Day 1 – This is Tbilisi, Georgia
Unlike other city trips in Europe, you don’t necessarily have to wake up at sunrise to avoid the crowd. Tbilisi is slowly becoming a European city, known for its hospitality and fantastic food & wine.
1. Sulfur Baths of Old Tbilisi
Warm water enriched with minerals from deep underground is used inside the dome-shaped sulfur baths of Old Tbilisi. Around 8:30 AM, make your way to the domes and the mosque-shaped Orbeliani Bathhouse for a few very picturesque photos.
When visiting the city during the colder months, getting a bath treatment is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi. Doors open at 8 AM – Costs 60 – 80 Lari.
Tip: For a delicious breakfast or lunch, check out Culinarium Khasheria at the Sulfer baths.
2. Meidan Bazar
Discover Georgian handicrafts, wine, and many more souvenirs in an underground tunnel bazaar. The shop goes all the way underneath the road and is a 5-minute walk from the Sulphur Baths.
Alternatively, discover Tbilisi by booking a walking tour.
3. Gallery 27
Gallery 27 is an eye-catching house with impressive carvings and has a photogenic staircase entrance decorated with colored stained-glass windows. The gallery itself offers local arts and crafts, opens at 11 AM, and is a short 5-minute walk from the Meidan Bazar.
Did you know: Tap water in Tbilisi is safe to drink. Bring your reusable bottle and prevent using plastic bottles.
Read more tips on how to reduce plastic while traveling.
4. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
With a height of 87 meters, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Cathedral of Georgia, and its golden dome can be spotted from pretty much everywhere in Tbilisi.
From Gallery 27, take a 10-15 minute taxi ride to the cathedral and spend one to two hours around sunset wandering around the complex.
In 2004, the Sameba Cathedral opened its doors with a lush green garden, fountains, and a swimming pool where you will see the children play in the summer. The cathedral is free to enter but to visit the inside, men have to wear long pants, and a woman has to cover her shoulders and head, and wear a skirt.
Have you heard of Khachapuri? It is Georgia’s most famous traditional dish; a delicious bread shaped like a boat, topped with eggs, cheese and butter.
Does that sound too traditional? Well, in recent years, many chefs transformed the local flavors of traditional dishes into something better. And since walnuts, eggplant, mushrooms, and cheese are commonly used ingredients finding good vegetarian meals in Georgia isn’t hard at all.
6. Fabrika
Spend the evening at the coolest place in town; Fabrika is a large old Soviet sewing factory transformed into a multi-functional space. It includes the biggest hostel in the region, cafes & bars, artist studios, a co-working space, and a creative industrial open courtyard where everyone gathers for a drink.
The Fabrika space is an absolute must-see and a great thing to do in Tbilisi, as it is a popular hotspot among locals and travelers.
7. Leaning clock tower
The first stop of the day is the fairytale-like leaning clock tower of Tbilisi. Tucked away in a side street of the old town, the clock was designed as a part of the puppet theater and attracts many eyes. A fun fact is that it has the smallest and biggest clock in the city.
Tip: Do not miss the angel hitting the bell at the hour.
8. Flea Market
The daily ‘Dry Bridge’ flea market is perfect if you love old and antique items. A huge assortment of jewelry, vinyl records, books, old cameras, maps, clothing, and so much more is carefully laid out on the ground in the park. It’s open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day and is a 10-minute walk from the leaning clock tower. Oh, and don’t forget to bargain! It is very common.
Good to know: There are many street dogs in Tbilisi. Fortunately, they are all tagged, and the locals take good care of them.
9. Tbilisi Peace Bridge and Rike Park
Follow the path down along the riverside, and pass by the mushroom-like building ‘Public Service Hall’ towards Tbilisi’s Peace Bridge. This pedestrian bridge connects old to new Tbilisi, with on the other side a green park with fountains, art, and flowers. A good place to relax and enjoy the city.
10. Sachino – Queen Darejan Palace
The charming turquoise balcony hanging over the edge of a cliff is the former summer residence of Queen Darejan and is overlooking Rike Park. It’s a short walk uphill from Rike park and free to visit inside.
