Tbilisi is the European capital that will surely surprise you. A city with a rich history, with narrow streets full of history and mystery. The Georgian capital can be considered a city of contrasts, the place where the old and the new create a special harmony. With a rich cultural life and museums at every step, Tbilisi is the place where you will discover two worlds that come together harmoniously. Here you will see oriental influences present at every step that merge with the European world, managing to create a completely unique experience.
Useful information
Transport
Once you arrive at the airport to get to Tbilisi city center, there are 3 options:
- Train: an easy alternative that will take you directly to the heart of the city, the duration of a trip is 40 minutes and the prices are affordable around 3 euros. Tickets can be purchased both at the station and online. You can find more details about the program and prices here.
- Bus: there are several bus lines connecting the airport and the city, they are 337 and 346. The buses run every 15 minutes and the price of a ticket is approximately 1 euro.
- Taxi: whether you choose a traditional taxi or a ride sharing application, this is definitely the fastest alternative. The prices are affordable depending on the distance, they can vary, but on average they are between 7 and 10 euros.
Accommodation
The accommodation alternatives are diverse and at very good prices. You can find hotel rooms in central areas with prices starting from 50 euros per night. Below you will find some of our recommendations for a comfortable vacation.
- Kindle Hotel: with all the necessary equipment, this accommodation will offer you an excellent quality-price ratio. The price of a double room is 52 euros and this price includes breakfast to start your day with energy.
- Redrum Tbilisi Boutique Hotel: Located in the central area, close to all points of interest, this hotel offers double rooms with a modern and colorful design. The hotel offers rooms with a wonderful view of the historic center of the city, free wifi and the price of a double room is 72 euros.
- Liberty Theater Hotel: A modern 4-star hotel located in the heart of the capital. The property offers free WiFi, and there are several points of interest nearby, such as the Tbilisi Opera House, the price of a double room starts from 72 euros for one night's accommodation.
How do you get around Tbilisi?
The city offers an extremely well-developed public transport network. You can opt for metro or bus trips and the price of a trip is extremely affordable, costing up to 2 euros depending on the destination. To use public transport, you will need to purchase a rechargeable travel card, but there is also the possibility of paying contactless with your own bank card.
Tourist spots
Narikala Fortress
With a fascinating history dating back to the 4th century, the Narikala Fortress is of particular beauty. It went through numerous transformations over time, but this only added to the uniqueness of the place. A visit to this wonderful place can be the first thing you do when you arrive in Tbilisi. You can go up to the Narikala fortress to enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view of the city. It is the ideal place where you can get in touch with the history of the place, managing to accumulate new interesting information. In addition to all this, access is free.
Botanical Garden
It is a very special place, located in the center of the city. Its beauty attracts a lot of visitors. This place will surely surprise you with its peaceful atmosphere. The gardens are huge and well maintained with old trees at every step that have lasted for centuries. You can walk along the garden for a few hours to feel the magnificent fragrance of the flowers and disconnect from everyday life. You can go down along the river to discover two sensational waterfalls, where you can take some unique pictures. The price of a ticket for adults is approximately 2 euros and you can find more details here.
Metekhi temple
An important ancient edifice of the city, the Metekhi Temple dates from the 12th century. It is located on the opposite side of the Narikala Fortress next to the bronze equestrian statue depicting King Vaghtang Gorgasali, the founder of the city of Tbilisi. All these aspects make this tourist objective an important landmark for those who want to understand more about the history of Georgia. The Metekhi temple was mentioned for the first time in the chronicles of the 13th century, it suffered a series of destructions and reconstructions over time.
Simon Janashia Museum
The National Museum of History is the alternative name for the Simon Janashiya Museum in Georgia. The museum takes place in a series of buildings in Tbilisi, but you will find the largest collection of exhibits on Rustavelli Street, in the three-story building, with a special architecture, belonging to the old Georgian style. The Simon Janashiya Museum was originally founded in 1825. Here you will discover unique pieces specific to Georgian culture, managing to better understand the tumultuous history that this people went through. The price of a ticket for adults is approximately 4 euros, and you can find more details about the program here.
Old Town
A walk through the old city center is definitely an experience you should not miss. Here you will be able to admire the architecture of the old houses, with colorful wooden balconies, overlooking the Maidan Square and the Metekhi Temple. The doors of the houses lead to the inner courtyards where Georgians used to gather for stories, a tasty dinner and a glass of good wine.
