Tbilisi is a city of contrasts: wooden houses with carved balconies next to modern glass buildings, ancient bathhouses next to new cafés, a fortress on the hill and a cable car gliding over the rooftops of the Old Town. Anyone looking for things to do in Tbilisi discovers a relatively compact city, but one that deserves at least three days.
One of its most prominent symbols is the Bridge of Peace, which connects the Old Town with Rike Park. But the bridge is just the starting point for an excellent route that includes Narikala, the sulfur baths, the flea market, Rustaveli Avenue, Mtatsminda and local neighborhoods.
The Bridge of Peace – Tbilisi’s Modern Symbol
The Bridge of Peace is a glass-and-steel pedestrian bridge that opened in 2010. Italian architect Michele De Lucchi designed a wavy canopy over the Kura River, known in Georgian as the Mtkvari. It’s about 150 meters long and creates a direct passage between Erekle II Street and the Old Town and Rike Park.
During the day, the bridge offers views of the Old Town houses, Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church and the hills. In the evening the lighting system switches on and the look changes completely. Visiting is free, and the bridge is open to pedestrians without a ticket.
When to Visit the Bridge of Peace
Early in the morning the bridge is quiet and ideal for photos. Toward sunset you get beautiful light over the city, and if you stay until dark you’ll see the full illumination. In the early evening the area is busier with travelers and tours.
How to Get to the Bridge of Peace
From the Old Town, walk via Erekle II Street. From the Rike Park side, you can come from Europe Square and Avlabari metro station, about a 10 to 15-minute walk away. From Freedom Square the walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your route and stops.
Rike Park and the Cable Car to Narikala Fortress
Rike Park is on the east side of the bridge and offers lawns, paths and places to rest. From here, the cable car climbs to Narikala Fortress. The ride is short but provides one of the best views of the river, the Bridge of Peace and the Old Town.
At the top you can walk to the Mother of Georgia statue, take in the city and walk down toward the baths. We recommend doing the route in this direction – cable car up and walking down – to save a steep climb.
Narikala Fortress and Mother of Georgia
Narikala is one of the oldest sites and most identified with Tbilisi. Parts of the fortress are unrestored, and the walk includes stairs and uneven surfaces, so sturdy shoes are important. Even without entering every section, the view from the area justifies the climb.
Within walking distance stands Kartlis Deda – Mother of Georgia – holding a bowl of wine for guests and a sword for enemies. The statue symbolizes Georgian hospitality and the country’s defensive spirit.
The Sulfur Baths and Abanotubani
The Abanotubani neighborhood, with its low brick domes, is where Tbilisi grew up around the hot springs. You can book a private bathing room or a treatment; check in advance what’s included, how long the visit lasts and whether you need to bring a towel and bathing shoes.
Even if you don’t go into a bathhouse, walk around the area. Continue to the Leghvtakhevi gorge and the small waterfall a short walk away. The route passes between rock walls and Old Town houses and feels far removed from the center.
The Old Town and Meidan Square
The Old Town is the place to wander without a packed plan. Meidan Square, Shardeni Street, the wooden balconies, churches and small courtyards create Tbilisi’s special atmosphere. Alongside touristy restaurants there are bakeries, wine bars and small cafés.
Look for the leaning clock tower next to the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater. There’s a short display every hour, and a bigger show at certain times. The area fits nicely into a route from Freedom Square to the Bridge of Peace.
Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue
Freedom Square is a transport hub and a convenient starting point. Rustaveli Avenue runs from it, lined with public buildings, theaters, museums and shops. The Georgian National Museum suits those who want to understand the country’s history and archaeology.
Walking the length of the avenue can take an hour or more. Combine it with a day of museums and shopping, not the same day you climb to Narikala and Mtatsminda.
Mtatsminda and the Funicular
The funicular climbs Mount Mtatsminda to an amusement park and a sweeping viewpoint. Entry to the park is usually free and you pay for the rides. There are cafés and restaurants at the top, and the view is especially beautiful toward sunset.
