Tbilisi turned out to be my favorite home away from home. The Georgian capital is famous for its vibrant city center, chaotic traffic and thriving food scene. In this article you’ll find plenty of things to do in Tbilisi, whether you’re there for a weekend or chaining yourself to the country as I intended to do. 

 

When I first got to Tbilisi, I didn’t know what to think. Admittedly, it wasn’t the best time to judge a place, since I had been awake for 38 hours on my way there. However, during my first night in the city, I felt slightly intimidated.

Tbilisi is typically a city that grows on you, fast. It’s difficult not to love the maze of Old Tbilisi, the many green parks and a mixture of breathtaking architecture, perfectly reflecting the city’s history. On my second day I already knew that I was going to fall for it pretty bad.

Whether you stay in the picturesque old town, where typical Georgian houses seem to be randomly stacked up on each other or when you decide to venture out and explore the – more soviet looking – outskirts, Tbilisi is a city for everyone! To prove that, I’ve made a list of awesome things to do in Tbilisi!

 

50 THINGS TO DO IN TBILISI

 

1.Learn about Pirosmani

The work of famous painter Pirosmani cannot be missed when you visit Georgia! Most of it can be found in the art museum in Tbilisi but when you really want to get an idea of what Pirosmani’s life must’ve been like, visit the smallest museum ever, his house. Yes, Pirosmani lived in Harry Potter style: under the stairs of his aunt.

 

2.Explore the secret Chronicle of Georgia

A place I randomly found on Google maps and NOBODY seems to know about, not even taxi drivers. The chronicle of Georgia is basically a huge statue located on top of a hill on the outskirts of the city. A must do when you’re into epic statues, breathtaking views and off the beaten path travel.

Read more: Tbilisi’s Stonehenge: The Chronicle of Georgia

 

3.Cross the Bridge of peace

Tbilisi, nowadays, is full of modern architecture, one of the biggest examples is the bridge of peace. The glass bridge connects Old Tbilisi with Rike Park, across the Mtkvari river. Cross it to stay safe from Tbilisi’s crazy traffic and to get some mind blowing photographs.

Fun fact: The bridge’s nickname is ‘Always Ultra’ because it slightly resembles a lady’s maxi pad.

 

4.Get something to eat at Erekle II street

Admittedly this street is one of Tbilisi’s touristic hotspots, but that shouldn’t stop you. Learn about wine at G. Vino, watch people from Kala pub or watch what you say at KGB.

 

5.Watch Tbilisi’s traffic at Puris Moedani

Officially called ‘Jerusalem square’  but lovingly named Puris Moedani (the bread square) after the Puris Moedani restaurant. This square is great for watching traffic, as the stream of cars here never seems to stop. I’ve seen some pretty hilarious things, such as lada’s carrying entire bathrooms and fighting cab drivers causing huge traffic jams.

 

6.Climb Narikala fortress

The Narikala fortress, located in old Tbilisi, is one of the best examples of the non-existing safe regulations in Georgia. Climbing the fortress is dangerous as there are no fences to keep you safe and nobody who keeps an eye on the stream of tourists. And I love it! Bring your best shoes, conquer your fear of heights and enjoy the amazing view from the top!

 

7.Get high at Mtatsminda Park

Another place with great views on Tbilisi. Mtatsminda park is a great way to spend your weekend, as many locals seem to think. Visit the old theme park – they have a dinosaur park! – and ride the ferris wheel to reach the highest point in Tbilisi. When you’re done, grab a bite at Furnicular. They have awesome, fresh Khinkali!

Mtatsminda park

 

8.Sameba Holy Trinity Cathedral

The biggest cathedral in Georgia, with a golden roof you can see from almost every part of Tbilisi. The Sameba Holy Trinity Cathedral is a new church complex – they’re still building new churches and monasteries in Georgia – and from the inside you’ll see they’re not even finished. The huge Jesus fresco was amazing – which only has outlines now – so go and take a look yourself!

Read more: Visiting the Sameba Cathedral

 

9.Take a relaxing stroll through Rike Park

Play live chess, cool down at the fountain or take the cable cart up to Narikala fortress. Rike Park, located in the new part of Tbilisi is a nice place to wander around in as it is quite different from the other parks in Tbilisi.

 

10.Become a proper wine taster

Georgia grows over 525 different varieties of grapes and everybody – even in a cramped city like Tbilisi – makes wine. Become friends with your neighbors to score some of the homemade goods or find a nice winery to taste and experience wine culture first hand. My favorite was 8000 vintages, located in Saburtalo, just outside of the center of Tbilisi.

