Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia is one of those unforgettable cities that fill your heart with warm memories. It definitely deserves your attention and the status of a must-visit spot on your private travel map!
How to Get to Tbilisi
There are a few options for getting to the city center from Tbilisi International Airport (TBS):
- Taxi: The best option is to use reliable apps like Bolt or Maxim (the best price). If you catch a taxi on the street, be ready to bargain.
- Bus: Route 337 goes to the central train station from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Your hotel/apartment transfer: This way is the easiest but be ready for extra stops on the way when your hosts would show you the best places to get local wines or make a small wine tour for you.
The road by bus takes 90 minutes compared to 30 minutes in a taxi.
Where to stay in Tbilisi
If you’re looking for a stylish hotel there are top chain hotels like Hilton and Marriott or any other with excellent reviews within your budget. But the most popular option in Tbilisi is to rent a private apartment. Platforms such as Booking.com, Agoda and Airbnb are available for booking accommodation in Georgia. You might also try your luck on Facebook Marketplace.
What to eat in Tbilisi
Georgian cuisine may be called “comfort food”.
As for the must-try dishes in Tbilisi, these are:
- Khachapuri: Remember, this is not just one dish as there are regional variations (Adjaruli, Megruli, Guruli or Osuri).
- Khinkali: Drink the juicy broth inside first and don’t eat the top knot!
- Pkhali: This mix of minced vegetables and walnuts is a great appetiser.
- Badrijani: Badrijani is a traditional dish presented as rolled eggplant slices with walnut paste.
It’s highly recommended to focus on traditional restaurants in Tbilisi. A positive gastronomic experience is guaranteed.
If you’re looking for a classic dining experience here are some excellent restaurants:
- Machakhela. The restaurant is a choice of locals. The menu presents traditional favorites at great prices. (Google Maps: 27 Omar Khizanishvili St, Tbilisi, Georgia)
- Shavi Lomi. One more cozy restaurant that offers a menu of Georgian classics with a modern twist. (Google Maps: 28 Zurab Kvlividze St, Tbilisi, Georgia)
Or you may simply choose any of the restaurants on the map close to your apartment. All food in Georgia is cooked with soul, genuine hospitality and respect for the traditions.
Street food and local snacks
Tbilisi’s street food is presented by places that sell lobiani (bean-filled bread), churchkhela (nuts in grape juice) or even simple fresh bread from traditional clay ovens from small family bakeries. You can try your luck at Vekua Street’s indoor food hall (Google Maps: 3a Vekua Street, Tbilisi, Georgia).
Travel tip: You’ll find various artisanal cheeses, local wines and street-style bakeries under one roof on Bazari Orbeliani.
Places to see in Tbilisi
Tbilisi is a place where you don’t have to follow a plan to see all the key sightseeing because the city is rather compact and walkable. You’ll be able to see all of it for the weekend. Just don’t forget your most comfortable shoes. As for the key locations to add to your own route, they are listed below.
Freedom Square
The center of the square is the statue of St. George with hotels, shops and museums around. Freedom Square symbolizes the unity and independence of the locals.
Google Maps: Freedom Square, Tbilisi, Georgia
Old Town (Altstadt)
The Old Town of Tbilisi is designated a world heritage site by UNESCO. The district consists of narrow streets with old houses that look at you with beautiful facades. It’s a place to feel the spirit of old Tiflis. The locals still live here, dry their laundry and raise kids.
Travel tip: The most picturesque streets suitable for leisurely strolls are located between Shota Rustaveli and Kakabadze streets.
Google Maps: Dzveli Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia
Narikala Fortress
Mount Mtsatminda is visible from any spot of Tbilisi. It is always beautifully illuminated at night. The mount still preserves fragments of the Narikala Fortress, the most famous and ancient monument of Tbilisi’s antiquity.
Travel tip: There are two ways to get there. You can have a pleasant walk on a warm evening for free or take the cable car located in Rike Park for 2.5 lari (80 euro cents).
