Ultimate Tbilisi Travel Guide

Welcome to Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi! It’s rapidly becoming known for its warm hospitality, scenic landscapes and bohemian charm. Digital nomads and remote workers have already fallen in love with this place, but I think it’ll become popular with city breakers and other long-term travellers very soon!

I spent around two months in total exploring Georgia and its capital and found tons of incredible things to do. This Tbilisi travel guide is packed with my favourite places to visit, where to eat, and many more Tbilisi travel tips. Discover exactly why this was my first trip to Georgia but definitely won’t be my last.

11 Unmissable Things To Do in Tbilisi

Old Town 

Tbilisi’s enchanting Old Town comprises winding streets and colourful ornate balconies. There’s a blend of architectural styles reflecting its history under Persian and Russian rule. Along one street you might see Eastern Orthodox churches and Art Nouveau styles, and stark Soviet structures alone along another.

Here are some streets you can’t miss:

• Jan Shardeni Street
• Cotton Rows
• Lado Asatiani Street
• Arsena Street
• Ivane Machabeli Street

Don’t miss the Clock Tower on Ioane Shavteli Street and the Holy Trinity Cathedral too!

Fabrika

Once a Soviet sewing factory, Fabrika is now a trendy cultural hub. There is a hostel, a few cafés, artist studios, shops, a coworking space, and more. It’s covered in cool murals and has a super hipster vibe. 

It’s definitely worth checking out! Note that you can’t use a ‘proper’ camera inside but taking photos on your phone is okay.

Funicular to Mtatsminda Park

There are a couple of ways to reach Mtatsminda Park. The Ropeway (cable car) is one and the funicular is another. Climbing to the top of this peak is a great way to see stunning city views. You can visit at sunset or spend the whole day there!

Mtatsminda Park is a fairground dating back to the 1930s with a Ferris wheel and roller coasters. You can see the Tbilisi TV Tower and the highly Instagrammable ‘upside-down’ houses here. 

Visit the Puri Guliani dessert restaurant at the funicular for ponchiki, a local fried doughnut with fillings. They’re fairly small so order a couple each!

Dry Bridge Market

This fun outdoor flea market in Dedaena Park is where you can pick up unique souvenirs. They sell everything from antiques to artwork and other vintage treasures. 

It’s open from around 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily but there are more vendors on Saturdays and Sundays. Don’t be afraid to partake in some light bartering; it’s pretty common and expected!

Mother of Georgia

The Mother of Georgia statue is an icon of the city. This aluminium figure was built in 1958 and symbolises strength and hospitality. It stands at 20 meters tall on Sololaki Hill, overlooking Tbilisi. You can see it from various points in the city but it’s something you should see up close!

Head to Rike Park where you can take the Mother of Georgia Tramway to the statue. It runs every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

National Botanical Gardens

While visiting the Mother of Georgia (or even Narikala Fortress), don’t forget to check out the Tbilisi Botanical Gardens too. They’re absolutely huge and cover around 398 acres! There are giant sequoia trees and spectacular waterfalls. It’s open from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM every day.

Abanotubani/Chreli Abano Bathhouse

This historic geothermal sulphur bathhouse dates back to the 17th century. Its traditional Georgian architecture with turquoise and dusty pink hues is gorgeous! You can bathe in its ancient volcanic waters in a public or private pool.

It’s essential to know that you have to bathe naked if you opt for a public pool! They have separate spaces for men and women, but it’s pretty common for visitors to book private pools. It’s so relaxing and one of the best things to do in Tbilisi for couples. You can also get a massage! 

The bathhouse is open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day. 

Chronicles of Georgia

There are so many hilltops with historic sites in Tbilisi. This one is about a 30-minute taxi ride northeast from the city centre but totally worth visiting. Chronicles of Georgia is an unfinished structure with etchings that tell the story of Georgia’s history plus the life of Jesus Christ.

It’s really impressive and much bigger than you expect! It will take a while to absorb the whole area and walk up the stairs too. You can walk around the Chronicles of Georgia for free at any time.

Orbeliani Square/Bazari Orbeliani

While Orbeliani Square is nice, the main reason you should visit is to eat at Bazari Orbeliani. It’s a contemporary food market with international stalls. It’s the perfect place for a casual dinner. Check out the upper floor for a great bar serving global craft beers.

Bazari Orbeliani is open from 11:00 AM – midnight Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, it stays open until 1:00 AM.

