tbilisi georgia places to visit

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

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

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

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

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

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Get Around Tbilisi: A Guide to the Tbilisi Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Find the Hidden Lagvtakhevi Waterfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Explore Betlemi Street & Historic Quarter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tbilisi Itinerary: Day 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. See the Remaining Old Tbilisi Walls

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

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

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

12. Shop at Dry Bridge Flea Market

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

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

13. Stroll Around Rike Park & Tbilisi Bridge of Peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Check Out the Converted Spaces at Fabrika Tbilisi 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Check Out Narikala Fortress & St. Nicholas Church

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

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

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

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

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

18. Go Clubbing Underground at Bassiani 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tbilisi Itinerary: Day 3

19. visit the chronicles of georgia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. Liberty Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24. Wander Around Mtatsminda Park

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Budget: envoy hostel  |  namaste hostel  |  apartment rental.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Midrange:  Check Point Hotel  |  Fabrika Hostel & Suites

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

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

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

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

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

Splurge:  Stamba Hotel

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

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

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

Best Restaurants in Tbilisi

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

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

Where and What to Eat

Amra Restaurant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hinkali Factory

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the Shadow of Metekhi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chashnagiri

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

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

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

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

Restaurant Hide

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

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

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

The Cone Culture

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

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

Kvarts Coffee

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

Check out the Tbilisi Metro Stations

Have Any Questions About This Tbilisi Travel Guide?

Ask in the comments section below

Need Travel Insurance for Georgia?

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

More Posts From Georgia:

Crossing the Georgia-Armenia Border by Marshrutka

Tbilisi Metro: Georgia Underground

Exploring the Best Wine Regions of Georgia

How to Get to Pankisi Valley from Telavi, Georgia 

Visiting the Rkoni Monastery & Queen Tamar Bridge, Georgia

Pankisi Valley Travel Guide

Visiting Uplistsikhe Cave Town, Georgia 

Hiking to Abudelauri Lakes in Georgia

Tbilisi’s Bunkers: A Secret Soviet Underworld

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With its dramatic valley setting, picturesque Old Town, eclectic architecture and superb eating and drinking opportunities, Tbilisi is the vibrant, beating heart of Georgia and home to more than one in three of its citizens. Add to that the pull of the city's hipster culture, its techno scene and general air of cool, and Tbilisi is confidently sealing its reputation as the South Caucasus' most cosmopolitan city.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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

For most visitors the highlight here is the hall of wonderful canvases by Georgia’s best-known painter Pirosmani (Niko Pirosmanashvili, 1862–1918),…

Tbilisi's most exhilarating ride is its massively popular cable car, which swings from the south end of Rike Park high over the Mtkvari River and the Old…

Georgian National Museum

The major highlight of the impressive national museum is the basement Archaeological Treasury, displaying a wealth of pre-Christian gold, silver and…

Metekhi Church

The landmark Metekhi Church, and the 1960s equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali beside it, occupy the strategic rocky outcrop above the Metekhi…

The ride up Mt Mtatsminda on the city's funicular is spectacular, as are the views from the top – and there are a couple of great places to eat or drink,…

Anchiskhati Basilica

Tbilisi’s oldest surviving church is perhaps its loveliest. Built by King Gorgasali’s son Dachi in the 6th century, it's a three-nave basilica whose…

Kartlis Deda

This 20m-tall aluminium symbol of Tbilisi holds a sword in one hand and a cup of wine in the other – a classic metaphor for the Georgian character, warmly…

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Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia - Tbilisi Attractions

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• Budget-friendly
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Mount Mtatsminda

2. Jinvali Water Reservoir

3. National Botanical Garden of Georgia

4. Mtatsminda Amusement Park

5. Lisi Lake

6. Turtle Lake

7. Rike Park

8. Vake Park

9. Makho Tours

10. Karlo-Georgia

11. Travel Door

12. Levan Tours

13. TrekGeorgia

14. Private Multi-Day Tours in Georgia

15. Expert Guides Georgia

16. Georgia Travel Adventure

17. Popular Holidays

18. All Around Georgia - Tours by Davit

19. Georgia guide driver

20. Private Tours GDG

21. Weekend Travelers Georgia

22. Welcome to Caucasus

23. Highlander Travel

24. VivaGeorgia

What travelers are saying

32 Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia: Highlights and Hidden Gems

Discover the best things to do in Tbilisi – from the must-see spots to hidden gems.

I almost got stuck in Tbilisi. Not in a “flight-cancelled-life’s-over” kind of way, but more in a “wow this city is super chill and beautiful and I want to stay forever” kind of way.

After convincing myself to board my flight back home to the United States, I realized that the reason I had such a hard time leaving was because there are so many AWESOME things to do in Tbilisi. Like, too many things to do.

When I left Georgia, I felt like I didn’t have enough time there. But I’m not sure any amount of time would have been enough.

Needless to say, I’m definitely planning on making a return trip to Tbilisi one day to experience even more of what this magical city has to offer. I feel like I barely had a chance to dip my toes in the first time.

To give you an inkling of an idea of what I’m talking about, here’s all the stuff I did (or wished I could have done) while traveling in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Best Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia

Take a guided walking tour.

Whenever I get to a new city, the first thing I’ll do is take a walking tour . Tbilisi was no exception.

In Tbilisi, I went on the Grand Tbilisi walking tour. I had an excellent guide, who was super knowledgeable about Tbilisi and Georgia, and spoke perfect English.

It was the perfect intro to the city and allowed me to get a sense of the different destinations and places to visit in the city.

Wander Through The Old City

If you have a free morning, the charming Old City of Tbilisi is worth wandering through. In the afternoons, this area can get really crowded with tourists, so I recommend waking up as early as possible and going for a walk here while the sun is still low in the sky and the city is still waking up.

Here, you can see some of the historic homes of Tbilisi, many of which are painted bright colors or are adorned with flowers.

A winding, uphill sidewalk will take you to the Jume Mosque , the city’s only mosque that still serves as a place of worship today. Down below, there are dozens of shops and cafes serving all kinds of Georgian treats.

Take a Touristy Photo at the I <3 Tbilisi Sign

This one is self-explanatory, but nonetheless, it’s something you’ll probably maybe not want to do while you’re exploring the Old City.

Located in Meidani Square, the I <3 Tbilisi sign is constantly swarming with tourists and is the perfect place to take a “hey mom I’m alive!” photo to send home from Tbilisi. 

What to do in Georgia: Explore the City and its Traditions

Meander through vera.

Vera is a cute and calm neighborhood located near Rustaveli Avenue. Here, you can wander through a more residential area of Tbilisi that boasts cute coffee shops, historic homes, charming streets, and small boutiques.

It’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon, when you’ve grown tired of the more crowded areas of the city.

Ride The Funicular Car to Mtatsminda Amusement Park

Looking for a bit of excitement? In the evenings, you can head to the Tbilisi Funicular Car and ride it up to the Mtatsminda amusement park that has sweeping views of the city. Here, you can ride rides, eat amusement park food, or simply soak in the amazing views of Tbilisi below.

Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral

Georgia is one of the most religious countries in the world, and needless to say, there are a lot of churches all over the country.

It’s not uncommon to see Georgian people making three signs of the cross when they see a church, even when they’re driving, talking on the phone, or riding a bike. 

The central church in Tbilisi is called the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and visitors can see the church and its grounds durning non-service hours.

The building of the cathedral is impressively intricate and a marvel just to look at from the outside.

If you want to see the inside of the church, there’s a strict dress code to follow. In short, you’ll need to cover your head and most of your arms and legs as a woman, and be sure you’re wearing pants if you are a man.

Consider Visiting the Stalin Printing House Museum

Stalin, the infamous leader of the Soviet Union, was originally Georgian. While Stalin’s history can be traced to many different places in Georgia, in Tbilisi, you can visit Stalin’s Printing House Museum.

Hidden beneath the ground under some historic homes, there are a series of tunnels that were home to Stalin’s printing press activities. Here, young Stalin printed thousands of publications to persuade Russians, Georgians, and Armenians to support the overthrowing of the Czar.

I know that many people would rather give this a miss given Stalin’s legacy, but the option to go is there if you want to take it.

Shop in an Underground Market

Geez, those Georgians really like their underground stuff, huh? It’s true. Lots of activity in Georgia actually does go on underground. From wine making to printing, baking to street stalls, Georgia offers underground entertainment like you wouldn’t believe.

Along with the theme of underground things to do, you can also shop for souvenirs and everyday items at underground markets !

There’s a pretty large one near the train station, as well as others located in street underpasses and in Meidani Square.

Take a Cable Car to the Mother of Georgia

For great views of Tbilisi and a wonderful walk down to the top of the Old City, take the cable car to the top of the hill where the Mother of Georgia statue is.

Here, you can get up close and personal with the famed Mother of Georgia Statue, walk down to Narikala Fortress and have a look around, or simply admire the views of the Bridge of Peace, the river, and the many homes and churches dotting the city. 

Before you go up the cable car, you’ll want to make sure you have a Tbilisi Metro Card (2 GEL at the cable car station or at any metro station). The cost of the cable car ride is 2 GEL, and you’ll need to pre-load this amount onto your card before you ride.

Stroll Through the Bustling Freedom Square

Many people consider Freedom Square to be the center of Tbilisi, and it’s easy to understand why: it’s a busy, upscale thoroughfare that is always bustling and full of energy.

Home to many high-end retailers, underground passes, and the golden statue of Saint George, it’s definitely somewhere you’ll at least walk through once during your time in Tbilisi.

Take a Traditional Sulfur Bath

One of the most iconic things to do in Tbilisi is take a dip in the sulfur baths of Abanotubani .

Legend has it that Tbilisi was actually formed because of the natural sulfur-infused spring water that runs through the area. Of course, this means that for centuries, people have been bathing in the sulfur waters to take advantage of their supposed medicinal properties. 

Today, visitors can bathe at one of the many bath houses in Tbilisi. Some of the buildings there house large, public baths (separated by gender) that run as cheap as 3 GEL ($0.75 USD).

Other bath houses offer private rooms for 50+ GEL per hour.

While in Tbilisi, I opted for a private room in Royal Bath that had a hot sulfur pool, a cold shower, and a sitting area for 60 GEL (~$15 USD) per hour. There are some cheaper and more expensive private rooms depending on what you’re looking for.

One of the most traditional things to try at the baths is the hamam-style scrub, which basically consists of a strong Georgian woman (or man, for male participants) scrubbing you from head to toe then dumping a bucket full of soap suds on you. It’s only 10 GEL ($4 USD) and it’s definitely…ahem…an experience.

Listen to Buskers on Rustaveli

If you walk through the famed Rustaveli Avenue at night, you’ll probably hear lots of people singing and playing guitar. Sometimes they sing Georgian songs, but for the most part, it’s familiar American tunes they’re jamming to.

The performers will usually get a friend to walk around the crowds of passersby with a big smile and a hat, asking actively for tips.

Visit the Hidden Waterfall

Located past the Old City, beneath the Botanical Garden, is a small pathway that guides curious visitors to a spectacular sight: a hidden (but not-so-secret) waterfall .

Here, you can dip your toes or take part in a Tbilisi tradition: rattling the chains. To the right of the falls, you’ll see a large set of iron chains hanging from the cliff.

If you rattle the chains against the rocks three times, it’s said that you will return to Georgia in the future. Needless to say, I rattled those chains like it was no one’s business!

Traverse the Bridge of Peace

One of the most famous landmarks of Tbilisi is the Bridge of Peace . A blue, modern-looking structure, the Bridge of Peace was built to represent a marine animal.

Which marine animal, you might ask? No one knows, but we’ll leave it to your imagination.

Visitors can walk through the Bridge of Peace and take in views of the Mtkvari River and the city nearby.

