tbilisi georgia travel guide

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

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Narikala Fortress

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

National Gallery

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

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

Georgian National Museum

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

Metekhi Church

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

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

Anchiskhati Basilica

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

Kartlis Deda

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

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

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

Day 1 – This is Tbilisi, Georgia

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

Here are all your hotel options in Tbilisi.

1. Sulfur Baths of Old Tbilisi

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

Hotels in Tbilisi 😴

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

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

2. Meidan Bazar 

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

Alternatively, discover Tbilisi by booking a walking tour .

3. Gallery 27

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

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

Read more tips on how to reduce plastic while traveling .

4. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

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

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

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

5. Georgian Cuisine

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

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

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

Book your food and wine tour in Tbilisi

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

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

Day 2 – Old and New things to do in Tbilisi

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

7. Leaning clock tower

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

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

Visit the clock tower on this guided walking tour

8. Flea Market

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

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

9. Tbilisi Peace Bridge and Rike Park

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

10. Sachino – Queen Darejan Palace

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

11. Narikala Fortress

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

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

Explore all the highlights of the Old Town of Tbilisi 

Bonus thing to do in Tbilisi – Georgian interiors 

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

Day 3 – Tbilisi Outskirts  

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

13. Chronicles of Georgia

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

How to get to the Chronicle of Georgia:

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

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

14. Gardenia Shevardnadze

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

15. Cooldown at Mtatsminda Park

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

16. Wine, Georgian wine!

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

How to Visit Tbilisi

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

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

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

Easily book your airport transfer online

Getting around Tbilisi

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

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

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

Where to stay in Tbilisi

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

How much does Tbilisi cost?

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

Costs of Traveling in Tbilisi

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

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

Where to eat in Tbilisi

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

• Culinarium Khasheria
• Keto & Kote
• Puri Guliani

Best time to visit Tbilisi

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

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

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

A GUIDE TO EXPLORING TBILISI, GEORGIA

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

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

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

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

Best Places To Stay In Tbilisi, Georgia

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

Luxury Tbilisi Hotels

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

Mid-Range Tbilisi Hotels

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

Budget Tbilisi Hotels

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

What To Do In Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

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

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

Best Places To Eat In Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

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

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

Best Places To Drink In Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

Some places to enjoy great wine are:

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

The Best Day Trips From Tbilisi, Georgia

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

Kazbegui and Gergety Trinity Church

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

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

Kakheti and Sighnaghi

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

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

Best Tours To Take From Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

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

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

How To Get To Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Currency In Georgia

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

Language In Georgia

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

Weather In Georgia

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

Security And Safety In Georgia

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

How To Dress In Georgia

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

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

How To Move Around Georgia

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

Tbilisi, Georgia Wrap Up

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

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

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

Categories Europe , Georgia

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

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

Tbilisi Travel Guide

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best Time to visit Tbilisi Georgia.

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

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

How long to stay in Tbilisi Georgia.

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

Where to stay in Tbilisi, Georgia.

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

Hostels in Tbilisi

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

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

Airbnb in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Tbilisi

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

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

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

See both sides of the river

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

Narikala Fortress & the Cable Car up

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

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

Mother of Georgia Statue

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

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

Botanical Gardens

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

Thermal Baths in Tbilisi

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

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

Mount Mtatsminda

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

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

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

Tbilisi Clock Tower

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

Tbilisi Free Walking Tour

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

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

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

Sameba Cathedral / Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

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

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

Bridge of Peace

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

Dry Bridge Flea Market

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

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

Georgian National Museum

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

Take in the Architecture

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

Unique Things to do in Tbilisi

Chronicles of georgia monument.

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

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

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

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

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

Day Trips from Tbilisi 

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

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

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

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

What to Eat in Tbilisi.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Churchkhela

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

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

What to Drink in Tbilisi Georgia.

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

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

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

Where to Eat and Drink in Tbilisi

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

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

Erekelle II Street

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

Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue

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

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

Supermarket / Small store

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

There are lots of small supermarkets as well as lots of cute little independent stores ran by the older generation and as with any foreign supermarket, you can find some weird and wonderful things! They sell some great cheeses and amazing fresh bread for about 20p!

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

How to get around Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a totally walkable city! There is a metro and I thought we’d need to use it, but apart from the cable car and funicular, we didn’t use any public transport.

Tbilisi Travel Tips

Buy bottled water, don’t drink from the tap.

The plug adapter is a European adapter.

When you want to cross main roads look for an underground passage, there are a lot of passages along the very big roads because they’re so busy and there are no lights!

To cross a smaller road you just have to walk out and be confident, hold your hand out to tell drivers to stop and keep it out whilst you are walking across the road so they know to slow down.

Watch where you step, the pavement’s have holes and all sorts in them everywhere! There’s also a lot of dog poop!

Don’t worry about wifi, there is good wifi everywhere.

There are a lot of ATM’s and exchange shops.

I hope this either makes you decide to go to Tbilisi or helps plan your trip to Tbilisi and gets you excited for it!

• For more of my Georgia posts see:
• Day Trip to Kazbegi via the Georgian Military Road
• Visiting the Thermal Bath’s & which one to choose!
• Fabrika Hostel Tbilisi Review

To SEE my trip to Georgia check YouTube Vlogs Here !

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Viveka Gustavson

Wednesday 19th of December 2018

Hi there, leaving for a Christmas escape to Tbilisi on Friday. Thank you so much for all the useful information. So excited over my trip. Merry Christmas.

TheWanderingQuinn

Thursday 20th of December 2018

That will be so fun! You’re welcome and thank you for reading! :)

Thursday 7th of June 2018

Do you think it is better to take money from the ATM or exchange EURO? Thanks

I’d say to take money from the ATM when you’re there. :)

Friday 4th of May 2018

Thank you so much for the great information about Tbilisi and the photos too. I will be there in five days. Your experiences will help me a lot.

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for letting me know that you found it helpful. Enjoy, you’ll love it I’m sure! :)

Wednesday 18th of April 2018

I'm starting to plan my trip to Georgia this summer and this guide has been super helpful! I definitely can't wait to explore Tbilisi! :)

Thursday 19th of April 2018

Ooh I’m so glad! Thank you for letting me know Maja! You’ll love it I’m sure. I’ll be following along on insta! :)

sd malhotra

Sunday 4th of March 2018

excellent Blog. Did you see any Georgian Dance during your visit?

Thank you. No I didn’t see any which is a shame.

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Tbilisi guide – 21 Tbilisi travel tips to make your trip easier

Tbilisi, the awesome capital of Georgia and one of my favorite cities, is getting more and more popular with each year.

I’ve been visiting Tbilisi frequently for the past 8 years – the number of tourists increased, a lot and Tbilisi tourism is developing rapidly.

And I do get it, the city is amazing, with so much to offer that everyone should find something interesting.

If you are planning to visit Georgia I put together a small Tbilisi guide with numerous Tbilisi travel tips that will hopefully make your trip smoother.

Tbilisi essentials

• Airport transfer: Pre-book the airport transfer from Tbilisi airport to your accommodation in Tbilisi here .
• Where to stay in Tbilisi: Hotel Flower (9.1/10) / Redrum Tbilisi Boutique Hotel (9.3/10)
• Best Tbilisi tour: Private Walking Tbilisi City Tour
• Best day trip from Tbilisi: Day Trip to Armenia Including Homemade Lunch
• Get insured for your trip to Georgia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Where is Tbilisi Georgia?

First things first – Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is located in the Caucasus region.

The country has borders with Turkey, Russia , Azerbaijan , and Armenia and it used to be part of the Soviet Union.

The local time is GMT +3 in the summer and GMT +4 in winter.

When is the best time to visit Tbilisi, Georgia?

I’ve been to Tbilisi in all seasons and my favorite time is either spring or autumn.

Summers can be insanely hot there, the city is also full of tourists so you might wait a bit in line for a cable car or for a table at the restaurant.

On the other hand, winters can be unpredictable. If you plan a trip to Tbilisi aim for either spring or autumn.

Tbilisi in spring

Money in Tbilisi

The local currency in Georgia is lari (GEL). At the time of writing this article (March 2019), 1 GEL was approximately $0,38 and €0,33.

I assume Georgian lari isn’t readily available all over the world, but you don’t need to worry about it.

There are numerous ATMs all over Tbilisi so you can get your money without problems. Just be careful as some ATMs charge the commission – i.e., ProCredit Bank on Liberty Square.

If you want to exchange money the easiest will be US dollars, Euro or Russian rubles.

There are numerous exchange points all over the city (I know by heart at least 3 at Kote Afkhazi street – the main road in Old Tbilisi that connects Liberty Square with Metekhi Bridge), and you will easily spot them.

The rates are more or less similar to all of them, the majority of these points also don’t take the commission.

You can also pay by card with most of the cafes, restaurants, shops and other places.

How to get to Tbilisi

There are numerous way how to get to Tbilisi: plane, train, bus, marshrutka – you name it.

If you arrive from abroad, you will most likely fly to Georgia, either to Tbilisi or Kutaisi airport.

To get from Tbilisi airport to the city center, you need to take bus no 37.

It runs 24/7 from the airport to the central train station via Avlabari metro station, Liberty Square and Rustaveli. The ticket costs 0,50 lari (~ $0,20 / €0,17) and can be bought onboard – you need to place the travel card on top of the grey ticket machine and collect the printed ticket (if you don’t have it you can ask fellow passengers to do it for you and give them money, it’s also possible to throw the coins to the machine directly).

You can check the schedule of the buses here .

Alternatively, if you already have the internet data or if the airport wifi works well, you might take Yandex Taxi – a local version of Uber, popular in many post-USSR countries.

Everything works just like with Uber, you only need to download the app before the trip, and you’re free to go.

The big advantage of Yandex Taxi is that you can pay by cash, whereas in Uber it’s not always possible.

From the Liberty Square, the Yandex Taxi should cost just under 20 lari.

If you arrive in Georgia with low-cost airlines, you will most likely land at Kutaisi International Airport. That’s actually how I most often reach Georgia, and there are no issues with getting to Tbilisi from there.

A company called Georgian Bus operates Kutaisi airport – Tbilisi route, with the departure time suitable for flight arrivals.

They wait for all the passengers and depart when everyone is on the bus, usually within an hour after the plane arrives. They also have enough seats for everyone.

You can buy the ticket online or get it after arriving at Kutaisi (that’s what I always do) – Georgian Bus stand is directly in front of the exit from the arrivals zone.

One way ticket costs 20 lari, but if you buy a return (you need to tell them when exactly you are going back), it’s 36 lari.

The journey from Kutaisi airport to Tbilisi takes around 4 hours, in Tbilisi buses arrive and depart from Liberty Square.

If you come from Yerevan, Armenia or Baku, Azerbaijan most likely you will arrive by train.

The station is well connected with central Tbilisi by metro, it’s two stops away from Rustaveli and three from Liberty Square.

You might also arrive by bus/marshrutka (uncomfortable minibus, the most popular form of local transport in former USSR countries) to Tbilisi, in that case, it depends on the destination where you will arrive from.

Marshrutkas from Kutaisi, Batumi and other destinations in Western Georgia arrive to Didube – you can take the metro from there to the center.

Comfortable vans from Yerevan arrive at Avlabari – it’s very close to the center and with the good metro connection. Marshrutkas from Yerevan (not really recommended) or buses from Turkey come to Ortachala bus station – it’s more tricky to get to the center from there, buses no 50 or 71 go directly to Liberty Square.

Tbilisi train station

How to get around Tbilisi

You will walk to many places in Tbilisi, especially in and around the Old Town.

But the good thing is Tbilisi has an efficient and easy to navigate the public transport system.

There are two metro lines, numerous buses, and cable cars that you can use, one ride costs 0,50 lari (although if you change between mode of transportation within a certain time you are not charged for another ticket, I haven’t figured out yet how long it is).

You can get a public transport card in the metro station (I got my ages ago, it was and still is 2 lari), charge it how much you want and use it for how many people you want.

If there are three of you, you don’t need to get three separate cards. Instead, each of you can use the same card to get the ticket.

You can check beforehand which buses you will need at the website of Tbilisi public transport company – it’s easy to navigate.

Once at the bus stop screens are showing the nearest departure, with the destinations written in both Georgian and English.

In the new blue buses, you will find the ticket machine in the middle door, in the old yellow ones you should enter through the front door.

With the public transport card, you can also use cable cars to Narikala fortress (2,50 lari one way) and to from Vake Park to Turtle Lake (1 lari/one way).

The funicular to Mtatsminda requires a separate card, it costs 2 lari and then the ticket is 3 lari/one way.

The card can be bought and charged at the lower station of the funicular if more people are traveling together one card is enough for everyone.

Inside old bus in Tbilisi

Tbilisi travel card and ticket

Metro station Technical University

Where to stay in Tbilisi

My number one Tbilisi accommodation is Hotel Flower . I stayed there during my last visit to Tbilisi, and I know I will be staying there again.

Everything about this hotel was great – the location, the staff, the large, spotless room and filling breakfast.

But the absolute best thing about the place was the view, I don’t think I know a hotel in Tbilisi with a better view really.

The hotel is located on the 6th floor, and each room is facing the city – I got a view towards Mother Georgia, Narikala, Avlabari and beyond.

There is also a terrace from where you can see the view in all the directions. Just stunning!

For my three nights stay, I paid 204 lari which I think is a very reasonable price for everything the hotel offers.

It has the rating of 9.9/10 on Booking – you hardly see such a high rates there!

Click here to see current rates and book Hotel Flower

My view from the window at Hotel Flower

Other recommended places to stay in Tbilisi:

• ALCATRAZ JAIL-HOSTEL (9.5/10 on Booking)
• Fabrika Tbilisi (9.0/10 on Booking)
• Tuta Hotel (9.5/10 on Booking)

Inside Fabrika

What to do in Tbilisi

This list can be long really.

First and foremost head to the Old Tbilisi and get lost in the maze of streets there.

Visit some of the amazing old churches (did you know Georgia was among the first countries that took Christianity as the state religion?), including Sioni Cathedral.

Take the cable car (or walk) to Narikala Fortress and while you are there say hello to Mother Georgia.

Go to the old baths. Hang out in the Rike Park and walk across the funky Bridge of Peace.

Walk down Rustaveli Avenue to admire the splendid architecture. Go shopping at the Dry Bridge flea market and walk the Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue.

And don’t even get me started with the Soviet architecture in Tbilisi! There are so many things to do in Tbilisi , really!

Old Tbilisi

Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue

How many days should you stay in Tbilisi

I think the absolute minimum is 2 days in Tbilisi but the more, the better.

I’ve already spent around 4 weeks here in total, and I still haven’t seen everything I wanted to. It’s one of these places that the more time you spend here, the more things to do you find.

Where to eat in Tbilisi

Let’s start with the most important fact here – Georgian food is hands down the best.

As a vegetarian, there are so many options I can choose from that make Georgia food heaven for me.

I have one favorite place to eat in Tbilisi (that is currently going through renovation, unfortunately) and that’s Racha at Lermontov street.

If a friend wouldn’t have taken me there the first time I don’t think I’d notice this place myself, or be brave enough to enter.

But don’t get discouraged, Racha might not look fancy (although it improved a lot over the years) but it offers some of the best and cheap food.

If Racha is closed or busy another place I visit frequently is Samikitno.

It’s a chain, they have numerous locations all over the city. However, I most often go to the one at Liberty Square.

They are open 24/7 which is good when you arrive in the city early in the morning and are dying to get some Georgian food (which is often how I start my visits in Tbilisi).

Their dishes are good, and the prices are affordable too (I never paid more than 20 lari there, including the service, and I always left full).

Cafes in Tbilisi

You might not know or expect it but Tbilisi is kind of like a hipster capital of Eastern Europe. The number of cool places to visit here is outstanding and that also applies to the cafes.

So many great places opened up here recently that again, a week wouldn’t be enough to visit them all. So if you are looking a good cafe in Tbilisi here are my top picks:

Althaus Tea Room

Moulin Electrique

• Skola Coffee & Wine Bar

Where to go out in Tbilisi

To be honest, I’m not much of a party animal so I can’t personally recommend any place to go out in Tbilisi.

Everyone kept raving about Bassiani – an iconic techno club located in the former Soviet pool in the basement of Dinamo stadium.

Knowing how Fabrika looks like in the daylight, I assume this might be an excellent place for a night out too!

Day trips from Tbilisi

Tbilisi can be a perfect base for day trips around. The most popular is Mtskheta, the holy city of Georgia located only 20 km away from Tbilisi.

Other places you can easily visit as day trips from Tbilisi include David Gareja , Sighnagi, Gori, Uplistsikhe, Ananuri or Kazbegi (although the last one definitely deserves more than a day in my opinion).

Here you can check the details and current prices of day trips from Tbilisi:

• David Gareji Monastery and Signagi Wine Tasting Private Tour
• Kazbegi, Gergeti & Ananuri Mountains Private Full-Day Tour
• Tbilisi: Mtskheta, Gori, Stalin Museum & Uplistsikhe Tour
• Borjomi & Bakuriani: Small Group Full-Day Tour from Tbilisi
• From Tbilisi: Private Day Trip to Armenia

David Gareja

Be careful when walking around

And I don’t even mean crazy local drivers. This might sound silly but be careful when wandering around Tbilisi.

Dogs poop is a big problem here, some of the streets are so full of them you need almost to jump around. You don’t want to end up with one on your shoes…

Be brave to get lost

Old Tbilisi is an incredible maze of streets.

Be brave, hide the map and wander aimlessly around. Don’t be afraid to get lost. You don’t even know how many amazing wonders you can find around.

That’s actually how once I found probably the most colorful house in Tbilisi, still with “for rent” sign – today it’s one of the biggest attractions of the area.

One of the highlights of Tbilisi is beautiful yards. Be curious, step inside and see them too. They are beautiful and again might hide some wonders waiting for you to find them!

Be observant

Tbilisi is all about the details. Tiles, sculptures, mosaics, paintings – you will see a wide variety of all of these in Tbilisi. Be observant and catch as many of these details as possible!

Be respectful

Remember that locals are living around. What might be one of the biggest Tbilisi attractions for you is just everyday reality and home for them.

Georgian people are in general very hospitable, but they might get annoyed when more and more tourists are sneaking around their houses.

So remember to be respectful when exploring Old Tbilisi. And be friendly to locals, they deserve it.

You will notice a lot of people staring at you (that’s perfectly acceptable in Georgia).

Don’t be intimidated and don’t turn your eyes away, smile and say hello (in Georgian, Russian, English…) – 90% of them will immediately warm up and you might end up with some interesting conversations.

Learn the language

Georgian language is very beautiful but it’s also one of the hardest languages to learn. It’s worth to know few useful sentences, though – it will help you tremendously.

After all this trips to Georgia I know only these words:

• gamarjoba – hello
• didi madloba – thank you very much
• gaumarjos – cheers
• ara – no

I use gamarjoba and didi madloba a lot, and that changes everything! People really appreciate that you are making an effort, especially when their own language is so tricky.

You might confuse “gamarjoba” and “gaumarjos” sometimes – it used to happen to me a lot and resulted in a lot of laughter.

It’s useful to know a bit of Russian too.

Georgia used to be part of the Soviet Union, and a lot of people speak excellent Russian.

Knowing it might help you get around (I used it for example when I was trying to get out of the Chronicle of Georgia monument but didn’t know which side of the road the bus departs from or when I didn’t know if it’s OK if I go to the famous bridge between the blocks in Nutsubidze Plato) and most likely you end up in some small talk too.

My Russian is rather weak in general but I’ve mastered a small-talk by now, and it is always nice to be able to chat with people.

In central Tbilisi you will easily get around with English only so you don’t need to worry if that’s your default language, you will be fine!

Chronicle of Georgia

Nutsubidze Plato

Don’t look down on local people

I wish I didn’t have to write this Tbilisi travel tip, but I’ve heard and seen so many unfair and simply rude comment towards locals that it’s worth mentioning.

Don’t be an ass and don’t look down on local people.

Georgia and especially Tbilisi might be probably the fastest developing place I’ve seen (every time I visit Tbilisi I’m impressed how much it has changed), but there is still a lot to be done.

Don’t look with contempt at people who beg (unfortunately there are many of them in Tbilisi), don’t make stupid and hurtful comments towards them.

Don’t do disdainful remarks about living condition and infrastructure people have.

You will shortly come back to your well-developed country that has everything you need so just leave your disrespectful thoughts to yourself.

Of course not everyone who travels to Tbilisi is like that, it’s a minority of visitors really, but still, surprisingly many tourists are guilty here. So please, don’t be one of them.

Is Tbilisi expensive?

No, I would say it’s a very affordable city.

Prices of groceries, restaurants, and cafes are lower than in Poland (where I live).

I never paid more than 20 GEL (including tip) for eating out in a fine place. Of course, you can spend more, like everywhere.

Some of the prices in Tbilisi:

• khachapuri from the bakery – 2,5 GEL
• Big bottle of water – around 1 GEL
• 1 liter of Coca-Cola – 2 GEL
• Coffee in the cafe – around 5 GEL
• Public transport ticket – 0,50 GEL
• Khinkali in the restaurant – around 0,50 – 0,80 GEL / piece
• 1 liter of cha-cha in the bazaar – 6 GEL
• 1 kg of sulguni cheese in the bazaar – 12 GEL
• Painkillers in the pharmacy – 4 GEL

buying chacha at the bazaar

Is Tbilisi safe?

I find Tbilisi to be a very safe city.

Majority of my trips there were solo, I ventured into some bizarre places, and there was not a single situation when I felt something was wrong.

Georgia was the first really “eastern” country I visited, I remember how I was freaking out before this trip, but then I also remember how safe I found, a massive contrary to what the stereotypes about Western vs. Eastern Europe were back then.

There is a significant number of police and security in public spaces, and that actually makes me feel somewhat comfortable.

Of course, petty crime happens here as it does everywhere else.

A while ago I heard about a few incidents with pickpockets near Mother Georgia statue but that was before the cable car started operating and not many tourists really made it there. Now, this is a popular place, and it’s less likely something might happen there.

As everywhere else – just use your common sense, don’t behave stupid and irresponsible and you will be fine.

Is it worth to visit Tbilisi?

Yes, yes and yes!

This is the place where you can see how East meets West (kind of like in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina ), it’s neither in Europe nor in Asia.

Tbilisi is a unique blend of cultures, influences, religions. It’s the city like no other.

During my first trip to Georgia, I was supposed to stay in Tbilisi for 2 days and then continue my trip onward to other places in the country.

Well, I stayed 9 days (I had 11 days in Georgia in total, only went to Batumi for 2 days) and had a blast – that’s how much I enjoyed Tbilisi.

Since then I’ve been returning over and over again to the city, and it’s never enough for me.

The more time I spend there, the more things to do are on my list (something like this happens to me with Kyiv, Ukraine too). I don’t think I will ever be tired or done with Tbilisi, to be honest…

I know some people didn’t like the city and find it overrated and I can understand it too.

Tbilisi gets a lot of the hype (I’m adding to it myself), and the expectations might be too big so don’t get overexcited before coming here.

Just travel to Tbilisi, anticipate nothing and enjoy the city to the fullest!

If there is anything else you would like to know about Tbilisi or Georgia join my Facebook group about travelling in former USSR and feel free to ask there – it’s a great community of like-minded travelers who seem to know everything.

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

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29 Comments

lee hamilton

A great blog so much useful information of what to see and do where to eat nfo about trains and planes and trains all very helpful.i hope to go there next year..Great pics to and very well written.It sure has got be thinking about planning a trip for next year.

Thank you. I hope you will make it to Georgia, it’s definitely recommended!

