Tbilisi has a way of getting under your skin quietly, then all at once. I visited in October, and this Tbilisi travel guide is shaped by that shoulder-season sweet spot: sun-warmed afternoons, sharp evenings, vine leaves turning amber in courtyards.
I based myself in the Sololaki neighbourhood, just above the historic centre, in an adorable apartment with glorious natural light and, as a bonus, a revolving cast of cats loitering on the steps outside (perfect for me). A block away was a little French café called Entre, where I kept “just popping in” and somehow leaving with another pastry.
I spent around two months in total exploring Georgia and its capital and found tons of incredible things to do. This guide is for first-timers with 2–3 days in Tbilisi who love exploring on foot, care about where they eat, and want a practical plan that works whether you are here for a quick city break or settling in with a laptop for a while. Discover exactly why this was my first trip to Georgia, but it definitely won’t be my last!
This post is in partnership with SafetyWing
Best Time of Year to Visit Tbilisi
Summer (June – August) is the peak tourist season in Tbilisi. You can sit outside drinking local wine in café courtyards and take advantage of the long, light days. January is also a popular time for snow bunnies to visit with lots of snowy winter activities.
Shoulder seasons (March – May and September – November) are great for exploring without crowds. While the city picks up during December’s festive season, some restaurants and other tourist amenities close over winter.
2-day and 3-day Tbilisi itinerary
Spend around two to three days in Tbilisi to see all the highlights. To visit everywhere in this guide, spend at least three days in the city. It’s worth it! However, if you visit Georgia for a week you will have more time for day trips and to explore the mountains.
If you are visiting Tbilisi for the first time, the easiest way to make the city click is to plan by neighbourhood and gradient. You want one day where everything flows downhill through the historic core, and one day where you lean into the newer, creative pockets and finish high up at sunset.
Day 1: Old Town, sulphur baths, viewpoints
Start in Old Town early, before the lanes fill up. Wander the balconies and courtyards, then aim for the Clock Tower when the light is soft.
Late morning, take the cable car from Rike Park up towards Narikala Fortress and Kartlis Deda. From here, do the clever thing: enter the National Botanical Garden of Georgia from the top and let the walk take you downhill through the gorge.
Mid to late afternoon is for Abanotubani. Book a private room at Chreli Abano if you want the full experience.
Finish with a viewpoint if you have the energy, walk up to Tabor Monastery for sunset. If you do not, take a taxi up and save your knees, because that hill is not a gentle one.
Day 2: Fabrika, markets, Mtatsminda at sunset
Start the day on the other side of the centre in Fabrika. Even if you are not staying there, it is a good orientation point for this part of the city, especially if you want cafés, studios, and a more modern pace.
From there, dip into Dry Bridge Market late morning or early afternoon when the stalls are in full swing.
For an easy dinner that keeps options open, head to Bazari Orbeliani by Orbeliani Square. It is a simple way to please different appetites without committing to a full sit-down meal, and it works well if you want something casual before sunset.
End the day up high at Mtatsminda Park. Go in the early evening, ride up rather than walking unless you are actively looking for a workout. This is one of the best “last look” moments in the city.
Optional half day: Chronicles of Georgia
If you have a third day, or you are the sort of traveller who likes one big sight outside the centre, make time for Chronicles of Georgia. It is easiest by taxi, best in clear weather, and worth it if you like dramatic scale and places that still feel slightly under-visited.
A good way to slot it in is the morning of Day 3, then come back into town for a long lunch, a final wander, and any last café stops you did not get to the first time.
Where To Stay in Tbilisi
If you want to experience the charm of Tbilisi like a local, I highly recommend staying in the Old Town. It’s the most atmospheric part of the city, with its maze of winding alleyways, colourful balconies, and hidden courtyards.
We booked an Airbnb here, and it was the perfect base – peaceful yet within walking distance of all the best sights. One of the unexpected highlights? The lovely cats that roamed the courtyard, always happy to keep us company! If you enjoy a quieter, more traditional stay with a local feel, this is a fantastic option.
For those looking for other accommodation choices, here are some recommendations:
- Luxury Stay – Stamba Hotel: A stylish, design-forward hotel housed in a former Soviet-era printing house. Great for brunch lovers and those who want a boutique experience.
- Mid-Range Option – Communal Sololaki: A cosy, artsy guesthouse in a historic district with beautifully curated interiors.
- Budget-Friendly – Fabrika Hostel: More than just a hostel, this creative space has a courtyard full of cafés and bars, perfect for meeting fellow travellers.
Getting to and around Tbilisi
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is not the most connected airport in the region, but it is improving, and you can usually get here directly or with one easy connection via hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, Athens and Munich. The city centre is roughly a 30-minute drive in light traffic, and app-based rides are available if you want the simplest door-to-door option.
