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Exploring Tbilisi: Our List of the top ten things to do in Tbilisi

If you are considering a trip to Tbilisi, go! Exploring Tbilisi, you will find that there are lots of fun things to do, great food, and it’s not an expensive destination. Here is our list of the top ten things to do in Tbilisi.


I have to admit when Corinne first came up with the idea of going to Georgia I was a bit hesitant. I don’t know what it was but for some reason I just wasn’t comfortable with the safety and security issues in the region.

There had been a civil war in the country in the past two decades that had never been fully resolved.

After some research, however, we decided the timing was right. We cemented the plan to do a Georgia road trip, and of course, we started in Tbilisi, an amazing Eastern European capital.

We hope you enjoy this guide to top ten things to do in Tbilisi and don’t forget to bring some amazing Tbilisi souvenirs home with you!

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

https://youtu.be/G_en7UzDtl8

Is Tbilisi Worth Visiting?

As we were researching Georgia, all we found were positive reports with many sights to see and things to do. By most reports, the country is safe fro tourism again.

We found Tbilisi to be a bit shabby looking in parts, but the sinking and dilapidation really adds to the charm. And there are many places that are really stepping into the modern zone.

Does it feel like you are traveling? It sure does. We’re already planning a return trip. We loved it, so yes, Tbilisi is very much worth visiting.

View of Holy Trinity Cathedral from Mtatsminda Park in Tbilisi.
View of Tbilisi from Mtatsminda Park.

Common Questions about Tbilisi

When is the Best Time to Visit Tbilisi?

The best temperatures of the year are in May and June and then again after the heat of summer in September and October. So spring and fall are the best times to visit Tbilisi.

Modern art statue on a bridge in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi has undergone several beautification projects hoping to draw more tourism.

You just have to decide if you would rather have flowers or foliage to look at. There is also a bit more rain in the spring than in the fall. The month of June is the rainiest all year long.

Graph with Average High Temps throughout the year in Tbilisi.

We visited Georgia in Spring, during the month of April, and it had mild temperatures. Long sleeves and long pants were comfortable during the day. At night, you also need a jacket. 

Outside cafes and beautiful balconies along Erekle II street in Tbilisi old town.
Small pockets of tourism hot spots can be found like this pedestrian zone along Erekle II street in the old town.

What is the Current Political Situation in Tbilisi, and Georgia?

The most recent military action happened in 2008 and resulted in Russian annexation of parts of the country in what looks like, in retrospect, a Russian rehearsal for what would later occur in Crimea. Georgia still considers one of the sectors, Abkhazia, as occupied territory, though relations with Russia have somewhat normalized.

Apparently satisfied with their territorial gains along the Black Sea coast, Russia went on to bigger and bullier things while still maintaining a controlling presence in both South Ossetia and  Abkhazia.

Colorful fruit stand in front of dilapidated building in Tbilisi old town.

Additional Reading:
The Georgian Dumpling Khinkali
How To Visit Tbilisi on a Budget
Top Things to Do in Armenia

Modern construction at Rike park and the Presidential palace in the background.
The new face of Tbilisi, modern construction at Rike Park and the Presidential palace both built to bring Tbilisi out of the Soviet era and into the 21st Century.

Is There Crime In Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is the capital city and the largest urban area in Georgia so of course there is crime there.

During the war with Russia and the earlier civil war with South Ossetia and Abkhazia, there were terrorist attacks and bombings, including air raids by the Russian Air Force, but that was in the past and little evidence of this remains today.

The current state of affairs in Tbilisi is pretty much business as usual in a big city. The local government has been slowly updating infrastructure, there are new building projects underway, and tourism is definitely on the rise.

We never felt any danger of any sort. Well, except when crossing the street on a busy boulevard with no crosswalks.

Georgian soldiers honor fallen comrades during memorial ceremony at Holy Trinity Cathedral.

What is Georgian Unity Day Like?

We did have one experience that, while it wasn’t threatening in any way, gave us cause to pause, and we ended up staying around to see what was happening.

Our first guest house was across the river about a stone’s throw from the iconic Sameba Cathedral and we decided it would be a great starting point for our first day in the city.

It was a crystal clear, warm April morning and the Cathedral’s golden dome was shining in the sun. Families were strolling around the park-like grounds surrounding the cathedrals enjoying the spring flowers, cherry trees, and sunshine.

We took several pictures outside the building, walking around and marveling at the structure.

When we entered the cathedral there were twelve coffins, each draped with the Georgian flag and each bearing a framed picture of a young man.

This was obviously a funeral or memorial service with families, officials, and military men and women in attendance.