Thank you for this guide! What’s the name of the café that’s pictured under Money in Tbilisi? It looks magical. Thanks!

thank you! It’s Prospero’s Books, it’s located in the yard on Rustaveli.

Im travelling to Georgia in 2 weeks and im super excited! Thanks for the very informative blog! :)

I hope you had a great time in Georgia! All the best and happy travels! :)

I did! It was amazingly beautiful laidback city! I feautured it in my youtube channel, hope to come back for more :) More power on your blogs!

https://www.youtube.com/user/acejoannetizon

I’m glad you had a great time! All the best and haooy travels!

Hello Kami.

I am so glad to find about your site. It’s very helpful to me. I am planning to travel to Tbilisi this July and I am doing it solo for the first time. Thank you for such great help.

I’m sure you will have a great time in Georgia, it’s such a great country! Happy travels!

STAMATIA CHONDRAKI

Thank you so much for your helpful article. We re gonna travel to georgia the following week, and i would like to ask you, in what way would you suggest us to travel from tbilisi to kutaisi. Thank you

I’m glad you liked the article. Do you want to travel to the city of Kutaisi or Kutaisi airport? You can take the train to the city but the station is a bit away from the center. Or you can take marshrutka but that’s never comfortable, but super easy. If you go to the airport then Georgian Bus is your best option.

Great information for 1st time travellers. Found it very useful. Would like to know why are the hotel rates priced as MYR when the local currency is GEL . Please let me know the same as I am confused .

Do you mean on Booking.com? It must be your browser or Booking settings as for me they are either in PLN (my local currency) or EUR, but sometimes it randomly shows me prices in Romanian currency for some reason.

I’m in Tbilisi at the moment and I printed off your guide to bring as it was so useful, thank you! Have eaten at Samikitno tonight..amazing! Thanks for all the other guides too, am loving reading them for places I’ve been to and those I have yet to visit :) Sally

I’m so glad you found the information useful! Have a great time in Tbilisi! I love this place! :)

another thank you for the blog, I found it very useful. I spent a week in Tbilisi for the rugby game between Georgia & Scotland, and I found the city to be wonderful place to visit. I would emphasis that a friendly face & a few words of Georgian go a long way there, make the effort and it will be rewarded tenfold as they are such friendly people.

Thank you, I’m glad you found the article helpful and that you enjoyed Tbilisi. And I so agree about smiling and knowing a bit of Georgian, it changes everything!

Love this guide, planning a trip to Tbilisi in the spring of next year. How easy is it to get to and from the airport? I’m traveling solo, so I’m pretty nervous about it.

Niklas, I used the bus for this trip. The number 37 bus stops at the entrance to the departure hall. What I did on arrival was to get myself a local SIM for 15 GEL (I think I used BeeLine), then I bought a coffee in order to get some coins for the bus trip. The bus trip into the centre of Tbilisi is 50 Tetri (or half a Lari) and there was a conductor on board who handled the payment for me :-) The bus will accept 1 & 2 Lari coins but it doesn’t give change. It’s a really easy a trip to make and certainly nothing to be nervous about.

You have nothing to worry about Niklas! Most of my trip to Tbilisi were solo and everything was just fine. Georgia is much safer than Western Europe and locals are super friendly and will look after you. As Al said, bus no 37 is your best option to get from the airport to the center. Have a great trip!

Lucía Curiel

is easy to communicate in english?

In most of the places – yes. Young people can speak English well.

Very nice blog. Informative. Tomorrow I m travelling to Tbilisi on short 2 days trip. Very excited about it.

Thank you! I hope you will enjoy Tbilisi!

Just wanted to say thank you for the detailed post. I am travelling to Georgia in 4 days with my family. I am very excited!

That’s so great! Have a wonderful trip there!

I was going to book Hotel Flower for my trip next month, but the prices online were exorbitantly expensive, not even close to the price you mentioned. Did you book well in-advance or visit Tbilisi very off-season? Kind of disappointed :(

When I stayed there the hotel was fairly new, maybe that’s why the price was lower. I will need to take a look into that. Thank you for telling me about the change! All the best!

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

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

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

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

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

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Get Around Tbilisi: A Guide to the Tbilisi Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Find the Hidden Lagvtakhevi Waterfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Explore Betlemi Street & Historic Quarter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tbilisi Itinerary: Day 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. See the Remaining Old Tbilisi Walls

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

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

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

12. Shop at Dry Bridge Flea Market

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

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

13. Stroll Around Rike Park & Tbilisi Bridge of Peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Check Out the Converted Spaces at Fabrika Tbilisi 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Check Out Narikala Fortress & St. Nicholas Church

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

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

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

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

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

18. Go Clubbing Underground at Bassiani 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tbilisi Itinerary: Day 3

19. visit the chronicles of georgia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. Liberty Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24. Wander Around Mtatsminda Park

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Budget: envoy hostel  |  namaste hostel  |  apartment rental.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Midrange:  Check Point Hotel  |  Fabrika Hostel & Suites

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

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

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

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

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

Splurge:  Stamba Hotel

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

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

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

Best Restaurants in Tbilisi

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

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

Where and What to Eat

Amra Restaurant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hinkali Factory

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the Shadow of Metekhi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chashnagiri

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

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

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

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

Restaurant Hide

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

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

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

The Cone Culture

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

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

Kvarts Coffee

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

Check out the Tbilisi Metro Stations

Have Any Questions About This Tbilisi Travel Guide?

Ask in the comments section below

Need Travel Insurance for Georgia?

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

More Posts From Georgia:

Crossing the Georgia-Armenia Border by Marshrutka

Tbilisi Metro: Georgia Underground

Exploring the Best Wine Regions of Georgia

How to Get to Pankisi Valley from Telavi, Georgia 

Visiting the Rkoni Monastery & Queen Tamar Bridge, Georgia

Pankisi Valley Travel Guide

Visiting Uplistsikhe Cave Town, Georgia 

Hiking to Abudelauri Lakes in Georgia

Tbilisi’s Bunkers: A Secret Soviet Underworld

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this travel guide to Tbilisi you will find:

Table of Contents

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

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🪪 Visa for traveling to Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

🏨 Where to stay in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

🗺️ Best tours from Tbilisi

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

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

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

Top places to visit in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 What to visit in Tbilisi – Map

1 – Freedom Square

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

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

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2 – Pushkin street

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

Traveling to Baku? Read my guide to visit Baku

3 – The Puppet Theatre and the clock tower

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

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

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

4 – Anchiskhati Church

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

5 – The Peace Bridge

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

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

6 – Meteki Church

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

7 – The sulfur baths

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

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

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

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

8 – Jumah Mosque

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

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

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

9 – Take the cable car to Narikala Fortress

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

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

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

10 – The Mother of Georgia

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

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

Read: Azerbaijan 3-week itinerary

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

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

Day 2 What to do in Tbilisi – Map

Sameba Cathedral

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

Avlabari neighborhood

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

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

Mushroom building

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

The Soviet Market (Flea market)

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

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

Read: A guide to visit Iran

Marjanishvili

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

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

Dezerter Bazaar

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 What to visit in Tbilisi – Map

The National Museum of Georgia

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

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

The Georgian Parliament

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

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

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

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

The rest of Rustaveli Avenue

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

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

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

Chronicles of Georgia

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

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

How to get to the Chronicles of Georgia: 

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

Tbilisi Sea

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soviet Modernism and buildings

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

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

Bank of Georgia Headquarters

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

Soviet Murals & statues

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

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

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

Wedding Palace

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

Triple Soviet Block

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

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

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

The Soviet cable car that takes you to Turtle Lake

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

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

Abandoned hippodrome

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

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

More off the beaten track things to do in Tbilisi

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

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

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

Abandoned trains of Gostiridze

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

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

Abandoned Cable Car Station of Rustaveli

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

Tbilisi underground Street Art

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

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

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

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

A really cool place to spend the day. 

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

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

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

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

🛺 Transportation in Tbilisi

How to get from/to the airport.

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

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

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

Yellow mini-vans

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bus station to Sighnaghi, Telavi, Yerevan

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

Train Station

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

🍲 Where to eat in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🍻 Where to drink in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

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

☕ Best cafés for digital nomads in Tbilisi

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

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

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

Kiwi Café – A vegan-friendly café. 

The Coffee Lab – The best coffee in town. 

Hurma – Nice breakfast and a working atmosphere as well.

❗ More information for visiting Tbilisi

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

All guides and articles for traveling in Georgia destination

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

Check more city guides

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

10 comments

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

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

Great info!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Little Charm… Things You’ll Fall in Love with in Tbilisi, Georgia

Last updated on June 18, 2023 by Shannon

Maybe it was the wine. Or perhaps it was the latticed balconies? The unfettered hospitality played a part. And the idyllic scenery was persuasive. For the life of me, I can’t pin down precisely what made Tbilisi, Georgia so charming.

Since I left the country in late October, I took on the mantle of fangirl for the Republic of Georgia after uncovering a bevy of memorable things to do, experiences to embrace, and sceneries to spark wonder. I gush about it to any willing ear. I returned home late last year to holiday dinners and nights spent playing cards with friends.

Between these engagements, I edited photos from my fall travels. Each night, with a swipe of the keyboard, a new image flashed on the screen. Like a slide projector warming up, memories flickered into my consciousness. Each cropped and straightened photo rekindled my crush on this beautiful little city in the far east of Europe.

Like any good crushee, I immediately wanted to know my crush’s backstory and history. Before I left for Georgia and Turkey, I showed my dad my route. His eyebrows shot to the sky and he released a single, skeptical “hmm.” Now into my eighth year of travel, my parents have long accepted my decision. They don’t always love the places I visit solo, but they trust my judgement.

From his face, however, I could tell my dad was wavering. In the absence of context, it’s hard to imagine what Georgia’s like, what sort of things could possibly entertain a traveler. On the edge of the Caucasus Mountains, the country is neighbored by cultures as varied as its topography.

Once a stop on the Silk Road, the city became a confluence of the civilizations over the millennia. This peculiar positioning means Georgia is considered a part of Europe or Asia, depending on who you ask. And you would be forgiven for wondering if it’s a part of the Middle East. But the actual vibe: It’s European.

Today’s Georgia is Eastern Orthodox—to the tune of 84%. Monasteries and churches stand proud on mountain peaks around the country. This religious history is important to modern Georgia. That said, despite the overwhelming presence of Christianity, other cultures and religions also found perch in Georgia over the centuries. My wanders through Tbilisi uncovered mosques, synagogues, and even a Zoroastrian temple.

And while a country’s ancient history plays a part in any trip, so too does recent history. Georgia was a part of the former Soviet Union. The country also dealt with political and social unrest throughout the 90s and early aughts. I’ll confess to forgetting the bulk of my World History course in 9th grade.

Before I landed, I took to the internets and online readings to flesh out my understanding. I read up on not only the Soviet Union, but the also country’s complex present-day relationship with Russia. Important to understand is the history of the two Russian occupied areas of Georgia that are depicted on the map— South Ossetia and Abkhazia .

For countries with recently attained peace, understanding a foundational history is paramount. It shapes the experience with compassion and empathy. It invites the visitor deeper into the psyche of the culture and people. Only by understanding the past could I so enjoy what makes traveling the Republic of Georgia unique. It’s the resilience of the Georgian that spirit shapes my favorite aspects of traveling there, that shaped the best things to do and see.

My memories float to the surface, begging to be shared. Like the delicate smile of a new courtship, the city flirts with visitors. Tbilisi won me over with subtle charms and gentle nudges. Let’s look at the aspects of Tbilisi, Georgia that stand out most prominently in my memories.

Best Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia

Admire the gorgeous patchwork architecture.

The patchwork architecture in Old Tbilisi is reason enough to visit this pretty capital city. Intricate balconies sigh from tired buildings. Cobbled streets ramble through historic neighborhoods. Sweet, shady trees along Rustaveli Avenue belong as much in Paris as in this tiny Eastern European city. Each day I leapt from bed, energized by the idea of wandering adrift on the streets of Tbilisi, camera in hand.

Quiet courtyards and ephemeral smiles form the bedrock of my memories. Centuries of Persian, German, and Russian architectural influence is visible.

But it’s not just the historic aspects that fascinates. Tbilisi’s more recent stability has it screaming into a disorienting modernity. Controversial space-age architecture takes up residence alongside the historic buildings. A gamut of architectural possibilities sit in the shadow of the 4th century Narikala Fortress .

Time passes, that’s what the fortress seems to say. Tbilisi has a complicated history that has continued into the present. The aesthetic of the city bears testament.

And yet, the gorgeous laced balconies point to a concerning lack of infrastructure . It’s a similar problem facing places like Havana, Cuba . Decades of little money spent on redevelopment left gorgeous historic buildings in disrepair. There’s conflict in recognizing it needs to change while still loving the beauty it creates.

But perhaps there’s a middle ground. Something between shimmering glass bridges and the city’s enchanting old-world charm. Either way, the city has an eclectic mix of styles that keeps things interesting.

Mow Down on Delicious Food & Wine

Real talk: The food culture in Georgia is wonderful. There’s a reason I started with an overview of Georgian history. History plays a pivotal role in Georgia’s current designation as an  upcoming food destination .

Cultures brushing against each other over the centuries resulted in a range of delicious dishes. In addition to meat in large supply, the country offers Mediterranean fares like salads, bean soups, cheese, and Georgian pizza. Let’s just say that as a vegetarian, I didn’t starve.

Then there’s the wine. It’s divine. Georgia’s  clay vessel wine-making process , Qvevri, made UNESCO’s list for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During my stay in Tbilisi, I took part in the city’s beautiful café culture, which is reminiscent of so much of Europe.

Sprinkled throughout the boutiques and sidewalk cafés are dozens of wine shops and tasting rooms. Wine is the icebreaker with new Georgian friends. Each time I befriended a local, they shared their favorite variety. Even more often, they boasted of their tasty homemade wines.

The country has hundreds of indigenous varieties of grapes. Locals maintained their winemaking traditions throughout disparate governments and in the face of deep economic hardships.

Georgians love nothing more than to spend a night (or many) sipping wine with friends. Evening shadows grow deep as friends toast to all manner of health, life, happiness, and family.

Enjoy the Country’s Deeply Entrenched Culture of Hospitality

Kartlis Deda watches over Tbilisi from Sololaki Hill. Her looming aluminum figure is a touch point visible from nearly anywhere in the city. Better known as Mother Georgia, her figure so perfectly typifies the spirit and welcome I encountered in the country.  

For Georgians, this statue represents the dual priorities of hospitality and freedom. Erected in the 50s, Mother Georgia carries a bowl of wine in one hand and a sword in the other. The wine is for friends, the sword for enemies.

In practice, hospitality infuses every aspect of traveling Georgia. As I left, it was the feeling of complete welcome that stuck with me. Conversations with new friends swim to the forefront of my memories. Welcoming visitors is entrenched in the culture.

After I posted a photo of Tbilisi on my Instagram , a local woman found the photo and welcomed me to her city. Teo and I clicked immediately. She’s a Georgian woman with a serious case of wanderlust. Now that’s something that I understand.

When I admitted to her that I hadn’t yet sampled Georgian wine (I prefer drinking with friends), in quick order we arranged to meet. Across many hours—and many glasses of wine—we swapped travel stories. She shared what it’s like to live, work, and travel as a Georgian.

Though I often meet kind travel friends in each new city, there is a palpable quality of joy to Georgian hospitality . If you visit Georgia as a friend, like their statue bids, you leave warm with wine and hospitality.

Enjoy the Beautiful & Endlessly Explorable Landscape

Tbilisi is a pocket-sized city. Even more, Georgia is small too. Combined, it’s all endlessly explorable. Situated smack between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, there’s a varied landscape packed into this small country.

Lowland lakeside towns on the Black Sea vie for attention alongside snow-capped ski slopes. I didn’t bring clothes suitable for visiting the mountains in near-winter. Instead, I spent my trip based from the capital, exploring on day-trips from Tbilisi.

History and nature collide outside the city. I hired my Airbnb host , Bacho, to show me around. He took to the task with ease and helped me pick which sites I’d like best. One day, we hiked around the David Gareja monastery to the painted caves. The monastery is a few hours outside of the city and our car hummed along lonely, winding roads, through a muted, lunar-like landscape. The monastery is beautiful.

One of my favorite moments occurred as we crested the mountain behind David Gareja. Bristling in the cold air, I jerked to a stop as we faced Azerbaijan—a huge flatland plain spanned below, awash in dull greens and browns far into the horizon.

As I took in the look of this new land, two eagles soared into the sky, emerging from the mountainside, their massive wingspan casting shadows on the land below. They glided on the breeze, free of the borders holding me to my perch. It was a beautiful moment. Over the following hour, we climbed among the caves carved into the rock mountain.

Other days we visited 4th-century churches—many still in use. These ancient buildings watch in silence as this beautiful nation shifts and changes. The country is making quick strides toward peace and development. In tandem, it also grips the pieces of its unique history and preserves them for future generations.

Absorb Centuries of Music & Dance

Never before have I experienced a culture so taken with song. Rich harmonies drifted from family compounds. Sometimes for mere moments I caught a deep melody floating on the breeze. And they sing not for a coin, but instead for a love of the music. Polyphonic singing is another UNESCO recognized piece of intangible heritage, and is stunning to hear .

I visited Georgia during Tbilisoba, their annual cultural festival. I was taken with the country’s incredible history of song and dance. The festival allowed me to watch, mesmerized, a sampling of regional dances.

The men leapt impossibly high, the women twirled and swayed. Each dance told stories of courtship, stories from history, and stories of joy. I was lucky to watch one long performance next to a local woman. She passed me chunks of churchkhela—a local sweet—and translated the introduction for each dance. Her kindness afforded me my sole opportunity for questions during Tbilisoba.

With her explanations, I better understood how each region used the arts to preserve its history and maintain a legacy for future generations.

There’s no way to encapsulate why I am so taken with the Republic of Georgia. The sum total of Georgia won me over. Georgians have formed a deep resilience over the years. Even more, their complex history hasn’t curdled their love of life.

In addition to the many things I loved about the aesthetics, food, and culture, it goes beyond that. The same government and police presence that brought stability to Georgia in the wake of the Rose Revolution has kept the city safe today.

The president overhauled the police force in 2005. This ushered in an era of safety for Georgians, according to my Airbnb host. As a new arrival, poor street lighting and rundown sidewalks gave the city an eerie feel.

At first, I was uncertain about the assertions of safety. Familiarity with the pace of the city, however, assuaged my concerns. Women teetered home at all hours of the night on skyscraper heels. New friends echoed my host’s sentiments about safety.

While caution goes far in any place, the city is at peace. As a solo traveler, I felt comfortable in my skin as I wandered. The relative safety of the city added a welcomed layer to the travel experience since I was weary from recent travels through Turkey.

And my gushing aside, there are a couple of downsides. Every place has them. I’d be remiss to overlook it. The Georgians have a high rate of smoking .

As a non-smoker, the clouds wafting into my face during dinner was tough. I picked restaurants based on the availability of a corner where I could wedge myself away from the currents of smoke. I found the smoking even worse, however, in Istanbul.

As with all things, it’s relative. The city’s air quality is declining, but again, didn’t even come close to huffing through the streets of Kathmandu .

When you aggregate the kindness, food, and history from my weeks in Georgia, it won me over. I am a lifelong fan. And it’s this same feeling that friends and A Little Adrift readers expressed when I announced my travel plans. 

Everyone gushed about the Georgian-ness of it all. Never able to quite pin down what they love about it, readers and friends echoed one sentiment: Just go.

I’d have to agree. Sometimes a city just sticks with you. It wins you over with a spirit and subtlety unmatched by previous experiences.  For Tbilisi,  I found the city as charming as the people who live there. Two weeks is too little time to claim I understand the culture, city, or people, but it’s long enough to admit I’ll be back to try.

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

More Things to Do in Tbilisi

Eat All of the Delicious Georgian Foods 

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Georgian cuisine, renowned for its unique blend of influences from the Mediterranean, Middle East , and Eastern Europe. Savor mouthwatering dishes such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings), accompanied by a glass of Georgian wine.

Don’t miss the chance to experience a traditional supra (feast) and witness the hospitality that is deeply ingrained in Georgian culture. This food tour in Tbilisi is a great opportunity.

Save this food guide  and use it to try all of the beautiful traditional dishes on offer around the country. This site also shares a list of  cute restaurants and cafes in Tbilisi .

Take a Sulphur Bath

Experience the unique tradition of the Tbilisi Sulphur Baths, known for their therapeutic properties. Relax and rejuvenate in the warm, mineral-rich waters as you indulge in a traditional bathhouse experience that’s unlike those offered in any other part of the world.

The bath district, known as Abanotubani, is also a delight to explore, with its distinctive domed structures and colorful facades. These historic baths are located just near the main intersection in the old part of town, on the south side of the Metekhi bridge.

Visit a Parisian-Style Cafe

Combining the elegant ambiance of Paris with the rich cultural tapestry of Tbilisi, these cafes offer a unique fusion of experiences. There are a lot of these types of vibey cafes popping up around Tbilisi—they’re cozy and quiet and a great place to relax with a book.

Want a jumpstart on the best cafes to try? Visit  Entree  (20 Rustaveli Ave) or  Cafe Canape  (Abashidze Street – Vake).

Take the Cable Car to Narikala Fortress to Say Hi to Mother Georgia

Ascend to the Narikala Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the city, for panoramic views of Tbilisi’s breathtaking skyline. This ancient fortress, with origins dating back to the 4th century, played a significant role in the city’s defense throughout its history.

Stroll along the fortress walls, visit the St. Nicholas Church located within its premises, and capture memorable photos of the cityscape. From up there you can also enjoy an evening sunset near Mother Georgia and strike up conversations with locals.

Shop the Saturday Flea Market (AKA the “Dry Bridge Market”)

This is easy to spot near the river and about 15 minutes beyond (west of) the main Metekhi intersection. Held every Saturday, rain or shine, this market is a haven for treasure hunters, art enthusiasts, and curious visitors looking to explore the city’s unique cultural offerings. It’s renowned for its vast array of antiques, vintage items, and unique artifacts.

As you wander through the market, you’ll come across a fascinating assortment of old coins, Soviet memorabilia, traditional Georgian crafts, antique jewelry, paintings, and books—it also features delightful handmade jewelry, traditional textiles, intricate woodwork, pottery. All of these things, both vintage and new, make great souvenirs.

And note that bargaining is welcome at this market! As you browse the stalls, engage in friendly negotiations with the vendors to secure the best prices.

Buy Snacks at a Tbilisi Fresh Market

Head to a fresh market and you’ll find colorful produce, aromatic spices, and a bustling atmosphere. If you enjoy all the Georgian food you sample, the fresh market offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culinary scene and see where the flavors of Georgia begin.

And if you’re staying in a place with kitchen facilities, visiting a fresh market in Tbilisi is an excellent way to gather ingredients for your own Georgian culinary creations. Explore the stalls to find high-quality seasonal produce, regional cheeses, flavorful spices, and specialty items like Georgian wine or honey. Armed with these authentic ingredients, you can recreate traditional Georgian dishes or add a touch of Georgian flair to your home cooking.

There are many fruit and vegetable markets around the city, but the main one is a great spot for a wander. Head to the Dezerter Bazaar or the Deserter’s Market, known as “Tbilisi’s Central Market,” located near the central railway station. Arrive early for a wider variety of fresh produce and a livelier atmosphere.

