best tourist places in tbilisi

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Home » Europe » Georgia » Tbilisi

10 BEST Places to Visit in Tbilisi (2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5 – Narikala Fortress

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

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

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

#6 – Mother Georgia Statue

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

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

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

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#7 – Tbilisi AutoMuseum

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

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

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

#8 – Chronicles of Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Tbilisi worth visiting?

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

What is the most famous part of Tbilisi?

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

Is it safe to travel to Tbilisi, Georgia?

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

Is 3 days enough time to visit Tbilisi?

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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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Must-see attractions in Tbilisi

Narikala Fortress

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

National Gallery

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…

Tsminda Sameba Cathedral

The biggest symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church's post-Soviet revival towers on Elia Hill above Avlabari. Tsminda Sameba, unmissable by night and day,…

Abanotubani

The brick domes rising here are the roofs of subterranean bathhouses, the Abanotubani. Alexanders Dumas and Pushkin both bathed in these sulphurous waters…

Parliament Building

The impressive high-arched Parliament building has seen many momentous events, including the deaths of 19 Georgian hunger strikers at the hands of Soviet…

Open-Air Museum of Ethnography

This collection of traditional, mostly wooden houses, from all around Georgia, is spread over a wooded hillside with good views, and makes for an…

MOMA Tbilisi

This beautiful conversion of the former Tbilisi Cadet Corps building has been given over to displays of work by the museum's founder, Zurab Tsereteli, the…

Sioni Cathedral

Sioni was originally built in the 6th and 7th centuries, but has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and what you see today is mainly 13th century. It…

Project ArtBeat

This gallery is Georgia's leading contemporary art space, nurturing local talent and giving shows to up-and-coming artists. Pop in to see what's currently…

Botanical Gardens

It’s easy to wander for a couple of hours in these tree-filled and waterfall-dotted gardens, which stretch more than a kilometre up the valley behind the…

Concert Hall & Exhibition Centre

The two large tubular metallic structures at the north end of Rike Park were commissioned from Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas during the…

Kashveti Church

The first church on this site is supposed to have been built in the 6th century by Davit Gareja, one of the ascetic ‘Syrian fathers’ who returned from the…

Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Art

This museum contains a vast wealth of icons, crosses and jewellery from all over Georgia. Sadly, it can only be entered with a guide (English available,…

This green expanse along the eastern riverbank, with its winding paths, pools and fountains, is joined to the west side of the Mtkvari by the Bridge of…

Residence of Bidzina Ivanishvili

The monstrous residence of Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia's richest man, former prime minister and éminence grise on the political scene, looms over the…

Presidential Palace

Georgia’s presidential palace, which is not open to visitors, was a Saakashvili-era prestige project that opened in 2009. Its ultraclassical portico is…

Armenian Cathedral of St George

This large cathedral just above Meidan was founded in 1251, though the current structure dates mainly from the 18th century. Its interior has colourful…

Tbilisi History Museum

The eclectic exhibits here, housed in an old caravanserai, range from models and photos to high-society and folk costumes from the 19th century, and…

Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace, a rather incongruously modern glass-and-steel footbridge over the Mtkvari with a totally unnecessary roof, was designed by Italian…

On the short walk up to the Botanical Gardens you pass the only mosque in Tbilisi that survived Lavrenty Beria’s purges of the 1930s. It's a red-brick…

Public Service Hall

Nicknamed the Umbrellas, this building by Italian Massimiliano Fuksas is the biggest of a dozen Public Service Halls opened in new, contemporary buildings…

Mtatsminda Park

The amusement park on top of Mt Mtatsminda will interest children, but can also be a lot of fun for adults (check out the enormous Ferris wheel) and the…

Clock Tower

One of old Tbilisi's most emblematic structures is also one of its newest, a higgledy-piggledy clock tower, built by puppet master Rezo Gabriadze during a…

Mtatsminda Pantheon

The national pantheon sits on the slopes of Mt Mtatsminda, on the route of a walking path down from Mtatsminda Park, and is the site of burial for many…

In tsarist times Meidan was the site of Tbilisi’s bustling main bazaar. Today it's busy with traffic but opens to the Metekhi Bridge over the Mtkvari –…

Jvaris Mama Church

Little Jvaris Mama stands on a site where a church has stood since the 5th century. The current incarnation dates from the 16th century and its interior…

Freedom Square

This busy traffic nexus was Lenin Sq in Soviet times. Georgia’s last Lenin statue, toppled in 1990, stood where the golden St George (a gift to the city…

Shahtakhti Fortress

The ruined Shahtakht Fortress on the Sololaki Ridge once housed an Arab observatory.

Residence of the Catholicos-Patriarch

Opposite the small and leafy park Erekle II moedani, high walls hide the residence of the Catholicos-Patriarch, head of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Norasheni Church

The large Armenian Norasheni Church, dating from 1793, has been long disused but tentative (and still incomplete) renovations began in 2015.

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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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The 11 best things to do in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

RECOMMENDED: 🌇 Europe’s best city breaks ⛱️ The best alternative Mediterranean beach breaks

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1.  Take a cable car to the Mother of Georgia

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

2.  Explore Tbilisi’s Old Town on foot

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

3.  Visit the Georgian National Museum

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

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

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

5.  Follow the tiled stairs to the Tbilisi Art Academy

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

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

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

7.  Look around the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

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

8.  Check out the ‘Georgian Stonehenge’

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

9.  Get scrubbed down at a sulfur bath

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

10.  Ride the funicular railway to Mtatsminda Park

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

11.  Learn about Georgian wine in the Karvasla Event Hall

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

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Caucasus , Europe , GEORGIA

21 best things to do in tbilisi, georgia.

If you haven’t heard about Tbilisi, the buzzing capital of Georgia, then here’s the perfect guide to show you just what an amazing city it is!

Hopefully it’ll convince you to book a flight to one of the top trending cities in Europe immediately!

Because, honestly, that’s how passionately I feel about this fab capital at the very edge of the continent.

With an electric atmosphere, a charged youthful skip in its step, great wine, friendly people, a layered complex history, a great underground arts and culture scene, hidden bars and loads of parks, Tbilisi hit the spot for me in just about every travel way.

So much so, that I’ve actually been twice now.

Super safe (including for solo female travellers), incredibly cheap and still under most travel radars, Tbilisi is pretty much dream package!

And to get you all fired up about this most epic of travel spots too, here’s 21 things to do in Tbilisi, the amazing capital of Georgia…

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To make this article more easily navigable, I’ve decided to split my list of things to do into geographic sections of Tbilisi.

As a large sprawling city, Georgia’s capital can be hard to get your head around at first but, by ordering these top things to do in Tbilisi by local area, you can hopefully tick as many of them off your list in as short a time as possible!

Oh and at the end of this article, you’ll find a quick travel guide with all my top tips about how long to spend in Tbilisi, how to get there, how to get around and where to stay… it really is the only guide to this city you need!

Old Town of Tbilisi

The tourist centre of Tbilisi, the city’s Old Town is a charming mass of cobbled streets, winding lanes and places to eat or drink.

It’s quite compact, but easy to get lost in – although given how photogenic it is, this is usually less of a problem and more of a delight, as you stumble upon creaking, crumbling buildings and independent, atmospheric cafes.

#1 Get to Grips with the History of Old Tbilisi

One of the best things to do in Tbilisi that centres around the Old Town is a walking tour.

I always find a walking tour is a great way to get acquainted with a new city and Tbilisi is no different!

Covering the history of this city, as well as it stop cultural sights and best viewpoints, this recommended Tbilisi walking tour also includes stops dedicated to the architectural wonders that make this city so unique.

There’s also free walking tours you can look out for – ask at your accommodation for the latest info.

Dating back to the 6th century, there’s certainly a lot of ground to cover, but from Silk Road trade routes to invasions by the Ottomans, Romans, Persians, Soviets and Moguls – a Tbilisi walking tour amidst the cobblestone streets of the city’s Old Town is a fab way to get a grip on it all.

#2 See the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Georgia is a Christian Orthodox country but, situated at such an important geographical crossroads, it has always been very tolerant of other religions.

Synagogues, Catholic Churches and a Mosque can all be found in Tbilisi, as well as a good selection of Orthodox Churches too.

Top ones to see in the Old Town include Sinoi Cathedral.

One of the most important places to worship in the whole county, this church is home to the sacred cross of St Nino, who allegedly brought Christianity to Georgia from Turkey as far back as the 4th century.

Christianity was declared the official state religion in Georgia in 327AD and has remained so until this day.

Jvaris Mama Church is another must-see church within the Old Town of Tbilisi.

Set within a cute courtyard, it has some beautiful frescoes inside.

The Catholic Church along Gia Abesadze Street, the Anchiskhati Basilica and Saint George’s Cathedral are also worth a look in while here, after all, there’s no better way to get to grips with a country’s culture, than to learn a little bit about its religion first!

Outside the Old Town, the city’s flagship Cathedral – The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, locally known as Sameba – is a stunning spot to discover, and visiting in the early morning is certainly one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

I wandered up there at 9am and no one was around, meaning I got the stunning elevated views over the city from its outdoor terrace all to myself!

Morning is the time to go for the best light here outside the church, while inside there will be acoustic religious singing going on, which is very atmospheric and moving.

At night, this church’s beautifully illuminated exterior makes it stand out even from the other side of the river.

#3 Peruse Gallery 27

A beautiful gallery space and cute souvenir shop that support local artists, Gallery 27 is a delightful little place that’s well worth perusing during your wanderings around the Old Town in Tbilisi.

Set in a gorgeous old building, with some stunning stained glass windows, Gallery 27 also provides a great insight into how local people live in this city, including with their shared wooden balcony spaces and open doors!

Gallery 27 is also a lovely place to buy gifts and support local artists and craft(wo)men.

#4 Check out the National Museum on Rustaveli Avenue

There’s a great number of small, but interesting museums within the Old Town of Tbilisi and taking the time to explore a few is definitely one of the best things to do here.

Top of my list are the Tbilisi History Museum (which is housed within an old caravanserai), the David Baazov Museum of Jewish History in Georgia, the Museum of Illusions and the Tbilisi Antique Archaeological Museum.

Just outside the Old Town, the Art Museum of Georgia, as well as the Georgian National Museum are also rumoured to be very good.

Don’t miss checking out a couple.

Entrance is either free, or costs just a few euros, so is well worth it.

#5 Visit the Leaning Clock Tower

The leaning clock tower is something of a Tbilisi icon and, at 12pm and 7pm every day, it puts on a short mechanical show for tourists and locals alike called “The Circle of Life”.

Built in 2010 by Rezo Gabriadze, as part of the super Gabriadze Puppet Theatre which is just next door, this is a great thing to do in Tbilisi with kids.

Head to the Wonky Clock to see its performance and afterwards enjoy a drink in one of the lovely bars and cafes around to soak up the Old Town ambience.

#6 Eat Traditional Georgian Food

Speaking of which, checking out some of the great restaurants in the Old Town is certainly one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

Georgia is a foodie paradise and getting heavily involved in the amazing local cuisine is a must while you are here.

The Schuchman Wine Bar, Veliaminov, Shavi Coffe Roasters and nearby Jazz Café are all good options to eat and drink within this area, as are Machakhela and Gorgaslai.

At this last one, you can often see traditional Georgian dancing too if that’s your kinda thing!

Eating is definitely one of my top things to do in Georgia full stop, so don’t miss out on the capital’s finest selection!

I’ve heard the average traveller puts on 3kg after 2 weeks in Tbilisi though, so be prepared!

#7 Wander Freedom Square

Having been conquered, burnt, ransacked and then rebuilt more times than anyone cares to count, Tbilisi certainly has a defiant spirit that has endured among its community until today.

Celebrating this is the Freedom Square, which is a large modern roundabout and central meeting point, which has a huge monument of St George slaying the dragon at its heart.

Sitting at the edge of the Old Town, this place has been a commercial hub since the Medieval times and was a popular stopping spot for people journeying from the east to the west on the Silk Road trade route, carrying goods, religions and anything else they could load up on!

Several caravanserais could be found here in days gone by (a place where travellers of the Silk Road could stop for the night) and to this day, meaning this part of the  city has both a deeply layered identity and a welcoming approach to strangers.

Wander around Freedom Square (also known as Liberty Square), as well as the Old Town around sunset for the famed golden hour.

This is a wonderful time to catch some good snaps in this highly evocative part of it the city, where overgrown courtyards, twisting cobbled streets, creaking wooden balconies and crumbling, brick facades really do conjure up an atmosphere of time gone by.

#8 Soak in the Sulphur Baths

Hitting up some sort of hot spa / hot spring / mineral baths is always one of my favourite things to do anywhere, let alone when it’s set in the middle of one of my favourite cities!

Definitely deserving a place on this list, spending at least 1 evening soaking in some baths is certainly one of the most relaxing things to do in Tbilisi – I loved it!

Clustered in a unique area of the old town (known as Abanotubani), hot springs with sulphurous water were discovered here centuries ago and marked the founding the city.

After all, the name Tbilisi actually means “warm place”.

Nowadays, these natural hot springs has been funnelled into underground bathhouses, whose roofs give the area its unique brick dome appearance.

The water here is thought to have medicinal properties and the baths are fab places to relax and socialise.

Just be prepared for a bit of a sulphur smell and some scorching temperatures, although you’ll quickly get used to both!

Similar to hammams you may have experienced in Turkey or Tunisia, there’s around 5 bathhouses where you can book experiences in Tbilisi.

Men have the option of attending public baths, while women must book a private room and, in summer especially, it’s advised you do this at least a day in advance.

One of the nicest and most tourist-friendly baths are the private rooms at Orbeliani Baths, which has a beautiful Persain-inspired facade.

I had a private room to myself here, which I booked through their website .

Gulo’s Thermal Spa is another option for those looking for a slightly cheaper and less polished, but still authentic and pleasant experience.

Here you can hire private rooms for up to 5 people for around 100€ an hour.

I visited Gulo’s on my second visit to Tbilisi, so rest assured it’s totally fit for purpose!

Book in advance via their Facebook page .

Whichever bath you go for, the set up is pretty much the same…

First step is to enter the steam room and enjoy a relaxing soaking in the hot sulphur bath.

It’s pretty warm at around 38-40 Celsius and swimmers are optional!

Then you can enjoy an additional body scrub, called a kisi , which is vigorous exfoliation treatment usually performed by a lady on a tiled bench next to the sulphur pool.

