Planning a trip to Georgia and wondering what to do in Tbilisi? This mega guide brings together all my favourite things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia – including free activities, unusual and unique attractions, immersive experiences, and local favourites.

First published in 2017 and freshly updated for 2023, this is my mega Tbilisi Guide. Read on for the best things to do in Tbilisi, accurate and up to date for what’s open now and current restrictions.

Tbilisi is the kind of city that draws you in, reveals itself slowly, then gets right under your skin. Dripping with tradition yet effortlessly cool, Tbilisi is suave and chaotic, charming and eccentric all at once.

Don’t get me wrong, it does have its flaws. But to me, Tbilisi is a city beyond compare.

I first visited Tbilisi in 2017. After several return trips, I decided to move here at the start of 2020. At this point, I know the city inside and out. And yet every time I walk out my front door, I fall in love with Tbilisi just that little bit more.

Caucasian carpets hang on a fence in front of a historic building in the city centre of Tbilisi.
Beautiful Tbilisi, Georgia.

Tbilisi has a well established tourist trail. But you won’t find many of the typical ‘big ticket attractions’ on this list.

Instead, I want to show you some of my favourite cool, weird, alternative and off-beat things to see, do and experience in Tbilisi – the kind of things that will make your trip unforgettable.

For even more ideas, see my seasonal guides:


Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.


8 quick Tbilisi tips for your trip

Before we discover the best of Tbilisi, here are a couple of quick tips based on the questions I get asked most frequently.

  1. Don’t come in summer. Mid-June through to the end of August is peak tourist season and it’s far too hot and cloying to be enjoyable. September/October and May/early June are the nicest times to visit Tbilisi. → See my detailed guide on when to visit Georgia and my Georgia Events Calendar.
  2. Never take a taxi from Tbilisi Airport. It’s a surefire way to start your trip on the wrong foot. Instead, pre-book a private transfer with GoTrip, use the city bus, or download the Grab app before you leave home. → See my Tbilisi Airport Arrivals Guide for more details.
  3. Buy a local sim card when you arrive. It’s essential for booking taxis, general navigation and translation. → See my guide to buying a Georgian sim card for the best providers and step-by-step instructions for getting set up.
  4. Stay in Sololaki, Lower Vera, Avlabari or Chugureti. These inner-city suburbs are the most suitable for visitors. You’ll find my accommodation recommendations in the next section.
A poster of the Flying Painter in Tbilisi, Georgia.
  1. Adjust to ‘Tbilisi Time’. Tbilisi is a late riser and most restaurants, museums etc. don’t open until 10 or 11am. → If your accommodation doesn’t provide breakfast, here is a list of cafes that open early.
  2. Remember that Tbilisi is a very safe city. But you still need to exercise common sense. There are a couple of tourist scams to be wary of, and petty theft does occur from time to time. → See my tips for staying safe in Tbilisi.
  3. Don’t under-budget. Georgia is great value for money, but not everything in Tbilisi is ‘cheap’. → See my detailed Tbilisi travel budget.
  4. Bring good walking shoes and a scarf. Tbilisi is hilly with cobblestone streets, so your feet will thank you for packing good shoes. Ladies, always carry a lightweight scarf that you can throw over your hair when visiting churches. → Take a peek at my Georgia Packing List.

→ For more helpful tips, here are 23 things to know before you visit Georgia.

Charming architecture in Old Tbilisi.
The heart of Old Tbilisi.

Where to stay in Tbilisi

If it’s your first time visiting Tbilisi, I recommend staying somewhere in the city centre. My favourite neighbourhoods are Sololaki (south-east of Liberty Square), Lower Vera (around Stamba Hotel), Avlabari (across the river from the sulfur baths), and Chugureti AKA Marjanishvili or Plekhanovi (around Fabrika).

All these neighbourhoods are safe with a great local vibe, beautiful architecture, and plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars nearby.

→ I have separate guides for Tbilisi’s best Airbnbs, family-run guesthouses and hostels.

Here are my top overall picks for every budget:

Blue balconies at The House Hotel Old Tbilisi, a beautiful boutique hotel in Tbilisi Georgia.
The House Hotel. Photo courtesy of the property.

TOP CHOICE: The House Hotel Old Tbilisi (⭐ 9.7). Located in the heart of the old town, this beautiful new boutique hotel has luxe rooms arranged around a typical Tbilisi yard. Enjoy your morning coffee on the pretty blue balcony, then dive into an incredible complimentary breakfast served in the courtyard at Blue Fox Restaurant.


A dorm room at Pushkin 10 Hostel in Tbilisi.
Pushkin 10. Photo courtesy of the property.

BUDGET: Pushkin 10 (⭐ 9.4). Located 400m from Freedom Square and footsteps from the popular Orbeliani Market and Atoneli Street precinct, this central hostel offers tidy 4 or 8-bed dorms plus private doubles overlooking a shared Tbilisi courtyard. The sunny kitchen and breakfast room with city views is a highlight.


Vagabond B&B, a light-filled house in Marjanishvili Tbilisi with private rooms.
Vagabond B&B Photo courtesy of the property.

MID-RANGE: Vagabond B&B (⭐ 9.3). Located in hip Chugureti, 600m from Marjanishvili Metro Station, this house has a relaxed, home-away-from-home atmosphere. Singles and doubles have private bathrooms, and shared dining and outdoor spaces are made for coming together over a meal or a glass of wine.


A four-poster iron bed in a beautifully designed hotel in Tbilisi, with parquet floors and big windows.
Communal Hotel. Photo courtesy of the property.

BOUTIQUE: Communal Hotel Plekhanovi (⭐ 9.4). With 14 immaculate rooms, an onsite Levantine restaurant and their own wine bar and gift shop, Communal is one of the best hotels in Georgia. The location in an up-and-coming part of Chugureti is ideal for dining and nightlife. Also see their sister property, Communal Sololaki.


Stamba Hotel, a design hotel in Tbilisi.
Stamba Hotel. Photo courtesy of the property.

HIGH-END: Stamba Hotel (⭐ 9.2). Located at the top of Rustaveli Avenue, walking distance from both the old town and Vera district, this hotel is nestled inside a former Soviet-era printing house and epitomises ‘industrial chic’. Rooms are stunning, the buffet breakfast is one of the best in the city, and there are several onsite bars.


Tbilisi is just the beginning…

Discover all the best things to do in Georgia! Join my email list and I’ll send you a copy of my PDF guide ‘365 Things to Do in Georgia’.


52 awesome things to do in Tbilisi: The ultimate list

Everything listed here is located within Tbilisi’s city centre and is easy to reach by foot, metro or taxi.

→ For things to do outside the city, see my guide to the 15 best Tbilisi day trips.


Overall best things to do in Tbilisi

Let’s start with the classics. Here are the things I enjoyed most the first time I travelled to Tbilisi and always recommend to friends and family when they visit.

1. Sip coffee inside a former Soviet sewing factory

Colourful rugs and leafy plants at Fabrika, a popular place to visit in Tbilisi.
Fabrika Tbilisi, one of the coolest places in the city to hang out and meet people.

Tbilisians have a knack for taking abandoned, ramshackle buildings and relaunching them as vibrant public spaces. There’s a printing house reincarnated as a hotel, a public pool that’s now an art space, and most famous of all, a Soviet-era sewing factory reborn as a hostel and multipurpose creative space.

Some people think Fabrika embodies ‘Tbilisi cool’. Others believe it’s a commercialisation of the subculture. Personally, I’ll always have a soft spot for this venue – it’s simply one of the best places in Tbilisi to drink, eat, shop, work and socialise.

The outside of Fabrika is a canvas for street art. Inside, the ground floor resembles an oversized, light-filled lounge room complete with a cafe/restaurant, mismatched sofas, and dozens of brightly coloured Caucasian rugs.

The Fabrika Courtyard houses half a dozen cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques including Flying Painter Store, which sells a small collection of retro garments made in the factory.

  • How to get there: 10-minute walk from Marjanishvili Metro Station.
  • Insider tip: You’re no longer allowed to take photos with a DSLR camera in the Fabrika lobby, so use your phone instead.
  • Further reading: Learn the story behind Fabrika here.

2. Go for a scrub at the Abanotubani Sulfur Baths

The Abanotubani sulfur baths, one of the best things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Chreli-Abano sulfur bath, a Tbilisi icon.

When Tbilisi superseded Mtskheta to become Georgia’s capital in the 5th century, the location for the city was chosen because of the natural hot springs that course underground (Tbilisi means ‘warm place’). Persian-Ottoman style bath houses were erected atop this geothermal playground, most of them in Abanotubani, the Old Town’s iconic sulfur bath district.

Each one of Tbilisi’s famous domed bathhouses (there are about a dozen) taps into the precious warm waters to offer a range of health and beauty treatments. During the 1990s when running water was scarce, many families relied on the baths for daily use. The experience today is far more touristy, but there are some bathhouses that are more authentic than others.

For a truly local experience, go nude at the sex-segregated public baths. Alternatively, most bathhouses have private rooms where you can bathe and steam solo (or with a friend). Don’t miss out on the exfoliating scrub down called a Kisi, similar but different to a Turkish hammam treatment.

  • How to get there: 15-minute walk from Freedom Square.
  • Insider tip: Chreli-Abano might be the most beautiful bathhouse on the block but the interior is not the most authentic. Read my guide linked below to find out which baths are the best.
  • Further reading: Detailed guide to the sulfur baths with etiquette tips for first-timers.

