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Map of Tbilisi — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Tbilisi, Georgia for travelers! Check out Tbilisi’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Tbilisi? See our Tbilisi Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Tbilisi. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Tbilisi map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Tbilisi by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 18 attractions in Tbilisi

Holy trinity cathedral of tbilisi.

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Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Anchiskhati Basilica

Metekhi virgin mary assumption church, bridge of peace, karalashvili wine cellar, mercure tbilisi old town, mother of georgia tramway, davit aghmashenebeli ave, mtatsminda pantheon, chronicle of georgia, statue of king vakhtang gorgasali, tbilisi open air museum of ethnography, top 10 restaurants in tbilisi.

Barbarestan

Keto & kote.

Culinarium Khasheria

Salobie bia, ethno tsiskvili, alubali restaurant, café littera, transportation in tbilisi, nearby airports, tbilisi international airport, highways and major roads.

• Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze Highway (E60)
• Rustaveli Avenue (Tbilisi's main boulevard)
• David Aghmashenebeli Avenue (formerly known as Plekhanov Street)
• Vazha-Pshavela Avenue
• Marshal Gelovani Avenue
• Tsereteli Avenue
• Kakheti Highway (also known as Mtkvari Highway or A3)
• Kakheti Highway (also known as S6)
• Varketili highway
• Agmashenebeli Alley

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Popular road trips from tbilisi, what's the weather like in tbilisi.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Tbilisi for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Tbilisi in January
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Explore nearby places

• Tetritsqaro
• Kavtiskhevi
• Giorgitsminda
• Noyemberyan

All related maps of Tbilisi

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Tbilisi throughout the year

• Tbilisi in January
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Tbilisi?

Get inspired for your trip to Tbilisi with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour: A Georgia Experience

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At first glance, Tbilisi, Georgia can be overwhelming. The contrasting architectural styles, the congested and chaotic city streets and an alphabet that is more beautiful than decipherable can all boggle the mind. With this Tbilisi Walking Tour, however, you can quickly get acquainted with the fascinating capital of Georgia (the country).

Self Guided Walking Tour Tbilisi: Top Tips

Before you set of on this Tbilisi free walking tour, there are a few things to know. Having a basic understanding will help you get around and more deeply experience Tbilisi.

Tbilisi History

Tbilisi is a complex city with an ancient history and a relatively recent independence. The Georgian capital dates to the 5th century AD, although there had been settlements on the land as early as the 4th century BC.

Tbilisi is where Europe meets Asia and was on the historic route of the Silk Road. The city has long been an important cultural and political center of the Caucasus.

Our Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour is an introduction to the best sights of the city – old and new.

Free Tbilisi Walking Tour Map and Directions

We highly recommend getting a Tbilisi Map for this free walking tour. Free maps, in English, are available at the Tbilisi Tourism Information Centers (there is one in Pushkin Park , which is on the north side of Freedom Square).

To help get you from sight-to-sight, we have provided written walking directions. Plus we include a printable City Tour Tbilisi Map at the end of the article.

Additionally, we have provided a link to Google Maps for each sight, but you will need to be connected to the internet to access them while on the walk. We use GlocalMe Pocket WiFi to stay connected when we are abroad and out exploring new destinations.

Otherwise, consider using Google Offline Maps…or at the very least take screen shots of the route prior to setting out on the Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour.

Keep in mind that street signs are few and far between – and likely not in the Latin alphabet.

How Long is the Self Guided Tbilisi Walking Tour? 

The duration of the Free Tbilisi Walking Tour will depend on your pace, interest and ability to navigate the city streets. Plan to spend about 3 hours walking in Tbilisi at minimum. 

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Tbilisi Travel Guide for your trip to Georgia!

Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour

Start your Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour by hiking up or taking the Cable Car to the…

#1 Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi 

The ancient Narikala Fortress dominates the steep hill rising above the Tbilisi Old Town. Built in the 4th century, the fortress was expanded and damaged many times throughout history, leaving little more than an impressive wall standing today. The church at the fortress, St. Nicholas, was built in the late 1990s on the site of a 13th century church that burnt to the ground.

The Narikala Fortress is free to enter and explore (at your own risk; use common sense). The views of Tbilisi from the fortress are phenomenal (which is exactly why the fortress was built where it was) and we particularly enjoyed sunset from the fortress walls.

Map  to Narikala Fortress

From the Narikala Fortress, walk west past the Cable Car Station to the…

#2 Mother of Georgia Statue

The aluminum Mother of Georgia Statue (Kartlis Deda) stands 65-feet-tall on the Sololaki Ridge watching over her beloved country. She both welcomes and defends her land: wine in one hand for friends and a sword in the other for enemies. The statue was erected in 1958 to celebrate Tbilisi’s 1500th birthday.

On the road that leads from the fortress to the statue, we encountered some inventive purchase opportunities: a café operating from the back of van, homemade “only pay if you like it” chacha liquor and a pay-to-play spin-and-win homemade wheel of fun.

Map to Mother of Georgia Statue

Retrace your steps to the Cable Car Station. Behind the station, find the stairs that lead down to the entrance to the…

#3 National Botanical Garden of Georgia

Founded in 1625 as the Fortress Gardens and converted into an official botanical garden in 1845, the National Botanical Garden of Georgia is located in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge on the southern side of the Sololaki Ridge. The gardens cover 400 acres of land and feature 4,500 species of plants, several footpaths and a 130-foot-tall waterfall.

The western end of the park backs up to the pool of an ultra-modern private residence, which belongs to Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia’s former Prime Minister (2012-2013) and the country’s richest citizen. Don’t be shocked to suddenly see armed guards on your tour of the Botanic Garden!

Map to National Botanical Garden of Georgia

Leave the National Botanical Garden at the eastern entrance on Botanikuri Street. Walk past the Tbilisi Mosque – which dates to 1895 and is a place where both Shia and Sunni Muslims pray together – and follow the road as it curves north. At the end of the street, turn right (east) and walk to the garden (Haydar Aliyev). Turn right (south) and walk into…

#4 Abanotubani District – Tbilisi Bathhouses

According to legend, in the 5th century, King Vakhtang Gorgasali was so taken by the Sulphur spring water in what is now the Abanotubani district that he declared the land the new capital. He called the new city Tbilisi, which means ‘warm.’

Whether or not that is true, the history of bathhouses in Tbilisi stretches back over 2000 years, as people have long been attracted to the hot, healing water – and evidence proves Roman baths were present in the 1st century AD.

The pungent-smelling sulphur water is naturally heated by the earth (75-105 degrees Fahrenheit), which is pooled and piped through the bathhouses. At one time, there were more than 60 bathhouses in the area. Today, there are five functional baths and their distinctive brick domes in the Abanotubani district can’t be missed.

Map to Abanotubani

Pro Tip : Read about our experience and the Tbilisi Sulphur Baths to prepare for your visit!

From the bathhouses, walk north (toward the river) to Vakhtang Gorgasali Street. Turn left (west) and walk to the Metekhi Bridge. Turn right (northeast) and cross the bridge. After crossing the bridge, if the gates on your right to the lower chapel are open, take a detour down to the riverside and take a peek inside. Past the gate, stay to the right (east) on Metekhi Rise – and then turn right (south), followed by another immediate right (west) into the parking lot of the…

#5 Metekhi Church of Assumption and King Gorgasali Statue

In the 5th century, after King Vakhtang Gorgasali declared Tbilisi the new capital, a church and palace were built on the cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River. Destroyed in 1235 by the Mongols, a new Georgian Orthodox church, the Metekhi Church of Assumption, was built between 1278 and 1284. Although the church was damaged and expanded, used as barracks and as a theater, and was set to be destroyed, it survived – and has been functioning again as a church since 1988.

The enormous equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali was erected in 1967 on the cliff where the king first settled in Tbilisi. He is looking over the Mtkvari River toward the hot springs.

Map to Metekhi Church and Gorgasali Statue

Leave the Metekhi Church via the parking lot and turn right (south) onto Metekhi Rise. Follow the road as it sharply turns left (east) and walk to Metekhi Street. Turn left (north) and follow the street to the large roundabout (look to your left for the underground pedestrian walkway and cross to the north). Continue walking north on Lado Meskhishvili Street to Samreklo Street. Turn right (northeast) to the entrance of the…

#6 Sameba Cathedral, Tbilisi

Located on Elia Hill on the left bank of the river is the grandiose Sameba Cathedral. Many say the church is a symbol of the renewed Georgian spirit that has flourished since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Standing at 330-feet-tall and able to accommodate 15,000 people, the cathedral – also called the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi – ranks worldwide as the third tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral and one of the largest religious buildings (by total area). The cathedral complex includes the Patriarch residence, a monastery, a school of theology and nine chapels, five of which are underground.

The cathedral was built between 1995 and 2004, however, it was intended to be built several years earlier to commemorate 2,000 years of Christianity and 1,500 years of independence of the Georgian Orthodox church.

As impressive as the church is from afar, it is even more so up close. However, we were a little surprised to find that neither the grounds, nor the interior, are yet fully complete.

Map to Sameba Cathedral

Leave the Sameba Cathedral and walk southwest on Samreklo Street. Continue walking on the street (the name changes to Malkhaz Abdushelishvili Street) to the…

#7 Presidential Palace, Tbilisi, Georgia

Housing the Presidential Administration of Georgia, the Presidential Palace eloquently sits high on a cliff on the left bank of the Mtkvari river. The president of Georgia is the highest government official in the country, a position which was incorporated in 1991 after Georgia declared independence from the former Soviet Union.

The building, originally used for the military, was redesigned in 2009. Although visiting is off limits, you can peek through the side gate for an up-close view.

Map to Georgia Presidential Palace

From the north gate of the Presidential Palace, walk north on Elene Akhvelediani Rise and take the stairs down to N Baratashvili Garden. Take the underground pedestrian walkway to the west side of the street and continue walking south past the tubular structures to the terrace. Enjoy the view, then take the stairs that lead down to…

#8 Rike Park

Rike Park sits on the bank on the Mtkvari River below the Presidential Palace. The spacious park has several gardens, walking paths and play areas.

The distinctive features of Rike Park, however, are the dancing musical fountains, a cable car to Narikala Fortress, an enormous piano and two tubular concert halls.

Map to Rike Park

Leave Rike Park via the…

#9 Peace Bridge, Tbilisi

The contemporary pedestrian bridge, which is made of steel and glass and is illuminated at night by 30,000 LED lights, is a symbol of Georgia’s path to a brighter future. The 490-foot-long Peace Bridge opened in 2010, to rave reviews and also criticism.

Some think the modern structure looks out of place in the heart of the Old Town and the unique shape have earned it interesting nicknames, like Sushi Bridge and Always Ultra (referring to the maxi-pad shape). Regardless, a walk across the Peace Bridge provides stunning views of Tbilisi’s Old Town.

Map to Tbilisi Peace Bridge

After crossing the bridge, continue walking west to Erekle II Street. Turn right (north) and walk along the street (which changes name to Shavteli Street after crossing Antimoz Ivereli Lane) to the…

#10 Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary

The 6th century Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary is the oldest church in Tbilisi. Although the church was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was renamed in 1675 when the church received an icon (icon of Ancha), which is now on display at the Art Museum of Georgia.

Map to Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary

From the Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary, walk north on Shavteli Street, zigzagging left to the…

#11 Theater Clock Tower, Tbilisi

The unusual Clock Tower next to the puppet theater on Shavteli Street was built in 2010. Although it is new, it resembles many of the buildings in the Old Town that lean at various angles and are propped up by support beams. On the hour, an angel emerges from the tower and strikes a bell – and at noon and 7pm, a short (and, in our opinion, overrated) show called, ‘The Circle of Life,’ is played.

Map to Tbilisi Clock Tower

From the Clock Tower, continue walking north on Shavteli Street to N. Baratashvili Street. Turn left (west) and walk, following the road as it turns south (and changes name to Pushkin Street) and walk into…

#12 Freedom Square, Tbilisi

Freedom Square – really a large traffic roundabout connecting six streets– is a hub of activity in the center of Tbilisi.

Under Soviet rule, it was called Lenin Square. A statue of Lenin that stood in the center was torn down in 1991 and was replaced by the Liberty (or Freedom) Monument in 2006, which is topped by a golden St. George slaying the dragon.

The square is often used for celebrations and demonstrations – and is the site of an assassination attempt on President G.W. Bush . Notable buildings on the square include the Tbilisi City Hall, the former Bank of Georgia and the Marriot International.

Map to Tbilisi Freedom Square

From Freedom Square, walk northwest on…

#13 Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi

A main thoroughfare through Tbilisi, Rustaveli Avenue runs northwest from Freedom Square. The tree-lined street is home to many of Tbilisi’s cultural buildings, such as the Georgian National Opera, the Rustaveli Theater and the National Museum.

Map to Rustaveli Avenue

At #8 Rustaveli is the…

#14 Parliament Building, Tbilisi, Georgia

The grand Parliament Building at #8 Rustaveli was built between 1938 and 1953. It was used by the Georgian Parliament until 2012, when the parliament moved into a new building in Kutaisi, a town 125 miles from Tbilisi. The move was surrounded in controversy and in 2019 the Parliament of Georgia moved back into this building.

Map to Parliament Building

Across the street from Parliament is…

#15 The Kashveti Church of St. George

Located catty corner from the Parliament Building on Rustaveli Avenue is the Kashveti Church of St. George. The church was built between 1904 and 1910 on the site of a previous church that dated to 1753.

The church obtained the unusual name – Kashveti can be translated to mean ‘stone birth’ – from a 6th century legend. According to the tale, a monk was accused of impregnating a woman. He denied it and proclaimed all would know he was telling the truth when the woman gave birth to a stone…which she did.

Map to Kashveti Church of St. George

From the Kashveti Church of St. George, continue walking northwest on Rustaveli Street to Besik Street. Turn left (west),  following the road as it curves to the south (and changes name to Mtatsminda Street), to Daniel Chonqadze Street. Turn left (south) to the…

#16 Tbilisi Funicular

The Tbilisi mountainside railway first opened in 1905 and apparently was so dodgy they had to pay people to actually ride it! The Funicular was built in an effort to expand Tbilisi onto the mountain plateau (which failed due to lack of water supply). While the lower station building on Chonqadze Street has remained unchanged, following an accident in 2000, the funicular underwent complete renovation (reopening in 2012).

There is a stop halfway on the 1/3-mile-long track and a trail that leads to the Mamadaviti Church. At the Upper Funicular Station is a complex housing several restaurants and cafes, a viewpoint and an entertaining, throwback theme park .