Tbilisi Travel Guide

Where to Stay

• Consider  Fox Hostel  or  Cozy Hostel . Both of these are in great areas of town and have everything you might need. Fox is super clean and a bit quieter. Maria has a backpacker vibe and a tour desk so it’s super easy to arrange things with them. Even if you pick a different hotel, consider using  Booking.com  as I find they usually have the best deals and selection.
• Stay in a nice spot . I enjoyed staying just near Old Town—this is where the tourism is focused, there is good nightlife and it’s close to all of the major sites. With that in mind, consider  Sunny House Apartment  and the charming  Apartment Piccolo , both of which are mid-range prices and in a good location. If you’re there on business, or if you simply want a more formal hotel, then  Rooms Hotel  for midrange, and  Citrus Hotel  for a nice place from which to visit the city. These are in a different part than Old Town, but still a lot to visit and see.

Getting to and Around Tbilisi and Georgia

Fly into Tbilisi International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities worldwide. From there, you can easily access the city center by taxi or public transportation.

Tbilisi’s compact size makes it convenient to explore on foot, and the efficient metro system offers a convenient way to navigate the city. Consider booking a guided city tour or exploring independently using reliable maps and travel resources to make the most of your time in Tbilisi.

Know Your History and Context

• One More Year : This book traverses the vast expanse of the collapsed Soviet Union, unveiling a treasure trove of captivating stories. You can to immerse yourself in the intricate tapestry of everyday life and culture, interwoven with the profound consequences stemming from the region’s tumultuous history.
• The Caucasus: An Introduction : Esteemed journalist Thomas de Waal meticulously unveils the intricate layers of this region’s turbulent history, providing a comprehensive and well-documented account that will enrich your understanding and appreciation.
• Georgian Folk Tales : This book offers a unique way to learn more about Georgian history. These folk tales are  free here  as a part of project Gutenberg, but spring for the $1.99 version for a clean reading experience.

Best Day Trips from Tbilisi

• Explore the Breathtaking David Gareja Monastery : This is situated a bit far from the city, but it’s worth the trip to immerse yourself in its spiritual ambiance and captivating beauty. It was among my favorite day trips from Tbilsi. Ensure a smooth trip by arranging transportation or hiring a guide, and don’t forget to try the delightful honey made from almond tree blossoms. This day tour on Viator is a good option since you’ll need transport, plus it includes Rainbow Mountains.
• Venture to Kazbegi for Nature’s Delights : Aday trip to Kazbegi offers a lot of gorgeous scenery, and you can visit the mesmerizing Tsminda Sameba Church perched on a hill overlooking the village. Indulge in hinkali if you’re a meat eater, it’s a traditional meat dish served at nearby cafés. A private day tour like this one is the best way to maximize your time there.
• Tour the Historic Monasteries and Churches near Mtskheta : Take an easy day trip from the city to Mtskheta, the former capital of Eastern Georgia and a significant center of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Immerse yourself in the rich religious and cultural heritage as you explore the monasteries and churches that dot this historic town.
• Venture into Armenia for a Weekend Getaway : Take advantage of the proximity to Armenia and embark on a weekend trip or tour to explore the neighboring country’s unique culture and attractions. Experience the allure of a different destination while keeping Tbilisi as your base.

Georgia Travel Guide

Planning a trip to the Republic of Georgia? This detailed Georgia Travel Guide outlines possible routes and nitty-gritty details. I aggregated my experiences in Georgia, plus all the tips from A Little Adrift readers. This is a free, comprehensive guide of history, sights, things to do, responsible tourism, and recommended readings.

63 thoughts on “A Little Charm… Things You’ll Fall in Love with in Tbilisi, Georgia”

Such stunning images! Can’t wait to visit the place.. 😍👌 Thanks..

I don’t know about you but I was there 2 months ago. Everyone on the street has a grim face, no one smiles and the place is full of scammers who want to cheat foreigners

I’m sorry to hear that was your experience as I found the people so warm. I hope that you at least found some tasty food and wine to enjoy!

What an amazing pics you have shared of Tbilisi, Georgia. After reading this, I am just going to make a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia. Thank you for sharing and Best of Luck!

So glad it resonated Akshay! It’s truly one of my favorite places and I know you’ll love it too.

Interesting fact: Total land area of Georgia is 69,700 km2 (approx. 26,911 mi²). 28577 km2 of Georgia’s territory is covered in forests. and forest land comprises 41% of all the land in the country.

A chic country with amazing nature and very hospitable people. Food, wine, music … Thanks for your story. Very beautiful photos.

Dear team, https://alittleadrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/map_of_georgia_caucasus-654×565.png In the linked photo you described Nagorno Karabakh as an independed republic. I would like to notify you that, Karabakh is an inseparable part of Azerbaijan. In this link you will see resolutions of United Nations about it.

Please be so kind and check the links I attached and change the map according to the international law Thanks in advance.

This is not my map, but rather one I found online, and since this is a post about Georgia—and it clearly shows the two contested areas of Georgia—I will keep it. I would love a better photo, but have not found one. I’ll leave your comment though so others can learn more about it. Thank you for sharing.

Have been planning to visit Georgia for about two years now. Thanks for sharing the great article and pictures. You’ve convinced me to go soon!!

So glad to hear that! Have an amazing trip :)

Hi , Shannon , I will do Georgia trip this May, Do you still have email contact for your guide ,or which one for your recommendation.

Hi! Good question. Bacho was my Airbnb host, so I don’t think he does general guiding, but rather acts as a guide for his Airbnb people. I loved the apartment I rented from him, they are gorgeous and well located spots if you are in the market his profile is here .)

Hi Shannon, Reading your blog whilst sat in my apartment in Tbilisi on an 8 day visit from the UK. I totally get why you fell for this place. A hidden treasure, glad I made it here before it gets too touristy. Thanks for your blog, its great.

Hi Anthony! I am so glad to hear that you are there and enjoying the beauty of Tbilisi. Since I visited a couple years ago, I only hear more people talking about it, so I definitely think you’re right to go now. It’s not even remotely an “on-the-path” destination, but it surely will be soon. Now you have me jonesing for Georgian food! Have an incredible time exploring and thanks for finding your way to the site. :)

I went to Georgia just very recently. You are right with all that you have said in this blog. Georgia is indeed charming :)

So glad to hear that you had a similarly charming experience there! I do just love the country. :)

Thank you for this. My husband and I leave for Georgia in less than a month and it will be my first time traveling abroad. Everyone keeps asking how we decided on Georgia. I read a bit about the food first and the more I read about the country, the quicker it rose to the top of my travel list.

I am so glad to hear you have a trip planned! It’s unlike any other place — the wine, food, and hospitality are sure to make it a memorable experience. I will admit though, it’s a unique choice for your first trip. But the Georgian people will undoubtedly make for amazing hosts on your first time abroad. Please let me know if there is any advice I can help with as you plan. :)

I appreciate that. We have been reading up on the culture so as to minimize the inevitable tourist faux pas. I’m doing well picking up basic words and phrases in Georgian, but their language is tricky. Are there any customs you think we should know about before we go.

It is a tricky language! But they will love that you have picked some up. As for customs, they have hospitality embedded in their cultural identity, so if you go curious and respectful, there’s nothing you could do truly wrong. I hope it’s a wonderful experience for you!

Georgia is not a destination that was ever top of my wish list but you do make it look intriguing!

Thanks Linzi! It was so unexpectedly lovely if you do make it over to that part of the world. :)

Beautiful photography and very well curated!! Thanks so much, Samantha

Georgia has some vibrant culture, as far as I can see. They do have a strange alphabet though. Have you managed to “decipher” some of it while you were there ? :)

What a travel..it was so lovely and deep i was in Georgia for a min, I love the way you wrote more the way you experienced …good job.

Wow! This is by far the most beautiful blog post on Georgia I have ever read!

Aww, thank you Clara, you made my day. I tried so hard with this piece to make it share just what made Georgia so special. :)

Wonderful pictures. This historic and cultural blend makes Tbilisi unique. We will be there soon, HOPEFULLY. :)

I hope you make it! It’s one of the more special spots that I’ve visited in the past couple of years.

I was in Tbilisi in the mid-80’s when it was still Soviet. I remember dull, gray, dreary…except for the dancing. Ah, the native folk dancing. I was mesmerized from the first second. I was SO in love with it that I stayed for a second professional performance just to see it all again…and was the only member of the audience. All the other tourists had left, yet they gave me again their hearts and souls on the dance floor. I sat in the front row of course, and marveled at the costumes, the strength and will of the men, the beauty of the women…..seeing your photos gave me chills. I have obviously never forgotten that wonderful experience. I still to this day look for them to come to the states to dance.

As for food..when we got on our student bus in Moscow the first think our Soviet Intourist guide asked was “Do we have any vegetarians?” I whooped and yelled “yes!”, and she smiled. I had been fearful of starving. I was fed first at every meal, big plates of veggies, much more than the others got, while they had to stare at mystery meat for three weeks. By the end, all were wishing they had been vegetarian.

What a fascinating time to have been in the country. The vibe is certainly different now, but the culture, music, dance, and magic are still there. And as a vegetarian, we rarely are thrown a bone, but it sounds like you definitely had the advantage at the food tables! Thank you so much for sharing your own memories. That part of Georgia is still present in the country — the monastery I visited had visible signs of damage to the frescoes, done during the Soviet Era. Do you have any plans to go back?

No, no plans. That area, and Egypt, are places I would never want to repeat. I don’t want to ruin the magic I felt. Everything changes, and I want to remember them as I saw them. Magic rarely strikes twice. :)

Yesss, that is very true. There are a couple of places I feel the same way about. There’s other magic out there and it sometimes better to leave the great memories there and explore someplace new. :)

Georgia only i know from lesson at the school before but here all open to deepest heart of the country. I will learn more about the country and some day should be travel to Georgia. Dream country since now after reading your lovely article. Should be the country to visit.

Thank you Ema, it’s beautiful and welcoming and I hope you make it there!

Hi Shannon,

Beautiful images! The culture of hospitality jumps out at me. Bali is one of my fave places on earth for 1 core reason; if you live in a Balinese village, you’re treated like someone from Bali. We were invited to a wedding and many of the endless ceremonies around the island because these folks are so darn warm, authentic and inviting. Their hearts are HUGE. Just like the beautiful Georgians.

My travels through Bali were so short, but even in the time I was there I could see the culture of hospitality. I am so glad you found welcome there. It is definitely that same level of friendship and welcome in Georgia! :)

Thanks for this post, its impressive, not only because its about the country which i love the most.. but your writing style… hope you will come back one day and explore also our mountains as Svaneti and Tusheti or Racha . it will be interesting to read a story about those trips : )) Good luck to you !

Hi Smari! I am so glad that you enjoyed the piece and I do hope to head back to Georgia this year to see your beautiful mountain regions. Many thanks for reading! :)

I’m georgian and as georgian I’m so proud of my country! and I’m so glad I read it! thank you peope for your esteem to my country’s culture.I’m very happy I found this post! thank you a lot.

Thank you for reading Keti! I am so glad you enjoyed it and feel like it was a fair representation. I experienced such wonderful welcome and hospitality in your country and I can’t wait to go back. :)

feeling really happy while reading this. <3 Georgia's waiting for you to join our love and happiness!

While I agree with your observations, I feel that Tbilisi is becoming stereotyped by the Old Town. When I return in May, I want to see about the outer suburbs that I was briefly exposed to…..the, what I was told, ‘strong sense of community’ even in the tall ex-soviet accommodation towers that sprout from the surrounding hillsides. Keen to meet locals

I do see what you mean, there is a lot of focus on what is just one part of the city. I did make it out into a few other areas of the city, but unfortunately I found the lack of English hard to connect and find the same level of welcome that you have in the places more set up for tourism. i hear that throughout the country there is that same strong welcome, and like you I hope to return and explore.

I have not been to Vadzia, but I have heard of how beautiful it is. Have you been there?

No, I didn’t make it there on this trip but I do hope to visit too!

You forgot to mention the amazing beautiful Svanetia and Tusheti! Unbeliavable nature!

If you can even believe it, I didn’t make it there this time. I am definitely returning, however, so both of those places are on my list for the next visit — I hear they are breathtakingly pretty.

Hello Shannon, glad you liked our city and country :) I you’ll decide to come to Tbilisi next time, do not hesitate to let me know and I’d be happy to show you some places for non-smokers and where you can taste the best wines indeed))

Best wishes

Thank you Joe! I hope to return within a year or so and I will definitely shoot you an email; thank you for the offer and for the welcome! :)

Not to mention an extremely hospitable visa policy. Citizens of over 60 countries can enter visa free for a whole year.

Oh wow, I didn’t know you got a year on arrival. Generous indeed! Thanks for letting me know!

Georgia is oh so high on my bucket list, thanks for sharing your experiences and further increasing my wanderlust ;)

It deserves to be high on the list, I hope you make it there soon! And glad the piece resonated, you won’t regret putting it into the travel plans :)

There are so many things I want to say right now, but all I can come up with is this: wow. xx

Exactly how I felt when I was there! :)

Maybe it was the wine? :) Or the food? We have visited Georgia a few months ago and were smitten! Great to read little bit more about your time there.

Glad to hear it wasn’t just me! Smitten is a great word, totally how I feel too. :)

A close friend recently came back from Tbilisi and I feel in love with it through her photos. Your post is just further proof that it is definitely a country to put on my travel wishlist. Thanks for the insightful post!

Thank you Julia, glad the piece resonated. I loved my time there and I definitely think it deserves a spot on your travel wishlist. It has so many different aspects that it makes for a neat place to visit. :)

Thank you Shannon for bringing Georgia to my front door. That was a lovely introduction and you can be assured that I will be keeping my eyes open for more travel information about this small country. I am always intrigued when a country/place previously unknown to me suddenly marches forth and says “here I am”.

So glad you enjoyed the piece Joanne. Georgia is one of those places I expect you will see marching forth more in the comning years. Because they are out of internal conflict only in the past decade, there is a lot more tourism and shifts happening quickly putting it on the travel map. :)

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• Why Georgia
• Destinations
• Things To Do
• Nature & Adventure
• Useful Info

Tbilisi - The City That Loves You

One of Europe’s oldest capitals, Tbilisi has been the cultural, political, and economic center of Georgia (Country) for fifteen centuries. At the heart of the city lies historic Old Tbilisi, which was built during the early Middle Ages. This two square kilometre section of the city is a must-see for any visitor to Tbilisi, as it houses some of the city’s most iconic sites.

The main attraction of Old Tbilisi is the colourful domed 17th-century baths. Fed by naturally hot sulfur water, legends say that it was these very waters that convinced King Vakhtang Gorgasali to found the city. As you soak in the very same waters and stare up at the decorative tiles of the domed baths, you’ll begin to understand why they might move a man to found an entire city in their name!

Tbilisi’s cosmopolitan nature is epitomized by the religious diversity that can be found within the city. As you wander the cobblestone streets and laneways of Old Tbilisi, you’ll see Georgian Orthodox churches, Armenian churches, Catholic churches, a mosque, and two synagogues. 

Any Tbilisi bucket list is likely to feature a visit to the noble Metekhi Temple that sits high above the city on a cliff. A statue of the temple’s builder and the founder of Tbilisi, Vakhtang Gorgasali, stands in the temple courtyard. If you, like the king himself, look out from this courtyard, you’ll see the whole of Old Tbilisi sitting before you. It is one of the city’s most breathtaking views.

There are plenty of places in Tbilisi where you can take in a view of the entire city. The highest point, however, is Mtatsminda. Amidst the verdancy of Mtatsminda Park , you will find restaurants and cafes, amusement park rides, and plenty of secluded corners in which to rest and relax. Accessible on foot, by car, or by the popular funicular that connects the mountain to the city, it is a popular playground for locals and visitors alike.

As you wander the old streets, you’ll see a style known as Tbilisi Modern, recognisable by buildings decked with facades and painted entrance halls, each of which is ready to tell its own emotional story.

Tbilisi, and Georgia in general, is a paradise for foodies. Here, cooking is an art form. Thanks to the country’s geographical position between Europe and Asia, Georgian cuisine has evolved into a unique and tantalizing mixture of exquisite flavors the likes of which you cannot find anywhere else on earth.

Throughout Tbilisi you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and bars with a dizzying selection of both local and foreign foods, Georgia’s famous wine, and a dynamic nightlife.

The main thoroughfare of the city is the 1.5-kilometer-long Rustaveli Avenue. Along this street, you’ll find many historic buildings such as the Parliament of Georgia, the Opera House , the National Gallery, Rustaveli Theater, the Modern Art Museum, the National Library, and Kashveti Church. You’ll also find a variety of stores, cafes, and tree-lined squares along its length. There is something for everyone on Rustaveli Avenue.

Multiple buildings and monuments vie for the honor of being the symbol of Tbilisi. There is Sameba Cathedral, the monumental statues of Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia), King Vakhtang Gorgasali, and Saint George, imposing Narikala Fortress, the modern Bridge of Peace over the Mtkvari River, the Hall of Justice, and the President’s Palace.

However, Tbilisi is not all about monuments. There are smaller, no less enchanting discoveries to make. For example, in the square outside of Gabriadze’s Marionette Theatre, where the aroma of coffee constantly lingers, you’ll see an amazing puppet presentation called The Circle of Life each day at 12:00 and 19:00. It is sure to delight every traveler.

Of course, Tbilisi is also a modern, dynamic city. In the newer areas of the city, you will find universities, business centers, malls, entertainment complexes, restaurants, and nightclubs. While very much a city steeped in its rich history, Tbilisi is also a lively, dynamic place in which people gather to eat, drink, dance, and embrace the unique blend of history and 21st-century amenities that exists here.

Tbilisi, Georgia: Travel Guide & Best Things to Do

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

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

Tbilisi, Georgia Travel Guide

My general impressions from tbilisi.

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

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

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

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

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

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History of Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia

Discover the maze of the old town.

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

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

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

Relax at Hot Springs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hike to Narikala Fortress & Kartlis Deda

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

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

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

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

Find a Waterfall at the Botanical Gardens of Tbilisi

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

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

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

Watch the Pupper Show on the Clock Tower

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

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

Play with Local Cats

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

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

See Betlemi Stairs

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

Pay Respects at Mtatsminda Pantheon and Have Fun at Mtatsminda Park

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

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

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

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

Visit Georgian National Museum

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

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

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

Walk the Bridge of Peace

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Tsminda Sameba Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

Buy Antiques at the Soviet Market

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

Take a Trip to the Chronicles of Georgia

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

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

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

Explore Soviet Suburbs

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

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

Hotel: Stamba

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

Hotel: Hotel Flower

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

Guest House: Mariam R.

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

Budget: Fabrika

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

Alternative: Alcatraz Jail

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

Tbilisi Travel Tips

Insurance for georgia.

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

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

Nightlife in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

Transportation in Georgia

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Tbilisi, Georgia

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

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

Some popular options include:

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

Food and Restaurants in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any questions about traveling to Tbilisi, Georgia?

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Laura Leber

Sunday 14th of February 2021

I would have to strongly disagree with your comment about the suburbs/Communist style buildings are not a place to walk around at night. I've lived in Tbilisi for one year, most of which has been in exactly these types of places. Tbilisi is extremely safe and I don't think twice about walking around by myself at night in the outskirts of downtown. I've even walked home from Fabrika to Saburtalo at night and didn't encounter any problems. The outskirts/suburbs are just as charming as downtown.

Thursday 15th of July 2021

Hi Anna & Laura, can u please tell me if parking places are easy to find in town & around & is it expensive? Thank you. Milene.

Tuesday 12th of November 2019

Tbilisi seems interesting. Hope I can visit this place soon. The structures are pretty cool though.

Monday 4th of November 2019

Thank you Anna for this detailed post, I've been waiting for it! I'm looking forward to visiting Tbilisi soon, next year, and exploring the places your recommended :)

The Ultimate Tbilisi, Georgia Travel Guide

• Last Updated On: September 8, 2023

Tbilisi is Georgia’s vibrant capital city and one of my favorite cities in Europe (or is it Asia?). Tbilisi has come a long ways over the past few decades after the fall of the Soviet Union. Nowadays, it is fast becoming the digital nomad hotspot and a must see stop in Georgia. 

I spent quite some time in Tbilisi visiting the countless cafes, restaurants, bars, and historical sights the city has to offer. Tbilisi is an incredibly livable city and I totally understand why so many people have set up shop in Tbilisi as a long term work and stay destination. 

There’s a lot to do in Tbilisi. Whether you’re here for 1 day or 10 days, you’ll find something to keep you occupied and happy. This travel guide goes into detail about everything you need to know about the city to have a great time. 

How to get around Tbilisi

Tbilisi is quite spread out and there are distinct neighborhoods around town. The old town is where most tourists will want to gravitate towards but if you want to get out of the old town, you’ll want to know how to do it. 

Airport Transportation From Tbilisi AIrport to city center

There are two ways to get from the Tbilisi airport to the city center: Bus or Cab. For the bus, take the #37 bus which will go straight to the Freedom Square. From here, you can take a metro or cab to your final destination.

Alternatively, a cab will save you plenty of time. The cost is around 20 GEL to the old town and a bit more if you’re going to Vake. The taxi takes around 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. The cost might be more if you don’t use a ride hailing app as you’ll have to negotiate your ride.

Public transportation

There is an extensive bus system around Tbilisi that connects the city. Buses run quite frequently and it is the main method that the locals use. The prices are 0.5 GEL per ride (~$0.16). 

In addition, there is an underground metro that also connects the main points in the city. The metro has 2 lines and 21 stations around the city. The cost is also 0.5 GEL per ride. 

Ride Hailing

I was looking at how to get around using the public transportation until I looked at the prices for ride hailing services. To summarize, it is  incredibly cheap to use hail a taxi in Tbilisi. In fact, it might be the cheapest place I’ve ever seen. It’s even cheaper than Beirut Lebanon which saw their currency tumble 95% so it was artificially extremely low. 

I paid 4-6 GEL per ride around town (around $1-2). Yes I’m not joking, I would travel sometimes a distance of 5km over 15 minutes and my ride would be 5 GEL. It seems quite hard to believe and I still struggle to understand how taxi drivers make any money but I won’t complain.

Bolt  is my preferred method for ride hailing in Tbilisi. The app is very nice and is fully integrated with Google Maps. There are taxis everywhere so you’ll never have to wait long. 

Yandex is the alternative to Bolt. The Russian app is also quite good but it does not use Google Maps which just automatically makes it a lower tier than Bolt. Nevertheless, I did have trouble adding my credit card to Bolt so I had to resort to cash payment which was annoying. Surprisingly, Yandex accepted my credit cards so I ended up using Yandex more. 

Avoid getting into a regular taxi

Taxis are  not metered in Tbilisi so if you get into a taxi without using an app like Yandex and Bolt, you’ll need to negotiate your price before hand. For the first time tourist, this means you have no idea what the proper prices are and might get taken advantage of. 

I would just avoid this altogether and get the apps. If you do not have a Georgian mobile sim card (which is incredibly cheap), then use the free wifi around the city (Tbilisi Loves You). The network is questionable at times but it should be enough to call a taxi. 

For example, a regular taxi fare on the app from the airport to the city center is between 20-25 GEL. If you “negotiate” with the taxi driver, they will charge you 50 GEL, or even 80 GEL depending on how little you know! It’s a free for all so don’t fall victim!

What to do in Tbilisi?

There’s a lot to see in Tbilisi. The capital city has seen numerous empires move through over the centuries leaving its mark. Tbilisi is not a “beautiful” city by European standards. You won’t see huge museums or cathedrals but I find it breathtaking for its views and history. 

Free Walking Tour

As with any city, I always love to do the free walking tour when I get in just so I’m familiar with what’s around me. The free walking tour in Tbilisi meets in the Freedom Square every day at noon. 