Ladies will need to remove the top half of their swimwear as a minimum at this point.

This is followed by a soapy wash, where buckets of hot water are used to clean you, and afterwards, you get a freezing cold bucket of water thrown over you – like a cold plunge!

Then you return to the sulphur bath to sweat it all out!

A kisi costs a small additional fee, but is well worth it.

Book your scrub as an extra when you make your room reservation and remember to bring cash to pay directly to the person scrubbing you.

Also needed for the baths are some flip flops, a towel and some water – it gets very hot inside.

Swimwear, as discussed, is optional.

@bigworldsmallpockets Top 10 Things to Do in Tbilisi 🇬🇪 1. Grab a Sunrise at the Cathedral 2. Explore the Old Town 3. Snap the Wonky Clock 4. Wander over the Peace Bridge 5. Take the Cable Car up to the Narikala Fortress 6. Soak in a Sulphur Bath 7. Eat! 8. Admire Liberty Square & the National Museum 9. Go Wine Tasting 10. Catch the Funicular up to Mtatsminda Park for Sunset #tbilisi #tbilisigeorgia #tbilisi🇬🇪 #tbilisiplaces #georgia #georgia🇬🇪 #georgiatravel #georgiatrip #tbilisitravel #uktravelblogger #femaletraveler #europetravel ♬ original sound – Big World Small Pockets

Around the Botanic Gardens in Tbilisi

Next up, I’m going to move just slightly away from the Old Town and and a bit uphill, to bring you this next section of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

Technically still part of the Old Town, as it’s within the Old City walls, the Botanic Garden area is largely set on a hill overlooking the city and offers great views and some more historical sights.

#9 Ride the Cable Car

The first thing to do if you’re heading to the Botanic Gardens and, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in Tbilisi anyway, is ride the cable car up there.

Personally, I don’t think you can ever have too much cable car in your life can you?!

This ride in Tbilisi costs just a nominal amount and can be paid for using your Tbilisi transport card, which means enjoying this great activity really couldn’t be easier!

The cable car leaves from Rike Park on the other side of the river from the Old Town and will drop you right by Narikala Fortress on the hill, offering stunning views on the way up.

#10 Wave at the Mother Georgia Statue

As soon as you get to the top of the hill – whether that’s by cable car or walking – I suggest you make your way a little further along the ridge to take a look at Mother Georgia.

A huge statue that can be seen from just about anywhere, Mother Georgia stands proudly over the city here offering protection (and wine – brilliant!) to locals and strangers alike!

Yes you will quickly learn in Georgia wine and hospitality is everything!

20m-tall, made of aluminium and built in 1958 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of Tbilisi, Mother Georgia wears traditional dress and is immediately recognisable – a great way to orientate yourself from just about anywhere in this city.

#11 Scramble Up to Narikala Fortress

Dating back to the 4 th Century, Narikala Fortress sits on the other side of the cable car entrance to Mother Georgia, but you can easily loop back around to see it on your way down the hill.

Originally a Persian Citadel, this now ruined fortress does still provide amazing views over the whole of Tbilisi, however the best views are achieved if you scramble up right to the very top!

With a 1.5 trail to wander around too, this fortress ss free to enter and taking the time to visit here is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

#12 Stroll the National Botanical Gardens of Georgia

Before you do head down back down the hill to the Old Town Tbilisi, make sure you take the opportunity to glimpse, or if you have more time stroll, the Botanic Gardens.

Located on the other side of the cable car, looking out over this expansive green space is quite amazing, as it feels like staring at a national park, located just metres from the capital!

With trails and waterfalls housed within it, you could easily spend a few hours wandering here and enjoying the peaceful setting.

Don’t miss the sight of the crazy-looking palace of former Georgian Prime Minister and the country’s richest man, Bidzina Ivanishvili, here either, it’s quite the spectacle!

Entrance to the Botanic Gardens is very affordable and is situated by the public baths I talked about in #8 on this list.

#13 View the Central Mosque & Leghvtakhevi Waterfall

And then, at the bottom of the hill that the Botanic Gardens sit on, are 2 places you’ll pass if you walk back down to the city centre.

First up is Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, which is a beautiful spot again more reminiscent of a national park setting rather than a capital.

This is a great place to people watch too, as local couples can often be found looking smitten in its surrounds.

And just a few minutes from the waterfall is Tbilisi’s Central Mosque.

Amazingly both Shia and Sunni Muslims use this building, exemplifying the tolerant religious attitudes of Tbilisi to a tee.

Non-Muslims are welcome to enter the Mosque outside of Friday prayer time too as long as they are respectfully dressed – so shoulders, chest, legs covered, plus heads covered for women.

Around Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi

Moving on now to the more modern area of Tbilisi, Rustaveli is the main avenue that forms the central through-line of Tbilisi’s contemporary side.

This is the area many locals hang out in and there’s plenty of bars and cafes, as well as shops and prolific buildings, like that of the country’s Parliament, to spot in this area too.

More modern and grand in its style – this is a well-heeled official district that forms the modern centre.

#14 Explore Mtatsminda Park

First up on my list of the best things to do in Tbilisi near Rustaveli is to visit Mtatsminda Park.

Set on a hill behind this area, with the prominent TV Tower at its helm, this place is the ceiling of the city and unsurprisingly, the panoramic view of Tbilisi from the top is superb.

Take the funicular ride up from Daniel Chonqadze Street and enjoy the views as you quickly ascend this large hill.

A ride on the funicular is very cheap, although you do have to buy a separate travel card.

The way to get around this is to share the card with other travellers and load numerous tickets onto it (staff normally let you do this).

It’s also worth asking at your accommodation as mine had a stack of these travel cards they lend out to guests for free!

If you can’t snaffle a card from anyone, then don’t worry, there is a ticket office at both the top and bottom of the funicular where you can buy them for an additional few euros.

A great time to visit Mtatsminda Park is near sunset so that the colours in the sky, reflecting down on Tbilisi, are at their best.

There’s also a few bars / cafes / restaurants up here, so you can enjoy a sundowner drink too or, if you’re feeling brave, take a ride on one of the amusement park attractions including a ferris wheel!

#15 Discover Delicious Cafes

Another reason I like the Rustaveli area around Tbilisi is because I think it has some of the best food in the city and is where many locals go to enjoy dinner or a drink – getting involved in this is certainly one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

My favourites include Otakhi Café, Erti Kava Coffee Room and the Hummusbar located very near Rustaveli Metro Station.

An amazing café come restaurant that you have to find as well is Sofia Melnikovas Fantastiuri Duqani.

Set just off Revaz Tabukashvili Street, discovering this secret spot is just half the fun – wait until you try the amazing food and see the great prices!

If you’re a vegan, the one plant-based café I found in Tbilisi is located just off Liberty Square along Ivane Machabeli Street, it’s called the Kiwi Vegan Café and was fab!

#16 Unearth Hidden Wine Bars

As I may have mentioned, Georgian wine is basically a national drink here – a bit like tea for the English – so you definitely should get involved!

With a strong viticulture that dates back centuries, the traditional way of making Georgian wine is actually UNESCO-listed for its intangible cultural heritage properties.

And if it’s good enough for UNESCO, it’s good enough for me!

The traditional way to make wine here is basically put the whole grape (seeds, skins, stalks and all) in a large ceramic urn, known as a qveri, which is buried underground.

This is left to ferment for a few months, before being dug up, usually around Easter, bottled and enjoyed!

The modern European method of wine-making is now also used in Georgia, so just make sure you know which type you are ordering!

Discovering the hidden bars that lie along and around Ivane Machabeli Street in Tbilisi is a great place to try local wine, and there’s also many hidden spots along Alexander Griboedev Street too – just peek into the alleys between buildings and you’ll find them.

Their crumbling facades, wooden furniture, excellent local selection and blackboard menus are typical of this city and so full of character.

A popular favourite of mine is Keria, because it has a nice outside area.

Gribo House is a fun relaxed place as well.

And if you still want to learn more about Georgian wine making, then this wine region day trip from Tbilisi to Georgia’s Kakheti region (it’s main wine area) comes highly recommended!

The Georgians are also partial to a beer (there’s plenty of passable local ones to choose from) and chacha .

Another local drink, chacha is much stronger than wine and is consumed like a shot.

It is essentially a grape-based, clear spirit, like Italain grappa and many local people still make it in their homes.

It’s pretty lethal though, so you have been warned!

#17 Shop at the Dry Bridge Flea Market

And finally, last on my list of the best things to do in Tbilisi around Rustaveli is to shop at the great flea market that happens in the park near the Saarbruecken Bridge.

Kicking off around 12pm and running until 5pm daily, this is a fascinating place to shop for local artisan products, as well as see some crazy antiques, soviet memorabilia and assorted bits of Georgian history.

I got an amazing leather bag here, but from paintings to kitchen appliances, historic treasures to quirky artefacts, it’s all on offer!

Other Side of the River in Tbilisi

And now we move across the river, away from the centre of Tbilisi, to an area known for its more local feel.

Indeed wandering around this part of Tbilisi can often feel like walking through a lot of small villages crammed together, as shared balconies and streetside cafes become important meeting points for neighbours, and sellers hustle past shouting out the joys of their local fruits, breads and nuts.

#18 Get Local at the Dezerter Market

And sticking with the market theme from #17, #18 of the top things to do in Tbilisi is to visit the Dezerter Market – another must-see shopping spot in the city.

The largest fresh produce market in the capital, and therefore probably the country, this huge spread of stalls runs from the main undercover area into all the surrounding streets for several blocks.

Come hungry, because you won’t be able to turn down the delicious cheese, nuts, dried fruits, fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and pastries on offer here – and that’s without taking into account all the bargain electrical and clothes shops in this area too!

Best visited in the morning, and within easy walking distance from Station Square Metro station, this place is seriously huge, so get here early and allow a few hours to soak it all in!

#19 Wine & Dine Along Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue

It’s a posh street, it’s overpriced (for Georgia) and it can feel very touristy, but heading to Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue is still one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

For a start, it’s probably the prettiest street in the city – decked out with fairy lights and brightly coloured buildings – and the atmosphere here during the summer, among all the outdoor seating areas, is hard to beat in the evening.

Filled with trendy bars and even trendier folk, this is also one of the key people-watching spots in Tbilisi.

#20 Wander the Peace Bridge & Rike Park

Tbilisi is such a mesh of architectural styles (indicative of its layered and complex history) and never was this typified more than from the view along the Bridge of Peace.

A very modern structure, this bridge links the Medieval old town with Rike Park, from which can be seen the grand Presidential Palace (another sort of architectural style) and the crazy, contemporary concert hall tubes, which sadly aren’t in use.

As such, wandering this pedestrian bridge is definitely one of the best things to do in Tbilisi, especially if you’re looking to get a feel for how truly eclectic this city is.

And if you wish to explore that a bit further, the amazing old buildings along Mikheili Tsinamdzghvrishvili Street and the surrounding lanes, are some of the most gorgeous historic structures in Tbilisi.

Not yet regenerated, there is a very alternative vibe that surrounds this whole area, with a lot of street art and artists living and working among these atmospheric old buildings.

#21 Head to the Stalin Underground Printing Press

And if we’re talking about alternative vibes, then it probably doesn’t get weirder than heading to the Joseph Stalin Underground Printing Press.

I won’t say much more, but it’s quite the experience (largely thanks to the guy that runs this place!) and has to be visited to be believed!

The last entry on my list of the best things to do in Tbilisi, this is a slice of history we may not agree with, but it makes for a fascinating insight nonetheless.

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Mini Travel Guide to Tbilisi

When to Visit Tbilisi?

Winters in Tbilisi can be fiercely cold with snow and freezing temperatures not uncommon.

That said, I did visit once in January and get blue skies, so you just never know!

However I would definitely visit Tbilisi during their summer months if possible, when the climate is wonderfully warm and sunny.

Running from May to September, the summer here is long, however July and August can be super hot in Tbilisi (like 40 degrees hot), so do bear this in mind!

I’ve also visited Tbilisi in June and the weather was perfect – very warm and clear days.

Learn more in the post about when to visit Georgia in this post about the 21 things you need to know before you go.

How Long to Spend There?

I’d suggest at least 3 days in Tbilisi to ensure you have the chance to see all the top things to do on this list.

If you plan to take some great day trips from the capital (which you definitely should FYI), then allow 5-8 days.

Check out these great day trip picks from Tbilisi – I’ve done loads of them and high recommend!

Where to Stay in Tbilisi?

During my 2nd visit to this county, I stayed in 2 amazing hotels in Tbilisi.

The Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers is a stunning property with amazing spa located in the west of the city.

It’s a little away from the main attractions, but has amazing views and incredibly spacious rooms – not least because it’s located in the city’s tallest building!

Amazing restaurants and bars complete the picture here.

If, however, you’d rather stay in the historic centre, then the Mercure Tbilisi Old Town is the place!

Minutes from the sulphur baths I listed as a top thing to do in Tbilisi above, this lovely hotel has comfortable rooms, some with amazing views of the Narikala Fortress, plus a fab rooftop bar.

And now you can get up to 20% off stays at both these hotels when you sign up to the ALL Plus Voyageur Card for free!

With loads of other benefits also included, learn more about this fantastic hotel membership here .

How to Get To Tbilisi?

Tbilisi has a small, but well-appointed international airport that is an easy taxi or bus ride from the city centre. You can also get Bolts.

The cheapest flights generally arrive here from across Europe, including cities such as Munich and Warsaw, so check out Turkish Airlines, Air France and Baltic Air via Skyscanner if you’re looking to score a well-priced ticket.

Otherwise, many people take a budget flight to Kutaisi in Georgia, and from here head to Tbilisi via a local bus.

Wizz Air flies to Kutaisi from many European cities offering some great deals.

Again, check Skyscanner for the top deals.

How to Get Around Tbilisi?

Walking around Tbilisi is very easy and a great way to discover a lot of this city’s hidden gems – just be careful when it comes to the traffic!

Otherwise moving between different suburbs is easiest and cheapest via the metro.

Travel cards, which you can top up at any of the orange phone-style boxes dotted around the city, are incredibly cheap and the metro is quick and efficient.

With 2 lines operating, you just tap in at your point of entry and descend the long Soviet escalator to find the platforms.

There’s no requirement to tap out.

You can also use or Bolt in Tbilisi , which helps you navigate the language barrier and get to places not serviced by the metro.

