35 Unique Things to Do in Tbilisi: a Nearly-Local’s Guide

Georgia’s captivating capital city became our home away from home during our twelve-month trip to explore the whole country. We ended up essentially living here for over six months because we fell head over heels for this unique city.

So, is Tbilisi worth visiting? 100% yes!

Is it somewhere we could settle long-term? We’d absolutely love to!

There are a ton of unique things to do in Tbilisi; the veg food and wine scene is some of the best we have come across, and the city has so much character in its cobbled streets, rusted spiral staircases, ‘Italian courtyards’, and lacey-style balconies.

Tbilisi is vibrant, it’s a bit retro, it has underground wine bars and tiny cafes. It has street art and hiking trails and cable cars and thermal sulphur baths. It has a feeling that is just difficult to describe, and I don’t know how we’re going to be able to explain how special this city is. The pressure is on to write a blog post about our favourite city!

In this city guide, we’ll show you the best and most unique things to do in Tbilisi to convince you that this city is definitely worth visiting.

1. Photograph the Bougie Buildings of Sololaki

The intricacy on the facades of these buildings is exquisite – and I don’t use this word lightly. This was an area of the city where the Bourgeoisie lived. Competition between neighbours to have the fanciest house was fierce, so you will find lacey balconies, detailed door ways, statues. But, the fanciness doesn’t stop at the outside; the entrance ways to the buildings were richly decorated with marble, lavish staircases, and extravagant paintings on the ceilings and walls.

After all this time, the houses are still stunning with all their character, but are starting to deteriorate: a little bit wonky, paintwork peeling, staircases rusting. But (for me anyway), this even elevates their charm! 

Wander the streets with camera in hand and snap all the shots you want. Then, if a door is open or unlocked, step inside to see the entrance ways. The locals we met were more than welcoming for us to step inside (the entranceways are communal areas anyway). 

2. Experience a Traditional Sulphur Bath with Optional Kisi Scrub

Tbilisi is located where it is today due its hot mineral springs; the city’s name literally means ‘warm place’. As you wander down Abanotubani, or towards the waterfall, you will smell the sulphur lingering in the air. 

The high mineral content of the water is believed to cure aches and pains and some illnesses, and has been used for bathing for centuries. So, this is a historical and cultural thing to do!

You’ll find many different baths with different styles and different ‘dress codes’, so definitely do your research before you throw yourself in.

It was a very intense and interesting experience, and I would absolutely recommend you give it a go. There are hot pools and cold pools that really are very hot and very cold, and a kisi scrub is not something you’ll forget in a hurry. But you’ll feel great afterwards!

Check out our full blog post on how to help you feel more comfortable and prepared for your sulphur bath experience.

3. Witness Leghvtakevi Waterfall with a Wine Ice Cream

A waterfall in the middle of a capital city? Yes. Truly a unique thing to do in Tbilisi! There are boardwalks following the river upstream from the sulphur baths to the waterfall and then there is a small viewing platform. And on the way to the waterfall, make sure you stop by one of the small huts and grab yourself a very unique red wine ice cream!

4. Gorge on Khinkali and Khachapuri

You cannot leave Georgia without tasting the lip-smacking carby goodness of khinkali and khachapuri. Khinkali are large soupy dumplings filled with meat and herbs, however, there are mushroom options which are spot on! And then, where do I even start with khachapuri? Beautifully chewy bread stuffed or topped (or sometimes both) with salty, stringy, creamy cheeses.

Find varieties with greens and herbs, eggs on top, boiled eggs inside, or maybe potatoes added into the mix. Tbilisi’s restaurants serve up delicious Georgian food for vegetarians!

My love for khachapuri is intense, so much so that I made it my mission through our six months in the country to try as many regional variations as I could get my hands on. Full blog post on all the tastiest varieties and where to find them right here!

5. Take a Free Walking Tour (or Three!)

Tbilisi Free Walking Tours has three different free walking tours concentrating on different areas of the city. The guides are really informative, engaging, and passionate about Tbilisi. We were in the city for so long that we took all three, and we thoroughly enjoyed them all! 