The tour walks primarily around the old town with the guide giving you insider details on things you would never know about otherwise. The tour gave me a good base and understanding of the history of Tbilisi. Personally I found it very fascinating that the Georgian language is completely unrelated to any other family of languages and spoken by no one else. The alphabet looks like a cave painting and is also not utilized anywhere else in the world, not even Armenia to the south. This reminds me of my trip to the Baltic states where it was a similar situation with Lithuanian and Latvian. 

We visited a variety of different sights around the old town ending in the sulfur baths area. I highly recommend this tour when you arrive. 

Sulfur Baths

Sulfur baths are one of the must visit highlights of Tbilis. The legend tells that the baths are connected with the foundation of Tbilisi. According to the myth, in the second half of 5th century the king of Georgia found the thermal springs. He was impressed with the sulphur hot springs and ordered to build the baths and a city around them. The city was named Tbilisi that means “warm”.

The water in the baths comes from mineral sulphur springs which are hot, from 37 to 50 degrees. All the baths are situated below the ground level. The architecture of the houses is traditional Persian, each bathhouse has its own style and features.

I went to the Chreli Abano sulfur baths (there are numerous houses/companies) which is famous for its beautiful blue marble facade. I spent one hour in a room with a hot and cold bath. The smell of the sulfur is initially quite pungent but you get used to it quickly. The water is very refreshing and you can even feel how soft your skin is after a session. 

I think one hour is plenty of time to experience it but two hours is better if you want to really relax and get into it. The cost for the specific room I booked was 150 GEL per hour. The smaller rooms are cheaper starting at 70 GEL. The rooms are entirely private and you can order drinks or tea to your room from the front desk. 

Visit the Leghvtakhevi Waterfall

There is a waterfall in Tbilisi city! Yes, it is located in the old town past the sulfur baths. Just follow the walking path and you’ll stumble upon a large 20 meter waterfall in the middle of the town. 

It’s a great place for a romantic stroll or a break from the urban garden of Tbilisi.

Holy Trinity Church

Without a doubt, a visit to the Holy Trinity church of Tbilisi is a must. This Orthodox church is the biggest in Georgia and definitely one of the largest Orthodox churches I’ve ever seen. This church is actually one of the newest churches built of such statue. 

The church started construction after the fall of the Soviet Union as a way for Georgia to commemorate their Christian traditions. It was only completed in 2004 and is now visible from almost everywhere in the city. The church is almost 100 meters high and upon first glance, it towers in comparison to the other many churches in the city. 

Entrance inside is free and while enormous, it is not that impressive compared to say the church in Mtskheta. The detailing inside is not as pronounced which makes sense given that it is a new church. Nevertheless, it is a must visit attraction!

Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace is considered to be one of the main modern architectural attractions of Tbilisi. This is a futuristic pedestrian bridge over the Mtkvari River (Kourou). It’s located between the Metekhi Bridge and the Baratashvili Bridge near the cable car, and connects Irakli II Street in Old Tbilisi and Rike Park in Avlabar.

The Bridge of Peace is very unusual. If you have a look at it from far distance, it’s a transparent structure made of glass and steel, which resembles a huge fishing net that is spread across the river. This 156-meter-high arch-shaped bridge, made of glass and steel, was designed by the Italian architect Michele De Lucchi and then was brought to Georgia from Italy in a disassembled form of 200 components.

Visit the Naharilika Fortress and Mother of Georgia statue

The Narikala Fortress is one of the most popular destinations in all of Tbilisi. It’s located atop the old town and highlights the iconic views of the old town. The fortress dates back to the 4th century and has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times as Tbilisi has changed hands between Turks, Persians, and Arabs. 

You can visit the fortress by walking from the old town, or by taking the aerial tramway from across the bridge. You can’t miss the trams as they highlight the skyline of Tbilisi and run regularly. The cost of this tram is 3 GEL one way. I recommend taking the tram up to the fortress and walk down, enjoying the historic buildings of the old town. 

In addition, you can also visit the Mother of Georgia statue. This huge 20 meter statue can be seen from all over the city.  It was erected in 1958, the year Tbilisi celebrated its 1500 year anniversary by prominent Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli. Mother of Georgia symbolizes the Georgian national character: in her left hand she holds a bowl of wine to greet those who come as friends, and in her right hand is a sword for those who come as enemies.

Take the Funicular to the amusement park

The cable car connects the central part of the city with Mtatsminda Plateau which is actually an amusement park in at the top of the city. The views here are fantastic and there is even a ferris wheel you can ride with the same amazing views. 

The views are pretty much the same as the ones from the fortress so if you’ve already been to the fortress, this might seem repetitive. 

What to eat in Tbilisi

Georgian food is absolutely delicious. There is such a wide array of delicious items that completely caught me off guard when visiting. Georgia was at the crossroads between east and west and the countless generations of spice traders and empires that rolled through the region resulted in a very tasty palate being developed. 

Khinkali, or Georgian soup dumplings are by far the most treasured and delicious thing I had in Georgia. I must have had this every other meal because who doesn’t like a good soup dumpling? Throw in Khatchapuri, Georgian salads with sunflower oil, grilled meat kebabs, chicken shkmeruli, and much more. You won’t go hungry in Georgia and Tbilisi and your bank account won’t go broke either. 

Here is a list of all the restaurants I went to which totally made the trip for me!

Salobie Bia

Located on the main Shota Rustaveli Ave, Salobie Bia specializes in simple Georgian food done well. Located in a basement setting, this restaurant has tasteful decor and a warm ambiance for a dinner meal. The food focuses on top quality ingredients and with a slight modern twist on the food. 

For example, the Shkmeruli (chicken in garlic and milk sauce) is not swimming in a sea of sauce but rather reduced to a flavor dense paste. The chicken is perfectly grilled and the sauce perfectly seasoned making this dish one of my favorites in Georgia. Highly recommend a visit here!

Leila is located near to the old town and is one of the most charming cafes and restaurants in the city. The inside is immaculately decorated with traditional Georgian paintings, vintage furniture, and detailed stucco all along the walls. 

There is a beautiful outdoor area as well which is perfect for having a cafe or lunch. It doesn’t open until noon though so might be a bit late for those looking for just a typical cafe. Highly worth a visit to this restaurant just to see the decorations however. Stay for a glass of Georgian red wine!

Pasanauri is a local chain of restaurants in Tbilisi serving traditional Georgian food. I went to the location in the old town in front of the river. I had khinkali and khatchapuri here and it is fantastic. The mtsvadi is also quite delicious.

Zodiako is the ultimate restaurant for khinkali and other Georgian specialties. I had khinkali countless times in Tbilisi and I must say that this one was my favorite. The indoor space is also very inviting and charming.

Georgian House

Georgian House is a must visit restaurant in my opinion. It is a traditional Georgian restaurant located in a huge space with amazing ambiance and decor. They serve all the Georgian classics and do it very well. I had Khinkali (a must of course), khatchapuri (another must), Shkmeruli (chicken cooked in garlic sauce), and various Mtsvadi (grilled meat kebabs). I topped it all off with wine course. 

They have a huge indoor space with an open kitchen where you can watch the people grilling meat. As well, there is a large outdoor terrace for the warmer months. On certain nights, they have a live band playing traditional Georgian music. Doesn’t get better than this!

Excuse the terrible pictures as I forgot my camera here!

Marani Restaurant

Located right next to the sulfur baths in the old town, Marani is a restaurant with a very nice terrace serving traditional Georgian food. This restaurant came highly recommended to me by my Airbnb owner. It looked quite nice but I can’t recommend this restaurant after they charged me 24 Lari for a glass of wine. I paid less for bottles in most places in Georgia. You pay for the view I guess, but even for that it felt like highway robbery. 

Iasamani Restaurant

Located in the old town of Tbilisi, this beautiful modern Georgian restaurant is located in a an old building with high ceilings and decorative paintings. The food here is a more upscale and modern take on Georgian food. It’s not michelin star multiple course tasting type of food, but the food is just a more refined version of the traditional dishes.

I had a Georgian salad here (which I just love) and the chicken shkmeruli which was absolutely delicious. They also make some of the best cocktails in Tbilisi so come here for a drink before dinner. 

There are an insane amount of wine bars in Tbilisi which makes sense as the country’s wines deserve so many outlets. I really liked g.Vino bar in the old town. This quaint little restaurant offers an inviting interior as well as outdoor seats that are perfect for people watching. 

They have a huge variety of Georgian wines as well as delicious food. I only came here for a wine which I loved. The red wine in Georgia is delicious. I also particularly liked the home made sunflower oil with home made bread. I’ve never eaten something like the sunflower oil in Georgia before. Its aromatic fragrance reminds me of truffle oil. 

The Cocktail Factory

If you’re looking for good cocktails in Tbilisi, look no further than the cocktail factory. Located in the Wine Factory space in Vake, this cocktail bar is definitely the best in town. They have a large trendy space but the cocktails are the highlight. 

I had a variety of cocktails here including a mezcal negroni and their take on a whisky sour. The bartenders are also very attentive and friendly. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby to the cocktail factory making it the spot to go on weekend nights. 

Balcony no 21

Balcony no 21 is located in the old town and offers a traditional dining experience with a quintessential Georgian style balcony. The balcony only has three tables so you should book in advance especially during the summer months. 

The restaurant is slightly more expensive than others but it is worth it in my opinion.

Coffee lab is one of the best cafes in Tbilisi. It’s located a bit out of the way but this is the ultimate digital nomad hotspot. The coffee is roasted on site and they also serve delicious food. 

Cafe Stamba

Located in the trendy yet rustic Stamba hotel, Cafe Stamba is the perfect place for a delicious breakfast or a weekend brunch. There are plenty of plants to contrast the industrial chic feel of the large yet open space. 

There is also a large outdoor terrace with communal tables for those preferring fresh air. The coffee and food here is top notch as you would expect for a hotel of this caliber. It’s a bit loud at times however so it might not be the perfect place to do work if you’re looking for a quiet place to take calls. 

Located in the Vake district of Tbilisi, this cafe is one of my favorites in the city. The breakfast options are absolutely delicious as evidenced by my syrniki that was by far the best I’ve had. Even better than the restaurants in Chisinau, Moldova that specialized in syrniki. Totally unexpected for a breakfast cafe spot. 

Lui Coffee is the perfect place to work as well. There are plugs everywhere, fast wifi and ample seating inside or outside. 

Puri Guliani

Last but not least, you can’t forget about Puri Guliani. Located at the Moxy Marriott hotel, this cafe also roasts its coffee on site as well as an on site bakery making fresh bread and croissants. They also have an extensive breakfast menu for those looking to brunch. 

The space is very big with outdoor seating overlooking the river which I liked. The coffee is fantastic as well.

Where to stay in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a small city and a big city at the same time. The old town of Tbilisi is where most people would naturally gravitate towards staying because that is usually the case in most other European capitals. Most of the action for tourists and locals alike happen in and around the old town of major European cities. However, this is not the case for Tbilisi.

The old town of Tbilisi and the “newer” part of town are far away from each other and not walking distance. 

Staying in the old town

The old town of Tbilisi is actually not where all the action is. There isn’t much to do in the old town besides look at beautiful traditional Georgian houses, with a handful of restaurants and bars. Walking around the old town, you won’t see many people like you would in most old towns in other cities around Europe.

Therefore, I recommend staying in the old town simply for the views and being close to the main attractions. If you’re staying in Tbilisi for just a few days, then this is the place for you. 

Stay in Vake if you’re a digital nomad

If you’re planning to stay in Tbilisi for a longer period, and/or are a digital nomad, I would recommend staying outside of the old town. The Vake area is particularly popular among long term Tbilisi folks as it offers much more. Vake is about 15 minutes driving from the old town or 25 minutes by public transportation. It is not walkable.

Unlike the old town where you sometimes wonder you even are, there is a lot more going on in Vake. There are many more restaurants, bars, and general infrastructure that is perfect for those staying for longer periods of time. In addition, you’ll find the gyms and fitness clubs in this area if that is of importance to you. There are essentially no gyms in the old town. 

Airbnb is the way to go in Tbilisi

I looked far and wide for good accommodations in Tbilisi. Most of the hotels didn’t look that great and there aren’t many attractive guesthouses. If you’re on a budget, look no further than staying at the  Fabrika Hostel which is the hotspot known all around town. There are a ton of people that stay here and there is always something happening. They also have cafes, restaurants, and bars all around the old communist warehouse building. 

Otherwise, stay in an Airbnb like this one that has absolutely breathtaking views of the old town and fortress!

Boutique Hotel Sandali

I stayed in the Boutique Hotel Sandali on the other side of the river for one night while transiting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. If you want to stay in a hotel with room service and the like, this boutique hotel is quite nice. It’s pricier than the other options available in Tbilisi but I really liked the view from the bedroom!

One day itinerary for Tbilisi

If you’re in Tbilisi for only one full day, then you’ll need to start early and blaze through the town. I can understand that some people might want to dedicate much time to Tbilisi because there’s so much to offer in terms of nature with the country but I still advise against it. Nevertheless, this is how I would plan a day in Tbilisi.

8:30am: Start the morning by visiting one of the amazing cafes in town. 

9:30am:  Walk through the old town including the sulfur baths and the waterfall

10:30am:  Bridge of Peace towards the new town, take the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress

12:00pm:  Walk through the old town and take a Bolt/Yandex to Zodiako Restaurant for a lunch of delicious khinkali.

2:00pm: After lunch, take a taxi to the Holy Trinity Church

4:30pm: Afternoon wine at g.Vino Bar

7:00pm:  Traditional Georgian dinner at Georgian House

Day trip to Mtskheta

Mtskheta is the former medieval capital of the Georgian civilization. Located just 20 km north of Tbilisi, this is one of the oldest and most important cities in its history. 

Mtskheta and the iconic Jvari monastery makes for a perfect day trip from Tbilisi and is easily accessible through a variety of means. You don’t even need a full day to see Mtskheta and Jvari as the town is so small. 

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The Complete Travel Guide to Old Town Tbilisi, Georgia

Welcome to the complete guide to Old Town, Tbilisi, Georgia! Let’s face it. Most people have not heard of Tbilisi, the capital of the country of Georgia. This isn’t Paris or Barcelona by any stretch of the imagination.

Hell, most Americans don’t even know there is a country that shares its name with our southeastern state. But this is what makes Tbilisi so fascinating to visit. An ancient European city that is off the beaten tourist path.

The Old Town of Tbilisi is full of charming cobblestone streets and eastern orthodox churches on hills just waiting to be discovered. This Tbilisi travel guide will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Old Town!  

Old Town Tbilisi – What You Need to Know

Old town tbilisi travel guide, georgian food, get outside of old town, day trips from tbilisi, frequently asked questions, old town tbilisi – final word .

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent World Nomads, Booking.com or GetYourGuide. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article.

Where is Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is in central Georgia (that’s between Russia and Armenia), nestled between mountain ranges. With over one million people it’s a pretty big city. But the closest city that could be considered a household name is Tehran.

How to get to Tbilisi

There is an international airport in Tbilisi, the main airport for Georgia. There are not too many direct flights there though. You can fly direct from Istanbul, Frankfurt, and Dubai among a few others. You’ll probably have a one stop flight from wherever you are coming from. 

Weather and when to visit

Georgia is a very mountainous country, so storms can occur anytime. But Tbilisi has a semi-arid ecosystem and is dry and sunny most of the time. Summers can get pretty hot and winters can snow. If you visit in the warmer half of the year chances are you will get favorable weather. 

Tbilisi can be visited year round but for the best weather and best chance of clear skies visit in the summer. It can be hot, but it’s dry so it’s manageable. Tbilisi is still not on the average tourist’s radar, so it’s not overcrowded. But who knows, maybe by 2030 the world will discover how amazing Georgia is and Tbilisi will become as crowded as Prague or Budapest!  

How to get around Tbilisi

I recommend using Bolt to get around. It’s like a Georgian Uber. It’s literally the same thing. But in Tbilisi it’s dirt cheap. If you don’t get a local SIM card for your phone it won’t be as easy to use Bolt, as you’ll need wifi to order, but I think it’s still worth it.

I definitely recommend getting a local SIM card if you’ll be in Georgia a week or more. It’s very cheap and cell coverage in the country is excellent. There is a metro system in Tbilisi but there are limited stops in the Old Town. Given how cheap Bolt is, it didn’t seem worth it to experiment with the metro or the bus system. 

Georgian is the official language and it’s likely that even here in the city many locals you will encounter will not speak much English. Even many Georgians of the younger generation struggle with English.

That being said, it’s a vibrant, busy city so it’s likely someone nearby speaks fluent English if you are having trouble communicating. Many locals will also speak Russian.

The Georgian Lari (GEL) is the currency and you will need cash. Many smaller guest houses and a fair amount of restaurants do not accept credit cards. There are ATMs everywhere though. Get some cash at the airport to start your trip.

Compared to a western country Georgia is very, very cheap. Old Town Tbilisi is more expensive than other parts of the country, but it’s still very cheap by western standards. You can easily survive on a budget of $25/day including accommodation. One Georgian Lari is about $0.30 USD, depending on the day’s exchange rate. 

Georgian Culture

Georgia has only been an independent country since the fall of the Soviet Union. The last time it was independent before that was 1921. And that was only for a few years after nearly a century of rule under the Russian empire. And before that there were endless changes of power in Tbilisi.

From the Moguls to the Byzantines, many ancient empires claimed Georgia over the centuries. Tbilisi was a major trading post along the silk road and Georgian culture has influences of many different ancient civilizations. 

The most dominant cultural influence on modern day Georgia is surely the Soviet Union. Georgia was ruled by the Russians for nearly two centuries. The country is only now rediscovering its traditional practices.

Luckily, Tbilisi has kept much of its historical charm and the Old Town does not look at all like a Soviet city. You don’t have to go far out of the city, however, to find the ugly block apartments the Soviet Union was known for. With Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Georgia’s sovereignty hasn’t been this fragile since Russia invaded in 2008.  

Georgia is known for its food, and Tbilisi has no shortage of fantastic Georgian restaurants. Georgian fare features a lot of different types of food. Everything is fresh. They use a lot of regional herbs and spices that you won’t find elsewhere in the world. See section about Georgian food below.

Our favorite restaurant was Restaurant Usakhelouri . It doesn’t have a 4.9 star average on Google out of 400 reviews for nothing! 

The ancient inhabitants of Georgia were the first people in the world to make wine, about 8,000 years ago. If you didn’t know that before you visit Georgia, the locals will make sure you know.

Georgia has excellent wine and grows grape varieties you’ve never heard of before. You won’t find pinot grigio and merlot here. Be sure to try a saperavi though. It’s a traditional Georgian grape variety and the wine is made in the ancient Georgian way using an underground clay pot known as a qvevri . 

Where to stay in Tbilisi

There are endless cheap hotels and guest houses in Tbilisi if you’re on a tight budget. You have your choice of places to stay for around $30 USD per night. You really can’t go wrong. 

And if you want to stay in more luxury this is the place to do it. You’ll pay ⅓ to ½ of what you’d pay in western Europe for the same type of hotel here. 

For a nice hotel downtown right at the edge of Old Town, we recommend the Mercure Tbilisi Old Town . Hotel Abanotubani is also a great option. Or check out the full listing of Tbilisi hotels on booking.com .

How long to stay

You can easily see the highlights of Tbilisi in two days and have plenty of time to relax and enjoy some good wine. An extra few days will allow you to explore the city outside of the Old Town. One day is also possible to just hit the main highlights. 

You’ll likely visit Tbilisi in conjuction with a larger trip around Georgia. Check out my ultimate 2-week Georgia road trip itinerary for some ideas!

Travel Insurance

Before visiting Georgia, make sure to purchase travel insurance so that you’re protected for the crazy things that might happen in Georgia. We use World Nomads when travelling abroad. World Nomads provides coverage for travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.

Tbilisi is full of beautiful old buildings and houses that dot ancient hilly streets. The main tourist area of Tbilisi is the Old Town, where this travel guide is focused. Here you’ll find most of the popular tourist attractions in the city as well as the highest concentration of restaurants and hotels. The Mtkvari River splits the city in two.

Most of the Old Town is south of the river, but there is some neat stuff north of the river too. There is a big cliff on the north side of the river that the buildings are built into. From any rooftop bar on the south side you get a great view of these buildings on the cliff. 

In this section we will go through the top things to see and do in Old Town Tbilisi. Refer to the map below for where to find everything. You can make your own Old Town Tbilisi walking tour with these sights and catch a Bolt back to your hotel to freshen up before a fantastic Georgian dinner!

Narikala Fortress

No Tbilisi travel guide is complete without Narikala Fortress. From down on the river it might look daunting to climb up to this ancient fortress perched upon a hill in the Old Town. But it’s not too difficult of a climb. There is also a road that goes up to it if you feel like driving up a 35 degree incline.

If neither of those floats your boat there is an aerial skyway that will take you up there for 2.5 GEL (leaves from Rike Park). The walk takes you through narrow old streets lined with cute buildings though, so use your feet if you’re able to.

At the top of the hill is an ancient fortress with a church. Tbilisi has many eastern orthodox churches scattered around. The one in the fortress – St. Nicholas – might be the most spectacular.

From up here you get a wonderful view of the Old Town below and the Holy Trinity Cathedral on the other side of the river. If you look west you can see the modern architecture of the newer part of town. Looking east you can see some of those old, ugly Soviet housing blocks.

Leghvtakhevi Waterfall

It’s hard to believe that there’s an actual natural waterfall right in the middle of the city, but rest assured it’s 100% natural. This waterfall is along a steep cliff behind Narikala Fortress. It’s a short walk along a creek to get to the waterfall, which warrants a few pictures before moving on. 

Jan Shardeni Street

There are many nice streets in Tbilisi to explore. Jan Shardeni Street is one of them. The street is lined with restaurants and hookah bars. Though note that the restaurants on this street are considerably pricier than many other restaurants in town. You’re paying for the ambiance.

The Bridge of Peace

A modern touch to the Old Town, this new steel bridge crosses the river with some funky architecture. Many people visit the bridge, but honestly I didn’t see what all the fuss was about. The best part is the view down the river.  

Rike Park is a beautiful and well kept park on the north side of the river. It’s nice to walk through and see the sculptures and gardens. From the park you can also take a modified hot air balloon above the city. I say modified because it only goes up and down. 

The Clock Tower

The Tbilisi Clock Tower is a modern, abstract clock tower built from old materials from the 1800s. It’s not towering above the city like Big Ben or anything, but it’s popular due to its unique style. The streets around the Clock Tower are also interesting and fun to walk around. 

National Botanical Garden

The National Botanical Garden sits high above the Old Town and has great views of the city below. There is another waterfall up here as well as manicured gardens and native plants. It’s about a 20-minute from the center of Old Town.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

From any high point in the Old Town you will notice the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest monastery in town. It’s a ways north of the river and technically not in Old Town, but it’s worth the walk over. If you don’t make it there, however, there are many beautiful views of this cathedral from throughout Old Town, especially from Narikala Fortress

Other Eastern Orthodox churches

There are dozens of other eastern orthodox churches scattered around Tbilisi. Georgians are quite religious and these churches are an important part of the lives of many of the Tbilisi locals. 

The churches are open to visitors. Technically you must wear long pants and women must cover their heads to enter, but many places don’t enforce this.

Dry Bridge Market

In a large park along the river lies Tbilisi’s art and flea market. Here local artists spend their days painting on canvases and trying to sell their works to tourists. The prices are not as cheap as you’d imagine for Georgia, but you can negotiate.

