is open daily from 9am until late. Most of the restaurants are open from 11am.

32. Eat a lazy lunch at Cafe Littera

Set in the courtyard of the Writers’ House, a turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau mansion left to the city by Georgian brandy magnate and philanthropist David Sarajishvili, Cafe Littera is the most beautiful restaurant in Sololaki.

There is nothing better than sitting at one of the shady outdoor tables amongst the sculptures and sampling the Georgian-European menu with a glass of wine (or maybe a bottle!). The food is divine, and the setting unmatched in its tranquility.

If you don’t get a chance to eat here, you can still wander in to see the house and admire the rare Villeroy & Boch tiles on the outdoor terrace. Two museums – the new Museum of Repressed Writers (below right) and the David Sarajishvili Museum, which describes the owner’s life – are located inside.

• Details: Cafe Littera is open daily from 1pm (late spring to late autumn only).
• Insider tip: Tables often book out weeks in advance in summer, so make a reservation!

33. Sip Georgian tea at the Bitadze Tea Shop

Under Soviet rule, Georgia was one of the world’s biggest producers of tea. The industry all but collapsed in the 1990s. Today, an increasing number of teatrepreneurs are reviving forsaken fields and factories in western Guria and Adjara.

The Bitadze family know everything there is to know about Georgian tea and manage the country’s Tea Growers Association. Their tiny shop-museum in Sololaki doubles as a tasting room, where you can sample local black, green and fruit blends. Loose leaf teas are available to buy as well.

• Details: The Bitadze Tea Shop is open from 11am-8pm Monday to Saturday.
• Further reading: Learn more about Georgia’s Tea Route .

34. Grab a Ponchiki at Restaurant Funicular

Built atop Mtatsminda in 1938, the Tbilisi Funicular and its accompanying station building and restaurant have been a local institution for decades. As a friend once told me, going up to Mtatsminda and eating Ponchiki (puffed, hollow donuts filled with cream) was a big treat during Soviet times and conjures happy childhood memories for many Tbilisians.

There is a casual bakery on the bottom level of the Restaurant Funicular where you can still buy these sweet treats. Order at least two Ponchiki per person to avoid disappointment (they’re very moreish). I recommend going up for sunset and eating outdoors – the view from the terrace is wonderful (more on that later).

• Details: Puri Guliani at Mtatsminda is open daily from 1pm until late.

35. Eat Abkhazian cuisine at Amra

Most people don’t get a chance to visit the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia on Western Georgia’s Black Sea coast, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the region’s incredible cuisine.

Amra was a popular restaurant in the Abkhazian capital of Sokhumi until the 1992-3 war forced the owners to flee their homeland. They relocated to Tbilisi and reopened their popular restaurant, bringing authentic Abkhazian and Mingrelian recipes to the city.

Abkhazian fare is unlike anything else you’ll eat in Georgia. If you’ve been missing spicy food, this is your Hail Mary. It makes heavy use of Adjika, a fragrant and fiery spice blend (there are around 70 different varieties ranging from dry rubs to pastes). I highly recommend the Adjika-crusted chicken, the Adjika burger and the Adjika-stuffed Scotch egg – and a scoop of Sokhumi ice cream to cool off with afterwards.

• Details: Amra is located on the edge of Lisi Lake, above Saburtalo district. It is open daily from 11am until late.
• Insider tip: Portions are quite big so be careful not to over-order. I recommend sitting outside on the terrace.

36. Try the Adjika ice cream at The Cone Culture

My favourite ice cream shop in Tbilisi , Cone Culture, has a fun take on Georgia’s beloved spice blend. Originally conceived for a food festival in Zugdidi , their Adjika ice cream blends the chilli mix with vanilla bean for a super fragrant, tongue-tingling hot-cold treat.

If piquant ice cream isn’t your style, they have a nice range of imaginative flavours that use local and seasonal ingredients: Apricot and tarragon, black tea and brownie, and orange and cloves, to name a few.

• Details: Cone Culture is open daily from 11am-9pm. There are several locations, including the flagship shop on Taras Shevchenko Street (behind Rustaveli Avenue) and a stand inside Bazari Orbeliani.
• Insider tip: The house-made waffle cones are extremely tasty, so don’t settle for a cup!

37. Drink Lagidze Water from the fountain

Georgia might be the birthplace of wine, but its most popular soft drink is without a doubt Lagidze Water, an egg cream-like soda made with natural syrup.

You can buy it in bottles from the supermarket, but the traditional way to imbibe is straight from the fountain. There are numerous restaurants and cafes in Tbilisi (including Puri Guliani, Amo Rame, Bazari Orbeliani and of course the popular Lagidze Water cafe on the grounds of Sameba Cathedral) that still serve Lagidze the old-fashioned way.

The beverage was invented by Kutaisi pharmacist Mitrofan Laghidze in 1887 as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. Popular flavours include tarragon (neon green in colour), quince, cherry, and my personal favourite, chocolate!

38. Treat yourself to a royal sweet at Leila

In a country where desserts are not all that common, Orbeliani’s Royal Candy or Kaklucha is an exceptional example of a Georgian sweet.

Named after the poet and sweet-tooth for whom it was invented, Vakhtang Orbeliani, the candy is made according to an age-old and closely guarded recipe. And it’s only served at a handful of cafes in Tbilisi, including Leila .

Inside, the bite-sized candies are super-soft balls of walnut. The paper-thin caramelised sugar coating snaps like a toffee apple, while the addition of a whole walnut adds even more texture. Yum.

• Details: Leila is open daily from midday until late.
• Insider tip: Leila is set inside a historic candy shop. Don’t leave without taking a peek at the incredible Moorish-style interior.

Alternative things to do in Tbilisi for Soviet history

Tbilisi is a playground for urbexers and photographers who are intrigued by Soviet history. Here are my favourite Soviet throwbacks.

39. Educate yourself at the Soviet Occupation Hall

It’s impossible to visit Georgia without brushing up against Soviet history. I recommend all visitors take the time to learn how this harrowing period impacted the nation, and there’s really no better place to do that than at the Soviet Occupation Hall.

Set on the top level of the Georgian National Museum, this single-room exhibit runs visitors through a detailed timeline of events from independence in 1918 to the Red Army invasion of 1921 up to the dissolution of the USSR and beyond. Photographs, journal entries and personal ephemera humanise the history. Didactics are in English.

• Details: The Georgian National Museum is open from 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets cost 30 GEL.
• Insider tip: Don’t miss visiting the basement Treasury, which houses a collection of Colchian gold.

40. Visit Stalin’s Underground Printing Press

Given that Joseph Stalin was born in the nearby city of Gori , he unsurprisingly left his mark on Tbilisi, too. Back in his pre-dictator days, Stalin used to print propaganda materials on a secret typographic machine housed in a basement down a 15-metre-deep well on the eastern side of Tbilisi.

The clandestine hangout was exposed and destroyed in 1906. After the fall of the USSR, it was turned into a small museum. The original press, made in the German city of Augsburg and smuggled into Tbilisi in pieces where it was reassembled, is on display alongside other ephemera from the period.

Though it’s a twisted pilgrimage site for some, the Underground Printing House Museum nonetheless retells an important chapter of Georgian history. One of the highlights is meeting the museum caretaker, Soso, who is quite a character indeed.

• Details: Open daily when Soso is home. There is limited information in English, thus it’s a good idea to visit as part of a guided tour such as this one . Entry is 10 GEL.
• Further reading: Everything you need to know about visiting Stalin’s Printing Press .
• Further reading: What to expect when you visit the Stalin Museum in Gori .

41. Fly over the city on a Soviet-era ropeway

Georgia must be the cable car capital of the world: Never in my life have I seen so many ropeways. The Tbilisi Aviation Factory was the USSR’s only manufacturer of cable cars, so it’s little wonder why.

An estimated 75 passenger lines have been built across the country since the 1950s, the most famous being in Chiatura and in Khulo . By the 1990s, there were six lines in Tbilisi, two of which (Turtle Lake and the State University Cable Car) are still running today on their old Soviet-era machinery.

The Turtle Lake cable car departs from a bottom station adjacent to Vake Park and goes up to the lake (#48 on this list), and is a convenient way to get to the Open Air Museum of Ethnography (#49 on this list) and Rachis Ubani restaurant.

• Details: The Turtle Lake ropeway runs daily from 8am. Tickets cost 1 GEL one-way.

42. Find the abandoned cable car stations

Tbilisi’s four remaining cable cars, including the Nutsubidze-Lisi Lake line, the Mziuri Park Cable Car and the Samgori-Vazisubani Cable Car, were all suspended for various reasons and their station buildings left to ruin. The mid-century station in Mzuri Park is one of my favourites: It was recently reclaimed and transformed into an art space.

The most famous abandoned station belonged to the ill-fated Mtatsminda Cable Car, which ceased operating after a tragic accident in 1990. The tall, cylindrical building with a curving internal staircase and beautiful ironwork on the windows is a majestic piece of architecture that’s in desperate need of some TLC.

In late 2021, work finally started to restore the station and the cable line and as of 2023, the building is off-limits to visitors.

There are more abandoned cable car stations scattered around Tbilisi, including one in Samgori with its little red gondola still hanging on the line, and this very Brutalist station building on the plateau near Lisi Lake.

• Insider tip: Venture around the back of the station building to see one of the most beautiful houses in Tbilisi, ‘Lace House’.

43. Discover Soviet friezes and mosaics

Tbilisi is home to some incredible feats of concrete. Monuments, memorials and mosaics erected in the Soviet era add another layer to the city’s already diverse urban landscape.

Fans of concrete, Brutalism and Soviet-style architecture will find a lot to love, from decorative friezes and mosaics to utilitarian ‘Commieblocks’.

A few of my favourite mosaics and bas-reliefs include:

• Fabrika frieze (8 Ninoshvili Street)
• Wedding House building frieze (Uznadze Street)
• Former House of Political Education frieze (61 Aghmashenebeli Avenue)
• Trade Union Cultural Center mosaic (43 Vazha Pshavela Avenue)
• Ortachala Fire Station mosaic (34 Gorgasali Street)
• Expo Georgia mosaics (Tsereteli Avenue)
• Insider tip: GeoAIR has created a map that’s an indispensable resource for tracking down Soviet-era architecture and particularly mosaics around Georgia. Google ‘Georgia Soviet Mosaics Map’ to find it.

44. Venture out to the Chronicles of Georgia

Positioned atop a hill overlooking the Tbilisi Sea, the Chronicle of Georgia is a large-scale sculpture by Zurab Tsereteli. I think the nickname ‘Georgian Stonehenge’ is a bit strange, but nonetheless you’ll often hear it referred to as such!

Work started on the sculpture in 1985 to commemorate the 2,000-year anniversary of Christianity in Georgia, but due to waning funds, it was never completed. It’s a perfectly imperfect example of a Soviet-era monolith, and quite something when you’re standing inside peering up through the columns.

The sculpture consists of 16 pillars that tower 35 metres tall, each wrapped in metal bas reliefs. The three horizontal layers all tell a tale, with biblical stories along the bottom, Georgian kings and prominent historical figures around the middle, and representations of important Georgian rituals such as the Rtveli wine vintage along the top.

Other Soviet-period landmarks in nearby Dighomi-Saburtalo-Didube include:

• The Former Archaeology Museum & St. Nino Monument
• Treligora Water Reservoir
• Expo Georgia
• Bank of Georgia Headquarters
• Tbilisi Skybridge (next on this list)
• Details: The Chronicle of Georgia is open 24/7. Entrance is free.
• Further reading: Secret tips for visiting the Chronicles of Georgia .

45. Cross the Saburtalo Skybridge

The best example of Brutalist architecture in Tbilisi , the Tbilisi Skybridge (AKA Nutsubidze or Saburtalo Skybridge) is one of the most unique buildings you’ll ever see.

