The Complete Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
Though I had been told by numerous fellow travelers how amazing Georgia is, and assured I would love it, I was still surprised by how much I enjoyed my time in this beautiful country. I was immediately smitten with Tbilisi, with it’s incredible food scene, kind people, accessibility and affordability on the dollar.
Whether you are a first time visitor to Tbilisi, or returning for a more extended and immersive trip, this guide will help you discover all Georgia’s capital has to offer, as well as some unforgettable day trips to some of Georgia’s most beautiful natural and historical sites.
As always, all of the information on this site is free. This page contains affiliate links and referrals from experiences I have personally used and recommend. Utilizing these affiliate links helps keep me on the move and this content free.
How Long to Spend in Tbilis
I originally planned to be in Tbilisi for 3 days: Arrival day ➡️Day trip➡️Day in Tbilisi➡️overnight bus to Kutaisi, but I loved Tbilisi so much, I ended up canceling Kutaisi and adding 3 extra days in Georgia’s capital.
I am SO glad I extended my time in Tbilisi and added a second day trip and a wine tour. While 3 days gave me a good feel of the city, I really think it warrants a longer stay, if scheduling allows. The food alone is worth staying in Tbilisi longer, but there are also so many amazing day trips and things to see and explore right in Tbilisi, I think a minimum of 4-5 days is needed.
My recommended schedule would be: Day in Tbilisi ➡️Day Trip➡️Structured/tour day in Tbilisi ➡️Day Trip➡️Day in Tbilisi. There is a vast variety of neighborhoods and areas in Tbilisi outside of the Old Town, and I think they all deserve time and exploration, as well as museums or events you may want to check out.
How to Get Around Tbilisi
🚌Tbilisi Public Transportation:
Tbilisi is well connected via public transportation: bus, mini bus, and metro. Using public transportation is the most cost-effective way to get around Tbilisi. For information about how to navigate Georgia’s Capital city’s transportation, ticketing information, and schedules visit the Tbilisi public transportation official website here.
🚗Ride Share:
I ended up not using public transportation as much as a planned, or much at all, as I found Bolt to be very affordable, reliable, and convenient.
Other popular ride share options in Tbilisi are Yandex Go and Maxim.
🚕Taxis in Tbilisi:
Taxis are readily available in Tbilisi, but I opted to stick with ride share as I heard it was more affordable and I like the upfront pricing and being able to watch my route via the app.
⭐I heard from several other travelers, as well as some locals that there are common taxi scams and inflated tourist rates, so be sure the meter is always on, be prepared to negotiate and have an idea of the distance of your ride.
🚶🏼➡️Walking in Tbilisi
I always felt very safe and comfortable walking in Tbilisi, at any time of day of night. While I found it very easy and comfortable to walk in the varying neighborhoods of Tbilisi, they are quite spread out, so if you want to really see and experience al the city has to offer, public transit or ride share are the best options.
Where to Stay in Tbilisi
Tbilisi offers every kind of accommodation for every type of traveler, from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels to luxury stays, so there truly is something for everyone.
While it is popular for visitors in Tbilisi for convenience and proximity to attractions, I opted not to stay in the Old Town, since that’s not really my vibe and that area tends to be a bit more crowded and expensive.
I stayed in the Sololaki neighborhood and thought it was perfect for my stay with easy access to Old Town and other key attractions, great local cafes and bars, and a quieter setting.
🛏️Tbilisi Hostel: Cozy Koala
This was one of the nicest hostels I have stayed in as far as management (Brandon is an absolute gem), room comfort, and common space amenities. The location was perfect, and the price point was well within budget at about $20/night for a bunk in a 4 bed women’s dorm. The only downfall was the lack of bathrooms, but that was manageable with some minor frustrations.
If you are staying in Tbilisi and looking for a clean, comfortable, well located hostel, this is a top choice.
For availability and booking, click here!
🛏️Hotel Sky Station
When I extended my stay in Tbilisi, I decided to splash out on a private space AND private bathroom and booked a boutique hotel (for $27!)
The outside and entry of this hotel honestly threw me for a bit of a loop... it is on the 10th floor of an office building. But the hotel itself was very cute and the room was clean, spacious, and very comfortable. The balcony made up for any question about the facade.
