Best Time to Visit
May to June, September to October
Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
Language
Georgian
Timezone
GET (UTC+4)
Discover Tbilisi
Tbilisi isn't just a city; it's a living museum of resilience and reinvention, where the scent of sulfur from the Abanotubani baths mingles with the aroma of freshly baked khachapuri. Wander the cobbled lanes of the Old Town and you'll find 4th-century Narikala Fortress overlooking a skyline punctuated by the ultra-modern, curved glass of the Bridge of Peace—a perfect metaphor for Georgia's blend of ancient tradition and bold futurism.
This is a city best experienced with your senses: dipping into a private, domed sulfur bath, tasting amber-colored qvevri wine in a candlelit cellar in Sololaki, and hearing the haunting polyphonic singing that echoes from the cavernous Sameba Cathedral. The legendary Georgian hospitality, or 'supra' feast culture, means you're never just a tourist here—you're a guest invited to share in a 1,500-year-old winemaking tradition and stories told over endless toasts.
Why Visit Tbilisi?
A World-Class Natural Wine Scene: Explore atmospheric wine bars like Vino Underground and Ghvino Underground to sample unique amber wines fermented in traditional clay qvevri, with over 500 indigenous grape varieties.
Architectural Time Travel: Witness a stunning clash of eras, from the Persian-style Orbeliani Baths and Art Nouveau buildings on Rustaveli Avenue to the avant-garde Rike Park Concert Hall and the mushroom-like Tbilisi Public Service Hall.
Legendary Sulfur Baths: Experience the city's founding legend firsthand by booking a private marble chamber in the Abanotubani district for a therapeutic soak and a vigorous 'kisa' scrub.
Unbeatable Culinary Value: Feast on cheese-filled khachapuri, meaty khinkali dumplings, and complex stews like chakapuli at local eateries such as Shavi Lomi or Keto and Kote, where a lavish meal costs a fraction of Western prices.
A Hub for Digital Nomads: Enjoy high-speed internet, a low cost of living, and a thriving co-working scene in areas like Vera, with cafes like Lolita and Kiwi Cafe catering to remote workers.
Vibrant Market Culture: Hunt for Soviet relics and antique treasures at the sprawling Dry Bridge Flea Market, then sample fresh churchkhela (walnut candy) and spices at the bustling Deserter's Bazaar.
Tbilisi is Known For
Ready to explore Tbilisi?
Tbilisi Neighborhoods
Old Town (Altstadt)
The historic heart of Tbilisi, a maze of narrow, winding streets, hidden courtyards, and wooden balconies clinging to hillsides. It's buzzing with tourist energy yet retains an authentic, lived-in charm.
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Sololaki
An elegant, slightly faded district just above Old Town, known for its stunning 19th-century Art Nouveau and Neo-Moorish architecture. It's quieter, more residential, and home to a sophisticated wine bar scene.
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Vera
A leafy, hilly residential area with a bohemian, upscale feel. It's packed with chic boutiques, concept stores, trendy cafes, and some of the city's best modern Georgian restaurants.
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Mtatsminda
The district surrounding the holy mountain overlooking the city. It's a mix of panoramic viewpoints, amusement park fun, and the serene Mtatsminda Pantheon of writers and artists.
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Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •For the best khinkali, skip the touristy Old Town spots and head to a local chain like Zakhar Zakharich or Pasanauri for the juiciest, most flavorful dumplings.
- •When visiting the sulfur baths, book a private room (like at Royal Bath or Gulo's) for a more authentic and hygienic experience than the public pools.
- •Use the Tbilisi Metro. It's incredibly cheap (1 GEL per ride with a rechargeable Metromoney card), efficient, and the stations are stunning Soviet-era architectural feats.
- •Never hail a taxi off the street. Use the Bolt app (like Uber) for transparent, fixed pricing to avoid being overcharged.
- •Carry small change (1, 2, 5 GEL coins and notes). Many small shops, markets, and marshrutkas (minibuses) won't accept large bills.
- •To experience a true 'supra' (feast), look for small family-run restaurants in the suburbs or consider booking a culinary tour that includes a home visit.
- •Learn the basic Georgian toastmaster ('tamada') etiquette: never drink out of turn during a toast, and always empty your glass (or take a sip if it's wine) when a toast is made.