Smell the Flowers in the Botanical Garden

Located up the hill from the Old City is the Tbilisi Botanical Garden . For visitors, there are many paths and viewing areas that wind through this green and beautiful park.

There’s also a stream that runs through here and drops down the cliffs below to form the hidden waterfall above.

Watch the Clock Tower and Puppet Show

In the Old City, there’s a clock tower next to the Marionette Theater that rings every hour, on the hour. If you arrive in the area at 12 PM or 7 PM, you can watch a unique Tbilisi puppet performance.

Don’t be fooled, though. The clock tower isn’t very old; it was actually built in 2010 by Rezo Gabriadze to complement the adjacent puppet theater.

Take the Plunge in Tbilisi Sea

If you’re feeling like a dip in the water after a long day of touring the city, you can head to the swimming area of the local water reservoir, aptly coined the Tbilisi Sea.

The Tbilisi Reservoir is an artificial lake, and is the largest one in the Tbilisi area. Here, you’ll find locals swimming and hanging out with their families in the public beach area. 

To get to the Tbilisi Sea, you can take a taxi (~15 GEL) or take the metro to Girmagle then take a shared taxi or a  marshrutka .

Places to Visit in Tbilisi: Hidden Gems

Visit the history of georgia monument.

Located near the Tbilisi Sea, the  History of Georgia Monument   is a beautiful testament to Georgian pride and history. With its large columns and Stonehenge-like design, it’s a fascinating place to wander through and photograph.

Since it’s a bit far from the city center, many tourists do not visit this area, so there’s a pretty good chance you will have the monument all to yourself!

Ride a (Different) Cable Car to Turtle Lake

A lesser-known cable car in Tbilisi leads to the peaceful Turtle Lake . Located high above the city, it’s the perfect place to rent a boat or go for a dip in the summer.

There is also a place to grab a drink or a bit to eat. If you’re looking for a bit of a rest from the city, Turtle Lake is the perfect place to visit.

Take a Break at Lake Lisi

If you’re looking for yet another lake getaway in Tbilisi, Lake Lisi is a larger lake recreation area located a bit farther out than Turtle Lake.

Here, you can go for a lakeside stroll, grab a bite to eat, or even have a picnic and camp by the lakeside. However, many recent reviews have said that there’s a good bit of trash in the lake, so I would advise checking your surroundings before taking a swim.

Peruse an Art Gallery (Or Even a Few!)

I’ve always found that admiring local artwork can give often give you a good sense for the political and historical climate of a place, from a very personal perspective.

Luckily, Tbilisi is known for having lots of fantastic local art galleries and cafes where you can do just that.

The Art-Cafe HOME in the Old City is a fantastic and beloved art cafe where you can grab a latte, see some rotating exhibits, and hang out for a while.

Hang Out at a Converted Textile Factory

Located across the river from the old city is Fabrika , a hip, converted textile factory that’s now a bar, hostel, and coworking space.

Even if you aren’t staying or working here, you can come for a beer or a glass of Georgian wine in the evenings, sit in the large patio space, and take in the industrial, bustling atmosphere.

A lot of young people, both locals and travelers, come here to hang out and meet others over a drink.

Visit the Dry Bridge Flea Market

The Dry Bridge Flea Market , located near Dedaena Park near the Mtkvari River, is an eclectic market that houses lots of antiques, local goods, and artisan works. It’s a unique and colorful way to walk around and see some weird local oddities. The Dry Bridge Market is open every day from 11 AM to 5 PM.

Meet and Hang Out with Locals

Of course, I saved the best for last. Georgian people are incredibly friendly, kind, and giving, and it’s worth it to try and get to know a few during your travels.

Learning a few words in the Georgian language helps, but many young people in Tbilisi also have at least a basic knowledge of English, too. Georgians are more than happy to tell you why their country ROCKS and to teach you some local traditions and fun facts.

Plus, the best souvenirs from ANY trip abroad are friendships!

Things to do in Tbilisi: Food and Drink

Do a georgian qvevri wine tasting.

Fun fact: Georgia has one of the oldest wine-making traditions in the world. Some say the Georgians have been making wine for up to 8,000 years.

And the wine itself? It’s to die for.

Traditional Georgian wine makers ferment their wine in a type of cask called a qvevri , which is a large clay vessel buried underneath the ground.

While in Georgia, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on sampling Georgian wines , especially the kind that are made in the traditional  qvevri way.

While there are wine tastings seemingly on every corner, one of the most famous places in Tbilisi to taste wine is Vino Underground. Here you can sample Georgian natural wines from all over the country at reasonable prices. The owners often host wine tasting events as well.

Alternatively, if you prefer an experience that teaches you a little more about Georgia’s rich wine traditions, you can opt for an organized food and wine tour in Tbilisi or an all-day tour to the famed Kakheti wine region.  

Indulge in Some Wine Ice Cream

If you aren’t feeling like drinking wine, why not try  eating it?

In parts of Tbilisi, you can try real  wine ice cream .

No, this is not a dream. There’s actually wine-infused soft serve ice cream in Tbilisi, and it is glorious. (Personally, I think it’s enough of a reason to visit Tbilisi on it’s own…) 

The only places I saw soft serve wine ice cream in Tbilisi were at a kiosk near the Jume Mosque and at the top of the cable car near Mother Georgia. I’m sure there are others, but it’s a little elusive.

While exploring Tbilisi’s more touristed areas, keep an eye out for signs that say “wine ice cream.” You won’t want to miss out on this one.

Taste Local Georgian Staples

Despite the fact that I’d never heard anything about it before I came to Georgia, Georgian food is surprisingly amazing.

Between their oversized  khinkali dumplings to the amazing  khachapuri bread, to lesser-known treats like chakokhbili and chakapuli ,   I found Georgian food to be delicious, flavorful, and unique from anything I’d ever tasted before.

You can find Georgian food on every corner, but if you’re looking for some hidden gems, try Zakhar Zakharich for some of Tbilisi’s best khinkali and Pasanauri for affordable Georgian food in general.

Sample Churchkhela and Pelamushi

While walking around Tbilisi, you’ll probably stumble upon some kind of hanging concoction that looks like a cross between a sausage and a long wax candle, available in many different earthy colors. No, these aren’t decorations, they’re a kind of  Georgian candy called churchkhela .

In Tbilisi, you can purchase these odd-looking sticks and eat them right off the street. On the outside, there’s a chewy, sweet substance that’s usually grape or pomegranate flavored.

Inside, there are chopped, fresh walnuts from the surrounding farm regions. If your sweet tooth is nagging at you, pick up some  churchkhela and try them. I was kind of addicted by the end of my trip.

If you’d rather not eat the weird, hanging concoctions, you can also try  pelamushi , a grape-flavored dessert that is made of a similar gelatin pudding substance and natural red grape flavors. 

Pelamushi cake is delicious and just thinking about it is making my stomach growl.

Treat Yourself to a Fancy Dinner at Barbarestan

When I asked locals around town where the best restaurant for Georgian food is, every single one of them told me to try Barbarestan .

Founded by a local family and based on an ancient cookbook full of traditional recipes, Barbarestan has really wonderful Georgian dishes with produce and meats that are all sourced locally.

When I finally ate there on my last night in the city, I wasn’t disappointed. I was there with some other Americans I met during my walking tour, and we had a feast. Chakapuli and local breads. Grilled sturgeon and fresh mushrooms. 

If you want to go to Barbarestan, I recommend making a reservation in advance by phone (you can contact them at +995 032 2943779). The restaurant is at a high price point compared to the other meals in the city, but the incredible, flavorful Georgian food is worth every last tetri.

Learn The Art of Puri at The Oldest Bakery in Tbilisi

Hidden below the newer buildings of Tbilisi’s Old City, near the Sioni Church, is the oldest bakery in Tbilisi .

Here, for centuries, bakers have been making traditional Georgian breads, or  puri , in large, bowl-like clay ovens called tones.

During the day, you can stop by this underground bakery and grab some breads and snacks for very good prices, all while watching these professional bakers do their work.

Taste Some Georgian Cheeses

What are wine and bread, two of Georgia’s specialties, without cheese?

No worries, Tbilisi has got plenty of fine cheese to try during your travels there.

Many Georgians take pride in their cheeses, and you’ll often see a cheese board adorning the tables of the fanciest Georgian feasts.

The most famous of Georgian cheeses is called  imeruli , a cheese that is used to make lots of dishes like  khachapuri . Then, there’s  sulguni , a softer, sheep’s milk cheese that’s absolutely delicious with bread or honey.

Georgians also make a delicious  gouda , which is a popular smoky-flavored cheese around the world.

Take a Georgian Cooking Class

If you’ve decided that Georgian food is your favorite ever, I wouldn’t blame you. But what happens when you go back home and can’t find your beloved stews and breads anymore?

Don’t fear – you have the option to take a comprehensive cooking class  to help you learn exactly how to make your favorite Georgian delights.

Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia: Practical Tips for Your Trip

Where to stay in tbilisi.

There are two budget hostels I’d recommend in Tbilisi: one I stayed in and one I wish I’d stayed in.

Let’s start with the former. I stayed at  Margo Hostel House in Vera and LOVED it. With cozy rooms and beds in a big, old house, it was a wonderful place to spend more than a week. It was also within a short walk to Rustaveli Avenue, which is one of the city’s main hotspots for pretty much everything. Margo Hostel House

However, if I could have stayed anywhere else in the city, I would have gone to Fabrika Hostel , which is housed in an old textile factory and is also home to a coworking space. Cool, right? The only reason I chose Mountain 13 over Fabrika is because I prefer to stay in an all-female dorm, and Fabrika only has co-ed rooms.

Book Fabrika Hostel here

Splurge Accommodations

Of course, when I was in Tbilisi, I was on a bit of a budget crunch so I didn’t stay in any fancy accommodations. However, there are three AMAZING boutique hotels that definitely game me a ton of FOMO and had me drooling over their photos. Here they are:

Vinotel : Perfect for the wine lovers out there, this is a wine-centric boutique hotel located near Avlabari Metro Station. Their cellar has a top-notch selection of fine Georgian wines for tasting. When I was looking up places to stay in Tbilisi, the photos of the place looked so wonderful that I almost decided to splurge and stay there. Plus…wine.

Book Vinotel now

A ivani Old Tbilisi : In my opinion, Aivani Old Tbilisi is the cutest hotel in Tbilisi. With pastel walls, cute, retro furniture, and eclectic designs, it’s definitely the Instagrammer’s choice hotel. It’s also located in the middle of the Old City, the perfect place to visit all of Tbilisi’s main sights.

Book Aivani Old Tbilisi now

Shota @ Rustaveli Boutique Hotel : For a more modern boutique hotel in a chic location, the Shota @ Rustaveli Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice. White walls, contemporary designs, and cozy rooms will greet you once you’re there. It’s located on one of the main thoroughfares of Tbilisi.

Book Shota @ Rustaveli here

How to Get Around in Tbilisi

Public transportation.

In Tbilisi, there are public metros and buses that go pretty much anywhere you’ll want to go in the city. Public transportation in the city requires a transit card, which you can purchase at any metro station for 2 GEL. Rides generally cost 0.50 GEL each way and you can reload your card at any metro station around the city.

If you prefer to travel places by private car, there’s a ride sharing app that works very well in Tbilisi called Taxify. It works just like Uber or Lyft – you just request a taxi on the app and you can pay either by card or with cash. The only difficult thing is that you’ll need to be connected to WiFi or data in order to use it.

Things to Pack for Tbilisi

Tbilisi is like most other European cities in that you probably don’t need anything special while visiting there. With that said, here are a few things you should make sure you have:

• Quick dry towel
• Good walking shoes
• An umbrella or waterproof  rain jacket
• A dual-lined water bottle and water purification system
• Extra space in your luggage (in case you want to bring back a bottle of wine or two!)

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I’m Kay. I’m originally from small town Virginia, but have moved all around the East Coast and the United States for basically my entire life. I spent my childhood days blissfully wandering through the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling in leaves, playing in creeks…you know, the usual overly adventurous 5-year-old stuff.

But those early years spent outside gave me a real problem: I’m now an adventure addict. Basically, if I’m not at my computer banging out articles or photos, I’m probably out hiking, biking, or camping somewhere beautiful.

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26 Best Places to Visit in Tbilisi

September 18, 2023

For the past few months, Tbilisi has been my brand-new home.

And as an unsurprising consequence of being here, I’ve spent lots of time exploring Georgia’s capital city. So in this guide, I’ve brought you all my favorite places to hang around… with a big juicy list of the 26 best places to visit in Tbilisi .

Included in this mish-mash mixture, we have history, heritage, ancient sites, cafes, clubbing, outdoor adventures, oddities, antiques, and your very own face painted on a coffee cup. 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 !

2. Bassiani

3. orbeliani baths, 4. leghvtakhevi waterfall, 5. mtatsminda park, 6. turtle lake, 7. lisi lake, 8. dog organization georgia (d.o.g.), 9. the dry bridge market, 10. tbilisi sea, 11. the chronicle of georgia, 12. dedaena park, 13. kvarts coffee, 14. the ethnography museum, 15. narikala fortress, 16. mother georgia, 17. tabor monastery, 18. tbilisi botanical garden, 19. deserter bazaar, 20. the leaning clock tower, 21. the old town, 22. national gallery of georgia, 23. meidan bazaar, 24. the holy trinity cathedral, 25. the peace bridge, 26. metekhi street virgin church, before you go.

Probably the most famous venue in the whole of Tbilisi, Fabrika is a whole load of different things all crammed into one area.

A graffiti-covered hipster haven, Fabrika is mainly a hostel and a cafe. But it’s attached to a courtyard… and surrounding that courtyard, you have lots of cool and quirky eateries, bars, cafes, hangout spots, and more.

If you like nightlife, socializing, and exploring kooky venues, you’ll love the place. No matter what time you visit, it’s always busy… and you’ll always find something to do, and someone to do it with.

Most people hanging around Fabrika are pretty happy to make friends, so it’s an especially good place to visit if you’re traveling solo.

From around 10 am until 8 pm, you’ll find Fabrika people eating, slurping coffee, and working on their laptops.

But after 8 pm, the place transforms into one of the city’s hippest and hottest nightlife spots. If you’re on the hunt for interesting venues, this is one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi—you can’t visit the city without spending a few hours here.

To discover more interesting places and hidden gems in Tbilisi you can take this great tour that includes Fabrika in its itinerary.

• Address: 8 Egnate Ninoshvili Street, Marjanishvili
• When to visit: Any time of the day, and after 8 pm for nightlife
• Book a room here

Next up, is another nightlife spot… and one of the best, biggest, and most interesting techno clubs on the entire planet.

I totally understand that this sort of thing isn’t for everyone… but Tbilisi’s techno scene is intrinsically tied to concepts of freedom, cultural revolution, and self-expression. So a night in Bassiani doesn’t just feel like a standard party—instead, it feels like you’re participating in some sort of important and unmissable cultural shift.

So even if nightclubs aren’t usually what you’re into, I still recommend spending a night in Bassiani . Dark and dingy but alluring and enigmatic, the place is located underneath a sports stadium, in the murky depths of an old swimming pool.

People genuinely come from all over the world to attend parties at this place. Usually, the events start at midnight, but don’t get busy until around 3am—and the dancing often keeps going until late morning or early afternoon.

• Address: 2 Akaki Tsereteli Avenue, close to Station Square
• Entrance fee: Typically between 30 and 60 lari
• When to visit: Fridays and Saturdays

Okay, now onto something a little more relaxing. After all the late-night partying, you’ll probably want to spend some time chilling.

And Tbilisi’s sulfur baths are the perfect solution. The city is full of various baths (many of them centered in and around Abanotubani, a small part of the Old Town) , but the most famous is Orbeliani (also known as Chreli-Abano) .

Yes, it’s pricey and touristy, but let’s face it… you’re a tourist.

Inside, you get massages, exfoliations, English-speaking staff, excellent service, and some surprisingly high-end touches. They only have private rooms, and you always need to book in advance.

If you want something a bit more authentic (and with more locals than tourists) , there are lots of options nearby, so just wander around the little baths district and see whichever you find most appealing.

But for the best local (and public) experience, the #1 option I know of is No.5 Sulfur Bathhouse. It doesn’t have a website, which I think tells you all you need to know about the place.

• Address: 31 Abano Street, the Old Town
• Entrance fee: Around 70 lari per hour
• Opening hours: 8am until 10pm, 7 days a week

Just beyond the baths district described above, there’s a pretty waterfall.

I don’t think I’d ever seen a city-center waterfall until I saw this one, and its tucked-away location is an interesting little surprise.

Wander beyond the dome-lidded baths and their eggy smell, and you find a narrow path that runs along a thin strip of a river. Follow the river for around 5 minutes, and you’ll eventually see Leghvtakhevi Waterfall.

Measuring in at 22 meters (72 feet) , it’s not massive, but it’s still pretty impressive.

• Location: West of the cluster of sulfur baths at Abanotubani
• When to visit: Outside of winter (when it isn’t frozen)

In and around Tbilisi, there are lots of great green spaces where you can have some excellent outdoor adventures.

The most famous of them all is Mtatsminda Park, which looms over the city and dominates its skyline. Home to a ferris wheel, a small theme park, lots of nice walks, and some great places to eat and drink, it’s a popular retreat for families.

Of all Tbilisi’s outdoor areas, it’s the most accessible, touristy and urbanized. So if you’re into remote escapes with a few other people, you might not like it.

That said, the walk up to the park from the Old Town is pretty, the views from the top are great, and there are some relatively nice trails leading from the park to various other places (including Turtle Lake and Mother Georgia, but more on them later) .

On your way up to Mtatsminda, make sure you stop at the Pantheon, a cemetery with lots of famous Georgians.

When you get to the top of the park, go to the Funicular Restaurant for the best hot chocolate you’ve ever had. And then if you want an even bigger walk, you can follow the trail that leads from Mtatsminda Park all the way to Narikala Fortress.

• Location: West of the Old Town

A little more interesting and adventurous than Mtatsminda, Turtle Lake is a decent compromise between adventurous and accessible.

At the shores of the lake, there are some restaurants and cafes with great views and good food and drink. My favorite is Buri BBQ—they do excellent and affordable BBQ-style food, along with great live music nights.

Along the shores of Turtle Lake, you also get playgrounds, ice cream stalls, boat hire, swimming spots, sunbathing areas, and even a zipline.

Then heading away from the lake, there are lots of pretty good hiking trails, taking you to Mtatsminda Park, endless viewpoints, the center of the city, and lots of other places.

When you visit Turtle Lake, you should ride the cable car down (or up, or both) . Retro and rugged, these cable cars are like old tin cans. If you’re scared of heights, a ride in one of these cars will probably be your worst nightmare—but if you like a little adventure, it’s a fun ride.

• Location: West of Rustaveli and the Old Town
• When to visit: Warmer months

Of all the well-known outdoor adventures close to the center of Tbilisi, Lisi Lake is the most pretty, interesting and adventurous.

For a basic slice of fun, you can walk, run or cycle around the perimeter of the lake (which measures around 2 miles/3.2km) . You get pretty views and an easy loop.

But if you want to do something a little more interesting, head along to the hills and ridges just west of the lake—from here, you can have some surprisingly remote adventures.

My favorite is to hit the higher of the two ridges that run west of the lake. Follow that ridge until you see a crucifix, and you’ll enjoy some incredible views of the lake, the city, and much further afield.

Best of all, Lisi Lake is also home to one of the most wholesome and lovely places you’ve probably ever seen in your life. Which brings us to…

• Location: North of Saburtalo

I can’t describe how much I love this place. If you like dogs, it’s 100% one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi, and I recommend it to basically everyone.

Right in the middle of nowhere, D.O.G. is a dog shelter which takes care of some of Tbilisi’s less-fortunate canine critters. Some of the shelter’s furry residents are found, and some are handed in by people who can no longer take care of them… but they’re all adorable and friendly.

But here’s the best part: anyone can visit the shelter, and take the dogs for walks.

If you want to make friends with some cute canines, you’ll fall in love with it, and you’ll want to spend every day of your life here. Honestly, if I had more time, I would volunteer at the place.

It can be a little difficult to find. But to get there, you want to follow the main road south of the lake. Take the first right after you pass the lake, then follow the dirt trail. When you hear the dogs barking, just follow the noise.

If you come here in warmer months, only take the dogs for short walks. They (understandably) can’t handle the intense heat of Tbilisi’s summers.

• Address: West of Lisi Lake
• Opening hours: Usually open all daylight hours
• When to visit: In spring or fall, when the weather is best

If you’re into antiques, oddities and collectibles (or just weird experiences) , I promise you’ll love the Dry Bridge Market.

One of the strangest markets I’ve ever seen, you’ll find a ridiculous variety of bizarre stuff here. I’m not usually interested in all this type of stuff, and even I love it—I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen another place like this.

You do of course get some pretty normal stuff, such as paintings, antiques, vases, cutlery, crockery, books, postcards, posters, records and DVDs.

But beyond the everyday items, expect to find stuff as strange and varied as swords, old currencies (with communist symbols on them) , wartime medals, drinking horns, ancient instruments, retro kids’ toys, taxidermy animals, and a whole load of stuff you won’t even recognize or understand.

Old-school and no-frills, most of the items are displayed on crumbling wooden tables with few frills and little flair. It’s like shopping in Soviet times.

• Location: On and around the Dry Bridge
• Opening hours: 10am until 5pm 7 days a week, but usually only in good weather
• When to visit: Weekends, when it’s most busy

Northeast of Tbilisi’s city center, you have Tbilisi Sea (which is actually a giant reservoir, and not part of a sea at all, but let’s not fret over the details) .

The biggest body of water near the city (and one of the biggest in the entire nation) , there are plenty of things you can do here, and you can easily spend the entire day having endless fun.

On and around the reservoir, there are lots of bars where you can eat, drink, sunbathe, and lazily lounge around. The most popular is Tbilisi Sea Club , which has a pool, sun loungers, and a varied menu of meals and drinks.

But if you prefer something a little more relaxing (and affordable) , you can just find some quieter stretches of sand at Temka Beach.

If you’re traveling with kids, check out Gino’s Paradise , a pretty good water park with rides, eateries, a lazy river, and even spa treatments.

• Address: Northeast of the city center
• When to visit: Weekends, and only in warmer months

Right beside Tbilisi Sea, you have the Chronicle of Georgia .

A massive monument sitting high over the water, this place is really striking, interesting and unusual.

Built in 1985, it was never actually completed (that’s Tbilisi for you) , but its sculptures and carvings represent the history of Georgia and its people (along with some pictures of Jesus and other religious boys and girls) .

Standing at 30 meters tall (that’s 98 feet) , it dwarves its visitors, and it’s worth checking out solely for its size. And because it sits high on a plateau, it offers great views of Tbilisi Sea and the surrounding area.

Visiting at night is also pretty cool, when it’s all illuminated.

• Location: At the northwestern point of Tbilisi Sea

For reasons I can’t quite even work out for myself, I love Dedaena Park so much. It’s nothing massive, and it’s nothing special, but I think it’s definitely the best city-center park in Tbilisi.

Popular with couples, kids, families, and groups of friends, it sort of has a bit of everything. Home to skateparks, seating areas, fountains, small bars and occasional food markets, it’s a lovely place to spend a lazy Saturday or Sunday.

Take some food, a speaker and some friends, and enjoy lounging around in the sun. You’ll meet friendly faces, hospitable locals, and lots of the city’s ever-charming stray dogs.

Inside Dedaena Park, you also have Dedaena Bar. During the day, they serve casual drinks and food. But at night, it becomes one of the best nightlife spots in the city—pretty small and intimate, the venue can probably cram around 300 people into its tiny confines. But all of them dance until dawn.

• Location: The western side of the Dry Bridge, right on on the banks of the river
• When to visit: Weekends, when it’s busy and bustling

Alright, here’s one of the strangest entries on our list. If you like unique and unusual stuff, it’s one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi.

Kvarts Coffee, from the outside, looks like a pretty small and standard coffee shop… and when you step inside, it also looks pretty normal.

But here’s the twist: whenever you visit, there’s always an on-site artist inside of Kvarts Coffee. And that artist has only one job: to scribble your face onto your coffee cup. So you order your coffee, you wait ten minutes, and then you slurp from a bespoke cup that looks just like you.

The coffee is tasty, the staff are super friendly, and the drinks menu is quite diverse for such a small place. They only have around 4 tables inside, so don’t expect to hang around for too long.

• Location: 26 Shota Rustaveli Avenue
• Opening hours: 9am until 10pm, 7 days a week
• When to visit: Not weekends, because it gets super busy

I’m not even remotely interested in museums. But of all of museums in Tbilisi , this is the most interesting.

An outdoor extravaganza featuring lots of old-style buildings and costume characters, the Open Air Ethnography Museum offers traditional dance, traditional sculptures, and insights into the way-back people and life of Tbilisi. With different buildings from different parts of Georgia, it’s an interesting insight into different periods.

Inside each building, you’ll find a guide—and each one usually speaks Georgian, Russian, and English.

Because the Ethnography Museum is on the way up to Turtle Lake, you can combine the two attractions into one bumper day of fun.

• Location: Halfway up Kus Tba Street
• Opening hours: Open 10am until 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays
• Entrance fee: 5 lari for adults, 0.50 lari for young people

Perched right over the city, and dominating the skyline of the Old Town, it’s Narikala Fortress.

With a history dating back to the 4th century, it’s changed hands countless times. Most recently renovated in 1996, it’s still a ruinous relic, but some parts are reasonably well-preserved.

Clambering around here is lots of fun—and it’s a surprisingly big place. You get great views of the city, along with some places to buy snacks and souvenirs. At the top, there’s a cable car running from the fortress to Rike Park (which is also a relatively decent place for a little wander) .

If you want the same views but with a seat (and tasty food and drinks) , check out 144 Stairs, a cafe just underneath the main part of the fortress.

• Location: Overlooking the Old Town
• When to visit: It’s best at sunset

Just a 5-minute walk away from the top of Narikala Fortress, it’s big beautiful Mother Georgia.

Standing right over the city, this impressive woman represents the personality of Georgia and its people. In one hand, she clutches some drink, to welcome her friends, guests and visitors. In her other hand, she holds a sword, to fend off her enemies and invaders.

The views of her from below are great, as are the views of the city from the platform on which she stands. Measuring in at an impressive 20 meters (65.5 feet) , she’s been standing proudly over the city since 1958.

• Address: Sololaki Street, above the northern side of Tbilisi Botanical Garden

One of the most underrated spots in the Old Town, Tabor Monastery (and the ascent up to its top) offer some of the city’s best vantage points.

Southeast of Mother Georgia, the Botanical Garden, Narikala Fortress, and many parts of the Old Town, there are hand-painted signs leading the way. En-route, you’ll feel like you’re walking through someone’s garden, in a place where you shouldn’t be walking… but no, that is the correct way, so just keep pushing on.

Because not many people visit the place, it’s always pretty quiet; great if you’re looking for a chilled-out place to sit around for a while.

Inside, the monastery is pretty sparse and austere, and it feels more ‘real’ than some of the city’s other religious attractions. The monks who live here are friendly and welcoming (if you see them) .

• Location: South of the deadend at Firdousi Street
• Opening hours: Typically open during daylight hours

Sitting underneath the last three things I’ve just mentioned, Tbilisi Botanical Garden is a pretty place for a wander, and it’s much bigger than most people expect.

Measuring in at 161 hectares (398 acres) , it has a waterfall, some pretty bridges, lots of plants, some hiking trails, a Japanese Garden, a fortress, great little picnic spots, and even a zipline.

I’m not usually particularly interested in Botanical Gardens, but this place is nice. So if a miserable man like me thinks it’s okay, then it must be good.

• Address: 12 Bambis Rigi Street, Solalaki
• Opening hours: 9am until 7:30pm, 7 days a week
• Entrance fee: 4 lari per adult
• When to visit: Outside of winter

If you like walking around traditional local food markets, this is one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi.

It’s a little more authentic than the Dry Bridge market. Although it does sell unusual stuff, it’s less gimmicky. Instead, it’s just a place where local people come to buy daily wares of various descriptions.

Absolutely huge, it’s brimming with all the local food and drink you could ever hope to see. There’s meat, fruit, vegetables, cakes, baked goods, Georgian specialities, local oddities, churchkhelas, pickled stuff, coffee stores, teashops, herbs, nuts, and everything else you can possibly imagine (plus loads of things you probably can’t) .

But you’ll also stumble upon a vast miscellany of various different stuff, including electronics, sports trophies, clothes, homewares, antiques, candles, and plenty more.

If you’re into markets, you could honestly spend a whole day just wandering around this place.

• Location: 5 Abastumani Street
• Opening hours: It’s busiest between 7am and 5pm, 7 days a week
• When to visit: Weekends, when it’s busiest

Imagine someone made a mini, ragged version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa from a variety of random materials, then put a clock on it.

You’re now imagining the leaning clock tower in Tbilisi, which is one of the strangest architectural oddities I’ve ever seen. Built onto the side of a puppet theater, this clock tower is purposely wonky and disheveled, and it has a strange charm.

There’s nothing much to do here, but I guarantee you’ll want to snap some photos.

• Address: 13 Ioane Shavteli Street

Lots of the places I’ve already featured make up the Old Town. So on a walk around the entire area, you’ll see the baths, the clock tower, Mother Georgia, the fortress, and even parts of Tbilisi Botanical Garden.

But the real charm of a stroll around the Old Town is all the stuff you accidentally stumble upon. A ragtag muddle of maze-like streets, ancient buildings, various architectural styles, hidden-away secrets and old wooden balconies, it’s hugely charming.

So, yeah, see all the famous stuff… but spend at least a couple of hours getting lost in Tbilisi’s Old Town.

You’ll see lots of strange and interesting things, and you’ll chance upon things that even lifelong locals probably haven’t seen.

If you’re interested in art, the National Gallery of Georgia is one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi. Most people reckon it’s the best fine art venue in the city, and it’s pretty hard to argue.

Sitting inside its confines, you get almost 30,00 pieces of art; many of them from famous Georgian painters and sculptors (including legendary Niki Pirosmanishvili) . Aside from all the Georgian stuff, they also have exhibits (both permanent and visiting) from artists from around the world.

If you’re really interested in all the art and history, you can book a guided tour (last time I checked, that costs 25 lari per person) .

Right on the main street in Rustaveli, The National Gallery of Georgia sits inside a pretty building… and it couldn’t be in a more central part of town.

• Address: 11 Shota Rustaveli Avenue
• Entrance fee: 5 lari for adults, 0.50 lari for kids

Right in the heart of the Old Town, the Meidan Bazaar is another cool place for seeking out souvenirs, antiques, and lots of strange and unusual stuff.

Sitting underground, in its maze-like network of brick-built tunnels, you’ll find drinks, spices, handcrafted clothes, musical instruments, snacks, sweets, rugs, house decorations, and lots more varied wares.

It’s pretty touristy (with the prices to match) but it’s still a cool place to visit. It sort of feels like a subterranean gift store, but in the best way possible.

• Address: Underneath the Old Town, just over the western side of Metekhi Bridge
• Opening hours: 10am until 10pm, 7 days a week

Over the river from the Old Town, you have the city center district of Avlabari.

And at the loftiest part of Avlabari (and trust me, it is very lofty) , there’s the Holy Trinity Cathedral… one of the biggest, most significant and most impressive religious buildings in the entirety of Georgia. It’s the third-biggest Orthodox cathedral on the planet, and you can see it from miles around.

The interiors are pretty impressive, but parts of the cathedral and its complex are still under construction. So while it’s pretty good now, it’ll probably be even better soon.

But the interiors aren’t the best part. Instead, the best parts are the views you get from the cathedral and its surroundings. So make sure you have a vague wander in the general area for some great panoramas of the Old Town.

Yes, this is the same place as ‘Sameba’. For whatever reason, the cathedral is known by two different names

• Location: North of Avlabari metro station

For me, there’s nothing particularly special about this place… but most tourists seem to love it.

An ultra-modern bridge that spans over a part of the city’s river, I guess the cool thing about the Peace Bridge is how it clashes so distinctly with the ragtag nature of the nearby Old Town.

So it’s nice, and I recommend it, and you should visit because it’s in the center of the city—but don’t get too excited by the prospect.

It’s best to visit the Peace Bridge at night, when it’s lit up.

• Location: West of Rike Park
• When to visit: At night, when it’s brightly illuminated

From the grounds of Metekhi Street Virgin Church, you get the best (or at least the most famous) view of the Old Town.

When you Google pictures of Tbilisi, there’s one view that always pops up without fail. That view is with the river in the foreground, and the Old Town in the background… and it’s the view you get from the grounds of Betlemi Church.

So to see that iconic panorama, this is exactly where you need to go.

When you’re finished snapping your photographs, head inside the church. It’s nothing particularly special, but it’s pretty and peaceful.

• Location: Metekhi Street, just along the eastern banks of the river
• Opening hours: Usually daylight hours

And there they are—the 26 best places to visit in Tbilisi. Thanks for reading!

For more adventures, check out my selection of the best tours in Tbilisi and around .

Want to know anything else about Georgia’s brilliant capital city? Check out our guides to the most beautiful parks in Tbilisi , everything Tbilisi is known for , and all the reasons you should visit the place . Also does it snow in Tbilisi and what to do on those days.

Thanks for stopping by, thanks for choosing Travelness, and we’ll see you next time!

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

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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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!

Get insured for your trip to Tbilisi!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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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!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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

A GUIDE TO EXPLORING TBILISI, GEORGIA

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

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

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

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

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

Best Places To Stay In Tbilisi, Georgia

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

Luxury Tbilisi Hotels

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

Mid-Range Tbilisi Hotels

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

Budget Tbilisi Hotels

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

What To Do In Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

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

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

Best Places To Eat In Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

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

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

Best Places To Drink In Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

Some places to enjoy great wine are:

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

The Best Day Trips From Tbilisi, Georgia

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

Kazbegui and Gergety Trinity Church

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

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

Kakheti and Sighnaghi

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

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

Best Tours To Take From Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

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

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

How To Get To Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Currency In Georgia

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

Language In Georgia

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

Weather In Georgia

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

Security And Safety In Georgia

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

How To Dress In Georgia

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

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

How To Move Around Georgia

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

Tbilisi, Georgia Wrap Up

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

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

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12 Must See Places in Tbilisi, Georgia

• August 14, 2020
• Updated January 18, 2021

The heart of the Caucasus, Tbilisi is one of the world’s oldest human settlements — dating back to 4,000 BC! Today, Tbilisi has a creative scene that blends new and old, east and west – making the vibe of the city insanely cool.