I recommend setting up your Bolt account with card payment option before you get to Tbilisi to make life easier.

Otherwise, local minivans also ply the streets within Tbilisi and can be used to get around the city on short distance journeys for next to nothing.

If you are travelling out of Tbilisi to other destinations around Georgia such as Kazbegi or Telavi, then find out which metro station the Marshrutka (shared minivan taxi) you need leaves from and, on exiting that stop, listen for people shouting the name of your destination – you’ll likely be whisked straight to the next departing vehicle – simples!

Recommended Tours in Georgia

Check out these fantastic tours of Georgia , which will help you see the best of this country with a guide and a group.

4 Packing Essentials for Tbilisi

#1 Good Camera – From the mountain landscapes to the village life, you’ll want a good travel camera to capture the best of Georgia and the Sony A6000 mirrorless ticks my box every time!

#2 Headscarf – If you’re heading to see any monasteries in Georgia, ladies will need to come prepared with a headscarf to enter, as well as a long skirt or pair of pants and a long-sleeved top.

#3 Hiking Shoes – No trip to Georgia would be complete without spending at least a day or two hiking in this country’s untouched rural landscape. Coming prepared with a pair of good walking shoes is essential therefore and Keen Targhee’s II always get my vote!

#4 Rain Jacket – I visited Georgia in June, technically the start of summer and the high season, but was amazed how storms suddenly blew in across this high altitude country. Having my North Face lightweight, windproof and waterproof jacket therefore saved my life!

Learn more in this complete packing guide to Georgia I wrote.

Travel Insurance for Tbilisi

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money in Tbilisi

When it comes to paying for things in Georgia, it’s great to know that accommodation and tours can generally be paid for by card.

ATMs are also available in most major towns.

Whether you use ATMs or pay by card however, you’ll want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here, and it links easily with Google and Apple pay. Get yours here .

SIM Cards in Georgia

I highly recommend buying a SIM card before you get to Georgia – it will make your life a lot easier and even mean you can order a Bolt from the airport!

aloSIM are a great eSIM option for the job.

You can easily order your aloSIM online in minutes, and then activate it when you arrive in Georgia, making life so easy!

I used an aloSIM eSIM during my second trip to Georgia and it worked brilliantly – literally a travel game changer!

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my list of 21 amazing things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Is this city on your list yet?

Have any questions about it?

Don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer…

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

My stay at the Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers and the Mercure Tbilisi Old Town were kindly gifted but, as always, all views are my own.

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

4 thoughts on “ 21 Best Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia ”

Hey Stephanie Parker, Wonderful! you write about Tbilisi. I had enjoyed two times of my tour in Tbilisi. It is an amazing place for me since I visited. I enjoy the cable car tour with mu tour guide and do a lot of fun. Your post reminds me of those memorable days in Tbilisi.

Thanks for sharing…

Hi Michael so wonderful to hear this. Tbilisi truly is a great city and I can’t wait to go back! 🙂

Hello Stephanie Parker, I really enjoyed your account on the things to see in beautiful Tbilisi. I took trains all the way there from England with my two children. We arrived on a modern train from the coastal city of Batumi. Then we took a night train to Zugdidi. From there we went to see the coastline at Anakia. If you take the night train ask for bedding at the station. We took a night train back to Tbilisi and then a day bus all the way to Yerevan. There we also really enjoyed. We had a day out from the hostel and it took us to Lake Sevan.

Sounds like a great trip Maxine. I will certainly be taking a night train in Georgia this year, so this is very helpful information. Yes Yerevan and Lake Sevan in Armenia are great too. Best, Steph 🙂

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14 Top Things to Do in Tbilisi – Tbilisi Travel Guide

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

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

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

We fell in love with this gorgeous city…

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

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

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A few things you need to know before going to Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Have a look at all our articles about Georgia!

Where is Tbilisi?

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

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

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

Recommendations and tips before visiting Tbilisi

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

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

Gamarjoba : Hello

Didi madloba : This means thank you very much

Gaumarjos : Cheers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out these awesome itineraries around Georgia !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover Tusheti, Georgia’s most beautiful and remote region

Should you exchange money at Tbilisi airport?

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

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

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

Is Tbilisi safe?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the top things to do in Tbilisi?

1. visit the gorgeous cathedrals of tbilisi.

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

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

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

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

Sameba is the third largest Orthodox cathedral in the world.

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

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

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

2. Get lost in the old Town of Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

3. Enjoy a Georgian sulfur bath

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Walk across the bridge of peace

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

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

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

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

Here is the location of the peace bridge in Tbilisi:

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Take a cable car to the mother of Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

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

The mother of Georgia statue is quite impressive…

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

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

7. Swim under some waterfalls

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

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

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

8. Enjoy savory traditional Georgian dishes

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

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

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

9. Try some Georgian candies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-From Tbilisi: David Gareji Monastery Where Time Stands Still

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

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

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

11. Enjoy the nightlife in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is its location:

13. Walk around the stunning Chronicle of Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Swim in Tbilisi sea

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

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

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

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

Here is where you’ll find Tbilisi sea:

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

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

Planning a trip to Georgia?

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

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

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

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

Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the city:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the location of Nikolozi:

Read also: Vardzia – the ancient Cave City of Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

Hostel terrace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Namaste Hostel

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

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

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

How to get to Tbilisi?

How to get to Tbilisi from Batumi by train?

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

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

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

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

How to get to Tbilisi from Batumi by bus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – GEORGIA TRAVEL TIPS:

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

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Backpacking in Georgia

• Plan your trip to Georgia:

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

• Georgia travel costs:

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

• Hiking in Georgia:

7 Beautiful off-the-beaten-path Hikes

• Skiing in Georgia:

Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia

• Hitchhiking in Georgia:

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

• Our Georgian city guides:

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

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

GEORGIA TRAVEL RESOURCES:

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

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The 15 Best Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia , hidden away between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations to visit in Europe. Although small in size (with a population of just under 4 million), Georgia is big on history, wine, mountains, hiking, and food, and Tbilisi, the capital, is the go-to place to start your journey! 

In fact, you can enjoy all that Georgia has to offer just by visiting its eclectic capital city (and taking a few day trips to the nearby vineyards and mountains), where you can delve into 1,500 years of heritage in the museums, art galleries, and on walking tours. Uncover Persian and Russian influences in Old Tbilisi, soak up the sulfur in the bath district, and dip into Georgia’s famed winemaking traditions (which go back 8,000 years) at one of the city’s many, many wine bars. 

With so many things to see in the Georgian capital, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Tbilisi for you. Try these fun and unique Tbilisi bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this lesser-known corner of the world!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 15 Best Things to do in Tbilisi

1. join a walking tour of old tbilisi.

With its colorful balconies, narrow alleys, and imposing fortress, Old Tbilisi is the most historic part of the Georgian capital. Overlooking the banks of the Kura River, this is where Tbilisi’s history allegedly begins with its 5th-century founding by King Vakhtang I, and it’s the best place to start your stay in the city. 

Old Tbilisi is a unique blend of cultural and architectural influences, ranging from Persian-style bathhouses to Soviet-influenced bars. The influences represent Georgia’s location at the crossroads of East and West and the many kingdoms and empires of old that have passed through. 

Much of Old Tbilisi was refurbished in recent years to attract tourists, so we recommend joining a walking tour to learn more about the often-hidden history behind the sights and main attractions here. 

Starting in Liberty Square, at the end of Rustaveli Avenue, you’ll see the oldest house in Tbilisi, you’ll step inside the colorful courtyards hidden away from street view, and you’ll delve into local history – from Tbilisi’s earliest origins to its modern redevelopment – as you visit sights like the Clock Tower, Peace Bridge, Narikala Fortress, and the Leghvtakhevi Waterfall (yes, there is a waterfall in the middle of Old Tbilisi!). There’s even an “I Love Tbilisi” sign in the main square by the river, where you can take a selfie. 

Walking tours of Old Tbilisi depart daily, with several companies (including Tbilisi Free Walking Tours ) offering a tips-based model, where you only pay what you feel the tour was worth at the end. 

2. Hike to Narikala Fortress

One of the top Tbilisi attractions, Narikala Fortress has loomed large over Old Tbilisi for centuries. This part of Tbilisi is steeped in history, but it’s steep in more than a few places, too – a fact you’ll soon discover as you walk upwards toward Narikala Fortress, which is said to be even older than the city below. 

Dating back to at least the 4th century AD (before King Vakhtang I is said to have founded Tbilisi itself), and possibly even earlier, Narikala Fortress is one of the best sights in Tbilisi. The fortress, whose walls and towers spread across the green hilltop, offering fantastic views of Tbilisi, has been fought over by Georgians, Persians, Mongols, Russians, and more. 

Make the hike to the top, and you can visit the Orthodox church inside the fortress before exploring the fortifications. Keep walking along the ridge, and you’ll come to the Mother of Georgia monument. This 23-meter-tall aluminum “mother” is holding a sword in one hand and a cup of Georgian wine in the other and was built by the Soviets in 1958 to celebrate the city’s 1,500-year anniversary. 

If you’re not feeling the walk, then you can take the cable car up or down (or both ways). The cable car starts and ends in Rike Park, on the opposite side of the river to Old Tbilisi, offering sweeping vistas on its way up and down to Narikala Fortress. 

3. Stroll Down Rustaveli Avenue

A stroll down Rustaveli Avenue is one of the must-do things in Tbilisi. This central thoroughfare is Tbilisi’s main road and arguably its most important street, as Rustaveli Avenue is home to Georgian national institutions, museums, and of course, the biggest shopping malls.

Named after Shota Rustaveli, a medieval writer who composed epic Georgian stories and is deemed to be the nation’s national poet, this long avenue stretches from Liberty Square north toward Rose Revolution Square.

Start your stroll at either end. From Liberty Square, you’ll first stop at the Georgian National Museum, then walk past the Georgian Parliament Building, the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, the National Gallery, Rustaveli Theatre, MoMA (Museum of Contemporary Georgian Art), before ending your walk at the Big Bicycle monument. Feel free to pop into the museums and galleries along the way!

4. Visit the Georgian National Museum

Let’s face it, little Georgia, with its population of just under 4 million people, isn’t the most well-known country in the world. But despite its small size and stature, Georgia is possibly one of the most historic destinations you could visit. 

The country’s strategic location in the Caucasus means that Georgia has been the scene of ancient legends, cultural exchanges, and rampaging empires throughout its history, and if you’re looking to learn more, a visit to the  Georgian National Museum  is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

This excellent museum is located on Rustaveli Avenue (officially, this branch is the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia, as the organization also looks after museums across the country), where it’s been showcasing local history since the 1850s. 

You’ll start by exploring Georgia’s ancient Bronze Age origins as you browse through artifacts and archaeological finds detailing the country’s first human inhabitants. The museum moves through the ages, delving into the origins of legendary stories like Jason and the Golden Fleece (the ancient Greeks are said to have visited Georgia in search of gold) before learning about the long history of Georgian winemaking, their distinct alphabet and language, and much more.

The top floor is home to the Museum of Soviet Occupation , which is a somewhat more harrowing and recent exhibition compared to the ancient history below. Opened in 2006, the museum tells the often brutal history of the communist era from 1921 to 1991, when Georgia was part of the Soviet Union. 

5. See the Impressive Holy Trinity Cathedral 

One of the most impressive Tbilisi attractions is the towering Holy Trinity Cathedral. Located a short walk from Rike Park, this is the center of the Georgian Orthodox faith in Tbilisi, and it’s bound to awe even the most agnostic of travelers. 

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest religious building in Georgia and the third-largest Orthodox church anywhere in the world. Unlike many of Tbilisi’s other churches, though, this one is relatively new because construction only began in 1995.

Georgians have always been religious, and the country – along with neighboring Armenia – was one of the first to adopt Christianity in the 4th century AD. During the Soviet era, however, religion was outlawed and many churches were taken over for other, less religious purposes by the state. 

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the Georgians decided it was time to compensate for the last few decades. Churches reopened, and work began on the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which was built on a scale unknown before in Georgia.

6. Shop for Souvenirs at the Dry Bridge Market

If you’re looking to awe your friends and family back home with a few unusual souvenirs from your time in Georgia, then a trip to the Dry Bridge Market is one of the best Tbilisi activities. This fascinating, open-air flea market sprawls across the Dry Bridge and into both Dedaena Park and 9th March Park on either side, where hundreds of vendors sell everything from watercolor paintings of Tbilisi to old Soviet passports.

In fact, the Dry Bridge Flea Market is a real treasure trove of Soviet artifacts. The market really began after the fall of communism, when locals struggled to make ends meet after the loss of state support. Many took to selling whatever bric-a-brac they had in their homes, and they soon found a steady demand from tourists looking for Soviet memorabilia. Take a stroll through the market, and you never quite know what you’re going to find. 

7. Take a ‘Soviet Tour’ of Tbilisi

If you’re fascinated by Soviet history, which in Georgia is all too recent, then a “Soviet Tour” is one of the top things to do in Tbilisi. 

Tbilisi Free Walking Tours , and several other tour companies, offer communist-themed tours of the Georgian capital. Tours take in the major sights associated with the Soviet era, including the Georgian Parliament Building, Youth Palace, brutalist architecture, and communist apartment blocks. 

You’ll also learn about the history of Russian influence in Georgia, which led to the country becoming a Soviet Republic, and the downfall of communism in 1991. The Soviet era is still quite raw, and it’s particularly interesting to hear local views on Joseph Stalin, given that the infamous dictator was Georgian. 

If you’re lucky (if it’s open, that is), you’ll even be able to visit Stalin’s Underground Printing House Museum , where a young Stalin printed communist pamphlets and manifestos. 

8. Take a Bath in the ‘Bath District’

Make your way to the Abanotubani district, below Narikala Fortress in Old Tbilisi, and you’ll find a strange collection of domes emanating a faint smell of sulfur by the river. The domes, built in a Persian style of old, hide the many baths that lie beneath Tbilisi. 

Legend has it that King Vakhtung I founded Tbilisi on this spot, where the bathhouses are today, because he noticed the hot, thermal waters springing from the ground. The story goes that the king was out hunting, and the pheasant he chased drowned an untimely death in the hot water. The king decided that, of course, these hot springs would make the foundations of a great city. 

Over the centuries, Tbilisi’s location on busy trading routes ensured that bathhouses flourished. Weary travelers would rest and wash in Tbilisi’s hot springs, a tradition that continues to this day. Abanotubani (which means the “Bath district”) is home to an extensive collection of bathhouses, ranging from rustic public bathhouses to elegant tourist spas, and taking a bath is easily one of the best things to do in Tbilisi! 