- •Visit the Dry Bridge Market early on weekend mornings for the best selection of Soviet memorabilia, antique jewelry, and vintage paintings.
- •For stunning, crowd-free views of the city, hike up to the Mother of Georgia statue from the Old Town instead of taking the cable car.
- •Tap water is generally safe to drink in Tbilisi, and you'll often see locals filling bottles from public springs. The water from the Legvtakhevi waterfall area is famously fresh.
Tbilisi Food Scene
Georgian cuisine is a feast for the senses, centered on communal dining, fresh herbs, walnuts, and cheese. Meals are social events, often led by a 'tamada' (toastmaster), where dishes are shared from the center of the table.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional & Supra Feasts
- • Barbarestan (for recipes from a 19th-century cookbook)
- • Shavi Lomi (innovative takes on classics)
- • Salobie Bia (for authentic, home-style cooking)
At a traditional feast, pace yourself. The dishes keep coming, and toasts are frequent.
Wine Bars & Cellars
- • Vino Underground (pioneering natural wine bar)
- • Ghvino Underground (intimate cellar vibes)
- • G.Vino (great selection by the glass)
Ask for 'qvevri' wines—unfiltered, skin-contact wines that are Georgia's signature.
Street Food & Markets
- • Lobiani (bean-filled bread) at Deserter's Bazaar
- • Khachapuri from local bakeries
- • Fresh fruit and spices at the market stalls
The best lobiani is found at the small stalls inside the Deserter's Bazaar, not the perimeter shops.
Modern Georgian
- • Cafe Littera (fine dining in a writer's house)
- • Keto and Kote (creative dishes in a historic setting)
- • Poliphonia (elevated Georgian tasting menus)
Book well in advance, especially for dinner. These popular spots fill up quickly.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Tbilisi
Spring
Spring (April to early June) is glorious, with mild temperatures, blooming jacaranda trees, and green hillsides. It's perfect for outdoor exploration before the summer heat.
Pros:
- + Pleasant weather for walking and hiking
- + Fewer crowds than peak summer
- + Beautiful blossoms and greenery
Cons:
- - Unpredictable rain showers, especially in April
- - Sulfur bath water can feel too warm on hotter days
Summer
Summer (late June to August) is hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F) or more. The city is lively, with outdoor cafes and festivals in full swing.
Pros:
- + Long days and vibrant nightlife
- + Perfect for day trips to mountain regions like Kazbegi
- + All attractions and tours are fully operational
Cons:
- - Can be uncomfortably hot for extensive city walking
- - Peak tourist season means higher prices and crowds
Autumn
Autumn (September to October) is arguably the best time to visit. The weather is crisp and sunny, the grape harvest ('rtveli') begins, and the city is painted in golden hues.
Pros:
- + Ideal temperatures for all activities
- + Wine harvest season offers unique experiences
- + Stunning fall foliage, especially in the surrounding hills
Cons:
- - Days get shorter towards late October
- - Can be a popular conference season, affecting hotel availability
Winter
Winter (November to March) is cold, with occasional snow and temperatures averaging around 4°C (39°F). It's a quiet, atmospheric time, and the sulfur baths are especially inviting.
Pros:
- + Low season prices on accommodation
- + Sulfur baths are a perfect cold-weather activity
- + A magical, festive atmosphere around Christmas and New Year
Cons:
- - Some outdoor attractions or cafes may have limited hours
- - Short daylight hours and potentially slippery, icy streets
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Day Trips from Tbilisi
Mtskheta
30 min by marshrutka or taxi
The ancient capital and spiritual heart of Georgia, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the country adopted Christianity. It's a pilgrimage site of immense historical importance.
Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
3 hours by shared taxi or bus
A journey into the dramatic High Caucasus mountains, culminating at the foot of Mount Kazbek. The drive along the Military Highway is an attraction in itself.
Signagi & Kakheti Wine Region
2 hours by marshrutka or taxi
A visit to Georgia's premier wine region, known as the 'City of Love.' Signagi is a charming hilltop town with city walls and breathtaking views over the Alazani Valley.
Tbilisi Budget Guide
Tbilisi is an exceptionally affordable destination for Western travelers, offering high value for money, especially in dining and accommodation.