We took home two canvas paintings, one of Mount Kazbegi, and one of Old Town Tbilisi. There are also all sorts of old Soviet memorabilia for sale, such as life size portraits of Joseph Stalin and old war medals. 

Thermal baths

Old Town Tbilisi has a lot of thermal baths, leftover from the Ottoman days. You can rent out a room with natural hot sulfur water. The water is supposed to be good for you and your skin. Just don’t stay in too long because the water is damn hot. There are various sizes of rooms you can rent, from small 2-person bath to grand 10-person suites.

There are a few options, but we went with Chreli Abano , which appears to be the only one with a website. Book at least one day in advance. There are also various other baths right next door to Chreli Abano that are cheaper and don’t require advanced booking, should you not want to pay the 70 GEL per hour that is typical at Chreli Abano.

The best part about wine shops in Tbilisi is that you can try wine before you buy it. Any wine shop will offer wine tasting. We tried a few at various shops and even spent an entire night at Wine Therapy Tbilisi with the store manager and some of his friends who invited us to drink with them.

They just kept opening new bottles of wine. Before we knew it it was 1:30 AM! This wouldn’t be a proper Tbilisi travel guide without recommending to stop in a few wine shops for a tasting.

Old Town Tbilisi walking tour

All that being said, the best thing to do in Old Town Tbilisi is just walk around all the old streets and alleyways, discovering little cafes and old houses.

You can’t go wrong walking around the Old Town Tbilisi. The streets are beautiful, the views superb. Even if you never set foot in a building you’ll love your time in Tbilisi.

The info you’ve just read should give you all you need to plan your own self-guided walking tour of Old Town Tbilisi. But if you’d prefer to go with a knowledgeable guide, consider booking a walking tour with Tbilisi Free Walking Tours . You can find more information on their website.

Georgia has a unique cuisine. For such a small country there are a ton of traditional dishes to try. This post is not meant to be a full overview of all the amazing food that can be found in Georgia, but I’ll just run through some of the most famous and some of the dishes you have to try when visiting Tbilisi.

Basically bread stuffed with melted cheese. There are various types, some including meat. The most well known type is Khachupuri Acharuli, which is a boat-shaped bread with an egg and like a quarter stick of butter in the middle. It’s simply amazing and probably one of the most unhealthy things you can ever eat. But it is oh so delicious.

Khinkali (dumplings)

Similar to Russian dumplings, these come stuffed with either beef, cheese, or mushrooms. They are amazingly cheap at every restaurant. 5 of them is enough for a full meal and that usually will cost you not even $2 USD.

Other foods to try

• Georgian beans in clay pot: So simple but so delicious. Sort of like a mix of an Indian curry and Mexican refried beans. 
• Shkmeruli: A chicken dish cooked in sour cream, garlic and butter and served sizzling. A must try.
• Eggplant with walnuts: This is a starter made from eggplant and mashed walnuts with garlic. 
• Georgian salad: Kind of like a Greek salad but with different cheese and various herbs instead of olive oil. Georgian cheese is spongy and honestly wasn’t my favorite unless it was melted. 
• Chakapuli: There are various types of stews you can get that should all be delicious. If you don’t eat meat you can ask for it to be made with just veggies if your server speaks English
• Fresh produce: Everything in Georgia is fresh and locally sourced. The cucumbers and tomatoes just taste better. 

The list goes on. There are too many amazing foods to discuss in this blog. Consult the Wikipedia page for more info. 

The primary focus of this post is on the Old Town of Tbilisi, but there are many things to do outside of the city center as well. Here are a few things you can do if you venture out from the Old Town.

• Mtatsminda Park : High above the city sits the Soviet era theme park of Mtatsminda Park. You can drive, walk, or take the funicular. There are nice views of the city below from up here. 
• Tbilisi Sea Club : this is Tbilisi’s beach. It’s not on the sea or anything, just a large lake outside of the city, but could be worth a visit on a hot day. 
• Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography : An open air museum of traditional Georgian architecture and lifestyle. 
• Tbilisi Zoo : If you’re into zoos. 
• Jvari Monastery : Just outside of Tbilisi in the small town of Mtskheta is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Georgia. You’ll need to take a Bolt or drive yourself to get here, but it’s definitely worth the 30-minute drive each way.

There are also a lot of traditional Georgian restaurants outside of the city center that you’ll have to take a Bolt or taxi to. I did not try any of these but there are some highly rated ones on Google. One you might want to check out is Georgia House .

Due to its central location in such a small country, there are tons of day trips possible from Tbilisi. As you walk around old town you will be approached not fewer than 6,000 times by people offering day tours to beautiful sights in rural Georgia.

Some of the more popular ones are the Kazbegi region , Mount Kazbegi , Sighnaghi , Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe , even Yerevan, Armenia. Or if you’re up for a real adventure, consider Vashlovani National Park .

If you’d prefer to have the arrangements handled for you in advance you can book a day trip with GetYourGuide . The banner below shows a few options available you can click on to book. 

What is Tbilisi famous for?

Tbilisi, Georgia is known for a number of things, including its historic city center, unique food, and eastern orthodox churches scattered around the city. Tbilisi is also a great place to get a taste of all Georgia’s wines.

What is the historical district of Tbilisi?

The historic district of Tbilisi (Old Town) is west of the Kura River flanked by Narikala Fortress and Liberty Square, though there is no official boundary. The historic district features a number of old orthodox churches and buildings, though many of the residential buildings only date back to the 1800s.

Is Tbilisi good for tourists?

Tbilisi is an amazing tourist destination. Featuring some of the best food and wine you’ll find in any city across the globe, as well as historic buildings, fortresses, and churches, Tbilisi should be the start or end for any trip to Georgia. The city is also remarkably cheap to visit.

Is Tbilisi safe for US citizens?

Tbilisi is a safe destination to visit for US citizens and really anyone from around the world. The biggest danger is potentially the political instability in the border regions with Russia and Russia’s continued regional aggression. For now, however, Georgia remains a very safe country to visit so long as you don’t go near the Russian occupied territories.

What is the best month to visit Tbilisi?

The best month to visit Tbilisi is debatable, but May and June offer longer days and more mild temperatures than the hot summer days, not to mention slightly fewer tourists.

Tbilisi is a lovely city full of surprises and lacking the crowds of tourists you see in most other European capital cities. All trips to Georgia should either start or end with a day or two wandering Old Town Tbilisi. Meander the old streets, try the wine, and explore the culinary offerings. You won’t be disappointed by Tbilisi! 

Chris Heckmann

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The Ultimate Tbilisi, Georgia Travel Guide

September 10, 2017 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Lauren Melnick

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

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

Here’s my ultimate Tbilisi, Georgia travel guide!

Table of Contents

How to Get to Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ MORE:  Checking In: Namaste Hostel, Tbilisi

Where To Eat Vegan In Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

I highly recommend the pumpkin soup!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what I loved doing:

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

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

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

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

Did you find this post useful? Save it for later on Pinterest!

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

About Lauren Melnick

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

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

Reader Interactions

February 28, 2018 at 1:13 am

Thanks for the guide and the vegan places!

February 28, 2018 at 9:05 am

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

May 19, 2018 at 10:45 am

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

May 25, 2019 at 9:57 pm

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

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

Thanks, please share.

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DIY Travel Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia [With Suggested Tours]

Do you want to travel to Tbilisi ? Here’s our DIY Travel Guide to Tbilisi , Georgia , with suggested tours.

The capital of Georgia (the country) is no other than Tbilisi. How to pronounce it? T-Bih-Lee-See. Repeat it 5 times so that you could get the hang of it. This lovely center is filled with gorgeous medieval-style architecture that will make you in awe. If you are here, this travel guide to Tbilisi, Georgia, will help you know what to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

• 7 Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
• List of the Best Luxury Hotels in Georgia (the country)
• How To Get A Georgia E-Visa With Your Philippines Passport [Tourist Visa Guide For Georgia]
• Awesome Places To Explore in Georgia (Asia)
• List of the Best Hostels in Georgia

Table of Contents

Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia

1. get lost on the cobble-stoned streets of old town.

Go to the heart of Tbilisi, the Old Town. With narrow streets and impressive buildings with different styles of architecture built centuries ago, you will appreciate the history and life of the Country. It is also home to many cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s definitely on our travel guide to Tbilisi, Georgia!

Suggested Tour: Tbilisi Old Town Walking Tour

2. Check out the gorgeous churches of Tbilisi

The most prevalent religion in the country is the Georgian Orthodox Church, one of the world’s oldest. One of its founders is the apostle Andrew. As it is one of the oldest in the country, you will see many Orthodox churches in Tbilisi. To name a few, they are Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi and Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary.

Suggested Tour: City Sightseeing and Wine Tasting Tour

3. Stroll the Narikala Fortress

Up above Old Town is a fortress built in the 4th century and expanded in the 7th, 16th, and 17th centuries. Ride a cable car to reach the top and get a view of the charming city. The best time to go is during the golden hour as the sunset makes the scenery more breathtaking.

Suggested Tour: Full-Day Tbilisi and Mtskheta Tour

4. Walk on the Bridge of Peace

Don’t worry, there are also modern structures in Tbilisi, and one of them is the Bridge of Peace. This pedestrian bridge opened in 2010, linking the Old Town to Rike Park. Fun fact: It’s nick-named “Always Ultra,” an American brand making napkins or maxi-pad as it’s said to resemble one.

Suggested Tour: Walking Tour with Lunch

5. Enjoy Mtatsminda Amusement Park

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mtatsminda Park (@mtatsmindapark)

An Amusement park is actually located on top of Mt. Mtatsminda, giving you another stunning view of Tbilisi. You will be riding a funicular up towards the mountain to start your adventure. There’s a giant Ferris Wheel, waters slides, roller coasters, and a Ghost castle! Who says Tbilisi is old and boring?

Suggested Tour: Private Walking and Driving Tour

Where to stay in Tbilisi, Georgia

Budget hotel.

Wine Symphony Boutique Hotel

Set in Tbilisi City, 6 km from Freedom Square, Wine Symphony Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Price: Starts at USD 15 for a Standard Double Room

Mid-Range Hotel

Hotel Piazza

Located in the heart of the old city of Tbilisi, Hotel Piazza offers modern accommodation in a historical surrounding with monuments and beautiful traditional architecture. Every room comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, a work desk, and a minibar. They also offer a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Certain units feature views of the garden or city. Private bathrooms come with a shower.

Price: Starts at USD 40 for an Economy Double Room

Luxury Hotel

The Terrace Boutique Hotel

Featuring a tour desk, ticket service, and 24-hour front desk, The Terrace Hotel is situated in Tbilisi, 1 km from Rustaveli Metro Station. The rooms offer air conditioning, an electric kettle, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The bathrooms include a hairdryer, bidet, and free toiletries.

Price: Starts at USD 100 per night for a Standard Double Room

Where to Eat in Tbilisi, Georgia

Address: 2 Ingorokva Street

If you want some Georgian Food, then you can check out this restaurant. It’s a nice cozy restaurant with affordable food and friendly staff. The eggplant, bread, dumplings, and salad are highly recommended. They are many vegetarian-options here.

Address: G.Tabidze St., 11

In the middle of Old Town is another excellent Georgian Restaurant serving local cuisine and wine. You will find the atmosphere and place perfectly. Highly recommended are the Khachapuri (cheese bread), chicken, honey cake, and wine. You will indeed have a great lunch here!

Sormoni Meidan

Address: Gorgasali St. 3

Ending our travel guide to Tbilisi is the Sormoni Meidan Restaurant. It serves Eastern Europe, Barbecue, and Wine Bar with Vegan Options. It’s also located in Old Town and one of the favorites of locals and travelers. With a cozy atmosphere and delicious food, you would want to come here again and again.

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram .

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9 thoughts on “ DIY Travel Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia [With Suggested Tours] ”

Hi! What were the requirements asked by the immigration in the Philippines when you travelled to Georgia and Armenia?

what is you mode of you transportation going in other places? thanks

I am planning to visit your country this coming January but I don`t have your visa, credit card. Can I use my debit card or traveler’s check? if ever I need some information which airport do I port to? I am travel alone and diable cardholders. Do I need insurance for 5 days visit?

Hi! What month did you to Georgia? Thanks!

https://youtu.be/bntYLrDDniA (My youtube video blog on my trip to Armenia) I am from Philippines working in Dubai

Great article! We might follow yout ititnerary also for our Christmas trip. Btw, is it true that your need an invitation letter when you apply for your visa?

Can you please advise me if it’s okay to bring dirhams or should i bring USD?

Great info and guide! What month did you go? We are planning to go in october, is gudauri or ski resort open that time?

Tbilisi and Georgia really is one of our highlights of 2016. It really is an amazing place with so much amazing food. 🙂

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31 Things To Know Before You Travel To Tbilisi, Georgia

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

Tbilisi tourism

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

My trip to Tbilisi

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

Visa for Georgia

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

How to get to Tbilisi, Georgia

Flights to tbilisi.

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

Direct flights from UK to Tbilisi

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

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

Busses to Tbilisi

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

Trains to Tbilisi

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

Domestic Georgia travel tips

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

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

Best time of the year to travel to Tbilisi

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

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

Is it safe to travel to Georgia

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

Is Georgia Europe or Asia?

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

Everything you should know when you visit Tbilisi, Georgia

1. how to pronounce tbilisi.

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

2. Currency

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

3. Tbilisi is not the government city

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

4. Price levels in Tbilisi

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

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

5. It is safe to drink tap water

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

6. Electricity plugs

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

The Ananuri monastery, a popular day trip from Tbilisi.

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

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

7. Tbilisi Airport

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

8. Taxi apps

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

9. Georgia sim card

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

10. Religion

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

11. Everyone smokes in Tbilisi

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

12. Smoking inside forbidden

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

13. Marijuana is decriminalised

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

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

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

14. LGTB in Tbilisi

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

15. Georgian food is heavy

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

16. Best Khachapuri in Tbilisi

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

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

17. Best Khinkali in Tbilisi

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

18. Drink Chacha

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

19. Meet the Tamada

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

Freedom square in Tbilisi, the start of Rustaveli Avenue.

20. Wine originates from Georgia

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

21. Best Restaurants in Tbilisi

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

21.1  Barbarastan

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

21.2  Black Lion Restaurant

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

21.3  Melograno

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

22. Best rooftop bar

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

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

23. Nightlife in Tbilisi

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

24. Bassiani Club

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

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

25. Jazz cafe Singer

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

26. Wine bars

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

26.1  8000 Vintages

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

26.2  Schuchmann Wine

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

26.3  Azarphesha

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

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

27. Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue

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

28. Things to do in Tbilisi

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

28.1 Cable car

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

28.2 Zip lining

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

28.3 Wine tours Tbilisi

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

28.4 Shopping in Tbilisi Mall

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

28.5 (Free) Walking tours Tbilisi

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

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

28.6 Ferris wheel 

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

28.7 TV Tower Tbilisi

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

28.8 Mtatsminda Park

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

28.9 Funicular Tbilisi

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

28.10 Georgian National Opera Theater

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

28.11 Tbilisi Sea - summer club

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

29. Places to visit in Tbilisi

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

29.1 Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

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

29.2 Rustaveli Avenue

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

29.3 Meidan Bazaar

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

29.4 Narikala fortress

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

29.5 Mother of Georgia

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

29.6 Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral

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

29.7 Bridge of Peace

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

29.8 Turtle Lake

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

29.9 Lisi Lake

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

30. Day trips from Tbilisi

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

30.1 Jvari Monastery

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

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

30.2 Mtskheta

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

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

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

30.3 Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

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

30.4 Ananuri day trip

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

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

30.5 Gudauri Ski Resort

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

30.6 Kazbegi

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

31. Where to stay in Tbilisi

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

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

31.1 Best luxury hotels in Tbilisi:

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

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

31.2 Boutique hotels in Tbilisi

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

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

31.3 Tbilisi Hotels for under $100 per night

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

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

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

31.4 Cheap Tbilisi Hotels

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

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

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

31.5 Hostels in Tbilisi

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

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

31.6 Airbnb in Tbilisi

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

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

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

Enjoy your trip to Tbilisi!

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

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

The Complete Georgia Travel Guide: 19 Useful Things you should know for backpacking in Georgia in 2024

Are you an independent traveler and planning to travel to Georgia country soon? Then this is the Georgia Travel Guide you’re looking for! Here is everything you need to know about traveling and backpacking in Georgia in 2023!

Georgia is a small country right at the intersection between Europe and Asia, sandwiched between Russia in the north and Turkey in the South.

It’s an ancient country tugged away in the Caucasus Mountains and home to very determined people who, despite a tough history of war and conquerings, still strongly value their unique religion, culture, and centuries-old traditions!

Georgia, or Sakartvelo as the citizens call it, is slowly becoming a very popular touristic destination. After living there for almost one year, I understand why travelers are drawn to this magnificent and wild country!

With this Georgia travel guide, I want to help you prepare for your trip to Georgia. I cover everything from visas, entry requirements and safety to transport, accommodation, food, useful apps and cultural etiquette so you’ll have a great time traveling in Georgia, the country!

Discover Georgia’s Highlights or go on a unique Georgia Trekking Adventure to Tusheti , Racha , Vardzia , Katskhi and Chiatura on one of my Georgia Adventure Tours !

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Plan your trip to Georgia

• 19 important things to know before traveling to Georgia
• 15 Best Places to visit in Georgia

3 Fantastic Georgia Travel Itineraries

• Tours & Experiences: Adventure Tours in Georgia – Georgia City Tours
• Rent a car in Georgia
• Travel insurance for Georgia
• Book your stay in Georgia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Traveling to Georgia country in 2024 – Georgia Entry Requirements

Georgia is open for tourism and has opened its borders to all international travelers (see visa section).

1.1 Georgia entry requirements Covid-19

Foreign citizens taking any mode of travel by air, land or sea, no longer need to present proof of Covid-vaccination or a negative PCR test result.

1.2 Georgia vaccination requirements

You don’t need any compulsory vaccinations to go backpacking in Georgia.

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Rabies are recommended. Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals in the country of Georgia.

I wasn’t vaccinated for Rabies when I traveled and lived in Georgia and even though there are a lot of stray dogs in the country, I never dealt with aggressive ones. In case you get bit, just go immediately to a doctor for a check-up.

2. Georgia Visa Requirements

2.1 do i need a visa to go to georgia.

If you want to visit Georgia, I have good news: Georgia is very generous with its tourist visa regulations!

Citizens from the European Union, North America, Australia, and the countries on this list can enter Georgia visa-free for 365 days !

This means that you can just show up at the airport of Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi or at any land border and you’ll be allowed to enter Georgia.

If your country of residency is not on that list, you’ll have to apply for an e-visa , which will allow you to stay for 30 or 90 days , depending on your home country. You can check that out here .

2.2 How to get a Georgia e-visa?

What do i need to apply for a georgia e-visa.

• Document proving the purpose of travel (if it’s tourism, just provide your itinerary with proof of accommodation)
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel and health insurance
• A bank statement or document proving sufficient financial means to cover your travel expenses in Georgia
• Vaccination document/PCR test

Where to apply for a Georgia e-visa?

You don’t need to go to an embassy or consulate. You can apply online on this website .

All you need is a credit or debit card and scanned copies of your documents . Fill in the online application, upload the scans of your documents and pay. That’s it!

After 5 working days, you receive your e-visa. Print it out and bring it with you on the day you enter Georgia.

→ Important: You can apply for an e-visa only if you are NOT in the territory of Georgia.

How much does an e-visa for Georgia cost?

A standard tourist visa for Georgia costs 20USD + 2% service fee.

→ Important: You can’t enter Abkhazia or South Ossetia, two Russian-occupied regions of Georgia, on a Georgian visa. It’s currently not even possible to visit South Ossetia from Georgia. You can enter Abkhazia but only on foot and with a special visa. Read more about it in this travel guide to Abkhazia

2.3 How to renew or extend the Georgia e-visa

You can’t extend your visa for Georgia but you can easily renew it.

If you’re a citizen of a country that gets a free visa on arrival, you can simply renew this visa by crossing the border into one of Georgia’s neighboring countries, staying there for a few days and coming back. You’ll receive a new (free) visa upon your return.

If you entered Georgia with an e-visa, you can apply for a new one.

However, if you have an e-visa for 90 days, you’re allowed to stay in the country for 90 days within 180 days so you can only apply for a new visa every 6 months.

If you have an e-visa for 30 days (you can stay 30 days within 120 days), you can re-apply every 3 months.

2.4 What happens if I overstay my Georgia visa?

If you are not able to leave Georgia, you must apply to a territorial office of the Public Service Development Agency or to the branch of the Public Service Hall. It takes the 3 calendar days to make a decision after submitting the request.

If your term of legal stay in Georgia has expired, you will have to pay the administrative fine before or after leaving Georgia.

The fine for staying for 3 months after the expiry of the term of legal stay is 180 Georgian Lari (around US$60), for staying longer than 3 months the fine is 360 Georgian Lari (around US$120).

You will be denied entry and not be issued a new visa for Georgia until you’ve paid the administrative fine for overstaying. In addition to the fine, you might get banned from entering Georgia for 2 to 5 years.

3. When is the best time to visit Georgia?

You can visit Georgia the whole year round, depending on what you want to see and do during your trip.

If you want to do some hiking, then the period between May and September would be the best time. All the roads to the mountains are open and the temperature is pleasant for camping.

It’s also the only period in the year that you can visit Tusheti, Georgia’s most remote region and Khevsureti. The landscapes there are absolutely breathtaking and you’ll find some very unique and ancient settlements.

How to visit Tusheti, one of Georgia’s most remote regions

Svaneti , another breathtaking mountain region of Georgia, is accessible all around the year though and you can enjoy hiking in summertime, skiing in winter, and immerse yourself in culture and traditions, or learning about ancient legends during fall and spring.

21 Top Things to do in Svaneti, the Wild Heart of the Caucasus

If you love skiing and you don’t mind the cold and snowy weather, then you should visit Georgia between the months of December and March.

Georgia is just magical during the winter! It might be cold but everything turns into a beautiful winter wonderland.

Even Batumi , Georgia’s most extravagant city on the Black Sea coast, isn’t spared by the snow.

No matter at what time of the year you visit Georgia, you’re in for a beautiful treat!

3.1 Is Georgia good in summer?

The period between May and mid-September is the warmest time in Georgia. This is probably when most people prefer to travel.

Packing light clothes, camping outside, swimming in lakes and rivers, jumping in the sea, and chasing waterfalls,… The roads are also open to the country’s remote regions and villages.

Summer is the best time for wild camping and hiking . The hiking trails in Svaneti, Tusheti, Khevsureti, and the Tobovarchkhli Lakes trail – which is probably one of the hardest routes – can only be covered in the summertime.

Though in July and August, Tbilisi – the capital – gets too hot. Temperatures can be between 35°C and 42°C. Most locals move in August to the mountains and seaside.

Some vendors, shops, cafes, and even dance studios close in Tbilisi and pop up in Batumi for a month.

Top Things to do in Batumi – The Complete City Guide to Georgia’s Las Vegas

3.2 Is spring or autumn a good time to go backpacking in Georgia?

Spring or autumn is absolutely a good time to travel to Georgia!

One big reason for visiting Georgia in the fall is to explore the 8000 years of winemaking tradition .

The wine harvest in Georgia starts from the end of August (in Kartli and Kakheti) and lasts till early or mid-October (in Imereti, Racha, etc ) depending on the weather that year.

Springtime is when winemakers open the Qvevri , a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine. Opening Qvevri is a sacred ritual during which they lit candles, say a prayer or a toast, and taste the first sips of the wine from the previous year’s harvest.

Oh Georgia, Sweet Motherland of Wine!