The lower funicular station is on Daniel Chonqadze Street. The ride up and down is charged separately according to the current fare, and a rechargeable card is sometimes required. Check operating hours before you go.
The Dry Bridge Market
The Dry Bridge Market is an open-air flea market selling antiques, artwork, old cameras, jewelry, Soviet-era items and souvenirs. The selection changes from day to day, and the weather affects the number of stalls.
Come in the late morning, browse several stalls before buying and bargain politely. Next to the market are 9 April Park and small galleries.
Sameba Cathedral and Metekhi Church
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, known as Sameba, stands out on the skyline and is considered one of the largest churches in the region. The complex is spacious and well kept. Metekhi Church sits on a cliff above the river and offers a lovely view of Abanotubani and Narikala.
When visiting religious sites, dress and behave according to local rules. Entry may be restricted during services.
Turtle Lake and Vake Park
Turtle Lake is above Vake Park and offers a walking trail, cafés and a relaxed atmosphere. You can get there by car or by the cable car from the Vake Park area. It’s a great destination on a nice day or for a break from the bustle of the center.
Nearby is the Open Air Museum of Ethnography, with traditional buildings from different regions of Georgia. Check opening hours before you go, especially outside the summer season.
What to Eat in Tbilisi
The city experience isn’t complete without khinkali, khachapuri, lobio, badrijani and local pastries. Order several dishes for the table and taste different styles of khachapuri. At popular restaurants, book a table in the evening.
In Georgia a service charge is sometimes added to the bill, so check before adding a tip. At markets and bakeries, cash is still useful.
Recommended 3-Day Tbilisi Itinerary
Day 1: Freedom Square, the Old Town, the clock tower, the Bridge of Peace, Rike Park, the cable car to Narikala, Mother of Georgia and the walk down to the sulfur baths.
Day 2: Rustaveli Avenue, the National Museum, the Dry Bridge Market, Sameba Cathedral and Metekhi Church. In the evening, return to the illuminated Bridge of Peace.
Day 3: Vake Park and Turtle Lake or local neighborhoods, then the funicular to Mtatsminda toward sunset.
Getting Around Tbilisi
The metro is the fastest way to move between distant areas, and buses complement the network. In the center you can walk, but the climbs are steep and sidewalks aren’t always even. Taxi apps are common and more convenient than hailing a car on the street.
For trips outside the city you can rent a car or hire a driver. Read also our guide to day trips from Tbilisi. For more general planning, see our Tbilisi guide.
When to Fly to Tbilisi
Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking, but the weather can change. Summer is hot, especially at midday, and winter is cold and sometimes snowy. In every season, bring comfortable shoes and an extra layer for the evening.
To search for flights and compare dates, the best-value way to book is with Flight Hunter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tbilisi and the Bridge of Peace
Is the Bridge of Peace free to visit?
Yes. It’s a public pedestrian bridge and no ticket is needed.
How much time do you need in Tbilisi?
Three full days suit the main sights. Four or five days allow a relaxed pace and a day trip outside the city.
Do you need a car in the city?
No. The metro, buses, taxis and walking are enough for most travelers. A car can be cumbersome because of parking and traffic.
When is the best time to photograph the Bridge of Peace?
At sunset and during blue hour you get a mix of natural light and the bridge’s illumination. Early morning is ideal for photos without crowds.
Is Tbilisi suitable for families?
Yes. Rike Park, Mtatsminda, Turtle Lake and the cable cars suit families. Factor in climbs, uneven sidewalks and stairs.
The Bottom Line
The Bridge of Peace is one of the most photographed stops in Tbilisi, but its real value is its location: it links a whole route between the Old Town, Rike Park, the cable car, Narikala and the baths. Give the city at least three days, combine the big sights with neighborhoods and markets, and return to the river area in the evening too.
Main image: Photo by Pixabay.
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This information was gathered from various online sources; please verify the exact details with the relevant authority.
