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Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour: A Georgia Experience

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At first glance, Tbilisi, Georgia can be overwhelming. The contrasting architectural styles, the congested and chaotic city streets and an alphabet that is more beautiful than decipherable can all boggle the mind. With this Tbilisi Walking Tour, however, you can quickly get acquainted with the fascinating capital of Georgia (the country).

Self Guided Walking Tour Tbilisi: Top Tips

Before you set of on this Tbilisi free walking tour, there are a few things to know. Having a basic understanding will help you get around and more deeply experience Tbilisi.

Tbilisi History

Tbilisi is a complex city with an ancient history and a relatively recent independence. The Georgian capital dates to the 5th century AD, although there had been settlements on the land as early as the 4th century BC.

Tbilisi is where Europe meets Asia and was on the historic route of the Silk Road. The city has long been an important cultural and political center of the Caucasus.

Our Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour is an introduction to the best sights of the city – old and new.

Free Tbilisi Walking Tour Map and Directions

We highly recommend getting a Tbilisi Map for this free walking tour. Free maps, in English, are available at the Tbilisi Tourism Information Centers (there is one in Pushkin Park , which is on the north side of Freedom Square).

To help get you from sight-to-sight, we have provided written walking directions. Plus we include a printable City Tour Tbilisi Map at the end of the article.

Additionally, we have provided a link to Google Maps for each sight, but you will need to be connected to the internet to access them while on the walk. We use GlocalMe Pocket WiFi to stay connected when we are abroad and out exploring new destinations.

Otherwise, consider using Google Offline Maps…or at the very least take screen shots of the route prior to setting out on the Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour.

Keep in mind that street signs are few and far between – and likely not in the Latin alphabet.

How Long is the Self Guided Tbilisi Walking Tour? 

The duration of the Free Tbilisi Walking Tour will depend on your pace, interest and ability to navigate the city streets. Plan to spend about 3 hours walking in Tbilisi at minimum. 

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Tbilisi Travel Guide for your trip to Georgia!

Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour

Start your Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour by hiking up or taking the Cable Car to the…

#1 Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi 

The ancient Narikala Fortress dominates the steep hill rising above the Tbilisi Old Town. Built in the 4th century, the fortress was expanded and damaged many times throughout history, leaving little more than an impressive wall standing today. The church at the fortress, St. Nicholas, was built in the late 1990s on the site of a 13th century church that burnt to the ground.

The Narikala Fortress is free to enter and explore (at your own risk; use common sense). The views of Tbilisi from the fortress are phenomenal (which is exactly why the fortress was built where it was) and we particularly enjoyed sunset from the fortress walls.

Map  to Narikala Fortress

From the Narikala Fortress, walk west past the Cable Car Station to the…

#2 Mother of Georgia Statue

The aluminum Mother of Georgia Statue (Kartlis Deda) stands 65-feet-tall on the Sololaki Ridge watching over her beloved country. She both welcomes and defends her land: wine in one hand for friends and a sword in the other for enemies. The statue was erected in 1958 to celebrate Tbilisi’s 1500th birthday.

On the road that leads from the fortress to the statue, we encountered some inventive purchase opportunities: a café operating from the back of van, homemade “only pay if you like it” chacha liquor and a pay-to-play spin-and-win homemade wheel of fun.

Map to Mother of Georgia Statue

Retrace your steps to the Cable Car Station. Behind the station, find the stairs that lead down to the entrance to the…

#3 National Botanical Garden of Georgia

Founded in 1625 as the Fortress Gardens and converted into an official botanical garden in 1845, the National Botanical Garden of Georgia is located in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge on the southern side of the Sololaki Ridge. The gardens cover 400 acres of land and feature 4,500 species of plants, several footpaths and a 130-foot-tall waterfall.

The western end of the park backs up to the pool of an ultra-modern private residence, which belongs to Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia’s former Prime Minister (2012-2013) and the country’s richest citizen. Don’t be shocked to suddenly see armed guards on your tour of the Botanic Garden!

Map to National Botanical Garden of Georgia

Leave the National Botanical Garden at the eastern entrance on Botanikuri Street. Walk past the Tbilisi Mosque – which dates to 1895 and is a place where both Shia and Sunni Muslims pray together – and follow the road as it curves north. At the end of the street, turn right (east) and walk to the garden (Haydar Aliyev). Turn right (south) and walk into…

#4 Abanotubani District – Tbilisi Bathhouses

According to legend, in the 5th century, King Vakhtang Gorgasali was so taken by the Sulphur spring water in what is now the Abanotubani district that he declared the land the new capital. He called the new city Tbilisi, which means ‘warm.’

Whether or not that is true, the history of bathhouses in Tbilisi stretches back over 2000 years, as people have long been attracted to the hot, healing water – and evidence proves Roman baths were present in the 1st century AD.