3. Explore Old Tbilisi by foot

A man in a checked jacket walks down the street in Avlabari.
Out for a stroll in Old Avlabari.

Tbilisi has always been a meeting place for different cultures and religions ever since the days of the Old Silk Road. You can smell, taste and hear the diversity – but most obviously, you can plainly see it in the city’s eclectic architecture.

To experience the ‘real Tbilisi’, you have to get out and explore on foot, taking as many deliberate-yet-aimless walks as your feet can handle. Both Old Tbilisi’s Kala ‘Castle’ district and the Sololaki neighbourhood are a paradise for people watching, architecture peeping and street photography.

Old Tbilisi is a huge area that includes Abanotubani, Betlemi Street, and the area around the Old Meidani Square plus the Avlabari and Chugureti districts across the river. The pocket of streets behind the Old City wall is particularly atmospheric: All winding alleys, tumbledown houses, Tbilisi courtyards and grand balconies.

The Blue House, a grand two-story house with a carved wooden balcony in Tbilisi Old Town.
The ‘Blue House’.

While popular Shardeni Street and the Cotton Rows are nice, I prefer Sololaki, the old merchant district, which lies west of Freedom Square. You can immediately feel the difference as this area is more organised with a gridded layout. There are crumbling beauties and stunning public buildings around every corner.

My favourite streets include:

  • Asatiani Street
  • Arsena Street
  • Ivane Machabeli Street

See items #25 and #26 on this list to learn particular buildings and entryways to look out for.


4. Embrace ‘Italian courtyard’ culture

A black Cadillac parked in the courtyard o a building in Sololaki district, Tbilisi.
You never know what you might find in a Tbilisi courtyard!

One quirk of the city’s anatomy that you’ll see all over Tbilisi (especially in Sololaki and Chugureti) are the so-called ‘Italian courtyards’. Behind seemingly uniform and tidy stone facades lies a tangle of gardens, water wells, balconies, covered walkways, galleries and spiral staircases.

The development of this style of communal living was influenced by old Silk Road caravanserais, where there was always a central area for socialising and negotiating deals. Later on, during Georgia’s time as a Soviet Republic, many private homes were divided up to make room for the many thousands of families ushered into the city. Extensions were hastily made and external staircases tacked on to create new entrances. This explains the hodgepodge appearance of some buildings.

An iconic Tbilisi Courtyard in Vera district of Tbilisi, with a blue staircase.
An iconic Tbilisi Courtyard in Vera district.

It was around this time that Tbilisians started referring to their outdoor spaces as ‘Italian courtyards’, apparently a nod to the Mediterranean-inspired lifestyle they evoke. Each courtyard is brimming with life and almost like a mini ecosystem with its own rules and daily rhythms.

One of my most enduring images of Tbilisi involves a line of underwear flapping lazily in the breeze. You’ll learn to recognise and love laundry days, when the whole city hangs its clothes out to dry in a photogenic display.

  • Insider tip: A great way to experience Tbilisi is to stay in an Airbnb with a shared courtyard. Just note that there’s not much privacy from the neighbours.

5. Comb through kitsch at the Dry Bridge Flea Market

The Dry Bridge Market (so-called because the bridge it’s staged on no longer spans the Kura river) is a huge open-air flea market that takes place every day of the week. Rummaging for treasure here is a must do in Tbilisi.

Hundreds of vendors convene to pedal boundless quantities of antiques, vintage paraphernalia and Soviet kitsch, including war medals, vinyl, KGB ID books, gas masks, chandeliers, maps of the former USSR, Soviet-issue film cameras, Christmas decorations – and anything and everything else you can imagine.

Underneath the bridge and in Dedaena Park, painters set up their easels and sell original artworks. You can also find carpets and various handmade items.

  • How to get there: 15-minute walk from Freedom Square.
  • Insider tip: There are more vendors on Saturdays and Sundays so it’s best to visit on the weekend if possible. Things get going around 11am. Polite bartering is commonplace and accepted. For a ‘less-touristy’ alternative, try the Barakholka market at Ortachala.
  • Further reading: Guide to the Dry Bridge Market & what to buy.

6. Discover Georgian food beyond Khinkali and Khachapuri

A bowl of Pkhali, cornbread and cheese at a cafe in Tbilisi.
Gobi, one of my favourite Georgian foods.

On my first visit to Tbilisi, I met lots of travellers who had come to Georgia just for the food. I can totally sympathise: Georgian cuisine is surely one of the most underrated on earth. It’s notoriously decadent – heavy on carbs and dairy – but at the same time surprisingly fresh, fragrant and flavoursome.

Your first meal in Tbilisi must feature a heaving platter of Khinkali, doughy dumplings filled with minced meat and herbs, mashed potato or cheese. The world of Khachapuri, Georgia’s famous ‘cheese bread’, extends far beyond the boat-shaped Adjaruli Khachapuri that dominates social media. There are more than a dozen regional varieties with different fillings, shapes and toppings.

Once you’ve ticked off the top two delicacies, seek out Tbilisi’s best restaurants and sink your teeth into regional Georgian cooking. There are so many different stews, soups and fresh vegetable dishes to try (many meals are naturally veg-friendly) – after years of eating in Georgia, I haven’t come anywhere close to sampling them all.


7. Do a Georgian wine tasting

A woman fills a row of glasses with Georgian wine.
Wine tasting in Tbilisi. We’re going to need more glasses…

In Georgia, wine is both sacred stuff and serious business. Making Qvevri wine in clay amphora is a UNESCO-recognised tradition and an integral part of culture and identity.

There are hundreds of endemic grapes and literally thousands of varieties of wine – be sure to try at least a couple of ambers and of course the legendary Saperavi. Allocate ample time to visit Tbilisi’s many bars where you can soak up Georgian wine culture one glass at a time.

If you want to sample bottles from small family vineyards and alternative appellations areas in Kartli and Upper Adjara, a sit-down wine degustation is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi. 8000 Vintages hosts budget-friendly tastings led by a professional sommelier and is my top choice.

If you’re serious about wine, you’ll want to head out of Tbilisi to explore Kakheti, Georgia’s premier wine region. Check out my transport guide for getting to Kakheti from Tbilisi and my detailed guide to visiting Kakheti, the cradle of viticulture.


8. Go bar hopping at Wine Factory N1

People sit at outdoor cafes at Wine Factory N1, a popular attraction in Tbilisi.
Wine Factory N1.

Speaking of wine: Another of my favourite Tbilisi activities is to visit Wine Factory N1 on a sunny afternoon. Built in 1894-96 by architect Alexander Ozerov, this was a major centre of wine production during Imperialist and Soviet days. After lying abandoned for some years, it reopened in 2017 as a dining and entertainment precinct.

Wine Factory N1 (Ghvinis Karkhana) is the beating heart of sleek Vera district. As well as wine bars, you’ll find cocktail bars, a slew of excellent restaurants (my top picks are Shushabandi and Veriko), a few cafes, a cooking school, and several boutiques inside the grounds. IERI Store on the top level is the best place in Tbilisi to shop for Georgian designer clothing.

Reminders of the Wine Factory’s history – old wine barrels repurposed as pop-up bars, preserved Soviet-style mosaics – dot the extensive grounds. Don’t miss going underground to view the brick cellars, where you can peer through a glass portal at a huge collection of 100-year-old (very dusty) wine and cognac bottles, including several from Stalin’s personal collection.

  • How to get there: 40-minute walk (or 10-minute taxi ride) from Freedom Square via Rustaveli Avenue.
  • Further reading: See a complete list of the best bars in Tbilisi.

9. Listen to polyphonic chanting at Tbilisi’s oldest Orthodox church

The entrance to Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest Orthodox church in Tbilisi.
Anchiskhati Basilica.

Just outside one of the most-visited Tbilisi tourist attractions, Theatre Square with its ‘leaning clock tower’, tiny Anchiskhati Basilica is hidden away and quite conspicuous. It’s not one you want to miss though, especially on a Sunday morning when the chapel rings out with rousing polyphonic chanting.

If you’re not familiar with Georgian polyphony, this is a unique vocal style that involves singing multiple melody lines in unison. It’s a secular tradition that predates Christianity, but a version of it is performed during Orthodox mass. Listening to a well-rehearsed ensemble is almost an otherworldly experience, especially in a church with tailored-made acoustics.

Anchiskhati Basilica, home of the world-renowned Anchiskhati Choir, has daily mass and a Sunday morning service with polyphony that starts at around 10am. Visitors are welcome to join provided you’re discreet and follow the dress code (more tips below). You don’t need to sit (or stand!) through the entire service – the liturgical singing usually happens towards the end.

  • How to get there: 10-minute walk from Freedom Square.
  • Insider tip: When entering a church, monastery or convent in Georgia, men need to cover their shoulders and knees, and women also need to cover their hair. Some more conservative places require women to be wearing a long skirt rather than pants. Most churches have wrap skirts and headscarves you can borrow at the front door. Photography may or may not be permitted – if in doubt, ask first.
  • Further reading: 10 churches in Tbilisi worth visiting.

10. Feel small at Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

Tbilisi Sameba, Georgia's largest Orthoox church.
Holy Trinity Church.

One of the top Tbilisi sights, Georgia’s largest church is a symbol of the city: Its gilded dome can be spotted from just about anywhere in Tbilisi, especially at night when it is illuminated with flood lights.

But it’s only when you get up close that you feel the true scale of this majestic building, one of the tallest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world. Holy Trinity took almost a decade to build and was only completed in 2004 with the help of donations from generous Tbilisians.