If you are into the fancy entrance ways and facades like mentioned in the Sololaki paragraph, go for the ‘Hidden Tbilisi’ tour. You’ll get access inside entrance ways that you likely wouldn’t be able to by yourself, and they are stunning!

If you’re in to the classic courtyard culture of Tbilisi, take the ‘Backstreets of Tbilisi’ tour. The tour takes you into many residential areas over the other side of the river, in Chugureti near Fabrika.

The ‘Old Tbilisi Tour’ is the classic tour where you learn all about the history of the city.

6. Get to Know Your Natural Wines at the Zero Compromise Wine Festival

The Zero Compromise Festival brings together over 100 wine producers for you to try the very tastiest wines from all over the country, plus a few foreign producers. Georgia has many individual and small-scale vineyards that are family-run, and a lot of them still use the traditional 8000-year-old method of fermenting the grapes in a clay vessel known as a qvevri.

We attended the festival in May 2025, which was held in an abandoned Soviet radio factory, and the wines are beautiful. And because they’re all natural, you don’t feel the hangover effect!
Grab your ticket at tkt.ge and check out more about the event at the official website.

7. Admire Mother of Georgia

Most ex-Soviet republics have a very propaganda-esque female statue made of metal standing high over a city as a protector, and Tbilisi is no exception. Mother of Georgia stands above Sololaki, above Upper Betlemi Church. You can reach her by climbing up Betlemi stairs and then continuing up, or the more popular option is to get the cable car up. Tickets cost 2.5 GEL if you tap your MetroMoney transport card, or are 3 GEL if you use a regular credit card.

Mother of Georgia is seen holding a bowl of wine to welcome those who are friendly, and a sword to ward off those who aren’t.

8. See the Mosaic Tiling of the Tbilisi’s Most-Photographed Bathhouse

If you just walked past Chreli Abano Bathhouse, you would likely think that it was a beautifully decorated mosque! Small mosaic tiles adorn the Islamic architectural style of the bathhouse’s façade. I’ve heard really good reviews about the whole bathhouse experience too, but it is definitely on the higher end compared to its neighbours.

9. Stroll amongst the Chronicles of Georgia

The Chronicles of Georgia is a monument commemorating 3000 years of Georgian statehood and 2000 years of being a Christian state. Sixteen huge stone and bronze pillars are covered with depictions of significant stories throughout the country’s history. The site is on top of a hill in the northern part of Tbilisi, overlooking what is named ‘Tbilisi Sea’, even though it is a reservoir. Climb the steps, be amazed by the monument, take in the views of the city and the sea, and also make sure you take a quick peek inside Annunciation Church on the hill too!

I would recommend getting a Bolt there and back, or take the metro and then get a Bolt from there. The neighbourhood didn’t feel the most friendly, and there are some ferocious stray dogs.

10. Search for all the Street Art

The street art in Tbilisi is really good. Huge life-like murals on the sides of buildings, smaller provocative pieces or fish with feet (you’ll know what I’m talking about once you get to Tbilisi!), you’ll be stumbling across street art wherever you go. Some pieces by Niko are marked on Google Maps, so give it a search. The hot zone for street art is around the Chugureti neighbourhood, near Fabrika, but you’ll be finding it everywhere you go in the city!

bdndn

11. Get a Fresh Shoti or Lobiani from the Local Bakery

Georgian bread is something of an institution. Nothing compares, in my opinion – not even French breads. I know that’s a big statement, but really, head over to Georgia and tell me I’m wrong!

Local bakeries throughout the country will bake long boat-shaped breads in a tone (similar to a tandoor oven). This results in a crisp bottom (that sticks to the tone) and a fluffy chewy top. The bread is so good, that you will often see people biting off the end of the bread as they leave the bakery because they can’t wait til they get home!

Many of the bakeries also sell lobiani, which is a bread stuffed with a spiced bean mixture. We lived off these – it’s a whole on-the-go-meal. Stunning stuff.