 

11.Learn about Georgia in the National museum

National museums don’t need much of an introduction, I’d advise you to visit one in every city you go to. Georgia has a rich history of tragedies and violent wars. To be able to understand some of it, this is the place to go!

 

12.Visit the oldest church of Tbilisi

Dating back from the 6^th century, Anchiskhati Basilica is the oldest surviving church of Tbilisi. Hidden behind a gate and not as majestic as the Sameba Holy Trinity Cathedral, this treasure is easy to miss. The paintings inside date from the 19^th century – aside from the altar piece which was painted in 1683.

 

13.Visit the gorgeous Georgian National Opera Theater

The neo-Moorish style building is amazing from the outside, but drop dead gorgeous when viewed from inside, where it’s mostly built in European style. The building – formerly known as the Tiflis Imperial Theater (how Star Wars is that?) hosted big opera stars like Montserrat Cabbalé and José Carreras and is also home to the State Ballet of Georgia.

 

14.Wander the streets of Vera

The Vera neighborhood is known for its beautiful houses. While Old Tbilisi is known for the same, I’d advise you to wander through Vera when you get the chance because of the lack of tourists. Tbilisi isn’t a very touristic city anyway, here you’ll find locals and locals only!

 

15.Stroll down Rustaveli Avenue

Home to the Georgian National Opera Theater, the parliament building and impressive lanes, Rustaveli Avenue perfectly portrays the grandeur of Tbilisi. If everything else on this list fails you, you could also go shopping here.

 

16.Check out Stalin’s secret printing house

While Gori is home to the Stalin museum, this place in Tbilisi might the worth the trouble too as it unveils a part of Stalin’s secrets. An excellent place to get to know more about Georgia’s Soviet history.

 

17.Eat delicious BBQ food

Mtvadi is just one of the excellent foods in Georgia that made me want to chain myself to the country and never leave! Perfectly tender BBQ pork, chicken and even lamb, served with a smile. I can’t stop thinking about it!

Read more: Tbilisi Food Guide – Where to Stuff Your Face in Georgia’s Capital

 

18.Test your anxiety levels at Marionette theater

I admit that the dolls of the Gabriadze theater are creepy AF! They shouldn’t keep you from visiting the shows at 12:00 and 19:00 though. When irrationally afraid of dolls like me, there’s always the supercute Gabriadze café next door.

 

19.Enjoy views over the city at Metekhi

The platform of the Metheki church and the statue of king Vatkhtang Gorgasali beside it, give you a perfect view on Old Tbilisi on one side and Rike Park and what lies behind it on the other.

Fun fact: some people believe the statue of king Vatkhtang’s right hand is waving to Armenia with all five fingers because of a soccer match between the two countries where Georgia won 5 to 0. Although it has been proven to be false, I kind of like this urban legend.

 

20.Get in touch with nature

The botanical garden of Tbilisi is one of the best places to get out of the busy city center. Not only is this park huge, even in summer I found it to be quite peaceful without too many tourists walking around. Climb all the way to the statue of Mother Georgia for breathtaking views over the park and Tbilisi.

 

21.Shop for memorabilia at the Dry bridge market

A colorful flea market selling old soviet junk to colorful paintings. Even if you don’t feel like buying anything, the Dry Bridge Market should be part of your trip to Tbilisi because of the friendly people and colorful junk on their stalls.

 

22.Get into the screamfest at the market

Another must do is the big market at the station square. Not only can you find the freshest produce for the best price, the screaming and yelling is something both overwhelming and hilarious. Great way to get that culture shock!

 

23.Have a swim in Tbilisi Sea

Tbilisi is located nowhere near the coast, how cool is it to get to swim anyway? Tbilisi Sea is basically just a huge reservoir locals use to swim in, relax on a boat or on the beach. When you’re there anyway, check out the huge memorial (see #2) on top of the hill!

 

24.Stand next to the Mother of Georgia statue

Next to the Narikala fortress you’ll find the Mother of Georgia statue, holding a sword to fight the enemy in one hand and grapes to greet the friends of Georgia in the other. Behind the statue is a little boulevard where you can take walk and admire the view over gorgeous Tbilisi. On the other side you see the botanical garden of Tbilisi.

 

25.Bridge of the Hundred Thousand Martyrs

Historically the bridge is a place of executions, the biggest one being the execution of the martyrs who didn’t renounce their Christian faith. Legend says that sultan Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm made people step on the holy icons as a sign of renouncing their Christian faith and converting to Islam. Those who didn’t were killed. That’s how the bridge got its name.

