Tbilisi Georgia Travel Guide: 15 Epic Things To Do In A Magical European Capital
Planning to visit the capital of Georgia and looking for a helpful Tbilisi Georgia Guide? Along with the top things to do in Tbilisi, how about one with local tips, cultural insights, and exciting day trip ideas to destinations like the Kazbegi Mountains, ancient Kutaisi, and Kakheti wineries?
A real gem of a capital city, Tbilisi is uncrowded (for now!), authentic, attractive, and friendly. Georgian food is delicious, and you will find an artsy culture, with a refreshing blend of ancient tradition and modern amenities.
Having lived and traveled around in the Caucasus region, we’ve packed our Tbilisi, Georgia Guide with practical, local tips we’ve picked up from places we have personally spent time in. Ready to plan an unforgettable visit?
Key Takeaways
- Tbilisi is an authentic, friendly city with delicious food and a blend of centuries old culture and modernity.
- This Tbilisi Georgia Travel Guide includes top activities, local tips, and day trip ideas to nearby attractions and experiences.
- Don’t miss exploring Old Town, ride the funicular to Mtatsminda Park at sunset, and soak in the ancient sulphur baths.
- A day tour to Kazbegi Mountains, Old Mtskheta, or Kakheti wineries is recommended for a deeper Georgian experience.
- Tbilisi is affordable for tourists with fast growing accommodation options and some amazing rural homestays outside of the capital.
Top 15 Things To Do In Tbilisi
Tbilisi is small but packed with great activities to suit every wallet. You can easily combine time in Tbilisi with a longer tour of the country. Here’s a perfect 7-10 Day Georgia Itinerary to show you all there is to explore.
But first, here are all the top things to do in Tbilisi and nearby as day trips:
1. Discover Old Town Tbilisi With A Local Guide
Honestly, it’s okay to wander around and get a little lost in the old town. The maze of ancient streets is fascinating, each with a unique story to share.
One minute you’re in an ancient courtyard looking up at centuries-old commanding stone Fortress. The next you are faced with stern Soviet era community housing in Sololaki District.
To get a feel for Old Town spend your first morning on a Tbilisi Walking Tour!
🔍 Check Walking Tour Prices and Availability
2. Ride The Funicular To Mtatsminda Park
Funicular Ticket (Return): 10 GEL; Amusement Park Costs depend on the rides you wish to take.
Look up from any spot in town; it’s easy to spot the Narikala Fortress landmark.
If you fancy stretching your legs, walk up from town to explore this ancient fortification. An alternative way to get up here is by cable car.
To buy your ticket from the Funicular Lower Ticket Office, you first have to buy a ‘Metromoney”. plastic card and then you can load it with credit for your cable car ride. You can add money for the amusement park rides here too.
Also, admire the huge Karli’s Deda or ‘Mother of Georgia ‘ figure, erected in 1958 to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of the city.
With a sword for protection in one hand and a cup of wine in the other, she welcomes guests and symbolically keeps enemies at bay!
Next, head to Mtatsminda Amusement Park. Enjoy 60+ fun rides, including a Ferris wheel, a small water park, and cafe. It’s good family entertainment. Later, if you fancy dinner atop the mountain, book a table at Funicular Restaurant!
In summer, there are often festivals and music events in the park too.
If amusement parks are not your thing, check out the nearby National Botanical Gardens.
🎒TPOP Tip: Come late afternoon for sunset views over the city, and enjoy the city lights with a 3-minute Funicular ride back down.
3. Browse Meidan Square Ancient Marketplace
Centuries ago, traders from many countries brought goods to barter here in this timeless square. Although much has changed around Meidan Square, it’s easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of ancient times!
Today, you can wander around the area where streets have names of original activities like Silver, Goldsmith, Iron, and, my favourite, Wine Street!
Head underground, take time to explore a myriad of fascinating lower-level stores. You’re in a perfect spot to hunt for a souvenir!
Afterwards, choose from plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants for lunch. We last ate at Pasanauri on 26 May square in Meidan. Although we see mixed reviews online, our Georgian food was excellent.
4. Soak At Abanotubani Sulphur Baths
Imagine how many people have enjoyed these natural hot spring baths since the 12th century! They continue to attract both residents and visitors to soak in therapeutic waters that maintain a 38-45°C (100-113°F) temperature.
