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Tbilisi, Georgia
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When to visit
Attractions in Tbilisi, Georgia
1. Narikala Fortress
Quick facts: Perched high above the city, the fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the river and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can wander through ancient stone walls scarred by centuries of history, feeling the echoes of battles and the resilience of old warriors.
Highlights: The fortress features walls that have stood for over 1500 years, offering panoramic views that stretch across the city to the distant Caucasus Mountains. Visitors often leave small notes or ribbons tied to the old stone walls, believing that this tradition brings protection and good fortune.
2. Old Tbilisi
Quick facts: Winding streets reveal vibrant balconies bursting with flowers, offering a feast for the eyes at every turn. The air is often filled with the aroma of traditional Georgian cuisine wafting from cozy, tucked-away eateries where locals gather.
Highlights: Walking through narrow cobblestone streets carved into the hillside, you can hear the clinking of traditional Georgian toasting glasses echoing from cozy sulfur baths dating back over 1,200 years. Nearby, balconies teeter with vibrant petunias and hand-carved wooden patterns unique to the region, whispering tales of centuries-old crafts and vibrant local life.
3. Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral
Quick facts: Standing majestically on a hill, the cathedral offers breathtaking panoramic views that capture the essence of the city's skyline. Visitors can marvel at the intricate gold-plated dome that gleams brilliantly under the sunlight, symbolizing spiritual light and strength.
Highlights: At the heart of the grand structure, there is a massive bell named "The Eternal Bell," weighing over 50 tons and echoing across the city with a deep, resonant clang that locals say can be heard up to 3 kilometers away. Every year, on Easter night, thousands gather to light candles and form a glowing sea of warmth around the cathedral, creating a breathtaking ripple of firelight visible from the river below.
4. Bridge of Peace
Quick facts: Gliding across the river with a sea of twinkling LED lights beneath your feet feels like walking through a futuristic canopy of stars. The bridge's unique wavy glass and steel design offers stunning panoramic views, especially when the sun sets and the city lights start to dance.
Highlights: Imagine walking over 1500 LED lights that flicker like stars under your feet, creating a mesmerizing wave of color that perfectly mirrors the river flowing beneath. The bridge's unique design shaped like a giant bow ties together the old city and new, symbolizing peace and modern unity in an unexpected burst of futuristic style.
5. Tbilisi Botanical Garden
Quick facts: Nestled in a lush canyon, you can wander through a mosaic of plant species from different continents, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors and scents. Waterfalls and ancient stone terraces add a serene charm, making it a peaceful retreat for both botanists and casual visitors alike.
Highlights: Over 4,500 species of plants are nestled along steep cliffs and narrow ravines, creating a labyrinth of greenery that feels like stepping into a secret, lush fortress. The garden's oldest tree, a towering Oriental plane, is rumored to be over 300 years old and is said to whisper stories of the region's past if you listen closely on a quiet afternoon.
6. Rustaveli Avenue
Quick facts: Strollers often find themselves immersed in a vibrant cultural tapestry where classic theaters and modern cafes hum side by side. Lush trees lining the street create a shaded canopy that invites locals and tourists alike to linger and chat over coffee or a book.
Highlights: The avenue is lined with 19th-century buildings that host a fascinating mix of theaters, cafes, and bookshops, creating an atmosphere where the scent of fresh espresso blends with old leather-bound books. On certain evenings, dozens of street musicians gather near the iconic Rustaveli Theatre, filling the air with everything from classical violin to Georgian polyphonic singing, creating an impromptu festival of sound.
7. Mtatsminda Park
Quick facts: Offering panoramic views that stretch across the city and surrounding mountains, the park breathes life into every visit with its mix of thrilling rides and serene walking paths. Seasonal festivals and live performances provide a lively atmosphere that captures the local culture and energy like nowhere else.
Highlights: The park's Ferris wheel, known as the Wonder Wheel, uniquely offers panoramic views of the entire city, especially magical at sunset when the sky turns golden and the city's lights begin to twinkle. Visitors often enjoy mouthwatering Turkish delight from a small, colorful cart near the funicular entrance, creating a sweet tradition that adds a burst of flavor to the crisp mountain air.