The staff was incredibly kind and accommodating and even stored my luggage for 12 hours and let me hang out in the lounge for a while before my midnight bus.
The location is a bit far away from the main tourist area, which I actually appreciated at the end of my trip, but the price point, views, and comfort made up for that. A Bolt to the old town was less than $4.
For availability and booking, click here!
Where to Eat In Tbilisi
I would return to Georgia just to go to Tbilisi and eat.
The food scene in Tbilisi is absolutely incredible, with so many amazing Georgian dishes and flavors to try, as well as an international food presence.
With very budget-friendly prices, you can enjoy everything from simple, homestyle meals to fine dining in Tbilisi without breaking the bank.
For my complete Foodie’s Guide to Tbilisi: Best Restaurants & Must-Try Eats, click here!
What to Do in Tbilisi
Georgia’s Capital City is full of history, sites, and things to do. Tbilisi is much bigger geographically than I realized and has so many unique neighborhoods to see and explore, each with it’s own vibes and scene to uncover.
In the week I spent in Tbilisi, I wandered my way through most it’s neighborhoods and found so much art, culture, and history throughout them. Be sure to spend some time exploring outside of Tbilisi’s Old Town to get the true feel of this amazing Georgian City, as well as find some of the best food it has to offer.
These are some of the things I got in to while exploring Tbilisi on a budget.
Tbilisi Free Walking tour
I intended to do a free walking tour as soon as I arrived but was a bit delayed getting in and was very tired, so I booked another one for the evening... which the company canceled as I was arriving.
I finally rebooked a tour and struck gold with Teona. I was running late AND got the starting location wrong, but she was so kind and made sure I was able to meet the group and join the tour. She gave fantastic local insights and information and was such a bright light (her mom even joined us!).
She took as to all the main highlights and a few extra spots, offering an historical overview.
I cannot recommend this tour enough! I booked through Guru walk, but you can reach out directly via her page here.
Tbilisi Museums
I am usually not big on museums, and I found museums in Tbilisi to be a bit expensive for my backpacker budget, so I opted not to commit too much time or money to museums.
But, if you do enjoy museums, Tbilisi has several options to explore and enjoy.
I heard really good things about the Georgian National Museum and the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts.
Tbilis Musuem of Modern Art (MoMA)
I love a modern art museum and had a rainy day in Tbilisi, so I opted to check out the Tbilisi MoMA and am so glad I did.
While the museum is a bit small, and I went through it rather quickly, I really enjoyed it and think it was worth the visit.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the inside of the exhibit in the garden. I saw other visitors just look at it from the outside, but luckily the front desk women gave me a heads up to go inside (the entrance is around the exhibit, on the street side). Just be prepared for some rather adult content.
Statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali & Metekhi Church
Stately sculpture on a wall at Metekhi St. Virgin Church, depicting Tbilisi's founder on horseback.
The Metekhi church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, known simply as Metekhi, is a Georgian Orthodox Christian church located on the left bank of the river Kura. It sits on the Metekhi Cliff opposite the old town of Tbilisi, Georgia
🗺️MRR6+47J, Tbilisi, Georgia
🕰️(Church) Daily 9a-8p
💶Free
The church does not allow photos, but is beautiful and definitely worth stopping in to (ladies, be sure to have a head covering) and features unique architecture and ornate art.
The views from the hill make the slight climb absolutely worth it, and there is a lovely garden area to wander prior to making he decent back down to the city center.
Leaning Clock Tower (at the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater)
The Leaning Tower of Tbilisi, located in Georgia's Old Town, is a whimsical, modern clock tower created in 2011 by puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze. Attached to the Gabriadze Theater, this intentionally tilted structure—supported by a steel beam—features a "Circle of Life" puppet show, where an angel strikes a bell hourly.
🗺️13 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi, Georgia
While it may not have significant cultural or historical meaning (that I know of), The Leaning Clock Tower or Tbilisi is a fun, quirky installation that is sure to make you smile every time you pass it.
Be sure not to just pass it, take a few minutes to get up close and look at all the little quirky details and intricate features.