When you arrive at the top of Elia Hill, a promenade leads to the base of a cascading stone staircase which you must summit to reach the main doors. The opulent interior is all marble and gold – I find the outside equally spectacular, especially the view of the towering facade on approach. You could spend a good hour inside Holy Trinity exploring the various chapels, cloisters and crypts.

  • How to get there: 30-minute uphill walk (or 10-minute taxi ride) from Freedom Square.
  • Insider tip: Avlabari neighbourhood where Sameba is located is very interesting, so take the time to wander around while you’re there. Also visit the Armenian Pantheon behind the church. There’s lots more to see in Tbilisi’s old Armenian quarter, including item #23 on this list.
  • Further reading: Essential tips for visiting Sameba Cathedral.

11. Marvel at the ultra-modern architecture around Rike Park

The Peace bridge, a modern sculptural bridge that spans the Kura river in Tbilisi.
The Peace Bridge.

Juxtaposed with its gracefully ageing historic homes, Tbilisi’s modern architecture errs on the extravagant side. There’s no misidentifying Tbilisi’s skyline – its instantly recognisable landmarks make it one-of-a-kind.

Three of the most striking structures, the Public Services Hall (AKA ‘mushroom building’), Rike Park Concert Hall and the Bridge of Peace, are all located around Rike Park on the Left Bank of the Kura river. You can walk this route through the park and along the river to see them all up close.

To view Tbilisi’s architecture is also to get a lesson in modern politics. Many of the more ostentatious buildings were dreamed up by former leaders and have a story (perhaps even a scandal) behind them.

View of Tbilisi Public Services Hall, the Mushroom Building, from across the Kura river.
Tbilisi Public Services Hall.

12. Shop for Lurji Supra & other handicrafts

Ceramics, jewellery, Lurji Supra and other traditional Georgian souvenirs at the EthnoDesign shop in Tbilisi.
Georgian souvenirs at EthnoDesign.

Georgia has a rich history of heritage crafts and a vibrant arts scene, encompassing everything from woodwork to Cloisonne enamel and felting. If you’re looking for something special to bring home from Georgia, there are a few independent shops in Tbilisi that sell handmade souvenirs sourced ethically from makers around the country.

My top pick of Tbilisi souvenir is a Lurji Supra, Georgia’s signature blue-and-white tablecloth. I own half a dozen of them at least! Traditional versions are screen-printed on cotton, but you can also find contemporary takes in an array of colours and fabrics, including polyester.

My favourite Tbilisi souvenir shops include:

  • Gallery 27
  • EthnoDesign
  • Craft Shop

13. Walk up the Academy of Arts stairs

Clay pottery is another long-standing craft tradition in Georgia. As you wander the Old Town, you’ll see beautiful ceramic signs on some streets. Look out for the tile plaques on Rustaveli Avenue that bear maxims from the epic Georgian poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin.

On the western side of Rustaveli there is a long flight of stairs that leads up to the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts on Griboedov Street. Each riser has been decorated with gorgeous hand-painted tiles adorned with patterns and symbols.

We have the two talented female artists at Ceramic Room to thank for this public work. Their shop in Vera sells souvenir-sized tiles and household ceramics, and they also host masterclasses at their studio in Sololaki.

When you reach the top, be sure to pop inside the incredible State Academy of Arts main building. Formerly a private mansion house belonging to the Armenian merchant Vardan Astvatsatryan Arshakuni, it was built at the end of the 19th century then bequeathed to the city.

The State Academy of Arts Museum is open on weekdays from 11am until around 5pm and allows you to tour several of the opulent rooms, including the ‘mirror halls’ that are decked out with mosaics and miniature paintings created by Persian master craftsmen. Entrance to the museum costs 12 GEL (card preferred).


14. Go inside the Apple of Love, one of the best things to do in Tbilisi for art lovers

The Apple of Love, a large bronze sculpture in the courtyard at MOMA Tbilisi.
Zurab Tsereteli’s Apple of Love.

Rustaveli is known for its museums and galleries. On the opposite side of the avenue to the ceramic stairs, you’ll find another intriguing art installation.

Created by Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli (who also designed the Chronicle of Georgia, #43 on this list, and contributed to the interior of Saint Sava Church in Belgrade, Serbia), the ‘Apple of Love’ is a 9-metre-tall sculpture. You’ll find it on Meskhia Street, sandwiched between the Biltmore Hotel and the courtyard at MOMA Tbilisi (the Museum of Modern Art), founded by the artist in 2012.

From the outside, the sculpture is more than a bit mysterious. Then you notice the small doorway. On the inverse side, there’s just enough light to decipher 145 bronze relief panels that tell the origin of life.

  • Details: MOMA is open from 11am-6pm Monday to Sunday. Entrance costs 15 GEL.
  • How to get there: 20-minute walk from Freedom Square via Rustaveli Avenue.
  • Insider tip: MOMA is well worth the ticket price, especially to see the bronze Argonauts sculpture in the atrium. Otherwise you can view the Apple of Love from the street or when visiting the museum cafe.

15. View the collection at the mesmerising Art Palace of Georgia

A decorated hall inside the Art Palace of Georgia.
Painted walls inside the gorgeous Art Palace of Georgia.

My favourite museum in Tbilisi isn’t on Rustaveli Avenue, but rather is located on the opposite side of the river in Chugureti, Tbilisi’s old German district. Set inside a magnificent house designed by Paul Stern in 1895, the Art Palace of Georgia is a twofer: Not only are the objects on display inspiring, but the building itself is a work of art.

Officially the Georgian State Museum of Theatre, Music, Cinema and Choreography, this museum houses a private collection of manuscripts, sculptures, sheet music, theatre costumes, paintings and sketches. Exhibits are set amongst exquisite halls, each with hand-painted frescoes, elaborate fireplaces and antique furniture.

I particularly love the gallery devoted to Naïve artists Z. Sekhniashvili and S. Tatishvili on the lower level, and most of all the sketches by Kutaisi legend Petre Otskheli upstairs. You will surely recognise some of his works, including sketches for the 1936 Flying Painter film.

  • Details: The Art Palace is open from 10.30am-5.30pm Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance costs 5 GEL (cash only).
  • How to get there: 10-minute walk from Marjanishvili Metro Station.
  • Further reading: Discover more special museums to visit in Tbilisi.

16. Go searching for LAMB

A street art mural by LAMB in the underpass on Rustaveli Street.
LAMB street art in the Rustaveli underpass.

Tbilisi has a vibrant street art scene, with dozens of large-scale murals and small works by Georgian and international artists.

Perhaps the country’s most prolific street artist, LAMB has a style that is instantly recognisable and uniquely Georgian (Khinkali feature heavily in his graff). You’ll notice LAMB’s comical and often subversive work all over Tbilisi and as far afield as Batumi and Yerevan.

Check out this interview with Mishiko Sulakauri (AKA LAMB) and keep an eye out for his works, especially when you’re travelling through Tbilisi’s underpasses.

  • Insider tip: Some of the best Tbilisi street art can be found around Fabrika and in the underpass at Baratashvili Bridge. Follow the Niko project to find out about fresh murals.
  • Further reading: Love street art? See my guide to the best murals in Batumi.

17. Admire the gravestones at Mtatsminda Pantheon

My favourite unique attraction in Tbilisi has to be Mtatsminda Pantheon. Nestled in the yard at Mamadaviti church, halfway up Mount Mtatsminda ‘Holy Mountain’ (the one with the TV Tower on top), this is the final resting place of some of Georgia’s most important artists, poets, writers, historians, and political dissidents.

Each headstone in the necropolis is completely unique and inspired by the figure it commemorates. Some are understated, others are downright flamboyant. The Georgian calligraphy on the headstones is lovely, not to mention the panoramic views of the city from the terrace.

To get there, I recommend you follow the well-lit road from Sololaki (Mama Daviti Rise). If you’re not prepared for the steep uphill walk, you can alternatively reach the Pantheon by riding the Tbilisi Funicular to the first station.

  • How to get there: 20-minute steep uphill walk from Freedom Square (or take the funicular).

18. Ride the Tbilisi Metro

People walk in and out of Rustaveli Metro Station in Tbilisi.
An impressive bas-relief decorates Rustaveli Metro Station.

When it opened in 1966, Tbilisi’s underground was the fourth metro system in the Soviet Union. True to form, many of its stations were embellished with mosaics, friezes and other decorations, many of which have lasted until today.

Now with two lines and 23 stations, the metro is a very convenient way to travel around the city. Especially since a ride costs only 1 GEL (around 30 US cents). More than that, though, the metro is a part of Tbilisi’s identity. Riding it is a great experience – even if the station escalators and trains speed a little too fast for my liking!

Interesting things happen when you use public transport in Georgia. In Australia, we might call them random acts of kindness. In Tbilisi, these sometimes grand but often unnoticed gestures seem to be part of the everyday social fabric.

Where else in the world would you happily hand your wallet or handbag over to a complete stranger? Don’t let the stony stares from other passengers dissuade you: Riding the metro can be a fun social experience and a window onto society.

  • Insider tip: To ride the metro (and use public buses), you’ll first need to buy a rechargeable MetroMoney card or a blue Public Transport card. Both cards cost 2 GEL and can be purchased from any metro station. Use the orange or blue payboxes on the street to top up.
  • Further reading: Tips for using public transport in Tbilisi.

Best things to do in Old Tbilisi

Old Tbilisi or Dzveli Tbilisi is a vast area that stretches from Abanotubani (the sulfur bath district) up to Sololaki and across the river to Old Avlabari and Chugureti on the Left Bank.