Take your pick from the public or private bathhouses (go private if you’re wary of the local bathing etiquette!). Bathhouse Number 5 is an old Soviet-era bathing house (there’s even a hammer and sickle outside) with budget private rooms, while Orbeliani Baths is a historic bathhouse (allegedly, Alexander Pushkin once bathed here), remodeled to evoke a sense of Persian charm, and is certainly the most luxurious (and expensive) option.

9. Swim in Turtle Lake

On a scorching hot summer day, taking a swim in the ice-cold waters of Turtle Lake is one of the most fun Tbilisi activities. Located on the Mtatsminda Ridge above Vake, an affluent district to the north of the east of the city center, Turtle Lake is surrounded by bars, cafes, and walking trails, and when it’s hot, it’s packed with locals.

You can drive to the top of Turtle Lake, or you can hike up from Vake Park below, where you can start at the large Soviet memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers. The hike is steep, and in summer, it’s hot, sweaty, and difficult, but you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing dip in the lake. 

There aren’t any turtles in the lake these days, but you can stop off at the Tbilisi Open-Air Museum of Ethnography on the way up, where you can find examples of Georgian homesteads and houses through the ages. 

10. Take the Funicular to Mtatsminda Park 

Located at an altitude of 727 meters above sea level, Mtatsminda Park is the highest point in Tbilisi. The pinnacle of the Mtatsminda Range, below which Tbilisi is built, atop the mountain, you’ll find an amusement park, several restaurants, and bars, all offering fantastic views of the city. 

Don’t worry, because this time you won’t have to walk up the ridge. Instead, hop on the Tbilisi Funicular, a spectacular railway that takes you some 300 meters upwards to Mtatsminda Park from Chonkadze Street. 

Hop off at the upper station, take in the panoramic view, then explore the amusement park. Originally built by the Soviets, Mtatsminda Park is home to bumper cars, haunted houses, and the Giant Wheel, which offers even higher views of Tbilisi! 

11. See a Show at the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre

In Old Tbilisi, you’ll find one of the city’s most unusual buildings, the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre . Designed by Georgian artists and screenwriter Rezo Gabriadze, you’ll love the quirky, leaning clock tower and its hourly theatrics. 

The clock tower entertains countless tourists every day, but step inside the theater, and you’ll find a deeper level of performance art. During the Soviet era, Gabriadze worked as a scriptwriter for film and television, but he was ever frustrated by the state’s restrictions. He decided to subtly escape the rules by staging elaborate puppet shows, instead. 

Now, his puppets continue to enthrall audiences with their timeless tales and historic biopics. These shows are like nothing you’ll have seen staged with puppets before, with Stalingrad telling the woeful story of the infamous battle that changed the course of the Second World War and The Autumn of My Springtime telling a tale of love and loss in post-war Georgia. 

12. Visit the Chronicle of Georgia

The Chronicle of Georgia is one of the most unique Tbilisi attractions to add to your travel itinerary.  This unusual monument was designed and built during the Soviet era (although it was never fully completed) and is today a lasting tribute to the brutalist architecture of the day. 

The Chronicle of Georgia was intended to tell the story of Georgia from the country’s earliest human beginnings. The 16 stone pillars each depict a different stage of history, a poet or legend, or a story from the country’s Christian Orthodox Faith. 

The monument’s size and detail are impressive, as is the location. You’ll find the Chronicle of Georgia located on a hilltop by the Tbilisi Sea (an artificial reservoir on the edge of the city which is itself a sight worthy of seeing), where you’ll have glorious views of the capital. 

13. Gorge on Khachapuri

One of the best things about Georgia is the food , and you’ll love eating your way around Tbilisi’s best restaurants during your stay in the city. First on your list simply has to be the khachapuri, a local staple that is typically described by tourists as “Georgian cheese bread.”

Khachapuri comes in all shapes and sizes, with all manner of toppings and fillings. The only staple filling is cheese, and the type of cheese can vary from Guda to Imeruli. 

Each region has a distinct type of khachapuri, but as you’re in the nation’s capital, you’ll be able to gorge on khachapuri from all over Georgia. The most famous is the Adjarian Khachapuri, otherwise known as a “Georgian cheese boat.” The dough is shaped like a boat and then filled with cheese and eggs. 

Imeretian Khachapuri is prepared with a salty, Imeretian cheese filling, Megrelian Khachapuri has a cheesy filling and topping, and Gurian Khachapuri is like an eggy calzone. You’ll find khachapuri for sale in all restaurants, cafes, and takeaways in Tbilisi (visit Sakhachapure No.1 if you want to try them all). In fact, khachapuri is so ubiquitous that the government uses the changing prices to measure inflation!

14. Feast on Khinkali

While you’re eating your way around the city, you have to add khinkali to your Tbilisi bucket list. Another Georgian staple, khinkali are dumpling-like parcels of delectable joy, which you’ll love feasting on!

Khinkali are packed with different fillings. The most common fillings include either minced beef or minced lamb mixed with garlic, cilantro, pepper, and other herbs and spices. Vegetarians will love the mushroom or potato fillings, while cheese is always a popular choice too. 

There are many great khinkali restaurants to visit in Tbilisi, including Pasanauri , the Khinkali Factory , and the Khinkali House . If you want to learn how to make khinkali, or any other Georgian dishes like khachapuri, for that matter, then booking a class at Chakandrila cookery school or Nana’s Kitchen is one of the most fun Tbilisi activities. 

For the ultimate local experience, try and get yourself invited to a “supra,” or a Georgian feast, where you’ll likely find yourself overwhelmed by drinking and khinkali eating competitions (top tip: never eat khinkali with a knife and fork, you need to bite into the dumpling so you don’t lose all the juices!).

15. Taste the Best Georgian Wines

Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine. It’s hard to argue (although neighboring Armenia claims the same), given that the earliest evidence of grape cultivation and winemaking has been dated to 6000 BC. 

That means that Georgians have had 8,000 years to perfect their winemaking traditions, so you can expect to try some of the best (and best value) wines in the world when you’re in Tbilisi. Georgia is known for its “orange” wine, an organic style that simply doesn’t filter the “white” wine (all white wine should actually be orange), as well as grapes like Saperavi and Mtsavane.

Pop into any Georgian supermarket or wine shop, and you can taste before you buy. For one of the best Tbilisi activities, countless tour companies and wineries run tasting experiences in the city (try Wine Factory No.1 , 8000 Vintages , or the Wine Library ). 

If you fancy a day trip from Tbilisi, then you can even visit a few of the winemaking regions and vineyards in person. Head to Telavi, Sighnaghi, or Khaketi to sample the best wines in Georgia. 

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Tbilisi. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tbilisi?

Planning to go to Georgia? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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The Best Attractions in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a city of contrasts, where both modern structures and old architecture co-exist. The capital of Georgia has undergone many invasions and been burnt and restored a couple of times, but despite that it still displays turbulent history and rich culture. And besides popular tourists destinations, Tbilisi hides unique gems in the backstreets. Here are the best attractions you can visit on your next trip to the capital.

Keen to visit? You can enjoy a guided walking tour of Tbilisi with Culture Trip on our nine-day small-group Georgia adventure, led by our local insider .

Narikala Fortress

Overlooking the Abanotubani, the oldest district of the capital, the Narikala Fortress dates back to the fourth century when Tbilisi was a Persian citadel. The brick fort sits on a steep hill between sulphur baths and the botanical garden. The St Nicholas Church, inside the courtyard, is a fairly recent construction (1997), but replaces the original 13th-century one, which was destroyed by fire. You can walk up the steep hill from Maidan Square or take a cable car.

Next to Narikala, there’s a big statue of a woman holding a sword and a cup. That’s the Mother of Georgia or Kartlis Deda in Georgian. The aluminium figure rises 20m (66ft) and is a symbol of not only Tbilisi but the country as well. The sword is for those who come as an enemy, while a cup of wine is for those who come as friends.

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Metekhi Church

On the opposite side of Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church is a city landmark, with the statue of King Vaghtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi. This is where he built his palace and the first church in the area in the fifth century. The church present today is from the 13th century and has undergone reconstruction several times.

Old residential houses

Tbilisi has old residential houses with colourful wooden curved balconies overlooking Maidan Square and Metekhi Church. Doorways take you to inner yards that locals call Italian courtyards, where residents used to gather to gossip, drink and have dinner together.

Peace Bridge

One of the first modern architectural additions to the city is a glass-and-steel structure. Michele De Lucchi, an Italian architect, designed the pedestrian bridge over the Mtkvari River; it opened to the public in 2010. The Peace Bridge connects Erekle II Street, a pedestrian street full of cafés, and Rike Park.

One recreational space in Old Town is Rike Park, which features pools, fountains, a giant chess board and several dozen chairs. During summer evenings, locals and visitors enjoy the dancing fountains accompanied by music and a light show.

Tsminda Sameba Cathedral

The biggest symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church is the Trinity Cathedral. The cathedral, located on Elia Hill above Avlabari, is visible from almost every corner of the city centre. Construction took approximately a decade and the building opened to the public in 2004. It stands 84m (275ft) tall, including the gold-covered cross above the central dome.

Clock Tower

This fairytale-like clock tower is a relatively new edition to the capital. Made by Rezo Gabriadze, a puppet master and screenwriter, the tower features hundreds of handmade tiles created by Gabriadze himself. Every hour, an angel comes out of a door at the top and strikes a bell with a hammer; at noon and 7pm, you can watch a small puppet show called The Circle of Life.

Stalin’s Underground Printing House

Just outside the city centre, Tbilisi hides a unique underground publishing house from where young Stalin and his colleagues used to spread Soviet propaganda at the beginning of the 20th century. It was built under a well, 17m (56ft) below ground. Activists accessed the room by climbing down the well, but it also had an emergency exit just in case their secret was leaked.

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Things to do in Tbilisi: The Ultimate Tbilisi Travel Guide

“Where is Georgia?” I was asked more than once when I told my friends and family about my Tbilisi travel plans . “The country,” I had to explain, “shares borders with Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Not too far from Dubai, only a three-hour flight.” I booked this trip very impulsively one afternoon, thanks to an affordable Flydubai flight and a growing sense of restlessness. It helped that as a UAE resident, I could get a 90-day visa-free entry. Then, with plenty of time to explore the city, I set about finding the coolest things to do in Tbilisi . 

When I first arrived in Tbilisi, I didn’t know what to expect and had done no research on what to do in Tbilisi. Unlike other, more well-planned trips, this time I only had a rough idea of the places I’d travel to within Georgia during my month in the country. But I found so many cool and interesting places to visit in Tbilisi, that I did not want to leave and ended up staying longer than planned.  

I spent about three weeks in Tbilisi, wandering tirelessly through its crumbling old town, looking up at intricately carved wooden balconies, ruined buildings with gaping walls and overgrowth, leafy lanes where artists sat painting, and many many churches, fuelled by nutritious churchkhela (Georgian candy) and warm potato bread from basement bakeries, whose aromas beckoning from street-level windows, were impossible to resist.

I explored the posh neighborhoods around Freedom Square and Rustaveli, joined the stylishly dressed locals to watch the Opera, and dined in fancy restaurants with ample enthusiastic toasting to good health and celebration. There was no lack of cool, interesting and quirky places to visit in Tbilisi. 

After I was done sightseeing in Tbilisi, I set about discovering life like a local. I stepped into places that didn’t have English menus, learned how to eat khinkali (steamed dumplings) the right way, and joined the locals to shop, not in the fancy stores along Rustaveli Avenue, but in the open subway market at Station Square. To work, I visited many cafés, some, with far more interesting décor than coffee, and to rest, I joined families, retirees, and, artists in the city’s many quiet parks.

I got to the point where I didn’t need to read the boards to know if I was taking the right metro and I knew exactly what I wanted to eat when I entered a restaurant. Thanks to a two-day trip to the Kakheti wine region , soon, I knew my Georgian wines well enough. I even found an indie theater where I watched a performance that seemed part-fantasy.

What I loved about Tbilisi, as I did about Georgia as a whole, was its ability to surprise me with something when I least expected it. The thing that stood out to me was the friendliness of the locals, who in spite of being used to tourists, are not bored, irritated, or indifferent. Chivalrous behavior, smiles, a warm greeting, and a genuine interest in others was the norm everywhere I went and I can say, without a doubt, that Georgia is the friendliest country I’ve been to .

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If you’re planning a trip to Tbilisi , I put together this very detailed Tbilisi travel guide with the very best things to do in Tbilisi, plus practical tips and information, so you can enjoy this city as much as I did.

What To Do in Tbilisi

There are plenty of interesting places to visit in Tbilisi , so don’t rush through the city in a day. Give it time, because Tbilisi is one of those cities that has so many layers to it and most tourists never get to the most fascinating parts because they’re rushing through. I spent around three weeks in the city and I still did not run out of things to do in Tbilisi,  perhaps because I wasn’t just interested in the very touristy activities, but also in the cool and somewhat quirky every day things. 

Explore the Old Town and the Best Places to Visit in Tbilisi

Tbilisi’s old town begins around the sulphur bathhouses in Abanotubani, under the shadow of the historic Narikala Fortress ruins and runs all the way to Freedom Square. Hidden in its labyrinth streets are monuments, churches, a mosque, museums, cafés, 19 th century houses, and buildings with gaping holes in their facades that have their own stories to tell.

There are regal balustrades and carved wooden balconies, and creepers and ivy that dress the faces of half-demolished buildings. There are old ladies with kind faces selling churchkhela and old men singing older Hindi movie songs in drunken stupor. Travel Tbilisi for even a day, preferably outside of the busy season and you begin to see that its charms are in the most unexpected of moments. 

There are children who call out to each other across the maze-like lanes and young women dressed in black dresses and impossibly-heeled black boots marching downhill with an urgent sense of purpose. And then, right next to you on benches, there are the retirees, taking it all in, this life that goes on around Tbilisi. Tbilisi’s old town is truly one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi- so I suggest starting your exploration of Tbilisi here. 

You can easily spend a leisurely day walking around the old town and stopping to rest by the river or at one of many quaint cafés. Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Church, Erekle Square, Gabriadze Theater (and its whimsical clock tower), Metekhi Church, and the Bridge of Peace are just some of the Tbilisi attractions and sights in the area. Alternatively, you can also do a hop-on, hop-off bus and boat tour around the main sights at your leisure.

