Tbilisi, Georgia tourist attractions are fascinating. The capital city boasts an ancient fortress, grand churches and magnificent monuments. However, Tbilisi sights are not limited to a checklist of things to see. Tbilisi is a city to experience.
During our 2-week stay, we were enthralled by the unique things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia. We sought out the top Tbilisi attractions, shopped alongside locals, soared to the top of mountains and feasted on Georgian cuisine.
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We quickly discovered that the ideal way to experience Tbilisi is with eyes wide open and a heaping dose of curiosity. Our list of Tbilisi Things To Do highlights the best of the city!
6 Top Things To Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
Sightseeing Tbilisi should include obscure experiences – and the city has plenty of them! Our list of what to see in Tbilisi is devised to help fellow travelers get to know the area like we did. We feature the best places to visit in Tbilisi as well as how to connect with the Georgian culture.
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#1 See Top Sights in Tbilisi on a Walking Tour
There are numerous attractions in Tbilisi – and they dot the city landscape. From the massive Holy Trinity Cathedral Georgian Orthodox Church to the serene National Botanical Garden, there are quite a few must-see Tbilisi sights that are well-worth checking out.
The best way to experience these sights and get acquainted with the city is on your own two feet. Our Free Self-Guided Walking Tour includes all the top places to see in Tbilisi!
Our outlined Self-Guided Walk takes visitors through Old Tbilisi to the quirky Clock Tower, up the hillside to see the Mother Georgia statue, across the contemporary Peace Bridge, along Rustaveli Avenue to the Georgian National Museum and into Freedom Square.
That said, if navigating a Tbilisi city tour on your own does not sound appealing, there are organized tours, as well. If you would rather join a local guide in Tbilisi, this tour offers a fabulous introduction!
#2 Visit a Tbilisi Sulphur Bath
One of the unique and unforgettable Tbilisi activities is the Sulphur Baths. For thousands of years, people have soaked and scrubbed in the naturally steaming Sulphur springs that stream through Tbilisi’s Abanotubani district.
The foul-smelling water is known to cure skin aliments, soothe arthritis and relax aching muscles. However, for locals without running hot water in their homes, it was also an opportunity to take a long, hot shower. Of the 63 bathhouses that once existed, there are now just a handful of Tbilisi Sulphur Baths. Regardless, the baths are one of the top places to visit in Tbilisi.
Guests can get a truly local experience of uncomfortably showering nude with strangers, but we recommend upgrading to a private room with massage. A Tbilisi Sulphur Bath Experience can still be an awkward, yet fascinating event. Getting scrubbed down at the baths is certainly a unique way to experience Tbilisi!
#3 Go Shopping at Markets in Tbilisi
One of the best ways to experience Tbilisi like a local is to shop where they shop, which is at the community markets. We recommend visiting two Tbilisi markets: the Dezerter Bazaar and the Dry Bridge Flea Market.
The Bizarre Dezerter Bazaar
Shopping at the Dezerter Bazaar ranks as one of the most unusual things to do in Tbilisi. The market, which is located near the Central Railway Station, is a massive, sprawling flow of chaos. Branching out well-beyond the main building are an array of booths, crates and trucks stocked with spices, fresh produce, clothing and tanks filled with fish.
Need a live turkey? No problem. Want potatoes? There is an entire parking lot full of vans packed with them. Searching for the perfect pair of used shoes or a new shrub or kitchen ware? Look no further. Perhaps, playing a game of chess on a makeshift table with the locals is what you’re seeking? In addition to the goods for sale, games and gossip can also be found in the depths of the Dezerter Bazaar.
The market earned the name ‘Dezerter Bazaar’ for the soldiers who deserted their post in the 1920s and then sold their gear and weapons at the market. In 2012, the main building underwent a major renovation. Although the market is not technically a top Tbilisi tourist attraction, we think it is one of the must-see places for local life.
Dry Bridge Flea Market
A treasure trove of vintage goods, the Dry Bridge Market is an interesting place to include in your Tbilisi sightseeing. Vendors sell everything from Soviet relics to modern paintings and antique furniture to handcrafted jewelry. Shoppers should be ready to bargain, as prices do tend to start out on the high side, especially for tourists in Tbilisi.
#4 Get Lost in Tbilisi Neighborhoods
Although neglected and full of broken sidewalks, getting lost in the various neighborhoods is one of the intriguing and free things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia.
An absolute feast for the senses, we recommend rambling without a destination in mind. Marvel at the crumbling buildings in the Old Town, many of which are only kept standing with the aid of support beams. Seek out evocative street art. Stop at a corner cafe for a coffee or pop into a bakery for fresh Georgian bread.
