Overview

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a wonderful city to visit. A mix of old and new, creating a rich blend of history, creativity, and soul. Set in a deep valley and split by the Kura River, it’s surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, making a beautiful backdrop. Its historic Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and ancient churches. The area reflects the city’s diverse heritage, shaped by Persian, Russian, and European influences. The city also boasts a thriving contemporary culture with stylish cafes, restaurants, boutique hotels, and a lively nightlife centered around districts like Vera and Chugureti. The city is known for its warm hospitality, sulfur bathhouses, and distinctive architecture, from medieval fortresses to avant-garde structures like the Bridge of Peace.

Tbilisi is a great city to base yourself for exploring the rest of Georgia. It’s easy to move around and has plenty of attractions to keep you busy for days.

Things to see and do

Explore Tbilisi’s Old Town. A great way to do this is by taking a Free Walking Tour that offers a local tourguide to share the city’s deep history. The tours begin daily at noon, so plan for at least three hours. There’s also excellent wine and food tasting tours, ideal for sampling Georgia’s famous flavors.

Unwind with a dip in one fo the Tbilisi’s famed sulphur baths, clustered in the Abanotubani district. The city was actually named after these warm waters, and today, a variety of bathhouses, both public and private, offer a relaxing escape in these naturally heated springs.

While in Abanotubani, keep an eye out for the Falcon and Pheasant statue, a tribute to the city’s founding legend. It's a quiet but powerful reminder of Tbilisi’s ancient roots, nestled among the iconic dome-topped bathhouses. Nearby, the Love Lock Bridge (also known as Lovers’ Bridge) spans the Leghvtakhevi Canyon and makes a charming photo stop, framed by crumbling balconies and creeping vines. Past the bridge, follow the canyon path to discover the Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, a 72-ft cascade improbably hidden in the heart of the city, both a natural surprise and a beautiful spot to pause.

Stop by the Leaning Clock Tower, designed by Georgian puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze. Every hour, an angel figure strikes the bell, this is part of a quirky performance that makes this lopsided tower a beloved local landmark.

Go Shopping at the underground Meidan Bazaar. This is a fun experience tucked inside a brick tunnel. There are several handmade crafts and souvenirs to sift through.

As you exit the bazaar and head toward Rike Park, you’ll encounter the imposing equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, Tbilisi’s founder. The monument stands near Metekhi Church, one of the city's oldest churches, located on a strategic hill where the original royal residence once stood.

Cross the ultra-modern Bridge of Peace, a curvy glass and steel pedestrian bridge that lights up at night with LED displays. Designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, it’s earned the affectionate local nickname “Always Ultra” due to its unusual shape.

Take a ride on the Tbilisi cable car for a scenic ride over the rooftops to Narikala Fortress. Alternatively, enjoy a 20-minute walk up one of two paths - either from the sulphur baths or via the Betlemi Street stairs. The fortress, with its sweeping views of the city and crumbling stone walls, also houses the recently rebuilt St. Nicholas Church. Entry is free and always open, and it’s well worth combining with nearby sights like the Mother of Georgia statue.

Visit the National Botanical Garden of Tbiliis, a green retreat with seasonal blooms, quiet paths, and waterfalls, located at the foot of Narikala.

In the heart of the city, Freedom Square offers a blend of old and new. Once home to a statue of Lenin, it now features a golden monument of St. George slaying the dragon, a symbolic centerpiece surrounded by grand architecture and constant motion.

Discover Mtatsminda Park, perched high on a hill beneath the iconic Tbilisi TV tower. The funicular makes for a fun ride, and once at the top, you’re treated to panoramic views, fresh air, and a mix of amusements and eateries. Whether you're watching the sunset or taking in the city lights, it’s a perfect final stop in this city that offers a little bit of everything.

Cuisine

The food and wine in Georgia are delicious. Most of the dishes are stews or soups - flavorful, hearty, and satisfying. Georgian cuisine blends influences from the Middle East, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean, yet it maintains a distinctly unique identity. In Tbilisi, you’ll find everything from rustic street snacks to elegant dining experiences, all centered around fresh ingredients, bold spices, and traditional techniques.

Khinkali are Georgian signature soup dumplings with a meaty mixture inside, surrounded by delicious meaty soup and a must-try. Another iconic dish of Georgia is khachapuri, an open-faced cheese-filled (boat-shaped) bread baked with an egg and pat of butter.

Other common dishes include flavorful stews like chakapuli (a tangy lamb and tarragon dish), lobio (slow-cooked beans with herbs and spices), and chakhokhbili (chicken stewed with tomatoes and onions). Walnuts are a key ingredient in Georgian cooking, forming the base of rich sauces like satsivi (used with poultry) and bazhe (often paired with eggplant or fish). Grilled meats (mtsvadi), fresh salads with tarragon and coriander, and pickled vegetables are common sides.

Be sure to try Georgian wine, one of the oldest wine traditions in the world. Many restaurants and wine bars offering tastings.

The restaurants scene in Tbilisi is vibrant and constantly evolving. Traditional Georgian eateries, known as “sakhinkles” or “samzareulo”, sit side by side with trendy wine bars, international fusion spots, and experimental fine-dining restaurants. Whether you’re craving a steaming plate of khinkali or modern takes on Georgian classics, Tbilisi delivers with charm and creativity.

Nightlife

Tbilisi is often likened to Berlin and Amsterdam for its edgy, alternative nightlife scene and thriving dance music culture. The city strikes a compelling balance between old-world charm and modern energy, offering something for every taste. After dark, Tbilisi comes alive with a dynamic mix of venues, from historic wine bars to cutting-edge nightclubs. Many nightlife hotspots are housed in unconventional settings, like underground clubs beneath a football stadium or creative spaces repurposed from Soviet-era factories, adding a distinctive character to the city’s after-hours scene.