The combination of Georgian, Jewish, Armenian and German heritage makes it a fascinating area to explore.

19. Stretch your legs on the Betlemi Street Stairs

It won’t take long to realise that Tbilisi is very hilly. In the past, the steep streets of the Old Town were even more difficult to navigate – hence why enterprising locals decided to connect the upper and lower parts of the city with a set of stone steps.

Designed in 1850 by architect Timote Beloi and financed by the city’s craftsmen guilds or Amkaris, the Betlemi Street Stairs run from Sololaki to Upper Betlemi Church, then on towards the Mother of Georgia.

At the top of the stone stairs is a sprawling garden that looks out over the city. The Betlemi Rise Viewpoint has plenty of bench seating under shady vines. You’re bound to make a few furry friends up here as lots of cats call this park home.

From there, you can continue up the metal stairs behind the church to reach the top of the hill, or take the path down the opposite side to get back into the heart of Old Tbilisi.

  • How to get there: The entrance to the stairs is off Asatiani Street, a 7-minute walk from Freedom Square.

20. Meet the Mother of Georgia

Mother of Georgia statue viewed from the back.
Kartlis Deda.

If there were one landmark to symbolise Tbilisi, it wouldn’t be the Peace Bridge or even Narikala – it would be Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia). A monolithic aluminium statue that stands guard over the city from the top of Sololaki hill, she brandishes a sword in one hand (to meet her enemies) and a bowl of wine in the other (to greet her guests). Wine or die!

Erected in 1958, the original monument was designed by Elguja Amashukeli and crafted from wood. A few years later it was covered with aluminium. Despite its Soviet connotations (you can find similar statues in Yerevan and other cities across the former USSR), Kartlis Deda endured as an emblem of Tbilisi after Georgia’s independence. In 1997, a new statue replaced the old one.

When visiting the popular 4th-century Narikala Fortress, don’t miss taking a quick detour to get up close and personal with Kartlis Deda.


21. Track down the Zoroastrian Fire Temple

Tbilisi really is a melting pot of traditions and beliefs. Alongside its Orthodox, Apostolic and Catholic churches, synagogues and mosque, the city also has a Zoroastiran Fire Temple.

Normally it’s neighbouring Azerbaijan that is associated with fire worship, but one of the world’s oldest religions was also practiced here in Georgia.

Ateshgah was built some time between the 5th-7th centuries when there was a heavy Persian influence in the city. Having survived the 1795 invasion that destroyed most of Tbilisi, it is one of the oldest – if not the oldest – structures in the city.

The temple, a humble brick structure with a plastic roof, is no longer active. In fact it’s located inside a private residence: If you want to go inside, you’ll need to knock on the door and see if anyone’s home to let you through.

The area around the temple is a beautiful maze of steep streets and wooden balconies.

  • How to get there: 10-minute uphill walk from Freedom Square.

22. Take a selfie at the Kaleidoscope House

A woman stands inside an old building in Tbilisi with kaleidoscopic stained glass.
Tbilisi’s most-Instagrammed house!

Important note! As of spring 2023, this house is undergoing vital restoration work. Gallery 27, my favourite gift shop in Tbilisi that used to be located upstairs, has moved to Asatiani Street in Sololaki. The door to the Kaleidoscope House might be shut for safety reasons.

In its heyday, mosaic stained glass was a common architectural feature of Tbilisi. Sadly most examples have been lost to time – but there are a few buildings that still boast gorgeous rainbow windows. Another one is the ‘Blue House’ on restored Gudiashvili Square (see #25 below).

One of Tbilisi’s most recognisable landmarks (and a favourite Instagram spot), the ‘Kaleidoscope House’ has large multi-coloured glass windows on all three sides of its front stairway. When the afternoon sun hits at just the right angle, it paints a colourful pattern onto the stairs and wooden balustrades.

  • How to get there: 8-minute walk from Freedom Square.
  • Insider tip: Remember that families live in this house, so be respectful when taking photos and don’t linger on the staircase for too long. If you find the door is locked, it is probably because of the ongoing restoration works.

23. Stand in the belly of an abandoned Armenian cathedral

Karmir Avetaran Church, an abandoned Armenian church in Tbilisi.
The ruins of Karmir Avetaran Church.

Important note! There is a new sign at the entrance to the carpark that says entrance to the area where the church is located is prohibited. There is also a sign indicating that a construction project will soon take place on this site. Please approach the area with caution.

Shamkoretsots Astvatsatsin (AKA Karmir Avetaran Church) was the tallest Armenian Apostolic church in Tbilisi when it was completed in 1809. After a robbery and a failed restoration attempt, it shut its doors to parishioners in 1937.

The church was then repurposed as a bakery, but apparently the dough mysteriously refused to rise. Later it was used as a gym and a library before eventually housing artists’ studios. In April 1989, the church almost completely collapsed in the days following an earthquake. The cupola and western facade were destroyed, leaving part of the cathedral open and exposed.

You can climb into the belly of the church from the adjacent car park. The whole area is scattered with bricks and debris, and a huge crack rises up right through the centre of the ruins. Like so many other buildings in Avlabari, Tbilisi’s historic Armenian Quarter, it’s both magnificent and melancholy.

  • How to get there: 20-minute walk from Freedom Square via Metekhi Bridge.
  • Insider tip: Enter from the carpark and climb up inside the church. The area is open and accessible, but give a polite nod to the parking guard as you go through.

24. Do a spin on Queen Darejan’s balcony

View of Tbilisi from the round balcony at Queen Darejan's Palace.
The view from Queen Darejan’s blue balcony.

Also in Avlabari, just a few blocks from Karmir Avetaran towards Metekhi Church, Queen Darejan’s Palace is a must see in Tbilisi but a place many people seem to skip. The fortified complex overlooking the river was built in the 1770s for Queen Darejan, wife of King Erekle II.

At the front of the palace there’s a delightful blue circular wooden balcony befitting a queen. It affords views of Old Tbilisi and Europe Square. A working nunnery, the Holy Lord’s Transfiguration Convent, is set on the palace grounds. There is also a small church, a charming garden, and a gift shop where you can buy the nuns’ embroidery and lacework.

  • How to get there: 5-minute walk from Karmir Avetaran Church.
  • Insider tip: I recommend visiting Queen Darejan’s Palace on Sunday morning during mass, when the nuns’ chanting spills out into the garden.

25. Survey the restored facades on Gudiashvili Square, Agmashenebeli Avenue & Atoneli Street

Restored buildings on Gudiashvili Square in Old Tbilisi.
Gudiashvili Square.

Tbilisi doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to caring for its historic buildings. Many of the Old Town’s most beautiful homes have been left at the mercy of the underground waterways that make the ground such an unstable foundation, causing gaping cracks to open up in the facades and stairs and doorways to cave in. It’s amazing to think that some of these buildings are still inhabitable.

In recent years, more and more houses have been listed as Cultural Heritage Monuments. Projects launched by Tbilisi City Hall have seen houses in several districts restored to their former glory. It started with the facades on the pedestrianised part of Aghmashenebeli Avenue. Atoneli Street near the Dry Bridge Market soon followed, and most recently all the houses on Gudiashvili Square were refurbished.

The repainted and remoulded facades are glorious, and many of the interior frescoes have been refreshed too. On Gudiashvili Square you’ll see another example of typical Tbilisi stained glass windows. As these houses have been given new life, cafes, restaurants and shops have moved in, transforming these areas into vibrant pedestrian zones.


26. Say ‘Salve’ to Tbilisi’s entryways

A painted apartment entryway in Tbilisi's historic Chugureti district.
A painted entryway in Chugureti.

One thing I love about Tbilisi is that it’s totally acceptable to ring the buzzer on an apartment building and hope that someone will let you into the foyer. On more than one occasion I’ve been moseying outside a house when a passerby has given me the punch code to open the door.

Of course that doesn’t mean you can walk into someone’s private space, but the entryways of historic merchant houses in Sololaki particularly are often open to explore. Beyond the wooden doors is a treasure trove of hand-pressed floor tiles, hand-painted frescoes, wrought iron staircases, and stained glass windows.

Many mansions have the word ‘Salve’ imprinted in terrazzo at the front door. This is an old Latin phrase meaning ‘take care’ or ‘good health’ – a sweet sentiment that captures the spirit of Tbilisi so well.

Some of my favourite entryways include:

  • 17 Ivane Machabeli Street (painted entryway)
  • 18 Tabidze Street (Brothers Seilanovs’ house)
  • 9 Geronti Kikodze Street (wrought iron stairs, pictured above)
  • Insider tip: Many of these entryways can be accessed quite easily, but I recommend going with a guide to discover more hidden gems and to learn the stories behind the buildings. The Hidden Tbilisi Walking Tour of Chugureti by Tbilisi Free Walking Tours is my favourite.
  • Further reading: A look inside some of Tbilisi’s most beautiful houses.

27. Climb to Tabor Monastery for the best city views

There's a whole lot to love about Tbilisi. From unusual snack foods to underground clubs, here are my favourite things to do in Tbilisi Georgia.
My favourite view of Tbilisi.

One thing Tbilisi is definitely not lacking is viewpoints. Funiculars and cable cars link the low-valley downtown with many wonderful hilltop lookouts. But my favourite spot of all, the location where I took this photo, can be reached on foot.

Tabor Monastery of the Transfiguration sits directly above Abanotubani and looks out over Narikala, the sulphur baths and the river. It’s my favourite panorama by far.

