The Best Things to See and Do in Tbilisi, Georgia

Abanotubani, the old town of Tbilisi, is the central historical landmark of the city. It’s here where King Vaghtang Gorgasali’s falcon fell in hot water during his hunt. The accident led to the discovery of natural sulfur hot springs and, later on, to the establishment of the capital. The name of the capital, Tbilisi, is also connected to the story; tbilimeans warm in Georgian. The oldest district of the capital offers various attractions for you to explore, such as the Narikala Fortress, Metechi Bridge, Mother of Georgia, Botanical Garden, old residential buildings and much more.

No trip to Tbilisi is complete until you visit the sulfur baths. They’re easy to spot from a distance; brick domes rise from the ground and feature a small window for light and ventilation. Don’t worry, though; no one will be able to see anything through that window. The water, naturally hot at 40C (104F), has therapeutic minerals good for your skin and health. You can also book a masseuse, for an additional cost, to give your skin a good scrubbing.

The Simon Janashia Museum on Rustaveli Avenue holds a unique and fascinating exhibition all year round – one that highlights centuries-old treasures found during various archaeological digs in different parts of the country. Here you can see jewels and Georgian gold pieces from three distinct periods of development and history. The items on exhibit here date all the way back to the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE.

Chronicles of Georgia, or Georgian Stonehenge as locals jokingly call it, is a 30m-tall (98ft) pillar outside of the city centre. The monument depicts Georgian kings, heroes and queens, while the bottom shows biblical scenes. It’s most likely that you’ll be alone at the memorial, so take advantage of it; explore the site and take Instagram-calibre pictures from different angles.

Tbilisi hides some beautiful Art Nouveau architecture from the 20th century. When Georgia was forced to enter the Soviet Union in 1921, such buildings were declared bourgeoisie and banned, resulting in the disappearance of many. However, some still survive. This experience allows you to see the artistic side of Tbilisi, scattered in many districts of the capital. Many of these buildings, however, are residential houses; therefore, you need to be buzzed in.

Often referred to by locals as Nikala, Niko Pirosmani was a primitivist painter who received recognition only after his death. Social conditions of his time influenced his works, which depict merchants, workers, shopkeepers and noblemen. Unlike some other artists, his works never aimed towards perfect imitation of nature and never paid attention to details. The National Gallery located at 11 Shota Rustaveli Avenue exhibits some of his well-known pieces. Also, you can visit his house-museum at 29 Niko Pirosmani Street, where he spent the last years of his life.

Today it’s the Writer’s House, but it was once the mansion of David Sarajishvili: a doctor of chemistry and philosophy, a philanthropist and the founder of Georgian brandy, Sarajishvili. The German architect Carl Zaar built the house in 1905, and it’s a perfect example of Art Nouveau architecture. Half of it is still under construction, but you can explore the ground floor and the garden. The main hall features photos of Sarajishvili, his family and Georgian poets of that time, while the terrace has ceramic tiles that Villeroy & Boch Company made specifically for him.

Take a ride on the Funicular to Mtatsminda Park to relish in panoramic views of the city. The amusement park sits at the top of Mount Mtatsminda; it features different carousels, a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, water slides and much more. If you feel fancy, you can even have dinner at the Funicular Restaurant and witness a breathtaking vista over an illuminated Tbilisi.

This unique flea market bears a fascinating collection of jewellery, antiques, vintage home accessories and Soviet bric-a-brac. Locals used to come here to sell their belongings to make a little cash. It turned into the primary business for some people, and those who don’t want to throw something away bring it here and sell it to the merchants. Goods are laid out on the ground, perfectly lined out and jam-packed on a blanket. Prices may be overinflated, especially for tourists. Try to do some bargaining, or if you happen to have a local friend, ask them to buy it for you. The market is open daily if the weather is good. More sellers emerge on the weekends, but it also means more people visit it.

Just outside the city centre, Tbilisi hides a unique underground publishing house from where young Stalin and his colleagues used to spread Soviet propaganda at the beginning of the 20th century. It was built under a well, 17m (56ft) below ground. Activists accessed the room by climbing down the well, but it also had an emergency exit just in case their secret was leaked.

Next to Narikala, there’s a big statue of a woman holding a sword and a cup. That’s the Mother of Georgia or Kartlis Deda in Georgian. The aluminium figure rises 20m (66ft) and is a symbol of not only Tbilisi but the country as well. The sword is for those who come as an enemy, while a cup of wine is for those who come as friends.

This fairytale-like clock tower is a relatively new edition to the capital. Made by Rezo Gabriadze, a puppet master and screenwriter, the tower features hundreds of handmade tiles created by Gabriadze himself. Every hour, an angel comes out of a door at the top and strikes a bell with a hammer; at noon and 7pm, you can watch a small puppet show called The Circle of Life.

The biggest symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church is the Trinity Cathedral. The cathedral, located on Elia Hill above Avlabari, is visible from almost every corner of the city centre. Construction took approximately a decade and the building opened to the public in 2004. It stands 84m (275ft) tall, including the gold-covered cross above the central dome.

One recreational space in Old Town is Rike Park, which features pools, fountains, a giant chess board and several dozen chairs. During summer evenings, locals and visitors enjoy the dancing fountains accompanied by music and a light show.

One of the first modern architectural additions to the city is a glass-and-steel structure. Michele De Lucchi, an Italian architect, designed the pedestrian bridge over the Mtkvari River; it opened to the public in 2010. The Peace Bridge connects Erekle II Street, a pedestrian street full of cafés, and Rike Park.

On the opposite side of Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church is a city landmark, with the statue of King Vaghtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi. This is where he built his palace and the first church in the area in the fifth century. The church present today is from the 13th century and has undergone reconstruction several times.

This dynamic city is a must-see since it is rich in culture, history, and delicious cuisine. There is so much to experience, from touring historic strongholds to meandering through quaint old town alleys. These tours offer everything you could possibly want, including adventure, leisure, and a taste of Georgian hospitality.

Take one of our thoughtfully chosen trips to discover Georgia for a genuinely customized experience. Our excursions are made to give you the best of all this lovely country has to offer, ranging from bustling city life, stunning scenery, or ancient history. Let us handle the technicalities so you can enjoy the trip, from the picturesque alleys of Tbilisi to the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains.