Last Updated on July 24, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is still one of the hidden gems of the region. Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Tbilisi is a diverse city that doesn’t hide its identity. With a population of almost 1.2 million inhabitants, it’s easy to understand that there are actually many things to do in Tbilisi.
It was my first time in Georgia, and from the moment I arrived, I had a very welcoming feeling. The locals are charming, and Georgian cuisine is delicious. Apart from that, the Georgian alphabet is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Do you know how the locals write the word “Tbilisi?” Well, that’s how: თბილისი. Impressive, right?
I wrote this mini city guide for Tbilisi to help first-time travelers make the most out of their stay. As it’s always the case with my travel guides, I prefer to keep them informative, having more text and fewer photos. Therefore, if you would like to read my impressions and see pictures from Tbilisi, you can read my travelogue from the capital of Georgia.
So, here is my quick guide to Tbilisi. Navigate through the sections to find information about sightseeing, the best things to do in Tbilisi, accommodation options, where to eat in Tbilisi, and budgeting tips. At the end of this guide, you will also find a few selected tours for Tbilisi and beyond.
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How to get to Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is a thriving city with several international flights landing there. Keep in mind, though, that -usually- the flights arrive very late at night. My flight from Athens landed in Tbilisi at 4 am. I would also suggest pre-ordering a taxi or communicating with the hotel to send a driver: it will save you a lot of trouble in the middle of the night. In my case, I paid approximately 15 euros for the lift.
Check the best prices for flights to Tbilisi here.
If you happen to fly from Athens, which is actually pretty convenient, you can fly directly to Tbilisi with Aegean Airlines. Book your Aegean Airlines flight here.
Where to stay in Tbilisi
I stayed at the excellent Garnet Hotel in the heart of Tbilisi, just a few meters away from Freedom Square. The hotel is brand new, the staff is extremely helpful, and the breakfast is delicious. The Wi-Fi is entirely reliable, and some rooms feature a balcony. Overall, a wonderful experience; therefore, I can highly recommend it.
A tip
If you are a light sleeper, avoid staying in a room facing the street. Although the windows are well-insulated, there may be some noise, especially early in the morning. For me, it was not an issue, but I can understand that some people might have problems with that.
For other accommodation options in Tbilisi, Georgia, please refer to the map here.
Where to eat and drink in Tbilisi
The Georgian cuisine is one of a kind, and I still think of the food I had there. Actually, whenever I travel to Eastern Europe, I always try to find a Georgian restaurant to eat at once. The food in Tbilisi is no exception, of course, and I wish I had more days in the city to try even more local dishes.
Honestly, I didn’t have a bad meal in Tbilisi, even though I went to random places. I have, of course, followed the recommendations of the locals (thanks, Gvantsa!), and I have also searched extensively online.
So, here are my favorite places for food and drinks in Tbilisi.
- Linville. A wonderful cafe-restaurant with a vintage atmosphere and delicious food. The music is nostalgic, which makes the place look even more appealing. A starter, main dish, and a glass of wine for less than € 12. In the very heart of the Old Town. Check Linville’s FB page here.
- Dolce Mania. I had a quick stop at Dolce Mania, and I was delighted with the coffee and cake I ordered. Outdoor seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and high-quality coffee. The place also offers dining options.
- Barbarestan. High-quality restaurant, but not cheap at all. Traditional Georgian recipes, as compiled by Barbare Jorjadze, a 19th-century princess who authored a famous cookbook. If you enjoy good food and your budget allows, then give it a try.
- Sofia Melnikovas. Great food and outdoor seating in a lovely courtyard. Not so easy to find but definitely rewarding. Delicious khinkali (the Georgian dumplings).
A personal tip
There are loads of bakeries in Tbilisi, and I couldn’t resist trying out a few of them. It actually seems that there are bakeries on every corner of the city. If you feel convinced by what you see, I bet you’ll just order whatever appears more pleasing to your eye. You won’t regret it. Additionally, you will be among the locals, allowing you to observe their daily life and habits.
Things to do in Tbilisi
Strolling around Tbilisi is a pleasure, and I highly recommend taking long walks around the city. The narrow streets and vintage feel make Tbilisi a joy to wander around and explore the different neighborhoods, especially those in the Old Town.
I found Tbilisi to be totally safe, and I don’t think you will encounter any problems. The main avenues are full of people during the day, but Tbilisi is also a city with an enjoyable nightlife.
Stroll along Rustaveli Avenue
Rustaveli Avenue is definitely a must-see if you want to experience the city’s vibe. This is the main boulevard of the town, named after the iconic Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli (check his Knight in the Panther Skin here).
Rustaveli Avenue reminded me of the central avenues of Athens, and I had a delightful time exploring it while also taking in some cool street art. This is the place to see and be seen in Tbilisi. For the street photographers among us, the avenue is full of attractive faces and incidents, so you will definitely have the chance to capture the way life unfolds.
Plus, this is the main shopping artery of the city; therefore, you can buy souvenirs or whatever you might need. Lastly, on Rustaveli Avenue, you can also visit the Georgian National Museum to learn more about the country.
The Dry Bridge Market
Equally recommended is a visit to the Dry Bridge Market, a big outdoor bazaar where you can find everything. There, you will see a wide variety of Soviet objects, but apart from that, the Dry Bridge Market is also a historical site.
