Looking for the best things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia? I spent four months in the country this winter, basing myself in the capital, and I can assure you, I never ran out of things to do. In fact, I left with the promise to return and get around to see the places I didn’t get around to on this trip.
Nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the banks of the Mtkvari River, this city is hard not to fall in love with. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie (or drinkie!), or someone who enjoys exploring local culture, Tbilisi has something to offer.
It’s difficult to condense down into a shortlist, but here’s my guide to the best things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia:
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- Planning a trip to Georgia?
- 1. Visit the Narikala Fortress
- 2. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)
- 3. Walk Across the Peace Bridge
- 4. Take a Walking Tour
- 5. Take a Ride on the Tbilisi Cable Car
- 6. Explore Mtatsminda Park
- 7. Relax in the Sulphur Baths
- 8. Visit Museums
- 9. Try Traditional Georgian Cuisine
- 10. Wander Through Dry Bridge Market
- 11. Discover the Art Scene at Fabrika
- 12. Dinner and a Movie
- 13. Check Out Architecture & Street Art
- 14. Visit the Chronicle of Georgia
- 15. Bookshop Safari
- More Things to Do in Tbilisi
- Travel Essentials
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
Planning a trip to Georgia?
Here’s what you need to know:
PACKING: Georgia uses plug Type C (grab a multi-way travel adaptor). If visiting in winter, you’ll need a warm coat, thermal layers, and snow-proof shoes, especially outside of Tbilisi. And, of course, a good book.
TRANSPORT: Download Bolt for taxis, which are very cheap by European standards. The metro and buses are simple to use (you can use a contactless card). Outside of Tbilisi, trains are efficient and reliable, though marshrutka minivans are more popular and cheaper. For private transfers, book with GoTrip, or find car rentals through Booking.com.
PHONE: I got a local sim card with MyMagti with 30 days unlimited data cost for GEL44. I often used this to hotspot and work.
MONEY: Most ATMs charge for international cards, including Bank of Georgia, but sometimes you can find some that don’t. Contactless is widely accepted, but cash is good to have on hand. For transfers, a local bank account is needed.
LANGUAGE: The younger generation speaks English well, but the older generation speaks Russian. I never had any major issue (Google Translate helps).
IS GEORGIA SAFE? I visited during the recent protests and felt perfectly safe. Keep up-to-date with news and consider what you’re comfortable with.
1. Visit the Narikala Fortress
One of Tbilisi’s most iconic landmarks, the Narikala Fortress offers breath-taking panoramic views of the city. Perched on a hilltop, the fortress dates back to the 4th century and has witnessed centuries of Georgian history.
You can hike up to the fortress or take a cable car (see below) for a more relaxed ascent. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city, the Mtkvari River, and the surrounding hills.
Note: Narikala Fortress is currently closed for renovation, but this is expected to be completed by autumn 2025. You can still see the fortress from the outside, which is very impressive.
2. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)
Tbilisi’s Old Town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and ancient churches. Take a leisurely stroll through the Altstadt and you’ll find unique architectural gems like the Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica, and the Synagogue.
Tip: time your walk around old town to arrive at the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater at 12pm or 7pm, when the “Circle of Life” puppet show is played out. To see more, you can book to see a marionette performance of the “The Battle of Stalingrad” or other dramas.
3. Walk Across the Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge, an iconic pedestrian bridge in Tbilisi, is a striking example of modern architecture. Made of glass and steel, the bridge spans the Mtkvari River and connects the Old Town with Rike Park.
The bridge is especially beautiful at night when it’s lit up by thousands of LED lights, creating a stunning visual display. It’s a great spot for photos and provides easy access to the nearby Rike Park.
4. Take a Walking Tour
To see all of the above and more, plus the benefit of a local guide, I recommend doing a walking tour of Tbilisi. I did this walking tour and it provided a great overview of the city. The guide was really knowledgeable.
5. Take a Ride on the Tbilisi Cable Car
For a unique view of the city, hop on the Tbilisi cable car, which takes you from Rike Park to the top of Sololaki Hill. The ride offers fantastic views of Tbilisi, the Narikala Fortress, and the surrounding landscape.
Once at the top, you can visit the Mother Georgia statue, a symbol of the city, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Enjoy the Views from the Turtle Lake
A little further from the city centre, Turtle Lake is a serene and beautiful spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Tbilisi. Likewise, you can take a (much smaller, akin to a tin can) cable car from Vake Park all the way to lake.
The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful environment for a relaxing day. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, rent a paddle boat, or simply relax by the water and enjoy the natural surroundings.
I visited in winter, so there was less to see and do, but the the cafes around the lake were cosy and the little cable car was a cool experience.
6. Explore Mtatsminda Park
Located on Mtatsminda Mountain, this amusement park offers a fun day out for families, thrill-seekers, and those who simply want to enjoy great views of Tbilisi.
Once at the top, you’ll find a variety of attractions, including a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and restaurants with spectacular views of the city below. I went there for New Year and it was the perfect place to see all the fireworks erupting over Tbilisi at midnight.
Tip: the best way to get to Mtatsminda is via the funicular or the new cable car, which departs from Rustaveli Street.
7. Relax in the Sulphur Baths
The Abanotubani district is famous for its sulphur baths, where you can unwind in the therapeutic hot waters that have been used for centuries. These baths are a key part of Tbilisi’s history, dating back to the 17th century.