8. Sulphur Baths (Abanotubani)
Quick facts: Steaming waters rich in natural sulfur scent the air, creating a warm and therapeutic atmosphere that invites relaxation and rejuvenation. Unearth a blend of ancient traditions and vibrant local culture as the baths serve as a social hub where stories and laughter flow alongside the healing waters.
Highlights: The baths are built over natural hot springs heated by volcanic activity, with water temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius, creating a steamy, mineral-rich atmosphere that locals swear by for healing skin and joint issues. Many visitors follow the quirky tradition of gently tapping three times on the bathhouse door before entering, believed to invite good luck and the healing power of the waters inside.
9. Freedom Square
Quick facts: A majestic column topped with a golden statue of St. George slaying a dragon dominates the scene, symbolizing victory and protection. The square often buzzes with local events and lively gatherings, making it a vibrant heart where history meets modern life.
Highlights: A towering openwork statue of St. George slaying a dragon, made from gilded bronze, dominates the square and casts a golden shimmer especially vivid at sunset. Locals gather nightly around the central fountain, throwing small coins into the water for luck, a tradition said to bring dreams of the future right in the heart of the city.
10. Metekhi Church
Quick facts: Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River, the church blends tradition with stunning views that captivate every visitor. Rich in history, its warm stone walls have witnessed countless tales of resilience and spiritual devotion.
Highlights: A fascinating fact is that the church stands on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River, giving you a breathtaking panoramic view of the old city that really brings Georgian history to life. Plus, there's a quirky tradition where local artists display their religious-themed artwork right in the church courtyard, creating a vibrant blend of spiritual reverence and creative expression.
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Churchkhela
Churchkhela, often called a Georgian candy necklace, is strings of nuts repeatedly dipped in thickened grape must until glossy and chewy, and it was historically packed by caravans as a durable, high-energy travel snack.
Pelamushi
Pelamushi is a silky grape pudding made by cooking grape juice with flour until it sets, and it is traditionally topped with crushed walnuts and spices for festive occasions.
Gozinaki
Gozinaki combines caramelized honey and walnuts into brittle bars, and it is eaten at New Year as a symbol of prosperity and was once considered a royal treat.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Khinkali
Khinkali are soup-filled dumplings twisted closed with a topknot, and the proper way to eat them is to bite a small hole, sip the hot broth, then enjoy the filling and dough.
Khachapuri
Khachapuri is a boat-shaped bread filled with molten cheese and a runny egg, diners mix the center into a gooey dip and tear off pieces of bread to share.
Mtsvadi
Mtsvadi is skewered meat grilled over open flame and wood smoke, it is the centerpiece of outdoor feasts and a favorite at harvest celebrations.
Traditional Beverages
Chacha
Chacha is a potent grape pomace brandy distilled from leftover skins and stems, it is often made at home and can reach unusually high alcohol levels.
Borjomi
Borjomi is naturally carbonated mineral water from volcanic springs near Borjomi, its distinctive salty mineral bite made it a favorite of Russian aristocrats and a symbol of Georgian springs.
Saperavi
Saperavi is a deeply colored, ageworthy red grape unique to Georgia, producing bold wines with concentrated dark fruit and spice that pair perfectly with hearty Georgian food.
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Day trips
Mtskheta
Ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site with historic churches.
Google MapsKazbegi (Stepantsminda)
Picturesque mountain town with Gergeti Trinity Church views.
Google MapsDavid Gareja Monastery Complex
Rock-hewn monasteries in semi-desert landscape near Azerbaijan border.
Google MapsSignagi
Charming hilltop town in the wine region with city walls and views.
Google MapsGori
Town famous as Stalin’s birthplace and ancient Uplistsikhe cave city.
Google MapsComments (9)
Transit felt chaotic at first, drivers fast and signs limited. Taxis are inexpensive, but get ready to haggle fares or use apps late at night.
Tbilisi surprised me, food is incredible and cheap. Friendly locals, evening walks in Old Town felt magical, but expect steep hills and cobblestones.
Most small museums close around 6 PM, so plan morning visits. For sulfur baths aim for late afternoon to avoid peak evening crowds and queues.
Avoid restaurants right on Rustaveli and Freedom Square. Walk two blocks over and youll find authentic food and much lower prices.
Grab a Metromoney card at any metro station, load it with trips. Saves time and is much cheaper than paying cash on minibuses.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Domestic and International lines to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey
From Tbilisi Airport, take the metro or a taxi to reach the city center quickly.
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