GE
Tbilisi
A characterful capital of balconied old houses, sulphur baths, hilltop fortresses and a lively food and wine scene
A characterful capital of balconied old houses, sulphur baths, hilltop fortresses and a lively food and wine scene
Ruined fortress walls dating back to the 4th century crown the hill above the old town, next to the Mother of Georgia statue. A cable car runs up from Rike Park.
Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
The domed bathhouses of Abanotubani are fed by natural hot springs; you can rent a private room or use public baths.
Book a private room in advance at popular bathhouses.
Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
The vast Holy Trinity Cathedral, completed in 2004, is one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Dress modestly; women should cover their heads.
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
A modern glass-and-steel footbridge over the river, linking the old town with Rike Park.
Photo: David Osipov, CC BY 4.0
Try khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (dumplings), badrijani (aubergine with walnuts) and Georgian wines, including amber wines made in clay qvevri.
Wine bars and restaurants in the old town and Sololaki are excellent; Fabrika is a popular hub in a former factory.
Tbilisi International Airport is about 17km from the centre; bus 337 and taxis link it to the city. Use Bolt or other ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis. The metro is cheap and efficient.
Citizens of the EU, US, UK and many other countries can visit Georgia visa-free, for up to a year in many cases. Foreign visitors must have travel health insurance for their stay. The currency is the Georgian lari (GEL). The US State Department rates Georgia Level 1 (exercise normal precautions), but advises against travel to the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and urges caution around demonstrations. Check current rules before you travel.
Tbilisi is very good value for food, wine and accommodation.
Old town, baths and beyond.
Walk the old town, cross the Bridge of Peace, take the cable car to Narikala and relax in a sulphur bath.
See Sameba Cathedral, stroll Rustaveli Avenue, visit the Georgian National Museum and spend the evening at Fabrika.
Take a day trip to Mtskheta, the ancient capital, and the hilltop Jvari Monastery, both UNESCO-listed.
Use Bolt or similar apps to avoid overcharging by street taxis.
Try amber qvevri wines; Kakheti wine region makes a great day trip.
Avoid demonstrations, which are common around Rustaveli Avenue and parliament.
Dress modestly in churches; women usually cover their heads.
Quick answers for planning time in Tbilisi.
Citizens of the EU, US, UK and many other countries can visit visa-free, often for up to a year.
Yes, foreign visitors must have health insurance for their stay.
The US rates Georgia Level 1; avoid demonstrations and the occupied regions.
The Georgian lari (GEL).
Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery, about 30 minutes away, or the Kakheti wine region.
Georgian is the language; Russian is widely understood and English is common among younger people.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Georgia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.