April 9th is the day of National Unity in Georgia, the day Georgia declared its independence from the USSR, and the day, a year before that, when twenty protesters were killed by Soviet troops squashing a protest for independence.

We thought this was something to do with the events of the past and it turns out these were newly identified remains from an aircraft shot down during the Abkhazia civil war in 1993.

Tbilisi fruit vendor on the street near the old town.
Business as usual in Tbilisi.

Is Tbilisi Safe For Tourists?

While it’s true that Tbilisi and most of Georgia is safe for tourists, with more and more development taking place to improve the tourism industry throughout the country, the fact remains that the scars and memories of war are still very much part of the public identity.

However, most visitors to the country are welcomed with open friendliness.

The biggest danger from most strangers is that you’ll drink too much of their homemade wine that they will treat you to at every opportunity.

Power Tip: Check the US State Department website for overall safety or road and driving conditions if you are thinking of taking a road trip during your visit.

One thing we’ve noticed while traveling around eastern Europe is that some countries have come out from under the Soviet umbrella in better shape than others.

Maybe it’s part of the troubled past of Georgia, always in the crossroads of conquering armies, that has delayed its development.

Or perhaps it’s the need to deal with internal strife that has diverted resources from much-needed public infrastructure.

I can’t really be sure after only a short visit, but I did notice that even though it is coming a little later to the game, Georgia has been making some strong and determined advances towards putting Tbilisi and Georgia squarely on the tourism map.

Sites in Tbilisi have been cleaned up, renovated and repaired, and are open and ready for business.

The entrance to the glass covered bridge of peace in Tbilisi.
Walk across the bridge of peace from the new part of Tbilisi to the Old Town.

Is Tbilisi Cheap?

All of this works together to make a visit to Tbilisi both enjoyable and affordable. There are a host of good choices for hotels or guest houses in a wide range to suit any taste or comfort level.

The food scene is growing alongside the rest of the tourism industry at a good pace with some really excellent eating options for both local and international cuisine.

Of course, wine is where it’s really at in Georgia, with most of the history books agreeing that Georgia is the birthplace of the modern wine-making method.

Tbilisi has museums, amusement parks, ballet, bike tours, even a castle ruin to explore. It’s time to make plans for your visit today!

Do You Need A Visa for Georgia?

Most countries do not require a visa to enter, however the website to check is here.

If you are from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the European Union you can stay in Georgia up to 365 days without a visa or residence card.

It’s becoming one of the places that digital nomads go, avoiding  Schengen Visa restrictions found in other parts of Europe. 

Tbilisi sculptures like this one can be found throughout the old town.
Renovation, reconstruction, and repairs continue along the old city walls.

How To Get To Tbilisi

Most visitors to Tbilisi will arrive via air, landing at the small but efficient Tbilisi Airport. Connections to the city can be made by train or bus, both very inexpensive and fairly quick (about US$0.25 for the 30 minute trip!).

If you land after 23:00, though, you’ll need to take a taxi to the city center for around 25GEL (about US$10) if you’re a keen negotiator.

Transportation to the best things to do in Tbilisi

Transportation in Tbilisi is one part of the infrastructure that hasn’t quite caught up to the rest of the efforts in the city.

There are some fabulous sites to visit that will reveal Tbilisi’s past but getting to them can sometimes be a challenge.

You could drive yourself in a cheap rental car, but then you’ll have a difficult time finding parking and the streets aren’t signed as well as they could be.

Our favorite Tbilisi dish was this eggplant stuffed with a garlic walnut paste.
It’s not khinkali but the walnut eggplant was my second favorite starter and not to be missed!

There are minibusses that drive throughout the city, but we couldn’t find enough information to make them useful to anyone but a local.

There is a metro system, providing connections between the various parts of the city, but it won’t get you very close to most of the main sites and this is a hard city to walk with broken or missing sidewalks, difficult street crossings, and major construction sites.

The metro system is old and undergoing updates with plans to extend coverage, hopefully, this may improve in the future.

How to Get Around to the Best Places to Visit in Tbilisi With Taxis

The best way to get around Tbilisi, especially on a short stay, is to use a combination of metro and taxi. Taxis are cheap and plentiful.

The drivers may be difficult to communicate with, most don’t speak a lot of English, but we were able to get around the city with very few problems.

Cabs don’t always use a meter system. It’s better to have a good idea of what the ride should cost and then negotiate as close to that cost as possible before climbing aboard.

We would ask at our hotel or at a restaurant to get an idea of what it should cost to get somewhere and use that information to set our price.