Abanotubani District is the sulphuric bath center of Tbilisi. There are many baths to choose from. Along with price, it comes down to whether you prefer a traditional community vibe, or a modern spa facility with more privacy.
We have learned that you need to pre-book for private rooms but not for public baths. If you are in the area sightseeing, pop in to check them out and book in person!
Three Tbilisi Sulphur Baths Worth Visiting:
- Chreli Abano & Spa: These baths are in a stunning building, highly decorated with Persian tiles. They offer traditional scrubs (Kisi). Although more expensive, you get the real deal here, along with privacy and high standards. Pre-book online using the link above.
- Gulo’s Thermal Spa: a cheaper option but still with private rooms, Kisi scrubs, and a sauna facility too. It might be easier to ask your hotel to make a reservation for you, as they don’t have an online booking system yet. Book by Phone: (+995) 59 958 81 22
- Bathhouse Number 5: This is where to come if you want a local public bath experience with fewer tourists. It gets mixed reviews because it is a bit rough and ready, but it’s cheap and authentic. Book By Phone: (+995)32 272 20 90
🎒TPOP Tip: If you want a quieter experience, book your sulphur bath for a morning slot. Evenings can get very busy. Book ahead!
Bring a towel, drinking water, and any toiletries you want to use afterwards, a bag for your wet swimsuit, should you decide to wear one. There are locker facilities in most.
Oh, and if you prefer the public bath experience, note that most locals forego clothing in the baths, so when in Rome…. 🙂
5. Cross the Peace Bridge To Rike Park
One of the fun things to do in Tbilisi is to stroll across the modern structure that is the Peace Bridge from Old Town into Rike Park. Here you can go for a run, picnic or just stroll around and enjoy a peaceful couple of hours of green urban space.
This riverside park is another popular venue for summer concerts and evening light shows when the park fountains come to life to music.
As we mentioned earlier, this is where to catch a cable car ride from Rike Park up the hillside to the fortress.
6. Admire Gabriadze Clock & Anchiskhati Basilica
The ‘Circle of Life’ Clock Tower.
Daily shows at 12 noon and 7 pm lasting around 2 minutes. Free.
As soon as you see this crooked Clock Tower close up you might be less surprised that this was designed by a puppeteer as the attached building is a marionette theatre!
The theatre came to life in 1981 and later in 2010, Rezo Gabriadze led the effort to construct what is now locally known as the tower of angel.
The tower is recognized by Atlas Obscura as being one of the most unique and special clock towers in the world. Check out the tiniest of clocks on the face!
Also at this spot, you can see the medieval church, the oldest in Tbilisi, and a remarkable legacy to the history of the city. It’s free to enter although there is a small fee if you want to visit the treasury within.
As well as its age, this tiny church is known as the home of the Anchiskhati Choir. If you come here in the mornings, you might just hear them praticising Gregorian Chants.
We heard this singing elsewhere in Georgia and the melodies are incredible to listen to in person.
Afterwards, enjoy a coffee at nearby Gabriadze Cafe.
🎒TPOP Tip: Dress conservatively to enter the church.
7. Hang Out In Shardeni Street With Tamada
If you love hanging out in a cobbled street cafe with stunning architecture and, in summer with flower blossoms all around you, don’t miss Shardeni Street in Tbilisi. This area comes to life after dark with live music and nightclubs which stay open as long as you’re up for partying!
Check out the small bronze statue of Tamada. This figure is a nod to the Georgian culture of toasts, something we also love about living in this region.
Traditionally, a tamada is the soul of a special celebration, like weddings and leads a series of toasts, some short, some very long!
It’s a wonderful experience! If you get invited to dine with local Georgians, you’re likely to receive a lovely welcome and toast!
🔍 Check Tamada Dinner Experience Availability
An alternative evening entertainment is to enjoy a Traditional Georgian Dinner hosted by a local Tamada. Just don’t eat much before you go!
Bread and Wine Restaurant is another contemporary city spot we have enjoyed; excellent for charcuterie style boards matched with Georgian wines.
8. Take A Georgian Cooking Class
A Georgian friend, Nino, was kind enough to give me a cooking lesson when we both lived in London. Honestly the amazing flavors from ingredients like aubergines with walnuts are simple to replicate when you know these recipes.
After your first meal in Tbilisi, we bet you’ll be raving about the food. Don’t miss traditional dishes like Khachapuri bread (stuffed with cheese) to Georgian dumplings called Khinkali. If you have time, why not learn to make them?
