Tbilisi has become one of the most talked-about city breaks in the region, and for good reason. Georgia’s capital sits in a dramatic valley along the Mtkvari River, with a crumbling, colourful old town, ancient churches, sulphur baths and bold modern architecture. Add legendary Georgian hospitality, superb food and wine and very reasonable prices, and it is easy to see why so many travellers fall for it. Here is our Tbilisi travel guide to the top sights, where to stay and where to shop.
Top things to do in Tbilisi
Old Tbilisi
The historic heart of the city is a maze of narrow lanes, colourful houses with carved wooden balconies, and centuries-old churches. Wander without a plan – every corner hides a courtyard, a café or a view.
Narikala Fortress and the cable car
This ancient fortress crowns the hill above the Old Town. Take the cable car up from Rike Park for spectacular views over the city, then visit the Mother of Georgia statue and walk down through the botanical garden.
The sulphur baths of Abanotubani
Tbilisi’s name comes from the Georgian word for “warm”, after its natural hot springs. Relax in one of the domed brick bathhouses in the Abanotubani district – private rooms can be booked by the hour.
The Bridge of Peace
A striking glass-and-steel pedestrian bridge over the river, especially beautiful when it lights up at night. Read more in our guide to things to do in Tbilisi.
Shardeni Street and Rustaveli Avenue
Shardeni Street is lined with restaurants, wine bars and cafés, while grand Rustaveli Avenue is home to the Parliament, the opera house, theatres and the Georgian National Museum.
The Great Synagogue
Tbilisi has a long Jewish history, and the 19th-century Great Synagogue in the Old Town is still in use today.
Recommended hotels in Tbilisi
- Rooms Hotel Tbilisi: a design-led boutique hotel in a converted Soviet-era building in the trendy Vera district.
- Stamba Hotel: a stylish hotel in a former publishing house, with an industrial-chic look and an excellent restaurant.
- The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi: a luxury tower hotel on Rustaveli Avenue with sweeping city views.
- Fabrika: a hip hostel and cultural hub in a renovated Soviet sewing factory, with private rooms, bars and shops.
- Tbilisi Marriott Hotel: a classic hotel on Rustaveli Avenue with spacious rooms and quality service.
Keeping kosher? The mehadrin kosher Genesis Hotel is another option – see our guide to car rental in Georgia through the Genesis Hotel.
Shopping in Tbilisi
- Dry Bridge Market: an open-air flea market for Soviet memorabilia, art, antiques and souvenirs.
- East Point: a large modern mall with international brands, a cinema and entertainment areas.
- Meidan Bazaar: an underground shopping passage with local products, spices and souvenirs.
Good things to bring home include Georgian wine, churchkhela (a walnut and grape-juice sweet), spices and handmade enamel jewellery.
Tips for visiting Tbilisi
- Taste the local food: do not miss khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread) and Georgian wine, made in clay qvevri vessels.
- Getting around: the metro is cheap, and ride-hailing apps such as Bolt are widely used and inexpensive.
- Wear good shoes: the Old Town is hilly and many streets are cobbled.
- Consider a guided trip: local guides know the hidden spots, and an organised tour of Georgia takes care of all the logistics.
Travelling with children? See Tbilisi with kids. And if you want to get out of town, there are plenty of day trips from Tbilisi.