12. Take the Steps up to Mtatsminda Pantheon

A great viewpoint of the city, Mtatsminda Pantheon is actually a cemetery for Georgia’s loved public figures: writers, poets, actors, and artists. As well as admiring the view, take a look around at the gravestones; you’ll find some very extravagant and flamboyant stonework. Then carry on up the steps to reach Mtatsminda Park.

13. Savour the Panoramic Views from Mtatsminda Park

Common in ex-Soviet cities, you’ll find a fairground on top of a hill which is connected to the city by a cable car (or in Tbilisi’s case, an expensive funicular). Head up here for the city views, but stay for the ponchiki!

At the top of the hill is a super fancy looking restaurant called Funicular that we wouldn’t normally even step foot in because you can just tell it has that ‘way out of our budget’ feel about it. However, the ponchiki is reasonable (and bloody good), so order yourself a ponchiki and sit on the balcony, and soak in the outrageous views of the city. (A ponchiki is essentially a big old doughnut filled with a vanilla cream.)

14. Walk the Wooden Balcony of Queen Darejan Palace

The palace has free entry because there’s not too much palace to it really; it’s more of a fortress. But, for a free entry, this is a great stop to add to your Tbilisi itinerary. You’ll find a beautiful rose garden with a pond, and then a blue, wooden, lacey balcony with great views. If you’re looking for a relatively quiet spot to take some stunning photos, this is the place! This is still relatively unknown to tourists, so you would likely have the place to yourself. There is no entrance fee.

15. See the Colourful Stained Glass of Gallery 27

Gallery 27 is set in a traditional Tbilisi style apartment, and to get there you have to walk up an old set of stairs with walls surrounded in brightly coloured stained glass. And it’s something pretty special to see! At the moment, the building is undergoing restoration so the gallery has moved to a different location.

BUT, it’s somewhere you’ll want to visit when it’s back up and running! In the meantime, however, Gallery 27 is absolutely still worth a visit. Selling beautiful products made by local people, it’s the perfect spot for a bit of souvenir shopping that gives back to the local community.

16. Learn about Georgia’s Tea History

Bitadze Tea Shop is more than just a shop. Yes, you can buy Georgian teas here, but there is also a mini museum inside. The guys who work there have loads of knowledge on Georgia’s history of growing tea, and will talk you through it for free. And afterwards you could even try some of the teas! Bear in mind that Georgian tea is strong, so you won’t need much of it!

17. Marvel at the Wedding Palace Architecture

A prime example of opulent yet cold Soviet architecture. The wedding palace isn’t open to the public as standard, however, I understand that they have started running tours of the inside recently. If you have been on this tour or know about it, please let us know in the comments.

Old part of town located between liberty square roundabout and the Kura river, within the limits of the main road.

18. Search for Soviet Mosaics and Friezes

This is a controversial one, and some Soviet mosaics are being removed because of their representation of this oppressive period. They are in true retro propaganda style, and some are huge and intricate.

Our favourites were at the emergency services building and the Ortachala bus station. Conveniently, these are both close to each other, so even though they are out of the main part of the city, you can see them both in one hit.

19. Taste the Georgian Wines

Georgia is where is recognised as the birthplace of wine, thanks to the finding of the oldest winemaking vessels in the world, right here. So they really do know how to do wine. My favourites are Tsinandali, Pirosmani, Tsolikauri, and Tvishi – all whites. If you are more into reds, the best known and favourite is Saperavi. You can find Georgian wine in restaurants and bars such as 8000 Vintages, alongside many other unique Georgian drinks.

Alternatively, jump in a marshrutka for two and a half hours to get to Telavi or Sighnaghi in Kakheti wine region. You can tour the vineyards, and learn all about the grapes and its history.

20. Climb Betlemi Stairs for City Views from Upper Betlemi Church

The stairs lead you to the Upper Betlemi Church and a large courtyard area with benches and trees. From here, you’ll get great views over the city.