If you are arriving on a budget, bus 337 is the one to know. The stop is right outside the arrivals hall and it runs from 06:59 to 22:59, linking the airport with central Tbilisi and on to Station Square. The fare is 1 GEL, and it includes a 90-minute unlimited travel window when you pay with a MetroMoney card or a contactless bank card.
Once you are in the city, we mostly moved on foot and only layered in transport when the distance or the gradient stopped being charming. Walking is the best way to understand Tbilisi, but it is not flat-walkable. The hills are real around Sololaki, Mtatsminda, and the lanes behind Liberty Square, so plan with the geography in mind and do not be shy about saving your legs for the views.
11 Unmissable Things To Do in Tbilisi
Old Town
Tbilisi’s enchanting Old Town comprises winding streets and colourful ornate balconies. There’s a blend of architectural styles reflecting its history under Persian and Russian rule. Along one street you might see Eastern Orthodox churches and Art Nouveau styles, and stark Soviet structures alone along another.
Here are some streets you can’t miss:
- Jan Shardeni Street
- Cotton Rows
- Lado Asatiani Street
- Arsena Street
- Ivane Machabeli Street
Don’t miss the Clock Tower on Ioane Shavteli Street and the Holy Trinity Cathedral too!
Fabrika
Once a Soviet sewing factory, Fabrika is now a trendy cultural hub. There is a hostel, a few cafés, artist studios, shops, a coworking space, and more. It’s covered in cool murals and has a super hipster vibe.
It’s definitely worth checking out! Note that you can’t use a ‘proper’ camera inside but taking photos on your phone is okay, also camera photos in the outside parts like the ones below are totally fine too.
Dry Bridge Market
This fun outdoor flea market in Dedaena Park is where you can pick up unique souvenirs. They sell everything from antiques to artwork and other vintage treasures.
It’s open from around 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily but there are more vendors on Saturdays and Sundays. Don’t be afraid to partake in some light bartering; it’s pretty common and expected!
Mother of Georgia
The Mother of Georgia statue is an icon of the city. This aluminium figure was built in 1958 and symbolises strength and hospitality. It stands at 20 meters tall on Sololaki Hill, overlooking Tbilisi. You can see it from various points in the city but it’s something you should see up close!
Head to Rike Park where you can take the Mother of Georgia Tramway to the statue. It runs every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
National Botanical Gardens
If you are already up by Mother of Georgia or Narikala Fortress, the botanical garden is the easiest, most satisfying detour in this corner of the city – and side note, it is the largest botanical garden I’ve ever seen!
For tickets, the prices are 4 GEL for adults and 1 GEL for students (bring a valid student ID), and it’s usually open from around 09:00–18:30 every day.
The simplest way to do the garden is to enter from above and walk down. Start at Rike Park and take the cable car up to the Narikala side. From the upper area near the fortress, follow signs towards the botanical garden entrance and go in from the top, then let the route naturally carry you downhill through the gorge towards the Abanotubani side of town.
If you are deciding how long to allow, two hours is a comfortable baseline for a first visit, and comfortable shoes matter here (as I mentioned above, it’s huge!).
Abanotubani/Chreli Abano Bathhouse
Tucked into the domed rooftops of the Abanotubani bath district, this is the sulphur-bath experience that most people picture when they imagine Tbilisi: ornate brickwork, turquoise details, and that unmistakable mineral scent in the steam as you step inside.
The most important practical detail is this: if you choose the public bathing areas, you bathe nude. The spaces are separated for men and women, but if you would rather keep things simple (or you are visiting as a couple), book a private room instead. These rooms are extremely popular, so it is worth reserving in advance rather than turning up and hoping.
When you book a private room, expect it to feel more like a compact spa suite than a communal bath. Rooms typically include a sulphur pool (some have hot and cold pools), a shower area, and a small corner for resting between dips. If you want the classic bathhouse add-on, you can also arrange a traditional scrub (kessa).
Official opening hours are 09:00–23:00 daily, which makes this a very easy evening plan after dinner or a long day of walking.
Chronicles of Georgia
There are so many hilltops with historic sites in Tbilisi. This one is about a 30-minute taxi ride northeast from the city centre but totally worth visiting. Chronicles of Georgia is an unfinished structure with etchings that tell the story of Georgia’s history plus the life of Jesus Christ.
It’s really impressive and much bigger than you expect! It will take a while to absorb the whole area and walk up the stairs too. You can walk around the Chronicles of Georgia for free at any time.
Orbeliani Square/Bazari Orbeliani
While Orbeliani Square is nice, the main reason you should visit is to eat at Bazari Orbeliani. It’s a contemporary food market with international stalls. It’s the perfect place for a casual dinner. Check out the upper floor for a great bar serving global craft beers.
Bazari Orbeliani is open from 11:00 AM – midnight Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, it stays open until 1:00 AM.
