The first and one of the main questions that arise when planning a vacation in Tbilisi is what to visit, what attractions to see, where to go. Specifically, to answer these questions, we have compiled a guide to the sights of Tbilisi with photos and descriptions. It includes all the most important and interesting sights of the capital that you need to see first when arriving in the city. As a result, the TOP 30 attractions of Tbilisi were released, divided by importance and grouped by the number of days available. There are routes for one day, 2-3 days and even a week. In addition to descriptions and photographs, the guide contains opening hours, coordinates and a map of attractions in Russian with addresses.
How to get there
At the time of publication of the article, the most convenient way to get to Georgia from Russia is through Turkey, Armenia or Belarus. If you are flying through Yerevan, you can transfer not to a plane, but to a train or minibus.
The airport in Tbilisi is located relatively close to the city center. There are two convenient ways to get there:
- Taxi . It is advantageous to call it through applications. You can get Wi-Fi at Tbilisi airport. The cheapest taxi is Maxim, the most reliable is Yandex. The price of a taxi from Tbilisi airport to Freedom Square is 20-25 GEL. Lari to ruble exchange rate: 1 GEL = ~23 RUB
- Bus . Works around the clock. You can get from Tbilisi airport to the center by bus No. 37. It runs every 15-20 minutes (at night - a little less often), the journey costs only 0.5 lari. It's better to stock up on coins in advance.
Route around Tbilisi for 3 days on the map
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Housing
In Tbilisi, it is best to stay in the center, closer to the attractions. Choose the streets adjacent to Freedom Square, Shota Rustaveli Avenue or the Old Town.
- Apartments . If you're traveling for an extended period, look for an apartment on Airbnb, as some hosts offer discounts for longer stays.
- Hotels . Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel 5* is considered one of the best in Tbilisi. A more budget-friendly, but very worthy option is the boutique hotel in the center of Tbilisi Silver 34 (it is always included in the lists of the best in the city). If you are looking for an inexpensive hotel in the center, take a closer look at the Old Tbilisi “apartment” - reviews from tourists are always enthusiastic about it.
Pantheon
On the way up Mount Mtatsminda, the funicular makes only one stop near the Pantheon. Tourists come here to honor the memory of famous creative and public figures of the past. As an object, the Pantheon appeared in 1929 in honor of the 100th anniversary of A. S. Griboedov, although the graveyard around the Church of St. David existed since the time of the Russian Empire. The most famous burial is the grave in the grotto of the author of the comedy “Woe from Wit”, who died during the defeat of the Russian diplomatic mission in Tehran. Next to him lies his wife Nino Chavchavadze. Famous Georgian writers Ilya Chavchavadze and Akaki Tsereteli are also buried here.
What to see
It makes sense to take at least one excursion so that the guide tells you in detail about the capital of Georgia.
If you want to explore the city yourself, here is the minimum program to explore Tbilisi in 1 day and not miss anything:
- Freedom Square.
- Old Town (just walk along the cobbled streets, look at the balconies and houses).
- Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater (mini-performance in the tower at 12:00 and 19:00).
- Anchiskhati - the oldest church in Tbilisi
- Bridge of Peace.
- Rike Park.
- Observation deck and Narikala fortress (take the cable car up).
- Fig gorge, waterfall.
- Quarter of Sulfur Baths.
- Tsminda Sameba Temple.
If you have any energy left, take a look at Mtatsminda Park. Take the cable car up and ride the Ferris wheel.
It is also worth going on excursions from Tbilisi. TOP 3 directions:
- Mtskheta (ancient capital of Georgia) + Gori (Stalin’s birthplace).
- Kazbegi.
- Kakheti and Alazani Valley.
Tbilisi Botanical Garden near Narikala Fortress
In the historical center of the city, near the Legvta-Hevi River, there is a Botanical Garden, founded in 1845, ideal for recreation for children and adults. Previously, this place was occupied by majestic royal gardens, which appeared in the mid-17th century. You should already visit the garden because only here you can find almost the entire flora of Georgia, walk along three bridges spanning the river and see the famous, unusually beautiful waterfall, near which you can take bright, colorful photos. An arched bridge was built over the waterfall, and in the garden itself there are more than 3,500 types of plants. The garden is located right next to the Narikala fortress, at the foot of the mountain. It is most pleasant to walk through the park in mid-spring - early summer, when active flowering is in progress. It’s nice to take walks around Tbilisi even in the rain - a wonderful atmosphere, a lot of green spaces are unlikely to spoil your holiday impressions.
Where to eat
Local residents advise eating in tourist establishments. According to them, the prices in many restaurants are not inflated, and the quality of food is better than in the “snack bars” in the courtyards.
I personally recommend 3 restaurants in Tbilisi with a good atmosphere, delicious food and reasonable prices:
- Khinkali house.
- Bernard.
- Zakhar Zakharych (the new name of the restaurant is “Dry Bridge”).