The pungent-smelling sulphur water is naturally heated by the earth (75-105 degrees Fahrenheit), which is pooled and piped through the bathhouses. At one time, there were more than 60 bathhouses in the area. Today, there are five functional baths and their distinctive brick domes in the Abanotubani district can’t be missed.

Map to Abanotubani

Pro Tip : Read about our experience and the Tbilisi Sulphur Baths to prepare for your visit!

From the bathhouses, walk north (toward the river) to Vakhtang Gorgasali Street. Turn left (west) and walk to the Metekhi Bridge. Turn right (northeast) and cross the bridge. After crossing the bridge, if the gates on your right to the lower chapel are open, take a detour down to the riverside and take a peek inside. Past the gate, stay to the right (east) on Metekhi Rise – and then turn right (south), followed by another immediate right (west) into the parking lot of the…

#5 Metekhi Church of Assumption and King Gorgasali Statue

In the 5th century, after King Vakhtang Gorgasali declared Tbilisi the new capital, a church and palace were built on the cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River. Destroyed in 1235 by the Mongols, a new Georgian Orthodox church, the Metekhi Church of Assumption, was built between 1278 and 1284. Although the church was damaged and expanded, used as barracks and as a theater, and was set to be destroyed, it survived – and has been functioning again as a church since 1988.

The enormous equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali was erected in 1967 on the cliff where the king first settled in Tbilisi. He is looking over the Mtkvari River toward the hot springs.

Map to Metekhi Church and Gorgasali Statue

Leave the Metekhi Church via the parking lot and turn right (south) onto Metekhi Rise. Follow the road as it sharply turns left (east) and walk to Metekhi Street. Turn left (north) and follow the street to the large roundabout (look to your left for the underground pedestrian walkway and cross to the north). Continue walking north on Lado Meskhishvili Street to Samreklo Street. Turn right (northeast) to the entrance of the…

#6 Sameba Cathedral, Tbilisi

Located on Elia Hill on the left bank of the river is the grandiose Sameba Cathedral. Many say the church is a symbol of the renewed Georgian spirit that has flourished since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Standing at 330-feet-tall and able to accommodate 15,000 people, the cathedral – also called the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi – ranks worldwide as the third tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral and one of the largest religious buildings (by total area). The cathedral complex includes the Patriarch residence, a monastery, a school of theology and nine chapels, five of which are underground.

The cathedral was built between 1995 and 2004, however, it was intended to be built several years earlier to commemorate 2,000 years of Christianity and 1,500 years of independence of the Georgian Orthodox church.

As impressive as the church is from afar, it is even more so up close. However, we were a little surprised to find that neither the grounds, nor the interior, are yet fully complete.

Map to Sameba Cathedral

Leave the Sameba Cathedral and walk southwest on Samreklo Street. Continue walking on the street (the name changes to Malkhaz Abdushelishvili Street) to the…

#7 Presidential Palace, Tbilisi, Georgia

Housing the Presidential Administration of Georgia, the Presidential Palace eloquently sits high on a cliff on the left bank of the Mtkvari river. The president of Georgia is the highest government official in the country, a position which was incorporated in 1991 after Georgia declared independence from the former Soviet Union.

The building, originally used for the military, was redesigned in 2009. Although visiting is off limits, you can peek through the side gate for an up-close view.

Map to Georgia Presidential Palace

From the north gate of the Presidential Palace, walk north on Elene Akhvelediani Rise and take the stairs down to N Baratashvili Garden. Take the underground pedestrian walkway to the west side of the street and continue walking south past the tubular structures to the terrace. Enjoy the view, then take the stairs that lead down to…

#8 Rike Park

Rike Park sits on the bank on the Mtkvari River below the Presidential Palace. The spacious park has several gardens, walking paths and play areas.

The distinctive features of Rike Park, however, are the dancing musical fountains, a cable car to Narikala Fortress, an enormous piano and two tubular concert halls.

Map to Rike Park

Leave Rike Park via the…

#9 Peace Bridge, Tbilisi

The contemporary pedestrian bridge, which is made of steel and glass and is illuminated at night by 30,000 LED lights, is a symbol of Georgia’s path to a brighter future. The 490-foot-long Peace Bridge opened in 2010, to rave reviews and also criticism.

Some think the modern structure looks out of place in the heart of the Old Town and the unique shape have earned it interesting nicknames, like Sushi Bridge and Always Ultra (referring to the maxi-pad shape). Regardless, a walk across the Peace Bridge provides stunning views of Tbilisi’s Old Town.

Map to Tbilisi Peace Bridge

After crossing the bridge, continue walking west to Erekle II Street. Turn right (north) and walk along the street (which changes name to Shavteli Street after crossing Antimoz Ivereli Lane) to the…

#10 Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary

The 6th century Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary is the oldest church in Tbilisi. Although the church was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was renamed in 1675 when the church received an icon (icon of Ancha), which is now on display at the Art Museum of Georgia.

