BEST THINGS TO DO IN TBILISI, GEORGIA

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia, a country on the crossroads between Europe and Asia. If you enjoy cultural mixtures, mouth watering cuisines, and nature, you’ll love all the best things to do in Tbilisi Georgia. And you would also enjoy traveling to nearby Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Tbilisi is divided into the old town, the modern avenues, the Narikala Hill, and the outskirts. And so is this post, so you can quickly know which are the best things to see in every corner of Tbilisi. If you’d also like to see my personal experience in the country, check out my Instagram and Tiktok pages.

Best things to do in Tbilisi Old Town

1. Get lost exploring Abanotubani

The absolute top thing to do in Tbilisi is to get lost exploring every bit of its old town. There’s many highlights to explore across its narrow winding streets and ornate wooden balconies. Take every turn, walk every alley, stare at every shop, and take in as much as you can of this wonderful area. 

The old town Abanotubani, by the river Mtkvari, dates back to the 5th century. It was founded by King Gorgasali of Iberia after his falcon accidentally fell in one of the city’s hot springs. That’s why the city is called “warm” in Georgian. During the years Tbilisi was ruled by Persians, Arabs, and Mongols, thus destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions, creating a unique cultural and architectural.

Tbilisis’ old town host historic churches, mosques, sulphur baths, colourful houses, art galleries, cozy cafes, intimate wine bars, and endless bakeries. Those who enjoy people watching, photography and architecture will have a blast in Tbilisi’s old town. Especially fi visiting with a local guide who can unveil all of its secrets.

2. Try traditional Georgian food

Trying local food is reason enough to travel to Tbilisi Georgia, as Georgian cuisine is genuinely delicious. You’ll love every meal in this city as one can’t go wrong with food in Tbilisi. Nevertheless, the best restaurants in Tbilisi to try Georgian food are Kakhelebi, Pasanauri, and Racha Tavern.

Georgian food is a vegetarian’s heaven, as it’s based on fresh vegetables, cheese, and grains. Expect plenty of salads, soups, and carb-loaded meals. Nevertheless, there’s a few must-try meat-based recipes too. Make sure to sample the following:

• Khachapuri Adjaruli: Egg, cheese, and butter bread-boat 
• Khinkali: Dumplings filled with cheese, potatoes, or meat
• Lobio: Bean soup 
• Badrijani: Eggplant rolls with walnut paste 
• Georgian Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, walnuts, and pomegranate 

Moreover, consider joining a cooking class in Tbilisi to learn how to prepare these delicious dishes at home. Or a guided food tour to learn the very best of the local food scene.

3. Watch the chime at the leaning clock tower

One of the most iconic places to visit in Tbilisi is the clock tower. Do not expect a fancy clock tower though. This is an unusual masterpiece that seems to come out of a fairy tail and be about to fall down any minute. It’s a really bizarre structure where every piece seems not to fit with the others and that offers an even funnier chime show every hour. 

You’ll find it beside the tiny Gabriadze Puppet Theater, a 80-seat hall performing the Circle of Life show every day at noon and 7pm. You can get tickets here. Alternatively, enjoy a quick photo shooting by the bell tower and try to find within its wall the biggest and the smallest clocks in Tbilisi.

4. Take a sulphur bath

Tbilisi is famous worldwide for its sulphur baths (yes, the smelly ones) so one of the best things to do in Tbilisi Georgia is soaking in these local sulphurous waters. Your skin will appreciate its naturally warm temperature and several therapeutic minerals. You can find similar bathhouses in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Some of the baths are public, meaning they’re very cheap but offer minimal facilities and almost no privacy. Others are private, as fancy as you wish, and allow visitors to have their own bathing room, tea, and massages. Both are affordable and much recommended.

The bath houses are located one next to the other. You’ll recognize them for their brick domes that rinse from the ground and their rotten eggs smell. Make sure to visit even if you don’t fancy a bath, as the buildings are quite beautiful. Opening hours go from 8am to midnight.

5. Visit Georgian Churches

Georgia was the world’s third country to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Only Armenia and Ethiopia converted first, all during the 4th century. Therefore, Georgia and Tbilisi host lots of amazing old churches. All in their traditional local shape, dark interiors, colorful paintings, golden decorations, and endless burning candles. 