Curious facts about Tbilisi and Georgians
There are many things in the Georgian capital that fascinate and delight, and some that seem unusual. The charm of this city consists of a mixture of eras, traditions, national color, and incredibly picturesque natural landscape. The atmosphere of Georgian hospitality, some interesting facts make you want to come to sunny Tbilisi. Plunge into the dizzying whirlpool of Caucasian adventures.
Unbelievable but true:
- Until 1930, the Russian language used the Greek name of the Georgian capital - Tiflis;
- In the ranking of the cheapest megacities to live, Tbilisi is in the top ten;
- In the capital, as in all of Georgia, there is no centralized heating system or hot water;
- In multi-storey buildings in Tbilisi there are paid elevators;
- In Georgia they drink a lot, it’s delicious, almost from the very morning;
- Each house has a supply of home-made wine, grape vodka - chacha - is quite strong at 60-70 degrees, so tourists who are not seasoned with alcohol should drink this drink with caution - although the locals themselves are never drunk, they are always slightly “tipsy”;
- Most indigenous people are heavy smokers;
- Snow falls extremely rarely in winter and melts almost immediately;
- In the Georgian language there is no division into masculine and feminine genders; affiliation is determined according to the context;
- Schools begin depending on weather conditions from September 17 to 21;
- The influence of the Middle East is evident in the architecture, national culture, and even in the genetics of the Georgian people; for more than 400 years, Tbilisi was an Arab city-state.
Magnificent landscapes and clean mountain air attract an impressive flow of vacationers to the Caucasus every year. The organization of tourism in Georgia meets international standards, to which many Russian citizens have become accustomed. A large selection of entertainment, financial accessibility is a nice bonus for travelers.
Souvenirs
Most guidebooks direct tourists to the Dry Bridge. However, this is not the best place to buy souvenirs in Tbilisi. Unless, of course, you are a big fan of flea markets.
Prices for souvenirs in Tbilisi are the same in almost all souvenir shops. If you want to buy a funny T-shirt, a bottle of khinkali-shaped chacha, a wine horn and other classic Georgian souvenirs, head to any store in the Old Town.
For delicious gifts in Tbilisi, you should go to the Deserter Market. Buy:
- smoked suluguni;
- Georgian sauces and seasonings - tkemali, adjika;
- Svan salt;
- coffee;
- churchkhela and fruit marshmallow tklapi;
- tangerine or chestnut honey;
- feijoa and walnut jam.
Some of these souvenirs can be found in the Carrefour supermarket. Although Georgians say that all these products in supermarkets are “wrong”, and it is better to buy them at the market.
Favorite attractions for Tbilisi locals
Mount Mtatsminda
What amazes you in Tbilisi are the mountains and the churches and fortresses built on them. The visiting card of Georgia is Mount Mtatsminda (from Georgian translation into Russian meaning “Holy Mountain”). At the very top of the hill there is a fantasy-style amusement park with attractions. You should definitely visit this place to see an incredible amount of interesting things. Even tourists from Russia traveling without children.
What you can definitely see in Tbilisi is Mtatsminda Park, where it is important to definitely go: bright, unusual and interesting, surprising with unusual sculptures. To pay, you should purchase a special magnetic card and top it up with the required amount that you plan to spend. The balance on the card is not written off back to the tourist’s payment card, so it’s better not to top up a large amount at once. Entrance to the park area is free, payment (from one to five lari) is charged only for riding the attractions.
The outlandish figures and installations will not leave you indifferent, among which it is very pleasant to walk. Even the cafes located on the territory of the amusement park have unusual designs. During the warm season, the park has water slides and water attractions that anyone will be happy to ride. There are a variety of swings and slides for children of all ages. The territory is surrounded by greenery, so regardless of the time of year it will be comfortable and cozy.
The heart of the city, a famous ancient architectural monument rising on Mount Mtatsminda, is the Narikala fortress, built in the 14th century and almost completely destroyed as a result of the earthquake that occurred in 1827. The ridge offers a majestic view of the beauty of Tbilisi and its surrounding areas.
Turtle Lake
Many people are interested in the question of what to see in Tbilisi, in addition to parks, fortresses and architectural sites. It is recommended to visit Turtle Lake, located on the northern side of Mount Mtatsminda, a five-minute walk from it. The reservoir got its name due to the large number of turtles that lived there. Today this is one of the popular holiday destinations for visitors from Russia and local residents, where they can not only relax, but also walk along pedestrian paths and ride catamarans. You can get to the lake by cable car.
Dry Bridge
In Tbilisi, you should definitely visit the Mtatsminda and Chugureti districts, connected by the Dry Bridge, which was part of the bridge crossing the Kura River in the past, and now by Zviad Gamsakhurdia Street. The river bed was dried up in the thirties of the last century, and a street was built in its place. Despite the lack of water, the bridge was not dismantled, but was only given the name Sukhoi. Today there is a market of the same name nearby, where rare interior items, books, and furniture are sold.
Tourism in the city of Tbilisi does not stand in one place. The capital is constantly being updated and improved in anticipation of the next tourist season. I am glad that most of the ancient buildings are gradually being put in order, restored and restored, which makes the objects even more attractive and well-maintained. Entertainment in Tbilisi can be found for every taste, from visits to historically significant places to an amusement park, restaurants and cafes with national cuisine full of flavor.