 

26.Take a boat tour on the Mtkvari River

Touristy? Yes. Fun? I’d like to think so! Next to the bridge of Hundred Thousand Martyrs you’ll find the River Boat Tours, taking you on a relaxing sightseeing tour from the river Mtkvari. A great way to see the city from a different angle while saving your precious feet!

^{Old Tbilisi and the bridge of hundred thousand martyrs.}

 

27.Take an audio tour of the city

Audio Guide Georgia offers tours through various cities in Georgia, including Tbilisi. The app gives you information on sights along the way, such as interesting buildings and the city’s history. Available in the App Store and Google Play.

 

28.Marvel at the grandeur of Soviet metro stations

The Tbilisi metro is not just great for getting from one point of the other, most metro stations have artsy ceilings that are worth viewing. You might miss your connection, but that’s okay!

 

29.Go on a street art hunt

Just like any great city, Tbilisi is home to some wonderful street artists and their murals. Wander through the city to find post-war art or just a colorful splash.

^{Found at Brothers Kakabadze Street}

 

30.Smoke hookah

When strolling through beautiful Tbilisi I couldn’t help but notice a whiff of sweet air here and there. Many bars and restaurants offer hookah, also known as shisha or water pipe. Huggo bar was my favorite for smoking hookah because of their friendly staff and hysterical variety of hookah choices.

 

31.Visit an art café

Tbilisi is home to many art café’s and galleries, as well as hipster culture and street art. Wander around the old town, Vera or Vake to stumble upon the coolest places. My favorite one is 144 stairs art café (address: Salami street 14)

 

32.Relax at Turtle lake

Residents of Tbilisi love their nearby nature! Turtle lake is excellent for a day of doing nothing. You’ll find families, people walking their dogs and random picnics on any sunny day.

^{Carpets at King Erekle II Street.}

 

33.Get clean at the Sulphur baths

The Sulphur baths in Abanotubani are one of the highlights of Tbilisi’s old town. Not just the neighborhood with its beautiful blue mosque or the traditional Georgian houses make it worth visiting this area, taking a hot bath will too!

 

34.Meet other travelers at Leselidze / Kote Apkhazi

I like to see it as ‘the strip’ of Tbilisi, Leselidze (as it is still called by locals) is the place to be for nightlife, tourist shops and hostels. Need something in the middle of the night? Leselidze is there for you! When you know me, you probably know I avoided it as the plague!

 

35.Admire the Juma mosque

Located in Abanotubani, right between the Narikala fortress and the Mtkvari river, you’ll find the Juma mosque. Here muslims from the area come to pray or hang around the Sulphur baths. Abanotubani is a friendly neighborhood which shows the cultural diversity in Tbilisi really well.

 

36.Eat Khinkali at Khinklis Sakhli

Only the best khinkali is town! Khinkali is a large dumpling filled with meat, cheese or vegetables and broth, which you should eat with your hands. Georgians argue over the best khinkali, as preferences are various. I loved Khinklis Sakhli (although their staff not so much) for their fresh soupy dumplings.

 

37.Freedom Square

The partly golden statue on Freedom square can be seen from basically everywhere in the city. The square – which was renamed many times – has been home to some famous demonstrations, such as the demonstrations for independence of the Soviet Union and the Rose Revolution. Fact: George W. Bush escaped death here when somebody threw a grenade during the celebration of the 60^th anniversary marking the end of WWII.

 

38.Meet Georgian hipsters at Moulin Electrique

Located in a hidden alley, next to a synagogue you’ll have your chance to meet the hipsters of Tbilisi. Moulin Electrique is a great place for having drinks and conversation at the same time in the very center of Tbilisi.

^{Churchkhela or Georgian Snickers make a great snack!}

 

39.Chill with locals in the 9^th of April Park

The locals of Tbilisi love to hang around in parks. Parents let their kids play in the colorful fountain of the park, while other marvel at various statue of play a game of backgammon. Wander around to discover local life, for free!

 

40.Enjoy a Georgian Snickers

Churchkhela – or Georgian snickers – is something you have to try while in Georgia! A typical churchkhela is made from walnuts (although sometimes hazelnuts are used) covered in reduced grape juice, and looks like some kind of sausage. Sounds icky but I promise you it’ll be worth a try. Eat them as a snack, for dessert or combine them with a glass of Georgian wine.

