I love a city with layers—contradictions, stories, and enough history to fill a library. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is exactly that kind of place. In fact, there are so many things to do in Tbilisi that after a full month there, I still felt like I’d only scratched the surface.
Located at the foot of the Caucasian mountains, on the former Silk Road, Tbilisi has one foot in Asia and one in Europe. It has relics of its Soviet past and dreams of a European future. It’s gritty and graceful, chaotic and calm, old and defiantly new—all at once.
Whether you’re planning a short city break in Georgia or sticking around for a while,Tbilisi offers something for every one. Here is my ultimate list of things to do in Tbilisi, whether you are looking for ancient streets, awe-inspiring art, hiking or even pole dancing.
Must-See Sights in Tbilisi
A growing number of tourists are finding their way to Tbilisi, but luckily the top attractions are still uncrowded and should be on every visitors list!
1. Walk around Old Tbilisi
The colorful and crumbling old town of Tbilisi is a delightful place for a stroll, free of the traffic that plagues other parts of the city. There is an ongoing project to rescue many of the buildings, that date back to the 19th century.
There is a striking difference between the streets that have had a facelift, and those that haven’t, where cracked balconies and facades held up by makeshift timber supports are common.
2. Visit Mother Georgia
Wherever you are in Tbilisi, the towering statue of Mother Georgia, is hard to miss. She stands on a hill, overlooking the entire city. In one hand, she holds a glass of wine for her friends. In the other, a sword for her enemies. I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side – she is very muscular (and made out of solid aluminium).
3. Admire the ruins of Narikala Fortress
Dating back to the 4th century, Narikala Fortress was built by the Persians, and improved by the Turks and the Georgians, before being accidentally blown up in 1827 after Russia used it to store munitions.
It is in ruins, but still very cool to see. As of April 2025, you cannot enter as Narikala Fortress is undergoing renovations. However, you can get a good glimpse from outside when when visiting Mother Georgia, or get awesome views from the Botanical Garden.
4. Get Cleaned up at the Bathouse
The domed rooves of Tbilisi’s natural sulfur baths are one of the most iconic sites in the city. The bricked domes sit upon underground bathouses, where you can soak in the mineral waters.
Most bathouses, including Orbeliani with its striking blue facade offer private baths that you can rent by the hour. A more local experience can be had at Abano No 5, where there are seperate baths for men and women, and bathing happens entirely naked.
5. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral
This cathedral looks a bit like a glitch on a computer screen has caused the roof to be echoed over and over again. It’s a great look, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral is a pretty place to visit, especially at night when it glows with warm lighting.
6. Visit Rike Park and the Peace Bridge
Rike Park is filled with interesting sculptures and gives onto two iconic pieces of architecture: the glass-and-steel Bridge of Peacem and the quirky Concert Hall shaped like two horizontal amphoras. There is also my favorite sculpture in all of Tbilisi: a tree, made out of scrap, with birds, houses and people hidden in its branches.
From Rike Park, you can ride a cable car up to the Sololaki ridge for great views and to see Mother Georgia.
7. Visit the Chronicle of Georgia
For more architecture to make you feel very small, head out to the Chronicle of Georgia, to the North of the City. Tall black pillars are carved with scenes from Georgia’s 3,000 year history, as well as the history of Christianity. Behind the monument, you can look out over the wide Tbilisi Sea, which is actually a lake.
Hidden Corners of Tbilisi
8. See the cliff-top houses along the river
South of the Old Town of Tbilisi, the river Kura follows a sharp cliff, along the top of which are perched old houses. It is an impressive site, and there is a pedestrianised path for a couple of kilometers along the water. It makes for a beautiful stroll, with only a few fishermen for company.
9. Stand on the balcony at Queen Darejan Palace
It is hard to miss Queen Darejan palace, a round building built into the old town walls, with a delicate blue balcony. What most people don’t know is that you can climb up to the palace, and onto the balcony, with its lovely views. Just next door is a nunnery, and if you come on Sunday mornings you will be joined by the atmospheric chanting of the nuns.
10. Discover Tbilisi’s “Italian Courtyards”
Many of the buildings of Old Tbilisi are built around central courtyards, which are little havens of peace in the city, filled with vegetation and colorful laundry lines. If you book accomodation in the Old Town, you are likely to have access to one of these charming courtyards.