Spring and fall is the best time for generally exploring the country without getting hit by the suffocating heat or getting frozen.

It’s also a great time for photography-vast fields covered with flowers, trees blooming, or leaves turning into many colors in the forests.

3.3 Is Georgia nice in the winter?

Winter in Georgia is a paradise for winter sports lovers!

Georgia has several ski resorts. Gudauri is a 3 hours drive from Tbilisi and probably the most popular due to its closer location to the capital Tbilisi.

Svaneti has 2 ski resorts in Mestia and Tetnuldi . This is the best option for more advanced and adventurous skiers and snowboarders.

Bakuriani ski resort is good for professionals and is also child-friendly. Accommodation is generally cheaper compared to Gudauri. This is where most locals enjoy their winter vacations.

From Bakuriani, you can take a snowmobile adventure trip to Tabatkhuri lake and pay a visit to the largest Paravani lake, both frozen enough in winter for people and animals to freely walk on them.

Local families drill a hole in the ice to catch fish and are happy to take visitors on that adventure.

Goderzi ski resort is located in the Adjara region. It’s slightly trickier to access but the journey is unforgettable.

There is no public transport going directly to the Goderdzi ski resort. It can be reached by taxi from Batumi or Akhaltsikhe, the nearest big cities to the Goderdzi Pass, or you can get to Khulo center by public transport from Batumi.

From the Tourist Information Center in Khulo transport departs every day from the Information Center on the following schedule: from Khulo to Goderdzi at 11:00 and from Goderdzi to Khulo: at 16:00.

A complete guide to skiing in Georgia including the best ski resorts.

4. Where should you go in Georgia?

Georgia is a small country so you might think it can easily be covered in a week. But the reality is that Georgia is very diverse and has so much to offer.

While the places and itinerary must resonate with your personal preferences and available time, here are some suggestions:

If you’re interested in medieval fortresses, century-old monasteries, ancient cave cities, and Unesco World Heritage Sites, you should definitely visit the monasteries in Mtskheta , the Gergeti Trinity Church , the Gelati Monastery , and the cave cities of Vardzia , David Gareja Lavra , and Uplistsikhe .

15 amazing and most beautiful places to visit in Georgia

If you like unique and unusual places, don’t skip the Katskhi Pillar , the cable car city of Chiatura , and the Chronicle of Georgia in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi and Batumi are some of the many great cities to visit in Georgia and if you’re more an outdoorsy person, you’ll love the regions of Kazbegi , Svaneti , Borjomi , and Tusheti .

These are just a few of the beautiful places to visit while backpacking in Georgia !

5. Fun and unique things to do in Georgia

Georgia offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor activities. Try to put at least one of the following in your itinerary to get the best experience in Georgia:

• Wine tasting/ harvesting/ qvevri making :

Georgia is the homeland of wine , so it comes as no surprise that any activities related to wine are a must-try.

Starting from making qvevri (a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine) and putting them in the ground to simple wine tasting and making churchkhela with grape juice, these activities will give you an insight into the Georgian culture, which is so different from everything else you’ve experienced before!

If you’re traveling in Georgia in the fall, try to participate in the wine harvest. If you happen to be around in spring, you should join the qvevri opening ritual during which you get to taste the first taste of the previous harvest!

• Hiking in Georgia:

Georgia is a top hiking destination. If you like conquering high picks, the Caucasus mountains are here to challenge you.

If you enjoy less hardcore walks but still want to immerse yourself in nature, hundreds of lakes, waterfalls, easy day hikes, and camping spots are waiting for you.

A great resource for hiking in Georgia is Caucasus Trekking on which you’ll find an overview of all the hikes and treks in the country!

7 Beautiful Hikes in Georgia

• Join one of the traditional folk festivals in the mountains:

The highlands of Georgia are fascinating! Not only because of the beautiful nature, but they’re also rich in culture.

The “highlanders” of Georgia organize yearly traditional folk festivals. Such festivals often have thousands of years of history.

If you have the chance, don’t miss out on the early spring festival Lamproba in Svaneti and the Atengenoba festivals in Tusheti in the summer.

During these festivals, locals first pay a visit to their chappels and sacred places. Then they brew beer (which is considered a sacred drink in Tusheti), participate in horse races, have local dances, and sing traditional songs.

The festivals end with the blessing by the Ukhutsesi , the eldest and most respected member of the community.

Read more about the traditional festivals unique to Georgia .  

• Discover Georgian folklore:

There’s nothing like Georgian folklore and nobody knows it better than Levan , member of the renowned folk band Adilei .

Levan is a singing coach and runs folk tours. He can take you to rural Georgia and unfold the 5000 years old melodies with you. 

• Explore Soviet leftovers:

While locals confusingly cringe at that, westerners can’t hide their excitement exploring post-soviet architecture and other leftovers in Georgia.

There are people visiting Georgia just to discover whatever has been preserved from the soviet past. Starting from residency buildings to Soviet sanatoriums in Tkhaltubo and abandoned factories, there is so much to explore. 

Tip: To better understand the consequences of the soviet past in Georgia, visit the Ergneti home museum of war by Lia Chlachidze.

Lia Chlachidze decided to turn her bombed house- that was nothing but 4 walls after the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia – into a museum.

She renovated the house and collected all the memorabilia from her neighbors to display in her impromptu museum to raise awareness about the issue and struggles of the locals.

While this place is often neglected by most tour guides, it is visited by many individual adventurers, ambassadors, and other officials from all over the world.

The museum is completely free for visitors. Listening to Lia’s stories is a whole new experience. If you have a chance, bring a Georgian or Russian-speaking person with you to better communicate with Lia. 

6. Georgia Travel Insurance

While some websites state that it’s mandatory to have travel insurance when traveling to Georgia, I’ve never been asked about it.

Traveling without insurance is a risk so I highly recommend getting one, especially when planning on hiking , skiing or horseback riding in the mountains.

An accident can happen fast and it’s better to be fully insured to avoid expensive medical costs.

I highly recommend the travel insurance provided by IATI . If you’re planning on doing adventurous activities and trekking in the mountains at high altitudes, I recommend the Backpacker Insurance by IATI .

The IATI Backpacker Insurance also covers Covid-19 and offers good long-term plans.

The 3 best budget-friendly travel insurances for travelers.

7. How to get to Georgia country

7.1 what airport do you fly into for georgia country.

There are 3 international airports in Georgia to which you can fly to.

1) Tbilisi International Airport

Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia and this is the country’s main international airport. The airport is about 17km from the city center.

How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city center and back?

• By taxi: 

There will be plenty of taxi drivers at the airport who will be very happy driving you to the city center! The journey to the city center takes about 20-30 min and costs 30-60 Gel .

If you don’t want to bargain for the price, download taxi apps such as Bolt , Yandex or Maxim in advance and order a taxi on the app. This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.

There’s a minibus (#37) that runs 24/7 from the airport to the metro Station Square. It can take up to 45 minutes to reach the city center as it stops everywhere along the way. You can learn all about Tbilisi municipality transportation here .

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.

2) Batumi International Airport

Batumi airport is the second biggest international airport in Georgia and is located 2km south of the city of Batumi .

How to get from Batumi airport to the city center and back?

You’ll have to bargain for the price but a taxi to and from the airport should cost between 15 and 20 GEL .

This is why the best is to order a taxi through apps such as Bolt , Maxim or Yandex . Your trip will cost only 5-6 Gel if you are staying in the new part of the town.

Just keep in mind that Batumi is a resort town and during the high season in July and August prices double or triple and that includes taxi fares as well. From September on, things slowly go back to normal.

There’s one bus (#10) that runs regularly from the airport to Batumi center and back.

The bus stop is in front of the terminal and it takes about 20 minutes to get to the city center. It costs 0.30 GEL and you pay on the bus itself.

3) David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport

This airport is about 14km west of the city of Kutaisi.

How to get from Kutaisi airport to the city center and back?

  A taxi between the airport and the city center of Kutaisi costs around  20 GEL.

• By bus: 

There are buses going from Kutaisi airport to the city center of Kutaisi ( 5GEL) . You can purchase tickets for these buses at the Georgian bus counter right near the exit of the terminal.

Airport Transfers in Georgia

If you are arriving in either the Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi international airports and you immediately would like to travel to other destinations, airport transfers are provided by the following companies where you can book your tickets online:

• Georgian Bus

7.2 How to travel to Georgia country By road

You can enter Georiga overland from Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan (read our border crossing report here ) .

For more info about the different border crossings, go to  this page  on Caravanistan.

How to travel from Europe to Asia by road

7.3 How to travel to Georgia by ferry

It is possible to travel to Georgia by ferry as Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey , Russia and Ukraine are bordering the Black Sea from where you can take ferries to the ports of Batumi and Poti in Georgia.

It is very hard to get any reliable information online regarding scheduling, so the best is to visit the closest port in the country you’re in and ask there.

8. Is it safe to travel to Georgia country?

Georgia is one of the safest countries I’ve been to! You can walk around with an expensive camera late at night and nobody will try to rob you. The Georgians are very respectful and genuinely nice people!

The Patruli – Georgian Police – is really helpful. Their cars are patrolling streets 24/7.

If you have an emergency and see a police car passing you, just wave a hand and they’ll stop for you. Or you can dial 112 , it’s the Georgian 911.

There are just a couple of things you should be careful about:

As a woman alone it is safe to travel or hitchhike in Georgia but … men will stare at you. A lot!

Some guys will try to hit on you and – even though it’s their full right to try to seduce a girl – they don’t easily take no for an answer. Don’t be afraid to be rude if they don’t leave you alone. It’s the only way to keep the guys at a distance.

You can always make up a story about your “husband”, who works in the embassy or is a wrestling champion. As ridiculous and heartbreaking as it sounds, having a strong male patron works miracles in masculine cultures.

Be careful on the road . The Georgian drivers often have dangerous driving behavior ! ALWAYS buckle up whenever you get in a car and be VERY careful whenever you cross a street.

There aren’t many pedestrian crossings and even if there is one, the cars might not stop for you, not even when there’s a stop sign or when the traffic light is red … They like to ignore the traffic rules.

Even though the situation is improving every year, it is still better to be careful than sorry. How many drivers obey traffic rules can also vary from city to village.

9 months of hitchhiking in Georgia: the good, the bad and the untold stories

Never go hiking in the mountains without proper equipment, and preferably, don’t go alone .

The mountain regions are sparsely populated, there are wild animals and stray dogs and if something happens, there’s no one around to help you. Be adventurous but don’t be stupid!

9. Money and currency in Georgia

9.1 what currency do they use in georgia.

The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari , abbreviated to GEL .

I always use the  Xe.com app  to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are:

• $1 USD = 3.08 GEL
• €1 Euro = 3.35 GEL
• £1 British Pound = 4.02 GEL

9.2 ATMs and payment methods in Georgia

ATMs are almost around every corner and you can withdraw GEL and USD everywhere. Many ATMs offer EURO too.

For other currencies, it’s better to withdraw GEL, USD or EURO and exchange at exchange boxes, banks and microfinance companies.

Most of the shops, except small vendors, have POS terminals so you can pay both in cash and by card.

You need to bring cash money when visiting remote villages and regions, such as Tusheti, Svaneti and so on.

9.3 What credit cards are accepted in Georgia country?

Visa and Mastercard are the common cards in Georgia, as well as Amex, though the latter might not be accepted in small shops due to its higher charges.

Other than the mentioned above, major US, UK and Australian cards are also accepted here.

Before you use an ATM, check the logos on it to make sure they match your card.

9.4 Where to exchange money in Georgia

Exchanging money is easy in Georgia. There are exchange offices in every town and city. You will pass many of them as you walk around.

If you want an easy way to find them, just go to the biggest marketplace/bazaar and you will surely see one. Some close at 6 pm, others remain open until late at night.

Exchanging money is also possible at banks but they usually offer worse rates than exchange offices. Most bank branches open at 9 or 10 am and close at 6 or 7 pm. Some branches work until 8 pm. Almost every big bank has at least one branch that is open 24/7, usually at airports.

There are also several microfinance companies where you can exchange money. Rico Credit has many 24/7 branches around Georgia and they offer good exchange rates.

9.5 How much money do you need in Georgia?

If you are coming from a western country, Georgia will feel cheap for you.

City transport, taxis, and street food are relatively cheap. For the price of a pint in London, you can have a 3-course meal in Georgia, if you dine in a modest restaurant. In supermarkets, while prices on most products will surprise you, some might cost you more than in your home country.

Overall, traveling in Georgia is still really affordable, even though prices up every year.

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

9.6 Tipping in Georgia

Tipping in Georgia is not mandatory. Be aware that most restaurants include a 10% or 15% service charge in the bill.

Most people get confused and think that the service charge are tips for the waiters in reality, the money goes to the restaurant owners and hardly ever fills the pockets of waiters who are notoriously overworked and underpaid.

While you have no obligation or cultural pressure to tip, if you are happy with the service and giving away an extra couple of dollars won’t damage your budget, leaving a tip might make a big difference for the waiter(s).

10. How to get around Georgia

10.1 getting around tbilisi.

Getting around Tbilisi by public transport is quite convenient, cheap and easy. Local public transport includes metro, bus, minibus, and 3 ropeways around Tbilisi.

The first step is to purchase a “Metromoney” card , a universal card used to pay for public transport and minibusses in Tbilisi. Owners of this card benefit from a discount system .

The “Metromoney” card costs 2 GEL and you can buy it at the metro stations and at the Rike-Narikala ropeway. The card isn’t personal so if you’re in Tbilisi for only a short time, keep the receipt and you will be able to return the card within a month.

You can top up the card at any metro station, at both stations of the Rike-Narikala ropeway, via the express payment machines of “Bank of Georgia” and at service-centers.

Since 2022, the Tbilisi Transport Company offers following subscription fares for public transport (metro, bus, minibus, Bagebi-University ropeway):

• 1 GEL: 90 minutes unlimited free travel – payment is possible with ” Metromoney” card, as well as with different bank cards.
• 3 GEL: 1-day unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 20 GEL: 1-week unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 40 GEL: 1-month unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 100 GEL: 3-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 150 GEL: 6-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• 250 GEL: 1-year unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
• Rike-Narikala ropeway fare:one-way fare is 2.5 GEL.
• Turtle Lake (Kus tba) ropeway: one-way fare is 1 GEL

It was hard to figure out the specific routes and schedules of the buses, but after a couple of months I found out that you can use Google Maps .

Just type your current location and the address or area you want to go to and dear Google will give you the time and number of the bus, metro or minibus you have to take!

You can also use the Journey Planner on the Tbilisi Transport Company website or download their app on your phone.

10.2 Getting around Georgia by mashrutka (minibus), minivan or taxi

If you want to travel like a local, you should travel around Georgia by mashrutka or minivan.

Taking a mashrutka is the cheapest way to get around in Georgia. It’s the main public transport for the locals to travel in and around cities and across the country.

Some marshrutkas have a fixed schedule, some depart when they are full.  You’ll find them at bus stations of any city and town.

For short distances, you pay the driver once you get off. If you’re going on a long journey by mashrutka, you pay upfront at the ticket office (in case you’re at a bus station) or the driver himself.

Lately, shared taxis and minivans became popular alternatives to marshrutkas. They may cost a couple of GEL more, they have no fixed schedule, they depart as they are full but have way fewer seats than marshrutkas so they don’t take long to bring you to your destination. They are a bit more comfortable as well!

You’ll also find them at bus stations of any city and town.

When taking a taxi within a city, be aware that some drivers like to take advantage of unwary foreigners. Before you get in the taxi, make also sure you agree on the price! Some taxis have a meter but there are a few cheeky drivers who will turn it off if they see you’re a foreigner.

That’s why it’s a good idea to order a taxi on apps such as Bolt , Yandex or Maxim . This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.

10.3 Travel around Georgia by train

There aren’t that many train lines in Georgia and some of the trains are very slow but it’s quite an experience! Check the website of Georgian Railways for routes and timetables.

The fastest and most straightforward train ride is the one between Tbilisi and Batumi. You pay 24 GEL for a seat in economy class and you can comfortably sit back, relax and look out the window to watch the marvelous views passing by.

You can buy tickets at the train station or online, on the website of Georgian Railways where you’ll first have to register. If you’re having a hard time navigating the website, ask for help in the hostel/ hotel you’re staying.

10.4 Taking domestic flights in Georgia

Georgia isn’t a big country to travel in but if you want to save some time, you can always opt to take a domestic flight.

Vanilla Sky offers regular domestic flights to Batumi, Mestia and Ambrolauri from and to Natakhtari airport, which is located 32km from Tbilisi. The company offers free transfers from Tbilisi to Natakhtari. 

You can buy the tickets online exclusively in the office or on their website .

Vanilla Sky also offers Air Taxi service, which means that you can rent an aircraft for any period and any purpose (passenger transportation, air trips, air shooting).

10.5 Driving in Georgia

You can travel around by driving your own car or by rental car . They drive on the right side of the road in Georgia. Here’s a useful checklist with all the requirements and driving rules.

The state of the roads is generally ok although I would recommend you to rent a 4WD if you’re planning on driving in the mountains.

Be careful! They say that if you want to stay safe on Georgian roads, forget the rules that apply in your country and understand (if you can) how they function in Georgia. Expect the unexpected!

I really love the Georgian people but they can be crazy drivers! Up until now, it’s the only country where I haven’t felt safe on the roads! They love overtaking on blind bends and speeding like crazy while simultaneously checking their phone.

Petrol stations and convenience stores are situated within a reasonable distance from each other on the main roads. You can find them in small towns and on village roads too. Though if you are going to remote areas, it might be a good idea to store fuel.

Be aware that there are different types of fuel available in Georgia so go to official-looking gas stations and make sure you get the right petrol for your car!

In case you’re renting a car , ask the rental company to write down in Georgian which fuel you need so you can show this at the gas station.

If you’re an experienced and confident driver, then going on a road trip through Georgia will definitely be worth it! You’ll be able to get to very remote places and camp under the stars!

10.6 Hitchhiking in Georgia

I mainly traveled around Georgia by hitchhiking and it was an adventure on its own! Although I nearly peed my pants a few times, due to the recklessness of the drivers, I had a great time hitchhiking!

In 2017, my average waiting time before getting a ride was 5 to10 minutes, which is pretty good! Even during the pandemic and now in 2022 traveling in Georgia by hitchhiking is still easy.

If you want to hitchhike, I’d recommend learning some basic Georgian. Even though it can seem difficult at first, it’s always possible to remember very simple words such as Hello (gamarjoba), Bye (kargad), Thank you (madloba) and Sorry (bodishi).

Locals truly appreciate your effort and failing attempts to nail difficult Georgian sounds can be a great ice-breaker and ends with good laughter and bonding.

If you want to build deeper connections and have more insightful conversations, English is mainly useful with the younger generation (-35) and Russian with the older one.

Though, before starting speaking in Russian with Georgians straight away, please ask them if it’s their preferred language.

11 tips to learn Russian quickly and effectively

It’s not unusual in Georgia to end up with a gallon of homemade wine while you’re hitchhiking (a gift from one of our drivers)

11. Where to stay in Georgia – Accommodation in Georgia

Whether you want to camp (in the wild) or stay in a hostel, guesthouse, or luxurious hotel, Georgia has it all!

11.1 Hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Georgia

There are plenty of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in nearly every city, town and village in Georgia.

Hostels are the cheapest option, starting from $5 per night for a bed in a dorm. You can also find a nice private room, starting from 15 USD per night.

There are also some really nice hotels and boutique guesthouses in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and major towns, from mid-range to luxury. The average price for a room in a mid-range hotel is usually around $40 per night.

I always use booking.com to find the best hostel and hotel deals.

11.2 Glamping in Georgia

In the last few years, several glamping places have emerged in Georgia.

One of the most distinguished is Glamping Tago in Khulo municipality.

“I really believe that people are more lonely now than ever before. I think this is in large part due to social media, people being addicted to their smartphones that they kinda think they are connected with others but in reality, they are not.

Glamping Tago is a social place, first of all, where people can immerse in nature and connect with it, with themselves and each other.” , says Jonas, the young Belgian who turned a rural Adjarian village Tago into travelers’ beloved sanctuary in just one season.

Glamping Tago is a vegan/vegetarian/pet/kid-friendly place. They buy all products from local farmers and employ locals to run the place.

Other honorable mentions for glamping are Wine Space , Glamping Georgia , and Jewelberry Glamping .

11.3 Camping in Georgia

There are a few designated camping areas in Georgia but nobody will tell you off if you pitch your tent somewhere in a meadow or a forest. Just be aware of wild dogs and animals.

Don’t keep your food in the tent, but hang it in a sealed bag in a tree, at a small distance from your campsite.

If you’re planning on camping in the mountains, keep in mind that it can get cold at night.

12. Georgia food and drinks

The food in Georgia is finger-licking delicious! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a meat-eater, a vegetarian, or a vegan, you’ll enjoy the Georgian cuisine!

12.1 What is the most popular food in Georgia country?

The most popular dish in Georgia is khachapuri . It’s a gooey cheese-filled bread that looks a little like pizza. Rich in carbohydrates and dairy, it could cause a lot of trouble to lactose-intolerants but they might find the cramps worth it!

Almost every region in Georgia has its own version of khachapuri .

12.2 Georgian dishes you have to try

Georgia is a small country and nobody expects to discover such a variety of dishes and flavors in such a small territory, but Georgian cuisine amazes visitors.

A whole blog post can be dedicated to the food of each region of Georgia, but here I will give a short review and include as much as I can.

• Pastries: Georgian bread- Tonis or Shotis Puri – is a treat itself. Aside from khachapuri, there’s also osuri khachapuri (bread with potato and cheese mix), mchadi (cornbread), chishtari (cornbread and cheese), lobiani (bread with beans), chakhrakina (bread with spinach or beetroot leaves ), etc…
• Soups: kharcho, chakhokhbili, chashushuli, khashi, matsoni soup, chikirtma etc…
• Meat dishes : mtsvadi (Georgian barbeque), kuchmachi, kashlama, tabaka (whole chicken), kupati (spicy sausage), apkhazura,…

10 dishes from the G eorgian cuisine that you absolutely have to try

12.3 IS vegan and vegetarian food available in Georgia country?

it’s a common misconception that Georgia is not a vegan/vegetarian-friendly country. To debunk the meat, I will tell you that ¼ of the year Georgians are fasting, which means that they go vegan.

Generally, Georgians tend to love meat and consider vegan food as side dishes, this is why amazing vegan dishes are a little underrated but let me name some of them here: Lobio (beans) and Green Lobio, Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplants with walnuts), different kinds of Pkhali, Ajapsandali, Gebzhalia, Gomi with sulguni, Elarji.

You definitely won’t starve as a vegan/ vegetarian in Georgia, on the contrary!

12.4 What is the most popular drink in Georgia?

Alcohol flows freely in Georgia. From Georgian craft beer to homemade wine to the notorious chacha (a Georgian pomace brandy, ranging between 40% to 65% alcohol…). You’ve got to try it all but please, consume in moderation!

The most beloved is wine. No wonder because Georgia is after all the homeland of wine !

Georgians love a good toast and they drink wine with abundance but as a foreigner, it’s often hard to keep up with all these toasts and drinks. I’m talking out of experience…

Read more about the drinking traditions in Oh Georgia, sweet mother of wine . You’ll also find tips on how to prevent a hangover…

13. What should you pack for a trip to Georgia?

13.1 what should i wear in georgia.

Georgia has all the climate zones, from subtropical to semi-desert and alpine.

The climate along the coast of the Black Sea is rainy and mild, with average temperatures of 20°C in summer (June – September) and 5°C in winter (December – March).

