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Top Things to Do in Tbilisi: 10 Attractions in Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital of the country of Georgia, for me, is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Tbilisi, this post covers it.

I am so charmed by the city that I made my fifth visit last December.

There´s a church around every corner in Georgia
There´s a church around every corner in Georgia.

As more and more tourists visit Tbilisi, the amount of pickpockets has drastically increased in Tbilisi over the last few years. So be aware! 

Tbilisi is the largest city in the country of Georgia, not the state in the USA. It is located on both sides of the Mtkvari River, with a population of roughly 1.5 million inhabitants.

It was founded in the 5th century but has been rebuilt around 29 times since then.

The old town of Tbilisi is largely intact, with narrow alleys and big crooked houses built around small courtyards. This place is definitely a good reason to visit Georgia.

Are you looking for ideas for exciting Tbilisi day trips?

If you’re also planning to visit Yerevan and Armenia, check out this post about 40 things to do in Yerevan.

The newer parts of the capital recently got a huge facelift with modern architecture.

It doesn’t yet offer world-class shopping opportunities that you will find in other capitals around the world—looking for the best place to take Instagram photos in Tbilisi?

But Tbilisi offers something that you will not find in modern capitals, charm! If you’re looking for where to stay during your visit to Tbilisi, check out these options.

Here’s My List of the Top 10 Things to Do and Places to Visit in Tbilisi

Curious about where to go in Tbilisi? Below you’ll find a list of all the top things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia, to help you make the most of your stay.

1. Take a Stroll Through the Old Town – Must See in Tbilisi

Old Town Tbilisi has, over the recent years, gotten a huge “facelift.” These days, there are local art shops, wine houses, small family-run guesthouses.

old town tbilisi Georgia
A tinny part of Old Town as seen from the cable car.

You can spend hours getting lost in the old alleys and backstreets, just to find a small local bar or Kinkhali house. This is one of the best places to see in Tbilisi. 

Georgia old town
The Sulfur baths are on the left side, and the old town on the right side
old town tbilisi georgia
A completely restored part of the old town.
 Restored old houses Georgia
Restored old houses in the old part of town

2. Take a Sulphur Bath in Old Tbilisi, Georgia 

The famous Sulphur Baths are located in the Abanotubani district in the middle of the old town.

The sulphur baths are an amazing place to relax for an hour or two, especially during the colder months of the year. Making this one of the best Tbilisi places to visit in winter.

Most of the baths are open 24/7, and the price varies from 30 Lari for the cheapest private room to 100 Lari for a private room.

sulfur baths georgia
Vent´s to the sulfur bath for ventilation.

The room quality varies as much as the price difference. There are also public rooms available for 3 Lari.

Click here to read a complete guide about Sulphur Baths.

While the expensive rooms are completely refurbished with both hot bath and cold bath and even a private sauna.

The cheaper rooms are more basic with an old Soviet look with just a hot bath and hot/cold shower.

The Sulfur bath has been a part of Tbilisi’s history from the city’s beginning.

The name Tbilisi comes from the Georgian word for warm ‘თბილი, which means “warm location.”

hot springs georgia
One of the cheaper Sulfur baths. At least you can call it authentic.

3. Visit The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

There’s no shortage of churches in Tbilisi or Georgia; you will never be far from one.

The one you will see the most is the huge Holy Trinity Cathedral or locally known as “Sameba.”

The construction of the Cathedral was only completed back in 2004, so it doesn’t offer the same amount of history as most of the other churches in Tbilisi.

But the Holy Trinity Cathedral is impressive in other ways.

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi Georgia
Holy Trinity Cathedral

It´s with its height of 97,5m, the third-largest Orthodox cathedral in the world, only after the Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.

4. Visit the Mtatsminda Park for the Stunning View of the City – Things to Do, Tbilisi 

Mtatsminda Park is the highest point surrounding the city; the park has a small amusement park, a Ferris wheel (that’s the highest point in Tbilisi), a lot of restaurants, and small bars.

This is one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi if you want a panoramic view of the city. Even tho the amusement park might be a bit out of date

It’s a popular hangout for couples in the evening to enjoy the amazing view of the city landscape.

The park can be reached by bus 124 or by the Funicular railway.

Tbilisi Tv tower Georgia
The Tv tower.
Mtatsminda Park Georgia
City view as seen from Mtatsminda Park
ferris wheel Georgia
The Ferris wheel in Mtatsminda Park

5. Try the Local Georgian Cuisine – Tbilisi Things to Do

Georgian cuisine is vegetarian-friendly, and recently, a vegan cafe has opened up in the city.

I’m neither vegan nor vegetarian, and I love the anti-vegan food. Georgian food, for me, is up there with Chinese, Mexican, and Thai food. Cheese and meat are used in almost every dish.

The local dish Khinkali Georgia
The local dish Khinkali

While most of the food in Georgia, like in all other old Soviet countries, are heavily meat-based, they also have some delicious vegetarian surprises.

The best and most common dish, which is also considered as the national dish, is called Khachapuri, a “fluffy” bread with the center of it filled with cheese in the middle and with an egg on top of the cheese again.

The crust is a proper bread that you use to dip in the cheese.