To get there, start from Maspindzelo restaurant on the riverside and take Firdousi Street then Bazovi Street. When you reach the dead end, use the small concrete steps to link up to the new metal staircase. This will bring you to a brand new boardwalk pathway that runs along the ridge to the monastery.

There are several viewing platforms along the way – but note that the open plateau area (where I took this photo) is now fenced off.

The riverstone streets in this area are extremely steep and uneven, so pace yourself and watch your footing! I only recommend doing this walk in the late afternoon – it’s completely exposed and too hot/glary during the day to get decent photos.

The area is under development so it will probably be covered with apartment buildings in a couple of years. For now, you can still enjoy the view in solitude.

  • How to get there: 40-minute walk from Freedom Square.
  • Insider tip: For the best light, I recommend visiting in the late afternoon or at early twilight. Be aware that the path is mostly unlit and I have seen syringes in this area before.
  • Further reading: 18 amazing viewpoints in Tbilisi.

Best things to do in Tbilisi for foodies

There’s no two ways about it: Tbilisi is a foodie’s paradise. Here are my favourite activities and experiences that revolve around food and drink.

28. Shop for spices and Sulguni at the Dezerter Bazaar

Buckets of vibrant spices at the Dezerter Bazaar food market in Tbilisi.
Spices for sale at the Dezerter Bazaar.

I love a good local market – and lucky for me, Tbilisi has plenty to browse through. The Dezerter Bazaar might not be the prettiest fresh food market I’ve ever seen (Kutaiai’s Green Bazaar is much more photogenic, I must say!), but it’s brimming with its own gritty character.

An infinite number of stallholders converge on this indoor-outdoor market and the surrounding streets, selling everything from Sulguni cheese to pickles, local honey, spices, herbs, fresh fruit and veg.

A morning at the Dezerter Bazaar will give you a taste of Tbilisi’s food culture, and a hint as to what seasonal ingredients you should look for when ordering from restaurant menus. There is also a cool thrift shop inside the market.


29. Take a cooking class with Georgian Flavors

A woman chops vegetables in a light-filled kitchen in Tbilisi's Avchala district.
Cooking with Irma and Georgian Flavors.

Fallen in love with Georgian food and want to try your hand at whipping up a few delicacies? I spent years searching for a good hands-on cooking class in Tbilisi and finally found one in Georgian Flavors, a boutique company run by my friend and food guru, Irma Laghadze.

Irma runs private and small-group masterclasses at her gorgeous home kitchen in central Vera district plus special workshops in Kakheti and Imereti. During the Tbilisi cooking class, you’ll learn all about Georgia’s culinary history while preparing four dishes, then enjoy a sit-down lunch with wine.

You might not be cooking Khinkali and Khachapuri, though: Irma’s aim is to introduce visitors to Georgia’s best regional and seasonal dishes, including special foods from her native Kutaisi.


30. Try Shotis Puri fresh out of the Tone

A man pulls shotis puri Georgian bread from a traditional tone clay oven.
A traditional Tone clay oven.

Made from wheat flour and shaped like a tiny, delicious little canoe, Shotis Puri bread is another example of Georgian food par excellence. This table staple couldn’t be more simple or more delectable.

Just about every city block has its own Shotis bakery – often located in a basement – with a traditional round Tone oven. Batons of sticky bread dough are slapped onto the slides of the clay oven and come out with a crispy, crunchy bottom. Needless to say it’s best when piping hot.

At just 1-1.20 GEL a piece, Puri is the perfect on-the-go snack when you’re pounding the pavement in Tbilisi. Some small bakeries also make Lobiani (bread filled with mashed kidney beans) and Nazuki, a sweet version of Puri with cinnamon and raisins.

  • Insider tip: If you have trouble locating your local baker, look out for people wielding bundles of fresh bread wrapped in paper and try to retrace their footsteps.

31. Shop & dine at the new Bazari Orbeliani

Fresh product for sale at Bazari Orbeliani, a new food market in Tbilisi.
The beautiful Bazari Orbeliani produce hall opened in 2021.

For a very different kind of market experience, head to the newly re-launched Bazari Orbeliani, a modern covered produce market and dining hall with specialty shops and a Georgian food court! The historic Bazari building on Orbeliani Square has been a food market since 1886. You can see archival photos from the old market days displayed on the lower level.

If you’re searching for edible souvenirs, this is a great place to buy artisan food products such as Georgian spices, wine and chacha, dried fruits, local honey, and tea from Guria. The range is a lot smaller than it was once – most of the lower level has been cleared out to make way for a big cocktail bar.

Upstairs, the fancy food court has a few dozen bars, cafes and restaurants serving both Georgian and international cuisines.

  • Details: Bazari Orbeliani is open daily from 9am until late. Most of the restaurants are open from 11am.
  • How to get there: 10-minute walk from Freedom Square via Pushkin Street.

32. Eat a lazy lunch at Cafe Littera

People sit at cafe tables in the leafy courtyard at Cafe Littera at the Writers House of Georgia.
Outdoor dining at Cafe Littera.

Set in the courtyard of the Writers’ House, a turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau mansion left to the city by Georgian brandy magnate and philanthropist David Sarajishvili, Cafe Littera is the most beautiful restaurant in Sololaki.

There is nothing better than sitting at one of the shady outdoor tables amongst the sculptures and sampling the Georgian-European menu with a glass of wine (or maybe a bottle!). The food is divine, and the setting unmatched in its tranquility.

If you don’t get a chance to eat here, you can still wander in to see the house and admire the rare Villeroy & Boch tiles on the outdoor terrace. Two museums – the new Museum of Repressed Writers (below right) and the David Sarajishvili Museum, which describes the owner’s life – are located inside.

  • Details: Cafe Littera is open daily from 1pm (late spring to late autumn only).
  • How to get there: 5-minute walk from Freedom Square.
  • Insider tip: Tables often book out weeks in advance in summer, so make a reservation!

33. Sip Georgian tea at the Bitadze Tea Shop

A man pours tea into small glasses at the Bitadze Tea Shop in Sololaki, Tbilisi.
Our tea ceremony at the Bitadze Tea Shop.

Under Soviet rule, Georgia was one of the world’s biggest producers of tea. The industry all but collapsed in the 1990s. Today, an increasing number of teatrepreneurs are reviving forsaken fields and factories in western Guria and Adjara.

The Bitadze family know everything there is to know about Georgian tea and manage the country’s Tea Growers Association. Their tiny shop-museum in Sololaki doubles as a tasting room, where you can sample local black, green and fruit blends. Loose leaf teas are available to buy as well.

  • Details: The Bitadze Tea Shop is open from 11am-8pm Monday to Saturday.
  • How to get there: 5-minute walk from Freedom Square.
  • Further reading: Learn more about Georgia’s Tea Route.

34. Grab a Ponchiki at Restaurant Funicular

A ponchiki donut at a cafe in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Delicious Ponchiki.

Built atop Mtatsminda in 1938, the Tbilisi Funicular and its accompanying station building and restaurant have been a local institution for decades. As a friend once told me, going up to Mtatsminda and eating Ponchiki (puffed, hollow donuts filled with cream) was a big treat during Soviet times and conjures happy childhood memories for many Tbilisians.

There is a casual bakery on the bottom level of the Restaurant Funicular where you can still buy these sweet treats. Order at least two Ponchiki per person to avoid disappointment (they’re very moreish). I recommend going up for sunset and eating outdoors – the view from the terrace is wonderful (more on that later).

  • Details: Puri Guliani at Mtatsminda is open daily from 1pm until late.
  • How to get there: 45-minute uphill hike from Freedom Square (or ride the funicular).

35. Eat Abkhazian cuisine at Amra

A spread of Abkhazian food at Amra Restaurant.
Adjika, adjika, and more adjika at Amra.

Most people don’t get a chance to visit the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia on Western Georgia’s Black Sea coast, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the region’s incredible cuisine.

Amra was a popular restaurant in the Abkhazian capital of Sokhumi until the 1992-3 war forced the owners to flee their homeland. They relocated to Tbilisi and reopened their popular restaurant, bringing authentic Abkhazian and Mingrelian recipes to the city.

Abkhazian fare is unlike anything else you’ll eat in Georgia. If you’ve been missing spicy food, this is your Hail Mary. It makes heavy use of Adjika, a fragrant and fiery spice blend (there are around 70 different varieties ranging from dry rubs to pastes). I highly recommend the Adjika-crusted chicken, the Adjika burger and the Adjika-stuffed Scotch egg – and a scoop of Sokhumi ice cream to cool off with afterwards.

  • Details: Amra is located on the edge of Lisi Lake, above Saburtalo district. It is open daily from 11am until late.
  • How to get there: Bus 329 from Saburtalo or 30-minute taxi ride from Freedom Square.
  • Insider tip: Portions are quite big so be careful not to over-order. I recommend sitting outside on the terrace.

36. Try the Adjika ice cream at The Cone Culture

A woman holds up an ice cream cone at the Cone Culture shop in Tbilisi.
Adjika ice cream at Cone Culture.

My favourite ice cream shop in Tbilisi, Cone Culture, has a fun take on Georgia’s beloved spice blend. Originally conceived for a food festival in Zugdidi, their Adjika ice cream blends the chilli mix with vanilla bean for a super fragrant, tongue-tingling hot-cold treat.

If piquant ice cream isn’t your style, they have a nice range of imaginative flavours that use local and seasonal ingredients: Apricot and tarragon, black tea and brownie, and orange and cloves, to name a few.