Bridge of Peace
The Bridge of Peace is a bow-shaped pedestrian bridge, a steel and glass construction illuminated with numerous LEDs, over the Kura River, linking the Rike Park with Old town in central Tbilisi. The bridge, which stretches 150 metres (490 ft) over the Kura River was ordered by the City Hall of Tbilisi to create a contemporary design feature connecting Old Tbilisi with the new district. The official opening took place on May 6, 2010
It is impossible not to see The Bridge of Peace on a visit to Tbilisi, and it is certainly a site to behold from many angles.
While it is beautiful to see from afar, be sure to take a walk over the Bridge of Peace to fully experience it. This is also one of the best places to see a sunset in Tbilisi (though it can get a bit crowded).
Rike-Narikala Cable Car
🗺️(Lower Station) MRR6+Q7C, Tbilisi, Georgia
💵2.5 Lari OW (appx 0.95USD)
🕰️Daily 10a-10p
Without question, the best views in Tbilisi are at the top of the Rike-Narikala Cable Car. For less than a dollar, you can take the Tbilis Mountain cable car up to Narikala Fortress, Mother of Georgia Statue,
Mother of Georgia
Kartvlis Deda is a monument in Georgia's capital Tbilisi. The statue was erected on the top of Sololaki hill in 1958, the year Tbilisi celebrated its 1500th anniversary. Prominent Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli designed the twenty-meter aluminium figure of a woman in Georgian national dress.
🗺️სოლოლაკის ქედი, Sololaki St, Tbilisi, Georgia
💵Free
Seeing this iconic Georgian statue from below is remarkable, but getting up close and personal with her is truly breathtaking. My inner feminist immediate felt connected to this statue, her meaning, and the many symbolisms held in it.
I saw the Mother of Georgia on my walking tour and it was especially impactful to hear the story behind this statue from a local women.
Narikala Fortress
🗺️MRQ5+6G6, Tbilisi, Georgia
🕰️Daily 8a-8p
💵Free
I never actually made it to the Fortress, though I did see it from both afar and close up when I took the cable car up the mountain. I planned to go, but my walking tour ended too late to add it to my visit up the mountain.
This important part of Georgia’s history can be visited briefly in conjunction with other attractions and views, or you can certainly commit a bit more time to it as a stand alone site.
Fabrika Tbilisi
Multi-functional cultural center - urban style cafes and bars, artist studios and shops, educational institutions, co-working space, the biggest in the region hostel, mind-blowing open space courtyard and ever-changing one-off events. Hot spot of like-minded individuals, both locals and travelers.
🗺️JSC NINO, 8 Egnate Ninoshvili St, Tbilisi, Georgia
I LOVE when a trendy neighborhood is also actually cool, and Fabrika Tbilisi is just that. If you are looking for street art in Tbilisi, along with cool cafes and casual restaurants, this trendy Tbilisi neighborhood is a must.
Here, you will also find artisan shops with everything from art pieces to pottery to handmade soaps, and everything in between. This Tbilisi neighborhood has a cool, come-as-you-are vibe perfect for locals and travelers to meet and enjoy the space and each other. I especially appreciated this area as a solo traverler in Tbilisi.
Here you will also find one of the most famed and popular hostels in Tbilisi, Fabrika Hostel and Suites. A fellow solo traveler I met on my walking tour stayed here and raved about it, saying it was one of the coolest hostels she had ever stayed in. I passed the exterior and took a peak inside when people walked out, and can see why she loved it so much.
For more information and events schedule, click here!
Giant Bicycle Monument
🗺️PQ3R+QJC, Rose Revolution Square, Tbilisi, Georgia
Installed in 2011, this supersized bicycle sculpture and local landmark, celebrates cycling culture and a commitment to eco-friendly transportation. This playful monument measures 8 meters in length and 4 meters in height and is a site in and of itself.
From where the Tbilisi giant bicycle monument stands you will also find incredible Tbilisi city views.
Tbilisi Churches
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi
Constructed between 1995 and 2004, it is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world and one of the largest religious buildings in the world by total area. Sameba is a synthesis of traditional styles dominating the Georgian church architecture at various stages in history and has some Byzantine undertones.
