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16 Unmissable Things To Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi is a Eurasian metropolis that’s perfect for travellers looking to explore a new destination off the beaten path. This captivating city, rich in beauty and artsy charisma, has a timeless appeal that’s rooted in art, culture, and warm hospitality. From its rejuvenating sulphur baths to its mouthwatering wine & dine experiences, Tbilisi has a plethora of stimulating things-to-do for travellers. In addition to that, the locals are very friendly and the streets are safe making it a fun city to meet others in as well.
During my week-long adventure in Tbilisi, I discovered it to be an incredibly welcoming city! The friendly atmosphere ensures that you'll easily connect with fellow travellers and form bonds with the locals, known for their warm hospitality. Georgian people, in particular, are exceptionally friendly, often striking up conversations and enthusiastically recommending their favourite local dishes and wines.
To make sure others can fall in love with this city the way I did, I’ve created this travel guide with all the perfect spots in Tbilisi. This guide is designed to ensure you have an unforgettable trip and get a great understanding of Tbilisi and Georgian culture. I suggest carving out 3-4 full days to get through this list, so plan your adventure accordingly.
Tbilisi is filled with captivating experiences and must-visit spots. Here are the top attractions and activities to discover in this enchanting city.
1. Wander Around Tbilisi’s Charming Old Town
The heart and soul of Tbilisi is undoubtedly in its old town! This is a neighbourhood characterized by cobbled streets, orthodox Christian architecture, and modern art installations. You can spend hours wandering around the old town blissfully getting lost in all its nooks and crannies. The old town has a ton of shops, restaurants, and cafes, creating the perfect setting for a full day of exploration and enjoyment.
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2. Shop From Trinkets At Meidan Bazaar
Meidan Bazaar is a captivating underground flee market in Tbilisi’s old town with a distinctive steampunk feel. Here, you’ll discover all sorts of Georgian antiques, handicrafts, and souvenirs which you’ll want to take home with you. Beyond the eclectic shopping, it’s a great place to buy some Georgian wine and other local food items to please your palette.
3. See The Busy Liberty Square
Freedom Square or Liberty Square is Tbilisi’s main squares and the most crowded place of the city. A lot of the main museums, hotels, banks, and shopping centres can be found close to the square. Its strategic location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring Tbilisi's cultural and commercial offerings, ensuring that the heartbeat of the city is felt by all who gather in this dynamic space.
4. Walk Across Bridge Of Peace
The Bridge of Peace, a marvel of modern architecture, is a beautiful bridge in Tbilisi with a special story to tell. The bridge symbolizes a blend of the ancient past and modern present, a callout to Georgia’s peaceful transaction from post-Soviet struggles to where it stands today.
5. Relax In Rike Park
Right besides The Bridge of Peace is the calm & aesthetic Rike Park. After you cross the bride, spend a few moments strolling through the park — take your time, savour each moment as you wander through the park with all its surroundings.
6. Explore The Depths Of Georgian Cuisine
Georgia's cuisine, often deserving of greater global recognition, is a culinary journey filled with mouthwatering delights. From the traditional and savoury Khinkalis to the indulgent, cheese-filled Khachapuris, every bite promises a wide variety of flavours. As the birthplace of wine, Georgia's winemaking artistry adds a unique dimension to every meal, elevating the dining experience to a truly satiating and unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
You'll never have a dull day in Tbilisi with its diverse cuisine offering endless delight! Tbilisi guarantees an exciting adventure with its diverse cuisine offering endless delight. From local markets to gourmet restaurants, the city's culinary scene ensures you’ll always have something to savour.
7. Sip On All Of Georgia’s Ancient Wines
As the birthplace of wine, Georgia has a rich and ancient tradition of winemaking. The significance of this artistry is truly special, and whether you consider yourself a wine enthusiast or not, indulging in the local Georgian wines is a must.
Drinking Georgian wine is an opportunity to savour not only the flavours, but also a genuine taste of the culture deeply rooted in this craft.
8. Spend An Evening In Fabrika
Fabrika is a young hipster area filled with bars and cafes and good vibes. Chalk one evening out to explore this dynamic neighbourhood. I recommend enjoying a delicious dinner at one of its eclectic restaurants and then take off on a bar-hopping adventure. The 2 evenings I spent at Fabrika were extremely social with plenty of travellers and other Georgians who were more than happy to share their culture with me over a drink.
9. Visit The Eclectic Leaning Clock Tower Of Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s famous clocktower is a landmark that all tourist flock to for its artistic appeal. It’s absurd like a Picasso painting and fantastical like Alice in Wonderland. For an enchanting experience, it's best to visit at the start of the hour to witness the miniature mechanical clock tower show that unfolds.
10. Feel The Golden Aura Of Sameba Cathedral
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, known as Sameba, stands as an iconic landmark that commands attention from any vantage point in the city of Tbilisi, Georgia. Its shiny top sets it apart from all the other vibrant structures in the city and is bound to catch your eye. Stepping into its golden aura makes you feel like you're in a place that's larger than life.