  • Details: Cone Culture is open daily from 11am-9pm. There are several locations, including the flagship shop on Taras Shevchenko Street (behind Rustaveli Avenue) and a stand inside Bazari Orbeliani.
  • How to get there: 12-minute uphill walk from Freedom Square via Rustaveli Avenue.
  • Insider tip: The house-made waffle cones are extremely tasty, so don’t settle for a cup!

37. Drink Lagidze Water from the fountain

A traditional Lagidze Water fountain.
A retro Lagidze soda fountain.

Georgia might be the birthplace of wine, but its most popular soft drink is without a doubt Lagidze Water, an egg cream-like soda made with natural syrup.

You can buy it in bottles from the supermarket, but the traditional way to imbibe is straight from the fountain. There are numerous restaurants and cafes in Tbilisi (including Puri Guliani, Amo Rame, Bazari Orbeliani and of course the popular Lagidze Water cafe on the grounds of Sameba Cathedral) that still serve Lagidze the old-fashioned way.

The beverage was invented by Kutaisi pharmacist Mitrofan Laghidze in 1887 as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. Popular flavours include tarragon (neon green in colour), quince, cherry, and my personal favourite, chocolate!


38. Treat yourself to a royal sweet at Leila

Three pieces of Orbeliani's Candy, a dessert served at cafe Leila in Tbilisi.
Orbeliani’s Candy.

In a country where desserts are not all that common, Orbeliani’s Royal Candy or Kaklucha is an exceptional example of a Georgian sweet.

Named after the poet and sweet-tooth for whom it was invented, Vakhtang Orbeliani, the candy is made according to an age-old and closely guarded recipe. And it’s only served at a handful of cafes in Tbilisi, including Leila.

Inside, the bite-sized candies are super-soft balls of walnut. The paper-thin caramelised sugar coating snaps like a toffee apple, while the addition of a whole walnut adds even more texture. Yum.

  • Details: Leila is open daily from midday until late.
  • How to get there: 10-minute walk from Freedom Square.
  • Insider tip: Leila is set inside a historic candy shop. Don’t leave without taking a peek at the incredible Moorish-style interior.

Alternative things to do in Tbilisi for Soviet history

Tbilisi is a playground for urbexers and photographers who are intrigued by Soviet history. Here are my favourite Soviet throwbacks.

39. Educate yourself at the Soviet Occupation Hall

A prison door and various photographic exhibits inside the Soviet Occupation Hall museum.
Stirring exhibits at the Soviet Occupation Hall.

It’s impossible to visit Georgia without brushing up against Soviet history. I recommend all visitors take the time to learn how this harrowing period impacted the nation, and there’s really no better place to do that than at the Soviet Occupation Hall.

Set on the top level of the Georgian National Museum, this single-room exhibit runs visitors through a detailed timeline of events from independence in 1918 to the Red Army invasion of 1921 up to the dissolution of the USSR and beyond. Photographs, journal entries and personal ephemera humanise the history. Didactics are in English.

  • Details: The Georgian National Museum is open from 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets cost 30 GEL.
  • How to get there: 5-minute walk from Freedom Square via Rustaveli Avenue.
  • Insider tip: Don’t miss visiting the basement Treasury, which houses a collection of Colchian gold.

40. Visit Stalin’s Underground Printing Press

The 1893 Augsburg printing press, Stalin's Illegal Printing Press in Avlabari, Tbilisi.
The 1893 Augsburg printing press that a young Joseph Stalin used to print propaganda.

Given that Joseph Stalin was born in the nearby city of Gori, he unsurprisingly left his mark on Tbilisi, too. Back in his pre-dictator days, Stalin used to print propaganda materials on a secret typographic machine housed in a basement down a 15-metre-deep well on the eastern side of Tbilisi.

The clandestine hangout was exposed and destroyed in 1906. After the fall of the USSR, it was turned into a small museum. The original press, made in the German city of Augsburg and smuggled into Tbilisi in pieces where it was reassembled, is on display alongside other ephemera from the period.

Though it’s a twisted pilgrimage site for some, the Underground Printing House Museum nonetheless retells an important chapter of Georgian history. One of the highlights is meeting the museum caretaker, Soso, who is quite a character indeed.


41. Fly over the city on a Soviet-era ropeway

A blue carriage on the Turtle Lake ropeway sails over a road in Tbilisi.
The Turtle Lake Cable Car.

Georgia must be the cable car capital of the world: Never in my life have I seen so many ropeways. The Tbilisi Aviation Factory was the USSR’s only manufacturer of cable cars, so it’s little wonder why.

An estimated 75 passenger lines have been built across the country since the 1950s, the most famous being in Chiatura and in Khulo. By the 1990s, there were six lines in Tbilisi, two of which (Turtle Lake and the State University Cable Car) are still running today on their old Soviet-era machinery.

The Turtle Lake cable car departs from a bottom station adjacent to Vake Park and goes up to the lake (#48 on this list), and is a convenient way to get to the Open Air Museum of Ethnography (#49 on this list) and Rachis Ubani restaurant.

  • Details: The Turtle Lake ropeway runs daily from 8am. Tickets cost 1 GEL one-way.

42. Find the abandoned cable car stations

Graffiti inside an abandoned cable car station on Rustaveli Avenue.
Inside the abandoned cable car station on Rustaveli Ave

Tbilisi’s four remaining cable cars, including the Nutsubidze-Lisi Lake line, the Mziuri Park Cable Car and the Samgori-Vazisubani Cable Car, were all suspended for various reasons and their station buildings left to ruin. The mid-century station in Mzuri Park is one of my favourites: It was recently reclaimed and transformed into an art space.

The most famous abandoned station belonged to the ill-fated Mtatsminda Cable Car, which ceased operating after a tragic accident in 1990. The tall, cylindrical building with a curving internal staircase and beautiful ironwork on the windows is a majestic piece of architecture that’s in desperate need of some TLC.

In late 2021, work finally started to restore the station and the cable line and as of 2023, the building is off-limits to visitors.

There are more abandoned cable car stations scattered around Tbilisi, including one in Samgori with its little red gondola still hanging on the line, and this very Brutalist station building on the plateau near Lisi Lake.

Former abandoned cable car station at the edge of Lisi Lake in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Former cable car station at Lisi Lake.
  • How to get there: 20-minute walk from Freedom Square via Rustaveli Avenue.
  • Insider tip: Venture around the back of the station building to see one of the most beautiful houses in Tbilisi, ‘Lace House’.

43. Discover Soviet friezes and mosaics

A Soviet-style frieze depicting the signs of he Zodiac.
The Soviet bas-relief at Fabrika.

Tbilisi is home to some incredible feats of concrete. Monuments, memorials and mosaics erected in the Soviet era add another layer to the city’s already diverse urban landscape.

Fans of concrete, Brutalism and Soviet-style architecture will find a lot to love, from decorative friezes and mosaics to utilitarian ‘Commieblocks’.

A few of my favourite mosaics and bas-reliefs include:

  • Fabrika frieze (8 Ninoshvili Street)
  • Wedding House building frieze (Uznadze Street)
  • Former House of Political Education frieze (61 Aghmashenebeli Avenue)
  • Trade Union Cultural Center mosaic (43 Vazha Pshavela Avenue)
  • Ortachala Fire Station mosaic (34 Gorgasali Street)
  • Expo Georgia mosaics (Tsereteli Avenue)
  • Insider tip: GeoAIR has created a map that’s an indispensable resource for tracking down Soviet-era architecture and particularly mosaics around Georgia. Google ‘Georgia Soviet Mosaics Map’ to find it.

44. Venture out to the Chronicles of Georgia

A woman poses for a photo at the bottom of the Chronicle of Georgia monument.
The Chronicle of Georgia.

Positioned atop a hill overlooking the Tbilisi Sea, the Chronicle of Georgia is a large-scale sculpture by Zurab Tsereteli. I think the nickname ‘Georgian Stonehenge’ is a bit strange, but nonetheless you’ll often hear it referred to as such!

Work started on the sculpture in 1985 to commemorate the 2,000-year anniversary of Christianity in Georgia, but due to waning funds, it was never completed. It’s a perfectly imperfect example of a Soviet-era monolith, and quite something when you’re standing inside peering up through the columns.

The sculpture consists of 16 pillars that tower 35 metres tall, each wrapped in metal bas reliefs. The three horizontal layers all tell a tale, with biblical stories along the bottom, Georgian kings and prominent historical figures around the middle, and representations of important Georgian rituals such as the Rtveli wine vintage along the top.

Other Soviet-period landmarks in nearby Dighomi-Saburtalo-Didube include:

  • The Former Archaeology Museum & St. Nino Monument
  • Treligora Water Reservoir
  • Expo Georgia
  • Bank of Georgia Headquarters
  • Tbilisi Skybridge (next on this list)
  • Details: The Chronicle of Georgia is open 24/7. Entrance is free.
  • How to get there: 30-minute taxi ride from Freedom Square, or take bus #360 from outside Guramishvili Metro Station (third-last station on the Varketili Line).
  • Further reading: Secret tips for visiting the Chronicles of Georgia.

45. Cross the Saburtalo Skybridge

Tbilisi Skybridge, a long metal bridge connecting three Soviet apartment buildings in Sabutalo district.
The Tbilisi Skybridge.

The best example of Brutalist architecture in Tbilisi, the Tbilisi Skybridge (AKA Nutsubidze or Saburtalo Skybridge) is one of the most unique buildings you’ll ever see.