Map to Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary

From the Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary, walk north on Shavteli Street, zigzagging left to the…

#11 Theater Clock Tower, Tbilisi

The unusual Clock Tower next to the puppet theater on Shavteli Street was built in 2010. Although it is new, it resembles many of the buildings in the Old Town that lean at various angles and are propped up by support beams. On the hour, an angel emerges from the tower and strikes a bell – and at noon and 7pm, a short (and, in our opinion, overrated) show called, ‘The Circle of Life,’ is played.

Map to Tbilisi Clock Tower

From the Clock Tower, continue walking north on Shavteli Street to N. Baratashvili Street. Turn left (west) and walk, following the road as it turns south (and changes name to Pushkin Street) and walk into…

#12 Freedom Square, Tbilisi

Freedom Square – really a large traffic roundabout connecting six streets– is a hub of activity in the center of Tbilisi.

Under Soviet rule, it was called Lenin Square. A statue of Lenin that stood in the center was torn down in 1991 and was replaced by the Liberty (or Freedom) Monument in 2006, which is topped by a golden St. George slaying the dragon.

The square is often used for celebrations and demonstrations – and is the site of an assassination attempt on President G.W. Bush . Notable buildings on the square include the Tbilisi City Hall, the former Bank of Georgia and the Marriot International.

Map to Tbilisi Freedom Square

From Freedom Square, walk northwest on…

#13 Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi

A main thoroughfare through Tbilisi, Rustaveli Avenue runs northwest from Freedom Square. The tree-lined street is home to many of Tbilisi’s cultural buildings, such as the Georgian National Opera, the Rustaveli Theater and the National Museum.

Map to Rustaveli Avenue

At #8 Rustaveli is the…

#14 Parliament Building, Tbilisi, Georgia

The grand Parliament Building at #8 Rustaveli was built between 1938 and 1953. It was used by the Georgian Parliament until 2012, when the parliament moved into a new building in Kutaisi, a town 125 miles from Tbilisi. The move was surrounded in controversy and in 2019 the Parliament of Georgia moved back into this building.

Map to Parliament Building

Across the street from Parliament is…

#15 The Kashveti Church of St. George

Located catty corner from the Parliament Building on Rustaveli Avenue is the Kashveti Church of St. George. The church was built between 1904 and 1910 on the site of a previous church that dated to 1753.

The church obtained the unusual name – Kashveti can be translated to mean ‘stone birth’ – from a 6th century legend. According to the tale, a monk was accused of impregnating a woman. He denied it and proclaimed all would know he was telling the truth when the woman gave birth to a stone…which she did.

Map to Kashveti Church of St. George

From the Kashveti Church of St. George, continue walking northwest on Rustaveli Street to Besik Street. Turn left (west),  following the road as it curves to the south (and changes name to Mtatsminda Street), to Daniel Chonqadze Street. Turn left (south) to the…

#16 Tbilisi Funicular

The Tbilisi mountainside railway first opened in 1905 and apparently was so dodgy they had to pay people to actually ride it! The Funicular was built in an effort to expand Tbilisi onto the mountain plateau (which failed due to lack of water supply). While the lower station building on Chonqadze Street has remained unchanged, following an accident in 2000, the funicular underwent complete renovation (reopening in 2012).

There is a stop halfway on the 1/3-mile-long track and a trail that leads to the Mamadaviti Church. At the Upper Funicular Station is a complex housing several restaurants and cafes, a viewpoint and an entertaining, throwback theme park .

Fee : One-way ride – 10 GEL (almost $4). A rechargeable Funicular card must be purchased (2 GEL, non-refundable) and money loaded on to it. One card can be used for a group and also for rides and games at the theme park. For two people, the card and round trip ride costs 42 GEL ($16.25)

Map to the Lower Station of the Funicular

After completing your round-trip ride, exit the Lower Funicular Station and turn right (south). Walk south on Daniel Chonqadze Street into the Sololaki neighborhood. At Mikheil Lermontoi Street, turn left (east) and make your way into the Old Town and wander through…

#17 Visit Tbilisi Neighborhoods

Although there are many sights to see in Tbilisi, Georgia , there is no better way to get a feel for the city than to wander the streets of the Tbilisi Old Town neighborhoods.

A walk through the twisting lanes – some cobblestone, some paved, some dirt; none level or without cracks – reveals a side of Tbilisi that some tourists miss. Mangy cats, laundry on lines, nearly falling down structures and the scent of fresh baked bread all linger in the streets of the neighborhoods.

Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour Tips

As you prepare for your walking tour in Tbilisi, we have a few tips of what you will want to bring along for the walk. 

Walking Shoes

Wear practical walking shoes ! The streets of Tbilisi are not designed for fashionable footwear. I wear lightweight versatile sneakers for my walks and Kris prefers these trail shoes by Merrell.

Whether you travel with a backpack or suitcase , you’ll also want to carry a great day bag to organize and secure all your essential everyday travel items ! Your day pack should be big enough for your water bottle , a hat (and/or sunscreen ) and your camera .