Drew and I loved strolling through Old Tbilisi’s labyrinth of old cobblestone streets, spotting the dome-shaped sulfur baths, and admiring the beautiful homes with wooden verandas. I could have stayed just in this one area and snapped photos for days!

However, there is so much more to explore in Tbilisi than just the Old Town. And, one of the best things is that Tbilisi is totally walkable! Here are the best things to see when you’re exploring Tbilisi.

Table of Contents

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no cost to you, may earn me a small commission. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. Read my full disclosure policy.

Freedom Square

A good starting point for anyone visiting Tbilisi is Freedom Square (or Liberty Square). This is hands down the most hectic spot in the city because it seems as though everything is located near here or goes through here.  

There’s a lot of history here. Freedom Square used to be called Lenin Square and — where today you’ll see a statue of Saint George and the Dragon – there used to be a statue of Lenin. Lenin’s statue was promptly pulled down after Georgia gained its independence in 1991.

Head North at Freedom Square and you’ll get to Rustaveli Avenue which is home to the city’s cultural buildings and major shopping mall (Galleria Tbilisi) . If you want to stock up on some food for your AirBnB in Tbilisi, Galleria Tbilisi also houses a supermarket called Goodwill. Stroll down the wide avenue and you’ll see the Georgia National Opera (which has a super interesting façade), the Rustaveli Theatre , and the National Museum .

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Dry Bridge Flea Market

We absolutely love finding good markets when we travel. Whether it’s fruits and vegetables, meats, or antiques – we’re there!

And strolling around the Dry Bridge Flea Market in Tbilisi did not disappoint! The hodgepodge of things for sale made turning every corner and exploring every stall an adventure.

You’ll find vendors selling everything from vintage cameras (my personal favorite) and Soviet buttons, to antique lighting and handmade crafts and paintings.

The Dry Bridge Flea Market is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm and they only accept cash. It is expected that customers haggle. English is spoken very little, but everyone we encountered was super friendly and curious about us.

If you love flea markets like we do, check out the Soviet Market flea market as well. Located in Daedena Park , the Soviet flea market – as its name implies – sells all sorts of Soviet artifacts – from interesting (coins) to creepy (gas masks) and more.

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Old Tbilisi

Feel free to put down the map and just wander around the streets in Old Tbilisi. This is the best thing to see in Tbilisi! Old Tbilisi is full of beautiful homes with colorful wooden balconies, ancient churches – making it perfect for a leisurely stroll snapping some pictures.

Recommended Guided Tours

The narrow streets wind around showcasing a range of architecture styles, foreign influences, and centuries of development.

Everywhere you turn you’ll find a beautiful old building or café. While you’re walking around, make a point to try and peek into some open doors. You’ll get a glimpse at some real architectural beauties!

If you are more of a structured traveler, consider this 4-hour walking tour with wine tasting or this photography tour around Old Town.

There are also free walking tours to consider that are simply fantastic! Drew and I took the “Hidden Tbilisi” tour which took us to the unseen and hidden places of Tbilisi. The guides highlighted some of Tbilisi’s most unique architecture, private backyards, and courtyard entrances. Their knowledge bombs and quirky facts made this a definite highlight over touring alone.

If you do one of these free walking tours, please remember that your guides do not get paid unless you tip them. Please tip your guide at the end of the tour.  

Anchiskhati Basilica & Clock Tower

The Anchiskhati Basilica is the oldest surviving church of the city.

If you’re around at noon or 7pm, head to the clock tower to see a small puppet show presenting the circle of life. Otherwise, each hour a small angel comes out and rings a bell with a hammer. And while this clock tower might look old due to its precarious and perpetual lean, it was actually built in 2011.

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Before 1951, Tbilisi was home to two mosques – one for the Sunnis (Jumah Mosque) and another for the Shias (Blue Mosque). However, in 1951, the Blue Mosque was demolished by the Communist government.

“Recognizing that the Shia community had nowhere to go, the Jumah Mosque opened its doors to them, making it one of the only mosques in the world where the two sects worship together.”  – Atlas Obscura

Come for the beautiful building, stay for the history.

Tbilisi’s Sulfur Baths

“Tbilisi” directly translates to “warm place” — so you know you have to make a stop into the sulfur baths when you’re looking for things to see in Tbilisi!

Abanotubani – or the “Bath District” – is across from the Metekhi Bridge. It’s hard to miss – with its brick domes scattered all along the ground. If you have some time you should definitely head inside to relax and enjoy the sulfur baths.

Not only are they relaxing, but mineral baths like those found in Abanotubani are supposed to have healing properties as well. Soaking here is said to aid conditions like acne and eczema, as well as digestion, insomnia, and even arthritis.

You can get a private room for about 140 GEL or $45 USD.

While you’re in the area, take a peek into the outside courtyard of the Tbilisi Antique Archeological Museum. You’ll get a glimpse at how wine was first made in jugs buried underground.

From the sulfur baths, head towards the Legvtahevi Gorge (“Gorge of Figs”) . It’s a beautiful walk that ends with a small waterfall coming from the Botanical Gardens.  

Recommended Day Trips From Tbilisi

Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress overlooks the Bath District. Built in the 4 th century – is the only remaining citadel of the city.

Wear some good shoes for this steep walk  — or you could take the aerial cable car (about 2 GEL / $0.65 USD) from Rike Park for a bird’s-eye view of the city.

From the Narikala Fortress, you’ll have amazing views of Old Tbilisi, the river, and Peace Bridge. Don’t miss seeing the 65-foot tall Mother of Georgia Statue ( Kartlis Deda ) while you’re visiting Narikala Fortress.

The Kartlis Deda statue symbolizes the Georgian national character – warm and welcoming to visitors while fiercely fighting off enemies. In her left hand she welcomes friendly guests with a bowl of wine. However, her right hand holds a sword for those who come to Georgia as enemies – a message that literally points to Russia.

Pro Tip – Head up to Narikala Fortress to watch the sunset. You’ll watch the city come to life from your perch up on the mountain.

Rike Park & Peace Bridge

Rike Park is a beautiful place to grab a blanket and some local wine and enjoy and nice afternoon. The park is full of beautiful fountains, small pools, and even a giant chess board.

The thing to really take in here, besides the views of Old Tbilisi, is Peace Bridge. This pedestrian bridge, which opened in 2010, has become one of the most iconic images of the city.

This might sound weird, but one of our favorite things in Rike Park was a recycling can . You read that right – a recycling can! Tbilisi has a recycling scheme where you surrender your used plastic bottles in this electronic collector as a “payment” of sorts. Then dog food spits out of the bottom to feed homeless dogs. We fed the cutest – and fattest – stray pup there. It’s such a great idea!

On this side of the river (opposite Old Tbilisi) you’ll find the Metekhi Church of Assumption built by Georgian kind St Demetrius II in the late 13 th century. From there, stop over and see King Gorgasali’s statue – Tbilisi’s founder — on a wall at Metekhi. You can also get here by crossing the Metekhi Bridge. Stop off at the “I Heart Tbilisi” sign before you cross the bridge to get a good touristy photo!

Shardeni Street

Your trip to Tbilisi will not be complete without a walk down Shardeni Street! This pedestrian street is busting at the seams with restaurants, open-air cafes, bars, and nightclubs. It’s also the perfect place to get some great pictures. The hanging string lights and eclectic architecture make it picture perfect.

Shardeni Street is definitely one of the most beautiful – and photographed – streets in Tbilisi.

Sameba Cathedral

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi — commonly known as the Sameba Cathedral — is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world and one of the world’s largest religious buildings.

It dominates the skyline of Tbilisi – and much like the Peace Bridge – its beauty, or lack thereof, is hotly contested by locals. I personally think it’s beautiful and should be a stop for architecture lovers.

To see the oldest church in Georgia , stop by Anchiskhati Basilica of Saint Mary located in Old Tbilisi. It was built in the 6th century though it has gone through extensive renovations since then.

What you can Expect to Pay in Tbilisi

> Lodging: $20 (wallet-friendly) vs $40 (average) per night. > Coffee: Around $1.25 > Dinner: $22 (two people, three courses) > Beer: $1

About Sarah

Sarah hails from the land of fried chicken, sweet tea, buttered biscuits, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet…Alabama! She loves exploring undertouristed locations and sharing them with you.

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Outfit Ideas

Enjoy your trip to Tbilisi, Georgia while staying comfortable and stylish with these outfit ideas.

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As always, everything on this site is completely free. If you found this post (or anything on YouFoundSarah.com ) useful, I’d be grateful if you considered using the affiliate links below. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are the services Drew and I love to use ourselves when we plan our travels. Thanks for your support! 

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Things To Do In Tbilisi: A Complete Tbilisi Travel Guide

When I first travelled to Georgia, I really didn’t know much about the things to do in Tbilisi , which is one of the best places to visit in Georgia . Back in 2012, the city was still little known and I had only heard of it when I was in high school, studying the former USSR. Today, after over 20 trips to Georgia, Tbilisi feels like home to me. I can confidently say I know the city enough to recommend the best places to visit in Tbilisi in this travel guide. Even though it’s slowly becoming quite a popular destination, I’m still in love with this beautiful city. So

Surprisingly, Tbilisi has a good mix of old architecture, from traditional houses with hanging wooden balconies to 18th-century art-nouveau to post-modern glass and steel structures. Add to that the fact there’s a restaurant around every corner, serving the country’s national dishes and the best wine you will have tried in ages, and you will, just like me, fall in love with the city. So, come join me and I’ll tell you all about what to see in Tbilisi.

Make sure to check out my suggestions for accommodation in Tbilisi . If you are travelling to Tbilisi by plane, you check out my post about transport from Tbilisi airport .

My Top Places To Visit In Tbilisi, Georgia

For foodies: visit the Central Market, which is not yet a tourist attraction. The food here is fresh, straight from gardens in nearby villages.

For history buffs: wander around Old Tbilisi and visit the Ethnographic Museum, the latter is also visited by very few tourists.

Top Things To Do In Tbilisi

1- old tbilisi, #1 among all tbilisi attractions.

To me, this is the number one among all Tbilisi attractions. Old Tbilisi is the picture-perfect part of the city with some clichés that we all love: pretty cobbled streets lined up with old houses with colourful flowers or grapevines, some of which have been recently renovated, while others are lined up with crumbling buildings that I find really fascinating.

Old Tbilisi is dotted with several churches, some right opposite each other, and I highly recommend visiting some of them, especially if you’ve never been inside an Orthodox church. Sioni Cathedral, from the 6th century, is one of the best.

With an increased number of tourists visiting Tbilisi, many art galleries and workshops have sprung up in the area in recent years, as well as some cool and intimate wine bars.

See also: Transport From Tbilisi to Batumi: All Options Available

2- Rustaveli Ave, Among the Best Places To Visit In Tbilisi

Rustaveli Avenue is the main thoroughfare in Tbilisi and is a good way to get acquainted with the city’s glorious times. This tree-lined and busy avenue is one of the main Tbilisi attractions, and home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the city, starting with the Georgian National Opera Theater with its neo-Moorish facade and the old Parliament Building.

Apart from grand buildings, there are many bars, cafes and hotels all along the avenue, including the luxurious The Biltmore Hotel , which opened in 2016 in a brand new glass building that seems slightly out of place, if you ask me.

3- Walk Up Narikhala Fortress For Amazing Views

Narikhala Fortress sits atop Narikhala hill and can be seen from most of Old Tbilisi and beyond. After walking around the old town, I highly recommend walking up there. The climb is very steep, but quite short, too. Once up there, you can wander around the walled area, where today you will find St Thomas Church and enjoy awesome views of the whole of Tbilisi, Abanotubani (the sulfur baths district) and the Botanical Gardens.