The local dish Khachapuri Georgia
The local dish Khachapuri is a must-try dish in Georgia

Different regions of the country have different versions of Khachapuri. Central Georgia’s Khachapuri looks more like a calzone than a traditional one, whereas western Georgia likes to add more cheese to the Khachapuri than the rest of the country.

Southern Georgia likes to serve its Khachapuri with a raw egg on top and a dash of butter.

6. Take the Cable Car to the Mother, Georgia Statue – What to Visit in Tbilisi

The Mother Georgia is located on a high hill overlooking the city, you can either walk up or you can take the cheap cable car from the eastern part of the city.

Tbilsi georgia view
Panoramic view from the Mother, Georgia Statue.

The ride is only 1 lari, making it an affordable way to look at all the things to see in Tbilisi. You will enjoy a panoramic view while riding over the old town.

You will enjoy a nice view of the city, similar to the top of Mtatsminda Park.

You also visit the castle overlooking the city while walking back down: the Mother, Georgia Statue.

old town georgia
Taking the cable car across the old town
georgia cable car
Taking the cable car across the river, There´s some strange modern architecture on the right side of the river.

 7. Try the Local Candy in Tbilisi, Georgia

There are two types of homemade candy in Georgia, Churchkhela, and Taklpi.

These are sold from old babushkas on street corners to big shops on the main streets. It’s impossible to walk around the city without seeing a shop or two selling it.

Churchkhela is a sausage-shaped Georgian candy stick with walnuts in the center.

They are dipped in thick hot grape juice. The other local candy is Taklpi which are fruit rolls.

There are numerous varieties, including plums, pear, apple, and even kiwi.

georgia local candy
Churchkhela is the traditional candy in Georgia. Made from: grape must, nuts and flour. Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and sometimes raisins are threaded onto a string, dipped in thickened grape juice or fruit juices, and dried in the shape of a sausage.

8. Watch the Puppet Show – What to See in Tbilisi

The leaning clock tower was created by the famous Georgian puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze.

Each hour a window opens at the top, and an angel strikes the bell. Below the clock, a screen opens and shows the circle of life: boy meets girl, marriage, childbirth, and funeral.

The leaning clock tower georgia
The leaning clock tower at the edges of the old town, maybe the most famous landmark of the city these days.

9. Check Out the Local Nightlife – Tbilisi What to Do

Tbilisi is considered by many to be the best clubbing city in Eastern Europe and almost on a level with Berlin in western Europe.

The partying and clubbing culture has become a lifestyle, and music is a sacred thing in the city. There’s also a club underneath the national football stadium.

If you are not into clubbing, there are many local bars spread around the city, from small jazz clubs to pubs frequented by the locals and foreigners, selling a glass of draft beer or glass of wine for 2lari.

10. Take a Day Trip from Tbilisi

Since Georgia is a relatively small country and Tbilisi is almost located in the central part, it is easy to make a day trip out of the city and still come back by evening.

I would also recommend you to visit Yerevan, the capital of neighboring Armenia if you have got time.

Additional Information About Tbilisi, Georgia

Before you pack your bags and head off, here are some important tips for your Tbilisi trip. 

Traveling to Tbilisi, Georgia – Directions to reach old Tbilisi from the airport:

You can take the N37 bus just outside the terminal, which operates 24/7, leaving at 35-minute intervals and costs 0.50 Gel.

If you’re heading to Kutaisi next, the third-largest city in Georgia, be sure to check out this post.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Tbilisi

There is a range of Tbilisi attractions, tourist spots, and historical sites for you to visit.

Whether you want to see the city from above or take some time out in a Sulphur bath after a busy trip, you won’t be disappointed by everything this Georgian city has to offer. 

Looking for a hostel in Tbilisi or Georgia in General? Check out this page.

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Travel guide to Tbilisi the capital of Georgia
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, for me, is one of the fascinating cities in the world.

Sasha

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

Hi Just been to Tiblisi in June. Its a beautiful place. The Holy trinity church though its née compared to the historical monasteries, the church is impressing beautiful. Its structure, the garden around the church and the quietness when we visited in the morning was a memorable moment

Rachel

Sunday 19th of July 2020

Hello Thank you for your article and comments

But I I want to travel from South Africa what will be the easiest airport to get there?

Christian L.

Friday 27th of November 2020

From South Africa, the easiest way to Georgia is though Qatar

Pam

Wednesday 13th of November 2019

Hi- great article! I'll be spending 5 days in Tbilisi in January and was thinking of taking a day trip for one day. Is there anything you would say is a "must see" outside of Tbilisi that can be done in one day? Thanks!

Christian L.

Wednesday 13th of November 2019

Hello Pam.

Kazbegi with a stop at Ananur is the most popular day trip from Tbilisi other good day trips are David Gareji Monastery or Sighnagi. Actually huge parts of Georgia can be visited as a day trip from Tbilisi, but that´s at least the 3 easiest and most popular.

Nikki

Monday 16th of September 2019

I loved being in tbilisi! Architecture is very beautiful, people are very kind and they have very delicious cuisine! I was in georgian restaurant Usakhelouri, which is located in Abanotubani and I was amazed by their food, especially khachapuri (traditional pie with cheese) and red wine Tavkveri. The best impressions in my life!

Exchange Semester in Georgia, Transcaucasia/Eurasia – Blog

Thursday 1st of August 2019

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