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Top 5 Things to do in Tbilisi Georgia
Georgia’s capital, sitting on the confluence of the Asian and European continents is a glorious medley of cultural influences. Here you’ll find incredible old and new architecture, natural hot springs, fabulous food and a great city that’s easy to explore on foot. It’s a fabulous city and you’d not go far wrong if you spent a weekend in Tbilisi, or perhaps longer.
The area on which Tbilisi was built has been settled since the 4th century – due in part to the Mktvari River, which runs through the center of the city. The city is also on the famous Silk Road – the trading route that runs from Europe to Asia and back. There are many activities here and places to visit, but we’ve picked the top 5 things that you should do in Tbilisi for a great experience.
1.Take the Aerial Cable Car to Narikala Fortress
The Aerial Cable Car costs just 2 GEL and takes you from Rike Park. From the old town, you’ll need to cross the stunning Peace Bridge to get there. There are stunning views of the old and new city and beyond from here. Once you alight from the cable car, you can take a short walk to see the statue of Mother Georgia and enjoy the incredible vista over the city.
Mother Georgia or Karlis Deda was installed here in 1958, on the celebration of the 1500th anniversary of the city. She’s the symbol of the Georgian National Character. She wears Georgian national Dress, her right hand wields a sword for those who come as enemies, her left hand a bowl of wine for those who come as friends.
The remains of the Narikala Fortress are also to be found here. There’s not much left of this 5th-century ruin, but it gives you a sense of the mix of influences by standing up here. You’ll get the variety of architectures left behind those who’ve conquered Tbilisi and moved on. You’ll easily spot the President’s Palace, the glorious Orthodox Cathedral and the pretty rooftops of the largely intact old town. Explore more of the old town by walking back down to the main area through it’s winding, narrow alleys. The Aerial Cable Car trip to the Narikala Fortress is one of the primary Tbilisi tourist attractions.
2. Take a Walking Tour of Tbilisi
There’s no better way to discover a city than by taking a walking tour with a local. Head to Freedom Square, where the 11 am free Walking Tours depart. You’ll find out all about Tbilisi’s history and legends and the Rose Revolution which put Georgia on the path to democracy. Discover the stunning architectural influences within the city, the hidden corners and best of all get a few great restaurant recommendations. You’ll explore the hidden story of Fig Gorge, Georgia’s oldest Church, the Anchiskhati Basilica, and understand a little more about the influences that have shaped modern Georgia. A walking tour is one of the most interesting of the Tbilisi attractions.
3. Gabriadze Puppet Theatre
Perhaps one of the more quirky things to see in Tbilisi is the clock tower of the Gabriadze Puppet Theatre. Built by Georgian theatre and film director, Rezo Levanovich Gabriadze, the fairytale clock tower marks time, but also has a special show at 12 noon and 7 pm, when the puppet show tells the story of the circle of life from beginning to end. It’s fun for the entire family. After you’ve seen the show be sure to check out the nearby Gabriadze Café for a bite to eat in a similarly fun environment. If you are wondering what to do in Tbilisi that is beyond the run of the mill, then the Gabriadze Puppet Theatre is the place to head to.
4. Eat Good Georgian Food, Drink Georgian Wine
Georgia claims that it is the birthplace of wine – with a history in viniculture going back xxx years. There is a superb selection of Georgian food and drink available in Tbilisi. When you visit Tbilisi you have to experience its wines and food.
There’s no better place to start your Georgian Food explorations than at Samikitno, which specializes in true Georgian feasts. You’ll find several of them in Tbilisi, including at the main Meidani Square, although you may find their Freedom Square location a little quieter. Menus are in Georgian and English and the staff is well versed in helping international tourists. Be sure to try at least one famous Georgian khachapuri – the boat-shaped Adjurli Khachapuri with melted cheese and cooked egg will blow your carb diet for months to come.
If you prefer your food a little more homely, then head to the underground Racha – its off the beaten track in the old town. You’ll find very hearty Georgian fare, good wine, and cheap beer. Order at the desk, sit at long wooden tables on benches and get your bill tallied on an old wooden abacus.
You’ll find numerous wine tasting stores throughout Tbilisi. All will offer you free tasting, so take them up on it, select what you like, then buy a bottle to sit and enjoy while you watch the street life of the pedestrianized areas of the old town pass you by.
5. Take a Sulphur bath
The Abanotubani area of the old town has been spectacularly restored. This is the area of the city famous for hot sulphur springs. It’s here also that the name Tbilisi comes from. Tbilisi is the old Georgian word meaning “warm” or “warm location”. Your Tbilisi travel experience would be incomplete without taking a sulphur bath.
This is the oldest part of the old town. In Tbilisi’s heyday, there were more than 60 bathhouses here. Today you’ll find 5. They’re easy to spot from the glorious domed brick roofs. You can take a shared public bath for a few GEL or opt for a private room, which takes up to 5 people. Treat yourself to a scrub and a massage and you’ll only get charged about US$20. It’s a fabulous way to end your trip to Tbilisi.
