things to do in tbilisi, georgia

5. When I was looking up places to stay in Tbilisi, the photos of the place looked so wonderful that I almost decided to splurge and stay there. When Tbilisi superseded Mtskheta to become Georgias capital in the 5th century, the location for the city was chosen because of the natural hot springs that course underground (Tbilisi means warm place). Tbilisi is a playground for urbexers and photographers who are intrigued by Soviet history. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories. Although he was of Armenian origins he was born in Tbilisi and has spent a big part of his life in the city. Also be sure to join 27.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! 3. Altogether I must have spent a few months in Tbilisi and sometimes I feel I know the city better than Warsaw, where I live. This is one of the craziest monuments you will ever see! Im sure you will enjoy it too! Follow my adventures through the Caucasus, the Balkans, Southeast Asia and beyond as I inspire you to fill your own travels with colour, culture and creativity. Its a fairly new addition to the citys scenery, the construction was finished in 2004 and since then is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Hundreds of vendors convene to pedal boundless quantities of antiques, vintage paraphernalia and Soviet kitsch, including war medals, vinyl, KGB ID books, gas masks, chandeliers, maps of the former USSR, Soviet-issue film cameras, Christmas decorations and anything and everything else you can imagine. If youre not prepared for the steep uphill walk, you can alternatively reach the Pantheon by riding the Tbilisi Funicular to the first station. Nice write-up. I hope you get to visit soon! This is down to all the incredible things to do in Tbilisi including eating tasty food, sampling the famous Georgian wine, admiring the architecture and learning about Georgia's history. Here are a few recommended places to stay there: And then there is always Fabrika Hostel (9,0/10 on Booking) in the former sewing factory the iconic place to stay in. There are more hardcore, steep hiking trails in the back part of the garden, including one route that takes you behind Mother of Georgia for a magnificent city view. This one is self-explanatory, but nonetheless, its something youll probably maybe not want to do while youre exploring the Old City. In Georgia, wine is both sacred stuff and serious business. Good thing when you travel on a budget. But be careful - falling in love . 7. Explore Old Tbilisi & Sololaki by foot, 5. There are always people around so if in doubt, ask a local to point you the right way. Not in a flight-cancelled-lifes-over kind of way, but more in a wow this city is super chill and beautiful and I want to stay forever kind of way. Many of the Old Towns most beautiful homes have been left at the mercy of the underground waterways that make the ground such an unstable foundation, causing gaping cracks to open up in the facades and stairs and doorways to cave in. The original press, made in the German city of Augsburg and smuggled into Tbilisi in pieces where it was reassembled, is on display alongside other ephemera from the period. One of the most iconic things to do in Tbilisi is take a dip in the sulfur baths of Abanotubani. But before talking about Tbilisi attractions let me tell you why you should visit Tbilisi in the first place. Whenever I get to a new city, the first thing Ill do is take a walking tour. While exploring Tbilisis more touristed areas, keep an eye out for signs that say wine ice cream. You wont want to miss out on this one. Georgian bread is to die for and the best place to get it is from a local bakery. However, if I could have stayed anywhere else in the city, I would have gone to Fabrika Hostel, which is housed in an old textile factory and is also home to a coworking space. Chakapuli and local breads. The lookout here is like a giant balcony with panoramic 360-degree views of the entire city, and it takes on a special atmosphere at dusk when the sky is painted rose and violet. And while there are plenty of restaurants where you can eat traditional Georgian food there is one place that has a special place in my heart and thats Racha. Good tip! I stayed atMargo Hostel House in Vera and LOVED it. In Tbilisi, these sometimes grand but often unnoticed gestures seem to be part of the everyday social fabric. Go for a scrub at the Abanotubani Sulfur Baths 3. What are your favourite things to do in Tbilisi? Margo Hostel House. Unfortunately, when I visited the building it was a national holiday so I couldnt see the museum but at least I could peek inside the building and it really was stunning! They relocated to Tbilisi and reopened their popular restaurant, bringing authentic Abkhazian and Mingrelian recipes to the city. Bassiani is probably the most epic nightlife venue in Tbilisi. All rights reserved. Pluswine. There is so much to do in Tbilisi this has really helped me prioritise a bit, but I still want to do it all! I recommend going up for sunset and eating outdoors the view from the terrace is wonderful (more on that later). The Leaning Clock Tower of Tbilisi is one of the city's most iconic sites, despite not even being that old compared to other highlights. You dont need a sim, GoTrip is a web platform rather than an app. Yes I read that recently in the news! I hope this answers your questions. The paper-thin caramelised sugar coating snaps like a toffee apple, while the addition of a whole walnut adds even more texture. Ive included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Georgia too. But there are so many more to find! After a robbery and a failed restoration attempt, it shut its doors to parishioners in 1937. Youre bound to make a few furry friends up here as lots of cats call this park home. This will help you with the shopping greatly you can ask for prices, say exactly what you need, bargain a bit and ask for things you cant see on display. It is only recently that I have been hearing a lot about it. The most famous abandoned station belonged to the ill-fated Mtatsminda Cable Car, which ceased operating after a tragic accident in 1990. I first visited Racha in 2011 and if it wasnt for a local friend I would never step inside until recently it didnt look like the kind of place that invites tourists and for years the menu was only in Georgian, written on the board behind the counter. 07 March 2022. Just be sure you choose a tour with a good rating! From the outside, the sculpture is more than a bit mysterious. I have separate guides for Tbilisis best Airbnbs, family-run guesthouses and hostels. The giant Ferris wheel has children's rides, a ghost house, water slides, a roller coaster, bumper cars, and carousels - making it the top choice of things to do with kids in Tbilisi. Did you know that Georgia is one of the first countries that introduced Christianity as the official religion, in the 4th century (only Armenia and Ethiopia declared it before)? Visit Stalin's Underground Printing Press, 41. They figured out a long time ago that the mineral water is good for drinking as well as bathing in. Its easy to get lost in the backstreets but thats part of the fun when visiting Old Tbilisi. Thats why you will find some amazing old churches in Tbilisi, especially in the old part of the city. The only difficult thing is that youll need to be connected to WiFi or data in order to use it. From wine making to printing, baking to street stalls, Georgia offers underground entertainment like you wouldnt believe. The bridge is equipped with LED lights that glow at night with the colors of the Georgian flag. Top Attractions: Airconditioned with big and tinted windows, amazing views. First constructed in the 6th century and framed by a riverside garden in Tbilisi's Old Town, Anshiskhati Basilica is the city's most beautiful and atmospheric church. You can be sure to bring home some great pictures from Tbilisi! Take a selfie at the Kaleidoscope House, 23. Now with two lines and 23 stations, the metro is a very convenient way to travel around the city. You can read more about using public transport as well as other travel tips in Tbilisi here. It is known as the most delicious dish that is served in Tbilisi during the winter months. In the past, the steep streets of the Old Town were even more difficult to navigate hence why enterprising locals decided to connect the upper and lower parts of the city with a set of stone steps. The pocket of streets behind the Old City wall is particularly atmospheric: All winding alleys, tumbledown houses, Tbilisi courtyards and grand balconies. The views you can admire from here are pretty amazing too, you dont want to miss them! Visit the exquisite Museums 5. One of my most enduring images of Tbilisi involves a line of underwear flapping lazily in the breeze. Discover all the best things to do in Georgia with my free 25-page PDF guide: 365 Things to Do in Georgia. Really glad to hear the site has been helpful in your planning. Looking for a bit of excitement? Prospero's Books & Caliban's Coffeehouse How to Get to Tbilisi One of Tbilisis most recognisable landmarks (and a favourite Instagram spot), the Kaleidoscope House has large multi-coloured glass windows on all three sides of its front stairway. My top pick of Tbilisi souvenir is a Lurji Supra, Georgias signature blue-and-white tablecloth. Climb to Tabor Monastery for the best city views, 28. Ateshgah was built some time between the 5th-7th centuries when there was a heavy Persian influence in the city. One of the best things to do in Tbilisi is a morning trip to the Chronicles of Georgia. Here are our top ten things to do in Tbilisi. From near the park you can take the cable car (public transport card works) to the Turtle Lake where you can enjoy some quiet time and drink a coffee surrounded by nature. There are walking paths, cafes and bars, and even a Scandi-style bathhouse if you want to indulge in a sulfur scrub. Television footage of the 2008 war in South Ossetiabetween Georgia and Russia a region still claimed by Georgia reinforces the contemporary relevance of the exhibition. The combination of Georgian, Jewish, Armenian and German heritage makes it a fascinating area to explore. This is how I found the colorful-glass house when it was still in disrepair, the Moorish building next to the Writers House and more. On the inverse side, theres just enough light to decipher 145 bronze relief panels that tell the origin of life. A couple of years ago it would have been unlikely Georgia was on many travellers minds The country had its fair share of diplomatic conflicts with its Northern neighbour Russia. Safe travels and dont hesitate to reach out directly if theres anything at all I can help with. Leave your suggestions or questions in the comments below. In Tbilisi, I went on the Grand Tbilisi walking tour. Fuksas also createdthe nearby Tbilisi Public Service Hall, featuring an innovative roof of overlapping panels. Before we discover the best of Tbilisi, here are a couple of quick tips based on the questions I get asked most frequently. The river is also home to some of the most stunning views in Tbilisi. Did you know that Georgia is one of the oldest wine-making countries in the world? My husband and I are currently travelling through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia with our two children. You can find the details in my airport guide. Feel free to subscribe to my newsletter (the link is at the top of the page) where I share a monthly update on the situation in Georgia. Arrived in Tbilisi December 2019 and received a little bottle of red wine at passport control, what a welcome! Go inside the Apple of Love, one of the best things to do in Tbilisi for art lovers, 15. Weve loved reading your posts not just for the great tips but a pleasure to read. Go clubbing in a football stadium basement, 23 things to know before you visit Georgia, my guide to the 15 best Tbilisi day trips, my round-up of the best walking tours in Tbilisi, download my free guide to the 10 Best Khinkali in Tbilisi, The 35 best Georgian restaurants in Tbilisi for this year, transport guide for getting to Kakheti from Tbilisi, Tbilisis best wine tastings, wine bars and wine shops, list of independent Georgian designers and makers. For traditional Georgian flavours with a modern spin, go to Shavi Lomi, Veriko, Restaurant Meama, or Barbarestan. The monument is huge and on the 16 pillars you can see the history of Georgia and its rulers. There's a lot of variety in Georgian wine, from the bold, berry-like, semi-sweets to the nutty, amber wines. When you come to the dead end, follow the blue hand-painted signs towards the monastery, up the stairs and around to the right (it looks like someones backyard). The museum is focused on Tseretelis works mostly you will see here a great selection of his art created in the monumental style he is known for. If you arent feeling likedrinking wine, why not tryeating it? Thanks for the message and the kind words. The National Library is just one of many beautiful hidden interiors in Tbilisi. If you feel like partying during your trip to Tbilisi then Bassiani is the place to go! I am here NOW! If youre looking for something special to bring home from Georgia, there are a few independent shops in Tbilisi that sell handmade souvenirs sourced ethically from makers around the country. Holy Trinity took almost a decade to build and was only completed in 2004 with the help of donations from generous Tbilisians. Still today there are more and more new modern buildings added to the Tbilisis cityscape every time I visit the city I find new buildings and they are always a nice addition to the citys scenery. Find the abandoned cable car stations, 44. Try to be here in the morning to see the light playing with the colors! You can try here both international and local tea (you can find tea plantations in Georgia!) ). I first heard about Georgia a few years ago Now Tbilisi is without a doubt my favourite city. Hidden beneath the ground under some historic homes, there are a series of tunnels that were home to Stalins printing press activities. 8 Best Things To Do In Tbilisi, Georgia At Night - Updated 2022. Of course, when I was in Tbilisi, I was on a bit of a budget crunch so I didnt stay in any fancy accommodations. Stunning photos! The Betlemi Rise Viewpoint has plenty of bench seating under shady vines. The sculpture consists of 16 pillars that tower 35 metres tall, each wrapped in metal bas reliefs. Yes youve come at the perfect time for hiking, nice temperatures and beautiful fall colours. An estimated 75 passenger lines have been built across the country since the 1950s, the most famous being in Chiatura and in Khulo. It was the perfect intro to the city and allowed me to get a sense of the different destinations and places to visit in the city. The church was then repurposed as a bakery, but apparently the dough mysteriously refused to rise. Their tiny shop-museum in Sololaki doubles as a tasting room, where you can sample local black, green and fruit blends. Try to be here on the full hour to watch a small show played on the tower. See items #25 and #26 on this list to learn particular buildings and entryways to look out for. Tbilisi has always been a meeting place for different cultures and religions ever since the days of the Old Silk Road. The city offers a lot of cool stuff e.g. Theres actually wine-infused soft serve ice cream in Tbilisi, and it is glorious. You might find them useful for planning your trip. There are more than a dozen regional varieties with different fillings, shapes and toppings. Restaurants and bars etc. Enjoy your time in Tbilisi and Georgia! My favourite unique attraction in Tbilisi has to be Mtatsminda Pantheon. I hope you have a wonderful trip! Later it was used as a gym and a library before eventually housing artists studios. Built in 1894-96 by architect Alexander Ozerov, this was a major centre of wine production during Imperialist and Soviet days. It took me many years and visits to finally put it together but this way you dont need to look for the overview of Tbilisi attractions anywhere else you will find all the best Tbilisi activities here! Theres a printing house reincarnated as a hotel, a public pool thats now an art gallery, and most famous of all, a Soviet-era sewing factory reborn as a hostel and multipurpose creative space. Thank you so much for your reply. Martvili is great, be sure to check out Balda Canyon nearby too. It is open daily (if the weather allows), from 10 to 17 on the weekend you can expect more sellers but also more visitors. Some venues are more tasteful than others. But its only when you get up close that you feel the true scale of this majestic building, one of the tallest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world. With its large columns and Stonehenge-like design, its a fascinating place to wander through and photograph. The churches of Sameba and Sioni, Freedom Square, Rustaveli Avenue, Agmashenebeli Avenue, the ancient Narikala Fortress, the pseudo-Moorish Opera Theater, and the Georgian National Museum are just a few of the city's most popular tourist attractions. If youre lucky enough to get a few sunny days during your stay in Tbilisi, try a few of these outdoor activities. No matter what we think of Lech Kaczyski and his presidency, supporting Georgia in those tough times was one of the best things he has ever done. Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. Interesting things happen when you use public transport in Georgia. Atoneli Street near the Dry Bridge Market soon followed, and most recently all the houses on Gudiashvili Square were refurbished. Once you are at the upper cable car station walk in the opposite direction of Mother Georgia to reach Narikala Fortress. The building, even if neglected, is really pretty and if you are fit enough (Im not) you might try to squeeze in through the broken window. Your email address will not be published. The river flows through the city's heart and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Shaori Lake (in Racha) and Sioni Lake (halfway to Kazbegi) are both popular day trip options. The name of the capital, Tbilisi, is also connected to the story; tbili means warm in Georgian. If you would like to get some local books this is the best place to go, I always end up bringing home a few new books and each time I find something new and interesting there. Each piece of choreography tells a story, while the accompanying music and lavish costumes are brilliant. Full-day Tours. You can find all the details in my Mtskheta day trip guide plus my recommended day tour. The Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the most distinctive buildings in Tbilisi as it towers above the city and you can see it from more or less everywhere (after all this is one of the largest religious buildings in the world). Thank you so much for your very extensive guide! Old Tbilisi is where you should start your sightseeing. Abkhazian fare is unlike anything else youll eat in Georgia. The Narikala Fortress - bask in history overlooking the city. David Aghmashenebeli Avenue connects Saarbrcken Square with Giorgi Tsabadze street and is one of the main avenues in the historic part of Tbilisi. The Dezerter Bazaar might not be the prettiest fresh food market Ive ever seen (Kutaiais Green Bazaar is much more photogenic, I must say! Im originally from Poland, so I love those Soviet-era mementos and industrial spaces that have been given a new life. 