Tbilissi: What to Do in Georgia's Capital?
A must-visit when traveling to Géorgie, Tbilissi deserves several days of exploration on its own. The capital of Géorgie, Tbilissi is a city rich in history and culture.
A must-visit when traveling to Géorgie, Tbilissi deserves several days of exploration on its own. The capital of Géorgie, Tbilissi is a city rich in history and culture. Take time to explore its ancient monuments, discover Georgian traditions, and enjoy the mountains as your backdrop.
Climb to Narikala Fortress
Perhaps the first thing to do upon arriving in Tbilissi is to head to the top of Narikala Fortress. From there, you'll enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the entire city: it's the ideal spot to discover Tbilissi at a glance and capture stunning photographs of Georgia's capital.
Beyond the viewpoint, take your time exploring this 4th-century monastery and the famous Church of Saint Nicholas, an icon of Tbilissi. Be sure to see the colossal statue that overlooks the city—the Mother of Géorgie, protector of the country and its people. You can reach it on foot or take a cable car to avoid a strenuous climb.
Stroll Through the City
You absolutely must explore Tbilissi on foot: this city of contrasts and colors offers admirable architecture worth observing with care! The city is unique in the world, extraordinary for its architectural blend: medieval stone monuments, sprawling Soviet-era structures, and ultra-modern buildings. There's truly something of everything! You'll find charming houses that have withstood the centuries, churches from early civilizations with distinctly Georgian character, such as the Church of Metekhi, and contemporary buildings like the Peace Bridge and the theatre, both reminiscent of the bold architecture found in Asia's greatest cities.
Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral
Though it dates only to 2004, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known as Sameba, has become a symbol of Tbilissi. Now essential viewing, it impresses with its 68-meter height. Built on high ground atop a hill, it's visible from afar and dominates the region. It's this sacred site that the Georgian Patriarchate chose as its seat.
Savor Local Cuisine
Géorgie is worth the trip for its exquisite cuisine alone! Known worldwide as one of the finest cuisines, it will delight your palate, accompanied by excellent local wine! Try the famous khachapouri, cheese-filled breads, khinkali, spiced dumplings, and numerous perfectly seasoned meat preparations.
Watch a Puppet Show
It's one of the most stunning and beautiful buildings in Tbilissi: the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre takes the form of a whimsical, distorted tower, worthy of the finest Disney. On the hour, puppets emerge to animate the tower's great clock, adding even more charm. You can attend a performance in Russian or Georgian, subtitled in English, to fully immerse yourself in this fairy-tale world.
Discover the City by Boat
Head to the Peace Bridge, from which you'll find numerous piers. You can discover Tbilissi from the Mtkvari River. This boat ride will offer you a fresh perspective on Georgia's capital center. For extra magic, go at sunset: the colors are even more beautiful!
Relax in Hot Springs
Tbilissi is fortunate to sit atop land rich in hot mineral springs. These waters actually rise in the heart of the city. You'll surely notice small domes dotting downtown: these are sulfur baths, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring! If your legs feel tired after wandering Tbilissi's streets, nothing beats a warm bath to relax. You can choose between public baths and private baths, depending on your budget.
Have Fun at the Amusement Park
You can't miss it: Tbilissi's amusement park is located right next to the massive television tower that overlooks the city. Get there by funicular to enjoy a dizzying view of the capital; take some photos upon arrival as well. If you crave thrills, take advantage of this park's typically calm attractions to add some excitement to your trip!
Hunt for Souvenirs at the Flea Market
If you love markets and antiques, visit the flea market near Dry Bridge (or Saarbrucken): here you'll find plenty of unusual souvenirs, including many Soviet-era objects!
Relax by the Lakes
If you're short on time but want to enjoy Georgian nature, head to Turtle Lake, just outside the capital. It's a major gathering spot for locals. In fact, you'll see numerous concerts and festivals organized here. This mountain lake is home to, as its name suggests, many turtles.
For swimming, opt instead for Tbilissi Lake, an artificial lake with a depth of 8.5 meters, surrounded by beaches and ideal for relaxation within the city.
Frequently asked questions
Plan for at least 2 to 3 days to visit Tbilissi's main attractions: Narikala Fortress, Sameba Cathedral, the Dry Bridge flea market, and the sulfur baths. If you want to explore the city at your own pace and take an excursion to Mtskheta or Kazbegi, allow 4 to 5 days.
You can reach Narikala Fortress on foot from Old Tbilissi, or take the cable car that departs from Rike Park, located near the Peace Bridge. The cable car is paid but offers splendid views of the city during the ascent.
The best time to visit Tbilissi is spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), when temperatures are mild and rainfall is limited. Summer can be very hot, with temperatures exceeding 35°C, while winter is cold but appealing to ski enthusiasts in the surrounding areas.
Yes, the sulfur baths in the Abanotubani district offer both very affordable public baths (a few euros) and private rooms for more privacy, at higher rates. An hour in a private bath typically costs between 15 and 30 euros depending on the establishment.
In Tbilissi, don't miss khachapouri (cheese-filled breads, especially the adjaruli version shaped like a boat), khinkali (spiced dumplings with meat or mushrooms), and mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers). Pair everything with Georgian wine, one of the world's oldest.
