Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia

Join The Travel Tester on a city trip to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, for a day (or more) filled with rich history and mouthwatering cuisine. I’ve listed all the best things to do in Tbilisi that I personally tried, and you will find a handy list of top attractions, as well as accommodation suggestions, and my favourite dining experiences.

Nestled at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, the city of Tbilisi in Georgia truly is a melting pot of cultures! I got to spend a week here as part of the Traverse creator conference (see all our blogging tips here) and I’ve distilled my adventures in and around the city in this compact Tbilisi sightseeing guide. Enjoy!

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN TBILISI ON A CULTURAL CITY TRIP

QUICK LINKS

MORNING IN TBILISI

#1 MUST SEE IN TBILISI: OLD TOWN

I travel for… CULTURE – HISTORY

Is there anything better than wandering through a city you’ve never been before without a plan? That’s exactly what I did for two days in Tbilisi in Georgia. The Old Town was my favourite area. Some of the highlights we came across in the historic centre of Tbilisi were:

• The Clock Tower (odd looking tower attached to the puppet theatre of renowned puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze – Ioane Shavteli St)
• Anchiskhati Basilica (the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi – behind the clock tower)
• Sioni Cathedral (Sioni St)
• Meidan Bazar (an underground tunnel bazaar where you can buy all sorts of Georgian handicrafts and souvenirs)
• Tbilisi Old Town Wall Ruins (Aleksandr Pushkin St)
• Berikaoba Statue (a symbol of Tbilisi’s resilience and spirit of unity)
• “I Love Tbilisi” Sign (next to Meidan Bazar)

This 4-hour walking tour of Tbilisi, offers a comprehensive overview of the Georgian capital’s top attractions. This tour is ideal for visitors short on time who want to see what the city has to offer.

FUN FACT: Did you know that Tbilisi in Georgia is also known as the “city of balconies“? I’m sure you can see why in these photos below. The design of Tbilisi’s balconies is influenced by a mix of architectural styles, including Georgian, Persian, Byzantine, and European.

#2 SIGHTSEEING TBILISI: ENJOY THE VIEWS!

I travel for… CULTURE – HISTORY

“Kartlis Deda” (ქართვლის დედა) or “Mother Georgian” is a 20 meter tall aluminium statue on the top of Sololaki hill in Tbilisi. She symbolizes the Georgian national character: in her left hand she holds a bowl of wine to greet those who come as friends, and in her right hand is a sword for those who come as enemies.

You can reach the hill via cable cars starting in Rike Park and from the top you have a perfect view over the city below. Here you can also visit Narikala Fortress (4th century) and on the lower court the recently restored St Nicholas church. There is an observation platform with some food stalls as well.

For just 2.5 GEL one way (under 1 Euro/Pound/Dollar) you glide over the Mtkvari River for about five minutes, enjoying panoramic vistas of Tbilisi’s terracotta rooftops and ancient fortresses.

Another way to reach the top is to walk through the Tbilisi Botanical Gardens, which makes for a nice, easy little hike, passing various plants, a waterfall, small Japanese garden and a bamboo grove. There is a small entrance fee.

At the bottom of the hill, you can cross the Bridge of Peace. This striking pedestrian bridge spans the Mtkvari River and is by design of Michele De Lucchi.

If you haven’t seen enough of Tbilisi from great heights, then perhaps check out Air Balloon Tbilisi in Rike Park to soar above the cityscape and enjoy panoramic views from a hot air balloon that’s anchored to the ground.  

Discover Tbilisi’s charm with two cable car rides (included) to peaks offering contrasting panoramic views. Explore the city’s oldest and newest districts, each with its unique history and appeal, with a guide.

#3 BREAK TIME: BEST CAFE IN TBILISI

I travel for… FOOD – CREATIVITY

If you fancy a coffee break with a creative twist, you have to visit Kvarts Coffee. This cafe is known not only for their coffee, but they also draw your likeness on the cup if you request it!

For a more filling stop or a(n) (early) lunch, Cafe Daphna is my best recommendation. This cafe isn’t just cute and Instagrammable, the food is really quite delicious. Make sure to order Georgian’s main dish, which is also the specialty of this cafe: the kinkhali meat dumplings.

AFTERNOON IN TBILISI

#4 BEST PLACES IN TBILISI FOR ARTS AND CULTURE

I travel for… FOOD – CULTURE – CREATIVITY

Shota Rustaveli Avenue is a 1.5 kilometer long, central avenue in Tbilisi. It’s named after a medieval Georgian poet considered to be the pre-eminent poet of the Georgian Golden Age and one of the greatest contributors to Georgian literature.

The avenue starts at Liberty Square (also known as Freedom Square) and is lined and surrounded with architectural landmarks and cultural institutions, such as the Parliament of Georgia building, the Georgian National Opera Theater, the Rustaveli State Academic Theater, the Georgian Academy of Sciences, Kashveti Church, the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, and the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia (part of the Georgian National Museum).