The climate in the central and eastern areas of Georgia is arider, with average temperatures of +25°C in summer and 0°C in winter.

The mountains have an alpine climate, with heavy snowfall in winter. The average temperature in the mountains in summer is +20°C and -20°C in winter.

Pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re traveling. If you’re planning on doing some hiking and camping in the mountains, bring warm clothing, even during summer as it can become cold at night.

As a woman, it’s okay to wear miniskirts, short shorts, and tops (if you don’t mind being stared at by some men). Only if you want to visit a church, you’ll have to cover your legs and arms and you’ll also have to cover your head with a scarf.

13.2 Travel essentials for Georgia

Here’s an overview of all the essentials you should pack for your Georgia travel trip:

• Water Filter Bottle : There are several water supply companies in Georgia whose main job is to filter and control the water quality. However, the water in Tbilisi sometimes tasted like chlorine and in some buildings, the water pipes are pretty old and rusty. If you don’t want to take risks, you can always filter the water using a Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . I highly recommend this reusable bottle with a microfiltration device. It allows you to safely drink the tap water and fresh mountain water from rivers and streams without becoming sick. When you drink water using a bottle like this, any dirt, bacteria, or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through.
• Power bank :  you might not always have electricity available to charge your electronic devices, especially not when you’re planning on spending time in the mountains. I use and recommend  Anker Power Bank   as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
• International travel adaptor : the power sockets in Georgia are of type C and F (the same as in the rest of Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.
• Biodegradable toilet paper :  you sometimes have to be comfortable using a squat toilet in Georgia. Sometimes there’s toilet paper but you should definitely bring biodegradable toilet paper with you. I mention biodegradable as the toilet paper disappears into the ground so we can keep it environment-friendly! It’s also really bad to flush the paper into the toilet as the drains block easily so use the small bin provided.

14. Can I fly a drone in Georgia country?

Yes, flying drones is allowed in Georgia as long as your drone doesn’t weigh more than 25 kg, doesn’t fly faster than 54km/h and you have liability insurance.

You can fly your drone everywhere in Georgia, except near airports, border areas, military, and governmental buildings, high tension power lines and crowded areas.

My photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers

15. How is the internet in Georgia country?

15.1 what is the best sim card in georgia and how to get one.

It’s very easy and cheap to get mobile internet in Georgia. I suggest the mobile operator called Magticom .

You can buy a sim card for about 5 GEL at any Magticom shop (you’ll see them everywhere in the big cities). Bring your passport as you’ll have to get registered.

Once you’ve got your sim card, install the Magticom app on your phone. Once it’s installed, you can set up the app in English. Enter your phone number, add a password and you’re ready to buy credit at any moment of the day.

I used to buy 4000 MB for only 10 GEL per month. You can also get unlimited internet for 150 GEL per month.

In case you’re a digital nomad and you need to work online, you can count on the internet in the big cities. It might be a bit slower in some hostels but in general, it’s reliable and fast.

I rented a flat and had my own private connection (that came with the apartment). Just keep in mind that once or twice a month there might be a power cut, even in Tbilisi or in Batumi, but they usually never last longer than 4 hours.

16.2 Recommended apps and websites for Georgia Travel

• Maps.M e :  This is one of the most practical apps you could use to navigate in Georgia. You download the map of the country so you can use it offline. It gives you very accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest, etc. This is also a great app to use while hiking as it shows most of the trails.
• Booking.com :  You’ll need internet to use this app but it’s a great tool to find (last-minute) accommodation in the country.
• Google Translate :  Translates written and spoken Georgian or Russian. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
• Xe currency:  very handy to check exchange rates, also works offline.
• Metrogeorgia.ge: for buses between Georgian cities and Turkey
• Georgian Bus and Omnibus : for airport transfers between cities of Georgia
• TTC : official public transport application for Tbilisi bus and metro
• Railway.ge : for domestic and international train tickets and 1331 if you want to call them.
• Vanillasky.ge – for domestic flights
• Taxi Tbilisi
• scootscoot.ge
• tkt.ge : Tickets for events, train and bus trips, football matches and more
• Safe You : a safety app for emergency situations. A great SOS call app that works for iOS and Android. The application has an SOS button that a woman can use if she is in danger and needs protection. For installing the application, follow these instructions.
• 112: the unified emergency number in Georgia. The 112 service is free of charge from all fixed-line and mobile networks even if the number is disconnected from both sides or there is no SIM card in the mobile phone.
• USA2Georgia and Postalon.ge : for international shipping services.

16. Culture and etiquette in Georgia

Despite repeated periods of foreign occupation, the country’s rich and ancient historical roots date back thousands of years.

Georgia’s monumental architecture, unique traditional music, colorful dances and art combine to give the country, and its hospitable and gracious citizens, a strong sense of national identity.

Georgians call themselves Kartveli and their land is called Sakartvelo. These names were taken from Kartlos, who was a descendant of Noah.

The foreign name of Georgia has been used all over Western Europe, and it is believed to come from the country’s patron saint, St. George or the Greek word “ Georgios” which translates as farmers/people who work on land. The latter makes the best sense as Georgians have been renowned as people who worked on land and Georgia has always been famous as an agricultural country.

Georgians are one of the most hospitable people I encountered. They truly believe that guests are a gift from God so you can expect many invitations for a meal when you visit small towns and villages.

This meal will probably turn out to be a supra, a large dinner party involving many toasts with wine. Beer was traditionally used to toast to the enemy so it’s an outdated tradition to never toast with beer, which some people still follow.

If you get invited, bring flowers, sweets or chocolate for the hosts. Make sure that you give an odd number of flowers since even numbers are given at funerals.

The common greeting is a handshake while saying ‘Gamarjoba’ (which means ‘hello’). Once a person knows you better, you might get greeted with a kiss on the cheek.

17. What is the religion in Georgia country

Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in Georgia and there are many centuries-old churches and monasteries that you can visit all over the country.

The Georgians are religious but most of them are not church-goers. People merged religion into traditions and practice it vaguely.

You might see Georgians making a cross while passing churches and for many that’s the biggest act of practicing their religion. Yet, you’ll see a lot of icons of the different saints in households, cars, and mini-buses.

One of the most important saints in the country is Saint Nino, known as the Enlightener of Georgia. Many girls are named after her (Nino, Nini, Nina). She’s the woman who preached Christianity in Georgia and the reason why this religion was adopted as the state religion in the year 330.

Saint Nino’s cousin, Saint George, is considered the patron of Georgia. They say there are 360 churches in Saint George’s name, so people could pray to him in a different church every day of the year.

There is a big Muslim community in Georgia as well as Jewish, Catholic and other religions.

Georgia has always been at the crossroads of cultures and religions. The fact that there are an Orthodox Christian church, Armenian church, Mosque and Synagogue on the main square in Tbilisi speak for itself.

18. Is English spoken in Georgia country

The younger generation in Georgia speaks English while for the generations that got education during soviet times, Russian is their second language.

Both languages can be really useful when traveling in Georgia, but I would not recommend learning Russian solely for traveling in Georgia. Most young people in Georgia don’t or even prefer not to speak Russian.

Georgian is the official language of the country. It’s a Kartvelian language that is over 2000 years old (!). It’s one of the oldest spoken languages in the world and probably the hardest one to learn with its complicated grammar rules and peculiar throat sounds. The language has very little in common with any other spoken languages. Georgian also has its own alphabet.

Georgians are fully aware that their language is difficult and spoken only in their small country. They don’t expect tourists or even foreigners living here to be nearly fluent, but you can definitely brighten up their faces with smiles with simple “Gamarjoba” (which means “hello”).

The Georgian people had to fight hard for centuries to preserve their language. Even nowadays, many people mistake Georgia for the state in the USA or even with Russia, due to Georgia’s Soviet past.

It’s extremely important for Georgian people to let the world know who they are and even the slightest interest you express in their language and culture is greatly welcomed and appreciated.

19. Recommended books about Georgia

Bradt’s Unique Travel Guide to Georgia is the ideal companion for all travellers, from serious hikers to wine buffs, high-end culture lovers to backpackers of all ages.

In Culture Smart! Georgia , you’ll be guided through the past and present-day realities of Georgia, explaining what makes people tick, how they live and feel, and how to get on with them. You will discover that the Georgians will not let you down. Learn with this book how to reach their hearts, and they will charm you back.

If you’re planning to visit all the countries in the Caucasus, then Lonely Planet’s Travel Guide to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a very useful book!

Georgia is a truly marvelous country waiting to be explored. I hope this post will guide you through your journey and that you’ll enjoy your time there as much as I did!

If you still have questions about your upcoming journey, let me know in the comments below or send me an email .

Related Posts

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The Complete Svaneti Georgia Travel Guide – 21 Things to do in the Wild Heart of the Caucasus Mountains

How to get to the Chronicles of Georgia in Tbilisi

15 Amazing and Unique Places to Visit in Georgia

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More georgia travel resources.

• Guide to Tbilisi , Georgia’s capital city
• Visit the 15 most beautiful and unique places in Georgia
• Plan your trip with these 3 awesome Georgia travel itineraries
• Discover the Chronicle of Georgia , Tbilisi’s hidden gem
• Guide to Batumi, Georgia’s most quirky beach city
• Hiking in Georgia: 7 beautiful off-the-beaten path hikes
• Visiting ghosts of the past in Chiatura, the cable car city of Georgia
• Visit Katskhi Pillar , the most incredible cliff church in the world
• Travel Guide to Vardzia , the ancient cave city of Georgia
• Visit Svaneti , the wild heart of Georgia
• Visit Tusheti , Georgia’s most remote region
• Visit these 10 beautiful historical places in Georgia
• Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia
• 10 Georgian dishes you absolutely have to try
• Georgia, motherland of wine
• From Past to Present, a guide to Georgian Tea

15 thoughts on “The Complete Georgia Travel Guide: 19 Useful Things you should know for backpacking in Georgia in 2024”

What a informative webpage! Will definitely follow all blogs and social media. Thank you it helped to start planning a hiking solo trip to Georgia!

Hi Es, happy to hear this! Have fun with your preparations!

Never been so interested in reading out the entire vlog going line by line. All the information provided seems so detailed and hope it can make my georgia trip so easier. Keep up the good work!

Thank you Jazeel!! Wishing you a great time in Georgia!

Hey! I read this article to plan my trip to Georgia. And I must say I haven’t seen such an elaborate and well written travel guide ever! Pls keep on doing the great work. Helps all the travelers!

Thank you so much Manish!!

Thank you so much for all the information you shared! I am excited to explore Georgia and this is a great guide to get me started!

Hi Gina, that is so great to hear! Thank you! We wish you a beautiful trip to Georgia and let us know if you’d have more questions about traveling to this stunning country!

Thanks for sharing your insights! I’m heading to Svaneti in Sept by myself and plan to do the 5 day hike to the glacier. Do you think it’s safe for a solo female traveller? I can’t get a sense as to whether there are many people on the same hiking trails. Thanks!

Hi Camila, Svaneti is currently a popular place for hiking so you’ll meet other people on the trail. It’s also a safe place for a solo female traveller. If you’d like to have some company, you could always post a message in the Facebook group ” Georgian Wanderers”. But if you like to do it on your own, you should be fine as well. Wishing you great adventures in Georgia! Happy travels!

Thank you so much for such an informative blog. I´m trying to convince my family to go to Georgia this year and I thing your blog will be of great help for that. Just one question: do you think this is a safe/enjoyable country for kids? I have a 5 year old boy (very used to road trips) and I´ve been wandering if this would be also appropriate for him. Best regards and congratulations!

Hi Nuno, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy reading our blog! I hope you can convince your family to go to Georgia as it’s such a beautiful country (we miss it there and are thinking about returning as soon as we can). Georgia is very safe for kids and for travelers in general. It’s honestly one of the safest countries I’ve visited during my +7 years of traveling! The Georgians also love children so you don’t have to worry about anything! Hope this will convince your family and if you have any more questions, I’ll be happy to answer them! Warmest wishes, Cynthia

Thank you for providing such an in depth guide to traveling in Georgia! This was very helpful. Georgia has been on our bucket list for quite a long time but we haven’t yet made it to that country. Now we want to travel there even more!

Hi Desiree, you’re very welcome! We spent 11 months in Georgia and really loved our time there. It’s a beautiful destination and I hope you can make it one day to visit it! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would have more questions!

Oh, that is so great to hear!! Glad that our website provides you with good information!! You’ll enjoy your trip, both countries are very beautiful and special! Do you already have an idea which places you want to visit?

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Wander-Lush

25 Practical Georgia Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

From pointers for planning the perfect itinerary to restaurant etiquette and staying safe on the roads, here are 25 essential Georgia travel tips to know before you go.

The first time I visited Georgia in 2017, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I’m usually one to over-research and over-plan (can you tell?) – but on this particular trip, I was totally underprepared. 

This mostly worked in my favour. Almost everything I experienced in Georgia was a kind of ‘pleasant surprise’: Transport, money, safety, food, accommodation, hospitality – everything just flowed.

• Also read: Tips for visiting the Caucasus region – religion, etiquette and cultural curiosities .

Things have changed in the interim and travelling in Georgia is a bit different to how it was even 5 short years ago. Having lived here for over a year now and travelled to almost every corner of the country, I still learn something new every day.

My job is to absorb information, and over time I’ve picked up some really helpful tips that I wish I had known on my first trip. With so many people looking to visit Georgia for the first time this year, it’s finally time to put everything down on one page.

The last thing I want to do is give too much away or detract from your joy of discovering Georgia for yourself. If you’d rather come in blind like I did, stop reading this right now and go check out this list of amazing places to visit in Georgia instead!

If, however, you like to be prepared and you want to save yourself money, time and stress, then read on. Here are 25 things I think you should know before you visit the country of Georgia for the first time.

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.

25 practical Georgia travel tips for first-time visitors

1. late spring or fall is a nice time to visit georgia.

Georgia has a relatively mild climate outside of the high-altitude mountain regions. While there’s not exactly a definitive ‘best time to visit Georgia’, there is surely a period to avoid : Peak summer.

Summer is high season for international visitors. On top of that, when things start to heat up (and smog up) in Tbilisi , locals intuitively flock to the mountains or the villages. There’s increased pressure on transport and accommodation throughout the summer months as a result. On the Black Sea Coast, hotel prices go up considerably.

The nicest time to visit Georgia in my opinion is during shoulder season , either in late spring or in fall .

Once the spring rains clear (usually after Orthodox Easter ), temperatures are mild, wildflowers are blooming , and it’s not too crowded yet.

(Check the dates for the Eid al-Fitr holiday – this period does get busy with visitors from neighbouring countries.)

Fall or autumn (September to late October) is another great time to visit as the whole country is in a festive mood. The wine harvest, Rtveli , takes place around this time and if you’re organised, you can watch or participate in grape-picking in Kakheti .

In the capital, the Tbilisoba Festival is held in early October. Temperatures remain mild through to late October, and most mountain areas that are cut off in winter remain accessible until then.

Georgia has an extremely varied geography so temperatures and weather conditions vary a lot depending on where you go. Always do your research before you set out.

Key takeaway: Visit in late spring for hiking or fall for wine season. Avoid the summer months unless you’re going straight to the mountains. Consider winter for a Tbilisi city break but note that some mountain areas are inaccessible.

2. Top georgia travel tip: Buy a local sim card

A sim card is pretty much a necessity in Georgia if you’re going to be using taxis (see my next tip for more) or you need to navigate with Google Maps. It’s so easy and affordable to get set up with a local sim, there’s really no reason not to.

Magti is my preferred provider in Georgia for price, coverage and customer service. A sim card costs 10 GEL and the best deal is an unlimited 4G data package for just 9 GEL (2.50 USD) per week .

Don’t buy a sim card at the airport – prices are higher. Instead, wait until you get into the city and can visit a Magti branch. Registration is done for you at the shop (all you need is your passport) and takes all of 10 minutes.

A word of warning: Don’t always trust Google Maps in Georgia. Some streets and street numbers are way off. It’s pretty good for bus routes in Tbilisi, but TTC app is generally more reliable.

Key takeaway: Magti is the best mobile provider in Georgia. Don’t buy a tourist sim at the airport – wait to visit an office in the city. See my full step-by-step guide to buying a sim card and my recommended apps for Georgia.

3. Always use an app for taxis (and never take a taxi from the airport!)

Most regular taxis in Tbilisi and other cities do not have metres, meaning you need to negotiate the fare with the driver before you set off. To avoid confusion and overpaying, it’s much easier to use an app to book taxis.

Bolt is the most reliable local app and covers the major cities (there is no Uber in Georgia). It’s easy to use and in my experience, you never have to wait more than a few minutes for a driver. Prices are more than fair and you can tip the driver through the app if you want to.

If travelling from Tbilisi Airport to the city , use the airport bus 337, organise a private transfer with GoTrip , or use Bolt.

If travelling from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi, you can either use the train, use Georgian Bus or OmniBus, which are timed to depart as flights arrive, or book a private transfer . Find more info about travelling from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi in this transport guide .

Key takeaway: Always an app to book taxis – avoid hailing cabs on the street and never ever take a taxi from the airport in Tbilisi. See more tips for using taxis in Tbilisi and a comparison of the best apps.

4. Buy a transport card when you first arrive in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has a terrific public transport system that makes it very easy to get around the city. It has recently undergone a big overhaul – new minivans have been introduced, new routes planned, and most importantly, fares have doubled from 50 tetri to 1 GEL per ride .

As of May 2022, buses in Tbilisi no longer have coin machines . To use the buses, metro and cable cars in Tbilisi you first need to purchase one of two rechargeable transport cards.

The white MetroMoney Card is used for single journeys (each journey is valid for 90 minutes), while the blue Travel Card is suitable for anyone who uses public transport more frequently. With this new card, you can purchase a daily, weekly or monthly unlimited pass (capped at 20 rides per day). Both cards cost 2 GEL and are available at the cash desk inside any metro station. Top up with cash using an orange pay box.

International bank cards also work on public transport – meaning you can tap your credit/debit card on the machine as you would with a transport card (just as long as your card has a chip). Note that the fare is higher, around 1.50 GEL per ride versus 1 GEL.

Key takeaway: If you plan to use public transport in Tbilisi, buy a rechargeable MetroMoney or Travel Card when you first arrive. You can also use the MetroMoney card for buses in Batumi. In Kutaisi and most other smaller cities/towns, buses still have coin machines so you can simply buy a single ticket onboard.

5. Be conscious of road safety

The driving style in Georgia is pure madness. Speeding, filtering to create a new lane of traffic where there isn’t supposed to be one, and overtaking around blind corners on single-lane mountain roads are some of the biggest issues.

It would be funny if it wasn’t so serious: Georgia has a terrible track record with road accidents, especially on poorly maintained mountain roads. Things are improving gradually, but it’s something every traveller should be conscious of.

I personally don’t have the stomach for long marshrutka rides anymore (even short taxi trips in Tbilisi make me anxious). When booking day trips or organising transfers, road safety is something that should always be front of mind.

Key takeaway: Be hyper vigilant when it comes to road safety in Georgia. Don’t opt for the cheapest day tour as these companies often skimp on safety precautions. Avoid travelling on the roads after dark and never get into a car with a driver who you suspect has been drinking.

6. Use GoTrip for longer road journeys

One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make on their first visit to Georgia is thinking that because the country is so small, it will be fast and easy to get around. In truth, ‘public transport’ is still quite basic here and it can take a long time to get from A to B. Trains in particular are quite slow (with the exception of the Tbilisi Batumi high-speed train and the trains to Poti and Zugdidi ).

You will come to embrace the clunky marshrutka van as all travellers do, but know there are other (more comfortable and safer) transport options available that won’t break the bank.

GoTrip.ge is one of my absolute favourite services in Georgia. I can’t tell you how many times this platform has saved me. Essentially it’s a long-distance Uber for private one-way, round-trip or multi-day transfers – input your destination/s then choose a driver and vehicle based on their credentials and star rating.

The price is fixed when you book so there’s no need to negotiate the fare, and you can stop wherever you want, whenever you want along the way. Fares are very reasonable and up to 40% cheaper than if you were to find a driver on the street. I especially love GoTrip for journeys such as the Georgian Military Highway where there are lots of places to sight-see along the way.

Visit the GoTrip.ge website and use their Trip Planner to explore routes around Georgia.

Key takeaway: Consider a car and driver for longer journeys and dangerous mountain roads, even if it means paying a bit more. Avoid using marshrutka vans for very long trips, and try to break up long road journeys with an overnight stop.

7. If you hire a car, use a local agent

Georgia is extremely affordable but some things are disproportionately expensive, car hire being one of them. If you want to get off the beaten track by driving around Georgia , the best option is to go through a local agent rather than a brand-name company.

Local Rent is my favourite platform for booking cars in Georgia. They work exclusively with local agents and offer great prices, as little as $34/day for a 4WD. Insurance is typically included and most agents don’t ask for a deposit or credit card. Just note that the car might be a bit shabbier than you’re used to. Because these agents don’t have offices, they’ll even throw in free delivery to your address.

Check availability and prices for your travel dates here on Local Rent .

Remember what I said about road safety and exercise a higher level of caution than normal when you’re driving in Georgia. Most highways are in good nick and there aren’t too many curly road rules to wrap your head around – the main thing is to watch out for other drivers. Here are my insights into the local driving style and top tips for self-driving.

Key takeaway: Avoid renting a car through the usual channels and use a local agent instead. Local Rent is the best platform to find an affordable rental car in Georgia. BUT only hire a car if you’re a confident and experienced driver who doesn’t get spooked by erratic or aggressive drivers.

8. Always carry some cash

While 99% of restaurants and hotels in the city take credit card, smaller cafes, markets, taxi drivers (if you’re using them in rural areas) and smaller guesthouses only accept cash payment. Lari is the official currency in Georgia and you should always carry some on you – especially if you’re headed to the regions or the mountains.

Avoid the currency exchange at the airport – instead, use one of the ATMs in the arrivals hall (there are several) to withdraw GEL. All ATMs in Georgia accept Visa and Mastercard, while Bank of Georgia takes AMEX. Withdrawal fees are usually around 2 GEL (some charge nothing) but you’ll need to check with your issuing bank for other charges. Basisbank and Cartu Bank ATMs have higher withdrawal limits.

Don’t mistake a paybox for an ATM – payboxes are the jukebox-like plastic boxes on every street corner used for paying bills and other services. They don’t dispense cash. ATMs are everywhere on the street and in malls (but not in convenience stores). For peace of mind, it’s advisable to use the ATMs inside bank branches when you can.

Key takeaway: Card is accepted almost everywhere in the cities but it’s handy to have some cash for smaller purchases. ATMs are ubiquitous throughout Georgia but you should always carry cash with you when travelling in rural areas.

9. Understand the tipping culture

Tipping is not part of the culture in Georgia and it is not considered mandatory. But tipping is now expected in most service industries , especially in Tbilisi, and particularly when it comes to tourists.

The common-sense principle that you should only tip if you’re happy with the service applies. Personally I almost always tip because I understand that wages are low (40-60 GEL/day is the average for a restaurant server).

You’ll notice that many restaurants, bars and cafes add a 10% ‘service fee’ onto the bill (on top of 18% VAT). This almost never goes to the server, though – it’s used for other purposes, such as replacing broken plates and glasses.

If you want to be sure your server receives a gratuity, leave an extra tip in cash and try to hand it to them personally. I usually tip 10% for servers and 1-3 GEL for Bolt drivers.

Key takeaway: Tipping is not ‘the norm’ in Georgia, but it is hugely appreciated. If you’re happy with the service, tip your restaurant/cafe server in cash. Remember that the 10% ‘service charge’ added to your bill does not normally go to the waiter.