Travel Scarf

If visiting any of the churches, women should bring a scarf to be used to cover their head prior to entering. 

More Tours in Tbilisi 

We outlined a fantastic free walking tour of Tbilisi that allows you to sightsee at your own pace. That said, fellow travelers can opt to join a Tbilisi tour guide for more tours in the city and the region.

Guided Old Tbilisi Tour

Our free Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour is great for travelers who like to explore on their own. However, on a Guided Old Town Walking Tour of Tbilisi, visitors will get an introduction to the city by a local. Find out more!

Tbilisi Walking Tour – plus More!  

Travelers who want to tour Tbilisi with a group might consider joining this very popular Tbilisi Walking Tour that also includes a taste of the local wine and treat from a traditional bakery. Get the details!

Tbilisi Food Walking Tour

Join a guide on a historical tour of the city while getting a taste of some of the absolute best Georgian cuisine. Learn more!

Private Tbilisi Day Tours

Want to discover more of the city? Consider booking a private tour of Tbilisi with guide and driver! Book it here!

Hidden Tbilisi Tour: Soviet Past

Learn about the history of Georgia as part of the USSR and the stark Soviet architecture that decorates the city on this off-the-beaten-path tour. Reserve your space!

Tbilisi Free Walking Tours

There are a few different companies that offer free tours of Tbilisi. Just keep in mind that you will be expected to tip the guide of your free Tbilisi tour. 

Things To Do Near Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is an ideal base for exploring other cities in Georgia and the surrounding region. During our stay, we were so fascinated with Tbilisi that we didn’t end up wandering as much as we had planned.

However, these tours interested us and we look forward to seeing more of Georgia on our next visit (because we already know there will be a ‘next visit’!). 

1-Day Wine Tour in Kakheti Region

Spend the day in the Kakheti Wine Region learning about the culture and history of Georgian wine. The tour includes three tastings and lunch. Find out more!

Full Day Private Tour in Kazbegi Ananuri Gergeti

Leave Tbilisi behind for a full day tour of the mountainous region of Kazbegi. Let the local guide handle the road as you take in the scenery. Learn more here!

Top Tips For Your Trip to Tbilisi, Georgia

Now that you are set for your free walking tour, use these tips for planning your Tbilisi, Georgia trip!

Where To Stay in Tbilisi

During our visit to Tbilisi, we stayed in a great Airbnb Apartment . Renting a vacation apartment in Tbilisi comes with some pros and cons – so be sure to read fellow traveler reviews and the fine print on all the fees before booking. 

Tbilisi Hotels

Travelers who prefer staying in traditional accommodations will find that there are many Tbilisi hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center. Two top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) are Hotel Marlyn and Rustaveli Boutique Hotel .

Budget travelers can find an affordable place to stay at one of the Tbilisi hostels – like Gallery .

Start your search for Tbilisi, Georgia hotels on Booking.com – but read our Tips for Finding the Best Hotels !

What To Pack Before You Go To Tbilisi, Georgia

We have a few tips that will help you determine what to pack for your trip! You can find all of our Packing Hacks and advice on our Travel Packing page. 

Shoes for Walking in Tbilisi

We already mentioned that you need a good pair of comfortable shoes for your free walking tour of Tbilisi, but we feel the need to mention it again. Make sure to pack a pair of slip-resistant and comfortable travel shoes – like these . 

Travel Camera

The sights in Tbilisi are captivating and incredibly photogenic. Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for your trip to Tbilisi.

We always travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos and is also great for beginners) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera ).

Travel Insurance

If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip to Tbilisi, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for our complete packing list and other travel resources !

We Want To Know: What are your Top Things To Do Tbilisi, Georgia ? What would you add to our Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour? Tell us in the comments below! 

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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

our recommended travel insurance for Georgia

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

🪪 Visa for traveling to Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

🏨 Where to stay in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

🗺️ Best tours from Tbilisi

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

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

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

Top places to visit in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 What to visit in Tbilisi – Map

1 – Freedom Square

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

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

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

2 – Pushkin street

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

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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. 

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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 Perfect Walking Tour Of...

A Perfect Walking Tour of Tbilisi

Tbilisi , the capital of Georgia , is ideal for those who like to explore on foot – the must-see attractions are largely grouped together, featuring some impressive architecture that perfectly brings together modern and old styles. If you enjoy a good wander, take a look at our perfect walking tour of the city.

You can enjoy a guided walking tour of Tbilisi with Culture Trip on our specially curated small-group Georgia adventure, led by our local insider .

Start the tour from Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue is the central street of the city, featuring many important buildings along the way. Start from Rustaveli Metro station and admire the statue of Shota Rustaveli, a medieval poet who wrote The Knight in the Panther’s Skin. Continue down towards Freedom Square – along the way, look for Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theater, Rustaveli Theater, the Parliament building, National Gallery and several museums .