11. Climb the Betlemi Street Stairs to Find Quiet Walking Trails
120 old steps climb the hill to the Mother of Georgia, through an old neighborhood, past charming churches. At the top, you’ll find quiet walking paths that traverse the hilltop above the city, giving great views and a feeling of escaping the city.
12. Climb up to Tabor Monastery for Unbeatable Views of Tbilisi
Located on a rocky outcrop opposite Narikala fortress, Tabor Monastery boasts the best views of old town, with the dramatic walls of the fortress behind it. Since 2023, there is a new pathway to the monastery, that you can find at the end of Bazovi Street. It is a pleasant 20 minute walk from there to the monastery.
13. Ride the Tbilisi Metro
The Tbilisi metro dates back to the Soviet era. Many stations have beautiful mosaics and sculptures, so it’s not just a great way to get around but also a place to keep your eyes open for cool stuff!
To ride the metro, buy a rechargeable metromoney card at any metro station. Look for a cashdesk with a ‘MS’ sign. The card costs 2 GEL then you can recharge it with as much money as you need. One metro ride has a flat 1GEL fee.
14. Rent an Electric Moped
If you fancy zipping around the city, discovering new neighborhoods, and feeling the adrenaline of Tblisi traffic, try renting an electric moped. Scroll has a fleet of free-floating mopeds all around the city. Simply download the app, and you can rent them cheaply. Drive safely, and take care as they can sometimes stop working in unfortunate locations.
15. Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple
Tbilisi’s Zoroastrian Fire Temple is one of the oldest religious sites in the city, dating back to the 6th century. The Zoroastrian religion was founded in Persia, and centered around the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god who represents truth, order, and goodness. The religion is more commonly associated with neighboring Azerbaijan, but the remains of this temple, located in Old Tbilisi, show that it was also practised in Gerogia. After the religion faded out, the Zoroastrian fire temple was used as a mosque, and a storage room.
The temple is located in a private courtyard. Knock on the door, and ask to see inside.
Active and Outdoorsy Things to do in Tbilisi
16. Hike around Mtatsminda Mountain
Every city should have its own mountain so you can go for morning hikes. Mtatsminda is great for that. You can walk up from town along little hiking trails, going past the Mtatsminda Pantheon, with its interesting grave stones (a theater mask, some lovers). At the top, there is Mtatsminda park, which has some restaurants, some fairground attractions and a market on the weekends. If you don’t want to climb the whole way, you can hop on the Mtatsminda funicular.
17. Take the Soviet-era ropeway to Turtle Lake
The journey in the little blue booths of the ropeway is part of the fun of visiting Turtle Lake. You set off from Vake Park, soaring over the ethnographic museum up to Turtle Lake. There, you can enjoy a drink in the cafe on the edge of the water, go for a stroll or rent a paddle boat. There are also a couple of downhill mountain bike trails, and you can take a bike on the ropeway, so it is a good place to do mountain biking near Tbilisi.
18. Explore the Botanical Garden
One of my favorite things about Tbilsi is how easy it is to escape into nature. The vast Botanical Garden is the quickest way to do this. There is a section with paved paths, which is great for accessibility, and has various themed gardens, including a Japanese garden that is spectacular in Autumn. In the valley below, there are wilder paths, with little rickety bridges crossing small streams. It is a fun place to get lost.
19. Go on a Run-seeing Tour of Tbilisi
Run-seeing is exactly what it sounds like – sightseeing while running. It might not sound very relaxing – and it definitely isn’t when you also have to handle the Tbilisi traffic. That being said, there is a super nice running route that I did a lot, that takes you past many of the sites of the city. I got it from Great Run’s Tbilisi Runseeing Tour.
20. Relax at the Tbilisi Sea
This vast reservoir, located slightly out of the centre of Tbilisi, is a great place to unwind and escape the summer heat. It was built in 1951 to secure the water supply, but today it is also used for swimming, water sports and boat trips. On the shores of the lake are located the impressive Chronicle of Georgia monument, as well as Gino Paradise, an aquapark and spa.
21. Explore Mziuri Park
I love Tbilisi’s parks, which are filled with eclectic works of art. Mziuri is little known, and frequented mainly by locals. But it is well worth a visit. Mziuri park is surrounded by large residential tower blocks, and filled with sculptures. It is built on a hilly area, so there are many colorful flights of stairs separating different parts of the park. Check out the Cube in Context, a former cable car station that now houses a cafe and gallery.
