Here’s everything you need to know about best Things to do in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, including accommodation suggestions, restaurants, transportation, and nearby attractions.
The construction of Tbilisi began in the 5th century, and what we have today is a vibrant, safe capital with eclectic architecture, where the Kura River and Narikala Fortress stand out.
Moreover, a trip to Tbilisi wouldn’t be complete without visiting the sulfur baths, Narikala Fortress, Puppet Theater, Peace Bridge, churches, and cathedrals.
And let’s not forget to mention the excellent cafes and restaurants that are a delight for food lovers.
However, in the surrounding areas of the city, there are places worth visiting: the Chronicle of Georgia, UNESCO Heritage monasteries in Mtskheta, the legendary Georgian Military Highway, the high mountains of Kazbegi, and much, much more…
In short, there’s so much to see and do in Tbilisi! Stay tuned, and if you have any doubts or questions, feel free to leave a comment!
Best things to do and visit in Tbilisi: top tourist attractions
Explore Narikala Fortress
Narikala Fortress is one of the best spots to overlook the city of Tbilisi, situated atop a hill.
To reach it, you can drive or, like me, ascend the steps and narrow street beside the sulfur baths in the historic center.
Inside Narikala Fortress, you can visit Saint Nicholas Church. At night, the fortress walls are illuminated, giving it a ghostly ambiance. Entrance is free.
Seeing the statue of Kartlis Deda, or the Mother of Georgia
It’s impossible not to see the Kartlis Deda statue on Tbilisi’s skyline.
After all, this statue, dressed in Georgian national attire, stands about 20 meters tall atop Sololaki Hill, overlooking Tbilisi.
It’s called the Mother of Georgia or the Mother of Georgians and serves a protective purpose.
In her right hand, she holds a sword, welcoming enemies, and in her left hand, a wine bowl, welcoming friends.
A warrior woman, isn’t she? But in reality, she mirrors Tbilisi’s history, which, on one hand, had to engage in endless battles with enemies over centuries but never forgot hospitality and welcoming visitors.
To see the statue up close, I recommend doing so after visiting Narikala Fortress, as there’s a pathway you can use.
Alternatively, you can take the cable car to reach the Mother of Georgia statue and Narikala Fortress.
Riding the cable car, hot air balloon, or funicular
To see Tbilisi from above, you can choose to either walk up to Narikala Fortress or opt for one of the following modes of transportation: cable car, hot air balloon, or funicular.
As I suffer from vertigo, I haven’t tried any of these tourist attractions in Tbilisi, but I recognize that they are quite popular.
And affordable, at least the cable car and funicular, with tickets costing around 7 GEL, which is about €2.45.
On the other hand, for a 15-minute ride with Air Balloon Tbilisi, the hot air balloon in Tbilisi, you can expect to pay around 55 GEL, or a little over €19.
Relaxing in the sulfur baths
Going to the sulfur baths in Tbilisi is one of the best activities you can do in the city.
These historic baths are at the heart of Tbilisi’s origins, as it was because of them that King Vakhtang Gorgasali decided to build the new capital of the country in this location. Translated literally, Tbilisi means “warm place.”
Although there are several bathhouses to enjoy sulfur baths in Tbilisi, I recommend Chreli-Abano. They are a luxurious version of the baths and are well worth experiencing.
If you enjoyed this suggestion, then I recommend reading the full post about Sulfur Baths in Tbilisi: the luxurious Chreli-Abano baths.
Visiting the Puppet Theater
The Puppet Theater, located in downtown Tbilisi, was rebuilt in 1981 using recycled elements after being destroyed by an earthquake.
The tower is also part of the theater building, and at the right time, an angel emerges to ring the bell. So, don’t be surprised to see groups of tourists gathering in the theater square to witness this free spectacle.
Of course, you can also watch a play inside the Puppet Theater, which is said to be quite amusing, but you’ll need a ticket for that.
In addition to the puppets, another tourist attraction of this place is the smallest clock in Tbilisi, located in the tower of the Puppet Theater.
Seeing the Bridge of Peace (during the day and at night)
The Bridge of Peace was built in 2010 and connects the new part to the old part of the city.
Designed by architect Michele De Lucchi, initially, it was a stark contrast to Tbilisi’s historic part and received some criticism, but now everyone appreciates the futuristic look of the new bridge.
Many people use it daily to cross the Kura River, so it’s not just a bridge for tourists.
However, I think the Peace Bridge looks even more beautiful at night. This is because its 150 meters are illuminated by 1208 LED panels that light up the glass and steel structure.
Exploring the typical Georgian wooden balconies
While exploring Tbilisi, and also the rest of Georgia, you’ll notice that houses often feature intricately crafted wooden balconies.
This is because wooden balconies were a source of pride for families! In other words, the more intricate details they had, the more beautiful the balconies were.
In addition to showcasing the family’s status, it was traditionally on these balconies that the ladies of the house would spy on the neighbors.