Freedom Square has always been the epicentre of the city, but has undergone many restorations and name changes. It was called Erivan Square when Georgia was under the rule of the Russian Empire and later, after the Soviet takeover, it was renamed Lenin Square. Today, its central piece is the Freedom Monument dedicated to the independence of the Georgian nation. Made out of granite and gold, the monument is 35m (115ft) high with a 5.6m (18ft) high statue of St George, the patron of the nation.

Visit the mansion of a brandy producer

From Freedom Square, continue walking on Giorgi Leonidze and then to Ivane Machabeli Street until you come to the Writer’s House of Georgia. This used to be the mansion of David Sarajishvili, who produced brandy using French techniques he learned in France. Built in 1905, the building features some of the rare furniture, paintings, and memorabilia of that time. Among the most significant items are the custom-made Villeroy & Boch tiles on the terrace.

Check out the Hogwarts school

Continue your way to Lado Asatiani Street until you reach Public School N6. Often referred to as Hogwarts or the Harry Potter school by many locals due to its appearance. Far from being a place to learn witchcraft and wizardry, this neo-Gothic-style building was a German boarding school for girls.

Wander through one of the oldest districts

From here, walk down to almost the end of the street, and once you reach Puris Moedani (the Bread Square), turn right down Betlemi Street. This cobblestone district is full of colourful old balconies and typical courtyards. Walk up to Gomi Street to find the ancient pagan fire warship icon that still stands in Tbilisi .

Overlook Tbilisi from Narikala Fortress

When you reach the end of Betlemi Street, you’ll see the steep incline towards Narikala Fortress. Dating to the fourth century, when Persians ruled over Tbilisi , the fortress overlooks the old town of the city. You can walk on the walls, but be careful as there are no fences in place. Walk towards the Kartlis Deda statue (Mother of Georgia) that overlooks the city. The statue represents the character and hospitality of Georgians – with the cup she meets friends of Georgia, but is ready to fight against those who come as enemies.

Walk in the Botanical Gardens

From Narikala Fortress, there are stairs leading to the Botanical Gardens. Occupying 161ha (398 acres), the gardens feature a collection of beautiful flora.

Head down to the sulfur baths

Take either Botanikuri or Miza Shafi streets to come down to Abanotubani, the sulfur bath district of the old town. If you have an extra hour to spend, head inside one of the sulfur baths for a spot of relaxation. Otherwise, you can also sit in the park and admire the scenery, or walk towards the Legvtakhevi valley to a small waterfall that comes from the Botanical Gardens.

Enjoy the view of colourful wooden balconies

Cross Metekhi Bridge and walk up to the church and the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi – he built his palace and the church here in the fifth century. However, none of it remains and the current church was built in the 13th century. From here, take in a beautiful view of Old Tbilisi , the Mtkvari river and Narikala Fortress.

Relax at Rike Park

Next to Metekhi, the huge Rike Park has fountains, small pools, a giant chess board and dozens of chairs. The major attraction here is the Peace Bridge, one of the most modern architectural additions to Tbilisi . This pedestrian glass and steel bridge designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi was opened in 2010 and connects Erekle II Street with the park.

Admire the clock tower

Cross the Peace Bridge towards Erekle II Street and walk towards Ioane Shavteli Street – stop off at one of the cafes along the way if you feel like a refresher. Check out Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in the city, and finish up at the clock tower, handmade by Rezo Gabriadze, a local sculptor, writer and playwright. If you happen to be here at noon or 7pm, you can also see a small puppet show presenting the circle of life. Otherwise, each hour a small angel comes out and rings a bell with a hammer.

Back to Freedom Square

Follow the street to the end and turn left on Nikoloz Baratashvili Street upwards to Freedom Square. Along the way, you’ll be able to see Konka, the predecessor of a tram and the remains of the old city wall.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Places to Chill and Read a Book in Tbilisi

Food & Drink

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When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Tbilisi?

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An Art Lover's Guide to Tbilisi

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Free walking tour near Tbilisi

Others cities to visit after tbilisi, find other guruwalks in tbilisi, where are you traveling to.

Ivertubani – Tbilisi Tourism

Exploring Tbilisi’s Old Town: A Walking Tour

Are you planning a trip to Tbilisi and wondering what to do? Look no further than the city's Old Town, a charming and historic district filled with narrow streets, traditional architecture, and cultural landmarks. Here's a walking tour to help you explore the best of Tbilisi's Old Town.

Start at Freedom Square

Begin your tour at Freedom Square, the central hub of Tbilisi. This bustling square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes, and is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Take a moment to admire the towering statue of St. George slaying the dragon, a symbol of Georgia's rich history and culture.

Walk Along Rustaveli Avenue

From Freedom Square, head east along Rustaveli Avenue, one of Tbilisi's main thoroughfares. This wide, tree-lined boulevard is home to many of the city's most important cultural institutions, including the Georgian National Museum and the Rustaveli Theatre. Take a stroll and soak in the sights and sounds of the city.

