Tbilisi 3-Day Itinerary for first-time travellers

Tbilisi will come as such a surprise. You can find a lot of photos and videos of popular cities like Rome and Paris. But I bet most people don’t know what Tbilisi is like. In fact, it is quite hard for me to describe as well. I can say that it is pretty cool. The city is super-chilled, relaxed, creative and has an amazing artistic vibe. It is expected from the country that invented the art of winemaking. But somewhere in all of it, you will also find more earthy, historic and traditional elements rooted in their culture and orthodox religion.

I have to admit, initially I had mixed feelings. Georgia offers a lot of natural beauty, but first impressions may seem run-down. I arrived in Tbilisi from Baku, a city with all the glitz and glamour built with oil money. But you will need some time to explore Tbilisi and let it grow on you. Once you see and feel its vibe, it is hard to forget.

I spent a week here with a few day trips around the city. But you can cover a lot of it in 3 days. However, pace yourself as you like and pick things that you would enjoy more. My 3-day Tbilisi itinerary can be a lot, so trim it down as you like.

If you stay at the heart of the city, you can probably cover most of the place on foot since most sightseeing points are located around the centre. But for those who are not, you can take the metro, which you can pay for using the ‘metromoney’ card. It can be bought at the subway stations. 

Tbilisi also has a wide network of buses, and you can pay using the same card or cash. Check the bus routes on Tbilisi Bus Route app or even Google Maps. If you are looking for more convenience, taxis are affordable, and you can book one using the Bolt app. It is good to keep some small denominations of cash in hand.

The absolutely best area to stay in Tbilisi is the Old Town. Now, you may get confused about exactly what area I am suggesting since the Old Town itself is huge. But look at the area between the Liberty Square, Mother of Georgia and the Mktvari River. The areas near Guasihvilli Square, Albano Street and Kote Afkhazi Street are especially nice. You can find most of the places to visit within walking distance, with great places to eat and enjoy views of the Mktvari River whenever you want. 

Here are some hotel recommendations that you’ll like:

Boutique  Hotels: Amante Narikala Boutique Hotel, No12 Boutique Hotel, