Your guide to Tbilisi
Tbilisi highlights
Ancient bathhouses
The domed bathhouses of Abanotubani are one of the city’s most distinctive experiences, with tiled rooms and private chambers set beneath brick vaults. Visits to Tbilisi often include time here, soaking in mineral-rich waters before a traditional scrub from an attendant known as a ‘mekise’, part of a routine that’s been practised for generations.
Diverse architecture
From the weathered lanes of Old Tbilisi to the striking Brutalist Bank of Georgia, Tbilisi rewards a closer look. Sololaki’s Art Nouveau mansions hide painted entry halls behind worn facades, while elsewhere, a former Soviet factory now houses the creative hub Fabrika. The playful Leaning Tower, designed by Rezo Gabriadze, adds a more whimsical note.
World-class wines
Georgia’s wine tradition stretches back more than 8,000 years, and Tbilisi is one of the best places to explore it. At the Tbilisi Wine Museum, learn how the UNESCO-listed ‘qvevri’ method ferments grapes in clay vessels buried underground. The result is an earthy, amber-hued wine, poured widely in bars like 8000 Vintages.
Tbilisi: Know before you go
| Language | Georgian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Georgian lari (₾) |
| Time zone | UTC+4 (GET) |
| High season | May - September |
| Low season | December - February |
Find the best time to go to Tbilisi
Weather in Tbilisi
March – May: Spring in Tbilisi grows warmer by the week. The parks and foothills are vibrant with colour, and cafes spill onto courtyard terraces.
June – September: Summers are hot and sunny, though the odd thunderstorm is always possible. Book a hotel with air conditioning, stay hydrated, and cool down in Lisi Lake.
October – November: Autumn foliage makes the season one of the prettiest times to visit the city. Get lost in nature on the hike up Mount Mtatsminda. Evenings do get cool, so pack layers.
December – February: Winter in Tbilisi is chilly, and temperatures dip below freezing come nightfall. Though rare, snow can dust the surrounding hills. Thaw out in a classic sulphur bath.
Events in Tbilisi
Independence Day (May): Georgia declared its freedom after the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1918. Watch folk entertainment in Freedom Square, sample wines along Rustaveli Avenue, and be sure to wave your Georgian flag.
Tbilisoba (October): This citywide celebration of Georgian culture is one of the biggest events of the year. Expect parades, historical re-enactments and live performances, along with markets showcasing traditional crafts and seasonal food.
Tbilisi Cheese Festival (varies): Aside from pairing beautifully with wine, cheese is central to Georgia’s cuisine. Taste cheeses from across the country at this weekend-long event, from briny and salty varieties to stringy local favourites, often served alongside bread and regional specialities.
The best neighbourhoods in Tbilisi
Old Tbilisi
Cobbled lanes and pastel facades make Old Tbilisi the prettiest neighbourhood in the city. Peel back another layer of Georgia’s history by riding the funicular to Narikala Fortress, which looms over the district. Or relax in ancient sulphur baths, spoiling yourself with a private pool. You’ll find lots of lodging options here, from boutique hotels to cosy guesthouses.
Good for: Sulphur baths, cafes, restaurants
Vera
Wondering where to stay in Tbilisi for a hip scene? Vera is the bohemian heart of the city. Its leafy boulevards are dappled with street art and trendy galleries. Watch the world go by from coffee shops that spill onto pavements, or linger over a picnic at one of several parks. This is also a good area for bargain hotels.
Good for: Bars, galleries, parks
Vake
The chic villas of upmarket Vake once housed 19th-century elites, from presidents to poets. Fuel up for the day at an artisanal bakery, then shop for statement pieces at trendy designer stores. Or jog among the locals at Vake Park. Come sundown, drink at stylish wine bars and rest your head in a boutique hotel.
Good for: Boutique hotels, wine bars, shopping
Things to do in Tbilisi
Family friendly
Take the cable car up Mount Mtatsminda for sweeping city views, plus a Ferris wheel and old-school rides at the top. Older kids can join a hands-on cooking class and learn to make cheesy ‘khachapuri’. On the outskirts, Kiketi Farm offers guided visits, gentle hiking trails and simple arts and crafts activities.
Take in the culture
The Art Museum of Georgia is one of the most important museums in Tbilisi. Inside, works by Niko Pirosmani capture scenes of village life and wine harvests in a simple, distinctive style. For something different, visit the Underground Printing Press Museum, which explores the early years of revolutionary activity in the city.
Places to eat
Restaurants in Tbilisi centre on hearty, familiar dishes you’ll see across the city. Look out for ‘khachapuri’, a cheese-filled bread often topped with egg, and ‘khinkali’, large dumplings with a savoury broth inside. Eggplant rolls with walnut paste and pomegranate add contrast, while a shot of ‘chacha’ (grape brandy) is a common way to end the meal.
Nightlife
Whet your whistle at one of Tbilisi’s countless cosy wine bars. Or hit nightlife hub Fabrika, where bars and street eats ring a courtyard aglow with fairy lights. Tbilisi’s passion for techno has earned it the nickname ‘New Berlin’. Dance until dawn at Bassiani, hidden in a disused swimming pool beneath a football stadium.
Shopping
The Dry Bridge Flea Market grew in the years after the fall of the USSR when locals sold belongings to make ends meet. Today, stalls are filled with Soviet-era objects, vintage finds and hand-painted scenes of Georgian life. For something more curated, Gallery 27 offers artisan goods, including ‘lurji supra’, a traditional indigo tablecloth decorated with local motifs.
Beaches
Locals flock to the sandy shores of Lisi Lake on warm days, especially in the height of summer. At dusk, follow the thrum of live music to one of the open-air bars nearby. You can also cruise the Tbilisi Sea by sailing boat, available for rent, or settle in at a beach bungalow for a more laid-back escape.
Get ready for Tbilisi
Budget
Hiking the hills above the city costs nothing, and a cheap trip to Tbilisi is easy to manage overall. Start the day with a cappuccino for as little as 5 Georgian lari (₾), and budget about ₾30 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. Short taxi rides average ₾10, while a domestic beer comes in at roughly ₾8.
Day trips from Tbilisi
Head northwest of Tbilisi to the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe, once home to thousands and filled with carved temples, a bakery and even a prison. To the east, the Kakheti wine region spreads across rolling hills, where family-run vineyards and monasteries like Alaverdi make for an easy day of tasting and exploring.
Getting around Tbilisi
Tbilisi is generally easy to get around on foot, especially in the central districts. For longer distances, public transport includes minibuses, city buses and a two-line metro system. Taxis are common but not always metered, so it’s best to agree on a fare in advance. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt are widely used and often a straightforward option.