Despite the initial hassle of haggling, once the price was set and we were on the road, each of our cab drivers became friendly, founts of information about Georgia and Tbilisi.

I’m sure it would be a simple thing to negotiate a one-day or two-day driver at a very affordable price which would make the sights even easier to visit.

The Top Ten Best Things to do in Tbilisi

1. Sameba Cathedral

Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral glowing in the evening light.
Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral glows serenely in the evening light.

Standing tall and overlooking the city like a shepherd watching over his sheep, stands the gleaming, gold-topped Cathedral of Sameba also known as the Church of the Holy Trinity. And a visit here is easily one of the best things to do in Tbilisi!

The plans for this massive Orthodox church were begun even before Georgia separated itself off from the Soviet Union, but construction didn’t start until 1995.

Progress was slow and costly and didn’t actually finish until 2004, and now the cathedral stands as a symbol of national unity and spiritual revival.

On the day we visited, the cathedral had been taken over by the military for a somber memorial.

2. Tbilisi Old Town

Old wooden buildings and wrought iron balconies in Tbilisi old town.
You’ll fall in love with the old wooden buildings and wrought iron balconies of the Old Town.

Old wooden houses with wrought iron balconies make up the traditional Georgian architecture. And a walk through the old town is the best way to experience it.

Bring your camera as these are some photogenic buildings. The grime and grit of the past two hundred years has added a rich patina. You can’t help but feel that each of these houses has an epic tale to tell.

3. Sulfur Baths

Tbilisi's brick domed bath houses with cathedral in the background.
Tibilisi sulfur baths offer a hot, steamy soak and a massage to soothe away life’s stress.

Baths dating back to Roman times have been found in Tbilisi. However, the baths at the edge of the Old Town haven’t been around quite so long.

The oldest, Bathhouse #5, is only a mere 300 years old. Inside the tiles and tubs are beautiful and everywhere you’ll find a cloud of welcoming steam.

Stop in for a soak, a massage, or a Turkish-style skin peel in the same bathhouse where Pushkin once bathed. You’ll leave relaxed and recharged after enjoying one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi.

Bath house number five placard shows the date of the earliest bath house in modern Tbilisi.
Bath house number 5 is the oldest of the five bath houses in Tbilisi.

4. Narikala Fortress

Tbilisi's "iron maiden" watches over the city.
Up at the fortress you’ll find Tbilisi’s own Iron Maiden.

The tall stone walls and battlements aren’t really protecting anything any longer. Instead they rest overlooking the old town and the sulfur baths which they have protected since the 4th century.

You can spend an hour here, scrambling around the walls and towers, discovering some amazing city view points.

5. Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace offers some unique views of the old town, Narikala Fortress, and the Presidential Palace.

By day it’s a futuristic architectural pedestrian bridge, but by night the structure is lit up and becomes a standalone light show. It is a completely unique experience and should be visited both day and night.

Tbilisi's glass covered peace bridge.
The bridge of peace transforms into a light show extravaganza after dark.

6. Rope Way

OK, this may not technically be a site to visit, but it is a fun way to get up to the fortress! These cable cars are part of the city metro system so you’ll need a metro card to ride it.

Luckily you can purchase these at the entrance. Again, the views from the rope way are stunning as it lifts you up over the river and the Old Town.

7. Funicular and Amusement Park

I just can’t pass up a funicular. I don’t know what it is but these gravity-defying trains just call to me. This funicular will lift you up the mountainside to more stunning city views.

You’ll also be able to take a break and enjoy a coffee and piece of cake or tort at the funicular cafe. While you’re up there, why not put the kids on a ride or two at Mtatsminda Park.

Funicular car rising to the top of the line at Mtatsuminda Park.
Ride the funicular up to Tbilisi’s Mtatsuminda Park for an afternoon of fun for the kids.

8. Jumah Mosque

Climbing up into Old Town, around towards the sulfur baths, and snug up below the fortress you’ll find the Jumah Mosque perched on the hillside.

This beautiful structure is as much a symbol of national unity and spirituality as the Sameba cathedral across the river.

Here this old mosque stands in one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods, with churches, mosques, and synagogues for neighbors.

Interior view of Jumah Mosque in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The inside of Jumah Mosque is as exquisite as the outside.

9. Georgian Food

Five variations of khinkali ready to eat.

Georgian Food is pretty spectacular. We learned a lot from this Georgian food guide before we went and tried to taste all them. My favorite are Khinkali, meat-filled dumplings can be found throughout Georgia, and a trip to Tbilisi wouldn’t be complete without sampling these doughy culinary treats.

