16 Must Do Things in Tbilisi, Georgia

Ornate wooden balconies overhang Tbilisi’s cobbled streets. A transcontinental country sandwiched between Europe and Asia, the capital of Georgia is much different than you might imagine. Tbilisi offers arguably the best European food and wine, charming courtyard houses, artsy and futuristic architecture, and countless nooks and crannies to grab your camera. Find out all there is to do in Tbilisi in 3 days as it becomes one of the best travel destinations in Europe.

Day 1 – This is Tbilisi, Georgia

Unlike other city breaks in Europe, you don’t necessarily have to wake up at sunrise to avoid the crowds. Tbilisi is slowly turning into a European metropolis recognised for its hospitality and extremely good meals and wine.

1. Sulfur Baths in Tbilisi Old Town

Old Tbilisi’s dome-shaped sulfur baths draw mineral-rich warm water from deep underground. 8 o’clock:
At 3.30pm, head to the Dome and Mosque-shaped Baths of Orbeliani for some stunning photo opportunities.

If you’re visiting the city during the cold months, one of the top things to do in Tbilisi is get a bath treatment. Doors open at 8am and prices range from 60-80 lari.

Tips: For a delicious breakfast or lunch, head to Sulfur his bus Carinarium Cacheria.

2. Meidan Bazaar

Find Georgian handicrafts, wine and many other souvenirs at the underground tunnel bazaar. The shop is in the basement of the street and a 5 minute walk from the sulfur baths.

3. Gallery 27

Gallery 27 is an eye-catching home with a photogenic staircase entrance adorned with striking sculptures and colored stained glass windows. The gallery itself, which showcases local handicrafts, opens at 11am and is a 5-minute walk from Meydan Bazaar.

Do you know: Tap water in Tbilisi is safe to drink. Bring reusable bottles and avoid using plastic bottles.

4. Holy Trinity Cathedral

At 87 meters high, Holy His Trinity Cathedral is the tallest Orthodox cathedral in Georgia and its golden dome can be seen from almost anywhere in Tbilisi.
A 10-15 minute taxi ride from Gallery 27 will get you to the cathedral and you will spend an hour or he two hours wandering around the cathedral until the sun sets.

Sameba Cathedral opened in 2004 and features lush gardens, fountains and pools, where children can be seen playing in the summer. Entry to the cathedral is free, but to visit inside, men must wear slacks and women must wear skirts with shoulder and head coverings.

5. Georgian cuisine

Georgia is sprawled between Europe and Asia, so this fusion of flavors is he one of the most underrated cuisines in the world. Yes you are right – Georgian food is amazing!

Have you ever heard about khachapuri? Georgia’s most famous traditional dish. A scrumptious boat-formed bread crowned with cheese, eggs and butter.

Is it sounds too traditional? Well, in recent years, many chefs have changed the local flavor of traditional dishes for the better. Also, walnuts, eggplants, mushrooms and cheese are common ingredients, making them an excellent vegetarian dish in Georgia. It is very easy to find.

6. Fabrika

Spend the night in the coolest place in town. Fabrika is a large former Soviet garment factory converted into a multifunctional space. It’s home to the area’s largest hostel, cafes and bars, artists’ studios, co-working spaces and creative, industrial courtyards where everyone gathers for a drink.
Fabrika’s room is a must and a great thing to do in Tbilisi. It’s a famous hotspot among travelers and locals.

Day 2 – Old and new activities in Tbilisi

Good morning for our second day exploring activities in Tbilisi. After our first day in this incredible city, we have to rave about it. We will resume our day around 8:30 am

7. Leaning Clock Tower

Your first stop of the day is the fairy-tale Leaning Clock Tower of Tbilisi. Tucked away in a side street in the Old Town, this clock was designed as part of a puppet show and attracts attention. A fun fact is that there are the smallest and largest clocks in town.

8. Flea Market

Old and antique buffs will love the daily Dry Bridge flea market. A huge selection of jewellery, vinyl records, books, old cameras, maps, clothing and more are carefully laid out on the grounds of the park. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, it’s a 10-minute walk from the Leaning Clock Tower. Oh and don’t forget to haggle! it’s very common.

Useful information: There are many stray dogs in Tbilisi. Luckily they are all marked and the locals take great care of them.

9. Tbilisi Peace Bridge and Rike Park

Follow the road along the riverbank and walk towards the Tbilisi Peace Bridge through the mushroom-like building “Public Service Hall”. This pedestrian bridge connects Old Tbilisi with New Tbilisi and on the other side is a green park with fountains, art and flowers. It is an amazing spot to relax and enjoy the city.