22. Try Aerial Silks or Pole Dancing
FlyFit Studio, run by Russian expats that speak Russian and English, offers classes in Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, and Pole Dancing. I love aerial silks, and was happy to get the chance to practise again. Classes are reasonably priced, and suitable for all levels.
Art and Architecture in Tbilisi
23. The leaning tower of … Tbilisi?
Built in 2011, he Clock Tower is a cute addition to Tbilisi’s Gabriadze Puppet Theatre, and looks like something straight out of a picture book. The quirky building leans to the left and has ornately decorated tiles, pillars and windows.
Kids and big kids will love it, especially on the hour when an angel strikes the bell, and a screen opens to a puppet perfomance of a love story.
24. Go on a Street Art Tour
There are some incredible artists painting the streets and buildings of Tbilisi. You’ll see plenty when you stroll around in any neighborhood. But if you want to take a more focused approach to them, check out this map, made by the Red Fedora, who has a full guide to Tbilisi Street Art.
25. The Art Palace of Georgia
This small museum is interesting to visit for its eclectic collection of artworks. There are Persian miniatures, manuscripts by well known authors, as well as theatre costumes, propres and programmes. The highlight, for me, was the building itself. Built in 1895, the Gothic-Oriental building has a unique style, and some rooms are intricately painted.
26. Explore Tbilisi’s Soviet Bas Reliefs
Many of Tbilisi’s official buildings are decorated with bas reliefs, in the typical soviet style – brutalist, brutalist, monumental, and deeply symbolic. These sculpted panels depict idealized scenes of workers, scientists, and soldiers. Keep an eye out for them!
27. Cross the Saburtalo skybridge
The Saburtalo skybridge – also known as Tbilisi skybridge, is one of the most iconic pieces of Brutalist architecture in Tbilisi, Georgia. It consists of three tall apartment blocks linked together with metal bridges, high above the ground.
It was designed by Georgian architects Otar Kalandarishvili and Gizo Potskhishvili, who aimed to turn the buildings into a micro-city, a self-contained community where residants would be able to find everything they need in the three buildings.
It is easy to visit the skybridge, which can be accessed by elevator from 213 Shalva Nutsubidze Street.
28. Visit the Bank of Georgia HQ
While we’re on the topic of Brutalist monuments, another one of Tbilisi’s best is the Bank of Georgia headquarters. It looks like a game of jenga, with blocks stacked vertically and horizontally.
29. Explore Abandoned Cable Car Stations
Back in the Soviet era, Tbilisi had a surprisingly extensive network of cable cars — over 10 different lines crisscrossed the city. As the city is built on steep hills, it gave an easy way for people to get from A to B. Today, most of the lines are no longer used, and there are many abandoned cable car stations to be excused. Some of the most interesting at the Cube in Context in Mziuri park, and the Rustaveli Station Ruins, located on a hill behind the Tbilisi Concert Hall.
Museums and Culture in Tbilisi
30. Visit the Soviet Occupation Hall
Located on the top floor of the Georgian National Museum, the Soviet Occupation Hall is a moving overview of the seven decades of Soviet rule in Georgia, the political repression in place as well as the brave acts of the resistance movement. Particularly harrowing are the state’s personal files of “subversive” Georgian citizens, some of which contain orders to exile or shoot the individual.
31. Listen to Georgian Polyphonic Singing at the Anchiskhati Basilica
You don’t need to be a believer to be awestruck by the echoing, woven melodies of traditional Georgian Polyphonic singing. It was added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.
The most atmospheric place to see Georgian polyphonic singing is at the Anchiskhati Basilica. Every Sunday at 10am, the choir perfoms, and you can enter for free as long as there is room. Be respectful towards the locals who are there for their Sunday morning service.
32. Travel all over Georgia at the Open Air Ethnographic Museum
70 buildings from Kakheti, Imereti, Svaneti, and all the other corners of Georgia have been recreated in this vast open air museum. You can spend a long afternoon here walking around and learning about the traditions of the different regions. Along with the houses, you’ll also find over 8000 everyday objects and clothing.
33. Visit Stalin’s Underground Printing Press
Before he was a dictator, Joseph Stalin was a young revolutionary from Georgia, printing illegal Marxist newspapers in a hidden cellar under a Tbilisi house. The press, buried beneath an old worker’s cottage near the Avlabari district, was so well hidden that the authorities didn’t find it until eight years after it shut down.
