Visit Tbilisi, Georgia: A Perfect Blend of Culture & Nature

Visit Tbilisi Georgia – 12 Must-See Things to Do in Tbilisi

Jvari Monestary

Jvari Monastery is an ancient church in Georgia, built in the 6th century on a hill with amazing views of the surrounding rivers and the town of Mtskheta. It’s an important religious site, believed to be the place where Saint Nino placed a cross to spread Christianity in Georgia. The monastery’s simple yet beautiful design makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture.

Old Town

Tbilisi’s Old Town is full of charm, with narrow streets and colorful, intricate balconies. The mix of architectural styles tells the story of its Persian and Russian past. You’ll see everything from Eastern Orthodox churches to Art Nouveau buildings and even some Soviet-era structures.

Here are some streets you should definitely check out:

1. Jan Shardeni Street: A lively and historic street in Tbilisi known for its charming cafes, bars, and art galleries. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to stroll, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.
2. Cotton Rows: A picturesque area in Tbilisi filled with narrow alleys and traditional houses. It gets its name from the cotton trade that once took place here, and today, it’s a great place to explore old architecture.
3. Lado Asatiani Street: A vibrant street in the heart of Tbilisi, lined with beautiful 19th-century buildings. It’s a blend of history and modernity, featuring many trendy spots to dine and shop.
4. Arsena Street: Known for its charming cobblestone paths and beautiful views of Tbilisi’s Old Town. It’s a quieter, more peaceful area that offers a glimpse into the city’s historic charm.
5. Ivane Machabeli Street: A lively street with a mix of cafes, shops, and entertainment venues. It’s a great place to experience Tbilisi’s urban energy while surrounded by elegant architecture.

And don’t miss the Clock Tower on Ioane Shavteli Street and the Holy Trinity Cathedral!

Fabrika

Once a Soviet sewing factory, Fabrika is now a trendy cultural spot. You’ll find a hostel, a few cafes, artist studios, shops, and a coworking space. It’s full of cool murals and has a very hipster vibe. It’s worth a visit! Just note that you can’t use a “real” camera inside, but phone photos are fine.

Funicular to Mtatsminda Park

There are a couple of ways to get to Mtatsminda Park, either by the Ropeway (cable car) or the funicular. It’s a great way to enjoy the amazing views of the city. You can visit at sunset or stay all day!

The park has a fairground that’s been around since the 1930s, with a Ferris wheel and roller coasters. You’ll also spot the Tbilisi TV Tower and some quirky upside-down houses here.

Be sure to stop by the Puri Guliani dessert restaurant at the top for some local ponchiki fried doughnuts. They’re small, so you’ll want to get a couple!

Dry Bridge Market

This outdoor flea market in Dedaena Park is where you can find unique souvenirs, antiques, artwork, and vintage treasures. It’s open daily from around 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but it’s busiest on weekends. Feel free to haggle a little; it’s part of the fun!

Mother of Georgia

The Mother of Georgia statue is one of the city’s icons. Standing 20 meters tall on Sololaki Hill, it symbolizes Georgia’s strength and hospitality. You can spot it from all over the city, but it’s worth visiting up close. You can take the Mother of Georgia Tramway from Rike Park to get there. It runs daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

National Botanical Gardens

While you’re near the Mother of Georgia or Narikala Fortress, make sure to check out the Tbilisi Botanical Gardens. The gardens are massive, covering around 398 acres, and include giant sequoia trees and beautiful waterfalls. They’re open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Abanotubani/Chreli Abano Bathhouse

This historic sulphur bathhouse, dating back to the 17th century, has a stunning traditional Georgian design with turquoise and dusty pink hues. You can enjoy a soak in the volcanic waters, either in a public or private pool.

