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12 Must See Places in Tbilisi, Georgia
Strolling through Old Tbilisi’s cobblestone streets and admiring the city’s beautiful homes and colorful wooden verandas is wonderful. However, there is so much more to explore in Tbilisi than just the Old Town! One of the best things is that every spot mentioned in this post is totally walkable! Here are the best things to see when you’re exploring Tbilisi.
- Sarah
- Updated January 18, 2021
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The heart of the Caucasus, Tbilisi is one of the world’s oldest human settlements — dating back to 4,000 BC! Today, Tbilisi has a creative scene that blends new and old, east and west – making the vibe of the city insanely cool.
Drew and I loved strolling through Old Tbilisi’s labyrinth of old cobblestone streets, spotting the dome-shaped sulfur baths, and admiring the beautiful homes with wooden verandas. I could have stayed just in this one area and snapped photos for days!
However, there is so much more to explore in Tbilisi than just the Old Town. And, one of the best things is that Tbilisi is totally walkable! Here are the best things to see when you’re exploring Tbilisi.
Table of Contents
Freedom Square
A good starting point for anyone visiting Tbilisi is Freedom Square (or Liberty Square). This is hands down the most hectic spot in the city because it seems as though everything is located near here or goes through here.
There’s a lot of history here. Freedom Square used to be called Lenin Square and — where today you’ll see a statue of Saint George and the Dragon – there used to be a statue of Lenin. Lenin’s statue was promptly pulled down after Georgia gained its independence in 1991.
Head North at Freedom Square and you’ll get to Rustaveli Avenue which is home to the city’s cultural buildings and major shopping mall (Galleria Tbilisi). If you want to stock up on some food for your AirBnB in Tbilisi, Galleria Tbilisi also houses a supermarket called Goodwill. Stroll down the wide avenue and you’ll see the Georgia National Opera (which has a super interesting façade), the Rustaveli Theatre, and the National Museum.
Related
Dry Bridge Flea Market
We absolutely love finding good markets when we travel. Whether it’s fruits and vegetables, meats, or antiques – we’re there!
And strolling around the Dry Bridge Flea Market in Tbilisi did not disappoint! The hodgepodge of things for sale made turning every corner and exploring every stall an adventure.
You’ll find vendors selling everything from vintage cameras (my personal favorite) and Soviet buttons, to antique lighting and handmade crafts and paintings.
The Dry Bridge Flea Market is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm and they only accept cash. It is expected that customers haggle. English is spoken very little, but everyone we encountered was super friendly and curious about us.
If you love flea markets like we do, check out the Soviet Market flea market as well. Located in Daedena Park, the Soviet flea market – as its name implies – sells all sorts of Soviet artifacts – from interesting (coins) to creepy (gas masks) and more.
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Old Tbilisi
Feel free to put down the map and just wander around the streets in Old Tbilisi. This is the best thing to see in Tbilisi! Old Tbilisi is full of beautiful homes with colorful wooden balconies, ancient churches – making it perfect for a leisurely stroll snapping some pictures.
Recommended Guided Tours
The narrow streets wind around showcasing a range of architecture styles, foreign influences, and centuries of development.
Everywhere you turn you’ll find a beautiful old building or café. While you’re walking around, make a point to try and peek into some open doors. You’ll get a glimpse at some real architectural beauties!
If you are more of a structured traveler, consider this 4-hour walking tour with wine tasting or this photography tour around Old Town.
There are also free walking tours to consider that are simply fantastic! Drew and I took the “Hidden Tbilisi” tour which took us to the unseen and hidden places of Tbilisi. The guides highlighted some of Tbilisi’s most unique architecture, private backyards, and courtyard entrances. Their knowledge bombs and quirky facts made this a definite highlight over touring alone.
If you do one of these free walking tours, please remember that your guides do not get paid unless you tip them. Please tip your guide at the end of the tour.
Anchiskhati Basilica & Clock Tower
The Anchiskhati Basilica is the oldest surviving church of the city.
If you’re around at noon or 7pm, head to the clock tower to see a small puppet show presenting the circle of life. Otherwise, each hour a small angel comes out and rings a bell with a hammer. And while this clock tower might look old due to its precarious and perpetual lean, it was actually built in 2011.
Tbilisi’s Central Mosque
The beautiful blue tile mosaic façade of Tbilisi’s Central Mosque stands out against a beautiful backdrop and it’s definitely one of the top things to see in Tbilisi. But you should know the backstory to the Mosque…
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Before 1951, Tbilisi was home to two mosques – one for the Sunnis (Jumah Mosque) and another for the Shias (Blue Mosque). However, in 1951, the Blue Mosque was demolished by the Communist government.
“Recognizing that the Shia community had nowhere to go, the Jumah Mosque opened its doors to them, making it one of the only mosques in the world where the two sects worship together.” – Atlas Obscura
Come for the beautiful building, stay for the history.
Tbilisi’s Sulfur Baths
“Tbilisi” directly translates to “warm place” — so you know you have to make a stop into the sulfur baths when you’re looking for things to see in Tbilisi!