Then for views from higher up, keep following the steps up to the Mother of Georgia monument.

21. Bargain for Retro Souvenirs at the Dry Bridge Market

This market feels like a smaller, less organised version of Vernissage in Yerevan. It’s full of antiques, Soviet paraphernalia, and handmade and second hand products. I found a pair of earrings made from a couple of old keys that I absolutely love!

22. Discover your New Favourite Artist at the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts

We are not people with much appreciation for art, and the ticket price was more than we would have usually gone for but, we actually really enjoyed this art museum! Showcasing art by Georgian artists, there is some weird stuff (which is the problem I generally have with art), but there was also a lot that we could actually appreciate. The beautiful Georgian city street scenes were my favourites!

Ticket price: 30 GEL

23. Search for All the Artwork in the Unfound Door Hotel

This is a hotel with a cafe/bar inside, but the best part about this place is the décor. It has beautifully painted murals throughout the property from the early 20th century. Head in through the front door, and see the hallway, take a look in the cafe on the right, but make sure you take the stairs all the way up to see the murals in the stair well.

24. Wander through Meidan Bazaar

This bazaar is an interesting see even if you don’t plan on buying anything, though you might be tempted! Set in an underground brick tunnel, you’ll find typical Georgian products here: wine, cheese, churchkela (more on that further down), traditional instruments, souvenirs etc.

25. Be Bemused by the Wonky Clock Tower

The clock tower is quirky and wonky, and a small angel marks the turn of each hour by ringing a bell. It is relatively new addition to Tbilisi old town, built in 2010. Make sure you take a look for the tiny clock on the side of the clock tower too!

26. Hike to Turtle Lake

Tbilisi is kind of in a bowl-shaped valley and the ‘rim’ of the bowl is mountainous and green and has several walking trails. Our favourite is the hike to Turtle Lake. You can start the hike from Mother of Georgia or Mtatsminda Park, and the route is signposted so you won’t easily get lost. I always have the local map downloaded on Maps.me whenever we head off on a hike just in case it doesn’t go to plan!

The views are beautiful over the city and it’s a pretty quiet route without many other hikers. The route is about 8km and took us four hours ish to reach Turtle Lake. As you get towards the end, you’ll see the lake and an ancient brick Svan tower. End the walk with a drink and a snack at one of the several pubs and restaurants overlooking the lake.

27. Take the Rickety Soviet Cable Car to/from Turtle Lake

This really feels like an adventure! This cable car has been around since the 60s during Soviet occupation (though I’d like to hope there have been renovations since!). It is small and rickety in a similar style to the cable car in Kutaisi, but it’s a pretty steep ride!

The cable car overlooks the forest and the city and once you reach the top, you can wander round the lake, maybe go for a swim, have a drink or even hike all the way to Mtatsminda Park.

28. Explore Residential Tbilisi for More Street Photography Opportunities

On Google Maps find the area between Abanotubani and Ortachala, and that’s where you should head. You’ll see the untouristy side of Tbilisi: authentic and genuine. We rented an apartment here for five weeks over Christmas, and really loved the laid-back, non-touristy feel of the place. Classic Ladas, rusted house signs, and Soviet-style apartment blocks.

29. Explore Fabrika and Grab a Drink in the Courtyard

Fabrika is a cultural hub in the Chugureti neighbourhood set in a building that used to be a Soviet sewing factory. The courtyard is surrounded by a huge hostel with co-working space, as well as art studios, shops, and hipster bars and cafes with outdoor courtyard seating. The area is also used to host events: we attended a Christmas market here. And make sure you have a look at all the street art inside the courtyard as well as the surrounding buildings outside!

30. Try Georgian Snickers: Churchkela

I guarantee that when you are walking around Tbilisi, you will see churchkela strung up in shops and market stands. On first sight, you might think it looks like candles, or maybe some weird sausage (like us). It definitely does not look like a sweet!

In fact churchkela is known as ‘Georgian snickers’ due to its high calorie content. Traditionally, a string of walnuts is dipped into a mixture of grape juice mixed with flour to create the churchkela. But nowadays there are many different varieties and flavours with different fruits and nuts.

