Things To Do
in Tbilisi
Tbilisi, Georgia sits in a valley along the Mtkvari River, where medieval churches meet 19th-century balconies and modern cafes. Its hillside neighborhoods wind through narrow lanes, sulfur baths, and colorful façades that glow at sunset. The city’s wine heritage threads through every corner, from cozy wine bars to traditional khachapuri bakeries.
Warm Georgian hospitality makes Old Town, vantage points, and lively markets a memorable experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Georgian breakfast at a local café, enjoying khachapuri, a cheesy bread that’s a national favorite. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of Tbilisi's Old Town, marveling at the colorful balconies and historic architecture. Don’t miss the iconic Narikala Fortress, where you can take a cable car ride for stunning views of the city.
For lunch, try a small family-run restaurant where you can savor local dishes like khinkali, juicy dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. Spend your afternoon wandering through the vibrant Shardeni Street, filled with art galleries, shops, and cafés, perfect for people-watching. Visit the historic Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Basilica, both rich in history and culture.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city’s skyline, sampling traditional Georgian wines paired with your meal. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Kura River, where you can see the illuminated bridges and buildings reflecting in the water. Cap off your evening with a visit to a local jazz bar, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere and enjoy some live music.
Begin your day with breakfast at a quaint café near Rustaveli Avenue, then head to the Georgian National Museum to delve into the rich history and culture of Georgia. The museum features fascinating exhibits, including ancient artifacts and traditional Georgian art. Spend some time exploring the nearby Art Museum of Georgia, showcasing works from both Georgian and international artists.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at a nearby bistro, trying out the delicious local cheese and vegetable dishes. Continue your cultural exploration by visiting the Tbilisi History Museum, where you can learn about the city’s transformation over the centuries. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque parks surrounding the museum, providing a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
For dinner, find a restaurant offering a fusion of traditional and modern Georgian cuisine, where you can try unique dishes crafted by innovative chefs. After your meal, attend a performance at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, renowned for its stunning architecture and world-class productions. End your night with a nightcap at a cozy wine bar, sampling some of the country’s finest wines.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and architecture from Old Town to modern districts
- Vibrant wine culture and generous hospitality
- Delicious and affordable Georgian cuisine with many vegetarian options
- Compact center makes most sights walkable and accessible
- Beautiful viewpoints and easy day trips to nearby sites like Mtskheta
- Hilly terrain with steep cobblestone streets in many areas
- Summer heat can be intense in the city center
- Language barrier in some smaller venues; English is not universal
- Traffic congestion during peak hours and limited metro coverage
- "Gamarjoba" - Hello
- "Madloba" - Thank you
- "Nakhvamdis" - Goodbye
- "Ara" - No
- "Da" - Yes
Places to Visit in Tbilisi
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient fortress with dramatic city-wide views over the Old Town, river, and modern districts, especially striking at dawn or sunset.
A curving glass-and-steel bridge spanning the river, best photographed at dusk when lights illuminate the glass panels.
Colorful domed baths clustered along the hillside; great for moody night photography and reflections in the water.
Terraced views of the city from the upper slopes, a classic shot of Tbilisi’s rooftops and river valley.
Historic stone streets, church towers, and charming facades—perfect for architectural and street photography.
Food in Tbilisi
Tbilisi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A round bread stuffed with a generous cheese filling, melted to bubbly perfection; best enjoyed hot from a bakery or bakery-cafe.
Must-Try!
Georgian dumplings filled with spiced meat or mushroom variations; bite a small hole, sip the broth, and enjoy with a sprinkle of pepper.
Walnut paste croquettes often mixed with spinach, beet, or eggplant; typically served as a vegetarian-friendly starter.
Georgian grilled meat skewers, usually pork or beef, served with onions and herbs; a staple at taverns and kebab spots.
Chicken in walnut sauce, a creamy, nutty dish often enjoyed in winter but available year-round in many venues.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal produce and street snacks near the Old Town core, where you can try fresh bread, nuts, fruit, and small plates along with easy-to-find khachapuri.
A seasonal market near Deda Park offering fresh local produce, prepared foods, honey, and local wines; good for a casual lunch or snacks.
Stalls along Rustaveli Avenue with fruit, nuts, simit (sesame bread), and grab-and-go Georgian snacks for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Georgians are known for warmth and hospitality; greet with a respectful 'Gamarjoba' (hello). A handshake is common, and direct eye contact is valued.
Modest dress is appreciated in churches and religious sites; remove hats indoors where appropriate and cover shoulders in sacred spaces.
In many homes, shoes are removed; follow local cues if visiting private residences.
Safety
Tipping in Tbilisi
Ensure a smooth experience
A 5-10% tip is customary if service is not included; rounding up a taxi fare is common; cash tips or card tips are both accepted in larger establishments.
Cash in GEL is widely accepted; cards are increasingly accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops; contactless payments are common in urban areas; some smaller stalls may prefer cash only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees make Old Town and riverfront strolls very pleasant; expect occasional showers—carry a light jacket and umbrella.
Hot days with warm evenings; stay hydrated and seek shade near parks and balconies; occasional thunderstorms; great time for terrace dining and rooftop views.
Comfortable temperatures and fall colors around the city; wine season peaks in nearby regions; perfect for long walks and photography.
Cold but not severe; occasional snow on higher hills; warm cafes, sulfur baths provide a cozy contrast; dress warmly and plan indoor activities for evenings.
Tbilisi at Night
Hiking in Tbilisi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic ascent from the old fortress area up into hillside paths with city views; suitable for a half-day hike.
Gentle lakeside loop with nearby viewpoints and cafes; easy outdoor option close to the city center.
Longer hiking excursions for alpine scenery and glacier views; best as a day trip from Tbilisi with a tour or private drive.
Airports
How to reach Tbilisi by plane.
Main international gateway to Georgia; located about 15-25 minutes from the city center by car, with taxis, rideshares, and airport shuttles available.
Second international hub in western Georgia; serves several carriers and provides connections to Tbilisi by road or rail.
Coastal gateway in the south; provides seasonal and year-round flights; longer drive to Tbilisi but common for travelers visiting the Black Sea region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population centered in Tbilisi; diverse subcultures and neighborhoods within the capital.
Longstanding communities contributing to the city’s cultural and culinary diversity.
A presence in the capital’s cosmopolitan districts, with international schools, business, and tourism.
A dynamic, tech-savvy, and culturally active demographic shaping modern Tbilisi.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Georgia with a passionate following; local leagues and international matches draw crowds.
Traditionally strong wrestling culture; rugby has a growing presence in Georgian sports culture.
Regular local competitions and accessible public courts and clubs for recreational play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tbilisi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Georgian cuisine offers many vegetarian options such as pkhali, lobio (bean dishes), mtsvadi without meat, and cheese breads. When ordering, request meat-free options and ask about stock and broths that may contain animal products; many restaurants will accommodate with advance notice.