A 2 hour basic Georgian Cooking Class in town is an easy option. Working in a small group you will make traditional dumplings and Khachapuri.
If you prefer a longer cooking class, take a look at these two options. Both offer similar cooking menus.
Georgian Flavours: At A Georgian Home or In Kakheti (wine region with transport). From $115 to $125 per person.
Chakandrila Cafe – Central Cafe in Tbilisi. 2-3 hour classes; Reserve on-line. Cost: 95-190 GEL ($33-$70 per person).
If eating is more your joy than cooking, this Tbilisi food walking tour is for you.
🔍 Tbilisi Food Walking Tour Prices and Availability
Georgian are renowned for their hospitality so you can be assured you won’t go home hungry. You will definitely sample a few wines and or cha cha – the national drink. Non-alcoholic options are available too.
/Day Trips from Tbilisi
Although there are plenty of sights within our Tbilisi Georgia Guide from museums to local hikes, we feel a half or day tour as part of any visit is a must.
Because Georgia is relatively small it doesn’t take long to get around the country. You can either rent a car, find a local tour operator, or book online for an organized tour. Our Georgia Country Itinerary has an amazing route that you can base a longer trip around.
Here are 4 of our favourite places to visit from Tbilisi:
9. Ancient Mtskheta, Gori and Uplistsikhe Caves
This is an unmissable day out in our views because you’re going to get 3 very different experiences around Tbilisi, all within one trip.
🔍 Check Prices and Availability
Mtskheta is very special to Georgians as this was the historical capital.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is a world heritage center and worth touring around, before checking out the small craft stalls around town.
Gori was quite a surprise for us and pleasant to walk around. The Stalin Museum opens up a large part of local and world history and as you walk through you’l learn this was his birth town.
Uplistsiche Cave Town is quite an adventure as you explore this Iron Age, Middle Ages settlement. You can go down a set of stairs deeper into some caves whilst others are visible from the walkway.
It’s small but a fascinating site, and by visiting with a guide you get stories and information that bring it all to life. The views over the valley are stunning here!
🔍 Book Mtskheta, Gori & Uplistsikhe Day Trip
10. Wine Tasting And Visiting Sighnaghi
This fun Kakheti wine tasting tour is a full day out and escorted. So you can just relax and enjoy being driven to several wineries in the region.
Tour Duration: 10 hours. Transportation provided. Includes 5 tastings and visit to family winery. Cost: $50 per person.
The locals here have been making wine here for over 8,000 years from over 500 indigenous varieties of vines! Also, the Georgians created the unique Qvevri wine making technique, so you’re in for a real treat!
Georgia has been called the Cradle of Wine, although Armenia also claims this accolade! Regardless, taste the wines here, and we think you will be blown away by the choice and quality.
We stayed overnight in Sighnaghi on our Week in Georgia Itinerary. But if that’s not possible, you can enjoy Kakheti on a day trip from Tbilisi.
🔍 Check Kakheti Wine Tasting Tour Availability
Personal favourites are Saperavi (full-bodied red) and Tsinandali (dry white).
Look out for the Wall of Love in Sighnaghi and enjoy the many arts and crafts on display around the ancient town walls.
11. Head To Kazbegi Mountains
🔍 Check Kazbegi Day Trip Prices and Availability
Ideally you would spend a couple of nights in the Kazbegi region and if you want to add this destination to your Tbilisi time, we’d highly recommend it.
But if time is short, it is possible to take a long day trip to Kazbegi region. To get the most of an organized trip, take the private tour. It’s great value!
You visit the Georgian Friendship Monument, Zhinvali Water Reservoir, stunning Gergeti Trinity Church, and also pass by the ski resort of Gudauri.
Our Week in Georgia Itinerary has more great ideas of things to do in each these destinations.
Back in the capital, we have a final few things to do in Tbilisi that are not be missed:
12. Picnic at Tbilisi Sea & Georgian Chronicles
Entrance is Free. The structure is open 24 hours daily
This monument reminded me of some of the massive structures and statues in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, and how on earth they came to be!
Each of the 16 pillars stands over 30-35 meters high and the whole structure is perched on the top of Keeni Mountain, which is next to Tbilisi Sea.
Zaub Tsereteli designed this massive structure. Although, the last major work on it was done in 1985, we hear it continues to be worked on from time to time. Still, it stands as a majestic example of modern art depicting the history of Georgian religion and royalty.