10. Tourist scams and corruption are rare

As long as you exercise common sense, Georgia is an extremely safe place and Tbilisi is a very safe city. Crime is very rarely targeted at tourists.

Scams do happen on occasion, though. Avoid eating or shopping in overly ‘touristy’ areas (such as the pedestrianised part of Aghmashenebeli Avenue in Tbilisi), and always ask for the price first before committing to purchase something from a market or food vendor. The biggest culprit is taxis and the best way to safeguard against this is to use an app in the cities and book drivers through your guesthouse when you’re in towns or rural areas.

There is one other perennial tourist scam in Tbilisi and Batumi to watch out for. A group or individual, either someone you meet on the street or through a dating app, will invite you for a drink at a local bar then ask you to foot the insanely overpriced bill. (This happened to friends of ours and they ended up getting fleeced for thousands of dollars.)

Be cautious when accepting invitations from strangers and if you do, meet at a place of your choosing. Avoid restaurants or especially bars that are not on Google Maps . Unless they’re brand new, if they don’t have a listing or past reviews you can safely assume this is a red flag.

A few decades ago Georgia embarked on a national project to stamp out corruption (notice how every police station is made of glass?). It mostly worked and today, corruption in all forms is extremely rare , especially where tourists are concerned. It’s not something you have to be wary of.

Key takeaway: Exercise a normal level of vigilance, especially in the big cities, but know that petty crime, scams and corruption targeted at tourists is extremely very rare in Georgia.

11. It’s (mostly) safe to drink the tap water

Can you drink the tap water in Georgia? This is always the subject of debate among expats. Georgians love their spring and mineral waters (e.g. Borjomi ) and for the most part, tap water is of a similarly high quality. Nine times out of 10 when you’re travelling in rural areas and small towns it will be more than safe to drink the tap water.

Many people choose not to drink the tap water in Tbilisi. In this case it’s more of an issue with the pipes than the water itself. If you’re staying in an old building, the water might be tainted with residue from old pipes. In all likelihood it’s still safe to drink but it might not sit well with you.

Key takeaway: Georgia is blessed with mountain springs and mineral waters – always carry a reusable water bottle when you’re travelling so that you can fill up at these natural springs. For the most part, tap water is safe to drink in towns and cities but some people choose to avoid it in Tbilisi. Bottled water is extremely affordable.

12. Understand that the days start late

Tbilisi in particular wakes up late and stays up late. Even in summer when the sun is out before 5am, if you’re on the street before 9, you can hear a pin drop. Banks open at 10am but many people start work mid-morning and continue late into the evening.

Don’t wake up early and expect everything to be open. Georgia doesn’t have a strong breakfast or brunch culture , so cafes in Tbilisi rarely open before 10am ( see a list of early risers here ). Shops, museums, galleries and other attractions tend to open between 10am and 11am. Peak hour falls later, and public transport is always very busy around 7pm on weekdays. Plan your days accordingly.

Key takeaway: Whenever possible, take breakfast at your accommodation (especially when you’re staying in a smaller town or village). Restaurant opening hours are sometimes flexible so it’s best to arrive 15-20 minutes after advertised opening time to be safe. Stick to outdoor activities in the mornings, especially in Tbilisi, and save your museums for the afternoon.

13. Take listed opening hours with a pinch of salt

As I mentioned earlier, Google Maps is far from 100% reliable in Georgia . Sometimes you’ll roll up to an address expecting to find a cafe there and zip, nada, nothing! (This still happens to me fairly often – sometimes I just can’t see the place, other times it’s moved.)

Business owners often neglect to update their opening hours or addresses on Google Maps, so it’s better to check on Facebook or Instagram instead. If I’m visiting a venue for the first time, I will always send a message on social media the day before to check they’re actually going to be open.

When a cafe or restaurant goes out of business, sometimes this doesn’t get updated either – so you’ll find places that are marked as ‘open’ on maps but are actually long abandoned, and other places marked as ‘permanently closed’ that are actually open.

In addition, lots of venues will open up later than their listed hours indicate or close the kitchen for the day at short notice (especially if the water or power is out). This is just something you have to get used to. Always have a Plan B up your sleeve just in case!

Key takeaway: Don’t rely on Google Maps – businesses are much more likely to update their Facebook or Instagram pages if they close down, move, or if their hours change. If in doubt, message ahead to double check.

14. Don’t rush through Tbilisi

If you’re starting or ending your trip in the capital, you might think a night in Tbilisi will suffice. While it’s true that you can see a good deal of Tbilisi’s ‘must-sees’ in a day, if you want to savour the city, you’ll need more time than that.

Tbilisi is the capital of course, but it doesn’t necessarily feel like it. Where other big cities are anonymous and cookie-cutter, Tbilisi has a very unique look and atmosphere that I can’t really compare to anywhere else. This has long been the most multicultural city in the region and all that wonderful diversity still shines through today.

Aside from the historical landmarks, museums and important churches, there are lots of offbeat things to do in Tbilisi , from visiting Stalin’s old printing press to taking an urban hike for a city view . On top of that, there are squillions of cafes, galleries , cute boutiques and wine bars that you can happily spend a day floating between.

Some of Tbilisi’s most interesting neighbourhoods, especially Sololaki, Abanotubani and Chugureti, should be explored at a slow pace by foot. Consider joining a free or paid walking tour for a more in-depth look at the city’s heritage architecture or Soviet history .

Plus, you’ll want at least six meals in Tbilisi so that you can sample a good range of the city’s best restaurants .

Key takeaway: Two to three days is the minimum amount of time you need in Tbilisi if you want to do it justice. If you love cities or you prefer slow travel, you can quite easily fill in 5-plus days in Tbilisi.

15. Remember to pack your bathers for the sulfur baths

I know this is very specific, but a trip to the sulfur baths is a Tbilisi experience most visitors want to have – just make sure it’s memorable in the right way!

Everyone goes nude at the public baths, but if you’re booking a private room with a Kisi massage/scrub treatment, it’s advisable to wear a bikini (women) or trunks (men).

Key takeaway: Pack your swimmers for Georgia, even if you’re visiting in winter. Read more about bathhouse etiquette in Abanotubani here.

16. Stay at family guesthouses when you can

Guesthouses are by far the most popular type of accommodation in rural Georgia. When you stay at a guesthouse, you’re spending the night in a family home – a bit like a homestay .

Home-cooked meals and home-made alcoholic beverages are part and parcel of the guesthouse experience. More than that, guesthouse host families are like travel agents who can organise taxis, tours and tickets, phone ahead to save you a seat on the next marshrutka, call the local restaurant to book you a table… And just about anything else you might need.

I swear by guesthouses, especially in small villages where you might need some help with travel logistics. It’s also a really nice way to meet a family and make a local connection , and to link up with other travellers too.

Needless to say this is one of the easiest ways to show your support for small business and community tourism in Georgia.

Key takeaway: When in doubt, book a family run guesthouse. Not only do they offer affordable accommodation and home-cooked meals, they can help you with all kinds of travel logistics too. Most can be booked online through Booking.com but many only accept cash payment. See here for a full list of my favourite guesthouses around Georgia.

17. Remember that Georgia is a good place to treat yourself

As soul-nourishing as guesthouse hospitality is, it’s nice to treat yourself to something slightly more luxurious once in a while. The good news is that Georgia – a budget-friendly destination by any measure – has a stellar range of high-quality accommodations that are extremely well priced.

In Georgia, you can spend the night in a historic wine chateaux in Kakheti , settle into a ski-in luxury mountain cabin in Kazbegi, go glamping in the heart of the forest in Racha, or curl up in a high-rise boutique hotel overlooking the Black Sea for a fraction of the cost of something similar in Western Europe (or even Eastern Europe for that matter).

It’s within almost every traveller’s budget to splash out on a nice hotel room or a private tour. If you’re supporting a local business at the same time, then why not.

The only area where you don’t really need to fork out extra cash is food . In my experience, a higher price tag rarely equates with better tasting food or more attentive service – so you’re safe to stick to the cheap (or mid-range) and cheerful when it comes to restaurants.

On a serious note: Don’t come to Georgia expecting everything to be dirt cheap or worse, for things to get handed to you for free. No doubt you’ll be the recipient of Georgia’s legendary hospitality at some point in your travels, but remember to be gracious and try not to take advantage of people’s generosity.

Key takeaway: Don’t be afraid to book that beautiful accommodation or private tour if it will enhance your experience. There are other areas where you can save money, such as on food and alcohol.

18. Make sure you do at least one hike

Even as a bonafide non-hiker, I can say this with absolute confidence: You must get out on foot in the mountains, even if it’s just for a half-day trek.

Many people come to Georgia for the sole purpose of hiking. The Mestia to Ushguli trail in Svaneti is arguably the most popular multi-day hike, but there are trails in every national park. Black Rock Lake in Lagodekhi, the Truso Valley near Kazbegi and St Andrews Trail near Borjomi are all great alternative options. If you’re serious about hiking, have a look at the Transcaucasian Trail , a route-in-progress that will soon connect the whole South Caucasus region.

Why hike? There’s no better way to connect with the mountain landscapes that make Georgia so special. It’s not just the scenery, but the cultural diversity and way of life in the mountains that makes hiking a must-do.

Key takeaway: Bring your comfy shoes because a hike in Georgia is mandatory. The Gergeti Trinity Church hike is easily the best half-day trek in the country.

19. Look beyond the mountains

We all know Georgia has majestic mountains, but did you know there’s also mud volcanoes, rainbow hills, volcanic plateaus and primordial Colchic forests in Georgia – sometimes all within the same region?

For a country of its size, Georgia is incredibly diverse in terms of the climate and landscape. Wake up in the mountains, off-road through a semi-desert then eat dinner on a black-sand beach – it’s possible in Georgia.

The Greater Caucasus are obviously a must, but I urge you to explore some of the other landscapes and outdoor adventures Georgia has to offer as well. Some of the most rewarding experiences this country has to offer can be found in the more remote, rugged corners: Start by looking at Vashlovani, Lagodekhi, Machakhela and the newly UNESCO-listed Colchic Forests and Wetlands for inspiration.

By the same token, don’t limit your horizons to the big three cities. Georgia has some incredible smaller cities and regional towns that are every bit as rewarding. My favourites are Gori , Telavi , Oni and Zugdidi .

Key takeaway: The best Georgia itineraries sample as many different landscapes as possible. This will help you appreciate the contrasts – and make those mountains seem all the more stunning. Here are 35+ places to visit in Georgia to get you started.

20. Understand the dress code for visiting religious sites

There is a strict dress code for visiting Orthodox churches, monasteries and convents in Georgia. The same applies for mosques.

For men, this means covered knees (no shorts) and covered shoulders (no singlet tops). Women must cover their shoulders and knees as well, and cover their hair. Some churches in rural areas require women to be wearing a long skirt rather than fitted pants. In my experience, a long jacket that’s zipped up will do.

Ninety-nine percent of religious sites have wrap-around apron skirts and headscarves that you can borrow at the door free of charge. However, I always recommend dressing appropriately if you know you’re going to be visiting a church or monastery. For hygiene reasons, I suggest women carry their own light scarf for their hair.

Remember that many tourist sites such as Vardzia and Uplistsikhe have chapels or churches so you’ll need to dress appropriately if you want to visit this part of the complex.

Although there are no hard and fast rules about how to dress outside of religious settings, Georgia tends to err on the conservative side in this department. It’s unusual for men to wear shorts or for women to wear microskirts (except in Batumi), for example. When visiting rural areas and small villages, it’s better to cover up to avoid making other people feel uncomfortable.

Key takeaway: If you’re going to be visiting lots of religious sites, make sure you pack appropriate attire. Ladies, pack a lightweight cotton scarf and always carry it with you. Try to dress more conservatively in rural areas. See here for my full Georgia packing list and what to wear in Georgia.

21. Watch out for monastery fatigue

Speaking of visiting religious sites – monastery fatigue is real, and it’s something many travellers experience. I have no idea just how many monasteries and churches there are in Georgia, but it’s probably in the tens of thousands. Kakheti in particular has dozens and dozens of splendid monuments to see.

I’ve been here long enough that I can start to appreciate the little design details and historical quirks that set each one apart. But on my first few visits to Georgia, I didn’t know enough to appreciate the differences so everything just started to blend into one.

Something important to mention here is that monasteries are much more than just religious sites: They’re equally historical sites. Georgian culture, literature, music, food, wine – the list goes on – is all so interwoven with the church, it’s impossible to find one without the other. When you visit a monastery, you’re not just learning about religion, you’re immersing yourself in history and culture as well. Where else in the world but Georgia would you visit a monastery to do a wine tasting!?

My advice is to pace yourself – don’t pack too many monasteries/churches into one day, and try to split them up with other activities (in Kakheti, wine tastings do the job perfectly). Look for something memorable, maybe a distinctive icon, to help you differentiate each place.

And be selective about the ones you do visit – don’t feel pressured to visit a monastery you’re not interested in just because someone says you should. (Unless it’s me telling you, because I am very selective about the monasteries I recommend!)

Key takeaway: Most monasteries have little or no signage beyond a basic information plaque so if you want to gain an appreciation (and you don’t speak enough Georgian to converse with the priest), either go with a guide or read-up as much as you can before your visit. This will help you better appreciate each monastery and church that you visit and keep you feeling motivated to see more.

22. Don’t skip the wine region

Cultivating grapes, fermenting wine and raising a glass of Saperavi at a Supra feast are all fundamental aspects of Georgian identity. Just as you can’t visit the country without seeing a few monasteries, no trip to ‘the cradle of wine’ is complete without a jaunt through the wine region.

I say ‘the’ wine region, but what I really mean is a wine region. Kakheti might be the biggest, most productive and most popular wine route, but there are vineyards all over Georgia . Maranis (cellars) in Imereti (outside Kutaisi ), Upper Adjara ( a day trip from Batumi ) and Racha all showcase traditional winemaking methods.

You don’t go to a winery just to drink wine – you also go to learn about Qvevri technology , Georgia’s 8000-year tradition of fermenting grapes underground in clay vessels . Even if you don’t drink alcohol or you have no interest in wine, it’s an opportunity for a hands-on lesson in Georgian culture.

Key takeaway: Kakheti is a great choice for a wine tour, but remember there are vineyards and cellars all over Georgia. Wherever you go, be sure to visit a mix of commercial and small family wineries that use Qvevri techniques so you can observe the traditional methods.

23. Come hungry!

Is it rumours of ‘soup dumplings’ as big as your hand and ‘cheesy bread’ topped with melted butter and egg yolk that are drawing you like a magnet to Georgia? Don’t worry, you wouldn’t be the first traveller to be lured here by their stomach.

It doesn’t take long to realise there’s way more to Georgian cooking than just Khinkali and Khachapuri – though both those dishes really are very good.

Marigold, blue fenugreek, sour plum, kiwi, pomegranate, homemade cheese, tandoor bread and the best tomatoes on earth – it’s all waiting for you in Georgia, and in combinations and concoctions you’ve likely never encountered before.

The food here continues to blow me away every time I eat out, especially when I’m travelling in the villages. Unexpectedly fresh, always packed with flavour and fiercely regional, Georgian must be one of the most underrated cuisines on the planet.

Just be strategic with your meals! It’s not a bad idea to skip breakfast so that you can concentrate on lunch and dinner, the two biggest meals of the day traditionally.

Key takeaway: Get your fill of Khachapuri and Khinkali then look beyond the typical dishes to discover the wonderful world of Georgian cuisine. Tbilisi has many restaurants that specialise in regional dishes but it’s even better if you can taste them in-situ. Samegrelo, Upper Adjara and Racha are my personal favourite foodie destinations in Georgia.

24. Never eat Khinkali with a knife and fork

This one is fairly self-explanatory. There’s only one way to eat Khinkali and that’s with your fingers – it’s the only way to ensure you don’t miss a single drop of that delicious meat juice!

There are of course some exceptions: Non-meat Khinkali is sometimes eaten with cutlery, and you can use the tip of your fork to harpoon the meat dumplings if you don’t want to get your hands dirty.

Key takeaway: Put that knife and fork away. Read more restaurant etiquette tips here, and don’t forget to download a free copy of my Tbilisi Khinkali Guide so you know where to find the best dumplings!

25. Learn a bit of Georgian before you arrive

Someone once told me that state, religion and language are the holy trinity in Georgia.

The Georgian language has monumental significance as a symbol of cultural identity and sovereignty. Unlike some other post-Soviet countries , Georgia held onto its tongue through thick and thin. People are incredibly proud of their language and everything it represents.

Learning a few words of Georgian will not only help you interact with people and break the ice, it’s also a nice way to demonstrate your respect for the country and the people. Believe me when I say that locals will hugely appreciate you making even the smallest effort.

As someone who’s spent the past year or so trying to learn Georgian, I can tell you it’s very challenging. Learning the characters of the Georgian alphabet is a great place to start. Helpfully, every letter is ‘pure’ and pronounced the same way no matter how it’s written or where it falls in a word. Once you know your k from your k’ , you’ll be surprised how much you can read and understand.

Georgians are normally very open (beneath that sometimes hard exterior) and happy to chat about any topic. But it’s a good idea to warm up to each other’s company before you start talking politics or religion . By the same token, don’t be surprised if someone you just met asks you your age, marital status and whether or not you have children (and if the answer to the last one is ‘no’, they might weigh in with their opinion on your life choices!). Personal questions are fairly common , don’t be surprised if people pry. But money is rarely discussed.

Key takeaway: English is widely spoken in Georgia but it pays to learn a bit of the language. Use an app such as Write Georgian to master the beautiful characters and watch free YouTube tutorials such as this one to practice basic conversational Georgian.

What did I miss? Do you have any extra Georgia travel tips to share? Let me know in the comments below.

Georgia essentials

Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend for Georgia. Check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Search for affordable flights to Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance (get 5% off when you book with my link).

SIM CARD: Magti is my preferred provider, with prices starting from 9 GEL/week for unlimited data. See this guide for all the details about buying a Georgian SIM card .

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Most flights into Georgia arrive in the early hours. For ease, pre-book a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel (from $17) or from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi (from $90) with my partners at GoTrip.ge.

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Georgia. Use it to find family guesthouses, private apartments, hostels and hotels around the country.

CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a rental car in Georgia – use the Local Rent website to book through a local agent (prices start from $20/day).

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Use Viator or Get Your Guide to browse a range of day trips and city tours. For off-beat programs, I recommend Friendly.ge (use the promocode wanderlush for 10% off). For in-depth day trips to Georgia’s wine regions, I recommend Eat This! Tours (use the promo code wanderlush for 5% off).

PRIVATE TRANSFERS: GoTrip.ge is a terrific service for booking a private professional driver and car for the day. Use it for A-to-B transfers, a customised round-trip itinerary, or a multi-day trip. You can stop wherever you like for as long as you like without the fixed price going up.

NEED SOME HELP?: Need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips? I offer a one-on-one consultation call service for Tbilisi and Georgia. More information and bookings here .

You might also be interested in…

• The ultimate Georgia itinerary : Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
• Georgia Travel Guide : All of my 200+ posts plus my top travel tips
• Georgia travel tips : 25 essential things to know before you go
• Places to visit in Georgia : 50+ unique & underrated destinations around the country
• The best things to do in Tbilisi : Favourites, hidden gems & local picks
• 35+ best restaurants in Tbilisi : Where to eat Georgian food
• 15 best day trips from Tbilisi : With detailed transport instructions
• The best time to visit Georgia : Month-by-month guide to weather, festivals & events

25 Comments

Hi Emily, First of all, I would like to thank you for sharing so many updated tips for a great discovery of Armenia and Georgia. Your website is definitely my 1st source of information for my oncoming trip to both countries. From what I read on your website, you are away visiting Albania, etc at the moment, but could you possibly tell me if there is a train between Tbilisi and Yerevan on Monday, Oct 23. With the changes in the timetable, it is difficult to know for sure which is which between odd and even days. I asked the hostel people in Tbilisi, but they did not bother to check and said they did not know… Looking forward to your answer. Have a great time in the Balkans, Guy (France)

Hi Guy, the timetable does indicate that there is a train on October 23 (Tbilisi to Yerevan). If you are in Tbilisi now, I would pop down to the station to check and buy tickets if you can.

Thanks very much for the well wishes. Safe travels!

Mrs Emily, I would like personally to thank you for this amazing blog. It has really helped me organise my trip to Tbilisi this November!

Thanks Eirini! So happy to hear that. Have a wonderful trip to Georgia!

Wow, this is a bunch of information…. It is not easy to find good information about Georgia as it is still an underestimated holday destination .

Thanks Jos! Glad you found it helpful.

Hello Ms. Wander Lush, your blogs have been my BIBLE for planning my trip to Georgia this September. Thank you for all the information for any possible question I had in mind. Really looking forward to the holiday!

Thanks Vinodini, so glad the site has been helpful. Wishing you a terrific trip!

Hi Ms Emily,

Me and my friend will be travelling to Georgia and Armenia this coming Friday. And I’m so lucky to find your blog about these two countries which is very informative and useful for our travel plans. We we’re able to arrange our trip smoothly because of your blog as our reference…such as taking overnight train for Armenia trip, group tours, souvenirs shops, food and budget tips. Keep it up and thank you so much.

Hello Jasmin, that’s so great to hear! Thank you for your comment. I hope you both have a wonderful trip! Safe travels!

Hi again Ms Emily.. just quick question, which one they prefer for currency exhange, euro or in dollars? Thanks again.

Hi Jasmin, it is better to withdraw local currency (lari) directly from an ATM if possible.

wow couldn’t find a better blog about Georgia,we are on our initial stage to plan a trip to Georgia from India and we have got the perfect itinerary from this blog,thank you so much Emily for this amazing blog, going thoroughly in and out of it.

Thanks so much Suchi!

Wow! Such an elaborate post! I just bumped on this link and with the information given here it sounds so easy to me now. I might plan a trip soon but do you recommend coming to Georgia with a 15month old?

Hi Akanksha, thanks! Georgia is generally a family friendly destination, you just have to be aware of a few things such as road safety. But there are certainly lots of fun things for families to do!

Thank you so much for your insight! I plan on traveling there with a group in May, do you have any travel tips for groups of 10?

Hi Jasmin – transport will be your biggest consideration. Feel free to email me with any specific questions and I will try to help out.

Thank u for ur guidance. We should book red bus tour or should we visit the places by ourselves? Can we get Halal food easily in Tbilisi?

Hi Imran – it’s really up to you, but in my opinion walking around Tbilisi is bliss so I think it’s much better to explore on foot. You’ll see a lot more! There are plenty of Halal restaurants in Tbilisi, especially around Aghmashenebeli Avenue and Marjanishvili Metro Station. Enjoy your trip!

DIDI MADLOBA I just moved to Georgia and your tips are extremely helpful. Well done, informative and interesting. I am so glad I found your blog. Thank you!

Thank you Lucie! Welcome to Georgia!

thank you very much for information

I am planning to travel to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan next Spring. I cannot eat gluten. Is this going to be a problem do you think?

There will be limitations but I think you’ll be fine as long as you plan ahead. A lot of guesthouses can cater to dietary requirements. Lots of dishes in this region are veg and meat based.

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The Associated Press

Third night of Tbilisi protests over Georgia's so-called 'Russian law'

Posted: May 2, 2024 | Last updated: May 3, 2024

Thousands of protesters marched in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi and blocked a main road junction on Thursday evening, demanding the withdrawal of a controversial law. Protesters have denounced the bill as “the Russian law” because neighbouring Russia uses similar legislation to stigmatise independent news media and organisations critical of the Kremlin.

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