Visit the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre

As you continue along Rustaveli Avenue, be sure to stop at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. This stunning building, with its neoclassical facade and grand entrance, is a must-see for any lover of the performing arts. Check the schedule to see if there are any shows or performances during your visit.

Explore the Narikala Fortress

After you've had your fill of culture, make your way to the Narikala Fortress. This ancient fortress, perched atop a hill overlooking the city, offers breathtaking views of Tbilisi and the surrounding mountains. Take the cable car up to the fortress or hike up the winding path for a more challenging adventure.

Visit the Sulfur Baths

No trip to Tbilisi's Old Town is complete without a visit to the famous sulfur baths. These hot springs, located in the heart of the city, have been a popular destination for centuries. Relax and rejuvenate in the warm waters, surrounded by traditional architecture and stunning views.

Wander Through the Old Town

After your soak, take some time to wander through the Old Town itself. This charming district is filled with narrow, winding streets, traditional houses, and historic landmarks. Stop at the Anchiskhati Basilica, one of the oldest churches in Tbilisi, or marvel at the intricate carvings on the facade of the Gabriadze Puppet Theatre.

Sample Georgian Cuisine

As you explore the Old Town, be sure to sample some of the delicious Georgian cuisine on offer. From hearty stews and soups to savory khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and juicy shashlik (grilled meat skewers), there's something for everyone. Don't forget to wash it all down with a glass of Georgian wine, one of the country's most famous exports.

Visit the Bridge of Peace

End your tour by crossing the Bridge of Peace, a modern pedestrian bridge that spans the Mtkvari River. This stunning bridge, with its sleek, contemporary design and illuminated cables, is a symbol of Tbilisi's modernization and progress. Take a moment to reflect on your journey through the Old Town and the rich history and culture of this beautiful city.

More Places to See in Tbilisi's Old Town

While the walking tour above covers some of the highlights of Tbilisi's Old Town, there are many more places to explore in this fascinating district. Here are a few more places to add to your itinerary:

The Sameba Cathedral

This impressive Orthodox cathedral, also known as the Holy Trinity Cathedral, is one of the largest religious buildings in the world. With its gold-domed roof and towering bell tower, it's hard to miss this landmark as you explore the Old Town.

The National Botanical Garden of Georgia

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature at the National Botanical Garden of Georgia. This 161-hectare park, located on the outskirts of the Old Town, is home to over 4,500 plant species, as well as a waterfall, lake, and Japanese garden.

The Georgian National Museum

If you're a history buff, don't miss the Georgian National Museum. This comprehensive museum, located on Rustaveli Avenue, showcases the rich history and culture of Georgia through a collection of artifacts, artwork, and exhibits.

The Tbilisi Funicular

For a fun and unique way to see the city, take a ride on the Tbilisi Funicular. This cable car ascends up the hill to Mtatsminda Park, a popular amusement park and recreational area with stunning views of the city.

Tips for Exploring Tbilisi's Old Town

• Wear comfortable shoes, as many of the streets in the Old Town are cobblestone and can be uneven.
• Be respectful when visiting religious sites, and dress appropriately (e.g. no shorts or sleeveless tops).
• Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and hat, as the summer months can be hot and sunny.
• Be prepared for crowds, particularly during peak tourist season.
• Consider hiring a local guide to help you navigate the Old Town and learn more about its history and culture.

Exploring Tbilisi's Old Town is a must-do for any visitor to the city. From the bustling Freedom Square to the ancient Narikala Fortress, there's something for everyone in this charming and historic district. So grab your walking shoes and get ready to discover the best of Tbilisi's Old Town.

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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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Wander-Lush

Tbilisi By Foot: 9 of the Best Walking Streets and Neighbourhoods

Most first-time visitors to Tbilisi will understandably gravitate towards the Old Town. It’s a great place to start, but there’s so much more to Tbilisi than its historic centre – especially if you’re interested in street photography.

I spent many an afternoon wandering the neighbourhoods and walking streets listed here with my camera in hand. From landmarks to Soviet-era apartment blocks, markets to private yards, there’s a photo opportunity waiting around every corner in Tbilisi .

I’ve organised this list so that it follows a circuitous route, starting and ending in the Old Town. You could plausibly visit each neighbourhood in the order listed here, although you’d need to take public transport at times as the locations are quite spread out.

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.

1. Betlemi Street

Running parallel to the Mtkvari River just outside the Old Town, Betlemi Street is the centre of Tbilisi’s historic Jewish quarter. The main thoroughfare and cobbled laneways that lead off it are home to some of the city’s oldest buildings, including the 13th-century Saint George Armenian Cathedral. The Mother of a Georgian monument looms directly above Betlemi Street – keep an eye out for vantage points.

The Betlemi stairs, an extension of the street that connects to Betlemi Rise, were built only after every house in the area chipped in. They lead to excellent views over the city from a lovely trellised terrace. On the way back down, look out for the Zoroastrian temple and the much-photographed green house on the corner , an exquisite example of the coloured glass windows once seen throughout Tbilisi.