Today, you can visit the underground chamber where Stalin and his comrades once printed leaflets and papers for the early Bolshevik movement. A tiny museum sits above ground, staffed by an enthusiastic guide who may or may not believe Stalin was misunderstood.
34. Visit The Georgian National Museum
This is the largest and most important museum in Tbilisi, providing an in-depth view of the country’s history. If you only have time to visit one museum, this is the best one to choose to gain understanding of the country. The highlight is the Golden Treasury — an incredible collection of ancient jewelry and artifacts.
35. Georgian Museum of Fine Art
Absolutely incredible collection of contemporary art from Georgian and international artists. I discovered so many artists I had never heard of, but that blew me away. There are three floors, so it takes a while to see everything. Downstairs there is a small cafe and gift shop.
36. Tbilisi History Museum
Located in a former caravanserai – a roadside inn along the Silk Road – the Tbilisi History Museum is a fascinating look at the city’s past. There are many models of city buildings and landmarks, and it is an immersive exhibit, which bodes well as there is very little signage in English.
37. Tbilisi AutoMuseum
Gia Mamulashvili lovingly collected dozens of cars and motorcyles from the Soviet Union, and they are polished and displayed in this fun museum. It is a must for anyone interested in cars, but also very enjoyable for anyone who has only a passing interest, especially as the guide tells interesting stories about the collection.
38. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA Tbilisi)
Tbilisi’s Museum of Modern Art showcases the best of contemporary art, with a strong focus on Georgian artists. One of the most beautiful works is the Apple of Love – a 9 metre tall bronze sculpture. You can enter the apple, and look at intricate reliefs telling myths and stories from around the world. Mainly about love.
39. Georgian State Silk Museum
Established in 1887, this is one of the oldest museums in Tbilisi, and celebrates the city’s Silk Road heritage. In the Soviet and pre-Soviet industry, the country’s silk industry was huge, with families rearing silkworms across the country. A disease, along with the fall of the Soviet Union, basically wiped it out.
Food and Drink in Tbilisi
40. Eat Khinkali
Khinkali are Georgia’s iconic dumpling. They are big – about the size of a palm – and usually filled with mincemeat, and hot. savory broth. You hold them by the little twist at the top, bite into them and suck up the broth before chomping them.
41. Try Adjarian Khachapuri
Adjarian Khachapuri is one of those dishes that should be known around the world. It is like a cross between fondue and pizza. A boat-shaped bread bowl is filled with cheese, topped with an egg and a knob of butter. You tear off the crusts, and dip them in.
It is a literal boatload of cheese, and an unmissable dish. If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, you can still give it a try – Shpana restaurant offers a varied vegan menu, including everything from Asian dishes to a highly reviewed vegan Adjarian Khachapuri.
42. Sip a Tea at Sabir Chaikhana
Sabir Chaikhana is Tbilisi’s last traditional teahouse, and it is stubbornly resisting gentrification in Tbilisi’s old town, which is now filled with restaurants and souvenir shops for tourists. Locals sit for hours drinking tea, chatting and watching football matches. Join them for a hangout, and the sole offering of loose leaf Ceylon tea, with sugar and lemon.
43. Try Lagidze Water
Georgia’s unique take on lemonade was invented in Kutaisi in 1887 by a pharmacist’s apprentice. It is made by combining natural syrup with carbonated waters. There are several flavors – tarragon, chocolate, coffee, lemon, pear…
Lagidze water was once so popular that most cafes would have a fountain of big vases containing the different syrups on the bar. And when Harry Truman gifted Stalin with some Coca-Cola in 1938, the Soviet leader presented him with Lagidze water.
The best place to try Lagidze water today is in their official shop on Zakaria Paliashvili Street.
44. Take a Georgian Cooking Class
Once you have tasted Khinkali, Adjarian Khacapuri and ostria, you’ll want to recreate the incredible flavors at home. Take a cooking class in Tbilisi, where you’ll learn to twist the perfect dumpling, master the gooey egg-in-bread boat, and discover why Georgians put coriander in everything. Many classes are hosted in local homes, where you can chat with passionate home cooks and sip homemade wine while you work.
45. Go Wine Tasting in Tbilisi, Georgia
With over 8,000 years of history, Georgian wine is unique, made in clay vessels called qvevri that are buried in the ground. There are plenty of bars offering wine tasting. Amongst my favorite are Vino Underground which has a small collection of natural wines in a cozy setting, and Sakartvelo Wine Shop, where you can sample traditional wines paired with local cheeses.