Some of the must-see old churches are Sioni Cathedral, Lower Betlemi Church, Jvaris Mama Church, Saint George’s Armenian Cathedral, and Anchiskhati Basilica. In the latter there’s a cool Georgian polyphony (beautiful local chanting) performed every sunday at 9am. 

6. Get into Jumah Mosque

Tbilisi is a multicultural city with some beautiful mosques. And Jumah Mosque is the must-see one. Jumah Mosque, surrounded by a church and a synagogue, will give you Sarajevo and Jerusalem vibes.

It was built in the 18th century, during the times of the Ottoman Empire, and rebuilt in 1951. This Sunni church has a beautiful minaret and is free to visit, as long as you take off your shoes and cover appropriately.

7. Spot the waterfall

At the end of the sulphur baths, by the beautiful blue building resembling a mosque (which is actually a bathhouse) you’ll find a wooden footpath and stream leading to a waterfall. Known as Leghvtakhevi waterfall, it’s one of the most unique tourist places in Tbilisi. 

Tourists and locals alike love the vertical cliffs that surround the waterfall. To the point this is included in most of the Tbilisi city tours. The place can get frozen in winter, which helps make it even more special. Swimming is not allowed.

8. Shop at Meiden Bazar

Meidani Bazar is an underground market by the sulfur baths. This hidden market decorated in traditional Georgian style resembles a local farmhouse and is packed with Georgian wines, sweets, handicrafts, and souvenirs. 

If you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a quick chat with local vendors, and sampling local delicatessen make sure to add Meidani Bazaar among your Tbilisi places to visit.

9. Enjoy local wine

Georgia, along with Armenia, is part of the land where winemaking originated several millennia ago. It’s flat sunny lands avail for hundreds of endemic grapes and thousands of varieties of wine. Therefore, as in Moldova, tasting local wine is one of the top things to do in Tbilisi and so is buying some to take home.

Every restaurant in Tbilisi will have a long wine menu packed with reds, roses and whites, along with sweet pomegranate wines. There’s also lots of wine bars in Tbilisi and dedicated wine shops where to sample bottles from major wineries and small family vineyards. 

Visit Vintage wine shop for a free tasting, ensuring to try famous Qvevri and Saperavi wines when at it, or head to Dezert Bazaar for the best prices. If you enjoy brandy, give Georgian Chacha a try too. Finally, consider joining a guided wine tour to visit some of the best local cellars.

Best things to do in Tbilisi Modern Area

10. Check out Freedom Square

Liberty Square, also called Freedom Square, is the main square in central Tbilisi. Here you’ll find lots of retail stores, the city’s main metro station, and a huge golden statue of St George. This was a gift to the city from its author, Zurab Tsereteli, and replaces an old statue of Lenin similar to those still standing in Tiraspol and Bishkek.

The nicest buildings surrounding the square are the Bank of Georgia, the Tbilisi City Hall, and the Marriot Hotel. Mind the cars when exploring the area as Freedom Square is the culmination point of the six largest avenues in Tbilisi.

11. Walk along Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue is Tbilisi’s central avenue. A 1.5 km long tree-lined busy street home to stunning buildings and major Tbilisi tourist attractions. These include the Georgian National Opera Theater, the old Parliament Building, the Georgian Academy of Science, the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, and Kashveti Church. 

Walking along Rustaveli Avenue is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi. It can get very busy, but is also home to nice bars, cafes, and hotels to relax. Be mindful when crossing the street, as one should always use the underground passages. 

12. Cross the Peace Bridge

Peace bridge is a 150-meter-long glass and steel pedestrian bridge that connects Tbilisi’s Old Town with the modern side of the city, by Rike Park.

It’s a symbol of modern Tbilisi and crossing it is one of the essential things to do in Tbilisi Georgia. The bridge is one of a kind and easily identifiable at night, when multiple LEDs light it in the form of Georgia’s national flag. 

Take some time to also enjoy Rike Park, at the end of the bridge, the departing point of the cable car to Narikala Fortress. In this popular park you’ll find locals jogging, enjoying a picnic, and admiring the dancing fountains.

The park also hosts the Public Services Hall, known as the mushroom building, and the Rike Park Concert Hall. Plus it offers great views over Narikala Fortress, the TV tower, and Mother Georgia.

13. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of those Tbilisi Georgia tourist spots one couldn’t miss even if trying to. It’s just so big and visible, especially its 87-meter golden dome which can be seen from almost everywhere in Tbilisi. Nevertheless, exploring its gardens and inside are a must among things to see in Tbilisi. 

Also known as Sameba, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is the main Georgian Orthodox Cathedral, the largest church in Georgia, and the third tallest Orthodox cathedral in the entire world. It was built in 2004 to celebrate the 2000 years of Jesus’s birth along with the 1500 years of the Georgian Orthodox Church. 

It’s really big and bright, packed with beautiful gold and marble decorations, crypts, and chapels. It’s free to visit if you stick to the dress code and I highly recommend attending a mass (or part of it) here as orthodox rituals are really magical. You can see some of it on my Instagram and Tiktok pages.

14. Shop at the Flea Market

Tbilisi is home to the biggest and most popular flea market in the Caucasus: the Dry Bridge Flea Market. It’s held daily from 10am to 5pm underneath the bridge in Dedaena Park, yet it gets busier during the weekends.

And makes the perfect place to buy jewelry, antiques, vintage goods, vinyl records, books,  maps, old cameras, clothing, old musical instruments, silver cutlery, ornate plates, paintings, military stuff, and even souvenirs. 

If you are looking for weird, random stuff from the soviet times, this market should definitely be in your Tbilisi to-do list. This market is much larger than those in Tiraspol Moldova and Bishkek Kyrgyzstan. So grab some cash and be ready to bargain, you’ll most likely go back home with a treasure or two.

15. Attend a Dinner Show

One of the best things to do in Tbilisi is to enjoy a traditional dinner show. Many local restaurants offer these and usually consist in delicious Georgian food accompanied by folk dancing, singing, and polyphony.

As touristic as it may seem, local families tend to celebrate their special occasions by attending these shows. Especially at restaurants such as Shadow of Meketi where you can end up joining the dancing. Booking a few days in advance is advised. I loved it, as you can seen on my Instagram and Tiktok pages.

16. Explore Stalin’s printing house

Former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, a town an hour away from Tbilisi. During the early years of his political career, when he was an active Bolshevik calling for the Tsar’s removal, he used to print propaganda in an underground house in Tbilisi. 

The secret typographic machine that printed Stalin’s magazines, newspapers, and pamphlets was in a clandestine basement down a 15-meter-deep well. Turned into a museum, you can now visit this place for less than $3. And you definitely should if you are into history and politics. 

Best things to do in Tbilisi’s Narikala Hill

17. Climb up to Mtatsminda Park

One of the top Tbilisi things to do is to enjoy the 360 degrees panoramic views over the city from Mtatsminda Park, in Narikala Hill. One can almost see the entire city from here and the park’s platforms are the best spot to enjoy the sunset. 

This park, located 770 meters above sea, is actually the highest point in Tbilisi. It’s easily reachable on the funicular from 9am to midnight and free to visit.

You can also hike up via the TV tower trail, or follow the staircase. Here you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and a small amusement park with carousels, a ghost castle, a roller coaster, and a Ferris wheel. 

18. Admire Mother Georgia

Known as Kartlis Deda, the Statue of Mother Georgia is a huge 20-meter monolithic aluminum sculpture of a woman. She wears a traditional dress and carries a bowl of Georgian wine on one hand, for those who come as friends, and a sword on the other, against those coming as enemies.

She represents Georgian hospitality along with the country’s fighting spirit and was built in 1958 to celebrate Georgia’s 1500th anniversary.

The statue resembles that of Mother Armenia in Yerevan Armenia, also built during Soviet times. This must-see attraction in Tbilisi, which can be seen from almost anywhere in town, offers stunning views across the city and the Caucasus Mountains beyond. Do not miss it, it’s just minutes away from every other attraction on Narikala Hill.

19. Explore Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress is a stone-made castle built in the 4th century and further expanded in the 8th and 11th centuries designed to defend Tbilisi from invasions.

However, it was damaged by an earthquake in 1827 and not been restored ever since. Nevertheless, visiting this ancient symbol of the city, also known as Mother Fortress, is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi. 

Narikala, which means citadel in Persian, is free to visit and open 24/7. Just be mindful of your steps as the area can get slippery. You can climb up from the city center via a short yet steep trail or descend from Mtatsminda Park.