2. Abanotubani

Wander long enough and Betlemi Street will lead you into Abanotubani, another of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and one of the most recognisable places in Georgia . Abanotubani is home to Tbilisi’s domed sulfur baths , which you’re free to scramble over in search of a good photo (just don’t peek through the openings as these look directly down onto the baths!).

Apart from the baths, there’s also an inner-city waterfall to admire, and beautiful balconied houses that hang precariously over the surrounding cliffs.

Heading up the hill directly behind the baths you’ll find a collection of dilapidated houses – a contrast to Abanotubani, one of the most touristed and polished parts of the city.

3. Shota Rustaveli Avenue

Connecting the popular Liberty Square area with Rustaveli metro station, Shota Rustaveli Avenue runs through the heart of Tbilisi’s west side. Wide, leafy and with a Parisian feel, Rustaveli epitomises Tbilisi’s European-style architecture and grand facades. This is where you’ll find the National Gallery, the Opera House, and Georgia’s former Parliament Buildings. Further up towards the metro station, the avenue is dedicated to high-end fashion stores and footpath cafes.

If you love the sound of this neighbourhood, you should consider staying at Museum Hotel Orbeliani . This boutique hotel is housed in a gorgeous 19th-century palace and located just a quick stroll away from Rustaveli Avenue via 9 April Garden.

Further north of the Old Town, just past Rustaveli metro station, is the leafy neighbourhood of Vera. Mainly residential, this is where you’ll find some of Tbilisi’s finest gardens and apartment courtyards. There’s also designer boutiques, the architecturally striking Rooms Hotel, and more great views of the city from the streets that creep uphill towards Mtatsminda Park .

5. Saburtalo

This residential area northwest of old Tbilisi is full of Soviet-era apartment buildings. If you’re into concrete, the streets around the Delisi metro station are particularly appealing.

6. Tsereteli

Crossing the Mtkvari River to Tbilisi’s east side, Tsereteli is another inner-city residential neighbourhood. This is where we stayed during our first month and final days in Tbilisi, so Tsereteli holds a special place in my heart! The big draw card for tourists is the Dezerter Bazaar, Tbilisi’s biggest outdoor food market. Apart from the marketplace itself, the surrounding streets are crowded with vendors and make for some wonderful photo opportunities.

We visited the Dezerter Bazaar not long after we arrived in Tbilisi. Check out this post for some of my favourite photos from the market plus practical tips for planning your own visit.

7. Agmashenebeli Avenue

Another of Tbilisi’s main arterial roads, Agmashenebeli connects the Tsereteli and Marjanashvili areas on the east bank of the river. A few years ago, a long section of the avenue was closed to traffic and transformed into Tbilisi’s sole walking street. Many European-style building facades were precisely restored in the process.

As a result of renovations, this street doesn’t have the same gritty character as other parts of the city. Having said that, the pastel colours are lovely and without the threat of traffic, you can walk and photograph at your own pace. The pedestrian mall is lined with swish cafes, ice cream shops and boutiques. We saw a few outdoor events being set up here in the springtime. The pedestrian part of Agmashenebeli Avenue is located close to the end of the Dry Bridge, just up from the roundabout and Saarbrucken Square bus stop.

8. Marjanishvili

Tbilisi’s old German neighbourhood, Marjanishvili is one of the loveliest, liveliest neighbourhoods you can pick to walk around, with plenty of street-side commerce and beautiful homes and courtyards. There are also a lot of old factories and industrial buildings in Marjanishvili, which makes this area prime for gentrification. A lot of street art has already popped up.

If you love the sound of this neighbourhood, you should consider staying at Fabrika Tbilisi , which is housed inside one of the neighbourhood’s old Soviet-era factories. Fabrika organises regular free walking tours of the neighbourhood for guests and non-guests. Check their website for info.

9. Avlabari

Once home to many of Tbilisi’s Armenian merchants, Avlabari is the site of the imposing Sameba Trinity Cathedral. New public parks make this area popular with families – but there are still lots of old houses and apartment buildings to photograph. Avlabari is one of the city’s more interesting metro stations, with a huge green wall on the facade.

Crossing the Mtkvari River from Avlabari will bring you back to the heart of the Old Town and Betlemi Street, where this virtual tour began!

What is your favourite neighbourhood in Tbilisi for photography or wandering?