You can get downhill using the cable car that goes to Rike Park and costs only 0.30USD.

4- See The Statue of Mother Georgia

A couple of minutes from the fortress, you will also find Mother Georgia, the statue of a woman carrying a bowl of wine in one hand and a sword in the other, representing Georgian hospitality and their fighting spirit.

The statue dates from Soviet times and many former Soviet cities have their own version. You will see similar ones in Yerevan, Kyiv, Volgograd and so on.

5- Cross The Peace Bridge & Visit Rike Park

Rike Park is a new-ish park on the left bank of Mtkvari River. If you’re coming down Narikhala Fortress by cable car, this is where you will end your journey. The park blends manicured gardens with concrete and is a popular recreational area for locals, who come jogging here in the morning and bring the whole family on the weekends.

The park is also a great place to gauge how Tbilisi, once known for its beautiful historical center, is becoming a very modern city. The famous Peace Bridge is another of the top Tbilisi attractions. It is a glass and steel pedestrian bridge that is one of the modern symbols of the city and has a nice LED display in the evenings. Another modern landmark here is Rike Park Concert Hall, an intriguing building that resembles two metal tubes next to each other.

6- Try The Delicious Georgian Cuisine

Georgian cuisine may not be very famous around the world, but ask anyone who’s been to the country or people from the former Soviet countries and they will certainly praise local food. That is why trying local food is one of the top things to do in Tbilisi. Most restaurants in Tbilisi  serve some staple Georgian dishes, being khachapuri the most popular one.

I highly recommend you try at least two types of khachapuri (pronounced hachapoori ), especially the adjaruli type, which comes in a boat-shaped dough topped with melting cheese and a raw egg that cooks itself in the hot cheese. Sounds good? It tastes even better!

Another traditional Georgian dish is khinkali, a type of dumpling that comes with a minced meat, cheese, potato or mushroom filling. Just make sure you walk a lot and enjoy all the places to visit in Tbilisi, because the food is not only delicious but also highly caloric.

See also: How Much Does It Cost To Travel To Europe?

7- Central Market, Another of the Unusual Tbilisi Attractions

Visiting Tbilisi Central Market is one of my favorite pastimes, but something few tourists do. This is one of the more unusual places to visit in Tbilisi, at least that is what locals think. Maybe that’s a good thing, if you ask me. Located near Station Square metro station, the market has a few different areas, selling from cheap clothes and accessories to food and fresh produce. The latter is the most interesting part.

As you come out of the station, you will already see a lot of small stalls selling clothes and books. Following the flow of people, you will get to a set of stairs that lead up to the market itself. Here you will see people selling and buying mostly things produced locally – food from the village, as many say. Just wander around the aisles among piles of sulguni cheese, fresh fruit, and vegetable stalls, meat and buy something for the road. People are quite friendly and will look at you surprised by “what this tourist is doing here”.

8- Gabriadze Theater

Gabriadze Theater is a fairytale-looking puppet theater in central Tbilisi, only a 5-minute walk from the Peace Bridge and 10 minutes from Liberty Square. With its own leaning clocktower and next-door cafe, it’s one of my favourite photo spots in Tbilisi.

The puppet shows take place most days of the week, but you must book in advance at the theater or online on http://gabriadze.com/en/.

9- Take the Funicular Up Mtatsminda Park

Walking uphill on the street next to the Parliament Building, you will find the funicular that goes up to Mtatsminda mountain. Up there, you will find a slightly kitsch amusement park, the TV tower, a reasonably priced restaurant serving excellent food and will enjoy some of the most amazing views of the entire city of Tbilisi.

10- Sameba Trinity Church: One of the Main Tbilisi Attractions

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the most popular places to visit in Tbilisi. It is, in fact, one of the tallest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Construction only finished in 2004 and the aim was to celebrate the 2000 years of Jesus’s birth and the 1500 years of the autonomy of the Georgian Orthodox Church when the Patriarch (their version of the Pope) didn’t report to any higher authority.

The interior is dominated by religious paintings and the dome is particularly impressive. It’s better to visit during mass since the actual ritual is very different from Catholics and other Christian denominations, but avoid photographing people as they’re praying.

11- Places To Visit In Tbilisi: Lado Gudiashvili Sq

While walking around Old Tbilisi, you will most likely come across Lado Gudiashvili Square. This is by far my favorite square in town, with tall trees and surrounded by old art nouveau and 18th-century buildings. There is also a small quirky fountain right in the middle.

As of 2018, the square underwent some renovations and the result is a brand new square with colourful buildings, renovated to their original beauty. It is worth coming here in the evening, since the lighting is very well done. Sitting on a bench here and people-watch is still one of my favourite things to do in Tbilisi.

12- Go To Abanotubani, The Sulphur Baths

Tbilisi was founded in an area with many hot sulphur springs. Legend says that when King Vakhtang Gorgasali was hunting in the area, he shot a bird that fell in the water. When he finally got hold of it, it was cooked. That’s when he decided to found a city in the area.

The sulphur baths are located in Abanotubani district, right in the old town and you will recognize the area by the many redbrick domes. In the old times, visiting the baths was like going to a social club and that’s where women would show their new dresses, talk about daily life and socialize. Today there are only two public bathhouses where locals still visit once in a while. The public bath experience is definitely not for everyone and hygiene is poor.

There are several bathhouses with private rooms with different levels of comfort. Some only have a shower and a small plunge pool for two. Others have more luxurious decor, larger pools and even a private sauna.

Prices for the room range from 40 to 200GEL, depending on the level of comfort you want. You can also have a massage (not that interesting) and a scrub (very interesting), where the attendant will exfoliate your skin, removing all dead skin and dirt you didn’t even know was there!

13- See A Waterfall In The City Center

If when you started researching the best things to do in Tbilisi you thought about nature, you will be surprised by the fact there is an actual waterfall right in the city center. As you visit Abanotubani, follow the wooden footpath by the stream until you get to the Leghvtakhevi waterfall. Located in a small valley and surrounded by two vertical rock cliffs, this is a cool place to visit, and coming here is still one of my favorite things to do in Tbilisi.

In 2018, the municipality took the unfortunate decision to build several small bridges to cross the stream and put up some fences. If you ask me, it spoiled the rugged beauty of the area, but it’s still a nice place to visit in Tbilisi. In winter, the waterfall can get frozen, which makes it even more special.

14- See An Underground Market In Meidani

Meidani is one of the most beautiful spots in Tbilisi – if you ignore the parking lot it has become. From here you can admire the most beautiful buildings in Old Tbilisi and the Narikhala Fortress. The place was the epicenter of the Silk Road in Tbilisi and a place where noblemen used to live.

Today, below the hustle and bustle, there is still an underground market, where you can buy good Georgian wines, churchkhela and souvenirs. The market is decorated in the traditional Georgian style, doing its best to resemble an old Georgian farmhouse. This is one of the true hidden gems in Tbilisi and few tourists come here, despite the touristy feel.

To get there, there is an entrance on the Meidani side of Shardeni street and another below BCN restaurant, on Meidani itself with the sign “Meidani Bazaar”.

15- Marjanishvili

If you want to see more than Old Tbilisi and Rustaveli, take the metro and get off at Marjanishvili station. The area is home to some beautiful classic buildings, many of them on Agmashenebeli Avenue, as well as older traditional houses on the side streets. One of the best things to do in Tbilisi is eating at some of the restaurants located around Marjanishvili and visiting Fabrika, which I will explain in more detail next. There is also a stretch of Agmashenebili Avenue that was renamed “New Tiflis”, with bars, restaurants and places to smoke shisha.

Oh, and if you are looking to have a haircut while in town, there are many Turkish barbershops scattered around the area. This is kind of “Little Turkey”, so to speak, and you will be able to have a cool haircut and even a beard design in the best Turkish tradition.

See also: Things To Know About Living in Georgia

16- Visit Fabrika, The Most Hipster Place In Tbilisi

Even though Georgia is all about tradition, history and good wine, there are some cool, young and vibrant places to visit in Tbilisi. The best and most popular one is Fabrika, a cultural hub with bars, restaurants, occasional live music and a hostel. Fabrika is located in an old textile factory and attracts young locals and tourists alike.

In the huge patio, there are several cool bars and cafes and the main walls are decorated with giant murals. The place has a good vibe day and night, but it’s on Friday and Saturday evenings that you’ll best enjoy the ambience. The nearest metro station to Fabrika is Marjanishvili.

17- Turtle Lake

Another of the less common things to do in Tbilisi is to visit Turtle Lake. It is a place you will definitely want to visit if you’re in Tbilisi during their hot summer. It is very popular among locals, but hardly ever makes it to any Tbilisi travel guide. The lake – more like a pond – is located near Vake and is popular among locals trying to refresh from the scorching heat. Apart from going for a dip in the pond, you can go on paddle boats or simply enjoy a cold drink at the nearby cafe.

18- Open-Air Ethnographic Museum

Tbilisi Ethnographic Museum is an open-air museum just on the outskirts of the city, near the Vake district. Few foreign tourists come here, but it is one of the most interesting places to visit in Tbilisi.

It is a place to learn about the many cultures and ethnicities that make the Georgian nation. The Open-Air Museum is located on 52 hectares of land covered by lush vegetation and displays thousands of objects collected from all over the country.

The main attractions are the traditional houses from different areas in Georgia, including regions like Svaneti, Kakheti, Imereti and Ossetia, to name just a few. The museum is one of the more interesting but less visited Tbilisi attractions.

19- Go To The New Wine Festival

Georgia prides itself for being considered the birthplace of wine. There is evidence that wine is produced in present-day Georgia for around 8,000 years and to this day many families still produce their own wine. Every year in May, Tbilisi hosts the New Wine Festival, an event where wine producers from all over the country offer samples of the wines produced from the latest harvest. In 2019 there were around 200 wineries at the event.

The event takes place in different places every year and it has no fixed date – the only certainty is that it takes place in May. When I visited it, there were many famous wineries (I was already familiar with many of them) in small stalls where you could buy a bottle of your favourite Georgian wine or simply grab a small glass to sample their product. The event is packed with locals and some tourists and it is a great day out.

To find out the exact date, I recommend keeping an eye on social media around late April/early May to get the exact dates and location. But I will also be updating this post as soon as I have the specific date!

20- Go On Day Trips

Tbilisi is a beautiful and very pleasant city, but I must say, Georgia itself is a beautiful country. If you come all the way here and don’t venture into the countryside to see what at the country is all about, that would be a pity. There are many places to visit within 2 to 3 hours drive from Tbilisi and many people choose to go on day trips, rather than stay overnight.

I’ve written a full post with the best day tours from Tbilisi , but my top suggestions would be a wine tour in the Kakheti region or a day tour to Kazbegi via the Georgian Military Highway .

Tbilisi Travel Guide: How To Get To Tbilisi

Most travelers arrive in Tbilisi by plane. Tbilisi International Airport is about 25 minutes drive from the city center – see here  how to go from Tbilisi airport to the city . Some major airlines, such as Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines offer flights from most European capitals to Tbilisi via Frankfurt and Istanbul, respectively. Ryanair has also started flying from Bergamo, Italy and Cologne, Germany.

Other airlines that fly to Tbilisi from many European destinations are Pegasus and Georgian Airways. From the Middle East, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia and Fly Dubai offer go to Tbilisi. Use this link to search for cheap flights to Tbilisi from your city.

There are direct trains from Baku, in Azerbaijan, and Yerevan in Armenia to Tbilisi. These are old Soviet-times trains, with three different classes: First Class consists of a cabin with 2 single beds, koupe (2nd class) has cabins with 4 beds (bunk bed style) and Platzkart (3rd class) consists of an open cabin with 4 beds and 2 in the corridor.