🗺️MRX8+3H8, Tbilisi, Georgia
🕰️Mon-Fri 7a-10p, Sat-Sun 7a-9p
💵Free
Everything about Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi is striking. From the architecture to the interior to the views, this cathedral is truly breathtaking.
A little outside the city center, it is a bit of a trek to get to, but worth the (solid) walk or very quick Bolt ride. The size, intricate architecture, endless details, and expansive grounds will have you in awe at every turn.
Kashveti St. George Church
The Kashveti Church of St. George is a Georgian Orthodox Church in central Tbilisi, located across from the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue. The Kashveti church was constructed between 1904 and 1910 by the architect Leopold Bilfeldt, who based his design on the medieval Samtavisi Cathedral
🗺️9 Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
🕰️Daily 8a-8p
💵Free
👚Dres code: Women must cover their heads and conservative attire is required
I never actually made it inside Kashveti St. George Church, due to now being dressed appropriately or it being closed every time I passed, but it is a sight from the outside alone. The surrounding area and architecture is quite beautiful and the history of the church is quite remarkable.
If you have the opportunity to visit, I am sure it is absolutely worth popping inside for a look around.
The Best Day Trips From Tbilisi
Tbilisi is perfectly appointed for easy day trips to some of the most stunning places I have ever been.
I took 3 small group tour day trips from Tbilisi and each offered an amazing and unique experience. I am not typically someone to take numerous day trips from a location, but these were all very budget-friendly and allowed me to see more of the surrounding area. As much as I am a comfortable driver, the driving in Georgia is quite intimidating, so I was glad to leave the driving to the professionals and sit back and relax between sites.
From mountain adventures with epic views, like this day trip to Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri & Gergeti or sipping your way through Georgia’s Kakheti Wine Region with ample tastings, on an amazing wine tour from Tbilisi I took, there is an adventure for every type of traveler!
⭐Some notes on Day Trips from Tbilisi:
Most of the small group and private tours start immediately in front of the Tbilisi sign near the Old Town.
It can be very hectic and a bit chaotic with numerous tours all meet and departing at the same time, with many of the vans not marked. I highly recommend getting to the meeting point early to assure you have time to figure out which tour is yours, as well as get a comfortable seat on a group tour. There are several guides and tour staff to help get you to the right shuttle and checked in with your group, so just look for someone with a clipboard or iPad and show them your ticket.
Kakheti Wine Region Tour + 10 Premium Wine Tastings & Sunset
I almost skipped doing a wine tout because my time in Tbilisi was initially pretty short, but as soon as I extended my time, I went booked this amazing wine tour that an IG friend recommended and rave about.
I am SO glad that I decided to add a wine tour to my Tbilisi itinerary. Of course, the wine tastings were great (and VERY plentiful), but this tour offered so much more. I learned a great deal about the history and production of wine in Georgia, we stopped at beautiful historical sites, and took in some breathtaking views of the region along with way.
Our guide was not only knowledgeable, but a really good time and made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying the experience. I truly cannot recommend this tour high enough! And it is at a really great price point!
From Tbilisi to Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri & Gergeti
When I was looking at day trips from Tbilisi, an excursion to Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri & Gergeti was my top pick. It really was the perfect day exploring some of Georgia’s most incredible landscapes and taking in unbelievable views. Throughout the day, I kept saying “this doesn’t even look real” because the scenery was truly that incredible.
I was very lucky on my tour and had several other solo travelers, which the guides all gave great attention to and assured we were comfortable and taken care of, which was greatly appreciated.
From Tbilisi : Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori & Uplistsikhe Day Trip
This tour was a packed day, but didn’t feel too rushed, and was the perfect mix of views, history, architecture and a wealth of information about Georgian culture and life.
I loved the variety of stops, the very entertaining guide, and that the tour offered plenty of time for individual exploring. If you ate looking to cover a lot of ground with a range of stops and information, this is a great tour for you.
While I was confident I would enjoy Georgia, I didn’t expect to fall so deeply in love with it, especially Tbilisi.
For me, it really is a perfect city: combining history, art, architecture, amazing food and nightlife, with a variety of diverse neighborhoods.
The people are genuinely kind and warm, and the city is ranked very high for safety.
If you have been considering taking a trip to Georgia, I cannot recommend going enough… before it makes the mainstream.