10. Sachino – Palace of Queen Darejan

A charming turquoise perched on the edge of a cliff, her blue balcony was the former summer residence of Queen Darrejian and overlooks Riquet Park. It is a short uphill walk from Like Park and is free to visit.

11. Narikala Fortress

Rike Park is also the starting point for the cable car to the hilltop Narikala Fortress. A 360-degree view of the city on a short cable car costs just 1 lari. ($0.35)

Walk the path to the ancient Narikala Fortress, built in the 4th century. You can see the city from there. To return to Tbilisi Old Town, go down a 1500-meter path.

Tbilisi Extras – Georgian Interiors

Behind the walls of old Tbilisi houses are beautiful courtyards and stairs that could be part of a movie scene. The Blue House, London Hotel and Karantalov House are must-sees.

Day 3 – Outskirts of Tbilisi

This his 3rd day full of activities in Tbilisi, I recommend taking a taxi a little more often. Traditional taxis are cheap, but be prepared to bargain. Bolt is an alternative to Uber and a good choice for getting around the city.

13. Chronicles of Georgia

One of the best things to do in Tbilisi is a morning trip to the Georgian Chronicles. This colossal monument with 16 columns is 30 meters high and overlooks the Tbilisi Sea. The shape, decoration and structure are spectacular and well worth a visit as it is free to visit and remain open 24/7.

Directions to Chronicles of Georgia:

The easiest way is to use the Bolt app and ask if your driver will be waiting for you at the monument. Expect to pay 20-40 GEL round trip. (~$6-$13)

14. Gardenia shevardnadze

On the way back from Chronicle, stop at the tea house and the wonderful gardens of Gardenia Shevardnadze. Escape the city in a relaxing garden setting and try delicious cakes, coffee and tea.

15. Cooldown at Mtatsminda Park

Mtatsminda Park is the highest park in Tbilisi at an altitude of 770 meters. You can take the impressive cable car to the top. The park is also an amusement park, so you can feel the pleasant breeze, enjoy lunch or coffee, and visit attractions. There is no entrance fee for attractions only.

16. Wine, Georgian wine!

Whether you are a wine lover or not, you need to taste Georgian wines. Wine is Georgia and Georgia is Wine – Making wine and drinking wine has been part of their culture for over 8000 years… long before Italy started making wine. Today Georgia produces wines for every taste and is one of the largest exports. End your adventure in Tbilisi with a delicious glass of wine.

How to get to Tbilisi

Tbilisi has direct flights to major cities in Europe and the Middle East. There are several flights per week to Amsterdam, London and Paris, and one direct flight daily to Dubai, Egypt and Israel.

You can get from the airport to the city of Tbilisi by bus or taxi. Bus 37 he runs every 15 minutes, takes 50 minutes to the city center and costs him 0.5 lari. (0.20 USD) Another option is to take a taxi. It takes 25 minutes and costs around 35 lari. ($11.5).

Getting around Tbilisi

• On Foot – Tbilisi and its charming little streets are surprisingly easy to explore on foot. Distances between activities in Tbilisi are relatively short, especially during his two days at the beginning of this city break guide.
• Public Transport – Yellow buses and subways are very cheap and easy to travel further afield. Pay for buses and subways with your Metromoney card. A single ride costs 50 tetris (0.20 USD) and can also be used on the Rike Parkbahn.
• Taxis – Taxis are everywhere in Tbilisi, but be prepared to agree on a fare before you get in the car. The Bolt Taxi App works conveniently and offers fair prices.

Where to stay in Tbilisi

Most of the activities in Tbilisi take place in the old and charming city centre, which is also the best area to stay in Tbilisi.

How much is Tbilisi?

Tbilisi feels like a European city like Budapest, but surprisingly affordable. One US dollar is currently worth three lari.

Budget

• Hotel: $60-$200/night
• Hostel: $8-$50/night
• Meal: $5-$20/day
• Glass of wine: $3-$5
• Tap water: free!
• Transport: $1-$3/day

where to eat in Tbilisi

The food culture in Tbilisi is huge. Traditional and fusion restaurants serving delicious Georgian cuisine. The following are our favorite restaurants and additionally provide vegetarian options.

• Alubali
• Cafe Leila
• Veriko
• Keto & Kote
• Culinarium Khasheria
• Lolita
• Puri Guliani

Best time to travel to Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a great city all year round, but a little sunshine makes a visit even more enjoyable. The best times to travel to Tbilisi are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). In the summer, the temperature rises to 30-35 degrees, but you still can’t walk around all day.