Trains From Baku To Tbilisi

These trains are operated by Azerbaijan Railways and leave Baku at 9:50pm and arrive in Tbilisi at 10:30am (in theory, but they tend to arrive at least by 2 hours late). Ticket prices at the time of writing are 58AZN for First Class, 34AZN Koupé and 23AZN Platzkart.

Trains From Yerevan To Tbilisi

Trains from Yerevan to Tbilisi depart at 9:30pm, arriving in Tbilisi at 8am. This route doesn’t normally experience many delays, like the Baku-Tbilisi one. They are operated by Armenian Railways and are also old Soviet sleeper trains. Tickets for Koupé cabins cost 14,000AMD (around 30USD). In summer, they depart in the afternoon, so I highly recommend you double check in advance, instead of turning up at the station with your luggage, ready to do. 🙂 You can buy tickets online on their website (you must create an account).

From Russia to Tbilisi: There are buses from Moscow, St Petersburg to Armenia via Tbilisi and these services take at least 48 hours. From Vladikavkaz, in North Ossetia, you can take a shared taxi to Tbilisi. The trip takes about 5 hours, depending on how long immigration clearance will take, and will cost around 40USD, depending on your haggling skills.

From Azerbaijan to Tbilisi: Buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) go from Baku to Ortachala station in Tbilisi several times a day and are faster than the train (10 hours) but I find them much less exciting. Besides, Ortachala station is about 3km from Tbilisi city center.

From Armenia to Tbilisi: Marshrutkas from Yerevan to Tbilisi take around 6 hours and there are several per day. Some of them are very comfortable.

Do I Need A Visa For Georgia/Tbilisi?

If you’re wondering if you need a visa to travel to Georgia, the good news is that citizens of many countries, including the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Balkans, GCC countries, CIS countries, Israel, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Mexico can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to 360 days a year (yes, that’s correct!).

Indian citizens require a visa to travel to Georgia, but if you’re Indian and a resident of any GCC country you can travel visa-free. However, I very highly recommend you check the most up-to-date information here .

So, did you like my Tbilisi travel guide? The city is under constant transformation and I highly recommend you visiting it. And don’t forget to book mark this Tbilisi city guide! 🙂

Pedro has travelled to almost 120 countries and has made his nest in London. He has also lived in Spain, Australia, the US, Georgia and Turkey. A former hotel management professional, he loves exploring local cultures, is now learning his 8th language and has a soft spot for the Middle East and the CIS countries.

31 Things To Know Before You Travel To Tbilisi, Georgia

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

Tbilisi tourism

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

My trip to Tbilisi

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

Visa for Georgia

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

How to get to Tbilisi, Georgia

Flights to tbilisi.

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

Direct flights from UK to Tbilisi

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

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

Busses to Tbilisi

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

Trains to Tbilisi

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

Domestic Georgia travel tips

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

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

Best time of the year to travel to Tbilisi

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

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

Is it safe to travel to Georgia

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

Is Georgia Europe or Asia?

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

Everything you should know when you visit Tbilisi, Georgia

1. how to pronounce tbilisi.

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

2. Currency

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

3. Tbilisi is not the government city

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

4. Price levels in Tbilisi

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

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

5. It is safe to drink tap water

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

6. Electricity plugs

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

The Ananuri monastery, a popular day trip from Tbilisi.

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

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

7. Tbilisi Airport

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

8. Taxi apps

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

9. Georgia sim card

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

10. Religion

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

11. Everyone smokes in Tbilisi

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

12. Smoking inside forbidden

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

13. Marijuana is decriminalised

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

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

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

14. LGTB in Tbilisi

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

15. Georgian food is heavy

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

16. Best Khachapuri in Tbilisi

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

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

17. Best Khinkali in Tbilisi

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

18. Drink Chacha

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

19. Meet the Tamada

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

Freedom square in Tbilisi, the start of Rustaveli Avenue.

20. Wine originates from Georgia

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

21. Best Restaurants in Tbilisi

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

21.1  Barbarastan

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

21.2  Black Lion Restaurant

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

21.3  Melograno

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

22. Best rooftop bar

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

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

23. Nightlife in Tbilisi

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

24. Bassiani Club

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

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

25. Jazz cafe Singer

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

26. Wine bars

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

26.1  8000 Vintages

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

26.2  Schuchmann Wine

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

26.3  Azarphesha

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

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

27. Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue

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

28. Things to do in Tbilisi

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

28.1 Cable car

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

28.2 Zip lining

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

28.3 Wine tours Tbilisi

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

28.4 Shopping in Tbilisi Mall

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

28.5 (Free) Walking tours Tbilisi

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

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

28.6 Ferris wheel 

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

28.7 TV Tower Tbilisi

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

28.8 Mtatsminda Park

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

28.9 Funicular Tbilisi

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

28.10 Georgian National Opera Theater

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

28.11 Tbilisi Sea - summer club

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

29. Places to visit in Tbilisi

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

29.1 Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

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

29.2 Rustaveli Avenue

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

29.3 Meidan Bazaar

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

29.4 Narikala fortress

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

29.5 Mother of Georgia

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

29.6 Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral

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

29.7 Bridge of Peace

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

29.8 Turtle Lake

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

29.9 Lisi Lake

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

30. Day trips from Tbilisi

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

30.1 Jvari Monastery

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

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

30.2 Mtskheta

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

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

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

30.3 Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

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

30.4 Ananuri day trip

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

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

30.5 Gudauri Ski Resort

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

30.6 Kazbegi

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

31. Where to stay in Tbilisi

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

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

31.1 Best luxury hotels in Tbilisi:

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

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

31.2 Boutique hotels in Tbilisi

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

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

31.3 Tbilisi Hotels for under $100 per night

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

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

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

31.4 Cheap Tbilisi Hotels

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

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

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

31.5 Hostels in Tbilisi

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

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

31.6 Airbnb in Tbilisi

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

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

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

Enjoy your trip to Tbilisi!

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

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

Tbilisi, Georgia: Travel Guide & Best Things to Do

Tbilisi, Georgia is a city of contemporary and historical multiculturalism. Over 1,500 years old, this capital has straddled European, Asian, and Middle Eastern civilizations, resulting in a unique Caucasus destination. Residents are known for their hospitality, and the local sights are sure to impress!

Travel to Tbilisi if you want to experience interesting history, varied architecture, beautiful landscapes, and good food.

Tbilisi, Georgia Travel Guide

My general impressions from tbilisi.

Tbilisi has been on my bucket list for a while and frankly, I couldn’t believe that I haven’t visited it sooner. While Georgia still feels like an off the path destination for Americans and Asians, for many Europeans it’s been a popular spot for a while.

Especially when cheap flights started flying to Tbilisi, tourists flocked the city and many claim it’s destroyed part of this beauty. However, I think that Tbilisi is still worth visiting, 

Tbilisi has 2 very distinct faces. Downtown and tourist area is bohemian, gorgeous buildings with ornate balconies combined with futuristic architecture, but the buildings from the outskirts and suburbs are still from the Communist era. Old, falling apart, not a place where you’d want to live or frankly wander around at night.

Georgia is very affordable, regardless of where you’re coming from. Full dinner won’t cost you more than 20-25 GEL regardless of the restaurant. 

I can honestly say that I feel like I preferred Tbilisi over it’s neighboring capitals Yerevan in Armenia or Baku in Azerbaijan. While crossing the street takes Frogger abilities and sidewalks aren’t usually even and nice (not that there are in Italy either where I spent last year living , so I guess this didn’t bother me that much).

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History of Tbilisi, Georgia

According to legend, Tbilisi was founded while a king was hunting, when his falcon caught a pheasant and both plunged (and died) in one of Tbilisi’s hot springs.

Whether or not this legend is true, the city’s name is derived from a word for “warm,” signifying the importance that the sulfuric hot springs had and continue to have on the Tbilisi’s culture and inhabitants.

The springs aren’t the only natural feature that Tbilisi has to offer, the city is built on the Mtkvari (Kura) River, in between mountains and over hills- creating a truly picturesque environment.

Modern Tbilisi is home to over 1.5 million residents, most of whom are Eastern Orthodox Christians. There are many diaspora groups that live in Tbilisi, which add to the city’s historically diverse vibe.

In Tbilisi, you will find that many residents will also speak Russian and/or English. Georgians use the Lari (GEL) as currency, and the city is an economical destination that can be explored on a budget. 

This former Soviet republic has retained its distinctiveness and pre-communist charm and has a lot to offer the inquisitive tourist. Here is a guide to make the most out of your trip to Tbilisi, Georgia.

Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia

Discover the maze of the old town.

Before you even start thinking of specific spots and things to see in Tbilisi, I recommend you get lost in the maze of streets in the old town. Admire the picturesque balconies, greet local cats, find new cafes.

Watch your step though as pavements as very uneven and due to a high amount of stray dogs, uncleaned dog poop isn’t uncommon.

Even if you don’t have your Google Maps working, don’t be afraid of getting lost. Even in the smallest streets, there will be someone who’ll willingly point you in the right direction. They might not speak English, but from my experience, Georgian people will do their best.

Relax at Hot Springs

The hot springs or “sulfur baths” of Tbilisi are fundamental to the life and culture of this Georgian city. Soaking in a sulfur bath is not only a good opportunity to experience a Georgian tradition, but it may also provide health benefits such as pain relief, blood pressure regulation, skin cleansing, and of course, relaxation.

Located in Abanotubani – Tbilisi’s historic district, there are several bathhouses and styles of bathing to choose from, all of which utilize the natural springs that run under the city.

It’s a good idea to book in advance (either in person or online) and to decide if you would like a public or private room, as well as any add on spa services. If you choose private, the only other people around will be your companions and/or a masseuse. Cold plunge pools and showers are also usually part of this invigorating experience.

Some of these additional services include a massage or a kisa (exfoliating scrub). There are many bathhouses to choose from, including Gulo’s Thermal Spa, where you can book via Facebook.

When going to a sulfur bath, you have the choice to bath naked or while wearing a bathing suit. If you choose a public bath, you will be bathing with others, however these are divided by gender.

Costs vary depending on the public or private bath. Private baths cost around 50-120 GEL per hour, while public baths cost around 5-10 GEL per hour. Prices are wide-ranging based on how new, spacious, and luxurious the baths are. Add on services are approximately 20 GEL.

Royal is open until midnight but some other bathhouses are open 24 hours, so if you’re not into parties it’s an unusual way to spend the night.

Extra Tips: Keep in mind that sulfur baths do have an unpleasant “rotten egg” smell, so be prepared! It’s also a good idea to bring water, it’s easy to get overheated, and bring or rent a towel.

Before or after your bath, make sure to walk around Abanotubani, a beautiful district with varied religious buildings, restaurants, and stunning tiled facades.

Hike to Narikala Fortress & Kartlis Deda

The Narikala Fortress offers visitors a fascinating history and an unparalleled view of Tbilisi. The original fortress was constructed by the Persians in the 4 th century, but was built upon and utilized used by subsequent invaders.

Unfortunately, much of the original structure has been destroyed, but the walls remain. A recent addition includes St. Nicholas’s church which is open to visitors and contains frescoes. It’s also the best place to see a panorama of Tbilisi, so it’s surely worth your time.

In order to reach Narikala you can walk up from the sulfur baths, or take a cable car from Rike Park for 2,5 GEL. It’s worth taking the cable car or “aerial tram” because it also provides excellent views of the city. The entrance to the fortress is free.

Less than a 10-minute walk from Narikala Fortress is Kartlis Deda or the “Mother of Georgia”. This aluminum statue was erected in the 1950s on Sololaki Hill and is a testament to Georgian culture. This female figure holds a sword and a glass of wine- symbolizing Georgians ferocity against enemies and hospitality towards guests.

