Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is not just a city of historical significance and East-meets-West culture clash; it is also a vibrant literary hub, rich in cultural heritage and home to some of the greatest writers in history. Honestly, Tbilisi has been one of the most bookish destinations I’ve ever visited.
From ancient poetry to modern fiction, Tbilisi has been a backdrop to Georgia’s literary evolution. In this guide, we explore the key figures, spaces, and institutions that make Tbilisi a must-visit destination for literature lovers.
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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. Georgian Writers Who Shaped Tbilisi’s Literary Landscape
Tbilisi has long been a cradle for some of Georgia’s most celebrated writers. Their works have not only shaped Georgian literature but also contributed significantly to the world’s literary heritage.
Shota Rustaveli (1160-1220)
Considered the greatest Georgian poet of the medieval period, Rustaveli is best known for his epic The Knight in the Panther’s Skin (Vepkhistqaosani). This literary masterpiece, written in the 12th century, remains a cornerstone of Georgian literature, exploring themes of love, heroism, and honour.
You will see Rustaveli’s name everywhere, from street names to wall art to bank notes.
Mikheil Javakhishvili (1902-1973)
A key figure in 20th-century Georgian literature, Javakhishvili’s works explore the complexities of Soviet Georgia. His works address the struggles of the human spirit during times of political repression. He was executed during the Great Purge, and his writings were banned for almost two decades.
Vazha-Pshavela (1861-1915)
One of the most important figures in Georgian literature, Vazha-Pshavela’s short stories intertwine themes of nature, identity, and the eternal battle between tradition and modernity. His works embody the spiritual and cultural essence of Georgia.
Read Next: Discover more Georgian writers in 23 Thought-Provoking Books About Georgia (the Country)
2. Bookshops in Tbilisi
Tbilisi has an amazing selection of bookshops; one of the best I’ve ever experienced. There are a few chains, but mostly there’s a delicious variety of independent bookstores to choose from, many of which also have cafes or function as cinemas and other artsy spaces as well (see next section). Here are a few of the best:
Stamba Bookstore
Located in a former industrial building, the Stamba Complex is an artsy hub comprised of a hotel, cafe, coworking space, bookstore, as well as a myriad of little boutiques.
The Stamba Bookstore itself is a stylish space combining books, art, and culture, offering a wide selection of literature in various languages, including great choices for Georgian literature available in English.
What’s odd is that the Stamba Hotel lobby area and the adjoining D Block Workspace @ Stamba has an even greater selection of books, almost like a library. I’ve been building up the courage to try and take a book out, but haven’t gone for it yet!
Prospero’s Bookshop
A popular destination for English-language books, Prospero’s offers a wide selection of international and Georgian literature. It’s the perfect spot for English-speaking visitors looking to discover Georgian authors.
There are two locations, but my preference is the one on Rustaveli Street (told you that name comes up a lot!), which has its own cafe space next door.
Old Books Market at Dry Bridge
This open-air market along the banks of the Kura River is a treasure trove of second-hand and vintage books. Located near the famous Dry Bridge, the market has eclectic mix of books, both in Georgian and foreign languages. It reminds me of Les Bouquinistes de Paris.
Nomad Book Club
Georgia is the Nomad Book Club pick for March 2025, where we explore a new country or region each month through books set in that place. Sign up to the newsletter to join the club and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates.
3. Bookish Cafes in Tbilisi
For those who enjoy reading with a cup of coffee or tea, Tbilisi offers several bookish cafés where you can unwind and delve into your latest read:
Cafe Novel
Cafe Novel was one of my favourite finds in Tbilisi! This is a bookstore, cinema, cafe/bar and you can also play board games there, which is really cool. It’s never very busy, so I feel like I have the whole place to myself.
On the Same Page
A unique café and cultural space, On the Same Page combines a love for literature with community. The café hosts book clubs, poetry readings, and live performances. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can connect over their shared love of literature and the arts. They’re also starting up a library system.
Littera
Located in the Writers’ House of Georgia, Littera Café is an alfresco space where you can enjoy Georgian literature while savouring delicious food and drinks. It’s a perfect spot for writers and readers alike to enjoy an intellectually stimulating environment.
4. National Parliamentary Library of Georgia
The National Parliamentary Library of Georgia is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country. Located in the heart Tbilisi, this library houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and archives that document the history of Georgia and its literature.
However, note that you need to be a member to access the library, unless you’re going to the Museum of Books (see next section). The architecture and design inside the building is very beautiful.
5. Literary Museums in Tbilisi
Tbilisi is home to several museums dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Georgian literary history. These museums allow visitors to explore the lives of influential Georgian writers and poets:
Underground Printing House Museum
This unique museum is dedicated to the underground printing presses that operated in Georgia during the Soviet era, when censorship and repression were prevalent. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the resistance literature produced during this time.
It’s also super creepy. Lots of pictures of Stalin and Lenin housed in a dusty old house full of cobwebs. When I visited, there was no one else there, not even a guide of guard, so I didn’t dare venture down the dark staircase to the basement alone.
Note: all of the displays were in Georgian and Russian, so be sure to have your Google Translate app handy to use the camera function.
The Museum of Books
Housed in the National Library, the Museum of Books showcases the history of the written word in Georgia. It features a collection of ancient manuscripts, early printed books, and rare editions of works by famous Georgian authors.
However, it’s a very small museum with limited information, and the exhibition is a little dry. However, being able to go “behind the scenes” of the library was a cool experience.
G. Leonidze Museum of Georgian Literature
Looking at the name, I assumed this places was dedicated to the history of Georgian literature, however I was a little confused by the displays.
There were a lot of old photographs (of writers? Of Georgi Leonidze and his life?), but no information in English. I used my Google Translate app, but it was still difficulty to understand what exactly I was looking at. I guess this museum appeals more to local bookworms.
Writers’ House of Georgia & Museum of Repressed Writers
This museum is dedicated to Georgia’s literary history and the writers who faced persecution during the Soviet era. It houses the lives and works of repressed writers, providing a poignant reflection on the struggles faced by those who fought to preserve Georgia’s cultural and literary identity.
However, I tried to visit twice (once in the week and once on a Saturday), and the gates were locked both times. Let me know if you make it!
Read Next: The 15 Best Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia
6. Mtatsminda Pantheon
The Mtatsminda Pantheon is an important cultural and literary site in Tbilisi. Situated on the slopes of Mtatsminda Mountain, this pantheon is the final resting place of many of Georgia’s most important literary figures.
Here, you can find the graves of prominent writers such as Mikheil Javakhishvili and others who have shaped the country’s literary landscape. The panoramic view of Tbilisi from the Pantheon adds a sense of reverence to this historical site.
Read Next: To get to Mtatsminda, I recommend taking the cable car or funicular.
Tbilisi Literary Guide
Tbilisi is a city that breathes literature. From the ancient verses of Shota Rustaveli to the contemporary voices of today’s writers, the city is a living testament to the power of the written word.
Whether you’re visiting historic literary museums, exploring the cafés where writers gather, or browsing the bookshops that line its streets, Tbilisi invites you to immerse yourself in a rich literary tradition.
More Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them
For more of what to read where, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.
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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