Fee : One-way ride – 10 GEL (almost $4). A rechargeable Funicular card must be purchased (2 GEL, non-refundable) and money loaded on to it. One card can be used for a group and also for rides and games at the theme park. For two people, the card and round trip ride costs 42 GEL ($16.25)

Map to the Lower Station of the Funicular

After completing your round-trip ride, exit the Lower Funicular Station and turn right (south). Walk south on Daniel Chonqadze Street into the Sololaki neighborhood. At Mikheil Lermontoi Street, turn left (east) and make your way into the Old Town and wander through…

#17 Visit Tbilisi Neighborhoods

Although there are many sights to see in Tbilisi, Georgia , there is no better way to get a feel for the city than to wander the streets of the Tbilisi Old Town neighborhoods.

A walk through the twisting lanes – some cobblestone, some paved, some dirt; none level or without cracks – reveals a side of Tbilisi that some tourists miss. Mangy cats, laundry on lines, nearly falling down structures and the scent of fresh baked bread all linger in the streets of the neighborhoods.

Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour Tips

As you prepare for your walking tour in Tbilisi, we have a few tips of what you will want to bring along for the walk. 

Walking Shoes

Wear practical walking shoes ! The streets of Tbilisi are not designed for fashionable footwear. I wear lightweight versatile sneakers for my walks and Kris prefers these trail shoes by Merrell.

Whether you travel with a backpack or suitcase , you’ll also want to carry a great day bag to organize and secure all your essential everyday travel items ! Your day pack should be big enough for your water bottle , a hat (and/or sunscreen ) and your camera .

Travel Scarf

If visiting any of the churches, women should bring a scarf to be used to cover their head prior to entering. 

More Tours in Tbilisi 

We outlined a fantastic free walking tour of Tbilisi that allows you to sightsee at your own pace. That said, fellow travelers can opt to join a Tbilisi tour guide for more tours in the city and the region.

Guided Old Tbilisi Tour

Our free Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour is great for travelers who like to explore on their own. However, on a Guided Old Town Walking Tour of Tbilisi, visitors will get an introduction to the city by a local. Find out more!

Tbilisi Walking Tour – plus More!  

Travelers who want to tour Tbilisi with a group might consider joining this very popular Tbilisi Walking Tour that also includes a taste of the local wine and treat from a traditional bakery. Get the details!

Tbilisi Food Walking Tour

Join a guide on a historical tour of the city while getting a taste of some of the absolute best Georgian cuisine. Learn more!

Private Tbilisi Day Tours

Want to discover more of the city? Consider booking a private tour of Tbilisi with guide and driver! Book it here!

Hidden Tbilisi Tour: Soviet Past

Learn about the history of Georgia as part of the USSR and the stark Soviet architecture that decorates the city on this off-the-beaten-path tour. Reserve your space!

Tbilisi Free Walking Tours

There are a few different companies that offer free tours of Tbilisi. Just keep in mind that you will be expected to tip the guide of your free Tbilisi tour. 

Things To Do Near Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is an ideal base for exploring other cities in Georgia and the surrounding region. During our stay, we were so fascinated with Tbilisi that we didn’t end up wandering as much as we had planned.

However, these tours interested us and we look forward to seeing more of Georgia on our next visit (because we already know there will be a ‘next visit’!). 

1-Day Wine Tour in Kakheti Region

Spend the day in the Kakheti Wine Region learning about the culture and history of Georgian wine. The tour includes three tastings and lunch. Find out more!

Full Day Private Tour in Kazbegi Ananuri Gergeti

Leave Tbilisi behind for a full day tour of the mountainous region of Kazbegi. Let the local guide handle the road as you take in the scenery. Learn more here!

Top Tips For Your Trip to Tbilisi, Georgia

Now that you are set for your free walking tour, use these tips for planning your Tbilisi, Georgia trip!

Where To Stay in Tbilisi

During our visit to Tbilisi, we stayed in a great Airbnb Apartment . Renting a vacation apartment in Tbilisi comes with some pros and cons – so be sure to read fellow traveler reviews and the fine print on all the fees before booking. 

Tbilisi Hotels

Travelers who prefer staying in traditional accommodations will find that there are many Tbilisi hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center. Two top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) are Hotel Marlyn and Rustaveli Boutique Hotel .

Budget travelers can find an affordable place to stay at one of the Tbilisi hostels – like Gallery .

Start your search for Tbilisi, Georgia hotels on Booking.com – but read our Tips for Finding the Best Hotels !

What To Pack Before You Go To Tbilisi, Georgia

We have a few tips that will help you determine what to pack for your trip! You can find all of our Packing Hacks and advice on our Travel Packing page. 

Shoes for Walking in Tbilisi

We already mentioned that you need a good pair of comfortable shoes for your free walking tour of Tbilisi, but we feel the need to mention it again. Make sure to pack a pair of slip-resistant and comfortable travel shoes – like these . 

Travel Camera

The sights in Tbilisi are captivating and incredibly photogenic. Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for your trip to Tbilisi.

We always travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos and is also great for beginners) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera ).

Travel Insurance

If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip to Tbilisi, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for our complete packing list and other travel resources !

We Want To Know: What are your Top Things To Do Tbilisi, Georgia ? What would you add to our Tbilisi Self-Guided Walking Tour? Tell us in the comments below! 

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Tbilisi Tourist Information Center

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Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia, welcomes you with open arms and a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. To make the most of your adventure, the Tbilisi Tourist Information Center (TIC) serves as your essential first stop.

Two Convenient Locations:

Located conveniently near Freedom Square (also known as Liberty Square) in the Pushkin park , this center is your one-stop shop for planning your Tbilisi adventure. Whether you’re arriving directly at the Tbilisi international airport , where another Information Center operates 24/7, or venturing into the city center, friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you.

The Tbilisi Tourist Information Center, open daily October-March – 10:00-21:00 ; April-September – 09:00-21:00  boasts a treasure trove of resources for travelers. Pick up free city maps and brochures, featuring detailed information on historical landmarks, museums, walking tours , transportation options, and even restaurant recommendations.

Free Resources at Your Fingertips:

Beyond printed materials, the staff, fluent in English and other languages, are happy to answer any questions you may have. They can recommend off-the-beaten-path experiences, help you book day trips to nearby regions, or simply point you in the right direction for your next adventure.

Here’s what you can expect at the Tourist Information Center:

• Free resources: City maps, brochures, and tourist information booklets.
• Expert advice: Multilingual staff can answer your questions and offer personalized recommendations.
• Booking assistance: Assistance with booking tours, tickets, and accommodation.
• Accessibility information: Information on accessible travel options within the city.

Contact them at [email protected] for inquiries or visit https://georgia.travel/. With the help of the Tbilisi Tourist Information Center, your trip to Georgia’s captivating capital will be smooth sailing, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories.

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What are you interested in? Discover something nice

• 1 Nightlife

A guide to visit Tbilisi (includes off-beat things)

By Joan Torres 10 Comments Last updated on April 25, 2024

I lived in Tbilisi for 7 months. And every time someone asks me why they should visit Tbilisi, I say:

I love Tbilisi because it has the perfect balance between something very exotic and traditional, yet it is European and Westernized enough to live in comfortably. 

From traditional bazaars to craft beer scene growing daily, a perfectly-shaped Old City with colorful facades and wooden balconies, a great Communist heritage, epic cathedrals, lakes, and much, much more, Tbilisi is an absolutely great capital to visit.

Based on my experience in this city, I have written this comprehensive travel guide to visit Tbilisi in a 5-day itinerary, with a special mention of off the beaten track things to do in Tbilisi , as well as loads of travel tips, from transportation to my favorite restaurants in the city. 

In this travel guide to Tbilisi you will find:

Table of Contents

• Where to stay
• Tbilisi off the beaten track
• Transportation
• Where to eat
• Where to drink
• Best cafés for digital nomads
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Georgia

With its backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of trekking destination, like Georgia.

🪪 Visa for traveling to Tbilisi

A total of 94 countries can get a 365-day FREE visa upon arrival in the country. 

As a tourist, you won’t be staying there for 1 year, but this is a great visa policy for those digital nomads who want to live in a cheap country without going through any bureaucratic hassle. 

The best part is that you can get this 1 year automatically renewed by leaving the country and re-entering immediately, including crossing the Armenian border.

Moreover, people from countries who don’t appear on the list may apply for an e-visa through this website . 

🏨 Where to stay in Tbilisi

Hostel  – Fabrika ( My preferred choice) – Fabrika is a hostel built in a massive abandoned factory in the area of Marjanishvili, a pretty cool area where you find several cafés and hipster-like bars. It is kind of where the open-minded Georgians and expats hang out. They have both dorms and private rooms and host travelers of all ages. 

Best Hotel – Stamba – Stamba is a really beautiful, relatively new hotel, located in downtown. The decoration is very rustic and it has a couple of independent boutiques and concept stores. They also have a very famous restaurant that is always stuffed with wealthy Georgians. 

Budget Guest House Old City – Guest House Lile – A beautiful, very cozy guest house, located at the heart of the traditional part of the Old Town. 

Best Super Budget Hostel – Pushkin 10 Hostel – A cheaper option than Fabrika, this hostel is just outside the walls of the Old City. Really comfortable and everything is brand-new. 

🗺️ Best tours from Tbilisi

This blog always tries to encourage independent travel but, if you are short in time, and want to travel comfortably, GetYourGuide offers a wide range of budget tours which can be booked with just one click and are always conducted by professional local guides.

So far, these are some of their most popular tours in and from Tbilisi:

• Day trip to Kazbegi – One of the most stunning mountain regions in Georgia.
• Day trip to the wine region of Kakheti – Wine tasting and lovely European-like towns.
• Day trip to Mtskheta, Gori, and Uplitsikhe – UNESCO World Heritage Churches, Stalin’s birthplace and a cave city.
• Day trip to Davit Gareja & wine-tasting   – The best cave monastery city in Georgia and 
• Tbilisi walking tour – Explore Tbilisi with a professional guide.

Top places to visit in Tbilisi

If you have more than a few days, here you can read a complete 1-week Georgia Itinerary

Tbilisi Itinerary on day 1 – Exploring the Old Town, from Freedom Square to the Mother of Georgia

You should explore the beautiful Old Town when you visit Tbilisi on day 1. 

On this Tbilisi travel guide, I have highlighted the most important landmarks in the map below but you should also wander around all the narrow alleys to discover the beautiful facades Tbilisi is famous for, as well as the many peculiar statues, churches, and synagogues. 

Remember that, for more generic insights to the Georgian culture, read my Georgia travel guide

Day 1 What to visit in Tbilisi – Map

1 – Freedom Square

Start your day in Freedom Square (or Liberty Square). This is the busiest spot in the city, the most used metro station and the square from where you can go in pretty much any direction.

During the Soviet Union, it used to be called Lenin Square and, where you see a golden statue of Saint George and the Dragon, there used to be a Lenin Statue which was pulled down shortly after Georgia got its independence in 1991.

Do you want to explore Tbilisi with a professional local guide ? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

2 – Pushkin street

From Freedom Square, go down to Pushkin street, where you will see the last remains of the Old City wall, as well as quite a few buildings with traditional facades. Then, turn right just before  Ambassadori Hot el .

Traveling to Baku? Read my guide to visit Baku

3 – The Puppet Theatre and the clock tower

This twisted and architectonically weird, but pleasant to the eyes building, is the most Instagrammable spot in the city. On the hour, a small window in the upper part of the tower opens with some creepy mannequins coming out from it.

Actually, this is one of my least favorite places to visit in Tbilisi, but not because of the building but the cheesy atmosphere. 

I recommend, however, you sit at the terrace of Hangar Bar, a popular spot for expats despite its touristic location. They sell really cheap beers and you get a clear view of the building. 

4 – Anchiskhati Church

After no more than 20 meters, you will see the 6th-century Anchiskhati Church, the oldest in the country. It contains some really nice frescoes. 

5 – The Peace Bridge

If you continue straight, at some point you can turn left and see a sort of futuristic bridge called the Peace Bridge. It was built in 2010 to represent the transition from the dark past of Georgia to a more prosperous future. Some people don’t like because it looks too modern. I like it 🙂

The river that goes through the middle of Tbilisi is called the Mtkvari river (or Kura), and it flows 1,500km river from Turkey to the Caspian Sea, in Iran . 

6 – Meteki Church

The iconic church that sits at the edge of the cliff is from the 13th century and it was built by a Christian Georgian King, but later served several purposes, from barracks to a jail, and a theatre. During the last years of the USSR, a group of Christian people launched a campaign to restore its original purpose as a Church. 

7 – The sulfur baths

It is said that a Georgian King named Vakhtang, who lived in today’s Mtskheta in the 5th century, went hunting in this part of today’s Tbilisi when a wounded deer got miraculously healed after falling into a hot spring. He was so amazed by the curative properties of that place that he decided to move the capital from Mtskheta to Tbilisi. 

This part of the Old Town has been home to several bathhouses since the 12th century and today, they are a must-visit, especially if you visit Tbilisi during the colder months.

For more information, including prices, etc., check this guide: Visiting Tbilisi Sulphur Baths.

In the old Georgian language, Tbilisi literally means ” warm place ”, a name that originated after discovering the hot springs.

8 – Jumah Mosque

This is one of the very few mosques in the world where Sunni and Shia Muslims pray together.

Built in the 18th century by the Ottoman Empire (but destroyed and rebuilt several times), with its mud-brick walls, the building is totally camouflaged among the facades of the Old City.

Pro Tip – For some reason, the viewpoint from where you get the best perspective of the city is barely known for by most travelers. It is exactly here: 41.685942, 44.811485.

9 – Take the cable car to Narikala Fortress

When you travel to Tbilisi, one of the highlights is going up to Narikala Fortress before sunset, from where you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city.

You could actually walk but, if you want to take the cable car, you need to go back to Rike Park (the park right across the Peace Bridge).

The fortress dates from the 4th century. It was built by the Persians but it has served similar purposes for the Umayyads, several Georgian Kings, and the Mongols.

10 – The Mother of Georgia

This massive 20-meter aluminum female statue is frankly impressive, and polemical, as well.

The glass of wine that she holds in her left hand represents Georgian hospitality towards foreigners, whereas the sword that she holds in her right hand represents hostility to foreign invaders, a message clearly referring to the Russians. 

Read: Azerbaijan 3-week itinerary

Tbilisi Itinerary on day 2 – From Sameba Cathedral to Station Square

When you visit Tbilisi on your second day, I recommend you explore the other side of the Kura river.

Day 2 What to do in Tbilisi – Map

Sameba Cathedral

Sameba Cathedral is an utterly tall Church, the tallest in the country and one of the largest Orthodox Churches in the world. It is not an old Church, however, as it dates from 2004 and was built to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus. Still, it is an impressive complex.

Avlabari neighborhood

Avlabari is the neighborhood just down from Sameba Cathedral. You won’t see any tourists here but a very local vibe, so different from the Old Town.

It is on your way to the next destination, so I recommend you check out its many traditional shops. By the way, this is the best place to buy churchkhela (the traditional candle-shaped candy).