Budget
€25-40 per day for hostels, street food, and public transport.
per day
Mid-Range
€60-100 per day for comfortable hotels/Airbnbs, restaurant meals, taxis, and paid attractions.
per day
Luxury
€150+ per day for boutique hotels, fine dining, private guides, and spa treatments.
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Many museums and churches have free or very low entry fees (1-5 GEL).
- •Eating like a local at 'dukani' (small eateries) is incredibly cheap—a huge khinkali meal can cost under 10 GEL.
- •Marshrutkas (minibuses) are the cheapest way to travel around the city and country (usually 1 GEL within city).
- •Bargaining is expected at the Dry Bridge Flea Market but not in shops or restaurants.
- •Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 10% is generous in restaurants if service is good.
Tbilisi Hidden Gems
Open Air Museum of Ethnography
A vast hillside park featuring traditional houses, farmsteads, and churches from every region of Georgia, meticulously relocated and reconstructed.
It offers a unique, peaceful glimpse into rural Georgian life and architecture, far from the city crowds, with stunning views over the Tbilisi Sea reservoir.
Sulfur Baths' Rooftop
The domed rooftops of the Abanotubani bathhouses are accessible to the public and offer a unique, photogenic perspective of the district.
You get a free, fantastic view of the colorful bath domes with the Narikala Fortress in the background—a perfect photo spot most tourists miss.
Beton Music Club
An underground, no-frills music venue located in a concrete Soviet-era bunker near the river.
It's the epicenter of Tbilisi's gritty, avant-garde electronic music scene, attracting top local and international DJs for an authentic night out.
Turtle Lake (Kus Tba)
A small, serene lake nestled in the hills above the Vake district, surrounded by pine forests.
A favorite local escape for picnics, paddle boating, and leisurely walks. Reach it by a scenic cable car ride from Vake Park for a quick nature break.
Sioni Street Book Market
A small, daily row of outdoor booksellers near the Sioni Cathedral, specializing in old maps, Soviet-era books, and Georgian literature.
A bibliophile's paradise for finding unique, historic souvenirs and engaging with knowledgeable local booksellers, away from the tourist flea market.
Tbilisi Culture & Customs
Georgian culture is deeply rooted in hospitality ('gmadloba'), feasting ('supra'), and a profound connection to music, dance, and the Orthodox Christian faith. Family and tradition are paramount, and guests are considered a blessing from God.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Always accept food and drink when offered in a home—it's a sign of respect.
- •Dress modestly when entering churches (women often cover their heads, men remove hats).
- •During a supra toast, maintain eye contact with the tamada and fellow drinkers.
- •Use your right hand for greetings, eating, and passing items.
- •It's polite to try and learn a few basic Georgian phrases; the effort is greatly appreciated.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Tbilisi
Is Tbilisi safe for tourists?
Yes, Tbilisi is generally very safe for tourists. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, but violent crime is rare. Standard precautions apply. Georgians are famously hospitable and helpful to visitors.
Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?
Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for stays of up to one year. Always check the latest requirements from official government sources before traveling.
Can I use credit cards, or is it a cash-based society?
Credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Tbilisi. However, it's essential to carry cash (Georgian Lari) for markets, street vendors, taxis (if not using Bolt), marshrutkas, and smaller establishments.
What is the best way to get around the city?
Walking is best for the compact center. For longer distances, use the cheap and efficient metro or Bolt taxis. Avoid hailing random taxis; they often overcharge tourists. The metro card also works for buses, the funicular, and cable car.
Is English widely spoken in Tbilisi?
English is commonly spoken in the tourism industry (hotels, popular restaurants, tour companies) and by younger Georgians. In local markets or with older generations, knowledge is limited. Learning a few Georgian phrases will go a long way.
What should I wear when visiting churches?
Dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders and knees; headscarves are often provided at entrances. Men should avoid shorts and tank tops. This rule applies to all Orthodox churches, including the major cathedrals.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Tbilisi?
Yes, tap water in Tbilisi is generally safe to drink and of good quality. Many locals and tourists drink it without issue. You'll also see many public drinking fountains around the city.
How do I experience a traditional Georgian feast (supra)?
The easiest way is to book a culinary tour that includes a home visit. Alternatively, visit traditional restaurants like Shavi Lomi or Salobie Bia in the evening and observe (or join) large groups. The 'tamada' (toastmaster) leads the feast with elaborate toasts.
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