Many of the bathhouses are beautifully tiled and offer private rooms for a more intimate experience. The healing properties of the mineral-rich water make these baths an unforgettable experience.
I recommend Chreli-Abano (pictured), which is one of the most famous and historic bathhouses, but there are plenty of other more affordable options around the city.
8. Visit Museums
Tbilisi has a huge variety of museums. As an intrepid bookworm, my personal picks include the Museum of Repressed Writers and the Book Museum, but there are so many others to choose from.
If you’re not sure where to start, the Georgian National Museum (website) offers a fascinating insight into the country’s rich history and culture. Located in central Tbilisi, the museum houses a vast collection of archaeological artifacts, medieval art, and exhibits that showcase Georgia’s diverse heritage.
9. Try Traditional Georgian Cuisine
No trip to Tbilisi is complete without indulging in the country’s delicious cuisine The world is sleeping on Georgian food! Be sure to try khachapuri, a cheesy bread dish that is a national favourite, and khinkali, Georgian dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
My personal favourite Georgian dish is Eggplant Walnut Rolls (nigvziani badrijani). Honestly, I could eat these every day:
Café-Hop Through the City
Tbilisi also has a café culture that easily rivals Italy, France, and Spain. My favourite has to be the Entrée chain (where I’m currently writing this blog), but you really can’t walk for more than a block without falling into a cute café, especially in the areas of Vera, Vake, and Old Tbilisi.
Wine tasting
Georgia is the birthplace of wine and wine is still produced here using the traditional method, where the grape juice, skins, stalks and pips are sealed and buried in qvevri clay amphora for five to six months. Georgian wine is delicious and there are lots of wine bars and tasting experiences to enjoy.
I took this wine tour to the region of Kakheti, which is known for its wine production. However, I was a little disappointed in the tour, which was mostly sightseeing with all the wine tasting rushed at the end (and a very drunken minibus ride back to Tbilisi!).
I think a Kakheti tour would be better outside of winter, especially during the fall harvest season, but in general, I’d recommend doing a wine tasting experience in Tbilisi itself if you truly want to relish the experience and learn more about wine in-depth. I’ve heard good things about 8000 Vintages for this.
10. Wander Through Dry Bridge Market
For a unique shopping experience, visit the Dry Bridge Market, an outdoor flea market where you can find antiques, local art, Soviet-era memorabilia, and handcrafted goods.
The market is a great place to pick up a souvenir or two, and you’ll also have the chance to interact with local vendors.
11. Discover the Art Scene at Fabrika
Fabrika is a former Soviet sewing factory that has been transformed into a trendy cultural hub.
The space hosts art galleries, cafes, workshops, a coworking space and pop-up shops, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The street art here and around this area is particularly good.
12. Dinner and a Movie
Now that the main tourist experiences are covered, let’s move on to some of my personal favourite things to do in Tbilisi, starting with this gem.
At Tbilisi Movie Nights, they show movies and serve a meal themed around the story, in time with moments in the film. I went to Alice and Wonderland and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and both were amazing!
Tickets cost GEL100 but you need to keep an eye on their Instagram for when new dates are announced, and then book quickly – they sell out fast! Also, come hungry: there is a lot of food.
13. Check Out Architecture & Street Art
Tbilisi’s long legacy and turbulent history littered with occupations, most recently by Imperialist and then Soviet Russia, mean that the city’s architecture is wildly varied.
Think crumbling European-style facades next to brutalist apartment blocks; ornate terraces and courtyards towered over by new skyscrapers; corrugated iron walls stuck onto ruins across from centuries-old churches… it’s a fascinating and ever-changing hodgepodge of stories.
Equally as impressive and varied is the Tbilisi’s street art scene. Don’t forget to look up or behind you once in a while; you might just find a beautiful wall mural, painted utility box, or—particularly prevalent in Georgia’s latest fight for fair democracy and European identity—patriotic Georgian, Ukrainian, and European Union flags, as well as anti-Russia messages.
14. Visit the Chronicle of Georgia
Speaking of bonkers architecture, I recommend taking a trip to the outskirts of Tbilisi to see the Chronicle of Georgia.
Designed by Georgian Zurab Tserteli and built in 1985 (though never properly finished), this huge monument depicts the 3,000-year history of Georgia, as well as the life of Jesus and other notable stories of Christianity (Georgia is, after all, one of the first Christian nations).
15. Bookshop Safari
Of course, as a Page Traveller, this is my top pick of all things to do in Tbilisi and really, in any city: bookshop safari! Tbilisi has a delicious collection of bookshop and bookish cafes to enjoy.
Read Next: Looking for something to read during your trip? Check out these 23 Thought-Provoking Books About Georgia (the Country). And check out more beautiful bookshops around the world here.
Bonus: Take a Day Trip From Tbilisi
There are plenty of things to do just outside Tbilisi too. Especially if you’re short on time, I recommend doing at least one day trip from Tbilisi.
Kazbegi and Gudauri are magical in winter, wine tours of Kakheti (mentioned above) are ideal for fall, while cave towns, the rainbow mountains, and other outdoor adventures are best for warmer months.
More Things to Do in Tbilisi
So there you have my top 15 things to do in Tbilisi, which come from my experience during four months in the city, but this is by no means a definitive list. if you have any additional recommendations, let me know in the comments below.
Tip: I also highly recommend checking out the Wander-Lush (run by an expat based in Georgia) and Red Fedora Diary (run by a Georgian) blogs, which I found invaluable sources of information during my time in the country.
Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
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