46. Try Abkhazian Food at Amra
Abkhazia is a Russian-occupied region of Georgia located on the Black Sea coast. It declared independence in 1992, but it remains internationally recognized as part of Georgia. During the Abkhazia war from 1992-93, many refugees left the area, and resettled throughout the country. One family settled in Tbilisi and opened Amra restaurant, where they serve up tastes of home. Sticky corn polenta and peppers feature heavily in Abkhazian cuisine. Try acurdca, an Abkhazian bean soup, or akutagchaba, hard-boiled eggs smothered in crushed walnuts and a red pepper dip.
47. Listen to Live Music at a Traditional Restaurant
My first night in Tbilisi, I walked into a small pub serving up incredible food, cheap pints, and melodious love songs sung by a man who looked like he had performed there for decades. Head to a traditional Georgian restaurant – preferably one that has no English name – on a weekend night, and you will likely find live music and immaculate vibes.
48. Eat Bread Hot from The Oven
All over Tbilisi, you can find shotis puri – the traditional boat shaped bread – sold for one lari from small windows. If you peak inside, you’ll get wafts of fresh bread, and see the huge clay overns they use to cook them in.
49. Get an Ice Cream from The Cone Culture
The Cone Culture offers some of the most unique ice cream flavors you’ll ever taste. I had blue cheese and peach sorbet – both of them were amazing! All their ice creams are organic, homemade and a little bit special. Just like you.
Shopping in Tbilisi
50. Find Soviet Paraphenalia, and Original Works of Art, at the Dry Bridge Market
Open every day, the Dry Bridge Market is a mixture of soviet-era memorabilia, flea market antiquities and original works of at. It is a fun place to explore. Haggling is expected, and necessary.
51. Get lost in Old Maps
Tbilisi has several old book shops, which are filled to the rafters with Soviet-era books, posters and maps. They are truly fascinating places to spend time, and get a glimpse of Soviet-era propanda and lifestyle.
52. Go Thrift Shopping
There are tons of second hand clothes shops across Tbilisi. Look in the streets behind Fabrika, or look for locations of Megahand or Humana.
The latter two reduce their prices throughout the month. Check out their Facebook pages to find out about days where everything is reduced to 3, 2, then 1 GEL (0.3$). I found a spotless set of thermals for skiing, made of Merino Wool, for less than 5euros.
53. Buy Spices, Nuts and Dried Fruits at the Dezerter Bazaar
Dezerter bazaar is a colorful food market close to Tbilisi’s train station. It is named after the soldiers who absconded from the Russo-Georgian War in the 1920s. After getting off the train, they would offload their weapons and gear at the marketplace. If you love piles of spices and pretty produce markets, it is well worth a visit.
Community and Nightlife in Tbilisi
54. Join a Board Game Night at Lo Mano
Lo Mano, a small bar located in the old town, is the main hangout spot for Tbilisi’s English speaking community. There is one big table, so everyone tends to get talking. Wednesdays are usually board games night, so they’re a great time to go.
55. Make friends with Tbilisi’s Street Dogs
You can’t miss all the street dogs that roam Tbilisi. There are a whopping 80,000 strays in the Georgian capital alone. The vast majority are friendly, and locals leave out food (and sometimes even makeshift beds) for them. Don’t hesitate to make friends with them, and if you want to get more involved with helping them, contact Dog Organization Georgia.
56. Play Tabla in a Local Park
Tabla, or backgammon, is a popular game in Georgia, especially amongst older men. You will see many people set up tables in the street or in park. If you fancy your chances against the pros, challenge them to a match! It is a great way to spend some quality time with locals, no common language needed!
57. Go Clubbing in Tbilisi’s Techno Scene
Tbilisi’s nightlife is legendary, and its techno scene is one of the best in the world. Clubs like Bassiani, Khidi, and Mtkvarze lead the charge, attracting international DJs and underground fans. Plus, they are in such cool venues. Bassiani is in the basement of a former swimming pool. Mtkvarze is in an old warehouse along the river, and Khidi is located under a bridge.
58. Hang Out at Fabrika
Fabrika is a former Soviet sewing factory, covered in street art and filled with cool community spaces. There is a hostel, bars, a co-working space and artsy shops. It’s a great place to meet people. There is also a Fabrika events group on Whatsapp – ask at the hostel reception – and weekly meet-ups for yoga.
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