Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia - our top 20 tips

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What to do in Tbilisi, Georgia? Tbilisi is the beautiful capital of Georgia, with charming neighbourhoods, cosy cafés, lovely sulphur baths and a host of historical and cultural attractions. Here are our top tips for things to see and do in Tbilisi.

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Tbilisi in Georgia

Tbilisi was founded in the 4th century, by King Vachtang Gorgasali. According to legend, the king shot a bird at the site, and when he discovered that the bird landed in a hot spring, he chose to build a city here.

If you're visiting Georgia as a tourist, it's likely that you'll end up in Tbilisi first. This is a really nice city, which is well worth getting to know better.

Tbilisi is located in the eastern part of Georgia, in the Mtkvari river valley.

What to do in Tbilisi?

So what can you see and do in Tbilisi? Well, there's a lot to see and discover, whether you like culture, history or perhaps food and wine. We were here at the end of October this year and have put together our top tips.

1. stroll along Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli is a grand avenue in the centre of Tbilisi, named after the Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli. Built in the mid-19th century, the avenue is lined with a variety of imposing buildings, including the Rustaveli Theatre, the Tbilisi Opera and the Parliament building.

Avenyn has been the scene of political changes, protests and demonstrations several times throughout history, such as The Rose Revolution In 2003, Eduard Shevardnadze resigned as president and was replaced by a new, democratically elected government. Today you will also find many famous cafés along this street.

2. see the Freedom Square

Freedom Square (Tavisuplebis moedani) can be called both Freedom Square and Liberty Square. Located at the eastern end of Rustavelia Avenue, this square features the Tbilisi Freedom Monument, dedicated to the country's independence.

3. Strolling in Old Tbilisi

Tbilisi is one of Europe's oldest capitals and the historic part, Old Tbilisi, was built in the early Middle Ages. This part of the city is incredibly charming, and it is really cosy to stroll in the slightly irregular alleys, and maybe have a coffee in some nice café. Don't miss the special dome-shaped bathhouses from the 17th century.

4. Check out the leaning bell tower

In Tbilisi's Old Town, you can spot a leaning tower that stands out from the crowd in every possible way. The clock tower is part of a puppet theatre, created by Georgian director and artist Rezo Gabriadze.

As well as being incredibly charming - and perhaps one of the most photographed places in Tbilisi - the tower also offers theatre. Twice a day, at 12 noon and 7pm, you can see the short little puppet show 'The Circle of Life', which takes place just below the clock.

5. Take a selfie on the Peace Bridge

There are many distinctive architectural creations in Tbilisi, and one of the most special is the Bridge of Peace, which crosses the Mtkvari River, connecting Erekle II Street with Rike Park.

Built in 2010, the bridge was created by Italian designer and architect Michele De Luca. The very special bridge is completely covered in blue glass panels and contains a lighting system with 50,000 lights. Today, the bridge is very popular with locals and tourists alike, and you are unlikely to be alone on the bridge when you want to take your selfie.

6. Hang out in Rike Park

Rike Park is a large park, from where you have a really good view of the Peace Bridge. There are some exciting modern sculptures here, and it's also where you'll find the cable car that goes up to the Nariqala Fortress and Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia). Every year, in October, a festival is also organised here called Tbilisoba.

7. take a cable car to Nariqala Fortress

There are several cable cars in Tbilisi, and one of them goes from Rike Park up to the steep hill where the historic fortress Nariqala is located. The fortress, which is surrounded by walls, cannot be visited at the moment due to restoration work, but the cable car ride is still pleasant and offers a nice view of the city.

Incidentally, the statue is also located up here Kartlis Deda, the Mother of Georgia. Originally erected in 1958, the 20-metre-high sculpture, created by artist Elgudzja Amsjukeli, has become a symbol of Tbilisi and Georgian nationality. In one hand, the woman holds a bowl of wine to welcome those who come as friends. In the other, she holds a sword to point at those who come as enemies.

8. Take a guided city walk

One thing we highly recommend doing in Tbilisi is taking a guided city walk. Cosy alleys in all honour but the city, and its history, really comes to life with a knowledgeable guide.

9. Visit art museums

Tbilisi has several art museums and galleries. Among others you can visit Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, which you can find on the Rustaveli Avenue. Also, don't miss the gorgeous ornate staircase leading to the university Tbilisi State Academy of Arts.

10. look at street art

If you're into street art, there's also plenty to discover in Tbilisi. Our favourite was a mural near the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts.

11. Learn about Georgian wine at the wine museum

Described as the 'cradle of wine', Georgia has been producing wine for at least 8 000 years. At the Tbilisi Wine Museum, you can learn more about the history of wine, wine-drinking traditions and wine-making procedures.