Mushroom building

This mushroom-shaped building is where the administrative offices are. It worth checking out from outside and it is on the way anyways. 

The Soviet Market (Flea market)

In Daedena park, there is a flea market selling all sorts of Soviet artifacts, from gas masks to coins with Stalin’s face and more.

By the way, in this park, there are also some second-hand book shops which, basically, are wooden shelves placed on the handrail of the river. 

Read: A guide to visit Iran

Marjanishvili

Marjanishvili is the new trending neighborhood and the area I used to spend most of my time in, as it had a few bars, good restaurants, digital nomad cafés, and there weren’t many tourists around.

Here you will find a few abandoned factories from the USSR, an abandoned theater and traditional architecture.

Dezerter Bazaar

If you continue straight towards Station Square, you will bump into Dezerter Bazaar, the largest traditional market in the city, selling absolutely everything, from loads of coffee to fruit, electronics and everything you may think of. It is a chaotic bazaar in its most Middle Eastern style.

You can also find stalls selling grain coffee and buy an awesome espresso for 0.50GEL. 

Tbilisi Itinerary on day 3 – Downtown, Tbilisi Sea, Chronicles of Georgia

On your day 3 visiting Tbilisi, explore the new part of town by walking Rustaveli Avenue all the way to Vake. Then, go to the suburbs to visit a very unique monument and a massive lake. 

Rustaveli is one of the main avenues in Tbilisi and was named after Shota Rustaveli, a Georgian poet considered the greatest contributor to Georgian literature.

Day 3 What to visit in Tbilisi – Map

The National Museum of Georgia

From the first pre-historic civilizations that inhabited the region until the invasion of the USSR, the National Museum of Georgia showcases all the layers of history of today’s Georgia.

I was mainly interested in visiting the Soviet museum but, unfortunately, most of the shown documents shown were in Russian and the English explanation was rather poor, so I didn’t learn much about it. You can, however, hire a guide or get an audio speaking guide. The entrance fee is 7GEL.

The Georgian Parliament

The Georgian Parliament is the place which is currently witnessing the transition from a religious, conservative state into a modern, progressive society. You should know that, in Tbilisi, two kinds of society coexist: the ultra-religious, homophobe wing and the open-minded young crowd who are demanding change.

For more information, read the ”Country” section of my Georgia Travel Guide . 

Well, this Parliament is the place where this young crowd gathers for protesting every single week, like the massive electronic rave that was organized against the closing of Bassiani, a famous techno club that welcomes the LGBT community, in which the police organized a nonsensical, abusive and violent raid.

That peaceful protest was disturbed by Georgian religious nationalists and ended up with some crazy violence. I witnessed it myself. 

The rest of Rustaveli Avenue

From checking the Opera House to fancy shops, some churches, and quite a few majestic buildings, Rustaveli is a pleasant place to walk through. 

If you want to check out a different area, Vake is the neighborhood where the Georgian middle-upper class lives, hence where you will find the fanciest restaurants and shops, but also the most open-minded Georgians and still, traditional architecture.

I recommend you walk all the way until Mziuri Park, a beautiful park with very nice statues whose center is dominated by a really nice outdoor café where the young students gather for coffee or beers. 

Chronicles of Georgia

The Chronicles of Georgia is a massive, odd monument visible from many places in the city and composed of giant pillars whose walls are decorated with some outstanding carvings that showcase different episodes of the history of Georgia and Christianity, like a representation of  Saint Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia, and several Georgian Kings. 

Moreover, from here you get a double epic view, Tbilisi Sea on one side and the Soviet suburbs on the other. 

How to get to the Chronicles of Georgia: 

• By metro: Get off at Guramishvili or Grmagele Metro Station and then walk for 20 minutes. 
• By taxi: By Yandex, from downtown, it should cost around 15GEL.

Tbilisi Sea

A nearly 10-kilometer artificial lake that serves as a reservoir, Tbilisi Lake is a different dimension from Tbilisi’s urban jungle.

It has plenty of beaches and picnic spots but I recommend you go on the area highlighted on the map, as it has a few pretty cool bars which are perfect places to end your day over a few beers. You can only come here by car.

Are you traveling to Central Asia? Here you can read my guide to the Stan countries

🧭 Extending your Tbilisi itinerary – Off the beaten track places to visit in Tbilisi

You will need at least 2 days to discover all these places.

Map of the off the beaten track things to do in Tbilisi

Soviet Modernism and buildings

If you like Soviet relics, Tbilisi has a great offering of Communist Heritage which doesn’t appear in any Tbilisi travel guide but most importantly, it seems to be one of the pioneers of Soviet Modernism, an artistic movement that flourished during the last decades of the USSR and mainly consisted of buildings with weird shapes and lots of murals.

Soviet architecture seems to have its momentum among travelers who like to get off the beaten track and Tbilisi will not disappoint you. 

Bank of Georgia Headquarters

Built by the Soviets in the 70s to serve as the Ministry of Highway Construction, this piled-brick, unique and extravagant building was later acquired by the Bank of Georgia. You can’t enter inside but seeing it from outside is the best part.

Soviet Murals & statues

There is a large collection of Soviet murals and statues all over the city. I have highlighted 3 of them on the above map but you can check all the locations on this link . These are the location of my 3 favorite ones:

• Technical University Metro station
• Fire Station Sarbutalo
• Georgia Exposition Center

If you like offbeat Soviet stuff, you will definitely enjoy the capital of Minsk. Read my travel guide to Minsk

Wedding Palace

Another example of extravagant Soviet Modernism, this cathedral-shaped building was built as a wedding palace. Later, it was purchased by a wealthy Georgian and today, it is leased for private events. 

Triple Soviet Block

Not part of the Soviet Modernism movement but for Soviet architecture lovers, this is an absolutely impressive piece and one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi.

It consists of three massive Soviet, concrete buildings connected by a metal bridge from where you get stunning views of Tbilisi’s Communist skyline.

The bridge is crossed quite often, as it is the only way to access the upper part of the neighborhood on foot. You can go up, no problem. The elevator works with coins (like most elevators in this area).

The Soviet cable car that takes you to Turtle Lake

If you think the cable car that goes all the way up to Narikhala fortress is too modern, and boring, then I recommend you take the one in Vake that takes you straight to the Turtle Lake.

It is one of those tuna can-shaped, rusty boxes, not very stable, but as solid as any Soviet artifact/construction. 

Abandoned hippodrome

An abandoned hippodrome today has become a place where Georgians come for a run or to hang out with their dogs. From here, you can also get a pretty cool view of Tbilisi’s Soviet skyline.

I lived 10 minutes away from this place, so used to come here for a run every couple of days.

More off the beaten track things to do in Tbilisi

These are other off the beaten track places to visit in Tbilisi.

They aren’t Soviet Heritage but still worth to visit. 

Kyiv also has plenty of off the beaten track stuff. Read my travel guide to Kyiv

Abandoned trains of Gostiridze

Right next to the train station of Gostiridze there are, literally, one hundred abandoned trains of all colors and some of them have been turned into houses which actual families live in.

You can walk around the area, enter inside the trains and do whatever the hell you want. Even the people living in those trains didn’t tell me anything. 

Abandoned Cable Car Station of Rustaveli

Located downtown, in one of the fanciest spots in the city, but hidden among the buildings, you find this circular, abandoned building that used to serve as a cable car station until they shut it down due to an accident in which some people died. 

Tbilisi underground Street Art

As you may notice, Tbilisi is packed with underground passages all over the city which, somehow, replace the crosswalks from the main streets.

These underground passages are actually pretty interesting to see because they are home to some sub-cultures, from musicians to traditional shops and, of course, pieces of very elaborated street art.

The two most impressive ones are the passages located down of Heroes Square and at the end of Pushkin Street (river side). Both places are highlighted on the map.

Not a very off-beat thing but still, a spot barely visited by most tourists. Lisi Lake is a tiny lake located in Sarbutalo, whose shores are filled with many bars and it is a popular meeting point among the young crowd who gather to have a bath or drink some beers.

A really cool place to spend the day. 

I recommend visiting Tbilisi’s Chinatown to those people who have (a lot of) time and like weird, stuff because this place is really weird and obscure. 

All right, Chinatown is a ghost mall, absolutely huge by the way, where you find weird stores, like a one selling souvenirs and clothes from Turkmenistan.

The shops are open and all people working are Chinese, yet, there is no one shopping and, in the outdoor part, you find super authentic Chinese restaurants always packed with Chinese. 

It doesn’t make sense and it is a waste of money but Georgians say that it was built for money laundering purposes. 

🛺 Transportation in Tbilisi

How to get from/to the airport.

• Bus – You can take bus #37 which goes from the airport to Freedom Square, right in front of the fancy mall. It costs 0.50GEL, like a single metro/bus ride. 
• Taxi – If you have Yandex (the Russian Uber), a taxi ride to the city center should cost around 20GEL (6-7€). If you don’t have the app, good luck bargaining the price with the taxi drivers. Their rates start at 30GEL and if they see you are a tourist, they may ask 50 or 60GEL. 

The metro in Tbilisi consists of those very deep metro stations characteristic of the Soviet Union. There are two lines and they go to pretty much all the places I mentioned in the Tbilisi itinerary. One single ticket costs 0.50GEL, but remember to buy the metro card, which costs a few additional GEL. 

Where the metro doesn’t go, you can take the bus and Google Maps tells you the bus number when you calculate the route. It works with the same metro card, but you can also buy single tickets in the bus. 

Yellow mini-vans

The abundant yellow mini-vans are a faster alternative to the buses but they are more difficult to use because the signs are in the Georgian alphabet. A single ride costs 0.80GEL. 

As I said, download Yandex or Taxify (it is slightly more expensive). With these two apps, rides within the city cost 3 to 5GEL. 

There are two functional cable cars, the one that takes you to Narikala fortress and the one that goes to Turtle Lake. Both work with the regular metro card. 

There is a funicular that takes you all the way up to Mtatsminda Park just behind Rustaveli. You need to buy a special card. 

Bus station to Mtskheta, Kutaisi, Kazbegi , Batumi or Borjomi

To go in those directions, you should go to the station located in Didube, where you also find a traditional bazaar worth checking out. Didube is also a metro station. A taxi from the city center would cost around 8GEL. 

Bus station to Sighnaghi, Telavi, Yerevan

To go in these directions, the bus station is named Ortachala and this is the location: 41.675794, 44.834233 . (By the way, buses and marshrutkas to Yerevan also leave from Didube and Station Square but I think in Ortachala you have more options. The closest metro station is  Isani, 15 minutes away on foot. 

Train Station

The train station is located in Station Square and the different lines connect Tbilisi with Batumi and go all the way up to Zugdidi and everything in between. You can also take a train to Yerevan and Baku . Tickets can be purchased at the station itself, but you can also book in advance on this website . 

🍲 Where to eat in Tbilisi

This section focuses on my favorite restaurants in Tbilisi. For a detailed explanation of Georgian food, remember to check my travel guide to Georgia . 

Mid-range restaurant (My favorite) – Culinarium Khasheria – The chef is a lady who used to live in different parts of Europe and then she opened this restaurant serving traditional food with a modern touch. It has a great selection of local wines as well. By the way, the restaurant is located in a very touristy area and, for this reason, you are likely to see some tourists but there are many locals as well and, in any case, several Georgians recommended this place to me. 

Mid-range restaurant – Shavi Lomi – An outdoor, very quiet restaurant at the heart of Marjanishvili serving traditional food. All the Georgian food on the menu is great and I recommend you get gobi as a starter. 

Fancy restaurant – Barbarestan – The fanciest restaurant in town serving local, high cuisine. In my opinion, it is a bit overrated but that it is because you also pay for the excellent service and the setup. 

Local budget restaurant – Mapshalia – For just a few laris, this traditional local eatery is very authentic and barely discovered by travelers.

Best Khachapuri Adjaluri – Retro – This restaurant was right next to my apartment and the locals told me that they serve one of the best Khachapuri Adjaluris (boat-shaped bread with cheese) in town. 

Best Khinkali and traditional food – Shemoikhede Genatsvale – Also pretty cheap and not discovered by travelers, this is the best budget restaurant to taste the largest variety of traditional food and many locals claim that they serve some of the best khinkalis . 

Try to avoid Machakhela – A popular Georgian chain which has restaurants all over the city. Seriously, they have 30 or 40, and always in the most convenient locations. They tend to be busy but the food is average compared to the restaurants from the list, so don’t go there.  

🍻 Where to drink in Tbilisi

These are some of the bars I used to go drinking:

Amodi – Local vibe and good for both beers and dinner. This bar is located on the upper part of the Old Town, so you get a pretty panoramic view of the city. 

Bauhaus – Outdoor bar located in Daedena Park and a place where you can be drinking beer from early afternoon to 4 or 5am. It is always filled with locals. 

Fabrika – Fabrika was my favorite after-work place. Great atmosphere and several bars to choose from. 

Warszawa – When you don’t know where to go, you go to Warszawa to have some quick shots. You will recognize it because there are always groups of people standing and drinking outside of it. 

Dive Bar – This is like an institution in Tbilisi. They serve cheap, craft beer and the people are a mixture of regular expats and cool Georgians. 

☕ Best cafés for digital nomads in Tbilisi

These are just some of the cafés where I used to work:

Prospero’s Books – Really quiet, nice outdoor area and a working atmosphere. 

Fabrika – The best internet plus it has the main advantage that the best after work area is right next door. 

Kiwi Café – A vegan-friendly café. 

The Coffee Lab – The best coffee in town. 

Hurma – Nice breakfast and a working atmosphere as well.

❗ More information for visiting Tbilisi

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Georgia destination

• Travel Guide to Kakheti
• Travel Guide to Kazbegi
• Georgia Travel Guide
• Georgia Itinerary
• Best Books on Georgia
• Trekking Guide to Georgia

Check more city guides

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Asmara Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Dubai
• Beirut Travel Guide
• Erbil Travel Guide
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Baku Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Minsk
• Kiev Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Nouakchott
• A City Guide to Mosul

10 comments

wow, I wish you had published this earlier, as I just went to Tbilisi last week. Anyways, what a great guide to Tbilisi. Sadly, I didn’t visit any of the of the off the beaten track places, even though I passed by that station Gostiridze on my way to Didube 🙁 Question: you said you lived there. Did you rent an apartment on Airbnb or what did you do? I just found the Airbnb apartments to be quite pricey.

Hi Marc, we rented it through a local website named place.ge. It was difficult because many of the agents didn’t speak english but we found a few who did. We paid 300USD for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sarbutalo. Pretty good and you could sign a 6-months contract. The people I met who rented it through Airbnb paid doubler than us.

Great info!