Located on Nutsubidze Plateau, an elevated part of Saburtalo district, the housing complex consists of three 16-floor apartment blocks constructed in 1974-1976 by architects Otar Kalandarishvili and Guizo Potskhishvili. What makes the structure unique is the elevated metal bridge that spans the trio of buildings, connecting the blocks and acting as a shortcut to ascend the hill.

The bridge is a bit rickety, but rest assured it’s used on a daily basis by residents and commuters. To cross, you will need to ride the public elevator to the top floor (remember to bring your 20 tetri coins to pay!). You can get an alternative view by climbing the stairs to the top level and looking down onto the bridge.

Friendly.ge hosts a terrific Soviet Brutal Exploration Tour of Tbilisi , visiting the Skybridge and many of the other landmarks and buildings mentioned here. The tour focuses on storytelling and providing insights into this period of history. It is perfect for photographers and urbexers alike.

Use the code wanderlush to get 10% off when you book the tour using my link . You can also use this code for the Former Palace of Rituals Tour – Friendly.ge is the only company currently offering English-language tours of this iconic building in Avlabari.

Outdoor activities in Tbilisi

If you’re lucky enough to get a few sunny days during your stay in Tbilisi, try a few of these outdoor activities.

46. Hike to the Tbilisi TV Tower

Mtatsminda Park is without a doubt the best sunset spot in Tbilisi. The lookout here is like a giant balcony with panoramic 360-degree views of the entire city, and it takes on a special atmosphere at dusk when the sky is painted rose and violet.

A fun way to get to Mtatsminda is to hike via the TV Tower trail. Erected in 1972 to replace the original 1955 version that was moved to Gori, the TV Tower is another timeless symbol of Tbilisi.

There are multiple routes you can take (including a 3-hour hike from Turtle Lake), but I prefer to either climb the stairs via Mtatsminda Pantheon or to take the marked path that starts from behind the Church Of Mikhail of Tver off Rustaveli Avenue. Don’t forget to grab a Ponchiki donut or two while you’re up there – and maybe ride the Ferris Wheel in Mtatsminda Park if you’re game!

• Insider tip: This is a great sunset spot, but don’t walk back down in the dark – take a bus or taxi instead. Don’t hike alone in Tbilisi, always find a buddy to go with.
• Further reading: The best day hikes in and around Tbilisi .

47. Walk in the Botanical Gardens & find the waterfall

It’s hard to miss Tbilisi’s urban cascade, Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, which is nestled behind the sulfur baths and a fixture of most walking tour itineraries. Did you know that there’s a second (and much more impressive) waterfall within the National Botanic Garden?

This huge green space isn’t as well known as the Botanical Gardens in Batumi , but it’s an equally nice place to go for a stroll and get some fresh air. Various paths take you through a Japanese Garden and to the Botanic Garden Waterfall, located on the northern edge. There are more hardcore, steep hiking trails in the back part of the garden, including one route that takes you behind Mother of Georgia for a magnificent city view.

There are two entrances to the Botanic Garden: One upper entrance near Narikala Fortress and a main gate off Botanikuri Street in the city centre.

• Details: The National Botanic Garden is open daily from 9am-5.30pm. Entrance costs 5 GEL.

48. Smell the snow roses at Gardenia Shevardnadze

Tbilisi’s first plant nursery opened in the early 2000s and is the definition of an urban oasis. Designed by Bonn-trained botanist Zura Shevardnadze, it’s a sprawling German-style garden with perfectly manicured beds, greenhouses, function spaces, a guesthouse and a cafe, The Little Cafe.

This is a wildly popular Instagram spot, but there’s more to the nursery than meets the eye: A big part of Gardenia’s mission is to cultivate and preserve rare and endangered flora from the region. Georgia is part of the ‘Caucasus Hotspot’ , known for having 6,400-plus endemic plant varieties including Rhododendron caucasicum (snow roses), and you’ll find many of them growing here and no where else.

Combine a visit to Gardenia with a trip to the city’s largest reservoir, Tbilisi Sea or the nearby Dendrological Park. Zurab also cultivates seedlings that you can buy for your own garden for 5 GEL a piece.

• Details: Gardenia is open from 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance costs 5 GEL for visitors.

49. Chill out at an urban lake

When the weather gets warm, locals flock to the lake. Shaori Lake (in Racha ) and Sioni Lake (halfway to Kazbegi ) are both popular day trip options. There are a few reservoirs and natural lakes within the city that Tbilisians love to escape to as well.

One of the best things to do in Tbilisi in summer is visit Lisi Lake, located on a high plateau overlooking Saburtalo district. There are walking paths, cafes and bars, and even a Scandi-style bathhouse if you want to indulge in a sulfur scrub. Or you can hire a bike and cycle on the tracks or quiet roads.

Tbilisi Sea (the city’s biggest reservoir, with a few yacht clubs and bars on the shore) is also very popular – though if you want to swim, I recommend you head to one of these pools instead! Turtle Lake is another popular choice with several hiking trails.

50. ‘Tour’ the regions at the Ethnography Museum

The Caucasus mountain region is so ethnically diverse, it’s considered the second-richest linguistic landscape on earth after Papua New Guinea.

Nineteenth-century Georgian ethnographer Giorgi Chitaia dedicated his career to studying and documenting these different groups. His life’s work is showcased at Tbilisi’s Open Air Museum of Ethnography, an immersive outdoor museum that features traditional lodgings from 14 ethnographic groups, painstakingly relocated to the city. The sweet Mingrelian Oda houses and the Mesketian house are my favourites.

This is the perfect place to learn about Georgian folk art (including carpet weaving) and viticulture through exhibitions and interactive displays. If this doesn’t get you pumped for the rest of your travels around Georgia , I don’t know what will.

• Details: The Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography is open from 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance costs 20 GEL.

Things to do in Tbilisi at night

Tbilisi nightlife is so vibrant it deserves its own dedicated guide! Here are just a few of my favourite things to do after dark.

51. Watch a Kartuli dance or folk music performance

Georgian national dance is an incredible spectacle. Each piece of choreography tells a story, while the accompanying music and lavish costumes are brilliant.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Tbilisi when Sukhishvili is performing at their purpose-built outdoor stage, Takara, do not pass up the opportunity to see them! Georgia’s world-famous dance troupe blends traditional Kartuli and contemporary genres for a one-of-a-kind show. Dates are announced on their Facebook Page and tickets sold via TKT.GE.

An easy way to see Georgian folk dance year-round (usually paired with folk singing and polyphony) is with a ‘dinner and a show’ . Though very touristy, it can be a fun experience. Some venues are more tasteful than others.

A more local experience is to listen to live music: Folk song, jazz and even traditional polyphony can be heard at cafes and bars around the city every night of the week.

• Further reading: Here is  a list of venues in Tbilisi that host regular Georgian folk dance and music performances .

52. Go clubbing in a football stadium basement

If you’re into electronic music, you’ve probably already heard of Bassiani . Located in an old underground swimming pool in the depths of Dinamo Stadium, this club is a Tbilisi institution.

During the cooler months (it’s simply too hot down there in summer), local and international DJs perform for thronging crowds of party goers. Bassiani is dark, clouded with cigarette smoke, and irresistibly grungy.

Check out this post for more club recommendations in Tbilisi.

What did I miss? What are your favourite things to do in Tbilisi? Leave your suggestions or questions in the comments below.

Things to do in Tbilisi: Pin it!

67 Comments

I just wanted to say how much I loved your blog. It kept me company on a solo trip to Tbilisi. I followed a lot of your tips and loved it here. It was great to have this insider info – and your passion for the city comes through. Thank you!

Thank you so much, Vivienne! I am very grateful for the feedback.

Wow! Exhausted

Incredible guide to Georgia…Thank you!

I just wanted to say thank you so much for your amazing detailed blogs! It has been priceless! And spot on! Great job!

Thanks so much Tamarra! Hope you had a wonderful trip!

I’ve lived in Tbilisi for more than 13 years. This is an excellent list!

Thanks so much, Douglas! Appreciate it. I would love to hear your suggestions too!

This is the best travel blog I have ever seen… and that is saying something!! Your blog made me completely change our family’s travel plans this summer and we are now heading to Tbilsi and the mountains! Clearly this is not the ideal time to be in Tbilsi but that’s the only time we can go so we will use your tips for keeping cool.

Thank you for inspiring me!!

Thank you so much Cindy for the kinds words, I am thrilled to hear that! I’m sure you will have a marvellous time – the mountains will be refreshing and beautiful I’m sure. Enjoy!

Amazing blog! I am now the second time in Georgia and your tips help a lot. Went to the Georgian National Museum today. The price is now at 30 gel (no longer 10 as in your blog).

Thanks for the perfect infos!

Thanks Claudio – yes, prices have gone up quite a bit at all museums! I forgot to update it here but I’ve fixed it now.

Enjoy the rest of your time in Tbilisi!

Hi Emily, thanks so much for your awesome blog! I love it!!! I’ve never imagined such vast amount of things one can enjoy in those Caucasian countries! I’m planning a solo trip to Georgia this early May and will mostly travel around Tbilisi. I wonder if you can share some spots for panoramic landscape observance? I’ve always been fascinated by the sights from your sharing!

Thank you Nga! That’s great to hear! I have a post about my favourite viewpoints in Tbilisi, I hope it’s helpful: https://wander-lush.org/best-views-in-tbilisi-photography/

Hi Emily, Your blog is gorgeous and photos are amazing! I’m treating myself to a few days in Tbilisi this weekend to get a break from humanitarian work in Iraq. Currently fired up for a cooking class now, and maybe also a chocolate massage at Chreli Abano for dessert! #ideservethis

Thanks so much for your comment, Jack! So happy to hear this! Have a wonderful time in Tbilisi!

We are presently in Tbilisi, spending a week here and your knowledge sharing has made helped us experience so much more of Georgia than we would have – we went wondering, we tried the food, we experienced everything this wonderful place has to offer – thank you so much for sharing your love of this amazing country, people, culture and street dogs

Thank you Sara! So glad to hear that. I hope you’ll be back to visit Tbilisi again soon!

Emily, your blog is incredible. So much helpful info and so beautiful. We are planning to come to Georgia in October but in the last few days have read so much about Russians flooding over the border in response to the draft. How is this affecting Georgia? I am seeing availability in hotels but wondering if this is real/likely to disappear at any moment. Any thoughts from your perspective as a person on the ground there would be appreciated.

Hi Julie – traffic jams at the border are already easing. The real impact is on the rental market (long-term apartment leases), not on hotels/guesthouses – so in this respect you won’t have any issues as a tourist. I have been travelling over the past 10 days including back and forth to Tbilisi with no issues.

Happy travels!

Hi Emily, Thank you so much for sharing your love for Georgia and all your good tips. Your site has been my bible to travel around and discover this absolutely hidden gem of a country. This is what definetely can be called the “Ultimate guide to Georgia”.

Thank you so much Caroline, that’s really kind of you to say. I really hope you enjoyed your time here and will be back again soon!

I love that Tiblisi has a good share of architecture and nature all around! It absolutely looks like a city to visit when we can go back to travel.

Brilliant! Thanks so much for this well-written and comprehensive guide. It’s really useful.

Thank you Mark!

Thank you so much for your very extensive guide! There is so much to do in Tbilisi this has really helped me prioritise a bit, but I still want to do it all!

Thanks for your comment, Darrah! There is still so much I haven’t seen yet either – you need a lifetime! I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Hello. May I ask can I still use gotrip/google maps in Georgia even without a Georgian sim card?

Hi Margo – GoTrip is a website that you can access on WIFI. If you want to use Google Maps, you will need to download the map for offline use.