Either way, you’ll get awesome panoramic views over Tbilisi’s old town. Make sure to also explore the nearby 13th-century St Nicholas Church.

20. Unwind at the Botanical Gardens

The National Botanical Gardens of Georgia are a great Tbilisi tourist attraction to hide from the heat and enjoy some natural beauty.

The gardens are huge, with over 4,500 species of fauna spread around almost 100 hectares. They also serve as a leading research, educational, and conservation centre in the field. 

Built in the 17th century as private royal gardens, they are now open to the public daily from 9am to 6pm. Entrance fee is $1.50 and includes swimming at the garden’s waterfall.

Visit the Japanese gardens and take some of the beautiful hiking trails that go close to Narikala Fortress. There’s also a zipline crossing the gardens, although this costs an extra $15.

Best things to do in Tbilisi’s Outskirts

21. Ride the metro

Just like Baku and Yerevan, Tbilisi has a soviet underground system worth a visit. Although stations here are not as beautiful as in Moscow, Kiev, or Almaty in Kazakhstan they’re packed with stunning details to delight history lovers. 

Moreover, the metro is the easiest, cheapest, and fastest way to get around Tbilisi. Its deep yet fast escalators and its old yet efficient trains will take you back in time. Get yourself a public transport card and make sure to visit the Technical University, Guramishvili, and Isani stations as these are the most beautiful.

22. Swim at a lake beach

Tbilisi is far from the sea yet the city gets really hot in the summer so locals have come up with many alternatives to the beach that will also delight visitors.

The most famous is Turtle Lake (no turtles, sorry). It’s easily reachable on the Turtle Lake cable car and offers paddle boards, party bars, and everything one need to unwind. 

Another popular swimming spot in Tbilisi is the so-called Tbilisi sea. This artificial lake that serves as a water reservoir, although a bit rocky, is beautiful and comfy enough. Always bring your own food and drinks as there are few shopping facilities nearby. 

Finally, Lisi Lake makes a great swimming spot as well and offers some cafes, bars, and even a sulphur bathhouse. Who needs a beach having all these? Even if you don’t visit during the summer, exploring these natural wonders is a cool Tbilisi sightseeing experience.

23. Visit Chronicles of Georgia

Chronicles of Georgia is a massive 16-pillar monument overlooking the Tbilisi Sea. It depicts Georgian heroes and royals along with some biblical scenes.

It was built in 1985 to celebrate the 2,000-year anniversary of Christianity in Georgia, yet it was never finished as its towers are still awaiting construction. 

The shape and decorations of these 35-meter pillars is well worth a visit, open 24/7, and free. You’ll just need to take the bus, join a tour, or jump on a taxi to reach it.

24. Shop at Dezerter Bazaar

Dezerter Bazaar is the main farmers market in Tbilisi. Therefore, it’s the best place in town to buy fresh fruit, local vegetables, homemade cheese, sweets, spices, and liquors. And also makes a great palace for people-watch and to practice your Russian.

It can get really loud and busy, yet this only means there’s lots of great goodies being sold here. The market is open from 7am to 6pm daily and it’s conveniently located by the Station Square metro station.

25. Hunt some Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi has many impressive remains of its soviet times. In the outskirts of the city you’ll find must-see buildings such as the Former Ministry of Automobile Roads, the skybridge between blocks at Nutsubidze Plato, and the Archeology Museum.

And also tones of soviet apartments blocks. I love visiting as you can see on my Instagram and Tiktok pages. So I strongly encourage you to venture outside the tourist areas and pay them a visit too.

Recap on the best things to do in Tbilisi

Tbilisi, Georgia‘s capital, is a huge city home to a vibrant cultural mix, endless historical remnants, and delicious cuisine. Here you’ll find churches, mosques, synagogues, and soviet apartment blocks. Along with beautiful old houses, busy markets, and large parks.

When exploring Tbilisi, get lost around the old town, jump on old cable cars, and taste local delicatessen. In this Tbilisi travel guide you’ll find everything you need to know to prepare your ideal Tbilisi itinerary. Along with some great tours of Tbilisi to make the most of every Tbilisi tourist attraction.

Please leave a comment below with any questions. Or reach out through my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages, where you’ll also find videos of my trip to Georgia and many travel tips.