Located on Nutsubidze Plateau, an elevated part of Saburtalo district, the housing complex consists of three 16-floor apartment blocks constructed in 1974-1976 by architects Otar Kalandarishvili and Guizo Potskhishvili. What makes the structure unique is the elevated metal bridge that spans the trio of buildings, connecting the blocks and acting as a shortcut to ascend the hill.

The bridge is a bit rickety, but rest assured it’s used on a daily basis by residents and commuters. To cross, you will need to ride the public elevator to the top floor (remember to bring your 20 tetri coins to pay!). You can get an alternative view by climbing the stairs to the top level and looking down onto the bridge.

Friendly.ge hosts a terrific Soviet Brutal Exploration Tour of Tbilisi, visiting the Skybridge and many of the other landmarks and buildings mentioned here. The tour focuses on storytelling and providing insights into this period of history. It is perfect for photographers and urbexers alike.

Use the code wanderlush to get 10% off when you book the tour using my link. You can also use this code for the Former Palace of Rituals Tour – Friendly.ge is the only company currently offering English-language tours of this iconic building in Avlabari.


Outdoor activities in Tbilisi

If you’re lucky enough to get a few sunny days during your stay in Tbilisi, try a few of these outdoor activities.

46. Hike to the Tbilisi TV Tower

View of Tbilisi city at sunset from Mtatsminda Park.
Sunset from Mtatsminda, the perfect reward for completing the TV Tower hike.

Mtatsminda Park is without a doubt the best sunset spot in Tbilisi. The lookout here is like a giant balcony with panoramic 360-degree views of the entire city, and it takes on a special atmosphere at dusk when the sky is painted rose and violet.

A fun way to get to Mtatsminda is to hike via the TV Tower trail. Erected in 1972 to replace the original 1955 version that was moved to Gori, the TV Tower is another timeless symbol of Tbilisi.

There are multiple routes you can take (including a 3-hour hike from Turtle Lake), but I prefer to either climb the stairs via Mtatsminda Pantheon or to take the marked path that starts from behind the Church Of Mikhail of Tver off Rustaveli Avenue. Don’t forget to grab a Ponchiki donut or two while you’re up there – and maybe ride the Ferris Wheel in Mtatsminda Park if you’re game!

  • Insider tip: This is a great sunset spot, but don’t walk back down in the dark – take a bus or taxi instead. Don’t hike alone in Tbilisi, always find a buddy to go with.
  • Further reading: The best day hikes in and around Tbilisi.

47. Walk in the Botanical Gardens & find the waterfall

It’s hard to miss Tbilisi’s urban cascade, Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, which is nestled behind the sulfur baths and a fixture of most walking tour itineraries. Did you know that there’s a second (and much more impressive) waterfall within the National Botanic Garden?

This huge green space isn’t as well known as the Botanical Gardens in Batumi, but it’s an equally nice place to go for a stroll and get some fresh air. Various paths take you through a Japanese Garden and to the Botanic Garden Waterfall, located on the northern edge. There are more hardcore, steep hiking trails in the back part of the garden, including one route that takes you behind Mother of Georgia for a magnificent city view.

There are two entrances to the Botanic Garden: One upper entrance near Narikala Fortress and a main gate off Botanikuri Street in the city centre.

  • Details: The National Botanic Garden is open daily from 9am-5.30pm. Entrance costs 5 GEL.
  • How to get there: 25-minute walk from Freedom Square.

48. Smell the snow roses at Gardenia Shevardnadze

A woman in a green coat and red gloves tends plants at a nursery.
Tending the plants at Gardenia Shevardnadze.

Tbilisi’s first plant nursery opened in the early 2000s and is the definition of an urban oasis. Designed by Bonn-trained botanist Zura Shevardnadze, it’s a sprawling German-style garden with perfectly manicured beds, greenhouses, function spaces, a guesthouse and a cafe, The Little Cafe.

This is a wildly popular Instagram spot, but there’s more to the nursery than meets the eye: A big part of Gardenia’s mission is to cultivate and preserve rare and endangered flora from the region. Georgia is part of the ‘Caucasus Hotspot’, known for having 6,400-plus endemic plant varieties including Rhododendron caucasicum (snow roses), and you’ll find many of them growing here and no where else.

Combine a visit to Gardenia with a trip to the city’s largest reservoir, Tbilisi Sea or the nearby Dendrological Park. Zurab also cultivates seedlings that you can buy for your own garden for 5 GEL a piece.

  • Details: Gardenia is open from 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance costs 5 GEL for visitors.
  • How to get there: 15-minute taxi ride from Marjanishvili Metro Station (or take bus #336 from Dadiani Street behind the railway station).

49. Chill out at an urban lake

Sun set over Lisi Lake in Tbilii, Georgia.
Lisi Lake at dusk.

When the weather gets warm, locals flock to the lake. Shaori Lake (in Racha) and Sioni Lake (halfway to Kazbegi) are both popular day trip options. There are a few reservoirs and natural lakes within the city that Tbilisians love to escape to as well.

One of the best things to do in Tbilisi in summer is visit Lisi Lake, located on a high plateau overlooking Saburtalo district. There are walking paths, cafes and bars, and even a Scandi-style bathhouse if you want to indulge in a sulfur scrub. Or you can hire a bike and cycle on the tracks or quiet roads.

Tbilisi Sea (the city’s biggest reservoir, with a few yacht clubs and bars on the shore) is also very popular – though if you want to swim, I recommend you head to one of these pools instead! Turtle Lake is another popular choice with several hiking trails.


50. ‘Tour’ the regions at the Ethnography Museum

The Caucasus mountain region is so ethnically diverse, it’s considered the second-richest linguistic landscape on earth after Papua New Guinea.

Nineteenth-century Georgian ethnographer Giorgi Chitaia dedicated his career to studying and documenting these different groups. His life’s work is showcased at Tbilisi’s Open Air Museum of Ethnography, an immersive outdoor museum that features traditional lodgings from 14 ethnographic groups, painstakingly relocated to the city. The sweet Mingrelian Oda houses and the Mesketian house are my favourites.

This is the perfect place to learn about Georgian folk art (including carpet weaving) and viticulture through exhibitions and interactive displays. If this doesn’t get you pumped for the rest of your travels around Georgia, I don’t know what will.

  • Details: The Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography is open from 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance costs 20 GEL.
  • How to get there: Ride the Turtle Lake Ropeway or 30-minute uphill walk from Vake Park.

Things to do in Tbilisi at night

Tbilisi nightlife is so vibrant it deserves its own dedicated guide! Here are just a few of my favourite things to do after dark.

51. Watch a Kartuli dance or folk music performance

Dancers from the Georgian National Ballet, Sukishvili, rehearsing in Tbilisi.
Sukishvili dancers rehearsing in Tbilisi.

Georgian national dance is an incredible spectacle. Each piece of choreography tells a story, while the accompanying music and lavish costumes are brilliant.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Tbilisi when Sukhishvili is performing at their purpose-built outdoor stage, Takara, do not pass up the opportunity to see them! Georgia’s world-famous dance troupe blends traditional Kartuli and contemporary genres for a one-of-a-kind show. Dates are announced on their Facebook Page and tickets sold via TKT.GE.

An easy way to see Georgian folk dance year-round (usually paired with folk singing and polyphony) is with a ‘dinner and a show’. Though very touristy, it can be a fun experience. Some venues are more tasteful than others.

A more local experience is to listen to live music: Folk song, jazz and even traditional polyphony can be heard at cafes and bars around the city every night of the week.


52. Go clubbing in a football stadium basement

If you’re into electronic music, you’ve probably already heard of Bassiani. Located in an old underground swimming pool in the depths of Dinamo Stadium, this club is a Tbilisi institution.

During the cooler months (it’s simply too hot down there in summer), local and international DJs perform for thronging crowds of party goers. Bassiani is dark, clouded with cigarette smoke, and irresistibly grungy.

Check out this post for more club recommendations in Tbilisi.

  • How to get there: 6-minute walk from Tsereteli Metro Station.

What did I miss? What are your favourite things to do in Tbilisi? Leave your suggestions or questions in the comments below.


Things to do in Tbilisi: Pin it!

64 Comments

  1. I just wanted to say thank you so much for your amazing detailed blogs! It has been priceless! And spot on! Great job!

  2. This is the best travel blog I have ever seen… and that is saying something!! Your blog made me completely change our family’s travel plans this summer and we are now heading to Tbilsi and the mountains! Clearly this is not the ideal time to be in Tbilsi but that’s the only time we can go so we will use your tips for keeping cool.

    Thank you for inspiring me!!

    1. Thank you so much Cindy for the kinds words, I am thrilled to hear that! I’m sure you will have a marvellous time – the mountains will be refreshing and beautiful I’m sure. Enjoy!

  3. Amazing blog!
    I am now the second time in Georgia and your tips help a lot. Went to the Georgian National Museum today. The price is now at 30 gel (no longer 10 as in your blog).

    Thanks for the perfect infos!

    1. Thanks Claudio – yes, prices have gone up quite a bit at all museums! I forgot to update it here but I’ve fixed it now.

      Enjoy the rest of your time in Tbilisi!

  4. Hi Emily, thanks so much for your awesome blog! I love it!!! I’ve never imagined such vast amount of things one can enjoy in those Caucasian countries!
    I’m planning a solo trip to Georgia this early May and will mostly travel around Tbilisi. I wonder if you can share some spots for panoramic landscape observance? I’ve always been fascinated by the sights from your sharing!