They wanted to see what time the neighbors arrived home and with whom, so they could have something to talk about later…
Gossip aside, it’s worth taking a close look at these characteristic wooden balconies.
Visiting the churches and cathedrals of Tbilisi
About 72% of Georgia’s population declares themselves faithful to the Georgian Orthodox Church, resulting in a large number of churches in the country.
In fact, just take a careful look at Tbilisi’s skyline, and you’ll easily spot dozens of church domes.
While I haven’t visited all the temples, I can tell you about the most important ones, which are Sioni Cathedral and Sameba Cathedral.
Visiting Sioni Cathedral
Sioni Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in downtown Tbilisi, is the largest sanctuary of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
It’s named after the sacred mountain in Jerusalem, Sion, which is a Hebrew word meaning “sunny.”
In fact, there are many churches named Sioni in Georgia, all of which are in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Moreover, it has been the Episcopal Cathedral of Tbilisi since the 5th century and houses some relics inside, such as the cross of Saint Nino, a miraculous stone brought from Jerusalem by Saint David of Gareji, and the skull of the Apostle Saint Thomas.
Visiting Sameba Cathedral
Sameba Cathedral, or the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, is the third tallest Orthodox cathedral in the world.
Its construction is recent and aimed to celebrate 1500 years of the Georgian Orthodox Church and 2000 years since the birth of Jesus.
It’s a bit far from the city center, about a 20-30 minute walk, but the journey is manageable. Upon arrival, you’ll encounter a giant monument, with some shops and street vendors at the entrance.
The interior seemed a bit brighter to me compared to other Georgian Orthodox churches I visited, but that might just be my impression. It’s worth the detour to see this grand temple.
Fun fact: Did you know that Orthodox priests can marry? In fact, to become ordained, they must necessarily have a family and be married. These are the “white” priests. However, the “black” priests are those who live in monasteries and are isolated from the world. The latter cannot marry.
Exploring the Museums of Tbilisi
I acknowledge that I really enjoy visiting museums. The good news is that in Tbilisi, there are many super interesting museums.
It’s hard to say which museum in Tbilisi I liked the most, but I think it was the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts. It’s truly quite comprehensive.
If you’re unsure, I recommend reading the article “5 Unmissable Museums in Tbilisi for History Lovers” and deciding for yourself which museums to visit in the capital.
Take a tour in the center of Tbilisi (to unknown places)
Suggesting a tour in the city center to visit the main tourist attractions is nothing new. In fact, there are several tours of this kind, such as the following:
- Alternative Tbilisi: street art, Deserter Bazaar, and tastings;
- Walking tour in Tbilisi, including wine tasting, cable car, and bakery;
- Old Tonw Tbilisi (Sololaki) 4-hour private walking tour.
However, what I have never seen in another European city is taking a tour to explore the interior of centennial buildings.
In other words, these are not the type of places available for independent visits, and you would hardly be able to find these hidden gems on your own.
Believe me, it’s well worth taking a tour of this kind, both to discover places that don’t appear in travel guides and to have a closer experience with someone who lives in Tbilisi.
If I’ve convinced you to have this type of experience, I recommend checking out the Red Fedora Diary and contacting Baila.
Try a Georgian wine tasting
Georgian wine has worldwide fame; after all, the winemaking tradition of Georgia is said to date back more than 8000 years without interruption.
Furthermore, another particularity of Georgian wine is the use of clay amphorae, called qvevri or kvevri, in its production.
In fact, this ancient traditional Georgian winemaking method, which uses clay pots qvevri or kvevri, is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
So, the best way to get to know Georgian wines is by doing one (or more) wine tastings.
Here are some suggestions:
- Private wine tasting in the historic cellar of Tbilisi;
- Taste Tbilisi – a delightful food and drink walking tour of Tbilisi;
- Old Tbilisi Tour – Private walking tour with wine tasting.
Explore street art in Tbilisi
I admit I wasn’t expecting to find such interesting street art in Tbilisi.
But the truth is, all around the city, you’ll come across grandiose murals that occupy entire walls of buildings. It’s impossible to miss them!
Moreover, the pedestrian passages underneath the city’s main roundabouts are authentic galleries of street art.
You can explore freely, even in the underground pedestrian passages, as they are under video surveillance.
Shopping in Tbilisi
Whether you’re looking for simple souvenirs or handmade crafts to take home, in Tbilisi, you’ll find many places to do so.
In any case, I wanted to give you some suggestions for places and shopping to take home.
The Dry Bridge Flea Market is one of the best places in Tbilisi to buy gifts. Keep in mind that, being a street market, there’s room for negotiating prices!
You’ll find wall art, clothing, jewelry, wallets, and a variety of beautiful pieces at good prices.
In fact, some vendors accept euros as payment, even coins. It’s open every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Meidan Bazaar, or Meidan Market, is an underground market with many decorative pieces, coins, and jewelry.