In Soviet times, people would come here to sell their belongings to make some extra cash. Even if you don’t buy something, you will enjoy being among locals, and you will also have the chance to see various objects from the USSR. For me, visiting the Dry Bridge Market is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi, thanks to its unique atmosphere and local charm. It’s open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
The Botanical Garden of Tbilisi
Don’t miss the chance to wander around the Botanical Garden. This is a mesmerizing place where you can immerse yourself in the wonder of nature and feel the vibe of old Georgia. The Botanical Garden of Tbilisi spans over 160 hectares.
The visit to the Botanical Garden of Tbilisi can actually be combined with a visit to the Narikala fortress. The ancient Narikala fortress overlooks both the city and the Mtkvari River, offering stunning views. The fortress has stood there since the 4th century, so it is easy to imagine that this is one of the oldest and most historic places in Tbilisi. Since 2012, a cable car has connected Rike Park on the left bank of the Mtkvari River with Narikala Fortress.
The unmissable Old Town of Tbilisi
Of course, Tbilisi’s absolute gem is its Old Town. The Old Town of Tbilisi is actually a spectacular maze of narrow streets, brick houses, and wooden balconies. This sort of vintage atmosphere is something that you won’t easily find in other Eastern European countries, as here you can observe a unique blend of Russian and European architecture, combined with Arabic and Asian elements. The result is stunning, and during my time in Tbilisi, I made an effort to visit the Old City of Tbilisi as often as possible.
The Sulfur Baths of Tbilisi
In the Old Town, you will also find the famous sulfur baths of Tbilisi, also known as the Royal Baths. The name “Tbilisi” actually has a direct connection to the sulfur baths: it means “warm place.” You can find them in the Abanotubani district, and taking a bath there is a memorable experience. Apart from the folklore, the sulphur baths are beneficial for addressing issues such as digestion problems, insomnia, and arthritis. You can find some additional information here.
The Mother Georgia Statue
Now, no visit to Tbilisi is complete without visiting the Mother Georgia statue. The Kartlis Deda is actually a monument on top of the Sololaki hill. It has stood there since 1958, having been erected to commemorate the 1,500th anniversary of the city. Mother Georgia is a 20-meter-tall aluminum statue portraying a woman in a traditional Georgian dress. The woman holds a bowl of wine in her left hand to welcome those who come as friends, and a sword in her right hand to punish those who come as enemies.
A day out of town
Last but not least, if you are spending an adequate amount of time in Georgia, do consider visiting the countryside. The routes are beautiful, and there are loads of authentic little towns on your way. At the end of this post, you will find links to selected day trips outside Tbilisi.
How to budget for Tbilisi
Tbilisi remains a relatively affordable destination. A double room downtown won’t cost you more than 40 euros per night unless you are after some luxury. The metro costs less than a euro per ride and gives you access to almost every place of interest. The food is reasonably priced, and you will hardly spend more than 20 euros per person, including drinks. Usually, you’ll spend less.
Overall, Tbilisi is not expensive at all, and if you like to keep an eye on your budget, then you will definitely spend less than 160 euros for four days (accommodation excluded, of course). During my stay in Tbilisi, I stayed well beyond the 70 euros per day limit, which includes everything: accommodation, food, tickets, etc.
Selected tours and activities in Tbilisi and beyond
While Tbilisi will keep you occupied for a couple of days, the countryside of Georgia is where the true beauty of the country lies. I visited a few more places in Georgia, and I can highly recommend spending at least one day outside of the capital.
There are several tours to choose from, but I have compiled a shortlist of the best ones here. Some of them are tours in Tbilisi, while others will drive you out of the city. So, here are some of the best activities in Tbilisi and beyond.
- Tbilisi Walking Tour with Cable Cars, Wine Tasting, and Traditional Bakery. In my opinion, this is one of the finest (and cheapest) tours in Tbilisi. As its title betrays, you will walk around Tbilisi with a guide, and you will explore the fortress, the waterfall, and the ancient theater. Additionally, you will participate in a wine tasting. Believe it or not, Georgia has excellent wine production, and you should bring a bottle of wine back home if possible. Book your walking tour here.
- Mtskheta-Jvari Gori-Uplistsikhe. This is actually a full-day tour from Tbilisi, where you can enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mtskheta, as well as the Jvari Gori, also known as Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century Orthodox Monastery in the eastern part of Georgia. Recommended for travelers who have only one day out of the city and want to make the most of it. Book here the Mtskheta-Jvari Gori-Uplistsikhe tour.
- 9-Tastings: Food-walk through historical Tbilisi. This private tour is definitely a must for food lovers. You will explore the historical Sololaki district in downtown Tbilisi and taste nine different dishes. The food tasting tour offers a wide variety, ranging from bakeries to diners, and from vintage Georgian taverns to a modern gallery café. Check the prices for the 9-Tastings here.
- Private Day Trip to Gudauri and Kazbegi from Tbilisi via Jvari and Mtskheta. Last but not least, this is the tour that offers, in a sense, Georgia in a nutshell. I think that you can’t ask for anything more from a day trip. Not only will you visit the Unesco World Heritage Sites of Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery, but you’ll also discover Gudauri and Kazbegi. It’s definitely pricier than other tours, but it also offers the most rewarding experience. Book this private day trip here.
This was my mini city guide to Georgia’s capital, featuring the best things to do in Tbilisi and a selection of activities in nearby places. Please let me know in the comments if you have already visited Georgia and what your thoughts were about it.
More about Tbilisi & Georgia: A monk above the clouds & Chiatura, a modern dystopia? & A stream of hope in Tbilisi
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