Watch My Video: 48 Hours in Tbilisi

Ride up the cable car to the Narikala Fortress

Head across the Metekhi river to the same side as Avlabari metro station and ride the cable car from Rike Park all the way up to Narikala Fortress. Before you head to explore the ruins, walk along the ridge to pay your respects at Kartlis Deda, the 20m tall Mother of Georgia statue that was erected in 1958 and stands over Tbilisi like a guardian, welcoming friends with a cup of wine in one hand and enemies with a sword in the other.

The Narikala Fortress dates to the 4 th century with a large part built by the Arabs in the 7 th and 8 th centuries. Much of the damage to the fortress came from the 1827 explosion of Russian ammunitions stored here. Inside the complex, the Church of St Nicholas dates from the 12 th century and was rebuilt in 1996. The walls of the fortress offer panoramic views over Tbilisi but is broken in parts, so be careful of how far you climb up.

Relax in the Tbilisi Botanical Gardens

On your way back from Narikala Fortress, head into the lush, sanctuary-like Botanical Gardens complete with a waterfall, ponds, and a photogenic bridge. These gardens were formerly the city’s royal gardens and today, local families are seen relaxing around, especially on weekends and public holidays. It’s easy to spend a few leisurely hours here but remember to wear good walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. This isn’t a big tourist attraction, but a more laidback thing to do when you travel to Tbilisi. 

Soak in a Sulphur Bath at a Traditional Bathhouse

Tbilisi’s traditional sulphur bathhouses are located in the Abanotubani area of the Old Town and with their brick domes and stinky clouds of sulphur steam, are hardly difficult to find. They’re definitely one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi- both for their historic significance and the local experience. Just follow the smell of rotten eggs when you travel to Tbilisi’s old town. The city is located on sulphuric thermal springs and gets its name from them, Tbili- meaning warm.

Indulge in the centuries’ old tradition either at a public bathhouse, separated by gender but otherwise where you’d need to leave all your modesty behind and get in naked, or, at a more comfortable and pricier private bathhouse, where you can book a private bath, with an additional massage or scrub for yourself, or together with a friend or partner. Gulo’s Sulphur Spa comes highly recommended, even by locals, and if you want to know exactly what the experience is like, here is a detailed post by another travel blogger Ellie , who also shares tips on how to choose a bathhouse that is right for you.

Experience Drama, Theater, and Opera

Tbilisi has a lively and mature drama, theater, arts, and opera scene, and if you want to go beyond the tourist experience, it’s worth taking the time and planning in advance so you can see the cultural side of the city.

The  Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi on Rustaveli Avenue is a sight to behold, with its neo-Moorish architecture and was founded in 1851, making it one of the oldest opera houses in the region. It was recently renovated and now hosts internationally acclaimed opera, theater, and ballet performances. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tbilisi. 

The easiest way to book a ticket and find out about the shows is to walk up to the ticket booth inside the opera house . We watched the acclaimed musical Carmen inside the grand opera house and enjoyed it. Not to mention that the price of tickets to watch opera, theater or ballet in Tbilisi is way more reasonable compared to other cities.

Along Rustaveli Avenue, and elsewhere around Tbilisi are several opera houses, many independent, and venues where the styles range from classic and contemporary to new age, underground and experimental.

I found myself in a daze, mesmerized by a larger-than-life production of music, song, dance, mimodrama and aerial acrobatics in an unassuming venue known as the Movement Theater , and if you can find tickets available online, I can only highly recommend it. There is also the Gabriadze Theater , a delight for lovers of puppetry and marionette. Info Tbilisi and Tbilisi Guide are some websites where you can find out more about theater listings and live entertainment.

Do a Wine-Tasting in Tbilisi

Georgia is the birthplace of wine after all, or so the Georgians claim and given how great the wine is, I believe them. If you’re a wine drinker traveling to Tbilisi, drinking lots of local wine should be high up on your list of things to do in Tbilisi.

Head to Vintage wine shop along Kote Aphkhazi St. in Tbilisi for a free wine tasting and to buy bottles of excellent wines from independent small producers.

While there are tons of wine shops offering free tastings in Tbilisi, the quality and the attitude of the staff really varies. After being thoroughly ignored by the staff at Vino Underground, I returned for a second time to Vintage where after a fun tasting session, we bought six bottles of wine from intense dry reds and semisweet reds to fruity whites.

The friendly staff here is really passionate about wine, well informed and eager to share that knowledge peppered with cultural context and interesting narratives. Most of all, they’re not in a rush to whisk you out and move onto the next customer or pushy to get you to buy a certain wine.

Of course, if you have an extra day, head an hour away to Signaghi, in the wine region of Kakheti to visit different wineries and do wine-tastings outside of the city.

Watch a Dinner Show in Tbilisi

If this is your first time to Tbilisi, you absolutely must do a dinner show with traditional dancing and music . Yes, it sounds like a typical tourist attraction in Tbilisi, but this is one experience you will love and look back at fondly, provided you do it at the right place.

When you see that local families are out celebrating at what might otherwise be a touristy experience, it is a good sign. There are many restaurants in Tbilisi that offer dinner with a traditional show and out of the two that I tried, I loved In the Shadow of Metekhi , so that’s the one I’ll recommend.

Ankit and I watched in fascination as talented Georgian artists twirled and pranced to the music and a group of singers broke into a soulful ballad over mouth-watering local dishes and wine at In The Shadow of Metekhi . The hours passed by quickly and before we knew it we were dancing (yes, in the restaurant) in a circle with members of a Georgian dinner party of 20 that was out celebrating a special occasion. The service was outstanding as was the food. Reservations are essential and recommended four to five days in advance.

Take a Day Trip From Tbilisi

If you’re only visiting for a weekend or a few days, I highly recommend doing one or more day trips from Tbilisi . Luckily, there are some amazing landscapes, fascinating monasteries and an incredible wine region, a short drive from Tbilisi, that can easily be visited on a day trip.

This great value-for-money day trip in the wine region of Kakheti and the restored town of Sighnaghi  combines sightseeing, visiting David Gareji monastery, and wine tasting and tours.

If you don’t have enough time to visit the mountainous region of Svaneti, definitely do a day trip to Kazbegi , to see snow-clad mountains and enjoy fantastic views over Mount Kazbeg, paraglide and visit the ski resort of Gudauri in winter.

A day trip to Mtskheta and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is one of the most popular day trips from Tbilisi.

You can also visit the Prometheus Caves, 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati monastery on a day trip from Tbilisi.

Shopping in Tbilisi

If you plan to do some shopping while in Tbilisi, here is what I think you should buy and where to get it:

Tbilisi Travel Tips: Where to Go for Souvenirs and Quirky Finds

Tribal jewelry, vinyl records, old briefcases, gramophones, saxophones, Soviet-era silver cutlery, ornate plates, classic timepieces, hunting knives, instant cameras, camera lenses, and fake Ray Bans lie sprawled along one side of the Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi, a treasure trove of quirky and vintage finds and stuff from everyone’s grandma’s house. If you’re into that sort of thing, then the Dry Bridge Market is one of the quirkiest places to visit in Tbilisi. 

With a love for flea markets that borders on obsession, I visited the market four times and each time found something interesting to look at or buy.

The souvenirs here and in the artists’ park (just under the bridge) are cheaper than elsewhere in Tbilisi and some, hand painted, are unique and more value for money. The scarves, fridge magnets, art, and trinkets here make for good gifts and souvenirs.

The market is open from 10am to 6pm and is busier on Sundays. To avoid disappointment, don’t come here around closing time or on national holidays.

Tbilisi Travel Tips: Where to find Art & Crafts

If you want to take home a beautiful piece of art from Tbilisi , shop around at the park just under the Dry Bridge Market and along the bohemian neighborhood of Shavteli Street leading upto the Gabriadze Theater. On weekends, you’ll see artists painting on the streets with their pieces on display on the walls behind them.

There are beautiful landscapes of the Georgian countryside, interesting pieces that draw from street scenes in Tbilisi, and some pieces crafted in wood. Ask for permission before taking photos and always pay compliments if you really like something, even if you do not plan to buy; the artists are usually the ones selling as well.

Tbilisi Travel Tips: Shopping for Clothes and Footwear

Seeing as I had my ankle-high winter boots that served me well while part-walking part-sinking through a concoction of cow-dung, mud, and snow on the slushy streets of Ushguli in Svaneti and hiking in Mestia , I hadn’t carried an alternate pair of walking shoes for warmer days in Tbilisi. Luckily, Tbilisi is a cheap city to shop in and soon, in a shoe store in the underground subway at Freedom Square, I found the perfect shoes; a pair of lightweight and smart black Oxfords that made me blend in (all the Georgian women were wearing them).

On a local’s tip I went to the subway market at Station Square (just outside Tbilisi Central Railway Station) and was surprised to see a huge market of shoes, clothes, and leather jackets. It’s a local market mainly for women, English isn’t widely spoken, sizes are not standard (so try before you buy), and haggling is the norm. But if you’re into shopping on a budget, this is a must go-to place to visit in Tbilisi. 

Which is the Best Month to Visit Georgia (and Tbilisi)?

Summer can be very hot and harsh in Georgia, so I’d choose to come either in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) that is in my opinion, the best time to visit Tbilisi. Winters are quite cold, snowy and road closures are common. 

Tbilisi is rightly getting a lot of attention at the moment as Tbilisi tourism is booming . If you didn’t already know, Tbilisi is wildly popular with travelers in the Middle East (and cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Riyadh) as a preferred destination for short breaks, long weekends and public holidays . I met four other people I knew in Dubai while simply strolling around Tbilisi during an Eid holiday. So if you’re visiting Tbilisi during one of these times, expect crowds.

That said, when I arrived in Tbilisi in late March, early April, it was not so crowded, and it was cold with sunny days (that I much prefer over hot summer days), so for me, that was perfect to explore. There was still plenty of snow in Gudauri, Kazbegi and Svaneti, so if you plan to hike around in Georgia, maybe best to come in May . 

Does it snow in Tbilisi Georgia?

It rarely ever snows in Tbilisi, even in December- January, but it does snow in places like Gudauri, Kazbegi and Svaneti. So if you’re looking for white snowy landscapes in winter, head out of Tbilisi to higher altitudes. When I visited in April, there was still plenty of snow in Kazbegi, Gudauri, as well as Mestia and Ushguli in Svaneti.

How to Get to Tbilisi

Visit tbilisi by air.

If you’re flying to Georgia from abroad, you’ll arrive in one of three international airports in either Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi . Several airlines fly to Georgia and these include flydubai (affordable flights from Dubai, flying direct), Air Arabia, Turkish Airlines, Gulf Air and others.

To get to Tbilisi city from the Tbilisi International Airport:

• A taxi should cost about 30 -50 GEL ($11-19) (depending on the meter) and is available just outside the Arrival Hall. The journey to the city center should be about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• The public bus route number 37 from Tbilisi airport to Tbilisi city center is available 24/7 and costs just 0.50GEL ($0.18) one-way. The bus stop is just outside the Arrival Hall. 
• The train to Tbilisi central railway station is one of the cheapest public transportation options from the airport to the city and costs just 0.50GEL ($0.18) one-way . The airport railway station is just a few minutes walk from the arrivals area, and you can buy tickets when you get there.
• If you’re a couple or a group, this private airport transfer might be more convenient and good value-for-money.

If you arrive in Kutaisi and want to get to Tbilisi:

•  You can either take the train ( see schedule and book tickets here )  that takes just under five hours, or take a marshrutka (minibus) that takes almost four hours.
• Georgian Bus operates transfers from Kutaisi International Airport to Tbilisi , and you can either book tickets online in advance or when you arrive.
• Otherwise, head to Kutaisi bus station and take one of these buses to Tbilisi (or elsewhere in Georgia) .

If you arrive in Batumi and want to get to Tbilisi:

• You can either take the train ( schedule and book tickets here )that takes about five hours or take a bus or minibus (slowest).
• Metro Georgia operates buses from Batumi to Tbilisi , you can see schedules online and book tickets as well before you arrive .
• You can also fly from Batumi to Tbilisi if you’re short on time but that will be a pricier option. 

Also visiting Batumi? Here are the best things to do in Batumi . 

Visit Tbilisi By Road

If you’re coming from Armenia or Azerbaijan , the other two destinations in the Caucasus region that a lot of people visit when they’re visiting Georgia, you can also arrive by road or train .

• If you’re arriving from Yerevan, Armenia to Tbilisi, you can either come by bus (that takes five and a half hours) or by train ( Train No. 372 on the South Caucasus Railway ) that takes over ten hours but is cheaper. If you’d rather come by bus, check schedules and book tickets here . 
• If you’re coming from Baku, Azerbaijan to Tbilisi, you can come either by bus or by train. Train no. 38 takes quite long at over 12 hours, schedules and tickets are available here .   There are also buses from Baku International Bus Terminal to Tbilisi, they take over 11 hours and schedules and tickets are available here . 

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

When in Tbilisi, apartments are the smarter and more affordable choice versus hotels . During my trip, I stayed in four different apartments and one hotel (for just one night) and it was easy to see that apartments offered far greater value for money.

I found my apartments through Airbnb and Hotels Combined and found that they were of similar quality. If you join using Airbnb using this link , you’ll get $25 credit to use on your first booking.

A good thing to know about staying in Tbilisi is that a lot of the buildings, even residential ones, are in a state of part disrepair. It’s not unusual for buildings to have one or two broken façades or walls with ongoing construction or repairs. I joked that the sound of Tbilisi is, “thud thud thud,” because that’s the constant sound you can hear through the paper-thin walls during the day (never in the evening so you can sleep soundly).

But once you get over the appearance of the buildings and enter the apartments, you’ll see that they seem new and styles range from classic, elegant, cute, vintage grandma, quirky, and artistic to luxe. Every place I stayed at was modern, comfortable, and had a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, kettle, pots and pans, and cutlery.

Search for Accommodation in Tbilisi

The apartments were always clean and hosts were extra nice and always available to help. The apartments usually have hot water, an AC, a heater, TV and free WiFi. Hosts are ready to help you with taxi and transport bookings, and can also arrange tours for you around the country.

Lastly, from my experience traveling as a solo female, apartments are safe- the buildings are residential and there are other locals and families living there.