It is truly fascinating to get lost in the streets of Old Town Tbilisi. Before wandering through the back lanes and side alleys, grab a map from the Tbilisi Tourist Information Center on Pushkin Square.
#5 Spend a Day at Mtatsminda Park
If you are wondering what to do in Tbilisi with young kids (or with anyone who is young at heart!), the Mtatsminda Theme Park is a fun place to spend an afternoon. Opened in the 1930s, Mtatsminda Park is a throwback theme park with an old school Ferris Wheel, roller coaster and amusement park games.
Mtatsminda Park sits atop a hill – and it is most easily accessed via the Tbilisi Funicular. In addition to the games and rides, the park also offers sweeping city views, a restaurant and cafe. Also standing atop the hill is the famous Tbilisi TV Tower, but it is closed for visitors.
#6 Ride a Cable Car
The hilly terrain of Tbilisi, Georgia can make sightseeing a challenging endeavor. However, tourists can give their feet a rest and ride one of the city’s public transport cable cars.
City Center Tbilisi Cable Car
The relatively new and very popular cable car connecting Rike Park to the Narikala Fortress is Tbilisi’s top ropeway. The ride between the two attractions is not only a much easier way to get up the hill, but it also provides fantastic views over the Old Town.
Cable Car to Turtle Lake, Tbilisi
Th aerial tramway west of the Tbilisi Old Town takes visitors from Vake Park to Turtle Lake. It’s one of the lesser-visited tourist attractions in Tbilisi, but one of our favorites. The mountaintop lake is named for the many turtles allegedly in the area. Although we saw none on our visit and later heard there are actually no turtles living in the lake!
Not exactly a peaceful, mountain retreat, the small lake has several waterfront cafés and a small concert venue at one end. A path rings the lake, which seemed to be popular with joggers and stroller-pushers.
For us, the real highlight of the excursion to Turtle Lake was the six-minute ride in the tiny compartment on the 3/4-mile-long cable. The best Tbilisi view was from the upper station platform where we could see across the entire region. The ropeway was completely renovated in 2016, and although locals told us this was a major upgrade, it still seems a bit…rustic.
BONUS: Enjoy Georgian Cuisine and Local Wine
Toss out the low-carb diet and forget about gluten-free – feasting on carb-laden meals is a Tbilisi specialty and definitely one of the top things to do. We are highlighting a few of the must-east Georgian food staples that you will want to try on your Tbilisi trip.
Georgian Bread and Pastries
The fragrant, hunger-inducing scent of fresh baked bread flows from small bakery windows and wafts through the air, making it difficult to pass by the display cases filled with sweet and savory pastries.
One bread-pocket pastry filled with either spiced meat, cheese or potato, is filling enough to serve as both breakfast and lunch – and each costs about $1 USD. Even plain bread is tempting in Georgia – especially shotis puri (or shoti). The boat-shaped loaf is cooked in a tandoor clay pot, costs about 25 cents and is sold still piping-hot and ready to eat.
Khinkali
Doughy temptations aren’t only found in bakeries – they are a staple on every traditional restaurant menu in the Tbilisi…and Khinkali is one of the best. Often referred to as Georgian Dumplings, the large pasta pouches are filled with either spiced meat, mushrooms or potatoes. Yeah, carbs inside carbs!
The dough pockets are twisted and pinched at the top to conceal the savory juices. The best khinkali are made fresh, which means it will be a wait…but it’s so worth it!
Khachapuri
Khachapuri – also called Georgian Cheese Bread or Georgian Feast Bread – is the country’s national dish and eating one should be on every traveler’s Tbilisi Things To Do list! The bread is baked with cheese and spices in the middle, similar to a pizza. What makes it unique, however, is that it is topped with an egg and a few pats of butter. To eat it, tear the outer crust and dip it into the gooey cheese-and-egg center.
Georgian Wines
It may come as a surprise to some, but Georgia ranks as one of the oldest wine growing regions in the world. There is evidence of wine-making in the area dating to the year 6,000 BC.
The ancient method of producing wine is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Adhering to the old technique, a large clay pot, called a kvevri, is filled with grape juice and then buried in soil to allow for maturation. In numerous regions around Georgia, this wine-making tradition survives and several Tbilisi Old Town wine shops stock the product.
One of the fun things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia is to sample the local wine bars. We wondered if the offer of free wine was just a ploy to get us in the door, but – as promised – the samples flowed once we were inside.
There are numerous wine shops where guests are invited to swirl and sip samples, but we are sharing our top two recommendations for the best places in Tbilisi to drink local wine.
VinoGround Wine Tasting
At VinoGround, the owner pours countless samples of Georgian wines and provides details about each one. They don’t just give facts about the wine, they tell its complete story and it pair perfectly with each sip!