We’ve been in Tbilisi for 2 months so far and love all your suggestions of things to see and do. We did, however, get arrested while walking through the abandoned trains so anyone hoping to see them should keep that in mind. The police weren’t too bad and just made us delete our photos but it was a bit nerve wracking being escorted to the station…

really? I am so sorry to hear that, i had no idea you could get in trouble for doing that. I just walked around freely without any problem!

Hi , did you run the trip to Kurdistan, and will you be running the expedition to Georgia soon? Thanks

Hi Michael, the trip to Kurdistan will take place on May 21st. Georgia expedition doesn’t have a date set

I really like your blog. I think you’re the best travel blogger I’ve come across. Your writing style is easy to read, but detailed enough. Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate what you’re doing. Keep it up!

thanks for your kind comment Patrick! Yes, I like to keep it simple but at the same time insightful 🙂

You are a perfect guide writer:) Thank yo so much!

I have a feeling that in a place like this, you won’t experience the ugliness of political cultures like you would in developed regions. The isolation in this town seems to give people a sense of escapism.

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A Full and Detailed Tbilisi Travel Guide & Tbilisi City Guide!

Categories Europe , Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia is a fantastic city to visit. In fact, Georgia itself is a brilliant Country to visit. It’s becoming more and more popular as one of the best countries to visit for a holiday in Europe as well as a backpacking trip around Europe!

I loved my time in Tbilisi, and after spending 5 days in Tbilisi with my Dad I got a really good feel for the City, so here is my full and detailed Tbilisi travel guide and Tbilisi City Guide on things to see and do in Tbilisi, things to eat, places to eat, where to stay and a few important Tbilisi travel tips to help you have the best time!

Tbilisi Travel Guide

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best Time to visit Tbilisi Georgia.

Georgia is one of those countries that has real seasons so the best time to visit Georgia depends on what weather you like!

I visited Tbilisi in May and it was the perfect temperature, I could tell Summer was coming but Spring was still in the air with comfortable temperatures of around 20°. Summer will bring very hot temperatures and December and January will bring freezing temperatures! I think mid-Spring and mid-Autumn are the best times to plan a visit to Tbilisi.

How long to stay in Tbilisi Georgia.

I spent 5 days in Tbilisi however we were purposely exploring slowly and did a lot of chilling too. I would say 2 or 3 days in Tbilisi is a good amount of time to see the city if you’re on time constraints, otherwise, you can easily pass 5 days there if you have the time. There’s a lot to see in Tbilisi actually!

Where to stay in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Tbilisi is a big city, or at least when looking at a map of Tbilisi it appears to be. It’s by no means a big city like London or Paris but when you look at the attractions to visit it does appear quite spread out.

Hostels in Tbilisi

I kicked off my stay in Tbilisi at Fabrika Hostel which is on the East side of the city. This is one of the best hostels I have stayed in and has to be the best hostel in Tbilisi, I even wrote a blog post all about it here .

In short, it’s a converted soviet sewing factory, it’s been decorated brilliantly with an industrial, shabby, chic design. On first appearance, it does seem slightly out of the centre but it’s really not and it’s nice to walk through some ‘local’ streets to get back to the hostel from the river and the main tourist areas.

Airbnb in Tbilisi

For the second half of our week, we stayed in an Airbnb on the west side of the river which is one of the best locations to stay in Tbilisi in my opinion. I stayed at ‘Finding Nino’s place’ which you can find on Airbnb via this link  and I would highly recommend it.

It’s perfect for 2-4 people, feels really local… because, well, it is! It’s in a good location (although slightly up on the hill so expect hill walks to get back), it was a really good price for the whole apartment and Nino herself was lovely!

I noticed that Tbilisi has some great Airbnb options when looking so unless you want a hostel and a hostel feel then I would suggest getting onto Airbnb and I would recommend staying over on the West side of the city, to be honest.

There are also lots of hotels in Tbilisi for all budgets so be sure to have a look on  Booking.com here !

Things to do in Tbilisi

Now for the fun bit! There are plenty of things to see and do in Tbilisi and actually one of the best things about the city is that you can see stuff up on the hill or from afar and think ‘’Oh what’s that, I need to see it!’ and you just end up walking over to it or come across stuff when walking around Tbilisi but here are just a few ideas to get you started.

I really recommend exploring Tbilisi by yourself and at your own pace however, a city tour to get a real understanding of Tbilisi’s history would be a good idea.

 If you want to see Tbilisi and the rest of Georgia really well, I would recommend checking out one of these tours , you could do a city tour, a bike tour, a wine tour, a mountain tour!

See both sides of the river

I stayed on both sides of the river which meant we got to explore both sides so whichever side you stay on, make sure you venture over the river to the other side of the City to explore.

Narikala Fortress & the Cable Car up

The best view of Tbilisi is from the Narikala Fortress! To get to Narikala Fortress take a cable car from Rike Park which is close to the Bridge of Peace. It cost us 95p for a return journey for 2 people so it’s pretty cheap!

You pass over the river and then go right over the top of one of the old neighbourhoods which gives a great view into how all of the houses are perched on the hill. Once you are at the top and have taken in the view you can walk along some steps to the Fortress. You can climb some walls of the Fortress but it looked a bit dodgy to us so we just took in the view.

Mother of Georgia Statue

From Fortress hill you can go right to the base of the Mother of Georgia statute.

This lady is perched high and looks over the entire city with a great view of Tbilisi. It’s said she has a sword in one hand for the enemy and a glass of wine in the other for friends and that she holds the wine higher than the sword because she would prefer friends to arrive, and this pretty much sums up Georgia’s history. They would prefer to be friends but are ready to fight if needs be.

Botanical Gardens

Whilst I didn’t get to the Tbilisi Botanical gardens, they are up by the Fortress and look really nice so if you want a rest from city life then have a walk around them for a bit.

Thermal Baths in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has Thermal Baths and is very famous for them. Tbilisi is built on hot springs a bit like Budapest. The world Tbili in Georgian actually means warm!

There’s a bath district in the city which is called Abanotubani and it’s located underneath the Fortress hill. I went to Gulo’s Thermal Spa which I would recommend as one of the best thermal spa’s in Tbilisi because its a great price and place.  I wrote a full post about  Gulo’s Thermal Bath here with prices and how to book!

Mount Mtatsminda

Right upon a very big hill is a huge pylon and it can be seen all around the city, especially at night when it lights up. From some angles in the city, you can also see a Ferris wheel which looks very scary as it looks like it’s perching on the edge of the hill!

This hill or mountain I guess you could say is Mount Mtatsminda and it actually has a whole theme park on top of it! I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going up there for the theme park as it’s not the best Tbilisi attraction unless you have children but I would say go to take in the incredible view of Tbilisi City! We went at golden hour on a sunny day and it was beautiful!

To get Mount Mtatsminda there is a funicular from Vilnius Square station. It is a walk uphill to get to the station from elsewhere in the city but there’s also lots of taxi’s if you do not want to walk. The funicular cost about £3.85 for 2 people and once up the top, it’s free to walk around and breathe in that fresh, fresh air!

Tbilisi Clock Tower

This is an interesting clock tower. I’m going to be honest and say I have no idea what it resembles or means but it’s worth passing by, it’s also on the edge of Old Tbilisi and has some nice streets around it.

Tbilisi Free Walking Tour

I always like to take a free walking tour in cities as I think it’s a great way to get my bearings, especially if I do it on the first day. It’s also a good way to get a locals perspective of the city and learn some history and facts. I did the tour with Tbilisi Free Walking Tour and it was very good!

We didn’t cover as much ground as I would have liked but we learned some interesting stuff, heard some old legends and stories about the city and even got to try out some Georgian wine and hear how they make it which is something Georgia is actually known for!

I really wish I had done a better and more in detail tour whilst I was there to learn more about the city and culture, one of these would have been great!

Sameba Cathedral / Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Tbilisi is full of churches! You’ll pass so many as walk around Tbilisi but if you visit just one I would recommend seeing Sameba Church, it’s up on the hill on the East side of the city and is huge, in fact I believe it’s the biggest church in the Caucasus region and one of the largest religious buildings in the world!

I actually didn’t get to it which is my only Tbilisi regret so make sure you go so you don’t regret it!

Bridge of Peace

To help you cross the river be sure to use the Bridge of Peace. It’s a very new and architecturally interesting bridge. Fun fact, it’s been nicknamed Always Ultra because errmm it kind of looks like a sanitary pad..!

Dry Bridge Flea Market

This bridge and the grassy area beside Dry Bridge is home to a flea market open every day and when I tell you they sell everything, I mean everything!!

There’s a huge amount of useless stuff.. empty bottles and Marriott hotel slippers for example, they also have things from gas masks and war memorabilia to records, dvd’s, jewellery, glasses and soo much more! It’s a sight to be seen that’s for sure so definitely check it out.

Georgian National Museum

Tbilisi has a few museums but what Dad and I were really interested in was the soviet era and the Georgian National Museum has a floor dedicated to this era inside it. To be honest, it wasn’t that detailed and didn’t provide a huge amount of information but it was worth going and I would recommend it if you want to learn a bit more, just don’t expect too much!

Take in the Architecture

As you walk around, remember to keep looking up, take different streets than you have before because this city changes so much down each street. Sometimes you’ll see beautiful well-preserved buildings, sometimes you see crumbling buildings, some due to lack of money and care, others due to recent earthquake damage and sometimes you see modern silver buildings that are super new and innovative!

Unique Things to do in Tbilisi

Chronicles of georgia monument.

The Chronicles of Georgia Monument is a huge monument perched upon a hill just outside of Tbilisi that not many people know about or visit! It’s definitely a unique place to visit in Tbilisi!

To get to The Chronicles of Georgia Monument from Tbilisi was a bit difficult due to not many tourists visiting and not many locals seeming to know about it, but after some pointing at a map and some hand signals, we found a taxi driver who knew where we wanted to go! It’s located to the north of the Tbilisi Sea (which is actually a reservoir) so i pointed this out on the map.

We agreed on 40 GEL for him to take us there, stay for about 40 minutes and then bring us back into the city. The journey took about 20 minutes and before we knew it we had pulled up in a quiet car park. The Chronicles of Georgia Monument is very random but it’s certainly impressive.

The pillars and huge and from the back you can see across Tbilisi sea. I was also pleased that it was indeed very quiet, this is not on any Tbilisi Day Trips yet but I can imagine in a few years this place will be on the tourist radar!

We only stayed for 30 minutes or so as there isn’t anything else to do at The Chronicles of Georgia Monument and headed straight back so it was a very quick trip but if you have time I would definitely recommend it!

Day Trips from Tbilisi 

Tbilisi is a great city but there’s a lot more to Georgia than just Tbilisi! For various reasons we didn’t base ourselves anywhere else other than Tbilisi but we did take a day trip up to The Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi which was actually my favourite day in Georgia!

We got a private driver for our day trip to the Kazbegi Mountains and headed North up the country a few km’s from the Russian border and stopped to take in the mountain views on the way. I would 110% recommend doing this trip especially if you’re just basing yourself in Tbilisi, I wrote a whole blog post on the  day trip here and filmed the trip which you can  watch here .

And if you want to escapre Tbilisi for a few days, here’s a guide to Signagi , one of the prettiest towns in Georgia!

This is one of the day tours that are on offer which you can book online to save you having to look when you get to Tbilisi:

What to Eat in Tbilisi.

Georgia is actually very popular for its local Georgian dishes and you can get them all in Tbilisi at Tbilisi’s Best Restaurants ! There are a few key dishes that you’ll no doubt try and see everywhere, especially in tourist places.

The food is very carb-heavy because there’s a lot of bread on offer (but its soo good!), and just so you know, it’s easy to be a vegetarian in Georgia but probably harder to be Vegan in Georgia as they eat a lot of dairy! Here is just a quick rundown on the best Georgian Foods to eat in Tbilisi and how to eat them!

You’ll probably see Khachapuri everywhere and oh my is it good! Bread with a cheese filling, complete with an egg on top and butter! And the correct way to eat it.. with your hands only! No knives or forks!

Kihnkali are Traditional Georgian dumplings.. who knew Georgian’s loved dumplings but they do!

They come with a few fillings, meat, cheese or mushroom and we actually preferred the cheese over the meat.

Although they might be sold individually on the menu the correct way to order Kihnkali is to order 5 per person, and to eat them is quite an art.

How to eat Kihnkali correctly is to pick them up by the stem and turn them upside down, take a bite and suck out the juice and then continue to eat them, if the juice is running down your arm then let it, apparently, this is better than getting it on the plate! But make sure you don’t eat the stem! No Georgians eat the stem (although it’s tempting), so put the stem back on the plate and move onto the next. To actually see me eat one then check out this vlog!

A cucumber and Tomato salad does sound quite boring right, even one with walnuts sounds boring, but salads in Georgia are not boring and are a great food to try in Georgia!

I was advised to try one of these simple salads and along with the walnut paste that we had on ours, all the spices they put on and the incredibly fresh and tasty tomatoes it was so good! (and helps balance out the fats from the Khachapuri!)

BBQ meat is very popular here, we had some nice dishes and although they are quite dry we had some chicken with pomegranate seeds and it was so nice!

Churchkhela

Around Tbilisi, you’ll see what looks like candles hanging up in shop fronts and stalls, these are actually edible! Inside them are nuts, walnuts usually, and the coating is fresh grape juice which then set around the nuts, the setting process takes a few months which is pretty crazy!

I did buy two and I’ll admit that I wasn’t a huge fan as to eat them you literally just bite into them and I figured they had just been hanging out in the open for probably quite a long time, however they are popular and if all else fails they make for a good picture!

What to Drink in Tbilisi Georgia.

Georgia is actually known for its wine and every blog post I read before going to Georgia raved about its wine. They make their wine by storing it in clay pots for months instead of big metal containers like a lot of other countries do. We didn’t end up drinking that much but we did do some tasting on the walking tour where we tried 3 types of wine and red, both sweet and dry. I loved the sweet red wine and later on we brought a bottle from the shop which was only a few pounds!

We drank more beer whilst we were there and liked the Argo which was super cheap.. cheaper than tea or coffee!

Cha cha is also something you may hear about, this is often referred to as Georgian vodka is often home-brewed so I can only imagine that it’s very strong!

Where to Eat and Drink in Tbilisi

We actually ended up eating on the same street (and in the same restaurant) pretty much all week because we figured we liked the food and this street must be the best area to eat in Tbilisi.

It was actually quite hard to find places to eat that weren’t on a main tourist street I thought, local restaurants were not that obvious, but either way here are 2 streets in Tbilisi with great restaurants. Both are walking streets away from the traffic which is one of the main reason we liked them and they’re on different sides of the city.