 

41.Cuddle with dogs or cats

Tbilisi is home to many street cats and dogs, most of them friendly enough to let you be. Cats are usually all over you as soon as you decide to eat your meal outside, while dogs – especially in summer – just try to find a cool spot to sleep. Most of Tbilisi’s street dogs are friendly to humans, but you should still use common sense when approaching a wild animal. Tags on their ears mean that they’ve had vaccinations.

^{Met the cutest puppy on the streets of Tbilisi.}

 

42.Spend the day at Lake Lisi

Many locals love to spend their summer days at Lake Lisi, another green spot in Tbilisi. Great for getting a fresh breath of air, away from the traffic jam that is the city.

 

43.Shop at the Meidani Bazar

The Meidani Bazar is just one of the spots for buying souvernirs. Choose local wine, honey or art or use the tunnel as a way to get from one part of the street to another while being safely underground.

 

44.Clear your mind at Sioni Church

It’s difficult not to mention every church in Tbilisi, as they are all unique and worth a visit. However, the Sioni church is one you absolutely can’t miss. Marvel at the breathtaking frescoes, light a candle or wander around the church to clear your mind. Do make sure you cover yourself up before entering!

^{Betlemi Rise}

 

45.Try Chacha

Georgians translate is as grappa or brandy and in my opinion this local hooch should come with a warning! Chacha is a strong spirit made of grape residue. Because it is often homemade, alcohol levels range from 40 to 65%.

 

46.Walk up or down the Betlemi Rise

Between the statue of mother Georgia and the honking cars of old Tbilisi, there’s a highlight that can’t be missed. Walk down to see 3 churches, a small vineyard and one of the best views over the city. A beautiful place for photo ops and history lessons.

 

47.Go for Karaoke!

Spend you evening with friends at Famous restaurant for delicious dinner and drinks with karaoke as dessert! During one of my dinners at Famous I was treated to a full blown karaoke party and I loved it!

^{Dry Bridge Market.}

 

48.Remember at Heroes square

The heroes memorial at Heroes square in Tbilisi honors all those who died protecting the territorial integrity of Georgia. A beautiful place to take a break and learn about Tbilisi’s history.

 

49.Sip your cocktail with incredible view over the city

Next to the cable cart at Narikala fortress, you’ll find the cutest little platform overlooking Old Tbilisi. Drink a cocktail at sunset or BBQ your ass off (the kebab is great) while having one of the best views ever! I loved that, although this café has one of the best locations in the city, prices were normal and the staff was very friendly!

 

50.Be a bloody tourist

Skip all 49 items above and discover Tbilisi at your own pace. Get blown away by the different kinds of architecture, wander through the tiniest streets, explore glorious nature within minutes reach and best of all: enjoy the friendliness that is all around Georgia! Be a bloody tourist and try to leave as many footsteps as you can in this incredible city!

 

 

How to get to Tbilisi

Georgia is reached through a few airports which Tbilisi functioning as the main one. Most flights to Georgia are unfortunately not direct, depending on your location of departure. I flew from Amsterdam to Tbilisi with a layover on Kiev, which took me over 20 hours because the earlier flight from Kiev to Tbilisi got canceled. Still it’s quite a comfortable journey, especially when you book smart and spend a few days in Kiev as well.

 

Where to sleep in Tbilisi

There’s aren’t many great accommodation options in Georgia to be frank. Tbilisi has a shortage when it comes to comfortable and modern rooms. Things are slowly changing in the hotel business because of construction everywhere in the city. In the meantime you can choose one of these hotels and guesthouses*, as well as great Airbnb’s.

I’ve stayed in the Cuckoo’s Nest, only the cutest Airbnb I’ve ever stayed in. The apartment is located in an old apartment building that looks like it came straight out of Disney’s Aladdin.

Book your trip to Tbilisi today!

Booking.com

 

Can’t get enough of the Caucasus region?

Make sure to explore the rest of Georgia, as well as the rest of the Caucasus region. For more information on traveling the Caucasus, I highly recommend reading the Lonely Planet Guide to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. It helped me tremendously while I was planning my trip to Georgia and Armenia.

 

You did it! You’ve come to the end of this incredibly long post about Tbilisi! If I missed anything, please let me know by leaving a comment. Visiting Tbilisi right now? I’d love to get an insight in your trip! Tag me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with anything Tbilisi related.

 

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^{*some of these links are affiliated links, meaning I earn something when you book your accommodation through them. This will cost you nothing extra but it does help me to keep bringing you travel stories! Each recommendation I do is from the heart and without dollar signs in the eyes 🙂}