We are about to travel to Georgia in 2 weeks and reading your travel guide is extremely lifesaver. However, one problem that I have encountered regarding planning our trip is the transportation. May I kindly ask: 1.Is train/subway common in Mtskheta city, especially if I would like to go to e.g. in Jvari Monastery? 2.Since you mainly suggest in your guide to use ‘gotrip’ , will I still need a Georgian sim card to access gotrip in Georgia, or only internet is required? 3.By using gotrip, is there any estimated time for the drivers to come pick us up from our current location. For example, if we are to arrive in Tbilisi airport can we book through gotrip the moment we arrive or like the day before our flight? Something like that. 4. Can I still use gotrip or like google maps even if I will not buy Georgian sim card? 5.Will there be any shop in Tbilisi airport where I can buy like unlimited internet card or anything similar to that?

Hi Margo, great to hear that. To answer your questions:

1. Mtskheta is very small, there is no subway or train. You can get around the centre by foot but I would recommend having a driver (or a tour guide) to take you to the hilltop monasteries – those are the highlight for me. You can find all the details in my Mtskheta day trip guide plus my recommended day tour. 2. You don’t need a sim, GoTrip is a web platform rather than an app. 3. You should definitely book a few days in advance. Bolt is an app (similar to Uber) that you can use for shorter trips on demand. 4. Yes but you need to download Google Maps for the area you need for offline use. 5. There is a Magti kiosk at the airport but I recommend waiting until you get into the city so you can buy a data only package rather than a tourist pack. Once you buy a sim, download the Magti app and you can get unlimited 4G for 5 GEL/week.

In summary – book a GoTrip airport transfer to take you to your hotel a few days before you arrive. Buy a Magti sim from any of the shops in the city (just take your passport with you). Then you can use Google Maps and Bolt taxi app as you please.

I hope this helps!

Thank you so much for your reply. In addition, I would like to ask, from Tbilisi international airport going to our hotel, it says we can take the number 37 bus and then we can get down to metro station 300 Aragveli then to Varketili. In your opinion, will this be a convenient mode of travel on our first day? Is the metro station within Tbilisi accessible? Another question is from Tbilisi airport since you recommend not to buy the sim card there, will it be possible to only buy the data/internet like for google maps/gotrip without the sim card yet?

Hi Margo – yes the bus is a great option generally but it depends what time your flight is landing. The bus is only running on a limited schedule now because of restrictions. You can find the details in my airport guide. You can use the free airport WIFI to book a Bolt taxi but you will need to download a VPN on your phone.

I am here NOW! (Oct 30,2021) Will be in Tbilisi for a month. Your sites are my targets. I already love the food. Going to see the Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave tomorrow and will spend the rest of my time in TheCity. Walking and eating…2 things I love to do! Oh, I will be exploring the Caucasus Mountains, also. I bet the Fall Hiking is colorful. Bettie

Terrific Bettie! Yes you’ve come at the perfect time for hiking, nice temperatures and beautiful fall colours. Martvili is great, be sure to check out Balda Canyon nearby too. And don’t miss Martvili Monastery. Enjoy your time in Tbilisi and Georgia!

Hi Emily, Just wanted to say that your blog is amazing! I have been wanting to go to Georgia for a few years and just by reading a bit (ok maybe 10-12) articles I have booked my flights and am off to do 2 weeks of visiting/remote working! Thanks! Amit (from Paris)

This makes me so happy, Amit! Really glad you found the site inspiring. I hope you love Georgia as much as I do! Safe travels and don’t hesitate to reach out directly if there’s anything at all I can help with.

I am busy plotting our long-awaited trip to Georgia (somewhere myself and my husband have wanted to visit for the last 20 years literally!) and would like to say how enormously useful your blog is. Thank you 1000 times! On a less upbeat note, we are arriving 22 October and despite tracking Covid stats/vax rates online, are struggling to work out just what restrictions are currently in place (eg masks, the general vibe, everywhere now open, etc). If you are able to share a couple of practical pointers onto the general situation of daily life right now, I’d really appreciate it. Huge thanks again for sharing your passion for Georgia in your fantastic blog x

Thanks for the message and the kind words. I’m so glad you’re finally able to visit Georgia.

Regarding restrictions: Masks are mandatory at all times (indoors and outside). Restaurants and bars etc. must close by 11pm. These are the only restrictions currently, but things could change at any time. Because of the high (and rising) case load I would recommend avoiding crowded places and staying away from public transport where possible. I would also recommend taking a PCR before you travel to any rural areas, just to be sure you’re not carrying anything into communities unwittingly.

I hope this answers your questions. Feel free to subscribe to my newsletter (the link is at the top of the page) where I share a monthly update on the situation in Georgia.

I’m currently here in Georgia. It’s my fourth day and I just want to thank you — your blog helps us a lot.

So happy to hear that, thank you for the comment! I hope you’re having a wonderful time in Tbilisi!

I am on my way to Tbilisi right now and wanted to say thank you for your extremely helpful, detailed yet not verbose, and well-written guides!

Thank you Victoria, your comment made me smile! Really glad to hear the site has been helpful in your planning. Enjoy your time in Tbilisi!

Thanks for this detailed blog and all the other corresponding ones. Super helpful in planning my upcoming trip to Georgia. I’ve been reading lots of negative reviews about Get Your Guide so wanted to verify it from you as you promote them in your blogs. Have you personally used their services? They look very professional and organized but the reviews seemed to say differently. Thanks!

Hi Mbads, glad to hear it!

I do not promote any services on the site that I haven’t used personally. Get Your Guide is a tour aggregator so any reviews on their website will be for the specific tour company that performs that itinerary. You can see the name of the company on the tour page – I also recommend Googling them to check reviews on other platforms such as TripAdvisor.

Get Your Guide itself is extremely professional and reliable – I have used them more times than I can count and would not hesitate to recommend them. Just be sure you choose a tour with a good rating!

Your blog is AMAZING Thanks for everything! I’m currently travelling in Georgia and it completely changed how I see the country now. Thanks for sharing all the beauty and hidden gems.

I’m so happy to hear that, Emma! I hope you’re having an amazing time!

I really want to go to Georgia. It is only recently that I have been hearing a lot about it. Nice write-up

Arrived in Tbilisi December 2019 and received a little bottle of red wine at passport control, what a welcome! Love your site, many great tips for Tbilisi!

Thank you Karen! Enjoy your time in Tbilisi!

Thank you! This post was very inspiring. You just forgot to mention drinking Chacha 😀

Thanks Rasch! Oh yes – an essential part of any visit. Good tip!

Actually arrived only yesterday and they’re handing out mini bottles at immigration again

Yes I read that recently in the news! Glad to hear it. Enjoy your time in Tbilisi!

Wow, this post was very complete! I’ve been living here for a couple of years now and it helped me a lot. You have a very good taste and you are very detail oriented. I’ll be doing the stuff mentioned here and get back to you on them!

Thanks! This post is due for an update but I’m glad you found it helpful. Let me know what other gems in Tbilisi you find 🙂

Wonderful post, and I love the photos! I’m originally from Poland, so I love those Soviet-era mementos and industrial spaces that have been given a new life. The food also sounds incredible.

It’s wonderful, isn’t it! And the food is just incredible. I hope to visit Poland soon—maybe you can give me some pointers. Thanks for the kind words, Dee!

My husband and I are currently travelling through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia with our two children. We’ve loved reading your posts – not just for the great tips but a pleasure to read. Stunning photos! We’re also falling in love with this part of the world.

Pam, thank you so much for the comment! You’ve made my morning. I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the Caucasus and that you’ve found my posts useful. It’s a special place—I feel privileged to be able to share a little slice of the magic with others. But as I’m sure you’re discovering, you really have to go and experience it for yourself.

Safe and happy travels, Emily

I love all of this! Georgia has been on my list for ages and I would love to visit some of the places mentioned on here. It looks like a beautiful country!

It really is, Esra! And Tbilisi is such a fascinating city. I hope you get to visit soon!

What a fascinating place! Sadly, I hadn’t heard of it, but now I can’t wait to visit. Thanks for the great tips and insights into Tbilisi (and for making my bucket list longer)

So glad to hear that, April! I first heard about Georgia a few years ago… Now Tbilisi is without a doubt my favourite city.

I hope you get there soon!

oh my gosh wow! This looks so cool! As if I needed more things to do in Georgia lol! But these are all such amazing things, so I’m glad you shared them! And it’s so cool that you were able to make those dumplings with your Airbnb host!!

Thanks, Sarah! It was definitely a highlight!

Thank you for this post. Its very inspiring.

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Top Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia

Places to visit in tbilisi.

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Chacha Corner

2. Wine Gallery

4. Gallery 27

5. Khurjini

6. QisaBags

8. Estia - Handmade Arts Boutique

9. Phubber Consignment Tbilisi

10. Caucasian Carpets Gallery

11. Tsangala's Wine Shop & Bar

12. Wine Tower Tbilisi

13. Bagrati

14. Prospero's Books & Caliban's Coffee

15. Waime Spices Store

16. Yuliko & Friends Tbilisi

17. IERI Store

18. EthnoDesign

19. Caucasus Decoroom

20. Pirosmani Souvenirs

21. Ze Gvino

22. Wine Time

23. 17 Kvadrati

24. Wine Factory N1

25. Persian and georgian Carpet

26. Ornament Gallery

27. Piel Naturals

28. Amy's Winehouse

29. White Studio

30. Qissa Handcraft Gallery

What travellers are saying

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Tbilisi Itinerary

Last Updated on November 1, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the ideal Tbilisi itinerary is essential if you’re heading to the chaotic and lively capital of Georgia. You will be hard-pressed to find a person who doesn’t almost instantly fall in love with Tbilisi.

Though it is not the most beautiful city in Europe, Tbilisi has a unique energy and a personality that is all its own and has been charming travellers for years. For too long, though, the city hasn’t received the international attention it so very much deserves.

However, Tbilisi — and Georgia in general — has been gaining in popularity year on year and more international tourists are visiting this beautiful country than ever. So if you’re planning a visit to this incredible nation and wondering what to do in Georgia’s capital, you’ve come to the right place!

We instantly fell in love with the Georgian capital and it became something of a de facto home while we were travelling through Georgia, Armenia , and Azerbaijan . In fact, we loved it so much that we ended up living in the city for over a year and can very much tell you the best things to do in Tbilisi for any length of visit.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Tbilisi?

Many people wonder how many days to spend in Tbilisi and while we would honestly recommend spending upwards of one week in the city (there really is a lot to see and do!), I would say that if you want to get the most out of the city and get a feel for its history and culture, then plan to spend at least 3 days.

However, we realise that some trips to Georgia are shorter than others and not everyone has the luxury to spend even that amount of time in the capital.

If you only have 2 days in Tbilisi, then I would suggest following the first two days of this itinerary. That would still give you a good feel for the city, however, you will likely not be able to go beyond the main sites in that short of a time period.

If you only have one day in Tbilisi, then the first day of this itinerary should be able to give you a taste for the city and a long list of things to do should you ever return!

However, if you’re wondering what to do in Tbilisi for 3 days, then this is the itinerary for you!

2 to 3 Days in Tbilisi Itinerary

Day 1 – explore old tbilisi.

Day one in Tbilisi will see you exploring the main sites in the Old Town, Sololaki and Rustaveli areas of the Georgian capital.

Morning: Rustaveli Avenue & Dzveli Tbilisi

Begin the first day of your Tbilisi itinerary by taking a stroll down the lively Rustaveli Avenue toward Liberty Square (also sometimes referred to as Freedom Square).

This is the main thoroughfare in central Tbilisi and is filled with upmarket shops and restaurants and, while it isn’t always the most budget-friendly place to shop in Tbilisi, it is pleasant to stroll down and take in the sites.

Along Rustaveli, you will see the beautiful Tbilisi Opera , and pass some of the most important museums in the city.

If you’re interested in seeing a show at the opera (which is home to both the national opera and ballet), then you can easily purchase tickets at the box office along the side of the theatre. Tickets are affordable and the building is truly spectacular. You can usually find seats with little advance notice.

Once you find yourself in Liberty Square, you can continue heading south into Tbilisi’s Old Town , where you can see the remains of the old city walls and admire the balconies and courtyards of the old town.

This area of the city is on the waiting list to be protected by UNESCO and, therefore, there are lots of renovations happening, however, they all need to meet certain criteria to be able to be carried out to the Old Town of Tbilisi and retain the same aesthetic it always has.

Because many locals still live in this area, this can prove to be both a blessing and a curse as, while there is a bit more funding to get much-needed repairs done on the buildings, residents have to go through miles of bureaucratic red tape or face spending lots of money to gets basic renovations done on their homes.

Despite the troubles, there is no doubt that this is a charming and relaxed area of the city that is definitely worth wandering through.

Make sure to take the time to make a stop at the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre , which is arguably the quirkiest building in Tbilisi. Several times per day, the figures come out of the crooked clock tower and put on a bit of a show.

While this is, honestly, a bit disappointing and not really worth fighting the crowds of tourists in order to get a view of it, it is still worth stopping by the theatre as it is truly an interesting building. There are still some characters that come out and ring the bell every hour, anyhow.

The theatre itself puts on puppet shows with dark tales aimed at adults. There are only limited seats inside so it can be difficult to get tickets (which you can buy online here or at the box office), but it is an interesting thing to do in Tbilisi.

Keep in mind that they don’t admit children under 12 as the subject matter of the shows can be scary and not appropriate for kids much younger than that.

If you want to get a more historical side of this area, get more context, and some great suggestions for your remaining time in Tbilisi, we recommend taking a free walking tour or a paid walking tour.

Depending on the time of year you are visiting, you may need to book in advance. Also, remember that the guides work only for tips on the free tour so it’s important to pay what you think the tour was worth at the end.

Afternoon: Narikala Fortress & Botanical Garden

After exploring the old town or your free walking tour, it’s time to head to lunch. We recommend walking over to Racha , which serves delicious Georgian cuisine in a divey yet authentic setting. Salobie Bia is also nearby on Rustaveli Avenue and is one of our favourite eateries in the city — make sure to try their tomato salad and lobio .

After getting your fill of fantastic Georgian food, it’s about a 15-minute walk (downhill) to Rike Park , where you can catch the cable car to the Nirakala Fortress .

The cable car uses the same card as you would use for the metro. The ride takes about 5 minutes and it commands beautiful views of Tbilisi and the surrounding area. You will also get fantastic views from the fortress.

Take the time to climb to the top of the fortress to get the best views of the city and to admire the Mother of Georgia Statue , with one of her hands grasping a sword to fend off enemies and the other raising a glass of wine to welcome guests.

It is also easy to get to the lovely Tbilisi Botanical Garden from the fortress and the cable car will help you avoid a killer walk uphill. The botanical garden is a huge complex consisting of some beautiful flora and even its own waterfall. It is an incredibly pleasant place to wander around in Tbilisi and is one of my favourite areas in the city.

Evening: Dinner in Old Tbilisi

End your day with a great Georgian meal. If you want something a bit more fancy and upmarket, then head to Zala — a modern Georgian dining establishment in the Vera neighbourhood, not far from the centre. They serve beautiful renditions of classic Georgian cuisine in a very romantic setting.

Alternatively, you could head to the lovely Sulico Wine Bar which has a nice outdoor seating area and a fantastic wine list along with delicious food. Keto & Kote is another fantastic option for dinner, with a wonderful courtyard tucked into a quiet corner of central Tbilisi.

Day 2 – Marjanishvili and Museums

Your second day can be spent browsing through antiques and kitsch at one of the city’s most well-known flea markets before exploring the area on the other side of the Mktvari River.

Morning: Dry Bridge Market & Marjanishvili

Begin your second day searching through silver jewellery, old kitchenware, and Soviet relics at the Dry Bridge Market . This flea market is open from 11 AM daily and it is filled to the brim with independent sellers hawking everything from old Red Army war medals to crystal stemware to bundles of extension cords and it is truly a delight to wander through.

From the market, it is time to explore the other side of the Mtkvari River and head over to the trendy Marjanishvili neighbourhood. Originally a German settlement separate from Tbilisi altogether, this is a significantly less touristy area of the city and is a great place to explore to see a more local side of the capital while in Tbilisi.

Begin at the trendy Fabrika , a former sewing factory turned hostel and cafe popular with local hipsters and digital nomads. They make some of the best coffee in town, but there are also a number of cool restaurants, cafes, and shops around the back of the complex.

The walls surrounding it are completely decorated in street art, giving it a very hip feel. Fabrika is reminiscent of the Aparaaditehas complex in Tartu, Estonia .

From Fabrika, you can head to St Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church , which is one of the few Catholic churches in the city (Georgians are largely Orthodox), or you can head to the Museum of Cinema and admire the beautiful architecture of this former palace which has an interesting story.

Also, make sure you still take the time to stroll down Aghmashenebeli Avenue, the main thoroughfare in this area of Tbilisi.

Though a portion of the street is pedestrianised and filled with cafes and restaurants, we would recommend walking further down the street to Mapshalia (try their kharcho!) for lunch.

This truly local joint has a small menu serving local favourites at incredibly affordable prices. Expect a meal with an entree, two main dishes, and a half-litre of homemade wine not to cost more than 20 GEL here.

Alternatively, if you want to head back to the other side of the river, we recommend having lunch at the delicious Sofia Melnikova . This place is a little bit hard to find (it is located through a yellow door directly behind the Tbilisi Theatre just below Rustaveli Avenue), but it serves delicious local cuisine and some western and Asian dishes as well. They have a great service and a lovely outdoor seating area.

Afternoon: Georgian National Museum

After lunch, wander back to Rustaveli Avenue and head to the Georgian National Museum . This museum is home to a number of wonderful exhibitions over a few floors spanning the entire history of Georgia, from the prehistoric age to the modern-day and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about this beautiful country.

We were particularly moved by the exhibition about life in Georgia under the communist regime. It is a well-curated exhibit with lots of detailed explanations written in English where you can learn about just how different life in Georgia was not all that long ago. There is also an interesting collection of Soviet art in the exhibit as well.

Evening: Tbilisi’s Performing Arts Scene

After spending time at the museum, it’s time to end the second day of your Tbilisi trip taking in a show if you were able to score tickets. The Tbilisi Ballet or Opera are always a great option or a feature-length puppet show at the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre is another popular choice.

Have a great meal at one of the restaurants mentioned above that you haven’t been to yet!

Day 3 – Day Trips, Sulfur Baths or Markets

If you plan to spend 3 days in the Georgian capital rather than just 2, then there are lots of options for the third day you could choose from.

Option 1: Mtskheta & Sulfur Baths

Because the first two days of this itinerary are packed with a lot of things to do in the city proper, your third day can be very well spent if you decide to visit the surrounding area.

One of the easiest and most popular day trips from Tbilisi is to the lovely town of Mtskheta . Located only a 20-minute marshrutka ride from the city (or you can organise a driver from GoTrip or join a guided tour ), Mtskheta is the former capital of Georgia and is a charming and historic place to visit for a few hours. Planning a trip from Tbilisi to Mtskheta is very easy, as well.

Try to get an early start so you can beat the crowds as Mtskheta can get busy. You only need a couple of hours in the town to see all that it has to offer, which means that you can be back in central Tbilisi in time for lunch!

Wander into the centre of town and head to lunch at either Cafe Leila or any of the above recommended restaurants that you haven’t been to yet! The former is a vegetarian-friendly cafe that serves traditional Georgian cuisine without all of the meat!

Because of the ample fasting days on the Georgian Orthodox calendar (almost half of all days in the year, in fact), vegetarian options are quite easy to come by in traditional Georgian cuisine.

After lunch, head a bit further south to the sulfur baths and spend an hour soaking in the naturally warm and healing waters. There are numerous different bathhouses to choose from, but we would recommend heading to the Chreli Abano Bathhouse .

This is the most tourist-friendly out there and they allow you to book your room online. Generally speaking, advance booking is necessary and there are a range of prices and rooms that you can choose from to suit any budget.

After you’re well-relaxed and chilled out from the sulfuric water, we recommend finding a nice wine cellar – Vino Underground is a great option – to enjoy a traditional glass of Georgian red or white or taking the time to wander through the lesser-explored alleys of the old town.

There are lots of art galleries and local artisans who have opened shops out of the refurbished houses where you can pick up a unique souvenir from your trip to Tbilisi.

Option 2: Dezerter Bazaar, Jewish Museum, Sameba Cathedral & Mtatsminda

If you’re not interested in a day trip, we recommend starting your day off at the lively Dezerter Bazaar . This is Tbilisi’s largest marketplace and it is an excellent area to visit if you want to see how and what locals eat. It is located close to Station Square metro station and runs every day from 7 AM — it is busiest in the morning.

Though it is not as lively or bustling as the Green Bazaar in Kutaisi , it is still at Tbilisi institution and well worth a visit. You won’t find many tourists here, either, which makes it a more off-beat activity.

After the market, it can be worth heading back to the other side of the city and taking the time to learn about the Jewish population of Tbilisi. Though there isn’t much of a Jewish presence in the city today, there is still a history spanning back that you can learn about.

Take the time to pop into the Great Synagogue (both men and women must cover their heads — kippahs and scarves are available at the entrance).

If you want to learn more, you can wander over to the nearby David Baazov Museum of the History of Jews in Georgia . This is an interesting museum as it teaches you less about what Judaism is and rather explores Georgian-Jewish relations throughout the years.

If that doesn’t interest you, then head over the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi . Also known as the Sameba Cathedral, this beautiful church is the largest church in Georgia and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox Cathedrals in Europe. It was opened in 2004 to commemorate the 1000th birthday of Christ.

End your time in Tbilisi by taking the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park . This park, located at the top of one of the highest hills in Tbilisi not only commands amazing views of the city below but is also home to a few restaurants and an entire amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster and many games and other activities. It is most lively in the summer months.

Have More Time?

If you have more than 3 days, there are numerous ways that you could fill your time.

For one, there are many more museums and art galleries that you could visit to get a broader understanding of the history and culture of Tbilisi and Georgia as a whole.

You could also head out to Lisi Lake or Turtle Lake if you want to experience some more green spaces in the city. The latter is also home to the Open-Air Museum of Ethnography.

Spending more time in Tbilisi will also give you the opportunity to embark on a few of the other easy day trips from the capital. Popular options include visiting Stalin’s birthplace of Gori , venturing to the historic cliff monasteries of Davit Gareja , or head to the beautiful hilltop town of Sighnaghi for some wine tasting in the Kakheti region.

While we would recommend spending at least a couple of days in Sighnaghi and Kakheti , it is easy enough to visit as a day trip if you’re pressed for time.

All in all, there is an endless array of things to do in Tbilisi and visitors could spend a week or more in the city without getting bored.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is becoming a more and more popular destination for travellers by the minute and, therefore, there is no shortage of great places to stay throughout the city. From family-run guesthouses to backpacker hostels to boutique hotels, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to Tbilisi accommodation. If you’re wondering where to stay in Tbilisi, have a look at these suggestions:

Guest House Rampa  – This budget guesthouse has a range of private rooms available. The staff are also always willing to lend a helping hand to make your stay in Tbilisi a great one.

Hotel Flower  — This centrally-located hotel is a great choice. It’s situated within easy walking distance of the top sites in Tbilisi, they have a number of great rooms available and breakfast is available daily.