Erekelle II Street

This is a major tourist street but it’s one of the best places to eat in Tbilisi, it’s not that big and has maybe 8-10 restaurants and cafe’s along it. It’s pretty and it’s quiet and the staff are used to working with tourists so it’s good. We ate in a place called Pastorali most days and we loved the food there so I would highly recommend it. There’s also quite a few stray dogs and cats on this street, they’re friendly and just do their own thing but if you happen to have any leftovers I’m sure they won’t say no!

Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue

When I stumbled across this street I could not believe it. The buildings were so pretty, they had all been newly painted in bright colours with cute balconies and there were all different types of cafes lining the walking street. We enjoyed a lovely piece of cake and tea (so British I know!) at Cafe Velo.

We did, however, find it hard to find a dinner place in the evening so I would recommend street for lunch in Tbilisi or a snack/coffee.

Supermarket / Small store

If you’re staying in an Airbnb I would suggest heading to a supermarket to get some breakfast supplies because honestly, I have no idea where you’d find a good breakfast in Tbilisi or Brunch for that matter!

There are lots of small supermarkets as well as lots of cute little independent stores ran by the older generation and as with any foreign supermarket, you can find some weird and wonderful things! They sell some great cheeses and amazing fresh bread for about 20p!

If you want to see Tbilisi and the rest of Georgia really well, I would recommend checking out one of these tours , you could do a city tour, a bike tour, a wine tour, a mountain tour!

How to get around Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a totally walkable city! There is a metro and I thought we’d need to use it, but apart from the cable car and funicular, we didn’t use any public transport.

Tbilisi Travel Tips

Buy bottled water, don’t drink from the tap.

The plug adapter is a European adapter.

When you want to cross main roads look for an underground passage, there are a lot of passages along the very big roads because they’re so busy and there are no lights!

To cross a smaller road you just have to walk out and be confident, hold your hand out to tell drivers to stop and keep it out whilst you are walking across the road so they know to slow down.

Watch where you step, the pavement’s have holes and all sorts in them everywhere! There’s also a lot of dog poop!

Don’t worry about wifi, there is good wifi everywhere.

There are a lot of ATM’s and exchange shops.

I hope this either makes you decide to go to Tbilisi or helps plan your trip to Tbilisi and gets you excited for it!

• For more of my Georgia posts see:
• Day Trip to Kazbegi via the Georgian Military Road
• Visiting the Thermal Bath’s & which one to choose!
• Fabrika Hostel Tbilisi Review

To SEE my trip to Georgia check YouTube Vlogs Here !

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Viveka Gustavson

Wednesday 19th of December 2018

Hi there, leaving for a Christmas escape to Tbilisi on Friday. Thank you so much for all the useful information. So excited over my trip. Merry Christmas.

TheWanderingQuinn

Thursday 20th of December 2018

That will be so fun! You’re welcome and thank you for reading! :)

Thursday 7th of June 2018

Do you think it is better to take money from the ATM or exchange EURO? Thanks

I’d say to take money from the ATM when you’re there. :)

Friday 4th of May 2018

Thank you so much for the great information about Tbilisi and the photos too. I will be there in five days. Your experiences will help me a lot.

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for letting me know that you found it helpful. Enjoy, you’ll love it I’m sure! :)

Wednesday 18th of April 2018

I'm starting to plan my trip to Georgia this summer and this guide has been super helpful! I definitely can't wait to explore Tbilisi! :)

Thursday 19th of April 2018

Ooh I’m so glad! Thank you for letting me know Maja! You’ll love it I’m sure. I’ll be following along on insta! :)

sd malhotra

Sunday 4th of March 2018

excellent Blog. Did you see any Georgian Dance during your visit?

Thank you. No I didn’t see any which is a shame.

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Last updated on January 5, 2024

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The Best Tbilisi Tourist Map

We’ve curated the best of the best to share with you.

We at LOKAL want to make your transition to Georgia as simple as possible, so we created this Tbilisi tourist map for you. We’ve collected member recommendations for restaurants, gyms, coffee shops, and more so you can have just one spot to reference when looking for a place for lunch, a bar to relax with a drink, or a place to work from.

If you are looking for additional information on working and living in Georgia, check out our Digital Nomad Guide . Have suggestions for us? Post them in the comments below and we’ll get them added. Make sure to check back often as we continue to update and add recommendations to the map.

Bookmark this page and refer back to it during your stay in Tbilisi.

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February 28, 2023

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Travel Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia [with Sample Itinerary]

Read our Tbilisi travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this wonderful and cobblestoned capital of Georgia.

• Luxury Hotel Review: The Terrace Hotel, Tbilisi, Georgia
• Awesome Places To Explore in Georgia (Asia)
• 7 Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
• List of the Best Luxury Hotels in Georgia (the country)
• The Best Spas, Massages and Hammams in the Caucasus – Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan

Table of Contents

Tbilisi Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Tbilisi, Georgia

1. old town (altstadt) tbilisi.

Suggested Tour:  Tbilisi: Old Town Walking Tour

2. Aerial Tramway in Tbilisi

3. Tsminda Sameba Cathedral

4. Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater

This theatre is located right in the middle of the city and the theater itself is worth visiting. The structure and design are really different since the architectural side of the theatre are rather unusual as it is not a straight standing little building.

5. Jinvali Water Reservoir

Suggested Tour:  Tbilisi: Jvari Monastery, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Kazbegi Tour

6. Narikala Fortress

Suggested Tour: Tbilisi: City Highlights Walking Tour

7. Georgian National Museum

To get a deeper understanding of Georgia, this is the place you should visit. The rich history of the country is there to read and learn about. A wonderful museum that’s consists of the earliest hominids, through the Stone Age and right up to the present day. Everything inside the museum is well laid out, absolutely worth the entrance fee.

Suggested Your:  Tbilisi: Walking Sightseeing Tour

8. The Bridge of Peace

Suggested Tour:  Tbilisi by Night Walking Tour

9. Rustaveli Avenue

Suggested Tour: Tbilisi: Private Walking and Driving Tour of the City

10. National Botanical Garden of Georgia

Nature lovers won’t regret visiting this beautiful garden. You can literally walk around here for the whole day and be able to see a waterfall, different kinds of flowers, trees, plants, bridges, etc. If you still have some time left in Tbilisi and you want some tranquility, this is the place you should be.

Tbilisi Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Tbilisi, Georgia

Day 1 – weekend guide to tbilisi, georgia.

Old Town (Altstadt) Tbilisi –  Visit the atmospheric old town of Tbilisi. You can find other tourist destinations here such as a fortress, citadel, etc.

Georgian National Museum –  For a starter and getting to know more about Georgia, this national museum has the information for you.

Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater –  Be amazed by the theater’s unique architecture. Located just in the middle of the city, you won’t have a hard time finding it.

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia

Aerial Tramway in Tbilisi –  Have a wonderful view of the whole city of Tbilisi in this tram experience. Not only that but you can also enjoy the botanical garden, shops, a fortress, and a cafeteria on top.

The Bridge of Peace –  Don’t forget to visit this stunning bridge over the river in Tbilisi. Although it is equally beautiful both day and night, going here in the evening is much more romantic as the bridge is illuminated.

Rustaveli Avenue – You can find restaurants and shops here. You can also visit museums and historical places for an added adventure.

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia

National Botanical Garden of Georgia –  After days of exploring Tbilisi, unwind here at the National Botanical Garden of Georgia. This is the place where you can escape from the hustle and noise of the city.

Tbilisi Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Tbilisi, Georgia

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi, Georgia if you’re a Backpacker

Almeto Hotel

Almeto Hotel features air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi. The classic-style rooms feature a wardrobe. The private bathrooms come with a shower. The hotel offers buffet breakfast. Guests can also benefit from a number of restaurants located just a short walk away.

Price: Starts at $23 per night for Standard Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Nishi Hotel

Nishi Hotel features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Tbilisi City. The hotel has family rooms. The nearest airport is Tbilisi International Airport, 18 km from Nishi Hotel.

All of the air-conditioned rooms at Salo include a satellite TV and a fridge. Each has an en suite with bathrobes and either a bath or a shower. Free Wi-Fi is also offered.

Price: Starts at $25 per night for Economy Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi, Georgia if you’re on a Budget

Rooms at Hotel Nata are all equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Guests can order breakfast at the hotel and can enjoy the meal in a peaceful courtyard.

Price: Starts at $31 per night for Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Simon’s Boutique Hotel

Simon’s Boutique Hotel is set in a historic building from the 19’th century and offers accommodation in Tbilisi City. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Certain units feature a seating area for your convenience. Certain rooms have views of the river or city.

Price: Starts at $36 per night for Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Hotel Terrace

Hotel Terrace offers accommodation with a bar, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace. The units at the hotel come with a seating area. At Hotel Terrace all rooms are equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. The accommodation offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

Price: Starts at $40 per night for Deluxe Room, includes taxes and charges, add $2 for breakfast , but it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi, Georgia if you want Luxury

IOTA Hotel Tbilisi

IOTA Hotel Tbilisi boasts air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, safety box, minibar, and a private bathroom. Also, a terrace or balcony is fitted in some rooms. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant and the garden. Tbilisi International Airport is 17 km from the property.

Price: Starts at $110 per night for Solo Lucky, includes taxes and charges, add $16 for breakfast , but it offers a free cancellation.

Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel

Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel features modern minimalist décor and offers an exclusive 1,600-square-metre Anne Semonin spa center. All modern rooms at Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel come with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, hot drinks facilities, and a free bottle of water. Private bathrooms include bath or shower and provide guests with free toiletries and a hairdryer. A rich buffet breakfast is served each morning at the property.

Price: Starts at $158 per night for Standard Room, includes taxes and charges, add $23 for breakfast , but it offers a free cancellation.

Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace

Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. Guests can enjoy dinner at Ati – Rooftop Restaurant and have drinks at the on-site bar. Buffet breakfast is served every morning at the accommodation. Each room at Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace feature city or mountain views.  All soundproofed units include a sitting area, wardrobe, flat-screen TV, Nespresso machine as well as a minibar.

Price: Starts at $203 per night for Deluxe Twin, Guest room, 2 Twin/Single Bed(s) , includes taxes and charges, add $20 for breakfast , but it offers a free cancellation.

Tbilisi Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Tbilisi, Georgia

To have that delicious Georgian cuisine, Sormoni is the place to be. Diners can get to experience good food and good service.

Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Sun-Sat) Address:  Alexander Kazbegi Avenue #57, Tbilisi 0101 Georgia

Salobie Bia

At Salobie Bia, you can have authentic Georgian dishes made with unique recipes by the restaurant’s owner, who’s also a chef.

Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Sun-Sat) Address:  17 Shota Rustavelii Avenue, Tbilisi 0104 Georgia

Los Crayfish Hermanos

Serving seafood dishes, especially crayfish, all seafood lovers would love dining here. You should try a combo of their crayfish and draft dark beer.

Operating hours: 04:00 AM – 04:15 AM (Sun) Address:  Abo Tbileli st. 1, Tbilisi 0105 Georgia

SOSA Artisanal Cafe & Bakery

A nice and lovely cafe with vegetarian option would make your day. Their aromatic coffee and delicious pastries are not to miss!

Operating hours: 08:00 AM – 02:00 AM (Sun-Sat) Address:  Gogiberidze st. 12, Tbilisi 0102 Georgia

Respublika Grill Bar

Respublika Grill Bar offers the best burgers, pizzas, and steaks in Tbilisi. If you’re craving for some meat, you should head your way here!

Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 00:00 AM  (Sun-Sat) Address:  19 Pavle Ingorokva St, Tbilisi 0108 Georgia

And that’s our Tbilisi travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!

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Tbilisi guide – 21 Tbilisi travel tips to make your trip easier

Tbilisi, the awesome capital of Georgia and one of my favorite cities, is getting more and more popular with each year.

I’ve been visiting Tbilisi frequently for the past 8 years – the number of tourists increased, a lot and Tbilisi tourism is developing rapidly.

And I do get it, the city is amazing, with so much to offer that everyone should find something interesting.

If you are planning to visit Georgia I put together a small Tbilisi guide with numerous Tbilisi travel tips that will hopefully make your trip smoother.

Tbilisi essentials

• Airport transfer: Pre-book the airport transfer from Tbilisi airport to your accommodation in Tbilisi here .
• Where to stay in Tbilisi: Hotel Flower (9.1/10) / Redrum Tbilisi Boutique Hotel (9.3/10)
• Best Tbilisi tour: Private Walking Tbilisi City Tour
• Best day trip from Tbilisi: Day Trip to Armenia Including Homemade Lunch
• Get insured for your trip to Georgia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Where is Tbilisi Georgia?

First things first – Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is located in the Caucasus region.

The country has borders with Turkey, Russia , Azerbaijan , and Armenia and it used to be part of the Soviet Union.

The local time is GMT +3 in the summer and GMT +4 in winter.

When is the best time to visit Tbilisi, Georgia?

I’ve been to Tbilisi in all seasons and my favorite time is either spring or autumn.

Summers can be insanely hot there, the city is also full of tourists so you might wait a bit in line for a cable car or for a table at the restaurant.

On the other hand, winters can be unpredictable. If you plan a trip to Tbilisi aim for either spring or autumn.

Tbilisi in spring

Money in Tbilisi

The local currency in Georgia is lari (GEL). At the time of writing this article (March 2019), 1 GEL was approximately $0,38 and €0,33.

I assume Georgian lari isn’t readily available all over the world, but you don’t need to worry about it.

There are numerous ATMs all over Tbilisi so you can get your money without problems. Just be careful as some ATMs charge the commission – i.e., ProCredit Bank on Liberty Square.

If you want to exchange money the easiest will be US dollars, Euro or Russian rubles.

There are numerous exchange points all over the city (I know by heart at least 3 at Kote Afkhazi street – the main road in Old Tbilisi that connects Liberty Square with Metekhi Bridge), and you will easily spot them.

The rates are more or less similar to all of them, the majority of these points also don’t take the commission.

You can also pay by card with most of the cafes, restaurants, shops and other places.

How to get to Tbilisi

There are numerous way how to get to Tbilisi: plane, train, bus, marshrutka – you name it.

If you arrive from abroad, you will most likely fly to Georgia, either to Tbilisi or Kutaisi airport.

To get from Tbilisi airport to the city center, you need to take bus no 37.

It runs 24/7 from the airport to the central train station via Avlabari metro station, Liberty Square and Rustaveli. The ticket costs 0,50 lari (~ $0,20 / €0,17) and can be bought onboard – you need to place the travel card on top of the grey ticket machine and collect the printed ticket (if you don’t have it you can ask fellow passengers to do it for you and give them money, it’s also possible to throw the coins to the machine directly).

You can check the schedule of the buses here .

Alternatively, if you already have the internet data or if the airport wifi works well, you might take Yandex Taxi – a local version of Uber, popular in many post-USSR countries.

Everything works just like with Uber, you only need to download the app before the trip, and you’re free to go.

The big advantage of Yandex Taxi is that you can pay by cash, whereas in Uber it’s not always possible.