Be careful when you eat them, however, as there is a right way and a wrong way. The right way: put down the knife and fork, this is finger food; pick it up by the knot at the top and take a big slurping bite out of the bottom.

Be careful to catch all of the steaming, soupy broth before it runs down your fingers. Then finish off the dumpling with one last bite down to the knot.

Order a plate of traditional all meat or mix and match some of the more adventurous fillings like potato and cheese. 

We had so much great food, other than just Khinkali. The eggplant rolls, Kachapuri – eggy, cheesy bread, Shkmeruli – chicken in milk, Lobio – a hearty bean soup, and any kind of dolma all stand out as Georgian culinary treasures.

Dolma means stuffed, and just like in Turkish food, you can stuff anything with meat and rice and I’ll love it.

10. Georgian National Ballet

If you’re lucky you can catch a performance by the world renown Georgian National Ballet at the National Opera and Ballet theater.

The easiest way to check on this is to ask at your hotel front desk or stop by the Tbilisi Information Center. In fact, they can call and check on showtimes and availability and the Tourist Office can even book your tickets for you.

We weren’t so lucky and had to settle for the dinner show at Old Metekhi Chrdili, which was fine, but not quite the same thing.

Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater
25 Rustaveli Ave, 0103 Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgian National Ballet statue.
Georgian’s are proud of their National Ballet and its founder Sukhishvili.

Map of the best things to do in Tbilisi

Eggplant stuffed with a garlic walnut paste, one of the delicious foods to try in Georgia.
It’s not khinkali but the walnut eggplant was my second favorite starter and not to be missed!

Where To Eat in Tbilisi

Dinner with a show at Metekhis Chrdili
29-25 Ketevan Tsamebuli Ave. (41.688725, 44.820889)

Upscale wine bistro at the Bread House
7 Vakhtang Gorgasali St, (41.688571, 44.812581)

Have khinkali at a good traditional restaurant near old town at Chashnagiri Leselidze
25 Kote Afkhazi St, (41.693252, 44.804550)

Jim walking on the roofs of the sulfur spring baths in Tbilisi.
Did I mention the sulfur baths!?!

Conclusion

So what is the terrible truth about Tbilisi? Well, aside from a great alliterative title, the truth is Tbilisi is a city still emerging from Soviet era occupation and internal struggles marked with atrocities and hatred.

For me, however, perception is truth, and my perception of Tbilisi is one of cautious optimism. My recommendation is that you put the past in the past and go to Tbilisi and see it for yourself!

More Photos Of The Best Things to do in Tbilisi

The entrance to the famous public bath number 5 in Tbilisi.
A trip to a sulfur bath is a must on any visit to Tbilisi.
Georgian soldiers holding national flags during military memorial ceremony.
There was a military memorial on our visit to Sameba Cathedral.
Tbilisi church interior showing icons and candle votives.
Inside Sameba Cathedral

Pin Tbilisi Top Ten for later.

Author Bio: Jim Vail, is a travel, food, and video creator and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 15 years. For many years he lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands, and he’s visited over 90 countries.

Tara @ Soviet Suitcase

Wednesday 22nd of May 2019

Definitely accurate that there is a distinct lack of written and easily accessible information about travel in Tbilisi and also throughout Georgia (although one of the aims of my blog is to try and reverse that one day!). Although did you know in Tbilisi you can use Google Maps to plan your journeys on public transport with surprising accuracy! Did you have a chance to go to the Puppet Theatre or the Ethnographic Museum? Those are in my top 10 Tbilisi highlights!

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 22nd of May 2019

We did not go to the Puppet Theatre...maybe next time.

NOOR

Monday 23rd of January 2017

THANKS FOR YOUR NICE ARTICLE AND PHOTOS

Corinne Vail

Tuesday 24th of January 2017

Thanks Noor

Rhonda Albom

Monday 22nd of August 2016

Tbilisi looks like a fascinating city to visit. Your first picture is interesting in that the outer ring of apartment buildings appears drastically different than the old town and smaller homes. Perhaps built during a communist regime to house the masses?

Corinne Vail

Monday 22nd of August 2016

Rhonda, I'm sure that's right. There are plenty of Soviet buildings all over the country, and I have more to post so stay tuned!

Jim Vail

Friday 12th of August 2016

Mike, Tbilisi is a great city and you will really enjoy it. We're are well, just busy. I hope the same for you!

Stephen Garone

Thursday 11th of August 2016

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing. Have to start planning a trip there now...

Jim Vail

Friday 12th of August 2016

Stephen, You will love it!