Some call it the Georgian Stonehenge, and it does have a resemblance to England’s large standing stones. Entrance to the structure is by a set of stairs so make sure you wear sturdy shoes, bring water and sunscreen.
Getting to Georgian Chronicles/Tbilisi Sea
The easiest way to get here from Tbilisi is with a tour but this can restrict your time at leisure.
If you would like more flexibility, book a ride via Bolt App. If you want to stay for longer or have a picnic at the water edge, they might wait for you, or just book another car for your return.
We enjoyed a wonderful picnic here amongst poppies, pine trees and although this water is actually a reservoir vs a lake, it’s very pretty and relaxing.
13. Visit Tbilisi Museums
I always feel that I’m in a living museum in old town Tbilisi! If you love history, you’re in for a treat as there are literally 100s to choose from and far too many to mention in this article.
Here’s a full list of Tbilisi Museums and their locations to check out!
If you’d like a couple of recommendations for museums here you are:
1. Georgian National Museum: Open 10am-6 pm. Closed Mondays. Cost: Adults 10 GEL; Guided Tour 45 GEL (English).
Free for <6 years; Schoolchildren/Students 0.50 GEL>
2. Wine Museum: Open Daily: 11 am-8 pm. Cost: 7 to 35 GEL
3. Museum of Illusions: Open 11am-7pm. Closed Mondays. Cost: Adults 30 GEL; Ages 6-15 30 GEL & <6 Free.
National Museum of Georgia – you could easily spend a day here. The collection is immense, with many national important exhibits. You can also tour the Museum of Soviet Occupation here.
Wine Museum Tbilisi – gives you an excellent insight into the history of wine making in the country and is housed in a 17th century building in town.
Tbilisi Museum of Illusions – for something different and perhaps a little more active, check out this cool experience! Spend an hour experiencing gravity defying rooms and more. Fun for all ages!
14. Georgian Traditional Dance Lesson
Our Tbilisi Georgia Guide is designed to give you many ways to get closer to experiencing Georgian life. Here’s one that should be a lot of fun too!
Dance Lesson: $80 per person; Plan for 2 hours.
🔍Georgian Dance Workshop Prices and Availability
Alternatively, watch someone else do the dancing by checking out performances at theaters in Tbilisi during your stay.
15. Visit Markets Full of Local Produce
One of the things we love about Georgia is the abundance of fresh organic produce available in each town’s local markets.
Come to one for the best picnic basket ingredients. Don’t miss trying and buy some Churchkhela, a candy/sweet made out of walnuts or other nuts, threaded and dipped in fruit juice. Here’s 2 Tblisi markets to check out:
- Dezerter Bazaar, near the main railway station. Open Daily 7am to 6pm.
- Dry Bridge Flea Market, (Saarbruecken Bridge) for bric-a-brac, old household items and handicrafts. Open Daily 11am to 4pm.
Tbilisi Weather: The Best Time To Visit
The best months to visit Tbilisi are June, July and August for sunny days. This is especially important if you’re heading to Kazbegi Mountain region. The climate is much colder here with snow for months in winter.
Of course if you fancy ski-ing at Gudauri which we have done, then come during winter and perhaps enjoy the Tbilisi Christmas Markets.
🎒TPOP Tip: We have found early May to be quite rainy in Tbilisi & still cool in the mountains, but by late May rains should reduce.
Getting to Tbilisi
Flights: In 2025 two new non stop flights started from England (Heathrow and Stanstead) into Tbilisi, Georgia.
This is exciting if you’re based in the UK because previously when we have traveled here, it’s usually been via Istanbul.
If you can transit via Dubai, that’s another great option as it’s only 3 hours or so to Tbilisi from here.
Trains: There is in theory a train service between Azerbaijan and Tbilisi but it is currently suspended. Within Georgia you can reach Tbilisi by train from other cities including Batumi and Bojourni . An international passenger train service between Yerevan, and Tbilisi is another option. Buy your tickets online.
🔍 Check Your Best Flight Routes To Tbilisi Here
Tbilisi Airport to City Center
Tbilisi Airport is around 19km from the city center. It’s compact with only a few gates, so you’ll be through immigration and baggage claim pretty quickly.
The easiest way to get into town is either:
- local city bus service – Bus #337 (get it outside arrivals; every 30 mins)
- a ride-share (Bolt, Yandex)
- pre-booked private transfer
🎒TPOP Tip: You will see regular taxis outside arrivals but these can be less reliable and you won’t always get a fair price, ie. avoid these!
