Tbilisi, Georgia: Travel Guide & Best Things to Do
Tbilisi, Georgia is a city of contemporary and historical multiculturalism. Over 1,500 years old, this capital has straddled European, Asian, and Middle Eastern civilizations, resulting in a unique Caucasus destination. Residents are known for their hospitality, and the local sights are sure to impress!
Travel to Tbilisi if you want to experience interesting history, varied architecture, beautiful landscapes, and good food.
Tbilisi, Georgia Travel Guide
My General Impressions from Tbilisi
Tbilisi has been on my bucket list for a while and frankly, I couldn’t believe that I haven’t visited it sooner. While Georgia still feels like an off the path destination for Americans and Asians, for many Europeans it’s been a popular spot for a while.
Especially when cheap flights started flying to Tbilisi, tourists flocked the city and many claim it’s destroyed part of this beauty. However, I think that Tbilisi is still worth visiting,
Tbilisi has 2 very distinct faces. Downtown and tourist area is bohemian, gorgeous buildings with ornate balconies combined with futuristic architecture, but the buildings from the outskirts and suburbs are still from the Communist era. Old, falling apart, not a place where you’d want to live or frankly wander around at night.
Georgia is very affordable, regardless of where you’re coming from. Full dinner won’t cost you more than 20-25 GEL regardless of the restaurant.
I can honestly say that I feel like I preferred Tbilisi over it’s neighboring capitals Yerevan in Armenia or Baku in Azerbaijan. While crossing the street takes Frogger abilities and sidewalks aren’t usually even and nice (not that there are in Italy either where I spent last year living, so I guess this didn’t bother me that much).
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History of Tbilisi, Georgia
According to legend, Tbilisi was founded while a king was hunting, when his falcon caught a pheasant and both plunged (and died) in one of Tbilisi’s hot springs.
Whether or not this legend is true, the city’s name is derived from a word for “warm,” signifying the importance that the sulfuric hot springs had and continue to have on the Tbilisi’s culture and inhabitants.
The springs aren’t the only natural feature that Tbilisi has to offer, the city is built on the Mtkvari (Kura) River, in between mountains and over hills- creating a truly picturesque environment.
Modern Tbilisi is home to over 1.5 million residents, most of whom are Eastern Orthodox Christians. There are many diaspora groups that live in Tbilisi, which add to the city’s historically diverse vibe.
In Tbilisi, you will find that many residents will also speak Russian and/or English. Georgians use the Lari (GEL) as currency, and the city is an economical destination that can be explored on a budget.
This former Soviet republic has retained its distinctiveness and pre-communist charm and has a lot to offer the inquisitive tourist. Here is a guide to make the most out of your trip to Tbilisi, Georgia.
Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
Discover the Maze of the Old Town
Before you even start thinking of specific spots and things to see in Tbilisi, I recommend you get lost in the maze of streets in the old town. Admire the picturesque balconies, greet local cats, find new cafes.
Watch your step though as pavements as very uneven and due to a high amount of stray dogs, uncleaned dog poop isn’t uncommon.
Even if you don’t have your Google Maps working, don’t be afraid of getting lost. Even in the smallest streets, there will be someone who’ll willingly point you in the right direction. They might not speak English, but from my experience, Georgian people will do their best.
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Relax at Hot Springs
The hot springs or “sulfur baths” of Tbilisi are fundamental to the life and culture of this Georgian city. Soaking in a sulfur bath is not only a good opportunity to experience a Georgian tradition, but it may also provide health benefits such as pain relief, blood pressure regulation, skin cleansing, and of course, relaxation.
Located in Abanotubani – Tbilisi’s historic district, there are several bathhouses and styles of bathing to choose from, all of which utilize the natural springs that run under the city.
It’s a good idea to book in advance (either in person or online) and to decide if you would like a public or private room, as well as any add on spa services. If you choose private, the only other people around will be your companions and/or a masseuse. Cold plunge pools and showers are also usually part of this invigorating experience.
Some of these additional services include a massage or a kisa (exfoliating scrub). There are many bathhouses to choose from, including Gulo’s Thermal Spa, where you can book via Facebook.
When going to a sulfur bath, you have the choice to bath naked or while wearing a bathing suit. If you choose a public bath, you will be bathing with others, however these are divided by gender.
Costs vary depending on the public or private bath. Private baths cost around 50-120 GEL per hour, while public baths cost around 5-10 GEL per hour. Prices are wide-ranging based on how new, spacious, and luxurious the baths are. Add on services are approximately 20 GEL.
Royal is open until midnight but some other bathhouses are open 24 hours, so if you’re not into parties it’s an unusual way to spend the night.
Extra Tips:
Keep in mind that sulfur baths do have an unpleasant “rotten egg” smell, so be prepared! It’s also a good idea to bring water, it’s easy to get overheated, and bring or rent a towel.
Before or after your bath, make sure to walk around Abanotubani, a beautiful district with varied religious buildings, restaurants, and stunning tiled facades.
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Hike to Narikala Fortress & Kartlis Deda
The Narikala Fortress offers visitors a fascinating history and an unparalleled view of Tbilisi. The original fortress was constructed by the Persians in the 4th century, but was built upon and utilized used by subsequent invaders.
Unfortunately, much of the original structure has been destroyed, but the walls remain. A recent addition includes St. Nicholas’s church which is open to visitors and contains frescoes. It’s also the best place to see a panorama of Tbilisi, so it’s surely worth your time.
In order to reach Narikala you can walk up from the sulfur baths, or take a cable car from Rike Park for 2,5 GEL. It’s worth taking the cable car or “aerial tram” because it also provides excellent views of the city. The entrance to the fortress is free.
Less than a 10-minute walk from Narikala Fortress is Kartlis Deda or the “Mother of Georgia”. This aluminum statue was erected in the 1950s on Sololaki Hill and is a testament to Georgian culture. This female figure holds a sword and a glass of wine- symbolizing Georgians ferocity against enemies and hospitality towards guests.
Find a Waterfall at the Botanical Gardens of Tbilisi
The Botanical Garden is located between the Old Town and Narikala Fortress, and it only costs 2 GEL to enter.
The park is filled with photogenic spots and art, plus a Japanese garden. And a waterfall! While it’s not the most beautiful waterfall I’ve ever seen it’s right in the middle of the city! The only other waterfall I saw located in the city center was the one in Moustiers Sainte Marie in southern France.
If you’re visiting Narikala fortress before, you might catch a zipline down to the garden instead of walking. It costs 30 GEL, but it’s a fun alternative.
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Watch the Pupper Show on the Clock Tower
Architecturally weird, the Leaning Clock Tower in Tbilisi is part of a puppet theater. Every house a window opens at the top and angel strikes the bell and a short love story plays. The whole area surrounding the tower was actually my favorite.