Churchkela is a Georgian classic! Take a look at our vegetarian guide to Georgian cuisine to find all the tastiest dishes to look out for.

31. Take in the City Views from Tabor Monastery of Transfiguration

The monastery itself is not the reason to head up here – it’s pretty small and unassuming. The reason to go up here is the phenomenal view without the crowds, and it’s worth the climb up all the steps!

32. See the Ancient Inscriptions on Metkehi Virgin Mary Assumption Church

Another historic church with old inscriptions on the outside walls. Raised high enough to give beautiful views of the city and river Kura, but not so high that you have to really climb to get there.

33. Wander over the Bridge of Peace

The glass and metal wave-shaped structure appears very modern compared to its surroundings of the old town. Hilariously, the bridge is also known as ‘Always Ultra’ due to its sanitary pad shape! Across the bridge you can get nice views down the river lined with trees, but also interesting photos from within the bridge due to its unusual design.

34. View the Grandeur of the Holy Trinity Cathedral

This is a huge cathedral that has a dramatic outlook, grand courtyard, and golden topped domes. It really is pretty extravagant, and is definitely worth a visit, even if you’re not into religious buildings. The symmetry of the outside alone makes for some great photos!

35. Find the Ruins of Armenian Church

After you’ve seen the palace, wander the residential streets behind for some characterful doors, and eventually the ruins of an Armenian church. And when I say ruins, I really mean ruins. The building in serious disrepair and is cordoned off, but it is an interesting sight nonetheless. Armenia says it was bombed, Georgia says it was damaged in an earthquake. Who knows?

How to Get to Tbilisi

Tbilisi airport (TBS) is now well-connected to the rest of Europe, the Middle East, and has some flights to Central/South Asia too. Getting from Tbilisi airport to the city centre is a breeze if you arrive in the day.

Buses connect neighbouring Turkey, and you can easy travel by marshrutka or overnight train from Yerevan in Armenia to Tbilisi. Book your Yerevan to Tbilisi marshrutka or bus ride online in advance.

From Azerbaijan, you can travel to Georgia via land border near Lagodekhi, but bear in mind that this border is only open one way. Entry into Azerbaijan via land border has been closed since COVID lockdown times. You can still fly into Azerbaijan.

If you are already in Georgia, quite literally all roads lead to Tbilisi, so you can jump on a classic marshrutka or take the train to reach the capital.

How to Get around Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a very walkable city but also has good city transport. Get yourself a Tbilisi transport card and you can tap to get on the metro, the bus, marshrutkas or even cable cars.

How Long to Spend in Tbilisi

So, we have spent six months here and would still have more things to do and restaurants to try out! You could spend three or four days in Tbilisi seeing all the main sights.

But the capital is also a great base for day trips to historic Mtskheta or along the scenic Georgian Military Highway to the mountains near Kazbegi. It’s a really nice city with a lot to do, so don’t rush through it.

Where to Stay In Tbilisi

Golden Light Hotel (£)

📍9 Ovanes Tumaniani St

Make sure you book the room with the balcony! Large yet affordable rooms, nice decor, and a beautiful contained courtyard area.

🛏️ Grab the Room with the Balcony 🛏️

Plan more of your trip with these:

• Tbilisi Airport to the City Centre: 3 Ways to Get There
• The Ultimate Vegetarian Guide to Tbilisi
• Tbilisi in Winter: the Best European Winter City Break
• Sulphur Bath in Tbilisi: What Is It Really Like?
• Travel Tips for Georgia (Country): 13 Useful Things to Know
• 23 Unique Things to Do in Georgia for Foodies & Adventurers
• Georgia Transport Guide: Marshrutka Madness
• Your Georgian Vegetarian Food Guide: 33 Must-Eats
• 7 Things to Do in Mtskheta and How to Get There
• The Tbilisi to Yerevan Train: Everything You Need to Know
  • See all our Georgia posts here