Pushkin 10 Hostel — Centrally located, this hostel has a range of private and dorm rooms available, a friendly and helpful staff, great common spaces for meeting other travellers, and clean facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Tbilisi hotels

Getting Around Tbilisi

While the centre of Tbilisi is fairly compact and easy enough to navigate on foot, the Georgian capital is quite a large city and many things can be fairly spread out and require long walking times. There is good news, however, as the city is well-served by an efficient public transport system and taxis are plentiful and affordable.

The Tbilisi metro system is easy to navigate and use and connects the city very well to most areas that are of interest to tourists. To use it, you must purchase a travel card from one of the desks that are present at every station.

The transit card can also be used on the city buses, however, these can be difficult to navigate if you’re just a tourist for a couple of days and it is much easier just to use the metro system. The card is also used for the cable car from Rike Park to the Narikala Fortress.

Taxis are also an effective way to get around Tbilisi and they are very affordable. While Uber isn’t available in Georgia’s capital, there are a few taxi apps that you can use to hail a cab if you don’t want to risk a dishonest driver or trying to negotiate a fare. We recommend using the Bolt app.

It is worth noting that taxis in Georgia don’t tend to have meters, so it is customary to agree upon a price before getting in the taxi, which is why it is easier to use the taxi apps, especially if there is a language barrier.

If all else fails and you would rather not use the metro or taxi system, Tbilisi is still accessible by foot, especially if you stay in a central location. Keep in mind that the central area is very hilly, though!

Best Time to Visit Tbilisi

Like everywhere in the Caucasus countries, Tbilisi has a continental climate and very much experiences all four seasons. While winters tend to be short and relatively mild compared to those in North America or northern Europe and summers can linger well into October and start as early as April, there are still better times than others to visit the Georgian capital.

The shoulder season months between March-May and September-October see the mildest temperatures, with highs averaging in the mid-20s Celcius (70s Fahrenheit).

Obviously, it is colder in March and late October and you can expect some very hot days in late May and early September. However, this is when you will see the most pleasant temperatures with still very few tourist crowds.

The summer months between June-August can get very hot, with temperatures sometimes clocking in at about 40°C (104°F) and average about 35°C (95°F). Mornings and evenings, however, can be pleasant once the sun has left its highest point.

If you do visit Tbilisi in the summertime, as well, it is worth knowing that many places throughout the city do have air conditioning, so there is some respite from the heat. And, if all else fails, you can seek refuge in a wine cellar, which are cool all year long!

While winters tend to be short in Tbilisi, they do get cold and you will need to make sure that you pack accordingly. Expect temperatures to hover around freezing, especially during the months of December, January and February. Early November and late March can see warmer, more pleasant temperatures.

No matter what time of year you visit Tbilisi, there are always lots of things to see and do!

Piecing together the ideal itinerary for Tbilisi can be difficult when you consider how many things there are to do in Georgia’s capital. However, three days is the optimal amount of time to spend in Tbilisi in order to get the best feel for the city in a short amount of time.

Are you planning to visit Tbilisi? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Tbilisi to Kazbegi: How To Get There & Things To Do

Georgia vs Armenia vs Azerbaijan: Which Country to Visit?

Is Georgia Expensive? A Georgia Trip Cost Guide

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, Do you know where I can obtain a street level map of Tbilisi in English?

1)How much cash would we need in Tbilisi for a 4 day trip 2)What is a reasonably prices shopping place for clothes/ dresses/winter boots? 3) do we need winter boots for 7degrees celcius weather or regular walking sneakers will suffice? Travelling next week

Hi Jackie, you can get a good idea of costs in Tbilisi with this article here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/georgia-trip-cost/ Generally, it doesn’t really get cold enough to need specialised winter boots in the city – especially if it’s only about 7 degrees outside.

Hi Maggie Thanks for your heart-felt reviews of Tbilisi and Georgia in general. It’s a place leading you to sights and people to enrich your life. We cannot wait to go back. There are so many places you love that we visited and so many we missed. Next time. Georgian people have had a very hard history, yet they are so welcoming and lovely – just because they are. A visit to the National Museum makes you wonder how they can be so generous to outsiders given they are far from financially or politically secure from threat. I hope Georgia can see out all this mess and survive the restrictions faced because of trading strains with Russia and geographical isolation from the big markets. It’s such a wonderful place. It’s not only the border of Europe and Asia, but the place where freedom stands in the face of all challenges. Thanks for your stories.

Thanks for your comment, Louis, and I’m happy to hear you found our tips helpful when visiting Tbilisi! Georgia is really a wonderful country to visit and I sincerely hope you’re able to travel here again in the future – more tourism is definitely needed once it’s safe!

I’ve been living in Tbilisi for over a year and this itinerary still gave me ideas for things I need to try!

Thanks, Laurel! 🙂

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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

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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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Exploring Tbilisi: Our List of the top ten things to do in Tbilisi

By: Author Jim Vail

Posted on Published: 11 August 16  - Last updated: 18 March 24

Home » DIY Travel » Guides » Exploring Tbilisi: Our List of the top ten things to do in Tbilisi

If you are considering a trip to Tbilisi, go! Exploring Tbilisi, you will find that there are lots of fun things to do, great food, and it’s not an expensive destination. Here is our list of the top ten things to do in Tbilisi.

I have to admit when Corinne first came up with the idea of going to Georgia I was a bit hesitant. I don’t know what it was but for some reason I just wasn’t comfortable with the safety and security issues in the region.

There had been a civil war in the country in the past two decades that had never been fully resolved.

After some research, however, we decided the timing was right. We cemented the plan to do a Georgia road trip , and of course, we started in Tbilisi, an amazing Eastern European capital.

We hope you enjoy this guide to top ten things to do in Tbilisi and don’t forget to bring some amazing Tbilisi souvenirs home with you!

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

Common Questions about Tbilisi

• Transportation to the Best Things to do in Tbilisi

The Top Ten Best Things to do in Tbilisi

Map of the best things to do in tbilisi.

• Where to eat in Tbilisi

Is Tbilisi Worth Visiting?

As we were researching Georgia, all we found were positive reports with many sights to see and things to do. By most reports, the country is safe fro tourism again.

We found Tbilisi to be a bit shabby looking in parts, but the sinking and dilapidation really adds to the charm. And there are many places that are really stepping into the modern zone.

Does it feel like you are traveling? It sure does. We’re already planning a return trip. We loved it, so yes, Tbilisi is very much worth visiting.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tbilisi?

The best temperatures of the year are in May and June and then again after the heat of summer in September and October. So spring and fall are the best times to visit Tbilisi.

You just have to decide if you would rather have flowers or foliage to look at. There is also a bit more rain in the spring than in the fall. The month of June is the rainiest all year long.

We visited Georgia in Spring, during the month of April, and it had mild temperatures. Long sleeves and long pants were comfortable during the day. At night, you also need a jacket. 

What is the Current Political Situation in Tbilisi, and Georgia?

The most recent military action happened in 2008 and resulted in Russian annexation of parts of the country in what looks like, in retrospect, a Russian rehearsal for what would later occur in Crimea. Georgia still considers one of the sectors, Abkhazia, as occupied territory, though relations with Russia have somewhat normalized.

Apparently satisfied with their territorial gains along the Black Sea coast, Russia went on to bigger and bullier things while still maintaining a controlling presence in both South Ossetia and  Abkhazia.

Additional Reading: The Georgian Dumpling Khinkali How To Visit Tbilisi on a Budget Top Things to Do in Armenia

Is There Crime In Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is the capital city and the largest urban area in Georgia so of course there is crime there.

During the war with Russia and the earlier civil war with South Ossetia and Abkhazia, there were terrorist attacks and bombings, including air raids by the Russian Air Force, but that was in the past and little evidence of this remains today.

The current state of affairs in Tbilisi is pretty much business as usual in a big city. The local government has been slowly updating infrastructure, there are new building projects underway, and tourism is definitely on the rise.

We never felt any danger of any sort. Well, except when crossing the street on a busy boulevard with no crosswalks.

What is Georgian Unity Day Like?

We did have one experience that, while it wasn’t threatening in any way, gave us cause to pause, and we ended up staying around to see what was happening.

Our first guest house was across the river about a stone’s throw from the iconic Sameba Cathedral and we decided it would be a great starting point for our first day in the city.

It was a crystal clear, warm April morning and the Cathedral’s golden dome was shining in the sun. Families were strolling around the park-like grounds surrounding the cathedrals enjoying the spring flowers, cherry trees, and sunshine.

We took several pictures outside the building, walking around and marveling at the structure.

When we entered the cathedral there were twelve coffins, each draped with the Georgian flag and each bearing a framed picture of a young man.

This was obviously a funeral or memorial service with families, officials, and military men and women in attendance.

April 9th is the day of National Unity in Georgia, the day Georgia declared its independence from the USSR, and the day, a year before that, when twenty protesters were killed by Soviet troops squashing a protest for independence.

We thought this was something to do with the events of the past and it turns out these were newly identified remains from an aircraft shot down during the Abkhazia civil war in 1993.

Is Tbilisi Safe For Tourists?

While it’s true that Tbilisi and most of Georgia is safe for tourists, with more and more development taking place to improve the tourism industry throughout the country, the fact remains that the scars and memories of war are still very much part of the public identity.

However, most visitors to the country are welcomed with open friendliness.

The biggest danger from most strangers is that you’ll drink too much of their homemade wine that they will treat you to at every opportunity.

Power Tip: Check the US State Department website for overall safety or road and driving conditions if you are thinking of taking a road trip during your visit.

One thing we’ve noticed while traveling around eastern Europe is that some countries have come out from under the Soviet umbrella in better shape than others.

Maybe it’s part of the troubled past of Georgia, always in the crossroads of conquering armies, that has delayed its development.

Or perhaps it’s the need to deal with internal strife that has diverted resources from much-needed public infrastructure.

I can’t really be sure after only a short visit, but I did notice that even though it is coming a little later to the game, Georgia has been making some strong and determined advances towards putting Tbilisi and Georgia squarely on the tourism map.

Sites in Tbilisi have been cleaned up, renovated and repaired, and are open and ready for business.

Is Tbilisi Cheap?

All of this works together to make a visit to Tbilisi both enjoyable and affordable. There are a host of good choices for hotels or guest houses in a wide range to suit any taste or comfort level.

The food scene is growing alongside the rest of the tourism industry at a good pace with some really excellent eating options for both local and international cuisine.

Of course, wine is where it’s really at in Georgia, with most of the history books agreeing that Georgia is the birthplace of the modern wine-making method.

Tbilisi has museums, amusement parks, ballet, bike tours, even a castle ruin to explore. It’s time to make plans for your visit today!

Do You Need A Visa for Georgia?

Most countries do not require a visa to enter, however the website to check is here.

If you are from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the European Union you can stay in Georgia up to 365 days without a visa or residence card.

It’s becoming one of the places that digital nomads go, avoiding  Schengen Visa restrictions found in other parts of Europe. 

How To Get To Tbilisi

Most visitors to Tbilisi will arrive via air, landing at the small but efficient Tbilisi Airport. Connections to the city can be made by train or bus, both very inexpensive and fairly quick (about US$0.25 for the 30 minute trip!).

If you land after 23:00, though, you’ll need to take a taxi to the city center for around 25GEL (about US$10) if you’re a keen negotiator.

Transportation to the best things to do in Tbilisi

Transportation in Tbilisi is one part of the infrastructure that hasn’t quite caught up to the rest of the efforts in the city.

There are some fabulous sites to visit that will reveal Tbilisi’s past but getting to them can sometimes be a challenge.

You could drive yourself in a cheap rental car, but then you’ll have a difficult time finding parking and the streets aren’t signed as well as they could be.

There are minibusses that drive throughout the city, but we couldn’t find enough information to make them useful to anyone but a local.