Besides getting your culture fix, Rustaveli also offers great shopping. Galleria Tbilisi is a modern shopping center with several brand shops – a perfect place to find Georgian designers. Along the avenue, there are many more stores and also souvenir shops.

If you’re looking for handicrafts, you’ll want to visit either Meidan Bazar (mentioned earlier in the section about Old Town) or Dezerter Bazaar, Tbilisi’s largest market. Here you’ll find everything from fresh produce to local crafts.

Another great area to check out is Fabrika. This is an old Soviet sewing factory where you can now experience Tbilisi’s creative scene. This multifunctional space features a hostel, art gallery, cafes, shops and a co-working space.

This is the easiest way to see Tbilisi: with unique views from the second floor of an open top bus. Take part in a wine tasting with a 24-hour ticket, free Wi-Fi on board, free headphones, and a Tbilisi map.

#5 WHAT TO DO IN TBILISI? MATSMINDA MOUNTAIN + PARK

I travel for… HISTORY – NATURE – INNOVATION

There are many amazing viewpoints in Tbilisi and besides the one you can reach with the Tbilisi Cable Car that I mentioned earlier, another I liked can be reached via the funicular from 1905 that takes you to the top of Mtatsminda Mountain at 727 meters above sea level.

The funicular leaves every 20 minutes from the upper and lower stations and take 3 minutes for the whole ride. The funicular card costs 2 GEL itself and the ride costs 8 GEL.

On the mountain you will also find Mtatsminda Park, an amusement park from the 1930s that’s still running. While entree is free, you pay for the singular rides with your funicular card. Make sure to top the card up with some money at the entrance, because you cannot pay in cash for any of the rides and would have to walk all the way back.

The cost of a single ride in the park range from 2-10 GEL, depending on the ride. Me and some blogger friends went into the Ferris Wheel, which looked a bit run down, but afterwards we got these hilarious photos taken (see below), so there’s that, haha!

#6 TAKE A GEORGIAN FOOD COOKING CLASS OR WINE TOUR

I travel for… FOOD

During my time in Tbilisi, I got to sample some of the incredible Georgian food (and also the Georgian wine, don’t you worry!), but I wish I had more time to also partake in a cooking class to learn more about the history and cultural meaning of the food. I found some great experiences you can book online:

Get to know the heart and soul of Georgia through its cuisine. Partake in this cooking class guided by a chef from one of Tbilisi’s most renowned restaurants, DecanTer wine and gastronomic bar.

For Wine Lovers: Enjoy with tasting of local Georgian wines in Tbilisi and discover unique, traditional method of local wine making at historical, 200 years old wine cellar with Georgian cheese.

#7 HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL (SAMEBA)

I travel for… HISTORY

I didn’t have time for a visit myself, but the Holy Trinity Cathedral (commonly known as Sameba) in Tbilisi cannot be missed. You’ll see the towering golden dome from almost everywhere in the city!

The building was completed in 2004 and boasts a striking blend of traditional Georgian design elements with contemporary architectural styles. Sameba serves as the primary cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and holds a special place in the hearts of the Georgian people, serving as a center for religious ceremonies, pilgrimages, and cultural events.

The cathedral is free to visit, just make sure to wear long pants (men) or cover shoulders, head and wear a skirt (women). 

TIP: Don’t miss the green garden with fountains and a swimming pool of the cathedral, especially in Summer!

EVENING IN TBILISI

#8 RELAX IN TBILISI’S SULFUR BATHS

I travel for… WELLNESS

Nestled in the heart of Old Tbilisi, in the historic district of Abanotubani, lie the iconic sulfur baths, an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation.

These dome-shaped structures harness the therapeutic power of warm mineral-enriched waters sourced from deep underground. Especially during the colder months, indulging in a bath treatment becomes one of the quintessential experiences in Tbilisi.

The baths open as early as 8 AM and entry fees typically range from 60 to 80 GEL (20-27 Euro).

TIP: In case you crave a culinary delight after a relaxing soak, Culinarium Khasheria, located near the sulfur baths, offers a delightful array of breakfast and lunch options.

#9 DINNER TIME! BEST RESTAURANTS IN TBILISI

I travel for… FOOD

I wasn’t familiar with Georgian food at all before visiting Tbilisi, but during my stay I became a fan! Here are some of the restaurants we visited that I can highly recommend to add to your things to do in Tbilisi list:

IS TBILISI WORTH VISITING?

As you can tell from this guide, a city trip to Tbilisi offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring ancient landmarks, savoring traditional cuisine, or immersing yourself in the vibrant arts scene, I’m sure there is something interesting for you to discover in this unique city!

From London you can fly to Tbilisi with airlines such as Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, British Airways, and LOT Polish Airlines. They usually have a stopover.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport offers direct flights to Tbilisi with airlines like Georgian Airways and KLM. Alternatively, you can opt for connecting flights with layovers in major European cities.

Make sure to install the BOLT app on your phone before arriving. This makes getting into the city centre of Tbilisi (about 20 minutes) so much more relaxed. Another option is to take the local bus, which is super cheap but will take you about 50 minutes.