11. Get Lost In Time At The Chronicle of Georgia
The Chronicle of Georgia is a breathtaking collection of sculpted pillars perched atop a picturesque hill, located just north of Georgia's capital city, Tbilisi. Known as 'The Georgian Stonehenge,' this monument is famous for its engravings that depict the life of Christ and the rich history of ancient Georgia. A new story to uncover around each turn.
Standing in the shadows of the Chronicle is almost like embarking on an inspiring journey through culture and time, leaving you humbled in its grand presence.
12. Day Trip To Mtskheta From Tbilisi
A short cab drive from Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital, awaits with a rich array of attractions. Highlights include the hilltop Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, believed to house the burial site of Jesus Christ's cape. If you have half a day, you can go explore the historical and cultural wonders of this ancient city that’s just a quick ride away from the bustling energy of Tbilisi.
13. Enjoy A Natural Sulphur Spring Bath
Tbilisi is built on top natural sulphur springs making allowing for some unique spa experiences as a tourist. The sulphur water is supposed to be great for your skin and there are multiple spas, ranging from budget friendly to high end luxury.
I saved this one for my last day when I was experiencing some travel exhaustion. It was truly such a rejuvenating time!
14. Witness The Grand Energy Of The Mother of Georgia & Narikala Fortress
Perched atop one of the highest points in Tbilisi, the Mother of Georgia gracefully oversees this charming country. In one hand, she holds a bowl of wine to warmly welcome guests. In the other hand, she holds a lethal sword for her enemies embracing the theme of duality.
From this vantage point, you can get the best panoramic view of Tbilisi that’ll take your breath away. For those inclined to embrace the journey, you could take a hour-long hike up the hill. Alternatively, the scenic route via a cable car is an option that many travellers enjoy as well.
15. Day Trip To Kazbegi From Tbilisi
Kazbegi is the true wine region of Georgia up in the scenic mountains. If you want to truly taste the depths of Georgia's ancient winemaking, it's worth visiting Kazbegi from Tbilisi for the day. If you have more time on your hands, feel free to spend a night or two here to enjoy the region.
16. Explore Local Bars With The Tbilisi Pub Crawl
This one's a lively evening filled with new connections and shared moments! If want to meet others and party the Georgian way, this one is for you. You could join the Tbilisi Pub Crawl for a night of partying, where locals and fellow travellers come together to explore the city's nightlife.
It's an opportunity to explore Tbilisi's energy after sunset, make new friends, drink what the locals drink, and dance the night away!
17. Take A Shot Of Chacha, Georgia’s Very Own Moonshine
Georgians love to drink! We all know they love their wines but they also love to drink a local moonshine called chacha. It's a clear distilled alcohol that tastes a lot like vodka but is much stronger. Most bars will be having their own variations of chacha for you to drink making it quite easy to find.
Drinking chacha with Georgians was a highlight of my trip; they were thrilled to share their culture through this local spirit. Each toast offered a deeper connection and a taste of Georgian hospitality.
18. Dance The Night Away At Bassiana
Bassiana is the pulse of the city after midnight. It's the biggest and most famous nightclub in the country. What makes it more interesting is that it's under the Tbilisi's football stadium which makes it a fun night out! If you’re a party animal and love electronic music, this one’s for you.
Tours & Experiences To Book In Tbilisi
Explore some of these tours and experiences in Tbilisi from our partners at Get Your Guide.
Getting To Tbilisi By Flight
The most convenient way to reach Tbilisi is through a direct flight to Tbilisi International Airport. Direct flights or those with layovers are readily available, with common transit points in and around the Middle East and Turkey.
Check out some of your flights options below with Skyscanner.
Safety For Travellers in Tbilisi
Tbilisi stands out as a highly safe city for travellers, and Georgia, as a country, is widely regarded as a secure destination for tourists. Naturally, like any place, it's important to remain mindful of your surroundings. However, with common-sense precautions, you can enjoy an effortless and secure visit to Tbilisi without requiring any additional extraordinary efforts. The city's overall safety contributes to a relaxed and enjoyable visit for all travellers.
Safety For Female Travellers In Tbilisi
In general, Georgia is a very safe country as per international standards and is considered to be so for women as well. Though again, one must note that when women travel solo, they need to exercise a higher degree of caution regardless of where they’re travelling. If you'd like to read a woman's perspective on the issue, check out this article by Women On The Road.
Recommended Travel Insurance
Though Tbilisi is super safe, I never take chances with my health. To stay protected, I always ensure I’m covered by insurance. For my last couple of trips, I’ve been using Genki, an insurance company dedicated to world travellers. They cover every country with a flexible month-to-month plan and no long-term commitment. Knowing that Genki has me covered makes life a little less stressful for me.
And That's A Wrap
From the old-world charm of Old Tbilisi to the eclectic vibes of Fabrika, Tbilisi invites you to immerse yourself in its beauty, culture, and hospitality. Visiting Tbilisi will be an unforgettable journey through Georgia's unique culture. Cheers to the wonders of Tbilisi, a city where art, history, and culture converge, creating travel memories to live on for years. Bon voyage!