From the Liberty Square, the Yandex Taxi should cost just under 20 lari.

If you arrive in Georgia with low-cost airlines, you will most likely land at Kutaisi International Airport. That’s actually how I most often reach Georgia, and there are no issues with getting to Tbilisi from there.

A company called Georgian Bus operates Kutaisi airport – Tbilisi route, with the departure time suitable for flight arrivals.

They wait for all the passengers and depart when everyone is on the bus, usually within an hour after the plane arrives. They also have enough seats for everyone.

You can buy the ticket online or get it after arriving at Kutaisi (that’s what I always do) – Georgian Bus stand is directly in front of the exit from the arrivals zone.

One way ticket costs 20 lari, but if you buy a return (you need to tell them when exactly you are going back), it’s 36 lari.

The journey from Kutaisi airport to Tbilisi takes around 4 hours, in Tbilisi buses arrive and depart from Liberty Square.

If you come from Yerevan, Armenia or Baku, Azerbaijan most likely you will arrive by train.

The station is well connected with central Tbilisi by metro, it’s two stops away from Rustaveli and three from Liberty Square.

You might also arrive by bus/marshrutka (uncomfortable minibus, the most popular form of local transport in former USSR countries) to Tbilisi, in that case, it depends on the destination where you will arrive from.

Marshrutkas from Kutaisi, Batumi and other destinations in Western Georgia arrive to Didube – you can take the metro from there to the center.

Comfortable vans from Yerevan arrive at Avlabari – it’s very close to the center and with the good metro connection. Marshrutkas from Yerevan (not really recommended) or buses from Turkey come to Ortachala bus station – it’s more tricky to get to the center from there, buses no 50 or 71 go directly to Liberty Square.

Tbilisi train station

How to get around Tbilisi

You will walk to many places in Tbilisi, especially in and around the Old Town.

But the good thing is Tbilisi has an efficient and easy to navigate the public transport system.

There are two metro lines, numerous buses, and cable cars that you can use, one ride costs 0,50 lari (although if you change between mode of transportation within a certain time you are not charged for another ticket, I haven’t figured out yet how long it is).

You can get a public transport card in the metro station (I got my ages ago, it was and still is 2 lari), charge it how much you want and use it for how many people you want.

If there are three of you, you don’t need to get three separate cards. Instead, each of you can use the same card to get the ticket.

You can check beforehand which buses you will need at the website of Tbilisi public transport company – it’s easy to navigate.

Once at the bus stop screens are showing the nearest departure, with the destinations written in both Georgian and English.

In the new blue buses, you will find the ticket machine in the middle door, in the old yellow ones you should enter through the front door.

With the public transport card, you can also use cable cars to Narikala fortress (2,50 lari one way) and to from Vake Park to Turtle Lake (1 lari/one way).

The funicular to Mtatsminda requires a separate card, it costs 2 lari and then the ticket is 3 lari/one way.

The card can be bought and charged at the lower station of the funicular if more people are traveling together one card is enough for everyone.

Inside old bus in Tbilisi

Tbilisi travel card and ticket

Metro station Technical University

Where to stay in Tbilisi

My number one Tbilisi accommodation is Hotel Flower . I stayed there during my last visit to Tbilisi, and I know I will be staying there again.

Everything about this hotel was great – the location, the staff, the large, spotless room and filling breakfast.

But the absolute best thing about the place was the view, I don’t think I know a hotel in Tbilisi with a better view really.

The hotel is located on the 6th floor, and each room is facing the city – I got a view towards Mother Georgia, Narikala, Avlabari and beyond.

There is also a terrace from where you can see the view in all the directions. Just stunning!

For my three nights stay, I paid 204 lari which I think is a very reasonable price for everything the hotel offers.

It has the rating of 9.9/10 on Booking – you hardly see such a high rates there!

Click here to see current rates and book Hotel Flower

My view from the window at Hotel Flower

Other recommended places to stay in Tbilisi:

• ALCATRAZ JAIL-HOSTEL (9.5/10 on Booking)
• Fabrika Tbilisi (9.0/10 on Booking)
• Tuta Hotel (9.5/10 on Booking)

Inside Fabrika

What to do in Tbilisi

This list can be long really.

First and foremost head to the Old Tbilisi and get lost in the maze of streets there.

Visit some of the amazing old churches (did you know Georgia was among the first countries that took Christianity as the state religion?), including Sioni Cathedral.

Take the cable car (or walk) to Narikala Fortress and while you are there say hello to Mother Georgia.

Go to the old baths. Hang out in the Rike Park and walk across the funky Bridge of Peace.

Walk down Rustaveli Avenue to admire the splendid architecture. Go shopping at the Dry Bridge flea market and walk the Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue.

And don’t even get me started with the Soviet architecture in Tbilisi! There are so many things to do in Tbilisi , really!

Old Tbilisi

Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue

How many days should you stay in Tbilisi

I think the absolute minimum is 2 days in Tbilisi but the more, the better.

I’ve already spent around 4 weeks here in total, and I still haven’t seen everything I wanted to. It’s one of these places that the more time you spend here, the more things to do you find.

Where to eat in Tbilisi

Let’s start with the most important fact here – Georgian food is hands down the best.

As a vegetarian, there are so many options I can choose from that make Georgia food heaven for me.

I have one favorite place to eat in Tbilisi (that is currently going through renovation, unfortunately) and that’s Racha at Lermontov street.

If a friend wouldn’t have taken me there the first time I don’t think I’d notice this place myself, or be brave enough to enter.

But don’t get discouraged, Racha might not look fancy (although it improved a lot over the years) but it offers some of the best and cheap food.

If Racha is closed or busy another place I visit frequently is Samikitno.

It’s a chain, they have numerous locations all over the city. However, I most often go to the one at Liberty Square.

They are open 24/7 which is good when you arrive in the city early in the morning and are dying to get some Georgian food (which is often how I start my visits in Tbilisi).

Their dishes are good, and the prices are affordable too (I never paid more than 20 lari there, including the service, and I always left full).

Cafes in Tbilisi

You might not know or expect it but Tbilisi is kind of like a hipster capital of Eastern Europe. The number of cool places to visit here is outstanding and that also applies to the cafes.

So many great places opened up here recently that again, a week wouldn’t be enough to visit them all. So if you are looking a good cafe in Tbilisi here are my top picks:

Althaus Tea Room

Moulin Electrique

• Skola Coffee & Wine Bar

Where to go out in Tbilisi

To be honest, I’m not much of a party animal so I can’t personally recommend any place to go out in Tbilisi.

Everyone kept raving about Bassiani – an iconic techno club located in the former Soviet pool in the basement of Dinamo stadium.

Knowing how Fabrika looks like in the daylight, I assume this might be an excellent place for a night out too!

Day trips from Tbilisi

Tbilisi can be a perfect base for day trips around. The most popular is Mtskheta, the holy city of Georgia located only 20 km away from Tbilisi.

Other places you can easily visit as day trips from Tbilisi include David Gareja , Sighnagi, Gori, Uplistsikhe, Ananuri or Kazbegi (although the last one definitely deserves more than a day in my opinion).

Here you can check the details and current prices of day trips from Tbilisi:

• David Gareji Monastery and Signagi Wine Tasting Private Tour
• Kazbegi, Gergeti & Ananuri Mountains Private Full-Day Tour
• Tbilisi: Mtskheta, Gori, Stalin Museum & Uplistsikhe Tour
• Borjomi & Bakuriani: Small Group Full-Day Tour from Tbilisi
• From Tbilisi: Private Day Trip to Armenia

David Gareja

Be careful when walking around

And I don’t even mean crazy local drivers. This might sound silly but be careful when wandering around Tbilisi.

Dogs poop is a big problem here, some of the streets are so full of them you need almost to jump around. You don’t want to end up with one on your shoes…

Be brave to get lost

Old Tbilisi is an incredible maze of streets.

Be brave, hide the map and wander aimlessly around. Don’t be afraid to get lost. You don’t even know how many amazing wonders you can find around.

That’s actually how once I found probably the most colorful house in Tbilisi, still with “for rent” sign – today it’s one of the biggest attractions of the area.

One of the highlights of Tbilisi is beautiful yards. Be curious, step inside and see them too. They are beautiful and again might hide some wonders waiting for you to find them!

Be observant

Tbilisi is all about the details. Tiles, sculptures, mosaics, paintings – you will see a wide variety of all of these in Tbilisi. Be observant and catch as many of these details as possible!

Be respectful

Remember that locals are living around. What might be one of the biggest Tbilisi attractions for you is just everyday reality and home for them.

Georgian people are in general very hospitable, but they might get annoyed when more and more tourists are sneaking around their houses.

So remember to be respectful when exploring Old Tbilisi. And be friendly to locals, they deserve it.

You will notice a lot of people staring at you (that’s perfectly acceptable in Georgia).

Don’t be intimidated and don’t turn your eyes away, smile and say hello (in Georgian, Russian, English…) – 90% of them will immediately warm up and you might end up with some interesting conversations.

Learn the language

Georgian language is very beautiful but it’s also one of the hardest languages to learn. It’s worth to know few useful sentences, though – it will help you tremendously.

After all this trips to Georgia I know only these words:

• gamarjoba – hello
• didi madloba – thank you very much
• gaumarjos – cheers
• ara – no

I use gamarjoba and didi madloba a lot, and that changes everything! People really appreciate that you are making an effort, especially when their own language is so tricky.

You might confuse “gamarjoba” and “gaumarjos” sometimes – it used to happen to me a lot and resulted in a lot of laughter.

It’s useful to know a bit of Russian too.

Georgia used to be part of the Soviet Union, and a lot of people speak excellent Russian.

Knowing it might help you get around (I used it for example when I was trying to get out of the Chronicle of Georgia monument but didn’t know which side of the road the bus departs from or when I didn’t know if it’s OK if I go to the famous bridge between the blocks in Nutsubidze Plato) and most likely you end up in some small talk too.

My Russian is rather weak in general but I’ve mastered a small-talk by now, and it is always nice to be able to chat with people.

In central Tbilisi you will easily get around with English only so you don’t need to worry if that’s your default language, you will be fine!

Chronicle of Georgia

Nutsubidze Plato

Don’t look down on local people

I wish I didn’t have to write this Tbilisi travel tip, but I’ve heard and seen so many unfair and simply rude comment towards locals that it’s worth mentioning.

Don’t be an ass and don’t look down on local people.

Georgia and especially Tbilisi might be probably the fastest developing place I’ve seen (every time I visit Tbilisi I’m impressed how much it has changed), but there is still a lot to be done.

Don’t look with contempt at people who beg (unfortunately there are many of them in Tbilisi), don’t make stupid and hurtful comments towards them.

Don’t do disdainful remarks about living condition and infrastructure people have.

You will shortly come back to your well-developed country that has everything you need so just leave your disrespectful thoughts to yourself.

Of course not everyone who travels to Tbilisi is like that, it’s a minority of visitors really, but still, surprisingly many tourists are guilty here. So please, don’t be one of them.

Is Tbilisi expensive?

No, I would say it’s a very affordable city.

Prices of groceries, restaurants, and cafes are lower than in Poland (where I live).

I never paid more than 20 GEL (including tip) for eating out in a fine place. Of course, you can spend more, like everywhere.

Some of the prices in Tbilisi:

• khachapuri from the bakery – 2,5 GEL
• Big bottle of water – around 1 GEL
• 1 liter of Coca-Cola – 2 GEL
• Coffee in the cafe – around 5 GEL
• Public transport ticket – 0,50 GEL
• Khinkali in the restaurant – around 0,50 – 0,80 GEL / piece
• 1 liter of cha-cha in the bazaar – 6 GEL
• 1 kg of sulguni cheese in the bazaar – 12 GEL
• Painkillers in the pharmacy – 4 GEL

buying chacha at the bazaar

Is Tbilisi safe?

I find Tbilisi to be a very safe city.

Majority of my trips there were solo, I ventured into some bizarre places, and there was not a single situation when I felt something was wrong.

Georgia was the first really “eastern” country I visited, I remember how I was freaking out before this trip, but then I also remember how safe I found, a massive contrary to what the stereotypes about Western vs. Eastern Europe were back then.

There is a significant number of police and security in public spaces, and that actually makes me feel somewhat comfortable.

Of course, petty crime happens here as it does everywhere else.

A while ago I heard about a few incidents with pickpockets near Mother Georgia statue but that was before the cable car started operating and not many tourists really made it there. Now, this is a popular place, and it’s less likely something might happen there.

As everywhere else – just use your common sense, don’t behave stupid and irresponsible and you will be fine.

Is it worth to visit Tbilisi?

Yes, yes and yes!

This is the place where you can see how East meets West (kind of like in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina ), it’s neither in Europe nor in Asia.

Tbilisi is a unique blend of cultures, influences, religions. It’s the city like no other.

During my first trip to Georgia, I was supposed to stay in Tbilisi for 2 days and then continue my trip onward to other places in the country.

Well, I stayed 9 days (I had 11 days in Georgia in total, only went to Batumi for 2 days) and had a blast – that’s how much I enjoyed Tbilisi.

Since then I’ve been returning over and over again to the city, and it’s never enough for me.

The more time I spend there, the more things to do are on my list (something like this happens to me with Kyiv, Ukraine too). I don’t think I will ever be tired or done with Tbilisi, to be honest…

I know some people didn’t like the city and find it overrated and I can understand it too.

Tbilisi gets a lot of the hype (I’m adding to it myself), and the expectations might be too big so don’t get overexcited before coming here.

Just travel to Tbilisi, anticipate nothing and enjoy the city to the fullest!

Further reading

I published many articles about Georgia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 22 Wonderful and Unique Places to Visit in Georgia
• 15 reasons to visit Georgia – the amazing emerging destination
• 49 Awesome Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
• 10 Beautiful Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia
• How to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Yerevan to Tbilisi) – a complete guide
• Is it worth to visit Kutaisi? Best things to do in Kutaisi, Georgia
• 10 Amazing Places You Can Visit As Day Trips From Kutaisi, Georgia
• 20 Cool Things to do in Batumi, Georgia
• Visit Tskaltubo, Georgia – an abandoned playground

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Caucasus and ask your questions there.

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• If you don’t want to miss new posts and news from me click here to sign to my newsletter! You can also follow me on Bloglovin!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Tbilisi too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. If you like what you are reading and seeing here and would like to support me and my blog please consider using those links. It would be like getting me a virtual drink that you don’t have to pay for! Thanks!

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29 Comments

lee hamilton

A great blog so much useful information of what to see and do where to eat nfo about trains and planes and trains all very helpful.i hope to go there next year..Great pics to and very well written.It sure has got be thinking about planning a trip for next year.

Thank you. I hope you will make it to Georgia, it’s definitely recommended!

