Tbilisi Georgia: the Travel Guide

Are you thinking about visiting Georgia? The country in Eastern Europe, not the state in the United States.

Well my advice is, don't think twice, just book the trip!

With so much rich history, culture, food, and views - I promise you, you won't regret it.

But you're probably here because you want to learn a little more about the country before you go. So let's get right into it.

We visited Tbilisi (the capital of Georgia) and stayed for seven days. And in order to really take in the culture, food, and complex history, you might want to consider staying longer than the typical 2-3 days.

Why should you visit Tbilisi, Georgia?

In case you're still on the fence about why you should visit Georgia - I get it. It's not well known, and it isn't the first country you typically think of when you plan on visiting Europe. And when you say "I'm going to Georgia," most people think of Atlanta or Savannah. But Tbilisi, Georgia, being that it's at the intersection of Europe and Asia and is a former Soviet republic, offers a whole other world waiting to be explored.

Let me break down a few reasons why it's worth your while:

• A feast for all your senses: Tbilisi is a city that blends history, culture, and modern life in a captivating way. You can explore the winding streets of Old Tbilisi with its architectural gems, from ancient churches and Medieval Georgian castles to modern glass structures and buildings, all nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains. Immerse yourself in the sulfur baths, a centuries-old tradition, or wander the lively markets overflowing with fresh produce and local goods.
  

• A budget-friendly escape: Tbilisi is a haven if you're traveling on a budget but still want to have high-quality experiences. Accommodation, transportation, and food are all incredibly affordable compared to many other European cities. Plus, many historical and cultural attractions are free to enter.
  

• A land with a complicated history: Georgia boasts a rich and complex history, which is evident in the archaeological sites, ancient churches, and medieval fortresses scattered throughout Tbilisi. You can explore landmarks like Narikala Fortress, a 4th-century citadel offering panoramic views of the city, or the Anchiskati Basilica, which is one of the oldest surviving churches built in the 6th century.
  

• A vibrant cultural scene: Tbilisi is a city that buzzes with life. You can catch a performance at the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater, known for its magical puppets and captivating stories. Stroll through the markets for local crafts, souvenirs, and vintage finds. And in the evening, enjoy the lively bar scene or traditional music performances in cozy restaurants.
  

• A delicious delicacy: Georgian cuisine is worth the trip alone. You can taste savory dishes like khinkali (meat dumplings with unique broths - they also have vegetarian options filled with potato or cheese), or khachapuri (a cheesy bread that comes in many variations). Georgia is also famous for their wines, which are produced using traditional methods in clay vessels called qvevri.

Some basic things to know about Tbilisi, Georgia:

What is the currency?

Georgian Lari (aka GEL) is the official currency. Although many places accept card/contactless payment. You'll mostly only use cash for things like picking up souvenirs on the street, in the markets or taking the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress, botanical gardens and Mother of Georgia statue.

What is the official language of Georgia?

Georgian is the official language. However, many locals speak English (and other languages), so it is not at all difficult to communicate with locals.

How to get around Tbilisi Georgia?

Tbilisi is an extremely walkable city so we walked most places as walking is one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the city (and not miss any cool views!) but Bolt (comparable to Uber) is one of the easiest ways to travel from various places.

Bolt is also incredibly affordable. For instance, a Bolt from the airport to our Airbnb was about 27 Lari (which is about $9 USD); and our Airbnb was located in Old Town.

pro tip: once you land in the Tbilisi airport and make it past passport control, there's a good chance that you will be approached by a taxi driver asking if you need a ride, however, most of them will overcharge. A taxi driver offered to drive us to our Airbnb for 126 Lari, which is about $45 USD. Kindly decline and instead check the price on the Bolt app.

Also, keep in mind that traffic can be heavy at any time of the day. So either add an extra ten minutes to your estimated travel time or (again) consider walking to get around.

Where to stay in Tbilisi Georgia?

We were in town for a friend's wedding, so she hand-picked two hotels for guests to stay at which were: Hotel Passport and Hostel Coste and both of which are affordable and beautiful (and bonus, they include a free breakfast!).

However, we booked an Airbnb in Old Town and I can't recommend this Airbnb enough. It was soooo beautiful and the view was incredible! It comes equipped with everything you need - kitchen, washer (no dryer - but it does have a clothes drying rack), super comfortable bed, two patios (both with a view you can only dream of), standing shower and a bath - and if you're going to be doing a lot of walking, an epsom salt bath is a MUST!

It's about a five minute walk to the sulfur bath houses and a ten minute walk to Rustaveli avenue. It's the perfect location. Tons of restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, markets nearby - truly everything you need.

Check out the photos below and/or do yourself a favor and book your stay here.

How to do laundry in Tbilisi?

While most hotels will offer a laundry service, and many Airbnb's will have a washer (no dryer), there are other affordable options in case you need it. For instance, we didn't have time to wash our laundry and wait for it to dry so we simply used a delivery laundry service.

Tam-Wash laundry service was super convenient and affordable (90 Lari for 1-5kgs and 130 Lari for 6-10 kgs). They offer free pick-up and delivery so you can go about your trip and not have to worry about washing or drying your clothes.

Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia

There's so much to do and see in Tbilisi but I want to highlight some of the things that you may not find when doing a basic Google search.

Cooking class:

What's a better way to immerse yourself in the culture and really get to experience the local cuisine than cooking it yourself?