Abanotubani – or the “Bath District” – is across from the Metekhi Bridge. It’s hard to miss – with its brick domes scattered all along the ground. If you have some time you should definitely head inside to relax and enjoy the sulfur baths.
Not only are they relaxing, but mineral baths like those found in Abanotubani are supposed to have healing properties as well. Soaking here is said to aid conditions like acne and eczema, as well as digestion, insomnia, and even arthritis.
You can get a private room for about 140 GEL or $45 USD.
While you’re in the area, take a peek into the outside courtyard of the Tbilisi Antique Archeological Museum. You’ll get a glimpse at how wine was first made in jugs buried underground.
From the sulfur baths, head towards the Legvtahevi Gorge (“Gorge of Figs”). It’s a beautiful walk that ends with a small waterfall coming from the Botanical Gardens.
Recommended Day Trips From Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s Botanical Garden
Covering 97 acres and including more than 3,500 different species of plants, Tbilisi’s Botanical Garden is the perfect way to relax and enjoy a lazy afternoon. Enjoy the collection of roses and lilacs as well as a beautiful Japanese garden, plunging waterfall, and fountains.
If walking to the Botanical Gardens isn’t your thing, for about $8 USD you can always take the zip line from Narikala Fortress to get similar views!
Narikala Fortress
Narikala Fortress overlooks the Bath District. Built in the 4th century – is the only remaining citadel of the city.
Wear some good shoes for this steep walk — or you could take the aerial cable car (about 2 GEL / $0.65 USD) from Rike Park for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
From the Narikala Fortress, you’ll have amazing views of Old Tbilisi, the river, and Peace Bridge. Don’t miss seeing the 65-foot tall Mother of Georgia Statue (Kartlis Deda) while you’re visiting Narikala Fortress.
The Kartlis Deda statue symbolizes the Georgian national character – warm and welcoming to visitors while fiercely fighting off enemies. In her left hand she welcomes friendly guests with a bowl of wine. However, her right hand holds a sword for those who come to Georgia as enemies – a message that literally points to Russia.
Pro Tip – Head up to Narikala Fortress to watch the sunset. You’ll watch the city come to life from your perch up on the mountain.
Rike Park & Peace Bridge
Rike Park is a beautiful place to grab a blanket and some local wine and enjoy and nice afternoon. The park is full of beautiful fountains, small pools, and even a giant chess board.
The thing to really take in here, besides the views of Old Tbilisi, is Peace Bridge. This pedestrian bridge, which opened in 2010, has become one of the most iconic images of the city.
Peace Bridge is not without its haters! Some people think it’s too modern – or that it looks like a feminine napkin (maxi pad). Whatever you think, the bridge is definitely one of the most modern things you’ll see in Tbilisi!
This might sound weird, but one of our favorite things in Rike Park was a recycling can. You read that right – a recycling can! Tbilisi has a recycling scheme where you surrender your used plastic bottles in this electronic collector as a “payment” of sorts. Then dog food spits out of the bottom to feed homeless dogs. We fed the cutest – and fattest – stray pup there. It’s such a great idea!
On this side of the river (opposite Old Tbilisi) you’ll find the Metekhi Church of Assumption built by Georgian kind St Demetrius II in the late 13th century. From there, stop over and see King Gorgasali’s statue – Tbilisi’s founder — on a wall at Metekhi. You can also get here by crossing the Metekhi Bridge. Stop off at the “I Heart Tbilisi” sign before you cross the bridge to get a good touristy photo!
Shardeni Street
Your trip to Tbilisi will not be complete without a walk down Shardeni Street! This pedestrian street is busting at the seams with restaurants, open-air cafes, bars, and nightclubs. It’s also the perfect place to get some great pictures. The hanging string lights and eclectic architecture make it picture perfect.
Shardeni Street is definitely one of the most beautiful – and photographed – streets in Tbilisi.
Sameba Cathedral
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi — commonly known as the Sameba Cathedral — is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world and one of the world’s largest religious buildings.
It dominates the skyline of Tbilisi – and much like the Peace Bridge – its beauty, or lack thereof, is hotly contested by locals. I personally think it’s beautiful and should be a stop for architecture lovers.
To see the oldest church in Georgia, stop by Anchiskhati Basilica of Saint Mary located in Old Tbilisi. It was built in the 6th century though it has gone through extensive renovations since then.
What you can Expect to Pay in Tbilisi
> Lodging: $20 (wallet-friendly) vs $40 (average) per night.
> Coffee: Around $1.25
> Dinner: $22 (two people, three courses)
> Beer: $1
About Sarah
Sarah hails from the land of fried chicken, sweet tea, buttered biscuits, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet…Alabama! She loves exploring undertouristed locations and sharing them with you.
Outfit Ideas
Enjoy your trip to Tbilisi, Georgia while staying comfortable and stylish with these outfit ideas.
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2 Comments
Tbilisi lover
Posted at 01:06h, 01 SeptemberGreat information! Love it all! Thank Sarah!
Sarah
Posted at 08:34h, 01 SeptemberThanks so much for reading!! I appreciate it!