There is a metro system, providing connections between the various parts of the city, but it won’t get you very close to most of the main sites and this is a hard city to walk with broken or missing sidewalks, difficult street crossings, and major construction sites.

The metro system is old and undergoing updates with plans to extend coverage, hopefully, this may improve in the future.

How to Get Around to the Best Places to Visit in Tbilisi With Taxis

The best way to get around Tbilisi, especially on a short stay, is to use a combination of metro and taxi. Taxis are cheap and plentiful.

The drivers may be difficult to communicate with, most don’t speak a lot of English, but we were able to get around the city with very few problems.

Cabs don’t always use a meter system. It’s better to have a good idea of what the ride should cost and then negotiate as close to that cost as possible before climbing aboard.

We would ask at our hotel or at a restaurant to get an idea of what it should cost to get somewhere and use that information to set our price.

Despite the initial hassle of haggling, once the price was set and we were on the road, each of our cab drivers became friendly, founts of information about Georgia and Tbilisi.

I’m sure it would be a simple thing to negotiate a one-day or two-day driver at a very affordable price which would make the sights even easier to visit.

1. Sameba Cathedral

Standing tall and overlooking the city like a shepherd watching over his sheep, stands the gleaming, gold-topped Cathedral of Sameba also known as the Church of the Holy Trinity. And a visit here is easily one of the best things to do in Tbilisi!

The plans for this massive Orthodox church were begun even before Georgia separated itself off from the Soviet Union, but construction didn’t start until 1995.

Progress was slow and costly and didn’t actually finish until 2004, and now the cathedral stands as a symbol of national unity and spiritual revival.

On the day we visited, the cathedral had been taken over by the military for a somber memorial.

2. Tbilisi Old Town

Old wooden houses with wrought iron balconies make up the traditional Georgian architecture. And a walk through the old town is the best way to experience it.

Bring your camera as these are some photogenic buildings. The grime and grit of the past two hundred years has added a rich patina. You can’t help but feel that each of these houses has an epic tale to tell.

3. Sulfur Baths

Baths dating back to Roman times have been found in Tbilisi. However, the baths at the edge of the Old Town haven’t been around quite so long.

The oldest, Bathhouse #5, is only a mere 300 years old. Inside the tiles and tubs are beautiful and everywhere you’ll find a cloud of welcoming steam.

Stop in for a soak, a massage, or a Turkish-style skin peel in the same bathhouse where Pushkin once bathed. You’ll leave relaxed and recharged after enjoying one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi.

4. Narikala Fortress

The tall stone walls and battlements aren’t really protecting anything any longer. Instead they rest overlooking the old town and the sulfur baths which they have protected since the 4th century.

You can spend an hour here, scrambling around the walls and towers, discovering some amazing city view points.

5. Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace offers some unique views of the old town, Narikala Fortress, and the Presidential Palace.

By day it’s a futuristic architectural pedestrian bridge, but by night the structure is lit up and becomes a standalone light show. It is a completely unique experience and should be visited both day and night.

6. Rope Way

OK, this may not technically be a site to visit, but it is a fun way to get up to the fortress! These cable cars are part of the city metro system so you’ll need a metro card to ride it.

Luckily you can purchase these at the entrance. Again, the views from the rope way are stunning as it lifts you up over the river and the Old Town.

7. Funicular and Amusement Park

I just can’t pass up a funicular. I don’t know what it is but these gravity-defying trains just call to me. This funicular will lift you up the mountainside to more stunning city views.

You’ll also be able to take a break and enjoy a coffee and piece of cake or tort at the funicular cafe. While you’re up there, why not put the kids on a ride or two at Mtatsminda Park.

8. Jumah Mosque

Climbing up into Old Town, around towards the sulfur baths, and snug up below the fortress you’ll find the Jumah Mosque perched on the hillside.

This beautiful structure is as much a symbol of national unity and spirituality as the Sameba cathedral across the river.

Here this old mosque stands in one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods, with churches, mosques, and synagogues for neighbors.

9. Georgian Food

Georgian Food is pretty spectacular. We learned a lot from this Georgian food guide before we went and tried to taste all them. My favorite are Khinkali , meat-filled dumplings can be found throughout Georgia, and a trip to Tbilisi wouldn’t be complete without sampling these doughy culinary treats.

Be careful when you eat them, however, as there is a right way and a wrong way. The right way: put down the knife and fork, this is finger food; pick it up by the knot at the top and take a big slurping bite out of the bottom.

Be careful to catch all of the steaming, soupy broth before it runs down your fingers. Then finish off the dumpling with one last bite down to the knot.

Order a plate of traditional all meat or mix and match some of the more adventurous fillings like potato and cheese. 

We had so much great food, other than just Khinkali. The eggplant rolls, Kachapuri – eggy, cheesy bread, Shkmeruli – chicken in milk , Lobio – a hearty bean soup, and any kind of dolma all stand out as Georgian culinary treasures.

Dolma means stuffed, and just like in Turkish food, you can stuff anything with meat and rice and I’ll love it.

10. Georgian National Ballet

If you’re lucky you can catch a performance by the world renown Georgian National Ballet at the National Opera and Ballet theater.

The easiest way to check on this is to ask at your hotel front desk or stop by the Tbilisi Information Center. In fact, they can call and check on showtimes and availability and the Tourist Office can even book your tickets for you.

We weren’t so lucky and had to settle for the dinner show at Old Metekhi Chrdili, which was fine, but not quite the same thing.

Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater 25 Rustaveli Ave, 0103 Tbilisi, Georgia

Where To Eat in Tbilisi

Dinner with a show at Metekhis Chrdili 29-25 Ketevan Tsamebuli Ave. (41.688725, 44.820889)

Upscale wine bistro at the Bread House 7 Vakhtang Gorgasali St, (41.688571, 44.812581)

Have khinkali at a good traditional restaurant near old town at Chashnagiri Leselidze 25 Kote Afkhazi St, (41.693252, 44.804550)

So what is the terrible truth about Tbilisi? Well, aside from a great alliterative title, the truth is Tbilisi is a city still emerging from Soviet era occupation and internal struggles marked with atrocities and hatred.

For me, however, perception is truth, and my perception of Tbilisi is one of cautious optimism. My recommendation is that you put the past in the past and go to Tbilisi and see it for yourself!

More Photos Of The Best Things to do in Tbilisi

Pin Tbilisi Top Ten for later.

Author Bio: Jim Vail , is a travel, food, and video creator and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 15 years. For many years he lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands, and he’s visited over 90 countries.

Tara @ Soviet Suitcase

Wednesday 22nd of May 2019

Definitely accurate that there is a distinct lack of written and easily accessible information about travel in Tbilisi and also throughout Georgia (although one of the aims of my blog is to try and reverse that one day!). Although did you know in Tbilisi you can use Google Maps to plan your journeys on public transport with surprising accuracy! Did you have a chance to go to the Puppet Theatre or the Ethnographic Museum? Those are in my top 10 Tbilisi highlights!

Corinne Vail

We did not go to the Puppet Theatre...maybe next time.

Monday 23rd of January 2017

THANKS FOR YOUR NICE ARTICLE AND PHOTOS

Tuesday 24th of January 2017

Thanks Noor

Rhonda Albom

Monday 22nd of August 2016

Tbilisi looks like a fascinating city to visit. Your first picture is interesting in that the outer ring of apartment buildings appears drastically different than the old town and smaller homes. Perhaps built during a communist regime to house the masses?

Rhonda, I'm sure that's right. There are plenty of Soviet buildings all over the country, and I have more to post so stay tuned!

Friday 12th of August 2016

Mike, Tbilisi is a great city and you will really enjoy it. We're are well, just busy. I hope the same for you!

Stephen Garone

Thursday 11th of August 2016

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing. Have to start planning a trip there now...

Stephen, You will love it!

The 11 Most Beautiful Parks (and Gardens) in Tbilisi

March 27, 2023

For almost a year, I’ve been living in Tbilisi , Georgia’s capital city.

And I’ve spent lots of the summer months wandering around its various green spaces. So in this guide, I’ve brought you a big juicy list of the 11 most scenic parks in Tbilisi .

Bring your picnic blanket, pack those sandwiches, and come join the fun!

Are you planning your trip to Tbilisi?

If you’re traveling to Tbilisi , you want to make sure you have accommodation and tours booked ahead of time! Check out our top-rated tours and hotels to help you plan! (Click the links for photos and details)

🚕 Book your private transfer from Tbilisi airport to your hotel

🇬🇪 Top Tours & Activities in Tbilisi

• City Highlights Walking Tour (A must for all visitors)
• Cooking master classes in a local family (enjoy Georgian cuisine)
• Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyons (this one will leave you speechless!)
• Private Tour to Sabaduri Forest and Chronicles of Georgia

🛏️ Best Hotels in Tbilisi

• The Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel (our top pick!)
• Castle in Old Town (stay in a real castle)
• Fabrika Hostel & Suites (excellent for solo travelers)
• Vinotel Boutique Hotel (winner of the best boutique hotel in Georgia award 2017)

🚗 Looking for the best way to rent a car in Tbilisi? Click here to check rental car rates for Tbilisi !

1. Dedaena Park

2. 9th of april park, 3. rike park, 4. mziuri park, 5. vake park, 6. mtatsminda park, 7. central park, 8. national botanical garden, 9. lisi lake, 10. turtle lake, 11. tbilisi national park, before you go.

• Location : Just to the east of the Dry Bridge

This isn’t the most famous, interesting, or even beautiful park in the city. But it takes the prestigious #1 spot simply because it’s my favorite park in Tbilisi . Sorry for being biased.

It has fountains, endless friendly stray dogs, a skate park, occasional live music, occasional food markets, and lots of picnicking locals. I love coming here with friends, drinks, and a portable speaker, and sitting for a few hours.

It’s also home to some nice places to eat and drink. For some evening fun, check out the new Rooster bar. It’s a laid-back outdoor space with tasty drinks and sandwiches.

And to take the party further, check out Dedaena Bar, which sits inside the park. For daytime snacks and drinks, the stalls behind the bar serve up some tasty basics.

For relaxing in a simple but pretty park, Dedaena is great.

• Location : Just east of Shota Rustaveli Avenue

On the other side of the Dry Bridge from Dedaena Park, this little place is green and attractive… and because it’s close to busy Rustaveli Avenue, it’s ideal for escaping the city center bustle with a coffee and a book.

It’s pretty good for families with young kids, and you always see little ones running around the park.

There’s not a whole lot to do here, but it’s peaceful, safe, and green, and it’s home to some conveniently-placed toilets. It has a nice fountain, lots of benches and picnic spots, and some pretty shrubs and flowers.

And because it’s brimming with big tall trees, it’s a good option for finding some much-welcome shade in the horrendously-hot summer months.

• Location : Just east of the Peace Bridge

Rike Park is just over the river from the Old Town, so it’s super easy to access (since you’ll be in this area anyway).

Wander west to east over the strangely-futuristic glass-walled Peace Bridge , and you’ll find yourself here.

Landscaped and laconic, it’s clean and comfortable. It’s home to loads of flowers and benches, a few sculptures, and some strange architecture. It also has some nice views of the city—from here, you can see Narikala Fortress, Mother Georgia, and lots more well-known sites.

If you want to get a closer look at all that famous stuff, there’s a cable car running from Rike Park to the top of Narikala Fortress. And, weirdly, the park is also home to the city’s strange air balloon , which floats up into the sky and offers panoramic views of the city.

All in all, this is one of the best Tbilisi parks for tourists… so if you only have time for one park in the city, you should make it this one. I reckon it’s prettiest at night, when the place and its surroundings are all illuminated.

• Location : 23 Chavchavadze Street

I reckon this is the most beautiful city-center park in Tbilisi.