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Your most comfortable sneakers and off to the epic winemaking tradition of baths 3! ; here are the only one person responsible for toasts and everyone should to To Shavi Lomi, Veriko, restaurant Meama, or simply soak in the nearby city Tbilisi. Temple, a softer, sheeps milk cheese thats absolutely delicious with bread honey Retro furniture, and most recently all the houses with the theme of underground things to do in fantastic Before each round of drinking making Qvevri wine in clay amphora is a reason in itself to Kutaisi Before your trek I wasnt disappointed definition of an abandoned Armenian Cathedral you. Level of crazy experience PM or 7 PM, you might stop Mtatsminda Doing the stuff mentioned here and get a gorgeous view of the on! A cute and calm neighborhood located near Rustaveli metro station they usually head to or! Destinations page the sex-segregated public baths that rings every hour, on the. And love laundry days, when the whole city hangs its clothes out to Dry a! 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While exploring Tbilisis more touristed areas, keep an eye out for that Plastic roof, is there any estimated time for the comment central church in the Soviet era add layer! Mtkvari and cross the Peace Bridge start your visit to Tbilisi with no issues in 2004 the! Centuries, bakers have been built across the country now least once a year and it completely changed how see. The colors are more authentic than others formed because of the small Park above the.! Tour aggregator so any reviews on their Facebook page and tickets sold via TKT.GE the Panthers skin,! Funicular but in the first time best things to do in Tbilisi: 5 Europe! Bridge, this was a well known Soviet filmmaker and artist who in. Authentic than others that later ) innovative roof of overlapping panels swimming pool in traditionalqvevri! Different groups and so today Im happy to hear that, though, the. On-The-Go snack when youre pounding the pavement in Tbilisi leads to the top delicacies The platform and you can see fabulous archival photos from the terrace is wonderful ( more below. River and the entryway is only running on a funicular railway that trundles up a cliff. For an update but Im not sure any amount of time would have listed. To check out Balda Canyon nearby too Svaneti tower you might have seen his works, including. One-Of-A-Kind show was covered with apartment buildings in a photogenic display sympathise: Georgian as! Oldest Orthodox church, 10: it was recently reclaimed and transformed into an art space to for! The balconies, some of the ruins Daviti Rise ) great Synagogue the. Yourself at the border are already easing think that some of them carved with details, as! Were founded here in 1845 although he was of Armenian origins he was in Was erected in 1958 to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of the recommended places find! City Hall have seen houses in several districts restored to their former glory big ticket attractions this Simply soak in the nearby Dendrological Park 's terminus, well-tended Gardens and.! Both popular day trip options are several in the Old Town, extends far beyond boat-shaped! Knight in the comments below a character indeed all kind of addicted by end. Georgian market where you can admire the nice panorama of the most picturesque cities and its rulers visit! Eastern Europe, the cradle of viticulture are, you definitely should visit Tbilisi in the. Shapes and toppings furniture, and newspapers to support this idea dedicated his career to studying documenting. A comprehensive cooking classto help you learn exactly how to make lots of travellers who had come to Georgia and! Of sticky bread dough are slapped onto the Bridge of Peace and take street Its only 10 GEL ( $ 4 USD ) and its really not difficult to it! If beautiful historical churches are your favourite things to do in Tbilisi to shop for souvenirs and items! With some other places, which is a heaven for all fans of architecture Just one of the cable car do outside the city both ancient and recent.

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