Gabriadze puppet theater
The Gabriadze Theater is located in the heart of the historic old city of Tbilisi. This beautiful puppet theater building is unique in the world. The puppet theater was founded in 1981, becoming the first Georgian puppet theater. The theater, as well as the leaning tower in Tbilisi, have their own story. The one who would have built them is Rezo Gabriadze himself, the one who undertook to erect these two structures reusing the usable parts found in the abandoned buildings of the old city or the buildings destroyed after the earthquake. Gabriadze dedicated no less than 30 years to building the theater. The leaning clock tower is the architectural element that was added later, in 2010, after a four-year construction period.
Freedom Square
Freedom Square is located right in the center of Tbilisi and has undergone numerous changes in its name throughout its 200-year history. Built at the beginning of the 19th century in neo-classical style. The Freedom Monument, known as the Statue of Saint George, was erected in the center of the square, made by the Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, it is a symbol of the freedom of the Georgian people.
The Peace Bridge
One of the first modern constructions of the city of Tbilisi was the Peace Bridge, an avant-garde construction of steel and glass, erected over the Mtkvari river. The Peace Bridge was opened to the public in 2010. With a length of 156 meters and more than 10,000 built-in LED bulbs, which are switched on every day 90 minutes before sunset, it is a true symbol of the city. What is really interesting is the fact that the pulsating lights of the LED bulbs communicate a Morse Code message, they transmit chemical elements from Mendeleev's periodic table, which make up the human body.
Mtatsminda Park
Mtatsminda Park is a themed amusement park located at the top of Mtatsminda Mountain, overlooking the capital of Georgia. The park has carousels, water slides, roller coasters and a panoramic wheel at the edge of the mountain, offering a splendid view of the city. This is the ideal place for lovers of thrills but also for those who want a dynamic atmosphere. Entrance to the park is free, but for each race the costs vary and are generally affordable.
Sulfur Baths
Besides the fact that it is a capital full of opportunities, Tbilisi is also a spa resort. There are only two cities of this type in Europe - Budapest and Tbilisi. The capital of Georgia has thermal water with a sulfuric effect, coming from the ground, with hot outlets on the outskirts of the Abanotubani and Ortachala neighborhoods. We recommend such a unique experience, where you can relax and enjoy the medicinal properties of these baths.
Gallery 27
Gallery 27 is an attractive house with impressive sculptures and a staircase decorated with stained glass windows. The gallery itself features local arts and crafts, opens at 11am and is a 5-minute walk from Meidan Bazar.
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
With a height of 87 meters, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Georgia, and its golden dome can be seen from almost everywhere in Tbilisi.
Chronicles of Georgia
One of the best things to do in Tbilisi is a morning trip to the Chronicles of Georgia. Standing 30 meters high, this massive 16-pillar monument overlooks the Tbilisi Sea. The shape, decorations and structure are spectacular and definitely worth a visit as it is free to enter and open 24/7.
Gastronomy & Restaurants
Georgian gastronomy is diverse, includes many aromatic herbs and spices, being a combination of several elements and cultures from Turkish to Russian elements. One thing is clear, everything is tasty, the flavors are intense and the diversity is present, there are even many alternatives for vegans and vegetarians.
- Khachapuri
Literally, khachapuri means "bread with cheese", but depending on the area from which it originates, khachapuri is of several kinds. The most famous is Adjarian khachapuri, a kind of bread boat filled with sulguni cheese, on top of which is added a partially cooked egg.
- Pkali
A kind of food that consists of balls of pâté made from various types of vegetables, sprinkled with pomegranate and coriander seeds, pkali are a healthy and filling alternative. They look extremely attractive and are an excellent alternative for vegans and vegetarians.
- Khinkhali
A traditional dish that Georgians are very proud of. Khinkhali can be found everywhere, the dough specialty, which looks like little bags filled with minced meat and lots of fresh coriander.
- Churchkhela
A specific Georgian dessert, churchkhela is made of walnuts or hazelnuts, almonds and raisins strung on a string, covered with a layer of flour, then dipped several times, after each layer dries in the sun, in grape juice.
Where do you eat in Tbilisi??
A welcoming restaurant with a diverse and friendly menu for those who do not eat animal products. Here you can try the most famous traditional dishes, cooked by exceptional chefs. The prices are moderate and the atmosphere is quiet.
This specific Georgian restaurant perfectly reproduces the vibrant atmosphere of this country. With traditional dishes, but also with a variety of traditional wines, it is an ideal place to have dinner after a long day. The prices are extremely good starting from 10 euros and the atmosphere is full of life.
A restaurant that will surprise you with its diversity, but also with its original approach to classic mains. Here you will find extremely delicious oriental dishes at a low price. Beautifully decorated and with a warm atmosphere, this place is the ideal choice for a relaxing evening.
The capital of Georgia is a unique location that certainly impresses with its history and the multitude of cultures that have left their mark on this city over time. It is a location that you must visit in this life, which will surprise you with its dynamism and its bohemian places.