11. Narikala Fortress
Rike Park is also the cable car station to Narikala Fortress on the top of the hill. A 360-degree view over the city in a quick cable car ride will only cost you one Lari. (0.35 USD)
Bonus thing to do in Tbilisi – Georgian interiors
Behind the old Tbilisian house walls, lie courtyards and stairways that could be part of a movie scene, they are that beautiful. Make sure to check out the Blue House, London Hotel and Kalantarov House.
Day 3 – Tbilisi Outskirts
For this third day of things to do in Tbilisi, it’s recommended to use the taxi a little more often. Traditional taxis are cheap but get ready to bargain. Bolt is an Uber alternative and a good option to get around the city.
13. Chronicles of Georgia
One of the best things to do in Tbilisi is a morning trip to the Chronicles of Georgia. Standing 30-meter tall, this massive 16-pilar monument overlooks the Tbilisi sea. The shape, decorations, and structure are spectacular and definitely worth a visit, as it is free to visit and open 24/7.
How to get to the Chronicle of Georgia:
The easiest way is to use the Bolt app and ask if the driver can wait for you at the monument. Expect to pay between 20 and 40 GEL for a round trip. (~ 6 – 13 USD)
Alternatively, book a tour to the Chronicles of Georgia that includes transportation, a guide, and other sights in Tbilisi.
14. Gardenia Shevardnadze
On your way back from the Chronicles, stop at the tea house and stunning garden of Gardenia Shevardnadze. Escape from the city in a relaxing garden atmosphere and try the delicious cakes, coffee, and tea.
15. Cooldown at Mtatsminda Park
Mtatsminda Park is a park at the highest point of Tbilisi at 770 meters. It can be reached by an impressive funicular ride all the way to the top. Inside the park, you can enjoy a nice breeze, have lunch or a coffee or visit one of the attractions, as it is also an amusement park. There is no entrance fee for the park, only for the attractions.
16. Wine, Georgian wine!
Wine-lover or not, you have to taste Georgian wines. Wine is Georgia, and Georgia is wine – winemaking and drinking have been part of their culture for over 8000 years! Long before Italy started making wine. Nowadays, Georgia makes wine for every taste, and it is one of its biggest export products. Close your adventure in Tbilisi with a delicious glass of wine.
How to Visit Tbilisi
Tbilisi has direct flights to major cities in Europe and into the Middle East – Amsterdam, London, and Paris have multiple direct flights per week and a daily flight to Dubai, Egypt, and Israel.
Getting from the airport to Tbilisi city can be done by bus or taxi. Bus 37 runs every 15 minutes and is a 50-minute ride to the city center and costs 0,5 Lari. (0.20 USD) Another option would be taking a taxi that takes 25 minutes and will cost you about 35 Lari. (11.5 USD).
Public transport – The yellow buses and the metro are dirt cheap and make it easier to cover a larger distance. Pay in the bus and subway with a “Metromoney” card – a single ride costs 50 Tetri (0.20 USD) and can also be used in the Rike park cable car.
Taxi – Taxis in Tbilisi are everywhere but be prepared to agree on a price before entering the car. The taxi app Bolt works conveniently and gives you a fair price.
Renting a car in Georgia is another good option. We recommend to rent a car at a local car company through Sunny Cars. When booking through them, all insurances are included. Book your rental car here.
Where to stay in Tbilisi
Most things to do in Tbilisi are located in the old and charming city center, and this is also the best area to stay in Tbilisi. The city offers accommodation for any kind of budget, including some great hostels (search for a hostel here).
Hostels in Tbilisi
How much does Tbilisi cost?
Although Tbilisi feels like a European city, just like Budapest, it is surprisingly affordable. Currently, 1 USD is equal to 3 Lari.
- Hotel: 60 – 200 USD / night
- Hostel: 8 – 50 USD / night
- Food: 5-20 USD / day
- Transport:1-3 USD / day
- Glass of wine: 3-5 USD
- Tap water: Free!
Best time to visit Tbilisi
Tbilisi is a great city to visit year-round however, a little bit of sunshine would make your visit even better. The best time to visit Tbilisi would be in Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September and October). During summer, temperatures rise to 30-35 degrees which is still doable but not great to walk around in the entire day.
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- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Cheap Flights via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
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I was considering many countries to detour from Dubai until i read your blog and i am now convince to visit Tbilisi. Many thanks for the great sharing… keep up the good work~!