  5. Hi Emily,
    Your blog is gorgeous and photos are amazing! I’m treating myself to a few days in Tbilisi this weekend to get a break from humanitarian work in Iraq. Currently fired up for a cooking class now, and maybe also a chocolate massage at Chreli Abano for dessert!
    #ideservethis

    Jack

  6. Hey Emily

    We are presently in Tbilisi, spending a week here and your knowledge sharing has made helped us experience so much more of Georgia than we would have – we went wondering, we tried the food, we experienced everything this wonderful place has to offer – thank you so much for sharing your love of this amazing country, people, culture and street dogs

  7. Emily, your blog is incredible. So much helpful info and so beautiful. We are planning to come to Georgia in October but in the last few days have read so much about Russians flooding over the border in response to the draft. How is this affecting Georgia? I am seeing availability in hotels but wondering if this is real/likely to disappear at any moment. Any thoughts from your perspective as a person on the ground there would be appreciated.

    1. Hi Julie – traffic jams at the border are already easing. The real impact is on the rental market (long-term apartment leases), not on hotels/guesthouses – so in this respect you won’t have any issues as a tourist. I have been travelling over the past 10 days including back and forth to Tbilisi with no issues.

      Happy travels!

  8. Hi Emily,
    Thank you so much for sharing your love for Georgia and all your good tips. Your site has been my bible to travel around and discover this absolutely hidden gem of a country. This is what definetely can be called the “Ultimate guide to Georgia”.

  9. I love that Tiblisi has a good share of architecture and nature all around! It absolutely looks like a city to visit when we can go back to travel.

  10. Thank you so much for your very extensive guide! There is so much to do in Tbilisi this has really helped me prioritise a bit, but I still want to do it all!

  11. We are about to travel to Georgia in 2 weeks and reading your travel guide is extremely lifesaver. However, one problem that I have encountered regarding planning our trip is the transportation. May I kindly ask:
    1.Is train/subway common in Mtskheta city, especially if I would like to go to e.g. in Jvari Monastery?
    2.Since you mainly suggest in your guide to use ‘gotrip’ , will I still need a Georgian sim card to access gotrip in Georgia, or only internet is required?
    3.By using gotrip, is there any estimated time for the drivers to come pick us up from our current location. For example, if we are to arrive in Tbilisi airport can we book through gotrip the moment we arrive or like the day before our flight? Something like that.
    4. Can I still use gotrip or like google maps even if I will not buy Georgian sim card?
    5.Will there be any shop in Tbilisi airport where I can buy like unlimited internet card or anything similar to that?

    1. Hi Margo, great to hear that. To answer your questions:

      1. Mtskheta is very small, there is no subway or train. You can get around the centre by foot but I would recommend having a driver (or a tour guide) to take you to the hilltop monasteries – those are the highlight for me. You can find all the details in my Mtskheta day trip guide plus my recommended day tour.
      2. You don’t need a sim, GoTrip is a web platform rather than an app.
      3. You should definitely book a few days in advance. Bolt is an app (similar to Uber) that you can use for shorter trips on demand.
      4. Yes but you need to download Google Maps for the area you need for offline use.
      5. There is a Magti kiosk at the airport but I recommend waiting until you get into the city so you can buy a data only package rather than a tourist pack. Once you buy a sim, download the Magti app and you can get unlimited 4G for 5 GEL/week.

      In summary – book a GoTrip airport transfer to take you to your hotel a few days before you arrive. Buy a Magti sim from any of the shops in the city (just take your passport with you). Then you can use Google Maps and Bolt taxi app as you please.

      I hope this helps!

      1. Thank you so much for your reply. In addition, I would like to ask, from Tbilisi international airport going to our hotel, it says we can take the number 37 bus and then we can get down to metro station 300 Aragveli then to Varketili. In your opinion, will this be a convenient mode of travel on our first day? Is the metro station within Tbilisi accessible?
        Another question is from Tbilisi airport since you recommend not to buy the sim card there, will it be possible to only buy the data/internet like for google maps/gotrip without the sim card yet?

        1. Hi Margo – yes the bus is a great option generally but it depends what time your flight is landing. The bus is only running on a limited schedule now because of restrictions. You can find the details in my airport guide. You can use the free airport WIFI to book a Bolt taxi but you will need to download a VPN on your phone.

  12. I am here NOW! (Oct 30,2021) Will be in Tbilisi for a month. Your sites are my targets. I already love the food. Going to see the Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave tomorrow and will spend the rest of my time in TheCity. Walking and eating…2 things I love to do! Oh, I will be exploring the Caucasus Mountains, also. I bet the Fall Hiking is colorful.
    Bettie

    1. Terrific Bettie! Yes you’ve come at the perfect time for hiking, nice temperatures and beautiful fall colours. Martvili is great, be sure to check out Balda Canyon nearby too. And don’t miss Martvili Monastery. Enjoy your time in Tbilisi and Georgia!

  13. Hi Emily,
    Just wanted to say that your blog is amazing! I have been wanting to go to Georgia for a few years and just by reading a bit (ok maybe 10-12) articles I have booked my flights and am off to do 2 weeks of visiting/remote working!
    Thanks!
    Amit (from Paris)

    1. This makes me so happy, Amit! Really glad you found the site inspiring. I hope you love Georgia as much as I do! Safe travels and don’t hesitate to reach out directly if there’s anything at all I can help with.

    2. I am busy plotting our long-awaited trip to Georgia (somewhere myself and my husband have wanted to visit for the last 20 years literally!) and would like to say how enormously useful your blog is. Thank you 1000 times! On a less upbeat note, we are arriving 22 October and despite tracking Covid stats/vax rates online, are struggling to work out just what restrictions are currently in place (eg masks, the general vibe, everywhere now open, etc). If you are able to share a couple of practical pointers onto the general situation of daily life right now, I’d really appreciate it. Huge thanks again for sharing your passion for Georgia in your fantastic blog x

      1. Hi Nicola,

        Thanks for the message and the kind words. I’m so glad you’re finally able to visit Georgia.

        Regarding restrictions: Masks are mandatory at all times (indoors and outside). Restaurants and bars etc. must close by 11pm. These are the only restrictions currently, but things could change at any time. Because of the high (and rising) case load I would recommend avoiding crowded places and staying away from public transport where possible. I would also recommend taking a PCR before you travel to any rural areas, just to be sure you’re not carrying anything into communities unwittingly.

        I hope this answers your questions. Feel free to subscribe to my newsletter (the link is at the top of the page) where I share a monthly update on the situation in Georgia.

        Cheers!

  14. I’m currently here in Georgia. It’s my fourth day and I just want to thank you — your blog helps us a lot.

  15. I am on my way to Tbilisi right now and wanted to say thank you for your extremely helpful, detailed yet not verbose, and well-written guides!

  16. Thanks for this detailed blog and all the other corresponding ones. Super helpful in planning my upcoming trip to Georgia. I’ve been reading lots of negative reviews about Get Your Guide so wanted to verify it from you as you promote them in your blogs. Have you personally used their services? They look very professional and organized but the reviews seemed to say differently. Thanks!

    1. Hi Mbads, glad to hear it!

      I do not promote any services on the site that I haven’t used personally. Get Your Guide is a tour aggregator so any reviews on their website will be for the specific tour company that performs that itinerary. You can see the name of the company on the tour page – I also recommend Googling them to check reviews on other platforms such as TripAdvisor.

      Get Your Guide itself is extremely professional and reliable – I have used them more times than I can count and would not hesitate to recommend them. Just be sure you choose a tour with a good rating!

  17. Your blog is AMAZING
    Thanks for everything!
    I’m currently travelling in Georgia and it completely changed how I see the country now. Thanks for sharing all the beauty and hidden gems.

  18. I really want to go to Georgia. It is only recently that I have been hearing a lot about it. Nice write-up

  19. Arrived in Tbilisi December 2019 and received a little bottle of red wine at passport control, what a welcome!
    Love your site, many great tips for Tbilisi!

    1. Wow, this post was very complete! I’ve been living here for a couple of years now and it helped me a lot. You have a very good taste and you are very detail oriented. I’ll be doing the stuff mentioned here and get back to you on them!

  20. Wonderful post, and I love the photos! I’m originally from Poland, so I love those Soviet-era mementos and industrial spaces that have been given a new life. The food also sounds incredible.

    1. It’s wonderful, isn’t it! And the food is just incredible. I hope to visit Poland soon—maybe you can give me some pointers. Thanks for the kind words, Dee!

  21. My husband and I are currently travelling through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia with our two children. We’ve loved reading your posts – not just for the great tips but a pleasure to read. Stunning photos! We’re also falling in love with this part of the world.

    1. Pam, thank you so much for the comment! You’ve made my morning. I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the Caucasus and that you’ve found my posts useful. It’s a special place—I feel privileged to be able to share a little slice of the magic with others. But as I’m sure you’re discovering, you really have to go and experience it for yourself.

      Safe and happy travels,
      Emily

  22. I love all of this! Georgia has been on my list for ages and I would love to visit some of the places mentioned on here. It looks like a beautiful country!

  23. What a fascinating place! Sadly, I hadn’t heard of it, but now I can’t wait to visit. Thanks for the great tips and insights into Tbilisi (and for making my bucket list longer)

    1. So glad to hear that, April! I first heard about Georgia a few years ago… Now Tbilisi is without a doubt my favourite city.

      I hope you get there soon!

  24. oh my gosh wow! This looks so cool! As if I needed more things to do in Georgia lol! But these are all such amazing things, so I’m glad you shared them! And it’s so cool that you were able to make those dumplings with your Airbnb host!!

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