Google Maps: MRQ5+4R3, Tbilisi, Georgia
Metekhi Church
Religion is an important aspect of Georgia but the most significant objects are located outside the city in the mountain areas. Metekhi Church is a place to feel the vibe of spirituality within the capital. According to legend, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, one of the founders of Georgia, whose large monument stands on the cliff, built the first church here and named it Metekhi.
Google Maps: MRR6+3FM, Metekhi St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater
If you come to see Tbilisi with kids, there is one of the capital’s most interesting attractions. You can easily get here with a 10-minute walk from the Glass Bridge. The architecture is unique, consisting of small handmade details, perfect for exploration.
Travel tip: Come at noon or 7 p.m. to see a miniature puppet show on the tower of the theater.
Google Maps: 13 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia
Bridge of Peace
Tbilisi is one of those places that combine history and modernity, the vibe of which is highlighted by a glass bridge. The Bridge of Peace looks especially amazing at night, so don’t miss your opportunity to come here in the evening. Also, you may observe it from any viewpoint over the city.
Google Maps: Tbilisi 0162, Georgia
Funicular to Mtatsminda Park
The funicular connects the lower and upper sides of Tbilisi, making two stops, one on the midway and one on the top. On the first stop, you can go out and enjoy the panoramic view of the city, the Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures, and the active Mamadaviti Church. At the top station is a picturesque park where you can walk and have a snack before going down.
Google Maps: 22 Daniel Chonqadze St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi Botanical Garden
When you grow tired of city life, come here. Special highlights are the waterfall with the picturesque bridge over it, and the wonderful observation deck with a view of Narikala. There is the Japanese garden for slow walking, and the bamboo grove.
Travel tip: An additional entrance is at the Statue of Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda). You may try this way to avoid the queue.
Google Maps: Botanikuri St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
Sameba is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Also, the cathedral is the newest temple in Georgia. The interior decoration is striking, monumental and rich.
Even though Sameba can’t be called an object of ancient historical heritage for now, it’s a modern architectural spot which would amaze even the most experienced traveller.
Google Maps: MRX8+3H8, Tbilisi, Georgia
Dry Bridge Market
If you love vintage finds, Dry Bridge Market is your place. You may get unique souvenirs for your nearest and dearest at this flea market. Be prepared to bargain, as prices for tourists never correspond to reality.
Travel tip: If you walk to the bridge, which rises above the river rather than the roadway, you can find a second-hand book market.
Google Maps: PR23+96X, Tbilisi, Georgia
Chronicles of Georgia
The memorial is located in the Temka district, near the Tbilisi Sea. This monument tells the story of Georgia with the detailed stone carvings on massive columns. The view from the top is impressive!
Travel tip: The complex is located a bit outside the city, so you’ll need a taxi to get there.
Google Maps: QRC6+65V, Chronicles of Georgia Temqa, Tbilisi, Georgia
Tabor Monastery Viewpoint
If you’re looking for a non-banal spot for the sunset, hike up to Tabor Monastery. But be ready to take a 45-minute walk from Abanotubani. It’s the perfect final touch to the end of your Tbilisi adventure.
Google Maps: MRP7+758, Kharfukhi Turn, Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgian Bathhouses (Abanotubani)
Sulfur baths are local spa complexes. After a day of sightseeing, come to the Chreli Abano bathhouse or any other nearby to get an unforgettable, rejuvenating and deeply traditional experience. Besides, the price is only around 10 lari. You may order additional services, such as massage for deeper relaxation.
Google Maps: MRQ6+793, Abano St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Takeaways
The capital of Georgia would definitely fill your heart with warm memories. When walking, explore the city away from the tourist trails. Plan your weekend here, try tasty food, make endless photoshoots and enjoy sunsets over the hills to fall in love with this place.
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See more on Georgia here in Dispatches’ archives
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25-plus countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure.