More Tbilisi posts you’ll love

• Georgia Travel Guide – all my 200+ posts for Georgia
• 25 Tbilisi travel tips – essential reading for first-timers
• The ultimate Georgia itinerary – the best of Tbilisi & beyond in 1-4 weeks
• How to plan your Caucasus travel itinerary – discover Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan
• What to pack for a trip to Georgia – and what to wear in Tbilisi
• How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city – 5 best transport options
• The best things to do in Tbilisi – the ultimate insider’s city guide
• Where to stay in Tbilisi – best neighbourhoods & accommodations
• The best restaurants in Tbilisi – where to find the best Georgian food
• The best cafes in Tbilisi – for coworking, coffee & more
• The best breakfasts in Tbilisi – cafes that open early
• The best gift shops in Tbilisi – where to buy authentic souvenirs
• The best walking tours in Tbilisi – discover the city by foot
• Tbilisi’s best walking streets – architecture, people-watching & street photography
• The best boutique hotels in Tbilisi – art hotels, wine hotels & more
• The best hostels in Tbilisi – accommodation on a budget
• Visiting Gulo’s Spa – the best sulfur bath in Tbilisi
• Visiting the Dezerter Bazaar – Tbilisi’s incredible green market

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10 Comments

Hi, thank you for your post.. when we travel we always do a day of walking on the neighborhood to feel the culture and see a less touristy area and enjoy the life of the locals. Your post really helps our next travel to Georgia.

Thanks Gracie! I’m the same. Enjoy your trip!

Your blog is helping me greatly to plan my trip to Georgia this summer! Congrats on your great job!

Thanks Laura! Enjoy!

I’m wondering what was your experience in Gotsiridze. I went there today with some friends, and we were not able to enter any of the train carriage homes. We were offered some coffee by someone in the house but we were expecting a more lively environment.

Funny story—we went up to Gotsiridze trying to search for a laundromat, so we were hauling a big bag of dirty clothes around with us. We saw the trains from the pedestrian bridge and had a poke around some of the back streets. Just randomly, we also saw a fantastic line up of retro cars in that area. A Tbilisi-based friend told me it’s one of her favourite neighbourhoods, so I’m definitely keen to explore more next time I’m there. I wouldn’t recommend entering the homes, as they are private property.

It sounds like you were a bit disappointed with the neighbourhood. Have you discovered any other areas you’d recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you for this! Starting to plan our upcoming travels to Georgia and I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog 🙂

Glad to hear that, Felicia! Feel free to shoot me an email if there’s anything else I can help you with.

Tbilisi is such a photogenic city! Great photos!

Thanks Rose! It certainly is. Loved all your photos too!

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The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Tbilisi Itinerary

Last Updated on November 1, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Tbilisi?

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

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

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

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

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

2 to 3 Days in Tbilisi Itinerary

Day 1 – explore old tbilisi.

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

Morning: Rustaveli Avenue & Dzveli Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon: Narikala Fortress & Botanical Garden

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

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

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

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

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

Evening: Dinner in Old Tbilisi

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

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

Day 2 – Marjanishvili and Museums

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

Morning: Dry Bridge Market & Marjanishvili

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon: Georgian National Museum

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

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

Evening: Tbilisi’s Performing Arts Scene

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

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

Day 3 – Day Trips, Sulfur Baths or Markets

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

Option 1: Mtskheta & Sulfur Baths

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have More Time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit Tbilisi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

Armenia to Georgia: Gyumri to Tbilisi & Dilijan to Tbilisi

Georgian Cuisine Guide: Must-Try Dishes & Food in Georgia

How to Travel to Mestia from Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi & Batumi

About Maggie Turansky

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Laurel! 🙂

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  GORI FREE WALKING TOUR

Explore gori with local guides, booking in advance required.

GORI FREE WALKING TOUR – Ready to discover alternative Gori? This unique walking tour skips the usual Stalin Museum and dives into the heart of town with a passionate local guide who will show you the real Gori.

While acknowledging the undeniable presence of Stalin’s legacy, you’ll explore it with nuance and historical context. This tour is more than sightseeing; it’s an authentic experience to escape the tourist traps and embark on off the beaten path to enjoy the secret charm of Gori’s lesser-known streets, discover hidden gems, captivating monuments and uncover Gori’s artistic side.

Expect insider stories and the kind of knowledge you won’t find online. Gori Walking Tour is perfect if you are interested in soviet past, would like to gain a deeper understanding of history & modern life of Georgian people and you are curious to hear local perspectives.

Just come to our meeting point in Gori, at Stalin Museum Next to The Green Train Wagon and look for the local guide with badge or sign or Bag FREE TOURS

Why Take This Tour?

Unlike some other walking tours our guides are locals, we strongly believe just local guide can walk you through the Old Town’s labyrinth and show you real Tbilisi!

How much does it cost?

Our Walking Tour are based on your satisfaction. At the end of the tour you pay what you feel our work was worth.  Don’t be shy, tips are more than appreciated. 🙂  Our mission is to offer every visitor the opportunity to experience Tbilisi in a different way, no matter your budget.

As the Free Walking Tour is based exclusively on Donations , our expert local guides are always motivated and determined to please our customers expectations, ensuring a consistently high quality experience during your time in Tbilisi. If you love history and want to discover one of the most amazing cities in World, don’t think twice and come with us!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• WW2 monument
• Mural about 2008 war
• 1001 ceramic tiles
• War Heroes Memorial
• Gori Cathedral

Meeting Point: Gori, Stalin Museum, Next to The Green Train Wagon

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