To get around Tbilisi, it’s easy to walk or book a BOLT (which is what we did most of the time), but you can also take the metro if you’re covering a larger distance. You pay with a Metromoney Card.

TIP: I got the Airalo eSIM installed on my phone before arriving in Georgia and that made organising the rest of my trip so easy! Through my link (use code NIENKE5663) you get $3 discount on your first SIM.

MULTIPLE DAY TOURS AND DAY TRIPS FROM TBILISI

There is so much to experience around Tbilisi, that I highly recommend taking a day trip or a multiple day road trip to experience for example Kazbegi / Stepantsminda (with Gergeti Trinity Church, located on a mountain), with stops at for example the Zhinvali Reservoir and Ananuri castle.

Another thing we did on our trip was spending some time in Gudauri – a fantastic ski resort that is also really budget-friendly.

UNESCO site Mtskheta is also close to Tbilisi, here you can visit the impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Uplistsikhe Cave Town is one of Georgia’s oldest settlements that history-lovers also cannot miss.

Wine lovers should visit Sighnaghi, located in the heart of Georgia’s wine region, Kakheti. For architecture, Signagi is the place to be. The best wellness can be found in resort town Borjomi. And and if you would like to experience largely unexplored nature, then you will enjoy Birtvisi Canyon – a gorge of volcanic hills that is part of Trialeti Planned National Park.

Still not enough? Then perhaps you’d like to visit some of Georgia’s neighbours and also make a (day) trip to Armenia? Or near the border of Azerbaijan you will find the 6th-century David Gareja monastery complex.

For some wonderful group tour suggestions, keep on reading:

Kazbegi Full-Day Tour

I travel for… HISTORY – NATURE

Explore Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church, surrounded by magical mountain peaks and stunning valleys. Discover the spectacular slopes of Gudauri and travel in the history of the Ananuri Fortress.

Kazbegi, Gudauri & Zhinvali Tour

I travel for… CULTURE – HISTORY – FOOD – NATURE

Embark on a cultural journey of the Caucasus Mountains on this trip from Tbilisi. Explore historic legends, and revel in mountain views while savoring local delicacies, chacha, and honey.

Kakheti Wine Region Tour

I travel for… FOOD – NATURE

Explore the wine-producing region of Georgia, Kakheti and discover Sighnaghi, the enchanting city of love, with its wonderful Alazani Valley.

Day Trip to Armenia from Tbilisi

I travel for… CULTURE – HISTORY – NATURE

Discover Armenia on a full-day tour from Tbilisi. Explore two UNESCO heritage sites and travel back through time to the Soviet Union. Including homemade lunch.

Best of Georgia & Armenia (8-day tour by G Adventures)

I travel for… FOOD – CULTURE – HISTORY – NATURE

This eight-day trip is a wonderful showcase of the cultural and natural highlights the Caucasus Region has to offer, with a huge helping of beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine to boot. Stroll the narrow streets of Tbilisi, tour ancient monasteries, stare down massive mountain ranges, visit with friendly locals, and soak up all the exotic culture of this underexplored region.

HOTELS IN TBILISI

Hopefully you found some great things to do in Tbilisi via this blog article. If you’re searching for accommodation in Tbilisi, there is something for every type of budget. I can suggest the following hotels:

DESIGN HOTEL – ibis Styles Tbilisi Center

This was the hotel I stayed in on my final night before going to the airport – and I loved it! It is located very close to Liberty square, in the Old Town and it’s right next to many restaurants as well as a lot of the tourist attractions in Tbilisi. The hotel is modern and the rooms provide everything you need. I loved it!

FIVE STAR HOTEL – Radisson Blu Iveria

The conference I attended was held in this 5-star hotel. If you love luxury on a city trip – this is the place for you! The hotel is located in the heart of Tbilisi’s commercial and business district, less than a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. It has a modern, minimalist design and besides wonderful rooms, they offer an exclusive spa, several restaurants, a casino, and a swimming pool with a view over the city. They also offer an airport shuttle, free parking and have family rooms.

FOUR STAR HOTEL – Radisson RED

One of the nights we had an evening event in this hotel, located on the North side of the river. This hotel features a fitness center, garden, terrace, three restaurants and a bar. They also offer a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service, family rooms and free WiFi throughout the property.

GOOD VALUE HOTEL – Moxy Tbilisi

I’m a fan of the Moxy hotels as they are stylish and budget-friendly at the same time. The Moxy in Tbilisi is located in Vera district of the city. Each room has city views and you have access to a garden and a bar. This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, good breakfast, airport transfers, family rooms, room service and free WiFi.

More hotel suggestions in Tbilisi:

WHERE TO STAY ON YOUR TRIP?

The Travel Tester loves to review different types of accommodation around the world.

From boutique hotels, B&B’s and hostels with a personal story or special theme to campsites with everything from back-to-basic to glamping facilities… if it looks interesting to us, we’ll test it!

No matter where you’re going, with our reviews you’ll know exactly where to find a cool place to stay!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA

WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT?

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