Heading to Tbilisi? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip:
QUICK FACTS
- The capital and largest city of the Republic of Georgia, with a population of 1.2 million.
- Has a rich and varied political and cultural history. The only city in the world where you can find Catholic Church, Muslim Mosque, Orthodox Church, and Jewish Synagogue all situated within 100 meters of each other.
- Tbilisi is literally translated to “warm.”
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL).
- Spoken languages: Georgian (most know conversational English and/or Russian).
- Best time to visit: from April to October for mild weather.
- Great festivals to catch: Tbilisi Jazz Festival in October or Art Week Tbilisi that occurs in May.
- If you’re looking for atruly unique festival, it’s best to visit the capital on Tbilisoba (Day of the City), usually held on the last Sunday of October. Tbilisoba represents the essence of the city and celebrates all things Georgian.
- Arriving via airport:
– Bus #37 goes through the city’s centre and to the main railway station; the last bus leaves the airport at 10 PM daily; fee is 1 GEL)
– A taxi ride is approximately 30-35 GEL.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers in Tbilisi: Envoy Hostel.
– Comfy beads, clean rooms, friendly staff, and a breathtaking view of the whole city from the rooftop terrace – this place has it all.
– To top it off, it’s in great location in Old Town (perfect base from which to explore).
– Book ahead, way ahead – Tbilisi is overloaded these days with nomads, expats, tourists, and immigrants. - If you’re up for spending money, try Tbilisi branches of internationally renowned five star hotels (e.g. Marriott, Radisson Blu or Sheraton, all situated in the centre, not far from Tbilisi’s most popular attraction, the Old Town).
GETTING AROUND
- The Tbilisi subway (metro) is the most efficient and cheap way to get around town. The only thing you’ll need is an “Metromoney” plastic card (available in metro stations).
- Each ride is 1 GEL.
- The city’s yellow buses are also cheap (1 GEL), but the routes may be a little complicated for a foreigner at first. Don’t be shy about asking hotel/hostel staff for help!
- You can flag down a taxi almost anywhere in the city – be sure to negotiate the price with the driver beforehand (within the city, be prepared to pay about 5 to 20 GEL).
- Use the Bolt or Yandex Taxi apps for easier booking and payment of taxis. These apps provide fare estimates beforehand, saving you the hassle of negotiating prices.
- The Rustaveli-Mtatsminda Cable Car reopened in 2024, costs 12 GEL one-way.
TBILISI NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, and last call is never.
- Check out Perovskaya Street for the best local nightlife options.
- Looking for techno clubs? Head to Bassiani, KHIDI, or Mtkvarze.
- Great bars: Sakhelosno Bar, Candy Bar, Apotheka Bar and Lounge, Kancellaria, and Rati’s Bar.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Visit Old Town, for its beautiful ancient churches (Anchiskhati, Sioni Temple) and wonderful maze of narrow streets. Relax in Tbilisi’s famous sulphur baths – old favorite hang out spots of Dumas and Pushkin!
- Climb up to Narikala fortress, built long before the city’s inception.
- Must see museums include the Georgian National Museum and Open Air Museum of Ethnography.
- St. Trinity (Sameba) Church is one of the highest ecclesial buildings in the region, and attracts religious and non-religious sightseers alike.
- Peace Bridge, a modern glass and steel pedestrian bridge.
- Day trip ideas: Kazbegi region or Rabati Castle. These can be ideal for travelers looking for outdoor adventures or wanting to explore more of Georgia’s beauty.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Walk from east to west along the Mtkvari River, enjoying the magnificent view of colorful, elaborately carved balconies clinging high to the opposite bank.
- Take a stroll along the Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main street, where cultural tradition and modern way of life entangle in most curiously peculiar way.
- Walk up the Mtatsminda Mountain and take in the spectacular view of the entire city.
WHERE TO EAT
- Looking for great restaurants in Tbilisi? Some places locals love: Althaus (a cozy teahouse), Grafika ($$), The Kitchen ($$$), Cafe Stamba ($$), Burger House, ბოტანიკა • Botanica, Shemoikhede (on Marjanishvili), Organique Josper, Lolita ($$).
- Unique setting: Sasadilo Zeche – Soviet-inspired workers’ diner.
- Where to find good cheap eats: almost anywhere! Do try khachapuri and khinkali (Cafe Daphna is a good bet).
- While in town (or country), do not forget to sample the red and white wines Georgians are so deeply proud of! Craft Wine Restaurant has a great selection.
- Other great local dishes to try: pkhali, lobio, churchkhela.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Georgians consider themselves to be the most hospitable people in the world, so be prepared to make many new friends! Georgia is widely recognized as one of the friendliest countries to visit (especially in the region).
- Etiquette tip: it’s customary for host and guests to share toasts during a meal, and being prepared for a long dining experience can enhance the overall experience.
- Avoid drinking tap water – use a water filter or buy bottled water.
- Dangerous areas: Generally very safe, but be aware of occasional pickpocketing in tourist areas.
- Exercise caution around political demonstrations, which occur occasionally.
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days