We signed up for an Airbnb experience where you learn how to cook Khinkali and Imeretian Khachapuri (two Georgian cuisines) under the guidance of the Chef of a delicious restaurant in Tbilisi. It's about a 2-hour long class, about $27 per person and was totally worth it!

Take a day trip to the Ancient City:

Take a half-day tour (about 4-5 hours) to explore the rich history and stunning views of Georgia with this Airbnb experience.

You'll start at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral located in the historic town Mtskheta. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You'll learn about the history of the Cathedral, how the Soviets conquered it and even get to see the resting place of the robe of Jesus Christ, which is believed to lie beneath a pillar with colorful yet faded frescoes. The Seamless Robe of Jesus is the robe said to have been worn by Jesus during or shortly before his crucifixion.

You'll have time to stroll through the local markets and to shop for souvenirs and grab some delicious wine ice cream.

Next, you'll head over to the Jvari Monastery, which is a 6th century Georgian orthodox monastery where the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers meet near Mtskheta. Jvari is a early Medieval Georgian church that has survived to present day almost untouched.

Finally, head over to the Chronicle of Georgia (aka the Stonehenge of Georgia). This is a monument located on Keeni Hill near the Tbilisi Sea, is 35-meters high, and it is nothing short of spectacularly jaw-dropping. Construction of this monument began during the Soviet era in 1971 and wasn't completed until 2009 - it's absolutely impressive and worth the visit.

Take the Funicular to Mtsaminda Park:

Ride the funicular up the mountain to the Funicular Restaurant and Café for delicious food and views or take time to visit the amusement park.

The funicular is a type of railway system that takes you up the mountain. It's about a 5-minute ride and is priced at 8 GEL per person ($3 USD).

The address is 22 Daniel Chonqadze St, Tbilisi, Georgia (lower station).

pro tip: if you visit the Funicular café, order the Khachapuri, the Napoleon (dessert), and a hot chocolate - you won't be disappointed:)

Thrift shopping & market hopping:

Who doesn't love a good vintage find? Especially in the world of fast-fashion and low-quality goods.

There are tons of thrift shops and markets in Tbilisi to choose from. If you simply wander the streets and walk around, you're bound to stumble across some true gems.

We stumbled upon Retro Trash, the Dry Bridge market and the Golden market - but there are several others to choose from and visit.

The best part is that you really can find some goodies - anything from vintage items, clothing and jewelry to handmade art and tote bags.

Take a dip in sulfur baths:

Step back in time and immerse yourself in a centuries-old tradition at Tbilisi's renowned sulfur baths. 

Nestled in the Abanotubani district, these domed bathhouses have been a cornerstone of Georgian life since the 5th century, when King Vakhtang Gorgasali discovered the city's natural hot springs. The name "Tbilisi" itself translates to "warm place," and "Abanotubani" translates to "Bath Quarter" in Georgian. It's a fitting name for this historic district, as it's been the heart of Tbilisi's sulfur bath culture for centuries. 

Beyond relaxation, the baths served as social hubs, business meeting points, and even matchmaking venues. Today, you can experience this unique spa tradition for yourself, soaking in the mineral-rich waters believed to have therapeutic benefits for skin, joints, and overall well-being. Choose from historic bathhouses with ornate architecture and let the warm waters and rich history wash over you.

Eat your heart out:

We found some of the BEST food while in Tbilisi but here are a few of the favorites:

1. Visit Town (across the street from the Flower Market) for one of the best shawarmas literally ever. You can order a size 'Big' and split it in two (the portions are massive) - and don't forget to add a side of fries! Located at 2 Revaz Tabukashvili St, Tbilisi, Georgia
   

2. Visit Radio Café and order the Georgian Salad with Walnut Pesto (not pictured); promise you won't be disappointed:) Located at 29 Atoneli Street. p.s. you'll find that walnuts are a staple in many Georgian dishes - from sauces to seasonings. Walnuts are a staple in Georgian cuisine.
   

3. Visit Konka for a yummy English and/or Turkish breakfast and a really good playlist to vibe out to while you sit on the patio and enjoy the scenery. Located on Sioni Street.
   

4. Got a sweet tooth? Then don't forget to stop by Lumier's Chimney Cake for a delicious treat! The only original chimney cake bakery in Georgia:)
   

5. In need of a coffee or tea break? Stop by Class Café for yummy coffee and good vibes. Located at 16 Anton Purtseladze Street.
   

6. Don't hesitate to try Borjomi water. Borjomi is a brand of naturally carbonated mineral water from the springs in the Borjomi Gorge of central Georgia. It's similar to salt water and is great for hydration as during sweating (or exercising) electrolytes like sodium are lost in the process. So, adding a bit of salt to the water helps to replenish those lost electrolytes which helps with water retention and helps to avoid dehydration.

Visit the Fabrika:

The Fabrika is a former soviet sewing factory turned into a hostel and shared space for restaurants, cafés, shops and a place to just chill. It's super hipster and honestly just a vibe that you don't want to miss. Grab some food or a drink and spend some time to wind down with your friends while enjoying all the wall art.

Located at 8 Egnate Ninoshvili Street, Tbilisi

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I loved visiting Tbilisi, Georgia and I hope you’ll love it as much as I did. Hopefully this Tbilisi guide has given you plenty of inspiration and ideas for exploring more things to do in Georgia. If you have questions about visiting Tbilisi, make sure to leave them in the comments below!

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