Most people don’t realize how big Mziuri Park is… you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around its colorful confines. The main entrance is in the upmarket neighborhood of Vake, but it also stretches a lot further north.

This park is especially good if you have kids—it has strange sculptures of kooky characters, a duck-filled lake, a skate park, a couple of play parks, a climbing wall, and lots of tucked-away picnic spots. There’s also an amphitheater inside the park, which sometimes hosts festivals, performances, and other events.

And because it’s a multi-layered funfest with lots of colorful and creative staircases, it’s a nice place to get lost for a while.

In summer and late spring, the park is super beautiful and feels very different from the rest of the city. I totally recommend it .

While you’re in the park, make sure you visit Mziuri Cafe , which sits inside the southern part of the place. It’s relaxing and cozy, it has a nice outdoor area, and it serves up tasty portions of healthy food. On Mondays, they offer only meat-free meals.

• Location : 76 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue

Next up, another Vake option.

Right now, this place is undergoing a big fat bunch of ugly restoration. So as I write this, some parts of the park aren’t in a great state—but, usually, it’s one of the most beautiful parks in Tbilisi.

… because it’s been under construction for a seemingly-endless period of many months, it hopefully won’t be very long until its entirety is super beautiful again.

Anyway, it’s a huge place, and it sits just to the south of the neighborhood’s main road. It has lots of benches and fountains, and some nice tracks for cycling and running. It also has a basketball court, tennis courts, and a cable car running all the way up to Turtle Lake (but more on that place later) . And right at the highest point of the park, there’s a towering WW2 statue.

Vake Park is popular with families and picnickers, and the stairs are a well-known running spot for people who love punishing themselves by slogging uphill (including me) .

Because it’s pretty huge, Vake Park is a good place to spend a couple of hours, and it’s popular for family picnics. If you’re here with kids, check out the child-friendly amusement area, with some small rides and snack bars.

• Location : On the western side of the Old Town

If you’re on the hunt for panoramic views (and Tbilisi has loads of them) , this is the most beautiful park in Tbilisi.

But because it’s so big (and mainly because it sits on the flattened plateau of a big city-center mountain) it feels more like a resort than a park.

Up here, you’ll find loads of fun stuff. Mtatsminda Park has fairground rides (including a rollercoaster, water slides, and a carousel) , a classy-but-affordable restaurant , a funicular, lots of street food, some occasional festivals, and lots more kid-friendly stuff.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, you should also ride on the park’s huge Ferris Wheel, which offers great views of the city and its mountains.

Halfway between Mtatsminda Park and the city center, there’s a pretty church and pantheon, where lots of famous Georgians are buried.

Last of all, Mtatsminda Park is also a good choice for hiking and trail running. If you stroll (or sprint) from here to the ruinous remains of Narikala Fortress, you get lots more great views of the city.

And you can even use your two little feet to get from here to Turtle Lake… but more on that place later.

• Location : 79 Sulkhan Tsintsadze Street

Calling this place beautiful is probably a bit imaginative. But I genuinely think it’s attractive in a sort of oddly-apocalyptic way.

A racetrack-shaped feat of a desolate lack of landscaping, Central Park is great for running—it’s circular, it has a track running around its perimeter, and it’s never particularly busy.

But it’s not just good for running—because it’s flat and vast, it’s a good place to let little ones explore without them getting lost. And because Central Park is sandwiched between the districts of Saburtalo and Vake, it offers endless residential views of the area’s skyscrapers, tower blocks, and unusual street art.

It also feels wild and untouched, and you’ll often find lots of friendly street dogs here.

So, yeah, this place isn’t attractive in the traditional sense. But there’s definitely something beautiful about it.

• Location : 12 Bambis Rigi Street
• Entrance fees : 4 lari ($1.5) for adults; 1 lari for children, students, and pensioners

Is a botanical garden actually a park? I don’t know— but this place is definitely beautiful .

It’s home to a waterfall, a river, some unusual futuristic buildings, a bamboo grove, and a whole load of different trees, plants, and flowers. The place features a massive collection of 4,500 different taxonomic groups (whatever that even means) . It also has a small Japanese Garden, a kids’ park, and a lengthy zipline.

And it’s much bigger than most people realize… it measures in at a huge 161 hectares. You can easily wander around the National Botanical Garden for 2 or 3 hours without retracing your steps.

Best of all, it’s right in the center of the city, hiding just behind Narikala Fortress—so you can easily visit the park while you’re wandering around all the famous highlights.

If you like plants, you’ll obviously love this place. But even if you don’t, you’ll have a good time anyway—I have no interest in looking at flowers, and I still like the garden.

It’s of course at its best during spring and summer… I don’t recommend visiting during any other time of year.

• Location : Northwest of the city center

Alright, this place definitely isn’t a park.

But it’s a big outdoor green space that’s perfect for picnicking, exploring, and spending time with people. If that’s not parkish enough for you, I sincerely apologize.

Lisi Lake itself is relatively pretty, and it has a paved road running around its entire perimeter—it’s ideal for a gentle stroll or a mini bike ride. But if you want a better adventure, head to the two ridges just to the north of the lake.

The upper ridge in particular has a whole load of great hikes—to villages, lakes, crucifixes, and more. If you want remote fun just on the outskirts of the city, this is the best place to find it.

The #1 walk you should tackle is this: head west to Tsodoreti before then ascending the peak of Natlismtsemeli mountain. Come down the other side of the mountain, via a small pretty lake and you’ll reach the Azeri settlement of Mskhaldidi.

Oh, and for another excellent adventure, head to Dog Organization Georgia , a dog shelter just west of the lake. Here, you can meet some of the city’s rescue dogs, and take them with you on your adventures around the lake. Massively recommended!

• Location : West of the Old Town, and south of Saburtalo

Turtle Lake is pretty similar to Lisi Lake—it’s not an actual park, but it has lots of excellent outdoor stuff. Highlights include play areas, hiking trails, cycling trails, picnic spots, calisthenics workout zones, and… as you probably astutely intuited from the name of the place… a lake.

Other highlights include a lengthy zipline, rentable paddle boats, and the rickety-but-fun old-school cable car that runs from the lake to Vake Park. And when you tire of all the action, there are some nice places to eat and drink—meat-heavy Buri BBQ is my favorite.

Turtle Lake is a nice compromise between busy and quiet—although there are loads to do here, it’s never particularly bustling.

If you want a bigger adventure, you can walk all the way from Turtle Lake to Mtatsminda Park. It’s a surprisingly easy stroll, but it’s packed with brilliant views. For a shorter option, you should instead wander to the lofty figure of Svan Tower, with great views of the lake.

Just underneath the park, there’s the city’s Open Air Museum of Ethnography , another attractive outdoor area. It’s full of old-style buildings and offers a nice combo of good views, pretty green spaces, and a big ol’ slice of insightful history.

• Location : Northeast of Tbilisi, and east of Mtskheta

Last up, the biggest park of them all.

Tbilisi National Park is just to the northeast of the city center, and it’s one of the best national parks in the nation. It was also the first national park in Georgia , and it measures in at a surprisingly vast 210 square kilometers (81 square miles) .

It’s full of great hikes, and because a major road runs through the park, all the fun is super easy to access.

The best introductory wander here is the Big Viewpoint Trail (which, despite its name, is actually pretty easy) . A much-more-challenging option is the Mamkoda Loop , which clocks in at a hefty 38km (23.5 miles) .

This loop takes you to both Martkopi Monastery and Mamkoda Monastery . Even if you don’t want to hike to them, you should visit them both—pretty much all of Georgia’s biggest green spaces are packed with religious buildings, and these are both good examples.

If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the park’s bear sanctuary (which is also home to wolves and dogs) . Here, you can feed the bears—and watch them chow down on 20kg of fruit in about 10 minutes.

That’s your fill— the 11 most beautiful parks in Tbilisi !

For much more information on exploring Georgia’s super-lovable capital, check out our guides to the best places to visit in Tbilisi , all the things the city is famous for , and the top 17 reasons I love Tbilisi .

Thanks for reading, thanks for checking out Travelness, and we’ll see you again soon!

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Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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Old Town Tbilisi: Tips, Must-Visits, and 16 Things To Do

• Old Town Tbilisi: Tips, Must-Visits, and 16 Things To...

Complex and charmingly messy, Tbilisi’s Old Town is one of the world’s most charming city centres. If you want to hop on all the local lingo, Tbilisi’s Old Town is also known as Dzveli Tbilisi.

I’ve been living in  Georgia’s capital  for a few months, so I’ve recently spent lots of time wandering through the neighborhood’s meandering lanes and cobbled streets. I’m writing this from Tbilisi right now—I’ll tell it you said hello. 

You’ll undoubtedly love Tbilisi, with its maze-like mish-mash of ancient homes, vertiginous roads, and unusual architecture from various places and periods.

And because you and I are best friends, I’d like to help you do it. 

So in this expert guide, I’ve brought you lots of information on Old Town Tbilisi, along with hints, tips, places to hang out, and the 16 best things to do there.

Table of Contents

Where Is the Old Town in Tbilisi?

I don’t really know where Tbilisi’s Old Town begins and ends.  In truth, probably no one really knows. Old Town is the very central sprawl of the city, and I think it’s the most interesting part of Tbilisi.

The majority of the Old Town is on the western side of the Mtkvari River which stretches into some of the city’s verdant hills. But some small parts of Old Town are also on the eastern side of the river.

Broadly speaking, Old Town comprises a few different neighborhoods, lots of homes, hills, religious buildings, quirky hangouts, friendly people, and plenty of activities.

What’s So Good About Tbilisi’s Old Town?

The place oozes appeal out of every crumbling crevice. And believe me, Old Town has lots of crumbling crevices. Most of the buildings are in an endearing state of disrepair, which all adds to the charm.  

But it’s  so  great because it’s  so  diverse. 

Tbilisi is one of the world’s oldest cities, and it’s often been at a historical, geographical and literal crossroads.  Because of that, it’s a kooky concoction of various styles and influences—one of the most architecturally-eclectic cities I’ve ever visited. It’s crammed with lots of varied stuff.

Because it looks so unique and unusual (and because there’s so much to do), it’s a great place to visit. 

But there are also lots more reasons to get yourself to Tbilisi.

First up, it’s a VERY affordable place.  You can get a good meal for $5USD. A beer for $1.50. A coffee for a pretty similar price. A public transport ride for $0.30. A taxi ride across town for $2. Your money goes very far in Tbilisi, and you’ll struggle to outstrip your budget.

But best of all, Georgia has one of the most liberal immigration policies I’ve ever known.  Most nationalities can stay for one year without even applying for a visa. Show up at the border, get a 1-year stamp in your passport, and you’re free to roam for an absurdly long time. 

16 Best Things to Do and See in Old Town Tbilisi

There are many great things to do in Old Town Tbilisi, and I promise to be a little more specific later in this list.

But an aimless wander is the best way to get a proper feel for the place. Yeah, there are many attractions, must-see sites, and things you need to experience. But most of the appeal lies in the inane and the innocuous: the hidden homes, the smiling locals, and the stumbled-upon surprises.

Make sure you see all the things I’ve featured later in this list. But also give yourself plenty of time to get lost in Tbilisi’s Old Town. 

Narikala Fortress

Originally established in the 4th century,  Narikala Fortress  is one of Tbilisi’s most impressive sights, and it’s probably the most famous destination in the city. 

It sits right on top of the central part of Old Town Tbilisi—and from its crumbling walls, you get some great views of the area.

For the best view of the fortress, head over the river to Metekhi St. Virgin Church—this is probably Tbilisi’s most famous panorama, and it’s worth seeking it out. Here’s a great walking tour of Old Town, which stops at Narikala Fortress along other spots on this list.