Find a Waterfall at the Botanical Gardens of Tbilisi

The Botanical Garden is located between the Old Town and Narikala Fortress, and it only costs 2 GEL to enter.

The park is filled with photogenic spots and art, plus a Japanese garden. And a waterfall! While it’s not the most beautiful waterfall I’ve ever seen it’s right in the middle of the city! The only other waterfall I saw located in the city center was the one in Moustiers Sainte Marie in southern France .

If you’re visiting Narikala fortress before, you might catch a zipline down to the garden instead of walking. It costs 30 GEL,  but it’s a fun alternative. 

Watch the Pupper Show on the Clock Tower

Architecturally weird, the Leaning Clock Tower in Tbilisi is part of a puppet theater. Every house a window opens at the top and angel strikes the bell and a short love story plays. The whole area surrounding the tower was actually my favorite.

Not surprisingly, it’s also the most Instagrammable spot in Tbilisi.

Play with Local Cats

I’ve had no clue about how many cats I’ll be meeting in Tbilisi before my visit. They followed me around, photobombed my photos, and wanted to cuddle. 

Most of the stray cats and dogs in Georgia are tamed, vaccinated and microchipped. That said, don’t be scared to pet them – they love cuddles.

See Betlemi Stairs

Betlemi Stairs is an architectural jewel. It’s the only stained glass house in the city, located in a 19th-century wooden house. It’s actually a private house with a small art gallery, so be respectful and quiet when you visit.

Pay Respects at Mtatsminda Pantheon and Have Fun at Mtatsminda Park

The Mtatsminda Pantheon is an outdoor necropolis encompassing statues, graves, and a beautiful church. This is the burial site for many famous and prominent Georgians and is worth a visit to walk through Georgian history and learn about their heroes.

Mama Daviti (St. David’s) Church was built in the 1500s and is part of the Pantheon complex. It is accessible by funicular (see Transport ) or on foot.

While many advise visiting this spot for wonderful views I beg to differ. It’s usually too foggy to see anything, so for the views go to the Fortress.

Mtatsminda Park is also home to several rides, games, and shops not just for children. The most popular attraction is perhaps the large Ferris wheel, which is a fun way to view Tbilisi. The park is free to enter, but rides cost a couple of Lari per ride. 

Visit Georgian National Museum

The Georgian National Museum is actually composed of several museums, which unified in 2005. One of the most notable exhibits is an extensive collection of gold and jewelry. Other interesting sights include human fossils and an exhibit on Soviet occupation.

The museum is open every day except Monday, from 10 AM – 6 PM and is located on Rustaveli Ave., near the Liberty Street Metro.

Adult admission is 5 GEL. Visit their website for a list of official holidays when the museum is closed, as well as current exhibits.

Walk the Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace is a beautiful example of modern architecture and is located approximately 15 minutes (by foot) from the Georgian National Museum.

Its elegant glass and steel design includes LED lights that are turned on before sunset and flicker every hour in an interactive light show. The shape of the bridge is said to resemble a marine animal and is 490 feet (150 metes) long.

This pedestrian bridge was finished in 2010 and was created by an Italian architect and French lighting artist. According to the architect , Michele De Lucchi,

In addition to being a beautiful sight itself, the bridge also provides a good view of the Mtkvari River and the city itself. The best time to go is right before sunset, so you get to see the bridge sparkle.

Don’t miss out on the views surrounding it! You might meet some friendly dogs on the bridge – don’t be scared!

Visit Tsminda Sameba Cathedral

There are several Orthodox churches in Tbilisi, but one is particularly famous. Known as the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, this massive religious structure of Tsaminda Sameba Cathedral is actually a recently built Eastern Orthodox church.

The cathedral was constructed in order to mark the 1,500 year anniversary of the Georgian Church and 2,000 years of Christianity. Despite being a modern structure, the Sameba encompasses many Georgian and Christian symbols and traditional architectural styles and is known for its large golden dome overlooking the city.

The inside of the Cathedral includes impressive marble floors and murals.

The Cathedral is located in the Avlabari district, on the other side of the river from the Georgian National Museum and a little over a mile from the Bridge of Peace.

Keep in mind that as with many churches, it’s best to dress appropriately with legs and shoulder covered. The entrance is free.

Buy Antiques at the Soviet Market

Located in Daedena park, there is a flea market selling all sorts of Soviet artifacts. Some of them are slightly weird, including gas masks or coins with Stalin’s face.

Take a Trip to the Chronicles of Georgia

The Chronicles of Georgia is a massive monument visible from many places in the city. It’s composed of giant pillars whose walls are decorated with carvings that showcasing different episodes of the history of Georgia and Christianity.

One of them is a representation of  Saint Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia, and several Georgian Kings. 

The monument is located slightly outside of the city but can be reached by taxi for 15 GEL, or by metro if you like walking: get off at Grmagele Metro Station and take a 15 minutes walk to reach it.

Explore Soviet Suburbs

If you would like to explore some off the path places in Tbilisi, you can simply reach the suburbs and get the know Soviet architecture. It’s one of the unusual things to see in Tbilisi.

Some of the buildings are architecturally interesting, such as Bank of Georgia Headquarters with its geometrical cubes stacked on one another. You can’t enter inside, but it’s fun to see it from the outside.

Another spot worth mentioning is a triple building right next to the police station in Tbilisi. There are three Soviet blocks connected by a metal bridge-corridor. You can easily get to the corridor by elevator that works just fine.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Ever since I started featuring different hotels on the blog, I made it clear to myself that I wouldn’t recommend a hotel that either I or my friends haven’t stayed at. Here are my recommendations:

Hotel: Stamba

New design hotel in the center of town. Their restaurant is also highly recommended.

Hotel: Hotel Flower

Flower was recommended to me by my friend who stays there all the time. It’s centrally located, affordable and has amazing views of the city. 

Guest House: Mariam R.

Centrally located and locally-run guesthouse. I stayed there during my last visit and everything was great. No wonder if has almost a perfect score of 10 on Booking.com!

Budget: Fabrika

Fabrika is a hostel built in a massive abandoned factory in the area of Marjanishvili. It’s fun, trendy and has a great atmosphere. They also offer private rooms on top of shared dorms. 

Alternative: Alcatraz Jail

Hostel stylized like a jail with black bedsheets, black towels, barbed wire on the ceiling. There are hardly any negative reviews of it that’s unusual these days. 

Tbilisi Travel Tips

Insurance for georgia.

If you travel to Tbilisi, you will likely also visit the mountains and other parts of Georgia. That said, you’ll want to travel insurance that covers higher elevations and different activities. 

World Nomads is the most reliable one and their plans cover you for trekkings up to 4500m, offer emergency rescue and various adventure activities.

Nightlife in Tbilisi

Georgians are techno fans, so a night out in the capital is a must-do for the adventurous traveler.

Café Gallery (34, Alexander Griboedov St.)   is a popular venue that serves food during the day and plays music at night. The best days to go are Friday and Saturday, when the Café Gallery stays open 24/7.

Bassiani (2, Akaki Tsereteli Ave.) is another club known for its techno music, as well as a dance floor located in a former swimming pool floor. However, be prepared for security and critical bouncers and the fact that you may be denied entry for no reason. If you make it through the door, you will enjoy a sound system and club experience like no other.

If you’re looking for a chilled bar head to Warszawa Bar (Pushkin St. 19). It’s a cheap place for a drink right in the city center. Also a nice way to support a Polish community in Georgia.

Transportation in Georgia

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Several European airlines fly to TBS, including Lufthansa and Air France. The airport is situated approximately 10 miles (16 km) from the center of the Old City and there is bus, taxi, and trains service available. You can also book an airport shuttle service .

When in Tbilisi, there are several ways to travel including metro, taxi, tram, or bus. A metro card is around 2,5 GEL, which you can then add to for around 0,5 GEL per trip.

Of course, there is also the previously mentioned cable car system, which links Rike Park and Narikala Fortress.

There’s also a funicular which runs from Chonquadze Street, the Mtatsminda Pantheon, and the top of the Mtatsminda Mountain. The cable car costs 2 GEL per ride.

Day Tours from Tbilisi, Georgia

I highly recommend doing a multi-day adventure with your own rental car (check prices for Georgia here), you can hire a driver on the street (I mean it, there are many drivers waiting for you to hire them for a day).

However, if you’re not comfortable with that, or simply prefer a group tour you can try to book some of the most popular tours with GetYourGuide. They’re actually cheaper than more popular Viator, hence why I recommend them.

Some popular options include:

• Day trip to Kazbegi – Many people’s favorite spot, considered one of the most stunning mountain regions in Georgia.
• Day trip to Mtskheta, Gori, and Uplitsikhe – UNESCO World Heritage Churches, cave city and Stalin’s birthplace.
• Day trip to Davit Gareja & wine-tasting   – The best cave monastery city in Georgia and wine tasting.
• Chiatura Soviet Cable Cars & Katskhi – I’m including it here just in case. You can no longer ride cable cars of Chiastura, but the trip is still interesting to take. Plus, you get to see other interesting things.

Food and Restaurants in Tbilisi

There are two main Georgian dishes that you must try when in Tbilisi. Khinkali is a type of dumpling, made with various fillings, and khachapuri is a pizza-like dish made with dough, cheese, and egg. It’s delicious, but don’t forget to mix the filling before eating.

Zakhar Zakharich (3 Right Bank, Mshrali Bridge) is known for their handmade khinkali. You can also experiment with other dishes at this classic Georgian restaurant.

Sakhachapure #1 (5 Shota Rustaveli Avenue) also serves traditional Georgian food, but is known for their tasty khachapuri. It’s also worth trying some of their desserts!

Another spot worth mentioning is Pasanauri (multiple branches). While touristy, it served me amazing khachapuri, so I think it’s worth mentioning.

For a fancier meal, check out Barbarestan (D. Aghmashenebeli Ave. 132). This restaurant was built in an old butcher shop and embraces both the classic and diverse aspects of Georgian culture. Authentic dishes are mixed with spices from neighboring countries and finished with modern panache.

While in Tbilisi you must try Georgian wine. Georgians have been making wine for thousands of years, and it is possibly the oldest winemaking area in the world. One method (using clay jars) is actually certified by UNESCO. Some favorite varieties include Kisi, Mtsvane, Rkhatsiteli, Saperavi, and Tsinandali.

Tbilisi, Georgia is a growing tourist destination that is still off the beaten path for most travelers. This capital city is a great option if you want a unique historical and cultural experience that is not yet as dominated by other tourists like Paris , Amsterdam , or London .

Make sure to indulge in the food and culture, take in natural beauty, and learn about history. Whether soaking in a hot spring or raving at a techno club, you are sure to enjoy your Georgian adventure!

Any questions about traveling to Tbilisi, Georgia?

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Laura Leber

Sunday 14th of February 2021

I would have to strongly disagree with your comment about the suburbs/Communist style buildings are not a place to walk around at night. I've lived in Tbilisi for one year, most of which has been in exactly these types of places. Tbilisi is extremely safe and I don't think twice about walking around by myself at night in the outskirts of downtown. I've even walked home from Fabrika to Saburtalo at night and didn't encounter any problems. The outskirts/suburbs are just as charming as downtown.

Thursday 15th of July 2021

Hi Anna & Laura, can u please tell me if parking places are easy to find in town & around & is it expensive? Thank you. Milene.

Tuesday 12th of November 2019

Tbilisi seems interesting. Hope I can visit this place soon. The structures are pretty cool though.

Monday 4th of November 2019

Thank you Anna for this detailed post, I've been waiting for it! I'm looking forward to visiting Tbilisi soon, next year, and exploring the places your recommended :)