Here are the places that stood out to me and are worth recommending:

Falcon Apartments- Rustaveli

Blue doors apartment, apartment rustaveli tbilisi, traveling to tbilisi & looking for the best neighborhoods to stay in tbilisi as a tourist.

I stayed both in the old town, near the sulphur baths in Abanotubani and in the newer part of the city, on and around Rustaveli. I’d recommend looking for something along Kote Apkhazi, the main street running through the old town, or the streets parallel to it, around squares like Meidan Square, Erekle Square, Freedom Square, along Rustaveli Avenue or the streets branching off or parallel to it. The area around 9 th of April Park and the neighborhood of Sololaki are also great and close to the metro.

The tourist sights are located here and there are great cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and pubs around, as well as three metro stations to get anywhere (Rustaveli, Freedom Square, and Avlabari). Taxis are also easily available here at all times of the day or night.

What and Where to Eat in Tbilisi

Meals in Georgia are more like feasts, even if you’re ordering for one. When you’re eating with people, the dishes on the table are usually to share. The portions are generous, the cuisine is flavorsome, the cheese is rich and abundant, the service is impeccable, the wine is intense, and the toasts, well, they’re endless.

If you’re someone who likes to eat their way around places, you’ll love being in Tbilisi and the rest of Georgia because Georgian food is absolutely delicious. You’ll return home with love handles as solid evidence of just how rich this cuisine, that blends the flavors of Asia, the Middle East, Balkans, and Mediterranean, really is. 

From the wildly popular national dish khachapuri , a large round bread generously topped or filled with cheese or cheese, butter, and a raw egg, or a meat stew or creamy spinach and khinkali , Georgian dumplings filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese, to lobio, a stew of kidney beans, onions, and herbs that provides steaming comfort in the colder climes of Svaneti, here is a detailed post about what to eat in Georgia , and I suggest you use it to get oriented with the cuisine.

While wandering around Tbilisi, you are sure to spot churchkhela, this candle-like Georgian candy is sold for as low as 3GEL a piece on the streets and in shops. The candy is made of dried grape juice thickened with flour and is filled with nuts (like walnut, almond, hazelnut etc) and just one can fill you up with energy for hours.

Buy it fresh from the ladies in the street, ask them to remove the thread in the center and cut it into little pieces so you can carry it around and share.

Tbilisi Travel Practical Information: Where to Eat in Tbilisi

Over two weeks, I tried many places and returned to some that became my favorites for the food, service, value for money, and the ambience. The quality of food served in most restaurants in Tbilisi is high and you have to be really unlucky to have a bad meal, especially if you go with local choices on the menu. By all means, make your own discoveries and walk into places that appeal to you but feel free to use my recommendations as a starting point.

Machakhela has a few different branches around Tbilisi, but it’s probably easiest to get to the one behind the big I Love Tbilisi sign in the old town next to the sulpur baths.

Favorite dishes: Kebabs (try the salmon or meat), Pkhali and Badrijani Nigvzit.

Pasanauri is a simple restaurant that seems to be quite popular with locals gorging on khinkali. There are a few branches around Tbilisi. 

Favorite dishes: Khinkali and Kebabs

Friend’s House

Friend’s House Restaurant and Bar became my go-to place for dinner on Erekle Square because not only was the ambience great with live music downstairs and a saxophonist in the outdoors section, it was much more reasonably-priced than its neighbors, the food was excellent, and the service was attentive. I even took a group of new friends here and re-visited with a friend who spontaneously booked a weekend trip to Tbilisi while I was there and with Ankit when he joined me for four days.

Favorite dishes:

Chicken Shkmeruli, Satsivi, Mushrooms in Sulguni, and Chakhokhbili

KGB is a casual restaurant in Erekle Square that does Georgian cuisine with a modern flair and the slightly high prices are worth it for the good food.

Favorite dishes: Kebabs (to die for) and Chicken in red wine.

Café Gabriadze

Ankit and I enjoyed our anniversary dinner at the quaint, aesthetically designed restaurant Cafe Gabriadze by the Gabriadze theater that does a modern, creative spin on Georgian cuisine that delivers on taste, service, and ambience. Dining here makes you feel like a character in a film about the golden era of Georgian theater as you move about the different dining rooms and lounge areas of the house. Not only is this restaurant recommended for its food, it’s also one of the more beautiful places to visit in Tbilisi, right next to the quirky clock tower in the old town. 

Favorite dishes: Cotleta and Mtsvadi

This Georgian coffee chain has a few different locations in Tbilisi but the Coffeesta on 52, Rustaveli Avenue, close to Rustaveli metro station is my favorite. Head here for breakfast and don’t forget to try their vanilla or chocolate cream and almond croissants, they’re just irresistible.

Where to Drink in Tbilisi: Cafes and Bars in Tbilisi

Tbilisi nightlife options range from cute or quirky artsy cafés with vintage décor, and edgy bars where tattooed teenagers with goth make-up drink and dance to a trendy dive bar perfect for drinks over live music and conversation and clubs where silhouettes sway to techno music, lost in smoky anonymity.

I’ve included some of the places that I found and liked in this Tbilisi travel guide because when it comes to nightlife in Tbilisi, you can never really say about the bars and clubs- sometimes a place with promising reviews might be full of teenagers on a certain night. I for one, am too old for that kinda thing.

Café Linville

Tbilisi is home to eclectic, artsy cafés where people go during the day to drink cocktails, wine, or coffee. One such place is Café Linville that might remind you of your grandma’s house with vintage décor, floral wallpaper, and old-fashioned lamps. It’s perfect for intimate conversation, taking a break during the day, or simply sipping wine as you write or read.

DiveXFabrika

DiveXFabrika in the premises of the popular Fabrika Hostel in Tbilisi is one of the coolest bars in the city and is buzzing with 20 and 30-something hostel residents, expats, and tourists, as well as locals. The ambience is casual and relaxed and there’s a large selection of local craft beers.

An underground techno club underneath the Soviet-era Dinamo Stadium, stepping into Bassiani is like entering a whole other world, far from the Tbilisi of the conservative and religious; where people seem like ghosts hypnotized by techno and floating through a realm of smoke and shadows. Bassiani holds a number of LGBTQ-friendly events in a country that still battles homophobia. If you’re a techno fan or just curious like us, it’s worth visiting but remember to call in advance- it’s only open one night a week. Here’s an interesting piece on Vice about Bassiani’s activist role in modern-day Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Travel Tips

Exchanging money in tbilisi.

Georgia’s currency is the Georgian Lari or GEL and one lari is divided into 100 tetri. While most big places, especially in the cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi will accept cards, and you’ll find ATMs easily, make sure you have enough cash for eating at smaller restaurants or buying things from markets, shops and flea markets. 

When you head into smaller towns and villages such as those in Svaneti, ATMs might not be readily available and not many places will accept card payments, so definitely bring some cash. 

You can exchange USD and Euros at the airport, banks and will also find slightly better rates at small money exchange offices in Tbilisi city center. 

How to Dress in Tbilisi

Tbilisi locals love black and I’m glad I packed a lot of black, neutral, and navy pieces for my trip. That’s not to say you can’t wear fuchsia or yellow but you’re more likely to stand out in a sea of dark, neutral, and earthy tones. The general style is smart and practical, think fitted denims with t-shirts, tops, or shirts, and sundresses, sometimes paired with a jacket or cardigan (depending on the weather). Spaghetti straps, mini-skirts, and hot shorts? Not so much except for the tourists.

You’ll be walking a lot on the city’s cobbled hilly streets , so bring comfortable, lightweight walking shoes or sandals plus a nicer pair for going out.

For formal dinners where you can watch a traditional dance show while you dine and if you plan on watching any theater or opera, carry something that’s semi-formal at the least, as many restaurants have a no-ripped jeans and sneakers policy. Locals at such venues are generally smartly dressed and you don’t want to look like the oddball tourist who showed up in their North Face jacket.

Men should pack a pair of pants, one or two shirts, and a semi-formal blazer or jacket, and a pair of formal shoes . Women should bring an elegant dress or top to pair with trousers or fitted dark wash jeans and pretty shoes .

You will be visiting orthodox churches and monasteries when you visit Tbilisi, where you’ll need to have y our head (women only), shoulders, arms, and knees covered . So dress appropriately and women should use the spare headscarves and wraparound skirts placed outside churches for visitors.

Winter can get really cold in Tbilisi. When I visited in April, there were some chilly and windy days when the temperature dropped by 10-12 degrees Celsius from the previous day. I was grateful for my all-weather North Face Suzanne jacket that comes with multiple layers that can be zipped on and off. On warmer days, I simply zipped off the warm shell and the quilted layer that was left wasn’t only perfect weather-wise but also looked great to wear around the city.

How to Get Around in Tbilisi

Getting around in Tbilisi is really easy, thanks to easy and cheap taxis (only 5GEL anywhere within the city center, downtown and the old city), an excellent metro system , and lovely walk-able streets that connect most of the tourist interest places to visit in Tbilisi.

For the metro, it’s best to buy the Metromoney Card for 2GEL that you can recharge (for as much as you like) to use while traveling by metro or the local bus. You get discounted rates on all transportation versus if you were to buy point-to-point tickets without the card. When you leave Tbilisi, you can return the card at any metro station and get back your 2GEL.

It’s an easy and leisurely walk between the old town, Freedom Square, and Rustaveli , but if you don’t want to walk, there is the metro and several buses.

To get to the city from the airport a taxi should cost about 25-30 GEL (at the time of writing) or ask about the bus to the city. If you’re a couple or a group, this private airport transfer might be more convenient and good value-for-money.

Travel Tbilisi Essentials

Visa for georgia.

Some nationalities can travel to Georgia visa free, while others may be granted visa on arrival. Yet for other nationalities (depending also on where they are resident), it is recommended to obtain the visa from a Georgian embassy in advance. You can check conditions of visa for your nationality here . There is also an e-visa portal , but before you apply, check that you’re eligible depending upon your nationality. 

As an Indian national who is a UAE resident , I was eligible for a visa on arrival in Georgia , and had no problems getting this with a return ticket and apartments booked, as well as travel insurance that was mandatory to travel to Georgia (the airline asked for this at check-in). Still, as visa rules can and do change frequently, and there have been some mixed reports about travelers facing issues at Tbilisi passport control, I suggest checking the requirements online and calling or emailing a Georgian embassy closest to you to confirm.

Travel Insurance for Georgia

During my visit in 2017, travel insurance was mandatory to enter Georgia. Anyway, I never travel without travel insurance because you never know what might go wrong on the road- accidents may happen, or you might seriously fall ill and need medical help that can be costly abroad. Wherever you’re going and no matter for how long, I always suggest getting travel insurance .

How to get a SIM Card in Tbilisi?

Tourism in Tbilisi is booming at the moment, so it’s really easy for tourists to get a Georgian SIM Card at the Arrivals Hall at Tbilisi airport . There are three companies selling tourist SIM cards at the airport- Geocell, Magti and Beeline with different offerings when it comes to calls and data. I mainly use data, but need to be able to make some international and local calls as well, so I went with Magti. But you can choose from the three depending on what you need.

Magti and Beeline reportedly have better coverage – that might be important if you’re visiting the mountains in Kazbegi or Svaneti or traveling elsewhere outside of the big cities. If you’re just interested in data, then Beeline turns out to be the cheapest with their data packages. If you’re looking for a bit of international and local calls, as well as decent data , then pick Magti . 

Languages Spoken in Tbilisi

The languages spoken in Tbilisi and the rest of Georgia are Georgian and Russian , as well as English . If you don’t speak any Russian or Georgian, don’t worry- Georgia sees a lot of tourists and English is widely spoken in Tbilisi and other cities . I had no problems communicating in English even in Mestia and other villages in Svaneti. 

If you find yourself confused by Georgian signs or schedules, just ask a local for help. Whether or not they speak any English, they will definitely find a way to help you because like I said before, the Georgians are extraordinarily kind. 

Useful Georgian phrases to know

Here are some nice Georgian phrases to know so you can interact with the locals, something I highly recommend doing. Speaking a bit of Georgian brings a smile to their faces.

• Hello- Gamarjoba (ga-mar-jo-ba)
• Thank you- Madloba (mad-lo-ba)
• Please- Tu Sheidzleba (tu-she-id-zle-ba)
• Goodbye- Nakhvamdis (Na-khvam-dis)
• Cheers- Gaumarjos (Gau-mar-jos)

Is Tbilisi Safe?

I visited Tbilisi solo and spent most of my time there alone. I stayed in apartments alone, both in slightly run down buildings in the old town, as well as somewhat nicer ones in the newer parts of the city. I walked home alone late at night from bars and restaurants, and took taxis as well. 

Not once did I feel unsafe or alarmed , or like I had to look over my shoulder. As with any other place that sees a lot of tourists, I’d be careful about my stuff in overly crowded places, but otherwise there is nothing to worry about, even as a solo woman.

To share an example of how well I felt taken care of, I’ll tell you about the time I took the overnight train from Tbilisi to Zugdidi to get to Mestia in Svaneti . I was in a compartment of four, and as is the case when I travel solo on overnight trains, I hoped I’d not be in the company of three other men (would make me uncomfortable, especially if they were too chatty or something, luckily that has never happened). I shared the compartment with an older woman and two young men. 

When the ticket inspector came and said something to me in Georgian, the lady who didn’t speak any English told him something, pointed to my ticket and sent him on his way. She also got me a blanket and pillow sleeping set when I did not know where to get it. One of the two young men, very chivalrously, carried my bag off the train and across a small section of tracks, without me asking, and placed it on to the platform with a gentelman-ly, “Good day”. 

Especially in Svaneti, people were very helpful, and I’d say even somewhat protective of me traveling solo as a woman. 

To answer the question, yes, if you’re going to visit Tbilisi, you should know that Tbilisi is very safe and if you’re a woman traveling alone, you will be more than fine here and elsewhere in Georgia. 

Have you been to Tbilisi? Don’t forget to try the amazing food , and read about my experience traveling there as an Indian .

Visiting Georgia? You might want to read this guide to Georgian visas and might be interested in these posts:

Ultimate Guide to Tbilisi: Things to do, where to stay, eat, shop and practical information

Best Things to do in Batumi

Don’t Miss The Food in Georgia: What To Eat

Traveling Around Georgia as an Indian

If you have been, I’d love to hear what you thought of it or if you would like to go. Would you add any other places to visit in Tbilisi to this list?

Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book tours or accommodation using them, I get a small commission, at no extra cost to you, that goes towards running this site. That said, I never recommend accommodation or tours that I haven’t booked or wouldn’t book myself, and spend a considerable amount of time to find the best deals and value-for-money tours and accommodation rates. I have stayed at two out of three apartments mentioned in this post.

Tuesday 10th of September 2019

a very useful blog and thank you. I visited in late August for the rugby game. A couple of things to add, if I may? Beeline's coverage in Tbilisi was flawless, I didn't have an issues with it at all. Friends House is an excellent little restaurant :-) Tbilisi is very hot in late August. A few words of Georgian and a warm smile go a long way in Georgia. Such friendly people if you put a little effort in! Thanks again for the blog!

Thursday 27th of September 2018

Hi! Had been to georgia recently and after careful planning and research on various blogs, I stumbled across yours once, and I must say it was worth it, really gave me a precise insight from my stay to the food and entertainment, I could literally visualize georgia through your blog and was going gaga over it, and couldn't wait to experience it, I literally covered all places mentioned and more. Can't wait to get back during winters and experience the same!! Thanks for the great info

Wednesday 14th of March 2018

Would you recommend a self-drive road trip or a chauffeur driven around Georgia? Budget is also in play.

Thanks Pravin

Natasha Amar

Georgia isn't too expensive if you decided to hire a car with driver, how many days and where do you plan to go? Or you could always take public transport- to places like sighnaghi, kazbegi, I took a local overnight train and mashrutka all the way to svaneti, it was of a good standard, cheap and easy to arrange.

Monday 8th of January 2018

This is such a fantastic, comprehensive guide.

Carl Wright

Saturday 6th of January 2018

Loved the fact that you lived life there like a local, from cuisine to bazaars, this is tremendous.

Thanks for reading!

• DESTINATIONS
• EXPERIENCES

10 Amazing Things To Do in Tbilisi: The Vibrant Capital of Georgia

In this destination guide, we will be sharing our experiences in Tbilisi and providing you with recommendations on the best things to do. Before we get started though, allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Iris and Gert – a young Belgian couple with a passion for photography and blogging.

We have our own travel blog called www.snoezelsontheroad.com , which is currently in Dutch but stay tuned as the English version is coming soon! Besides that we love to share our experiences, travel information, and appealing pictures on Instagram and other platforms like Pinterest.

Our home base is Ghent – based in the Flemish part of Belgium – but these days the whole world feels like home to us. As full-time travelers, we aim to inspire others to explore the beauty of the world. At the moment, we’re currently in Canada and already we have exciting plans for next year.

Before this, we used to work in the education and engineering industries. After the pandemic hit, we shifted from a career mindset to a travel one. We now prefer to become rich in experiences and memories, rather than just growing our bank account. “The good old days” are happening today – and that’s why we orient ourselves towards a conscious lifestyle and look for sustainable, relaxing places to visit and rewarding activities to do.

Our Wonderful Experiences in Tbilisi

In May 2023, we spent almost four weeks exploring the country of Georgia – which was driven by our desire to experience a more off-the-beaten-path destination. We started our adventure in the capital city, Tbilisi, in order to get a real feel for Georgia’s history and to understand how the dynamics of the country work. It was great to start in this historic and captivating place!

We continued to Kazbegi, followed by a couple of days in the Kakheti region (known as the wine region). Next was the west where we spent several days in Vardzia, Kutaisi and Martivili – before heading to the heart of the Caucasus: the Svaneti region. Here, we discovered the highest village in Europe – Ushguli – and then ended with some days in Tbilisi again.

As Tbilisi is in the center of the country, we passed through it on three occasions: upon arriving in the country, again on our departure and also when we traveled from Kakheti to Kutaisi (one night’s stay). In total, we spent seven days in and around the capital – and all times were amazing!

For us, Tbilisi was one of the biggest surprises of our world trip. To be honest, like many other places, we had preconceptions about the city due to its recent communist history. But we couldn’t have been more wrong! Tbilisi has so much heritage, thanks to its location along the Silk Road.

Therefore, different cultures and religions have mixed together in a peaceful way. That history, in combination with the great food (and wine) and the architecture that the city has to offer, amazed us. Basically, Tbilisi is vibrant and blends its old charm with modern energy. You can find rich history, diverse culture and warm hospitality in every corner of the city.

Favorite Place in Tbilisi: Holy Trinity Cathedral

Out of all the places we visited in Tbilisi, the Holy Trinity Cathedral was our number one spot (although it’s quite hard to choose a favorite place here as there’s so much one can see). Its slightly raised location on the left bank of the Mtkvari River offers spectacular panoramic views over the city.

The architecture is also impressive, on the inside and outside, and it’s the perfect place to reflect and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Additionally, the complex boasts a beautiful garden – giving visitors another area to relax and unwind in. We think this cathedral captures the true essence of Tbilisi!

10 Best Things To Do in Tbilisi

1. do a free walking tour of tbilisi.

Discovering the history of Georgia and its capital, Tbilisi, by participating in a free walking tour is the perfect way to start your trip. These three hour excursions provide a comprehensive exploration of the city’s key landmarks, offering valuable insights into its cultural and historical tapestry.

As you traverse the streets, knowledgeable guides share anecdotes and narratives – enhancing your understanding of Tbilisi’s evolution over the years. The architectural gems you’ll see – such as the iconic Narikala Fortress and the picturesque Old Town – are not only stunning but also provide context around the events that have shaped the city.

2. Relax at the Chreli Abano Sulfur Bath & Spa

The sulfur baths in Tbilisi offer a unique and unforgettable spa experience, setting them apart from typical wellness retreats worldwide. Beyond their magnificent architectural design, these baths boast a distinctive ambiance that stems from the rejuvenating properties of their thermal spring water.

Among the array of bathhouses in Tbilisi, the Chreli Abano stands out as the most iconic – encapsulating the essence of this cultural tradition. The therapeutic benefits of the sulfur-infused water contribute to a profoundly relaxing atmosphere. Moreover the photo-ops are phenomenal, with the detailed Persian exterior being too beautiful not to capture!

3. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral is an absolute must-do. As a testament to the deeply rooted religious traditions of the Georgian people, this cathedral stands as the largest dedication to the Georgian Orthodox faith. Beyond its religious significance, the Holy Trinity Cathedral boasts breathtaking architecture that captivates visitors with its grandeur and intricate details.

Perched in a green setting, the cathedral provides a serene escape from the bustling city below. The views offered from this sacred site allow visitors to appreciate the surrounding landscape of Tbilisi. Whether you seek quiet contemplation or an appreciation of architectural marvels, this cathedral promises an enriching experience that resonates with the soul.

4. Venture to the Chronicle of Georgia

The Chronicle of Georgia was built to serve as an open-air monument and historical narrative, depicting key events in the country’s past. Known as “The Georgian Stonehenge” – the site consists of massive bronze, copper and stone sculptures positioned strategically on a hill. As it’s located just outside of the city, amidst nature, the views from this place are fantastic!

5. Go on an Organized Day Tour to Mtskheta

Mtskheta, the former capital, makes for a fun day trip from Tbilisi. This excursion can encompass more than just the historical monuments of the UNESCO-listed Mtskheta , weaving in additional highlights such as the iconic Jvari Monastery and a visit to the birthplace of Joseph Stalin.

6. Check Out the Leaning Clock Tower of Tbilisi

In the heart of the city is the leaning Clock Tower. With its distinctive tilt, this landmark offers a blend of history and aesthetics – the perfect spot to enjoy the views and take pictures. Learning that the tower only stands because of one steel beam makes the visit even more intriguing!

7. Try Some of the Local Food and Wine of Tbilisi

A must-try in Tbilisi is khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread that epitomizes the country’s baking expertise. Additionally, sampling the flavorful khinkali – dumplings filled with spiced meat or vegetables – takes your gastronomic adventure to the next level. These dishes can be ordered at the charming terraced restaurants, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of Tbilisi.

To complement these culinary delights, you can treat your palate to some local wines that are renowned for their unique varieties and ancient winemaking traditions. Georgia’s wine culture, dating back thousands of years, adds an extra layer of authenticity to your dining experience.

8. Take the Cable Car to the Narikala Fortress

The cable car to the Narikala Fortress, situated atop the hills, is a delightful journey. Offering a panorama of the city, this scenic ride provides a lovely perspective of the surrounding landscapes. The station is also conveniently positioned in the heart of the city, ensuring easy access. As you ascend the hills, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the ride and anticipate the enchanting stroll that awaits you at the Narikala Fortress.

9. Explore the Trendy Fabrika Cultural Center

Fabrika is an enclave boasting chic art spaces, distinctive boutiques and an effervescent ambiance. Nestled in the heart of Tbilisi, this trendy destination invites exploration amid its eclectic blend of creativity and commerce. The energy emanates from the unique shops and vibrant art installations, creating a memorable experience for those strolling through.

10. Enjoy the Beautiful Balconies of Tbilisi

Tbilisi’s balconies grace the cityscape with vibrant hues and intricate designs. These architectural jewels are noteworthy around Queen Darejan Palace and the House Hotel, contributing to the character of Tbilisi’s streets. Adorned with ornate details, the balconies offer a visual feast.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

On our first nights in Tbilisi, we stayed in a hostel just outside the historic center called the Funicular Hostel. As backpackers, the price/quality is very valuable and highly recommended. But because we’re bloggers as well, we were invited to stay in the House Hotel during our second visit to the city.

This was our favorite stay due to its luxury, historical design, warm hospitality and great location. This hotel captures the authentic design of old Tbilisi and has superb food. To make the most out of your stay in Tbilisi, this is the best place to go! If you want to balance between a budget and luxury, we recommend the Tbilisi Inn where we spent one night as well.

Tips for Your Visit to Tbilisi

The historical center of Tbilisi isn’t massive and is therefore easily walkable. This, in combination with Bolt (an app that provides ride-hailing services), you can cross the whole city wherever you want to go. The city also boasts two funicular systems which are part of the public transport service, together with buses and a metro-line. Additionally, if you travel across the country and you want the local experience, Marshrutkas are the way to go.

Another thing to remember is that the food in Tbilisi rocks! You can’t go wrong with khachapuri, khinkali and Georgian wine. Finally, the best time to visit Tbilisi is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). The summers can get very hot. However, if your focus is to make a roundtrip through Georgia (including lots of hikes), we would recommend the summer as some of the trails only open during this time.

BY IRIS & GERT IG: @SNOEZELSONTHEROAD

Author:  Iris & Gert

Iris and Gert are travel bloggers from Belgium. They are currently exploring and living in Canada. Feel free to check out their travel guides and tips on www.snoezelsontheroad.com.

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Best attractions in Tbilisi: Top 27

After reading this review, you will learn about the best attractions in Tbilisi - architectural and historical monuments, entertainment centers and natural masterpieces. We will tell you about all that every tourist should see in Tbilisi.

What to see in Tbilisi first?

In compiling our “places of interest in Tbilisi” rating, we considered reviews and recommendations from hospitable locals, travelers and experienced guides. In our general opinion, your trip to this hospitable city should definitely include a trip to the following sites:

1. Narikala Fortress

The most ancient architectural monument of the Georgian capital. The date of construction is not reliably known, but it is established that in the 4th century the fortress already existed. It got its present appearance in 1827: the city authorities had reconstructed the ancient fortification, badly damaged by the earthquake. Tbilisi sights such as the Narikala fortress can be visited for free. From the upper level of the building opens incredible panoramas.

Tbilisi | Save on hotel reservations

2. tbilisi old town.

What must every visitor of the city visit in Tbilisi? Its “heart” with small winding cobblestone streets and ancient houses. Here you can touch and feel the true spirit of Georgian history.

3. Rustaveli Avenue

The central street, which guides in Tbilisi advise to walk by all means. Here are numerous cultural and architectural attractions of the capital: the Kavsheti Temple, the Shota Rustaveli cinema, the State Parliament and the Vorontsov Palace. Here you can also find the best hotels in Tbilisi, such as the Marriott (took over the majestic building of the former Majestic Hotel).

4. Tsminda Sameba complex

The date of construction of the cathedral, which belongs to the Orthodox Church of Georgia, is 1995. Most of the financial resources for the creation of the temple were donated by volunteers. As part of the modern complex: a beautiful cathedral, the residence of the patriarch, a seminary and a monastery for parishioners.

5. Zion Cathedral

Located in Old Tbilisi, and perfectly visible from any side of the capital. The main value of the cathedral is the cross of St. Nino, created from a vine and intertwined with the hair of the great martyr. The saint brought the Christian faith to Georgia with this cross.

6. Metehi temple

The building is located in the central part of the city, on the cliff face. The date of construction is the 13th century. During its long history the church has been destroyed and reconstructed several times. Now it is in the form in which it was reconstructed in the 16th century. It’s a striking example of Georgian temple architecture - without extra decorations and with laconic forms. If you do not know what to see in Tbilisi in 1 day, but are passionate about history and architecture, come here.

7. Church of Anchikhati

Date of construction - 6th century. This is one of the oldest temples in the country that has survived to our time. During the reign of Soviet power, the church was converted into a museum complex and art workshop. Today, there are stored ancient icons, and the famous Georgian choir gives its performances.

8. Necropolis on Mount Mtatsminda

This is the burial place for the most influential and famous people of the state: artists, national heroes, poets, scientists. Here lie the ashes of Gamsakhurdia, the first president of Georgia. The necropolis was founded on the 100th anniversary of Griboyedov’s death in 1929.

9. Monument to the Mother of Kartli

The monument is 20 meters high and is located near the fortress. It was erected on the day of the celebration of the 1.5-thousandth anniversary of the Georgian capital. The monument symbolizes the readiness of Tbilisi to repel attacks of enemies: a sword in one hand of the Mother of Georgia and to welcome friends in peace: a cup of wine in the other hand.

10. Monument “History of Georgia”

The majestic composition is included in all the lists of “ main sights of Georgia “. Tsereteli worked on it for almost two decades. Each of the 16 huge columns of the monument tells its own legend related to the legends of the Bible or the history of the state. In addition, the complex includes: statues of sages, a temple and the cross of St. Nino.

11. Freedom Square and Monument

The formation of the square began in the 19th century. During the Soviet Union period the former buildings were demolished and the area received a new look. The modern square attracts attention with its numerous government and administrative institutions. In addition, in our rating “the best sights of Tbilisi” it is included because of the 30-meter monument (the composition of the statue of St. George and a tall column).