The best way to explore Narikala Fortress is by climbing the steep cobbled lanes that lead to its top. But if you’re a lazy layabout, you have an alternative option…

Narikala Cable Car

If you don’t want to walk, this popular cable car can take you to the heights of Narikala Fortress. 

A short but fun ride, you get excellent city views up to the ruins and remains. Then once you reach the top, you can explore the complex without tackling many annoying ascents.

The cable car runs to Narikala from Rike Park, a popular local hangout. It’s nothing spectacular, but it’s worth exploring for a little while (especially in summer, when it’s super sunny). 

The cable car is ridiculously affordable, clocking in at less than $1USD (and, no, that’s not a typo). 

Insider Tip: If you’re looking for someone else to plan your day, here’s a great wine and walking tour combo that also takes you on the cable car.

Mother Georgia

Part of Narikala, but not really part of Narikala, you have Mother Georgia, a massive monument dominating this part of the city’s skyline.

Also known as Kartlis Deda, the monument measures 20 meters (65 feet). Erected in 1958, Mother Georgia is an imposing aluminum icon that allegedly symbolizes the character of Georgia and its people. She was built to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of the city’s existence.

The crowned queen holds some wine in one hand; in the other, a sword. Talk about mixed messages. 

Because she’s so grand, she’s visible from almost anywhere in the city. Still, you get the best views of the looming lady from Tbilisi’s Old Town. And you get some pretty good views of Tbilisi’s Old Town from the platform on which she stands. 

Insider Tip: This top-rated walking tour of Tbilisi highlights Mother Georgia and other sites on this list.

Xeme Restaurant at The Biltmore 

The Biltmore  is one of Tbilisi’s most exclusive hotels. Inside, it’s all classy, elegant and upmarket, and the likes of me definitely don’t belong there.

Usually, I’m not the sort of guy who recommends fancy places. But perched on the hotel’s top floor, you have  Xeme Restaurant . It’s a glass-fronted eatery with the best possible views you can get of the city. 

It’s surprisingly inexpensive for such a high-end place—a glass of wine is around $5, beer is a little less, and a cheap meal is around $12. And considering how upmarket the venue is, it’s pretty laid-back and friendly, and the staff are warm and welcoming.

Suppose you get a clear-skied day in Tbilisi. In that case, I recommend heading to Xeme, even if it’s only for a quick drink and a few sneaky additions to your Instagram story.

Peace Bridge 

Though most of Tbilisi’s architecture is made up of ancient facades and precarious wooden buildings, the city also has some glaringly-modern oddities, including this iconic bridge. 

Built in 2010, tourists love the Peace Bridge. You can never cross the bridge without getting caught in dozens of their selfies. Here’s a great walking tour of Tbilisi if you want to visit the Peace Bridge along with popular spots.

The peculiar Peace Bridge feels strangely out of place in such an old-school neighborhood. Still, it’s definitely worth a quick visit. One of the most famous landmarks in the city, you can’t visit Tbilisi without ticking this one-off. 

Freedom Square

Dominated by a lofty gold-and-white pillar, Freedom Square (or Liberty Square, as some people prefer to call it) is arguably the very heart of the city.

Made up of the massive monument and a traffic-packed roundabout, Freedom Square is worth a quick glance. That said, I don’t find it particularly interesting or aesthetic.

But here’s why you need to visit – for any drinking tour around the city, Freedom Square is a perfect starting point. 

Surrounded by countless bars, there are loads of varied drinking dens here. Some of my favorites are Makulatura, World’s End, Warsawa, Ambavi, 9 MTA, Tsota Tsota, and Black Dog Bar, but you’ll find loads more. Old Town Tbilisi genuinely has some of the best nightlife on the planet.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking for a tour to take you to Freedom Square and other Tbilisi highlights, try this half-day walking tour .

Gabriadze Clock Tower

Looking like something from a Disney movie, this wonky wonder is one of the weirdest buildings in Tbilisi (and trust me, it has some pretty stiff competition). 

Built in 2011, the Gabriadze Clock Tower is attached to the  city’s puppet theatre , and a thick steel beam props it up. I think this steel beam is only  supposed  to look like it’s holding the clock tower in place. But this being Tbilisi, there’s a good chance it’s  actually  holding the building in place. Who knows.

Preposterously playful, the Gabriadze Clock Tower is a cute and kooky attraction. An angel-shaped mannequin emerges from the clock and delicately strikes its little bell every hour. 

Situated right next to Shardeni Street, this pedestrianized zone is one of the most tourist-heavy parts of the city. This walking tour , in particular, stops at the clock tower. Most of the cafes and restaurants here are overpriced and inauthentic, so I recommend eating and drinking outside of this area (although most online resources will suggest the opposite, the little liars).

Next to the clock tower, you have Anchiskhati Basilica, one of the city’s oldest and most impressive churches. 

Mtatsminda Park

On all sides, Tbilisi is surrounded by hills, mountains, and many remote and rural green spaces.

But while most of them lie on the outskirts,  Mtatsminda Park  is right in the heart of the city.

Translating to ‘Holy Mountain,’ it’s home to a surprisingly large amount of stuff. It’s most famous for its massive TV tower and its almost-as-massive Ferris Wheel, both of which are visible from miles around. 

But on top of all that, the park also serves up a rollercoaster, some kids’ rides, family attractions, decent hiking trails, excellent viewpoints of the city (especially at night), a lovely walk to Turtle Lake, a celeb-stuffed cemetery, and plenty more. 

The walk from the park to the city is a pleasant wander. But if you can’t be bothered by all that exercise, you can instead take the train-style funicular, which drops you right in the middle of the park. 

Make sure you visit the restaurant at the top of the funicular for the best hot chocolate in the city. It’s thick, gooey and super chocolatey. Usually, I’m not too fond of hot chocolate—but even  I  like this stuff.  

Holy Trinity Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral was built between 1995 and 2004. It sits on the top of a hill on the eastern side of the Mtkvari River. It is one of the most significant Orthodox churches in Georgia. If you’re looking for a local guide, here’s a tour that stops at the cathedral .

Perched high over the city, the cathedral is visible from most of Tbilisi’s Old Town. During the night, it’s brightly illuminated. Super beautiful, it’s a photographer’s dream, crammed with symmetry, intricate oddities, and loads of lovely details. 

The inside is still being decorated (and probably will be for endless years to come, in true Orthodox style). Because of that, the exterior is the most impressive part, but you should still pop inside.

Meander Around Marjanishvili

Is Marjanishvili an official part of Old Town Tbilisi? 

I don’t really know, but Google Maps seems to think it is—and because it’s one of the prettiest parts of the city, it’s worth exploring no matter what you want to call it. 

Unlike Tbilisi’s other neighborhoods, Marjanishvili is made up of laconic streets, low-rise buildings, and many Middle Eastern hangouts. If you want Turkish coffee, shisha pipes, or Lebanese cuisine, make sure you visit. Here’s a great tour that goes off the beaten path and explores Marjanishvili.

Davit Agmashenebeli Avenue, the district’s main street, is stuffed with places to eat, drink and people-watch. If you head to the south side of the street, it’s all pedestrianized and crammed with cafes. Yeah, it’s a little touristy, but I really enjoy this part of town. 

This part of the avenue is pretty laid-back during the day, but it comes alive at night. Whatever time you visit, expect menu-touting staff attempting to lure you into their joints.

Botanical Garden

Sitting underneath the western side of Narikala Fortress,  Tbilisi’s Botanical Garden  is a lovely place for a wander.

The almost 400 acre Botanical Garden is home to a waterfall, lots of lovely walking trails, and over 4,000 species of plants and trees. Because a gaping valley somewhat obscures it, the Botanical Garden is bigger than most people expect. If you like fawning over flora, it’s one of the best things to do in Old Town Tbilisi.

However, the signage is poor, so you don’t get much context of what you’re looking at. So expect a nice walk, but don’t expect to learn much. 

Sulfur Baths

Smelly and sulfuric, these dome-roofed baths are a perfect place to relax. They’re a national treasure, popular with both locals and tourists, and you can’t visit Tbilisi without a little dip.

Chreli Abano Baths  are the most famous in the city, and they’re pretty cheap given their lofty reputation. They offer various treatments, private baths, public baths, and even a bizarre snow room.

They’re in the charming mini-neighborhood of Abanotubani, where you’ll also find most of the city’s other baths. This small area is also an excellent place for a wander. This walking tour , in particular, takes you through the district. Aside from the baths, it’s also home to meandering streets, a mini river, a small gorge, and even a city-centre waterfall.  

Fun fact: oddly, the city is somewhat named after these baths. ‘Tbilisi’ translates to ‘warm spring.’ 

Taste Some Wine

Controversial, I know. But I reckon Georgian wine is probably the best wine on the planet. You might not agree (yet)—but once you’ve tasted the stuff, we’ll have a hard time arguing. 

You’ll get the best wine by buying some plastic-bottled homemade moonshine from the ancient babushkas who peddle their wares on the street (or from right outside their homes). But if you prefer a more formal affair, head on over to  8,000 Vintages , the most famous wine-tasting venue in the city. There are plenty of wine-tasting tours in Tbilisi from which to choose.

If wine isn’t your thing, there’s lots more to sip and slurp on in Tbilisi. Local spirit chacha is another good choice. Consistently strong and often homemade, you’ll find it all over the city.

Whatever you drink, expect to drink a lot of it. You’ll likely wake up with a pounding hangover the next day. Georgians love to drink! And they love encouraging visitors to drink just as much as them.

Chew and Chomp

Georgian food is excellent, and there’s (obviously) lots of it in the Old Town. 

For a restaurant-style meal with authentic eats, try Tiflis or Shavi Lomi. But for a canteen-style experience packed with lunching locals, you instead want to go to Mapshalia. 

No matter where you go, make sure you eat some khinkali, knot-topped dumpling-like treats filled with cheese, meat, mushrooms, potatoes, or whatever else you might fancy. If you need guidance, here’s a great walking, eating, and drinking tour of Tbilisi .

Dotted around various parts of the Old Town, you’ll also find lots of bakeries selling heavy, hearty and massive bread-based snacks (which, in truth, are actually more like meals). Try khachapuri (a cheese-based bread dish with lots of regional versions) and lobiani (a similar delight, but with beans instead of cheese).

Aside from Georgian stuff, you also get much more diverse fayre from around the globe, including lots of authentic Indian food (thanks to Tbilisi’s large population of Indian students). 

Take a Walking Tour

A walking tour is probably a good option if you want to learn some facts about Georgia’s history, heritage, and people on a speedy two-hour jaunt. There are lots on offer throughout the city, including  Tbilisi Free Walking Tours . It’s labelled free, but you tip the guide at the end of the tour based on what you think the tour value was worth.

There are also plenty of paid tours if you want to know exactly what you’re getting before you visit.

Many hotels and hostels offer these walks, and there are countless tour operators dotted around the city (and the internet). I can’t recommend any particular providers, but make sure you book one with a good reputation. 

Old Town Tbilisi: Final Thoughts and Further Reading

There you have it—everything you need to know about Old Town Tbilisi!

As you’ve probably worked out by now, I totally recommend visiting the place. 

You’ll fall in love with it, want to stay forever, and wonder why the city isn’t much more popular. That said, it’s rapidly emerging as one of the planet’s most exciting destinations, so make sure you visit before everyone else does.

If you want to know anything else about one of my favorite cities on the planet, check out our other handy guides:

• 20 Best Nightlife Spots in Tbilisi
• 23 Best Cafes in Tbilisi
• 15 Best Indian Restaurants in Tbilisi
• Tbilisi’s Turtle Lake

Thanks for reading, you intrepid explorer, and we’ll see you next time!

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Paul McDougal is a handsome and hilarious travel writer originally from the UK. He likes hitchhiking, working remotely, and having absolutely no idea what’s going on.

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