The museum is located in the basement of a historic caravanserai, an inn or hostel for caravans of merchants along the Silk Road. In these premises you will also find the city's historical museum.

12. wine tasting

As a wine country, Georgia is neither New World nor Old World - it's Ancient World. Producing both red and white wines, the country is best known for brandy, which can also be called 'orange wine'. One way to learn more about the wines is of course to participate in a wine tasting. If you want to immerse yourself even more in Georgian wine, we recommend a visit to the wine region of Kakhetia.

13. Bathing in a sulphur bath

One thing you won't want to miss doing in Tbilisi is bathing in the city's sulphur baths. Georgia's capital is famous for its hot springs and the city's name means 'hot'. Tbilisi's bathing district, Abanotubani, is located in the centre of the city and is really charming with domed bathhouses, water and bridges. There is a wide range of bathhouses where you can experience a traditional bathing ritual in beautiful facilities.

14. Shop for local products

If you like shopping, this is something you should not miss doing in Tbilisi. Those who want to shop for traditional crafts can, for example, look for lurji supra (blue tablecloths), ceramics and wooden crafts. If you'd rather shop for edibles, look out for spices, tea, honey, dried fruit, amber wine, chacha (local spirits) and churchkhela (nuts dipped in grape juice and flour).

15. Coffee in cosy cafés

Tbilisi offers plenty of cosy cafés with charming interiors. Head to the old parts of the city to find cosy places!

16. Try Georgian food

When in Georgia, you'll naturally want to try traditional Georgian food such as chatjapuri (cheese bread), pkhali (vegetable scrambles) and chinkali (dumplings). Traditional food can be found in plenty of restaurants around the city. Do as the Georgians do and order a number of different dishes to share.

17. Have dinner at Keto & Kote

If you want to eat well (but not necessarily cheaply) in Tbilisi, we recommend the Keto & Kote restaurant. Here you can try traditional Georgian dishes, but in a more modern and advanced way. Everything we ordered here was both good and nicely served. In addition, you sit and eat in a pleasant atmosphere.

18. Experience traditional dance at Ethnographer

If you want to experience Georgian food and traditional Georgian dance at the same time - we can highly recommend the Ethnographer restaurant. This restaurant is located a little way from the city centre, but it's easy to get here by Bolt or taxi, and it's well worth it. Just remember to book in advance as this is a popular restaurant!

The food is very good at this restaurant, but the main attraction is the traditional dancing. There are beautiful clothes, catchy tunes and intense performances. Try to get a seat near the stage because you will want to take photos and videos!

19. check out modern architecture

The architecture in Tbilisi is entertaining and exciting to look at. We don't know what the actual situation is, but the feeling is that there are no rules, but that everyone can create what they want.

Particularly noteworthy are Tbilisi Public Service Hall ("The mushroom building") and Rike Music Theatre and Exhibition Centre, which looks like some kind of worm-shaped creature from outer space.

20. Take a trip to Mtscheta

Located only about 25 kilometres north of Tbilisi, Mtscheta is an excellent excursion destination from the capital. This is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and its historical monuments are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss out on checking out the cathedral Svetitskhoveli and the monastery Jvari, from where you have a fantastic view.

Things to do in Tbilisi and Georgia on video

Peter has put together a film about our road trip in Georgia - both Tbilisi and other places around the country. You can watch it here! Don't forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel @freedomtravelnews!

More to do in Tbilisi

Want even more tips on things to do in Tbilisi? Here you will find some more suggestions for experiences that might be interesting.

• Dry Bridge Flea Market is an informal flea market that has been organised at Dry Bridge since the 1950s.
• National Museum of Georgia tells you about the history and culture of Georgia.
• Meidan Bazaar is a marketplace in old-fashioned arches, at Meidani Square.
• National Botanical Garden is home to many different species of plants.
• Sameba, or Tbilisi's Holy Trinity Cathedral, is the largest church in the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Where to stay in Tbilisi?

There are of course many different hotels to choose from in Tbilisi. We stayed Rooms Hotel, which has an excellent location within walking distance of the city centre. This hotel is part of a chain and has a really cool style with old-fashioned decor, while everything is new and fresh.

Breakfast at this hotel is really, really good. Everything is well cooked and there are plenty of both luxury products and local specialities.

More to do in Georgia

There is a lot to see and experience in Georgia. We can highly recommend making trips to wine region Kakhetia and the mountain area Kazbegi. Other interesting places to discover are the cave town of Uplistsikhe and the health resort Bordzjomi. If you have plenty of time, it is also exciting to go to the Black Sea and visit the city Batumi, which has a sub-tropical climate with palm trees.

Even more to see and do in Tbilisi?

Have you visited Georgia and its capital? If so, what are your top tips on what to see and do in Tbilisi?

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