Tabor Monastery Viewpoint

There really are so many amazing viewpoints in Tbilisi, but my favourite is from Tabor Monastery. Walk up there in time to watch the sunset from where it’s located on top of the hill. It takes around 45 minutes to walk up there from Chreli Abano Bath House, so set off early.

Georgian Cooking Class

You probably don’t know much about Georgian cuisine before visiting Tbilisi. We took this super fun khinkali and khachapuri cooking class and recommend you do the same! Khinkali are local dumplings and khachapuri is a cheesy flatbread from the Imereti region.

It’s a 2.5-hour comprehensive experience. Enjoy a glass of Georgian wine to wash down your delicious meal! 

Where To Eat in Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital has so many great restaurants and cafés. The local cuisine is a blend of flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine and light, fresh Mediterranean-style dishes. It’s easy to find both local and international menus.

Here are some of my favourite food spots in Tbilisi:

• Cafe Linville: Cute café with old-fashioned decor 
• Cafe Stamba: Cool place for brunch with lots of outdoor seating 
• Keto and Kote: Upmarket dinner option with traditional cuisine
• Alubali: Casual Georgian restaurant serving Turkish coffee
• Shavi Lomi: Great place for salads close to Fabrika
• Iasamani: Candlelit dinners near the botanic garden
• Ninia’s Garden: Cosy Georgian restaurant with a beautiful courtyard
• Tsiskvili: Popular chain with amazing flatbreads

Best Time of Year to Visit Tbilisi

Summer (June – August) is the peak tourist season in Tbilisi. You can sit outside drinking local wine in café courtyards and take advantage of the long, light days. January is also a popular time for snow bunnies to visit with lots of snowy winter activities.

Shoulder seasons (March – May and September – November) are great for exploring without crowds. While the city picks up during December’s festive season, some restaurants and other tourist amenities close over winter. 

How To Get to Tbilisi

Tbilisi Airport isn’t the most well-connected place, but it’s getting better! Over 50 airports in Europe, the Middle East and Asia offer direct flights to Tbilisi at least once a week. Istanbul, Dubai, Athens and Munich are popular hubs for connections.

Tbilisi city centre is about a 30-minute drive from the airport. Budget travellers can hop on the N.337 bus from the airport to the train station and you can pay using a debit/credit card. It runs between 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Getting Around Tbilisi

Tbilisi Old Town is fairly compact and walkable (despite the hills!). I recommend packing comfortable shoes so you can walk between activities. Tbilisi has a metro station which is really useful if you’re staying in the city’s outskirts or want to travel quickly between the main landmarks.

Taxis are the best option to reach places further afield like the Chronicles of Georgia. Agree on a price before you get in the car! The Bolt app and GoTrip are great platforms for ordering taxis in Georgia. Buses and minibuses are affordable but can be slow and crowded and are mostly used by locals.

Where To Stay in Tbilisi

If you want to experience the charm of Tbilisi like a local, I highly recommend staying in the Old Town. It’s the most atmospheric part of the city, with its maze of winding alleyways, colourful balconies, and hidden courtyards.

We booked an Airbnb here, and it was the perfect base – peaceful yet within walking distance of all the best sights. One of the unexpected highlights? The lovely cats that roamed the courtyard, always happy to keep us company! If you enjoy a quieter, more traditional stay with a local feel, this is a fantastic option.

For those looking for other accommodation choices, here are some recommendations:

• Luxury Stay – Stamba Hotel: A stylish, design-forward hotel housed in a former Soviet-era printing house. Great for brunch lovers and those who want a boutique experience.
• Mid-Range Option – Communal Sololaki: A cosy, artsy guesthouse in a historic district with beautifully curated interiors.
• Budget-Friendly – Fabrika Hostel: More than just a hostel—this creative space has a courtyard full of cafés and bars, perfect for meeting fellow travellers.

How Many Days to Spend in Tbilisi

Spend around two to three days in Tbilisi to see all the highlights. To visit everywhere in this guide, spend at least three days in the city. It’s worth it!

However, if you visit Georgia for a week you will have more time for day trips and to explore the mountains.

Plan Your Trip With This Tbilisi Travel Guide

From the winding streets of the Old Town to the picturesque hills and the delicious cafes with courtyards, I hope you’ll find lots to pique your interest in this Tbilisi travel guide. 

Fewer people speak English than you might be used to if you mostly travel in Europe and North America. The metro system might be less extensive. But Tbilisi is the ideal place to step outside of your comfort zone.