12. Monument to the heroes of the film Mimino

Another great masterpiece of the legendary Tsereteli. The monument was created by the sculptor 7 years ago - originally it was supposed to decorate the capital of Russia. The purpose of the sculptural group is to demonstrate friendly relations between Russia, Armenia and Georgia (according to the head of the city at the monument’s unveiling).

13. Flea market near the Dry Bridge

Where to go in Tbilisi for fans of shopping and good shopping? To the local flea market, especially appreciated by lovers of art and antiques. It offers a variety of small items. But among them you can find and buy “for a penny” real rarities. Popular tourist items: candlesticks, antique coins, national ornaments with enamel, records.

14. Georgian Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Paliashvili

The first building of the opera was built back in the 19th century, focusing on the best stages of Europe. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed it. The current mansion, considered today the center of culture in Tbilisi, also has a solid and remarkable appearance. The best performers and ballet troupes of the country give their performances here.

Official website: http://www.opera.

15. Georgian National Museum

Even if you are not a fan of walking around museums, you should definitely visit this complex. In the spacious exhibition halls are unique and varied specimens: human skulls, objects from the Soviet occupation, rifles, clothing, ancient coins and bills, jewelry, jugs, etc. Not all tours in Tbilisi are as fascinating as a guided tour of this building. You will learn many interesting facts about the history of the city and all of Georgia.

Official website: http://museum

16. Niko Pirosmani Museum

The famous self-taught painter from Georgia, Nikolai Pirosmanishvili, became famous throughout the world for his creations in the spirit of primitivism. So it’s not surprising that the local authorities decided to organize a whole museum in his honor. A complex with 16 works of the master was opened in 1982. In addition to the works of Niko himself, canvases by other painters are exhibited here.

17. The Rizo Gabriadze Marionette Theater

One of the capital’s most visited theaters strikes you with its beauty inside and out. Twice a day a free mini-performance is given on the tower of the building. In addition, every hour an angel with golden wings strikes the bell here. Let’s say right away that it is quite difficult to buy a ticket here - you should book it in advance, at least a couple of weeks before your visit to Tbilisi.

Official site: http://gabriadze.com/

18. Puppet Museum

Date of opening - 1937. The project was organized by T. Tumanishvili, a writer for children. For about 15 years the complex did not work, but in 2008 it reopened its doors with an updated and expanded collection of dolls from around the world.

Official website: http://tbilisimuseumsunion

19. Tbilisi Ethnographic Museum

The attraction is located near Turtle Lake, so it is a favorite of tourists and locals. In the vast museum area, you can look at Georgian household items and their former national homes. In addition, guests are invited to taste the real local wine, and buy samples they like.

Official site: http://museum

20. Sulfur Baths (Abanotubani)

The sulfur springs were in the area even before the city was created. According to one legend, a prince of Georgia shot a bird that fell into these springs and boiled there. This gave the area the name “Tbilisi” (i.e. warm). Everyone is welcome to visit the baths - there are public and individual springs. If you have no desire to enjoy the water procedures, it is worth coming here for a walk through the domes.

Official website: http://www.chreli-abano

Tbilisi sights: what else to visit in Tbilisi?

We have told you about the main attractions of Tbilisi briefly. However, the list of fascinating places and sites of the capital does not come to an end here:

21. Tbilisi Botanical Garden

There are about 3.5 thousand unique and popular plants in a fairly impressive area. The cost of a visit is minimal. After visiting the botanical garden, you can go to the nearby Narikala fortress.

Official site: https://conference.nbgg

22. Turtle lake

Despite the fact that the size of the spring is small, guests at the lake are always numerous. The reservoir attracts visitors by the surrounding dense forest, play and sports grounds, jogging paths, cafes and a beach. It is possible to rent a catamaran. Directly to the natural attraction leads a catamaran road.

23. Rike Park

One of the city’s most beautiful park areas. The area is well equipped: there are benches and benches, fountains and asphalt paths. A cable car offers a ride to the botanical garden and the Narikala fortress.

24. Tbilisi funicular railway

Using the funicular, you can arrive at the Mtatsminda entertainment complex in a short time. On the way you can observe incredible panoramas of the Georgian capital. In addition, you will see the Temple of St. David and the Pantheon of Writers. The way back can also be done by cable car or on foot - there is a well-trodden path that leads to the central part of Tbilisi.

25. Bombora Amusement and Attraction Park

Children’s entertainment center, which should be visited by the whole family. You do not need to pay to enter the complex, you can freely walk around the territory. However, please note that the rides themselves are offered for a fee. The attractions, named after the fairy tale character, are open all year round. But during the winter months, some rides do not run. However, a beautiful ice rink appears. A cozy cafe called the Funicular is open on the grounds - you can see the beauty of the whole town from its large windows.

Official website: https://park.ge/ru

26. Cableway

For locals, the cable car is an operative and comfortable way to get around various corners of Tbilisi. Despite the fact that the duration of the structure is short, it always has enough guests. The lower part of the road is Rike Park. It should be noted that in the capital is organized by a common system of payment in public transport - a special card, which you will buy for a trip on the canal, you can also use in the local subway.

27. Peace Bridge

The central architectural value of the Georgian capital. You can see its image on many local souvenirs. Large-scale transparent construction unites new districts of the city and Old Tbilisi. In the evening hours it is illuminated by three tens of thousands of lamps. An interesting point: with the help of Morse code, these bulbs transmit a message with all elements of the Mendeleev table that are in the human body.

We hope that the sights of Tbilisi, photos with names and descriptions of which we have now presented to you, have aroused your interest. If possible, visit them for sure.

Batumi is another city in Georgia that is definitely worth visiting. Read our review article about Batumi attractions and be inspired for your next trip to Georgia.

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16 Great Places for Craft Beer in Tbilisi, Georgia

W hile wine might be Georgia’s prime drinking focus, followed by the national spirit known as chacha, I was pleasantly surprised also to find a ton of great craft beer in Tbilisi. Not only does the city have some excellent beer bars and breweries, but some of these breweries are even incorporating the country’s unique flavors into their beers.

I’m a huge fan of places doing that, as it turns what can be a homogenous commodity into something local and special. It’s one of my favorite reasons for checking out the local beer scene wherever I travel. Yes, a few passable local beers produced by EFES Georgia (Karvi, Taati & Natakhtari) are widely available, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some truly original stuff. Here are my favorite places to drink beer in Tbilisi.

The Best Craft Beer Bars in Tbilisi, Georgia

Process craft beer bar.

Process Craft Beer Bar has the best security guard of any beer bar in Tbilisi. Little Teddy keeps an eye on the neighborhood to make sure nothing bad happens on his watch.

His work is important. Inside the bar, there’s an excellent selection of Georgian craft beer to protect. There are four taps, most of which are their own, along with a packed fridge. The bar also functions as a bottle shop with beers available to-go.

Here, I had one of the most original & adventurous beers in Georgia. Megobrebi is one of the top Georgian breweries. One of their creations is Khinkalien, a beer made with the flavors of the Georgian soup dumpling known as khinkali.

The beer had all the spices of khinkali, plus the saltiness of the broth, since it was a gose. It was an interesting and unique beer, though I’m not sure it’s something I need to try again since I’m not a massive gose fan.

In addition to the great local beer, Process Craft Beer Bar also has small bar games, and visitors can write & draw on the wood panels covering everything.

Address: 19 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia

Sma Craft Beer Bar

Sma Craft Beer Bar is so small that there isn’t even room for the “ll” in its name. However, while the bar is cozy, it’s still well-optimized, with decent seating inside despite the limited space.

The beer selection includes eight taps, several of which were from the Georgian brewery Seahorse when I visited. They also have a fridge with a dozen or so other beers. A food menu includes burgers, fries, and a few other things. There are also some board & card games available.

I liked the vibe at Sma Craft Beer Bar. The bartender played a mix of music I love, including Joy Division, Alex Lahey, and some other indie rock. We also all chatted for a while, remembering some guys from Georgia who played basketball in the NBA. Nikoloz Tskitishvili, anyone?

Address: 48 Lado Asatiani St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Abragi is another excellent place to find the best local beer.

While I can confirm it myself, they also have a wood chip wall proudly painted with “only Georgian craft beer.”

The bar has six taps and a large fridge with bottles and cans from seemingly every brewery in the country, including some I hadn’t seen elsewhere.

Address: 20 Shalva Dadiani St, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia ( map )

Black Dog 

There are a couple of Black Dog beer bars in Tbilisi, each with different vibes.

The Sololaki location feels more like a neighborhood bar where you can stop in for a quiet pint and some food (with your dog, of course). It has movie posters on the walls, including murals from The Big Lebowski, one of my favorite films. They really tie the room together.

The other location is at the Wine Factory, an area with several cocktail bars and restaurants. That location is a much bigger space with a more raucous atmosphere. Good luck finding the restrooms.

Both bars have a full taplist of beers from Number 8 Craft Brewery.

Black Dog also operates a seasonal bar at the Gudauri ski resort.

Address: 33 Lado Asatiani St, Tbilisi, Georgia

( map ) – Sololaki

Address: 1 Vasil Petriashvili Street, Tbilisi 0179, Georgia ( map ) – Wine Factory

Hopa Taproom

Hopa Taproom is a small, no-frills beer bar with a few bar stools and then a few other tables in a back room. That back room also has a hop lamp hanging in it. Given the small space, the place can get loud with even just a few people inside. Most people sit outside on the front patio when the weather is nice.

The bar has 12 taps plus a fridge with some local cans and bottles, along with a few Belgians. They offer flights of 4 draft beers.

I enjoyed the Svia Black IPA, brewed by a brewery at an inn & ranch in Signagi in Georgia’s main wine region, Kakheti .

Address: Atoneli St, Tbilisi, Georgia

The Best Taprooms & Breweries in Tbilisi, Georgia

Tsota tsota pub.

Tsota Tsota Pub is the Tbilisi taproom for Megobrebi Brewery. It has a wide selection of beers (14 taps plus a couple of packed fridges), from its more straightforward recipes to its unique creations featuring Georgian ingredients. The brewpub also serves homemade craft liqueurs and has a food menu that includes burgers and other bar foods.

The lively & friendly bar is a perfect representation of the brewery, showcasing their desire to do something a little different and create a community based on friendship. “Megobrebi” means “friends” in Georgian.

Meogbrebi has some especially fascinating sours. I enjoyed the Kharcho, which is based on a traditional Georgian soup. It was like drinking a spicy ramen broth, which I mean in a good way.

Address: 7/20 Geronti Kikodze St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Number 8 Craft Brewery – Craft Beer Club & BBQ House

Number 8 Craft Brewery has a couple of locations in Tbilisi.

The first, Number 8 Craft Beer Club, is located a bit outside the city center, but it’s right along major bus routes in the Vake neighborhood. The bar has football art on the walls and a couple of TVs showing matches. It has a full food menu.

The bar’s 8 taps mostly serve its own beers; however, there are also a couple of refrigerators with beers from top Georgian breweries such as Underground Microbrewery and Megobrebi.

Like Megobrebi, Underground Microbrewery also works with uniquely local flavors. It was here that I had one of the best beers I drank in Georgia, a collaboration between Underground Microbrewery and Sma Craft Beer Bar. It was a sour ale based on the Georgian plum sauce known as tkemali.

The brewery also operates #8 BBQ House, which has a smaller selection of just their beers. It’s a larger space on the top floor of a building in Chugureti. It hosts live music and other events.

Address: 22 Irakli Abashidze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia

( map ) – Craft Beer Club

Address: 133 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi 0113, Georgia

2 Tona Craft Beer and Brewery

2 Tona Craft Beer and Brewery has multiple locations in Tbilisi, including their main brewery just outside town.

The brewery’s taproom near Freedom Square is a sizeable multilevel space, including a large patio.

Inside, there’s foosball as well as sports on TV.

The beer selection is all their own beer, with styles that are dependable rather than adventurous. I enjoyed the Prague Czech Pilsner. There’s also a full food menu, including Georgian favorites such as khachapuri and khinkali.

Address: Viktor Kupradze St, Tbilisi, Georgia

( map ) – Brewery

Address: 8 Galaktion Tabidze St, Tbilisi 0190, Georgia ( map ) – Taproom – Old Tbilisi/Sololaki

Address: 2 Vazha Pshavela Ave, Tbilisi 0160, Georgia ( map ) – Taproom – Saburtalo

Address: მუხიანი, 10 Aleko Gobronidze St, Tbilisi 1072, Georgia ( map ) – Taproom – Mukhiani

9 Mta is a bright bar with fantastic views of the Kura River. It’s just below the Dry Bridge in Dedaena Park.

The bar also has a wood fireplace to keep things nice and toasty when it’s cold.

Two of the bar’s nice taps are MTA beer. When I visited, one was an IPA and one was a Helles. There was also a selection of bottles & cans, including lots of Brewdog & Mikkeller and a few other Georgian beers.

A second, newer 9 MTA location in Vake is more food-focused.

Address: Dedaena Park, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia ( map ) – Dry Bridge – Dedaena Park

Address: 64 Zakaria Paliashvili Street, Tbilisi 0179, Georgia

( map ) – Vake

Here are some other  great Tbilisi tours & activities .

Need a place to stay? Check out these Tbilisi hotel options . I enjoyed my stay at the Moxy Tbilisi , and the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel is another excellent option.

The post 16 Great Places for Craft Beer in Tbilisi, Georgia appeared first on Everybody Hates A Tourist .

Time in Tbilisi: April 12, 2024 04:47

Time Out: “The 16 most beautiful small towns in the world”

The piece recommends travellers to explore these “postcard-perfect” locations which offer a chance to experience a “different side” of the countries that are “mostly devoid of the crowds”. Photo: GNTA

The Time Out magazine, a travel publication, has named Georgia’s northern highland town of Stepantsminda among its 16 “most beautiful small towns around the world to visit in one lifetime”.

Stepantsminda is listed alongside towns of Germany, Italy, Australia, Japan and Switzerland in the selection. 

Also sometimes known as Kazbegi, Stepantsminda sits in a valley amongst the Caucasus Mountains, facing Georgia’s most famous sight”, the publication said.

The remote and historic area has one of the world’s oldest crossroads between Europe and Asia running through its heart, which dates back to the sixth century”, it added.

The piece recommends travellers to explore these “postcard-perfect” locations which offer a chance to experience a “different side” of the countries that are “mostly devoid of the crowds”.

Read the full article here .