10 things to do in Tbilisi
The former Soviet republic is home to Caucasus Mountain villages and the Black Sea beaches; this Eurasian country’s capital city has its own charming slogan; Tibilisi – the city that loves you. This indeed is what I had experienced on my two visits to this winsome country. Georgians made me feel more like a local; in one sentence they described Georgia to me as a balcony of Europe.
Here are the 10 things to do in Tbilisi to make the most of your trip.
Stay in Rustaveli
Rustaveli Avenue is the central part of the city, almost all attractions can be covered on foot. Rustaveli is the home to the plush hotels and to backpacker pods. Its central location attracts people widely. Freedom square, Georgian national museum, and the Opera house are at a stone throw away distance from Rustaveli.
If you are travelling on a budget, I recommend you to stay in boombully hostel. It’s economical, centrally located, and reviewed to be one of the best hostels in the city.
Rustaveli is easy to reach from Tbilisi Airport. Just take a bus that runs on route number 37. It costs 0.50 GEL (0.22USD).
Stroll around the Tbilisi old town
One of the best things to do in Tbilisi is to take a day tour to the Old town. The stone hedged streets, old fashioned houses, historic churches, could easily move you back to “once upon a time” period. You could witness some charming sights here, from the traditional art museums to abandoned tram cars.
Visit the Metekhi
Metheki is a church that nestles on the top of an elevated cliff, overlooking the Kura River. This cross- cupola church has its own distinct middle-aged architecture.
Cross The Friendship Bridge
This distinct monumental attraction is more than just a bridge, known as the friendship bridge or the peace bridge, connecting the old town and the new town. This 150 meters bridge stretches over the Kura River providing a unique view of Metekhi Church.
Narikala Fortress and statue of city’s founder Vakhtang Gorgasali on one side, and Baratashvili Bridge and Presidential Office on the other.
Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral
Locally known as Sameba, the third tallest eastern cathedral in the world has been dominating the Georgian church architecture. Although Sameba sits above the Elia Hill the climb won’t be really tiresome. Sameba is among the prominent places in the city.
Climb the Sololaki Hill
This could be somewhat arduous, but the view from above would be worth the strenuous climb. The Iconic statue of Kartvlis Deda stands on the top of the mountain. Kartvlis Deda has become the symbol of Tbilisi. It is a 23 meters aluminum statue of a lady dressed in the Georgian national outfit.
It is believed that she represents the country’s national character as she holds a bowl of wine on one hand to greet those who come as friends and a sword on the other for those who come as enemies.
Experience the Sulphur Baths
Tbilisi’s famous bath should be on your must-to-do list. Exploring through the winding streets of the old town the strong smell of sulfur would drag you towards one of the five bathhouses. Prices ranging from 20 to 100 GELs (9 to 45 USD), sulfur bathhouses offer public and private rooms. It’s easy to spot these unique Hive shaped houses along the Kura River.
Try The Georgian Wine
Georgian wines have their own distinct taste. During one of my visits to Tbilisi, a bartender told me that the roots of Georgian viticulture have been traced back by archeology to when peoples of the South Caucasus discovered that wild grape juice turned into wine when it was left buried through the winter in a shallow pit.
Much like France, Georgian wines carry the name of their source region, district or village. They are usually blended with two or more grapes. The semi-sweet wines are the most famous ones.
Savor the traditional Georgian Food
One of my favorite things to do in Georgia is to eat Kacha Puri. It is a popular Georgian cuisine. It is the traditional bread filled with cheese, more like a pizza. Pkhali is another delicious cuisine. It is a vegetable paste with pomegranate seeds toppings.
Explore Mtskheta
Mtskheta is an old capital of the country. It is one of the popular day trips from Tbilisi. It easy to reach Mtskheta from the capital city by MiniBus, it costs 1 GEL (0.44 USD). To get to the bus station you would need to ride a metro to Didube. From Didube station the market is just 5 minutes’ walk. The bus station is in the market, just walk into one of the counters to buy the ticket to Mtskheta.
Mtskheta is a small ancient town and was the site of Georgia’s adoption of Christianity. Mtskheta is of primary interest to any travelers interested in Georgian history or Orthodox Christianity. It’s easier to see the entire town on foot.
Wow!! I never thought that Georgia could this be very beautiful. Rustaveli at night looks so beautiful. I love the architecture of this place 🙂 hope to see it someday 🙂
Hey Ram how are you doing? I know when am writing this post you’re some wer in Brazil hope you are doing good. Thank you so very much for your blog and your advice it helps me a lot really tbilisi is the place you have to visit once in a life time the city that’s loves you. See you some days on our Base. Once again thanks a lot.
Hey Nakul, nice to know that. I am glad you enjoyed your time in the city. I am in Uruguay now and it simply superb in here. Will surely bump in to each other someday. Cheers and safe travels.
Wow the old town looks like my kind of place. I would love to walk around and get lost there. Oh and while I’m there, I want to eat Kacha Puri. Amazing post! 🙂
Tbilisi is high on my list! Thanks for sharing a very informative itinerary! So excited that you included historical attractions as I am a history geek! 😀
Been reading great articles about Tbilisi and no doubt – it looks certainly interesting. I love the diversity it offers and how calm the old town looks like.
Georgia is such an underrated country sometimes! But it’s amazing. Great tips!
Tbilsi comes alive as a charming city with some lovely sights and activities, The old Town seems to be of particular fascination to me.
I love the difference between the modern buildings and the old town. Kacha Puri looks incredible, have to try that. Tbilisi looks like a great place to visit, will put it on my list!
Nice to read that,. Tbilisi is indeed a charming city that would always be on the list of the best places I have been to. Kacha Puri goes well with a glass of wine 😉
I’ve never been, but your pictures and description have piqued my interest! Those round-top brick buildings are cool looking!
Thanks Tami, those round-top brick buildings are the Sulphur Bath houses that are quite distinct to the city.
It encourages me to visit Tblisi again coz I wasn’t able to complete those 10 things to do when I visited it, especially the shulpur bath! Thank you for the informative blog, waiting for my opportunity to complete that ’10 things to do’ list in Tblisi!
Hi Meilinda,
Sulphur bath indeed is the highlight of the city, thank you for your nice words and do share your experience if you happened to travel again.
Keep Exploring.
Mr. Sreeram,
Kindly suggest me places to stay as I would be travelling with my office colleagues so a total number of 10 people and any night outs and can you suggest what wines they have to offer?
Hi Selwyn,
Thank you for reading.
Like I have mentioned on my post, Rustaveli is the most recommended place to stay. If travelling on budget, I strongly recommend boombully hostels(the hyperlink should redirect you to their page). All night outs can be experienced in the new part of the town. All Georgian wines have their own distinct tastes, although my personal favorite are the semi-sweet ones. Enjoy your travel.
Keep Exploring.
Sreeram.
Made me remember wonderful memories in Tbilisi.. Travelled with my Mom and Sissy’s to celebrate her birthday, and we all had fun. Tbilisi is a city that I will never ever forget.
Dear Athil Alvar,
Glad to hear that, Tbilisi is indeed a city of joy. I had a great time there too.
Keep Exploring.