From what I understood, prices were a bit higher compared to Dry Bridge Market, and it wasn’t possible to pay in euros.
Orbeliani’s Flower Market is an interesting place to stroll around, as I doubt visitors would want to buy flowers to take home.
In any case, on the lower floor of this market, there is a bazaar with shops and restaurants.
It’s worth noting that, usually, products are not marked with prices, which means the seller asks for the price they see fit.
Accommodation in Tbilisi, Georgia
For me, the best area to stay in Tbilisi is in the historic district.
This is because the main tourist attractions of Tbilisi are concentrated in this area. It’s also a neighborhood with many restaurants and nightlife options if you want to go out at night.
I chose a very affordable hotel in the center, Nata Hotel (3 stars), and indeed, the location was excellent!
This is because the hotel was very close to the sulfur baths and a few minutes’ walk from the center.
But, as I mentioned, it was a simple hotel, in a traditional house! It has its charm, but it’s not the most luxurious.
However, if you want to stay in a more comfortable hotel, then I recommend choosing the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel (5 stars), which has a rooftop pool.
Restaurants in Tbilisi
Georgian cuisine is delicious and a paradise for food lovers. Traditional dishes include khinkali, khachapuri, pkhali, kharcho with elarji, and lots of sulguni cheese.
And of course, let’s not forget the famous Georgian wine.
My favorite restaurant in Georgia is Chveni, and if you want to know why, I recommend reading the post Cafés, restaurants, and nightlife in Tbilisi.
Transportation in Tbilisi
The main public transportation options in Tbilisi are the metro, buses, and Bolt.
The metro is very economical, as the rechargeable card costs 2 GEL (0.70 €), which is refunded upon returning the card, and each trip costs 0.5 GEL (0.17 €). However, it’s worth noting that the metro only covers the central areas of Tbilisi.
If you’re traveling from Tbilisi Airport to the city center, you can take a bus. However, if your flight arrives in the early hours of the morning when there are no buses available, you can easily call a Bolt to take you to the center. Bolt offers the advantage of being able to reach any destination in the city affordably.
For me, the most practical way to get around Tbilisi was by walking and using Bolt. The city center is very pedestrian-friendly, and for longer distances, I preferred using Bolt.
Overall, this is the essential information you need to know about transportation in Tbilisi. If you want more details, I recommend reading these two posts:
Do you need travel insurance to visit Georgia?
Sure, please don’t travel without insurance! The truth is that travel insurance is becoming increasingly affordable, so it’s not worth the risk of ruining a trip for just a few euros.
The travel insurance I use and recommend is from IATI Travel Insurance, which, in my opinion, offers the most comprehensive coverage.
Remember that to activate the IATI Travel Insurance, you just need to call the phone number provided, and you’ll be assisted by someone who speaks english.
They will provide you with the hospital or clinic you should go to, and upon arrival, they will be expecting you. This significantly reduces any potential communication problems.
Additionally, you won’t have to make payments on-site and then request reimbursement afterward.
It’s really convenient and practical, which is why I never travel without travel insurance.
Get your travel insurance here (European Countries | Rest of The World).
Best Things To Do and Visit Near Tbilisi
There’s so much to see in and around Tbilisi that you might be tempted to skip exploring the outskirts of the city. Big mistake, I must warn you!
That’s because you can see much of Georgia with just a few hours’ drive from the capital.
The best way to do this is by renting a car, but you can also opt for day tours from Tbilisi.
Here are the main cities in Georgia that are worth visiting, along with their distances from Tbilisi:
- Chronicle of Georgia Monument, known as the Stonehenge of Tbilisi (14 km);
- Mtskheta, the former capital of Georgia with a UNESCO World Heritage monastery (23 km);
- Gudauri, the main ski resort in Georgia (120 km);
- Stepantsminda (Kazbebi), a mountainous region where the legendary Georgian Military Road passes through (150 km);
- Kutaisi, the third largest city in the country. Visit the Prometheus Cave and Sataplia Nature Reserve (220 km);
- Batumi, the second largest city in the country and a seaside resort on the Black Sea (360 km);
- Mestia, where you can explore the imposing mountains of Svaneti (450 km).
I also recommend checking out the article “15 Tours Departing from Tbilisi: What to Visit from the Capital of Georgia.“
*I visited Kazbegi and the Georgia Chronicle in tours organized by the Georgia Tourism Board and as part of the Traverse Event. The dear Baila, from the Red Fedora Diary, offered me the tour she conducts in downtown Tbilisi. The remaining places I visited on my own.
You May Also Like:
- The Best coffee shop, bars, restaurants, and nightlife in Tbilisi, Georgia;
- Relax at the Sulphur baths in Tbilisi: the luxurious baths of Chreli-Abano;
- 15 Best Tours from Tbilisi. Top destinations to explore in Georgia
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