Thank you for this guide! What’s the name of the café that’s pictured under Money in Tbilisi? It looks magical. Thanks!

thank you! It’s Prospero’s Books, it’s located in the yard on Rustaveli.

Im travelling to Georgia in 2 weeks and im super excited! Thanks for the very informative blog! :)

I hope you had a great time in Georgia! All the best and happy travels! :)

I did! It was amazingly beautiful laidback city! I feautured it in my youtube channel, hope to come back for more :) More power on your blogs!

https://www.youtube.com/user/acejoannetizon

I’m glad you had a great time! All the best and haooy travels!

Hello Kami.

I am so glad to find about your site. It’s very helpful to me. I am planning to travel to Tbilisi this July and I am doing it solo for the first time. Thank you for such great help.

I’m sure you will have a great time in Georgia, it’s such a great country! Happy travels!

STAMATIA CHONDRAKI

Thank you so much for your helpful article. We re gonna travel to georgia the following week, and i would like to ask you, in what way would you suggest us to travel from tbilisi to kutaisi. Thank you

I’m glad you liked the article. Do you want to travel to the city of Kutaisi or Kutaisi airport? You can take the train to the city but the station is a bit away from the center. Or you can take marshrutka but that’s never comfortable, but super easy. If you go to the airport then Georgian Bus is your best option.

Great information for 1st time travellers. Found it very useful. Would like to know why are the hotel rates priced as MYR when the local currency is GEL . Please let me know the same as I am confused .

Do you mean on Booking.com? It must be your browser or Booking settings as for me they are either in PLN (my local currency) or EUR, but sometimes it randomly shows me prices in Romanian currency for some reason.

I’m in Tbilisi at the moment and I printed off your guide to bring as it was so useful, thank you! Have eaten at Samikitno tonight..amazing! Thanks for all the other guides too, am loving reading them for places I’ve been to and those I have yet to visit :) Sally

I’m so glad you found the information useful! Have a great time in Tbilisi! I love this place! :)

another thank you for the blog, I found it very useful. I spent a week in Tbilisi for the rugby game between Georgia & Scotland, and I found the city to be wonderful place to visit. I would emphasis that a friendly face & a few words of Georgian go a long way there, make the effort and it will be rewarded tenfold as they are such friendly people.

Thank you, I’m glad you found the article helpful and that you enjoyed Tbilisi. And I so agree about smiling and knowing a bit of Georgian, it changes everything!

Love this guide, planning a trip to Tbilisi in the spring of next year. How easy is it to get to and from the airport? I’m traveling solo, so I’m pretty nervous about it.

Niklas, I used the bus for this trip. The number 37 bus stops at the entrance to the departure hall. What I did on arrival was to get myself a local SIM for 15 GEL (I think I used BeeLine), then I bought a coffee in order to get some coins for the bus trip. The bus trip into the centre of Tbilisi is 50 Tetri (or half a Lari) and there was a conductor on board who handled the payment for me :-) The bus will accept 1 & 2 Lari coins but it doesn’t give change. It’s a really easy a trip to make and certainly nothing to be nervous about.

You have nothing to worry about Niklas! Most of my trip to Tbilisi were solo and everything was just fine. Georgia is much safer than Western Europe and locals are super friendly and will look after you. As Al said, bus no 37 is your best option to get from the airport to the center. Have a great trip!

Lucía Curiel

is easy to communicate in english?

In most of the places – yes. Young people can speak English well.

Very nice blog. Informative. Tomorrow I m travelling to Tbilisi on short 2 days trip. Very excited about it.

Thank you! I hope you will enjoy Tbilisi!

Just wanted to say thank you for the detailed post. I am travelling to Georgia in 4 days with my family. I am very excited!

That’s so great! Have a wonderful trip there!

I was going to book Hotel Flower for my trip next month, but the prices online were exorbitantly expensive, not even close to the price you mentioned. Did you book well in-advance or visit Tbilisi very off-season? Kind of disappointed :(

When I stayed there the hotel was fairly new, maybe that’s why the price was lower. I will need to take a look into that. Thank you for telling me about the change! All the best!

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Tourist Routes

Old fortress wall

Monument to Shota Kavlashvili

Monument to Iohann Petritsi

Toys museum

Compositon “Berikaoba”

Sculpture of a janitor

Anchiskhati

Bust of Titsian Tabidze

Erekle II Square

  Kari temple of saint George

The residence of the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church

Sioni Church

Monument to the Georgian poet Ietim Gurji

Karvasla  

Tbilisi theological seminary

Bambis Rigi and Chradin St.

Statue “Tamada”

Monument to the Sergey Parajanov

Gorgasali square

Church of Saint George “Surb-Gevorg”

Kote Abkhazi street

The synagogue

Church Jvaris-Mama

Church “Norashen”

The Museum of Jewish History While going up Abkhazi street we can see Anton Catalicos street  when turning to the right. Here we find the Museum of Jewish History in Georgia named after David Baazov. The Museum is in the building of a former cupola synagogue of the 19th century. During the Soviet regime, in the 20s,  the synagogue was closed. Now it is being reconstructed and is closed for a while.

Armenian church “Surb-Nishan“

Monument to the general K. Leselidze

At the corner of Abkhazi and Vertskhli streets there is a monument to the general K. Leselidze (1903-1944, Soviet Colonel-General and a USSR hero)  (sculptor I. Nikoladze, marble, 1947).

Catholic church named after Saint Virgin Mary

Wander-Lush

How to Use Public Transport in Tbilisi: New Daily, Weekly, Monthly Travel Cards

Tbilisi has an excellent public transit system that makes it easy and affordable to get around the city.

Between the two underground metro lines, the city bus and minivan network, three cable car ropeways and the funicular , you can get just about anywhere you need to go using public transport in Tbilisi.

This detailed guide for first-time visitors – updated and accurate for 2024 – covers everything you need to know, from buying tickets to etiquette tips, how to check bus schedules, and more.

It also explains how to use the new Travel Card to save money .

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Are you planning a trip to Tbilisi?

Here are a few quick links to my favourite accommodations, tours & services.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi:

• The House Hotel Old Tbilisi – wake up in your own typical Tbilisi courtyard.
• Communal Hotel Plekhanovi – my favourite boutique hotel has a wine bar & gift shop.
• Vagabond B&B – budget-friendly option for solo & social travellers.
• Unfound Door Design Hotel – luxe rooms set inside a historic mansion in Chugureti.
• Fabrika Hostel & Suites – popular creative space & co-working hangout.

Best Tbilisi Tours & Day Trips:

• Tbilisi Food & Drink Tour – a food-themed walking tour of the city.
• Day Trip to Kazbegi – with plenty of stops along the Georgian Military Highway.
• Off-road Adventure to David Gareja & Udabno – use WANDERLUSH for 10% off.
• Kakheti Wine Experience with Eat This! Tours – mention WANDERLUSH for 5% off.
• Day trip to Northern Armenia – another stamp in the passport!

Last-minute Private Transfers in Georgia:

Plan the perfect mini road trip & find a professional driver on GoTrip.ge . The price is locked in when you book, and you can stop wherever you want along the way.

Go Your Own Way:

Car hire in Georgia doesn’t have to be expensive – I regularly use Local Rent to find great deals. Pick-up & drop-off from any address in the country for complete flexibility.

Tbilisi public transport operating hours & fares

• The Tbilisi metro runs every day (including Sundays and holidays) from 6am until midnight
• Tbilisi buses and minibuses run every day from 7am until midnight
• The Rike Park – Narikala Fortress ropeway runs every day from 10am until 11pm
• The Tbilisi Funicular runs every day from 10am until late

Metro, bus and minibus fares in Tbilisi are all a flat 1 GEL . There are no zones – the price is the same regardless of the destination, distance travelled or time of day. The fare for Tbilisi’s cable cars is 1-2.5 GEL one-way depending on the service.

The Mtatsminda Funicular is more expensive at 10 GEL one-way + 2 GEL for a special (non-refundable) transport card.

Single bus fares can no longer be purchased with coins. Single tokens can no longer be used on the metro. To use the city buses, metro and minibuses, you’ll need to buy one of two rechargeable transport cards.

Your international bank card will probably work on buses and the metro, as long as it has a chip. I have tested my Australian debit card (a Visa) and my Wise card and both work successfully – but the fare is more, approximately 1.50 GEL per trip (plus there is an international transaction fee). If you have contactless pay set up on your phone, Apple Pay and Google Pay also work.

This might be handy for getting into the city on the airport bus when you first arrive in Tbilisi. But I still recommend buying one of the transport cards for later.

New Travel Card (for daily, weekly, monthly passes)

On February 1, 2022, Tbilisi launched a subscription scheme for public transport. The new unlimited Travel Card is valid for either 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. It can be used on the metro, buses, city mini buses, and some cable car lines.

Note that it is not valid for the Rike Park-Narikala Ropeway. For that, you need a MetroMoney card.

At the same time, the price of a single fare doubled from 50 tetri to 1 GEL . So while you can still use the old MetroMoney card system for single journeys, purchasing a Travel Card could save you money.

Prices for the Travel Card are as follows:

• 1 day: 3 GEL
• 1 week: 20 GEL
• 1 month: 40 GEL
• 3 months: 100 GEL
• 6 months: 150 GEL
• 1 year: 250 GEL

All options are capped at 20 rides per day. The card is rechargeable, so you can change between subscriptions as you choose.

Where to buy the new Travel Card

Tbilisi Travel Cards use a separate card system (not the old MetroMoney system). The first step is to buy a blue card for 2 GEL , available from the cash desk inside any metro station (not the orange Bank of Georgia desk, but the metro station cashier with the ‘MS’ sign) or from a Bank of Georgia Express branch. You do not need to show ID.

Once you have your card, you can use any Bank of Georgia Express paybox (the orange free-standing ATM-like machines you see on the street and inside the metro) to purchase a subscription if you haven’t already.

To use the machine:

• Toggle to English using the flag in the top right corner of the screen
• Select the ‘Subscription’ option on the home screen
• Select ‘Buy a new subscription’
• Choose your subscription from the menu
• Pay by card or cash

Tip: No change is given so if you’re paying by cash, you need to deposit the exact amount into the machine. If you only have large notes, top up at the cash desk inside the metro instead. (This is a great way to break large banknotes.)

The card takes a few minutes to activate so if you try to use it right away, it will be rejected. Wait 5 minutes before you tap on for the first time.

You can also use the paybox to check your subscription dates and see when your pass runs out. Once it has lapsed, you need to re-subscribe but you’re not limited to any one plan – you can change to daily, monthly, yearly, etc. as required using the same blue card.

Tip: If you plan to use the airport bus 337 to get to the city when you first arrive, you can buy a Travel Card at the Bank of Georgia desk inside the airport terminal. The easier option is to pay with a chipped debit/credit card or use contactless pay (Google Pay or Apple Pay).

How to use the new Travel Card

The new card works much the same way as the old MetroMoney card: You tap once on the electronic machine as you board the bus/enter the metro.

For the metro/cable car, you tap when entering through the turnstiles. For the bus, you tap on the eye-level ticket machine on board (or on the grey machine). Newer blue and green buses usually have two machines, one near the middle and one at the back.

However, there is no 90-minute transfer period on the new card, and unlike the old MetroMoney card, you can’t use the same Travel Card for more than one passenger . If you try to tap twice in quick succession, it will reject the card – you need a 15-minute interval in between taps. Therefore, each person needs to buy their own card.

Rechargeable MetroMoney card (for single journeys)

MetroMoney cards are still available alongside the new subscription cards. MetroMoney cards can also be used for the buses in Batumi .

Where to buy a rechargeable MetroMoney card

MetroMoney cards are also available at the cash desk inside the metro station or at the Rike Park ropeway ticket office. The card itself costs 2 GEL . You do not need to show ID.

You can get a refund on your 2 GEL deposit by returning the card to any cash desk, but this must be done within 30 days of activation. You also need to present the original paper receipt.

How to use your MetroMoney card

The MetroMoney card is similarly easy to use: You only need to tap once . When you tap, your balance will also be displayed on the screen. You can check your balance anytime at an orange paybox (see the next section).

If you need to change buses or metro lines, the MetroMoney card gives you 90 minutes to transfer . You still must tap a second time, but you won’t be charged twice.

Ticket inspectors are a very common sight in Tbilisi, especially on the city buses, so don’t be tempted to try and get away without paying.

In the past, it was possible for multiple people to use the same MetroMoney card. In July 2022, the rules changed and now inspectors are cracking down on people sharing cards. It’s best to buy your own MetroMoney card rather than sharing.

How to recharge your MetroMoney card

When you first buy a MetroMoney card, you can easily top up the balance in cash at the same time.

Later, it’s much easier to recharge using a Bank of Georgia Express paybox, located on the street, at most major bus stops and inside every metro station.

• Select ‘Transportation Services’ from the main menu
• Select ‘Transport Card Top Up’ and swipe your card on the reader
• Insert the exact amount you want to top up with into the machine – both cash and coins (50 tetri, 1 & 2 GEL) are accepted

Tbilisi Metro

Built in 1966, the Tbilisi Metro has two lines and 23 stations.

The red Akhmeteli – Varketili Line runs north-south and serves central stations including Liberty Square (for Freedom Square and Old Tbilisi), Marjanishvili (for Fabrika ), Station Square (for the train station), and Didube (for the main bus station ).

The green Saburtalo line runs east-west and serves six stations in Saburtalo district on the western bank of the river.

The two lines intersect at Station Square , where there is an underground interchange.

Tips for using the metro in Tbilisi

The metro is very easy to navigate and fairly self explanatory. Trains run every day (including Sundays and holidays) from 6am until midnight .

Trains are very frequent; you will never have to wait on the platform for longer than 3-5 minutes. At the end of each platform, above the tracks, you’ll see a board that displays the wait times in neon lights.

Station announcements are made in both Georgian and English.

Majority of the metro stations are underground and accessed via long escalators. These escalators move very fast so watch your step! There is usually a security guard on each platform.

Photography inside the stations is technically not allowed, and they may tell you off if you pull out your camera. (It’s a shame, because many of the stations are decorated with interesting Soviet-style bas-reliefs and mosaics.)

Inside, the carriages have plastic seats and handles you can grab onto when standing. Like the escalators, the trains go extremely fast . A little too fast for my liking.

You can still get mobile coverage in most underground stations, but reception drops out when the train is moving.

Avoid using the metro at peak hour (around 7pm on weekdays) as it’s extremely crowded and uncomfortably squishy.

Most metro station platforms only have one exit , but there are normally multiple staircases up to street level from there. There is basic signage at every station pointing the direction to major landmarks in English – but sometimes you just have to take a guess at which exit you need.

Above ground, the station entrance points are marked with a red ‘M’ sign .