Rustaveli Avenue
The place, named after the great medieval Georgian poet, author of the immortal poem “The Knight in the Skin of a Tiger,” is the central street of the capital of Georgia and, of course, is one of the attractions of Tbilisi. It is a must to walk along it and see the Vorontsov Palace, the Parliament buildings, the Academy of Sciences, the Kavsheti Temple, and the monument to Shota Rustaveli. You can also visit an art salon, various museums, visit the Opera and Ballet Theater, and taste Georgian dishes in numerous cafes and restaurants.
Sulfur baths (Abanotubani)
It is believed that the area where the city was later built was rich in sulfur springs since ancient times. One of the legends tells the story of a Georgian prince who shot a bird, which then fell into the hot water of a spring and was boiled there. This is where the name “Tbilisi” came from, which meant “warm”. The sulfur baths, which have public and private springs, can be visited by anyone. If you have no desire to take water procedures, which by the way are very useful, there is a unique opportunity to take a walk through the domes.
Zion Cathedral
Zion Cathedral is located on the banks of the Kura River in Old Tbilisi. Historically considered the main church building of the city, which is named after the Assumption Church on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The history of the cathedral dates back to the end of the 6th century. After the destruction by the Arabs, a new cathedral was erected by David the Builder in the 12th century. But even after this, the structure was destroyed more than once and then restored. This object is interesting not only for its architectural features, but also because several relics are kept here, including a cross made of vines and the hair of the Great Martyr St. Nino, who brought the Christian faith to Georgia.
Food
Georgian cuisine is tasty, cheap and versatile. In Tbilisi you can have a hearty and inexpensive meal. Traditional Georgian dishes: puri (bread), khachapuri (flatbread with cheese), chvishtari (corn baked goods), dzhonjoli (pickled flowers of some plant), badrijani (eggplant rolls), pkhali, khinkali, dolma, mtsvadi (kebab), lobio, chashushuli (stewed veal), chakapuli (meat with spices), churchkhela, chiri (dried persimmon). The meal is accompanied by chacha, a glass of Georgian wine and a glass of mineral water.
Abanotubani District
Ethnographic Museum named after George Chitai
This amazing place is located in the open air near Turtle Lake. The vast museum area of 52 hectares allows visitors to see residential buildings, towers, wine storages, barns of various geographical regions of Georgia, Georgian household items, including tools, utensils, dishes, and ancient jugs. The museum territory is divided into 14 zones, each of which reflects a specific region of the country, which allows you to see how the architecture and culture of the people developed in different areas.
Bridge of Peace
This huge glass bridge is a new attraction of Tbilisi, which is becoming more and more popular every year. Sometimes it is even compared to the Eiffel Tower. The comparison is certainly not exact, but who knows what will happen next.
The Peace Bridge was opened in 2010 and symbolizes the path from the past to the future, which is why it will connect the old and new areas of the city. It is considered an architectural masterpiece, but many indigenous residents do not like the new style. This is probably why they come up with different offensive names for it.
By the way, we note that not only the Bridge of Peace received a nickname, other new buildings in Tbilisi also acquired them: the House of Justice - mushrooms, the Presidential Residence - an egg, the future building of the concert hall - a worm.
Presidential palace
The presidential residence is located very close to the Sameba Cathedral. To look at it, you need to go down the stairs, which are located on the back side of the temple, then turn left and, having reached the first alley, go down again. It seems something like this, if you remember the road correctly.
After walking 200 meters, a huge building with a glass dome will become noticeable. Of course, no one will let you inside, but you can admire the outside, especially since it’s along the road. We only managed to get here at night, so we didn’t get a chance to look much further and the photos didn’t turn out very well.
It’s unlikely that anyone is interested in the history of the construction and design of the residence, so let’s just say that from the beginning they wanted to restore it, then they decided to completely redo it.
Niko Pirosmani Museum
Address: Tbilisi, st. Nikolai Pirosmani, 29.
The primitivist artist Nikolai Pirosmanishvili, who taught himself to paint, is known, without exaggeration, all over the world. His creations glorified not only the master himself, but also his native country. The painter's museum was opened in 1982, housing 16 of his paintings. In addition to paintings by Pirosmani, works by other Georgian artists are exhibited here.
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Tsminda Sameba)
Tsminda Sameba is the largest temple in Georgia. This majestic structure, rising on the hill of St. Elias, seems to soar over the city like a huge white bird. The grandiose complex, consisting of 10 churches with beautiful facades decorated with fine stone carvings, can be seen from anywhere in the Georgian capital. Its architecture combines medieval church traditions and modern solutions. The grandeur and beauty of the interior of the temple, replete with icons, mosaics, and miniatures, is striking. The construction of the main Georgian Orthodox Cathedral in 2002 became a significant event in the life of the country. After all, it symbolizes the unity of the Georgian people and their power.