Karalashvili Wine Cellar
Karalashvili’s Wine Cellar is a family owned winery and they happily pour tastes of a range of wines and other homemade liquors. The space is incredibly atmospheric – and we recommend staying after your tasting for a full glass from your favorite varietal! Tip: They also have a wine shop on Kote Afkhazi St.
Top Tips for Sampling Wine in Tbilisi
While it is true that the wine tastings are absolutely free and there is zero pressure to buy anything, we would not have felt right leaving without making a purchase. Both of our recommended places have tables outside, which is a great place to savor a glass of wine while you take a break from sightseeing in Tbilisi.
Craft Beer in Tbilisi, Georgia
Until recently, fans of beer who visit Tbilisi weren’t as lucky as the wine lovers, as craft beer was in limited supply. There were a few select places serving Black Lion, the Georgian Beverage Company’s take on craft beer (like Warszawa).
Now, there are many great spots in Tbilisi for craft beer! Try Abragi, Sma Craft Beer Bar and Tsota Tsota Craft Beer Pub for tasty beers in great company.
However, our favorite place to go in Tbilisi for locally produced craft beer is Black Dog Bar. The welcoming Old Town neighborhood pub has a chill vibe and pours a variety of small-batch brews made exclusively for Black Dog.
Chacha
Every place serving alcohol will certainly have a bottle of Chacha. This Georgian brandy often referred to as Vine Vodka, sitting behind the bar. It will most likely be homemade and potent. Some taste better than others, some have higher alcohol content than others. While drinking Chacha is one of the interesting things to do Tbilisi, we can’t say it’s a good idea to have more than one!
Day Trips from Tbilisi, Georgia
We have highlighted the prime Tbilisi things to do. However, day trips will allow visitors to explore other cities in Georgia and the surrounding region. During our stay, we never fell short on Tbilisi places to visit. That said, these day trips from Tbilisi were highly recommended by our Airbnb host and fellow travelers.
- 1-Day Wine Tour in Kakheti Region
- Full Day Private Tour in Kazbegi Ananuri Gergeti
- Tbilisi Market and Food Tour
Travel Tips for your Trip to Tbilisi, Georgia
Now that you know what to see and do in Tbilisi, we want to share some advice for planning your visit to Georgia.
Where To Stay in Tbilisi, Georgia
We think the best place to stay in Tbilisi is in the heart of the city, where sights and attractions are just steps away.
During our extended visit, we stayed in an amazing Airbnb Apartment. For shorter stays, there are many hotels in Tbilisi that fit a range of travel budgets. Before starting your search, however, use our tips for Booking the Best Hotels for Cheap.
Hotel Marlyn
Ideally located near Freedom Square, Hotel Marlyn offers guests clean and comfortable rooms at a great price. The tasty, prepared breakfast also gets rave reviews. Check rates and availability!
Badagoni Boutique Hotel Rustaveli
Modern and chic, Badogoni is a boutique hotel in Tbilisi near Freedom Square that features stylish decor. The rooms are well-appointed – and some feature fine views. Check availability!
Fabrika Hostel and Suites
Budget travelers will not want to miss the opportunity to stay in the hip Fabrika Hostel. Occupying a former Soviet sewing factory, Fabrika features creative spaces, a lively atmosphere and both private rooms and dorm beds. Check rates today!
Getting To Tbilisi, Georgia
Travelers to Tbilisi typically arrive by plane. The Tbilisi Airport is officially named the Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Direct flights to/from Tbilisi and European hub airports like Frankfurt, Vienna and Warsaw generally arrive and depart in the early morning hours. Alternatively, you can connect through Istanbul. Begin your search for cheap airline tickets to Tbilisi on Skyscanner.
What To Pack for Your Trip to the Caucasus
Our final advice covers what to pack in your backpack or suitcase. Feel free to peruse all our packing hacks, but for now grab your FREE Packing Checklist!
Comfortable Travel Shoes
Tbilisi is a city of hills and many broken sidewalks. Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable travel shoes for your trip.
Travel Camera
The sights of Tbilisi are sensational! Consider capturing the uniqueness of the city with an actual travel camera for high quality photos. We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens, which is a fantastic budget camera setup.
Versatile Day Bag
For long days of sightseeing, you will want to carry a day pack that can hold all of your everyday travel essentials – plus your guidebook, water bottle and umbrella. We prefer these small backpacks, but read our guide to finding the Perfect Travel Day Pack for you!
Travel Insurance
Trips don’t always go as planned and when things go wrong – like lost luggage or getting sick while abroad – travel insurance might help cover the costs. If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Tbilisi, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Organize Your Trip to Tbilisi, Georgia
Ready to go to Tbilisi? Great! As you make plans and reservations, stay on top of the details with our Travel Planning Printables!
Start planning your trip to Georgia (the country)! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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