Tabor Monastery Viewpoint
There really are so many amazing viewpoints in Tbilisi, but my favourite is from Tabor Monastery. Walk up there in time to watch the sunset from where it’s located on top of the hill. It takes around 45 minutes to walk up there from Chreli Abano Bath House, so set off early.
Georgian Cooking Class
You probably don’t know much about Georgian cuisine before visiting Tbilisi. We took this super fun khinkali and khachapuri cooking class and recommend you do the same! Khinkali are local dumplings and khachapuri is a cheesy flatbread from the Imereti region.
It’s a 2.5-hour comprehensive experience. Enjoy a glass of Georgian wine to wash down your delicious meal!
Where To Eat in Tbilisi
Tbilisi is at its best when you eat without overplanning: one proper Georgian meal a day (Georgian food is some of the best in the world) and a few café stops to break up the sightseeing.
- Entre was my repeat spot for coffee and pastries, mostly because it was close and consistently excellent. Bright, calm, and ideal for solo mornings or a gentle work session with a laptop.
- Cafe Linville is cosy and slightly old-fashioned, perfect for cake and a slow reset between walks. Best for solo pottering or a low-key catch-up rather than a full meal.
- Cafe Stamba is the stylish brunch choice with good coffee and a scene, especially if you can sit outside. Go early or on a weekday if you want it relaxed, because peak times can feel crowded.
- Keto and Kote is where I would book for a proper Georgian dinner, especially for a date night. Order khinkali and a couple of share plates, and reserve ahead for evenings.
- Alubali is casual and unfussy, good when you want something easy with Turkish coffee on the side. I would come here solo or for an uncomplicated dinner before another wander.
- Shavi Lomi is a strong lunch option when you want fresher, lighter plates, especially near Fabrika. Great for a midday break, solo or with friends.
- Iasamani is the candlelit pick near the botanical garden, made for slow evenings and shared Georgian classics. If you are going at prime dinner time, book ahead.
- Ninia’s Garden is about the courtyard and the linger, best on a warm evening with a long, unhurried meal. Ideal for friends or a soft date night.
- Tsiskvili is popular for a reason, particularly the flatbreads, and it works when you want reliable, lively, and easy for groups. The trade-off is that it can feel a little polished and tourist-leaning, so I would not make it your only “big dinner” in town.
Staying Covered While Travelling Georgia
If you’re planning to spend more than a couple of weeks in Georgia (or you’re bouncing between countries like I often do), having proper health and travel protection is essential. I’ve been subscribed to SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Complete since we started travelling full-time, and it’s been a perfect fit.
Covering both unexpected medical issues and routine health needs like check-ups, it also includes extended travel protection for things like trip interruption or lost luggage – which is exactly the kind of peace of mind I need while moving between countries!
It’s flexible, works in over 175 countries, and can be activated even if you’re already abroad. Their online claims process has been really quick and easy in my experience, and it’s given me peace of mind all over the world.
Is Tbilisi safe for tourists?
For most travellers, Tbilisi feels straightforward and low-stress, especially in the central neighbourhoods you are likely to spend your time in. As with any city, keep your normal street sense, watch your belongings in crowded areas, and be cautious with late-night drinks.
How many days in Tbilisi do you need?
Two full days is enough for a first-time itinerary that covers the Old Town, the main viewpoints, the baths, and a few food and café stops. Three days is where Tbilisi becomes more relaxed, because you can add Mtatsminda properly, spend time around Fabrika and markets, and still have room for slow evenings and long lunches.
What is the best time to visit Tbilisi?
Spring and early autumn are the sweet spots, with warm days that suit walking and evenings that still feel lively. October is often close to perfect in Tbilisi, with crisp nights and clear skies, though the city can be windy.
How do you get from Tbilisi Airport to the city centre?
The simplest budget option is municipal bus 337, which runs daily from 06:59 to 22:59. The fare is 1 GEL and it includes a 90-minute window for unlimited travel when you pay with a MetroMoney card or a contactless bank card.
Is Tbilisi walkable?
Yes, especially through the historic centre, Sololaki, and the river-adjacent parts of town, but the hills are not decorative. Plan your days so you are wandering downhill when you can, and use the metro or a Bolt ride for the uphill returns.
Is Tbilisi expensive?
Compared with many European capitals, Tbilisi can feel good value, especially for food, cafés, and day-to-day transport. Costs rise quickly if you lean into upscale dining, private bathhouse rooms, and frequent taxis.
Plan Your Trip With This Tbilisi Travel Guide
From the winding streets of the Old Town to the picturesque hills and the delicious cafes with courtyards, I hope you’ll find lots to pique your interest in this Tbilisi travel guide.
Fewer people speak English than you might be used to if you mostly travel in Europe and North America. The metro system might be less extensive. But Tbilisi is the ideal place to step outside of your comfort zone.