If you go to the public pool, keep in mind you’ll need to bathe naked! They have separate areas for men and women, but it’s common for visitors to opt for private pools. It’s a relaxing experience, perfect for couples. You can also get a massage while you’re there. The bathhouse is open every day from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Chronicles of Georgia

If you’re up for a short trip, head to the Chronicles of Georgia, about 30 minutes northeast of the city center. This massive, unfinished monument depicts the history of Georgia and the life of Jesus Christ. It’s way bigger than it looks, so expect to take some time walking around the area.

The best part? You can explore the Chronicles for free at any time.

Orbeliani Square/Bazari Orbeliani

While Orbeliani Square is nice to visit, the real draw is Bazari Orbeliani, a cool food market with international stalls. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal. Check out the upper floor for a bar with a great selection of craft beers. 

Bazari Orbeliani is open from 11:00 AM to midnight Monday through Thursday and until 1:00 AM on Fridays and weekends.

Tabor Monastery Viewpoint

Tbilisi is full of amazing viewpoints, but my favorite is Tabor Monastery. It’s about a 45-minute walk up from Chreli Abano Bathhouse, and it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Georgian Cooking Class

Before you visit Tbilisi, you might not know much about Georgian food. Still, after taking a cooking class, you’ll definitely want to try making khinkali (local dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled flatbread). We had a blast in a 2.5-hour class, and there’s even some Georgian wine to wash it all down!

Where to Eat in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is full of fantastic food spots, offering a mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Cafe Stamba: Great brunch place with plenty of outdoor seating
2. Keto and Kote: Upscale dinner with traditional dishes
3. Alubali: A casual Georgian spot with Turkish coffee
4. Shavi Lomi: A place for amazing salads near Fabrika
5. Iasamani: Perfect for a candlelit dinner near the botanical garden
6. Ninia’s Garden: Cozy with a beautiful courtyard
7. Tsiskvili: A popular chain with fantastic flatbreads

Best Time to Visit Tbilisi

Summer (June to August) is the busiest time in Tbilisi. It’s perfect for sitting in café courtyards and enjoying the long days. January is great for snow lovers, with plenty of winter activities. The shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) are perfect if you want to avoid crowds. December can get festive, but some restaurants close during winter.

How to Get to Tbilisi

Tbilisi Airport isn’t the busiest, but it’s improving. Over 50 airports in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have direct flights to Tbilisi each week. Popular hubs include Istanbul, Dubai, Athens, and Munich.

The city center is about a 30-minute drive from the airport. Budget travelers can take bus N.337 from the airport to the train station. It runs from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and you can pay with a debit/credit card.

Getting Around Tbilisi

Tbilisi’s Old Town is pretty compact, so it’s easy to explore on foot (though be prepared for some hills!). The metro is handy if you’re staying on the outskirts or want to move quickly between main landmarks.

Taxis are great for getting to places farther away, like the Chronicles of Georgia. Always agree on a price before getting in. Buses and minibuses are cheap but can be crowded and slow.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

For a truly local experience, stay in the Old Town. It’s the most charming part of the city, with its winding alleys, colorful balconies, and hidden courtyards. We stayed in an Airbnb, and it was perfectly peaceful yet close to everything. One unexpected highlight? The friendly cats that wandered the courtyard!

Here are some other great accommodation options:

1. Luxury Stay: Stamba Hotel, a stylish spot in a former Soviet printing house, is great for brunch lovers.
2. Mid-Range: Communal Sololaki, a cozy, artsy guesthouse in a historic district.
3. Budget-Friendly: Fabrika Hostel, a creative space with cafes and bars, is ideal for meeting fellow travelers.

How Many Days to Spend in Tbilisi

Two to three days is enough to see the main highlights, but to fully explore everything in this guide, aim for three days. If you have a week, you’ll have time for day trips and mountain explorations, too.

Plan Your Trip

From the winding streets of Old Town to the scenic hills and amazing food, Tbilisi has so much to offer. While fewer people speak English here compared to other European cities, Tbilisi is perfect for stepping out of your comfort zone and having an unforgettable experience.