Tbilisi city buses

Note: In 2022 all the bus numbers in Tbilisi changed. Many had a ‘3’ added to the front – the airport bus, for example, is now the 337 (previously the 37).

Tbilisi city buses are less dependable than the metro but still run fairly true to schedule, roughly every 10-30 minutes depending on the route.

Buses are handy for getting to areas where there are no metro stations (e.g. Vake) and for travelling further out to the fringes of the city for attractions such as the Chronicles of Georgia , Tbilisi Sea, etc.

Buses only stop at designated stations , which are usually marked with a shelter, seat and electronic timetable board (which may or may not be working). Drivers tend to stop at every station so there’s no real need to hail the bus or press the bell. If you’re travelling at night or there aren’t very many people on board, I would press the bell just to be safe.

Some buses have interactive screens on board that you can use to track your journey, and starting from 2023, they are trialing bus stop announcements (in English).

When boarding the bus, try to use the middle or back door. Bus drivers do not handle tickets or payment and in my experience, don’t want anything to do with the passengers. Instead, there are bus stewards on board to help you (and to make sure you pay the fare).

You can no longer purchase single fares with coins on city buses – you must tap on with a MetroMoney/Travel Card or a chipped bank card.

The new city buses have USB charger ports on board.

How to check bus times & routes

Google Maps is very reliable for public transport in Tbilisi – at least for short journeys around the centre of the city. I have been using it lately on all my visits to Tbilisi with no issues.

TTC (Tbilisi Transport Company) is the official app for public transport in Tbilisi (bus routes) and is generally the most reliable. It works in English, but it is not so user-friendly for first-time visitors because instead of entering addresses, you have to pinpoint your start and end locations on the map. Once you get your bearings and get the hang of the app, it’s easier to use.

Download the app for iPhone or Android here .

They also have a website with a journey planner and bus timetables.

Some major bus stops have electronic sign boards with real-time bus info. You can also text the number on the display board to receive an SMS update about your bus.

Tbilisi minibuses

Marshrutka minivans are the most popular way to travel around Georgia between cities and villages. Tbilisi also has its own smaller network of minibuses that supplement the city coaches.

In my three years living in Georgia and multiple holidays here before that, I have only used the city minibuses a handful of times. This service is more for locals who live in the outer suburbs and need to travel to areas that aren’t on the main bus network.

Fares are 1 GEL and require card payment (no cash). Route maps and timetables can be found on TTC, and the schedules are also displayed on all electronic sign boards.

These vans work a bit differently and don’t stop at every station, so you need to wave down the driver to board and alert them when you want to get off. If you want to ask the driver to stop, say “ga-a-che-ret” .

The ‘yellow buses’ once seen all over Tbilisi were replaced with blue-grey electric minivans .

Tbilisi cable cars & funicular

If you’re going up into the hills to visit landmarks such as Turtle Lake, Mtatsminda and Narikala Fortress, a fun way to travel is by cable car. The Soviet-era ropeways are attractions in and of themselves.

There are three working ropeways in Tbilisi (and another one currently under reconstruction) plus one funicular.

Rike Park – Narikala Fortress cable car

This new ropeway connects Rike Park with Narikala Fortress and the National Botanical Garden. The ride only lasts a minute or two, but the views are quite spectacular as the cabins cross over the river and sail above part of the Old Town.

The ropeway is open every day from 9am-11pm in summer and from 10am-11pm in winter . The fare is 2.5 GEL one-way. You’ll need a MetroMoney card for this one – cash is no longer accepted.

Find out what you can do on Narikala Hill in this guide I wrote to visiting the fortress and its surrounds .

Turtle Lake Ropeway

This cable car runs from the bottom of Vake Park to Turtle Lake on the western side of Tbilisi. At the top, you can visit Turtle Lake, the Open Air Museum of Ethnography, and the fabulous Rachis Ubani, one of my favourite restaurants in Tbilisi .

This cable car is an old Soviet-era relic that still has its original blue cabins. Riding it is a bit of a blast from the past. The views are excellent as you sail over the park and past the monument.

The ropeway operates every day between 10am and 10pm . The fare is 1 GEL and can be paid by swiping your MetroMoney/subscription card.

Tbilisi Funicular to Mtatsminda

The Tbilisi Funicular was built in 1904 as part of an urban planning scheme that was never realised. Today, it leads to Mtatsminda Amusement Park, the Restaurant Funicular and Tbilisi TV Tower.

Halfway up the mountain, the funicular stops at Mamadaviti and Mtatsminda Pantheon, one of my favourite churches in Tbilisi and a must-visit for the city views and amazing sculptures.

I personally prefer to walk up to Mtatsminda via the marked path. If you want to ride the funicular instead, you board at the bottom station (it’s a very beautiful building).

You cannot use your MetroMoney card for the funicular. Instead, you need a special Mtatsminda Card , which you can also use to pay for rides inside the amusement park at the top. It costs 2 GEL .

The funicular fare is a fairly steep 10 GEL one-way . It runs every day from 10am until late (11pm or midnight).

Tbilisi State University (Maglivi) – Bagebi Ropeway

The Bagebi–Maglivi Ropeway also dates back to the Soviet era and still has its original Tbilisi-made rectangular gondolas. It reopened in April 2021, connecting the Tbilisi State University campus on Maglivi Hill in Saburtalo with the former student dorms in Bagebi.

There is nothing much to see around this area, so it’s just a joyride: The line runs 320 metres over the Vere river gorge and is quite spectacular.

The ropeway operates every day between 8am and 8pm . The fare is 1 GEL and requires a MetroMoney or transport card.

Using taxis in Tbilisi

Nine times out of 10 I’ll use a taxi to get around Tbilisi rather than public transport. Taxis are extremely affordable and very easy to use if you book with an app.

My Tbilisi taxi guide covers the best taxi booking apps (and the ones you should definitely avoid) plus lots of handy tips for using cabs in Tbilisi.

Etiquette when using public transport in Tbilisi

Here are a few quick etiquette tips for using the metro and buses and Tbilisi.

• You can board Tbilisi buses from any of the doors (front, middle or back).
• When boarding a bus, let other passengers exit before you try to get on.
• Don’t try to speak to the bus driver. Instead, direct any questions to the steward.
• Rule of thumb is to get on first and worry about paying the fare later.
• It’s polite to give up your seat for older people or women. This is fairly common and you’ll see most locals doing it too.
• If you’re standing near the ticket machine, it’s not unusual for someone to hand you their transport card (or even their wallet) and ask you to swipe for them. If the bus is crowded, don’t be afraid to ask someone else to do the same for you.
• Give a big ‘Madloba’ to the bus driver as you exit the bus and see what happens. Thanking the driver is second nature to me and I didn’t realise how odd it comes off in Georgia. I still do it out of courtesy – even if everyone looks at me funny and the driver never responds!

What is the best way to get to/from Tbilisi Airport?

City bus 337 runs between Tbilisi Airport and Freedom Square. At just 1 GEL, it’s by far the cheapest way to travel to/from the airport.

Since the pandemic, the bus is only running between 6am and 11pm (it is no longer 24/7 as it used to be).

To use the bus, you can either buy a Transport Card from the BoG desk inside the airport terminal or you can try tapping on with your international (chipped) bank card (note that you will be charged more, approximately 1.50 GEL).

If you arrive late/early or you have heavy luggage, it’s much more convenient to pre-book an airport transfer. I use (and highly recommend) GoTrip . They charge a very reasonable ~17 USD for this service, including meet-and-greet inside the arrivals hall and transfer to any address in the city.

Learn more about GoTrip here (including how you can use it to travel safely anywhere in Georgia) or pre-book your airport transfer here on the platform .

What is the best way to get to/from Tbilisi train station?

Station Square metro station is adjacent to the main entrance of Tbilisi Central Railway Station, thus it’s easiest to jump straight on the metro.

Both the Saburtalo and central red lines service this station, so you can get there from virtually anywhere in the city for just 1 GEL.

What is the best way to get to/from Didube bus station?

Didube Bus Station (AKA Okriba) is the main station for marshrutka vans and shared taxis to Mtskheta , Gori , Kutaisi , Batumi, Kazbegi , and lots of other destinations around Georgia .

Again, there is a metro station nearby: Didube Metro Station, which is on the red line. This station is above ground. To get to the platforms from the bus area, walk back behind the market and enter through the glass doors.

More transport tips for Tbilisi & Georgia

• How to use taxis in Tbilisi
• How to get from Tbilisi Airport to the city
• Guide to using marshrutka vans to get around Georgia
• Guide to using GoTrip , my favourite long-distance transfer service
• Tips for hiring a car and self-driving in Georgia

Detailed transport guides for Georgia

• How to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi
• How to travel from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi or Telavi (Kakheti)
• How to travel from Tbilisi to Kazbegi
• How to travel between Tbilisi and Kutaisi
• How to get to Borjomi from Tbilisi
• How to get to Gudauri ski resort from Tbilisi
• How to travel to Bakuriani from Tbilisi
• How to get to Mestia & Svaneti from anywhere in Georgia
• How to travel to Vardzia Cave Town from anywhere in Georgia

More Tbilisi posts you’ll love

• Georgia Travel Guide – all my 200+ posts for Georgia
• 25 Tbilisi travel tips – essential reading for first-timers
• The ultimate Georgia itinerary – the best of Tbilisi & beyond in 1-4 weeks
• How to plan your Caucasus travel itinerary – discover Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan
• What to pack for a trip to Georgia – and what to wear in Tbilisi
• How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city – 5 best transport options
• The best things to do in Tbilisi – the ultimate insider’s city guide
• Where to stay in Tbilisi – best neighbourhoods & accommodations
• The best restaurants in Tbilisi – where to find the best Georgian food
• The best cafes in Tbilisi – for coworking, coffee & more
• The best breakfasts in Tbilisi – cafes that open early
• The best gift shops in Tbilisi – where to buy authentic souvenirs
• The best walking tours in Tbilisi – discover the city by foot
• Tbilisi’s best walking streets – architecture, people-watching & street photography
• The best boutique hotels in Tbilisi – art hotels, wine hotels & more
• The best hostels in Tbilisi – accommodation on a budget
• Visiting Gulo’s Spa – the best sulfur bath in Tbilisi
• Visiting the Dezerter Bazaar – Tbilisi’s incredible green market

18 Comments

Hi Emily, hope you are doing well. I should say your blog is fantabulous. There’s tons of info about Georgia. We went 2 times to Georgia earlier and will be travelling for the 3rd time next month Jan 2024 same country, different cities. I am a huge fan of your blog, completely relied on your articles for all my Georgia trips.

Just need a quick assurance from you. We are travelling (Tblisi – Mestia- Gudauri) as a group 6 adults and 2 kids . Our Train from Zugdid to Tblisi will reach at 11:30PM. I want to know is it safe to travel from Tblisi Railway station to Gudauri at 11:30PM, if i book taxi via GOTRIP.GE?

OR Any other suggestion from you?

Hi Manasa, thanks so much! To be completely honest, I would wait until the next morning to depart for Gudauri. It will be dark, likely wet and slippery on the road – and although GoTrip drivers are more cautious in my experience, it’s still not the best idea to drive on a mountain road at night in winter. If it’s possible to spend a night in Tbilisi I would highly recommend you do that.

Hi thank you again for your great blogs on Georgia. I have some confusion regarding Travel cards/metroMoney cards. i) You mentioned ‘Metro, bus and minibus fares in Tbilisi are all a flat 1 GEL.’ And then I see ‘Prices for the Travel Card: 1 day: 3 GEL, …) So if I buy a Travel Card (or a MetroMoney card), and let’s say recharge for 3 GEL, will I be able to use the card for same day any number of times? Or it will only allow 3 trips (1 GEL for each trip)

ii) Is MetroMoney card applicable for Buses/Minibuses as well (apart from Metro and Ropeways)

iii) And is it possible to buy 1 Day Travel Card (3 GEL) for future days. For example, if today is 15th Aug, can I buy travel card for 16,17,18 August too (so that I don’t have to buy card again and again). As I will be in Georgia for 4 days only.

Hi Ammar, the Travel Card (3 GEL for 24 hours) is for unlimited trips (capped, as I mention in the post).

MetroMoney works for buses and microbuses, yes.

You cannot recharge for a future date, the 24 hours kicks in from the moment you purchase the subscription. In this case I would suggest looking at the one-week subscription.

I hope this answers your questions!

Does google Map’s public transit option work in Tbilisi? read your blog about TTC takes a bit of learning curve, Google map worked well for me before in some other countries before. We are planning a 30 day Georgia and Armenia trip and your site is probably the only resource we need! Thanks for this wealth of info you put together.

Hi Jenny, thanks so much! Yes Google Maps works almost perfectly now – they have improved it significantly in the past few months. Have a wonderful trip!

Worth noting that the Bank of Georgia express pay boxes only work with tap-enabled cards. If you’re an American traveler, it’s very possible that your bank card doesn’t have this feature (indeed, US banks only started incorporating chip technology a few years ago—a standard feature everywhere else).

Interesting Sean, I wasn’t aware of that. I suppose they don’t work on the ticket machines either? Thank you for the helpful info!

Hi, Can you buy the 2-lari MetroMoney card anywhere at the airport terminal upon your arrival WHEN THAT ARRIVAL IS LATE NIGHT? I mean, is the service selling you the MetroMoney (I prefer single rides over the MetroCard subscriptions) open 24/7 at TBS? Thanks, Orrling

Hi Orrling – yes the Bank of Georgia desk will be open as long as flights are landing. But they sometimes will only sell a Transport subscription card, not MetroMoney. So for your first bus trip, I recommend tapping on with a credit card. Remember the bus is no longer running 24 hours.

Thank you ma’m, and greetings from a gorgeous Tbilisi

hi, i want to report that the new “blue-gey minivan” that substituted the old yellow minibuses are not electric powered, but still with a ICE

Thanks Sman for clarifying!

This information was really useful. I used my Dubai Credit card and was successful. Thanks a lot .

Great Sam, that’s really good to know!

Hi there, We’re in Tbilisi currently. On arrival we got the new (blue) travel card Unfortunately however this is not accepted at the cableways. For them you still need to get the MetroMoney Card. So personally I think the new travel card is not worth it for a short stay (we’re here for 12 days and now think the MetroMoney Card would have been a better option since we have to get it anyway for using the cableways)

Hi Simon – yes I agree, unless you to plan to make more than 3 trips in a day then the MetroMoney card is better value.

I was under the impression that it was valid for the Narikala Ropeway but now I see it’s only valid for the Bagebi Ropeway. Thanks for pointing this out – it’s a good point to consider and very helpful for others!

This is a very hepful piece of informative writing. Thank you very much.

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You can deactive your maps.com account here. Once you deactivated your account, you will lose access to your account and all of the information stored within your account will be deleted.

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We're sorry, but the map editor is not yet compatible with mobile devices.

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