You can use your debit card on the bus so don’t worry about having to figure out cash.
However, the airport is a good place to get some cash. You will find a couple of ATMs just before you exit the airport arrivals area. FYI, the currency in Georgia is Lari (GEL).
We also used ATMs inside the Tbilisi Mall (Galleria) Shopping Center just off Rustaveli Avenue, as these were recommended by locals to us.
🎒TPOP Tip: At the time of writing (2025), 100 Lari (GEL) converts to $37.11; £27.38 & €31.71 (Euros).
Getting Around Tbilisi
There is a Tbilisi Metro System with 2 lines and around 20 stops and it operates from 6am to midnight every day. It can be handy if you want to get around town or just try out the public transport.
Before you use public transport you will need to buy a 2 GEL “Metromoney’ card, a plastic card. You can then load it with cash for your travels around town. The same card system is used for all public transport in Tbilisi.
On Foot. As you can see from this city map below, the Kura River runs through the city adding to its aesthetic with some lovely bridges to cross.
Similar to Rome or Edinburgh, Scotland, Tbilisi is built over 7 hills and so you can expect quite a bit of up and down walking.
The Georgian language is virtually impossible for foreign visitors to understand as it is unique within the world (it dates back to the 5th century).
However, English is widely spoken in the city and popular Tbilisi sights are well signposted. Read our ‘Don’t Speak the Language‘ article for more tips!
🎒TPOP Tip: Reading local maps and signs outside of town can be a challenge. Download Google translator to help you!
Tbilisi Hotels
Our Tbilisi Hotel picks are based on a central location, links to metro transport hubs and value for money.
Budget Option
In the Old Town, Kisi Boutique Hotel offers affordable, modern clean accommodation and excellent breakfasts.
Luxury Option
With a reputation for 1st class service & stunning mountain and city views, Swissotel Tbilisi is simply outstanding.
FAQs
In my experience this is a safe city. I have traveled here on my own and never experienced any issues. But as with all cities these days, be aware of your surroundings. Use Bolt App for taxi journeys, and don’t pass out personal information to strangers.
If your plan is to explore old town Tbilisi, experience some of the culture like the amazing city baths, and visit a couple of nearby places, we recommend you plan to visit for 3 days.
Tbilisi is great value to visit as everyday prices are far lower than other capital cities.
With a wide choice of good hotels, over 1000 restaurants and cheap public transport, you can get by on less than $100/day.
Buy food at markets around town to bring costs down further.
Yes, you can rent a car on arrival in Tbilisi although we would not recommend driving it around old town and city center!
If you plan to drive outside of Tbilisi, renting a car is possible, but you might find it more relaxing to use public transport (bus), taxi or join organized tours.
Your Trip To Tbilisi – Making It Happen!
To help you plan your trip to Tbilisi, here are our TPOP recommended essential travel resources. We use these all the time; otherwise, we wouldn’t suggest them to you!
✈️ Flights
Find flights from your local airport to Tbilisi. Expedia makes it easy to compare airlines and routes.
🏨Hotels
B&B, boutique inns, self catering or a luxury resort Booking.com has it and an easy 1-click reservation.
🎫 Experiences
From Tbilisi city sights to Kakheti wine tastings, GetYourGuide has so many cool Georgian experiences.
🚖Transfers
Take the stress out of Tbilisi Airport Transfers. Welcome Pickups offers reliable worldwide services.
🚑Insurance
Good Insurance is a travel necessity these days. Visitors Coverage offers tailored global coverage.
🚘Car Rental
Looking to explore beyond Tbilisi. Find & compare vehicles with Get RentACar’s easy to use site.
And don’t stress about travel essentials! For latest e-Sim, Luggage, Adaptors, and Best Apps for Georgia travel, head to our Travel Resources Guide.
See More Of The Caucasus Region
Finally, our 7-10 Day Georgia (Country) Itinerary includes more amazing sights like mountains, wineries, making qvevris and more!
Alternatively, why not see more of the Caucasus region? It’s only an hour flight from Tbilisi to Baku. With its UNESCO walled city, mud volcanoes, ancient caravanserai and more delicious cuisine, it’s another beautiful city.
Read our articles to see why this is such an exciting place to visit: Things To Do in Baku On A First Visit and 11 Reasons to Visit Azerbaijan .
/