Tbilisi Georgia Tourism
How To Get To Tbilisi Georgia
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Where to stay in Tbilisi Georgia
If you are planning to visit Tbilisi Georgia then you must be wondering where to stay in Tbilisi or the best hotels in Tbilisi Georgia. For best accommodation in Tbilisi, Georgia, we recommend Booking.com or Skyscanner to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Tours/Activities available in Tbilisi Georgia
Tbilisi points of interest are many and if you are wondering what to see in Tbilisi or what to do in Tbilisi, then look no further. Tbilisi attractions pass are available for the best Tbilisi tours. You can now book tours in Tbilisi as well as activities in Tbilisi. Plan the best places to visit in Tbilisi and experience Tbilisi, which is also known as Tiflis. Tbilisi bus tour is always a great way to get a hang of the beautiful cities and towns and absorb its ethos.
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Driving around Tbilisi
If you are looking at getting best deals on car rental in Tbilisi, look no further. You can rent a car in Tbilisi to explore and experience amazing Tiflis and embark on a road trip of exploration and discovery of Tbilisi.
Tbilisi Georgia is an incredible mix of cultures and influences with a welcoming people. There are so many experiences to savor and things to do in Tbilisi. The city is easy to traverse on foot, although some of the hills in the old town will keep your heart rate up. Tbilisi Georgia is not expensive in terms of accommodation, food and the activities that we have suggested. There is a range of Tbilisi hotels to suit every budget. It’s the perfect place to visit and perhaps begin your explorations into Georgia and the Caucasus region.
Have you been to Tbilisi Georgia? What according to you are the best places to visit in Tbilisi Georgia? What are your most cherished experiences of Tbilisi Georgia? If you have not visited Tbilisi Georgia then we hope this post spurs you to check out the flights to Tbilisi. Do let us know through our comments section.
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I travelled to Tbilisi last year and pretty much did the exactly same things. I loved the street near Gabriadze Puppet Theatre, it was so lively and happening at night! And the cable car to the Narikala Fortress offers superb views of the city’s skyline. There was a small zip line from the top to the bottom which was fun too!
This is definitely a place I’m keen to visit although I’m continually struggling to find flights, I thought BA had started flying there but not sure now. Anyway I love the idea of the cable car and the baths and was idea this was a big attraction in Georgia
Alright – I’ve read a bunch of travel blogs, but quite honestly, not a lot about Tbilisi, Georgia.
The sulfur bath sounds like would be my first to do list over there!
How did you feel about the safety – any concerns?
Tbilisi, Georgia, sounds like an incredible place. Thank you for this well thought-out list of things to do here. Very useful! 🙂
Georgia is really one place I’d love to see, and its capital is very interesting. The bread, egg and cheese dish looks so good, and I’d have one to myself! The cable car must be a must to see the views of the city.
A new destination and sounds impressive. Perfect for a long weekend. Have never thought about Georgia but this definitely puts it on the radar. Love the puppet theatre and the views from the Narakula hill overlooking the city. Some great tips here with good visuals. Thanks for sharing this.
I went Tbilisi twice and I am always getting in love with this city. I don’t know why I love this place so much. The view from Narikala fortress is stunning both at early morning and at sunset time. Also I loved Georgian Khachapuri too. I was impressed that people in Tbilisi love Raj Kapoor’s songs too.
This might be a silly reason, but I’ve always wanted to visit the country of Georgia because I’m from the state of Georgia in the U.S.! When I do visit, I’m going to make sure to try the “khachapuri”, it looks soooo good 🙂 I also love that it seems budget-friendly, a scrub and massage for only $20?!
I was just speaking with a couple from Georgia and after reading your post and speaking to them, I really want to go. I love your ideas and the city and food sound amazing.
Very useful post
Technically, I’ve been to Georgia but never to Tbilisi. Would so love to go! The food is unbelievable, the sight of that khachepuri is making me drool!
awesome travel diary thanks to sharing
Never been to Tbilisi in Georgia. I’d like to explore such kind of historical and cultural destination. That Adjurli Khachapuri maybe tastes a bit like Asian food. The sulfur bath sounds much interesting.
So many fun things to do in Tbilisi! Food is always a good idea. Thanks for the tip on free wine tasting in the stores. I would also love to soak in the sulphur springs!
Tbilisi in Georgia, appears o be an amazing place, to spend a weekend in. That view from the top, after taking the aerial cable car, is amazing, and makes for an amazing spot to just sit, and relax and witness the sunset.
Glad to read, about the free tours being operated, as I am a big fan of these. As not only do you get to know about the city, but also interact with like minded travellers, and the guide might just point you to an amazing place to eat, away from the tourist traps.
I am glad I came across this post. A friend of mine is traveling to Georgia and was looking for information to plan her itinerary. Tbilisi looks like a wonderful place and the walking tour sounds really interesting. Sharing this post right away!
I particularly like the clock tower. It’s so beautiful and cute. To rent a car and drive around is a really good idea I guess since you can then see the places on your own speed. And it is really good to know that you can conveniently rent a car in Tbilisi to drive around.
Lot’s of interesting sights and food in Georgia! I don’t know much about this countries and I am sure everything would look exotic and curious to me. I would like to visit there and learn about their culture and history, and try the melted cheese and egg cuisine- my favorite combination. @ knycx.journeying
Tbilisi is my favorite place and I love views from Narikala Fortress. Also, Georgian cuisine is very delicious and have many vegetarian varieties. Driving around Tbilisi is really very interesting and I would surely recommend those side trips.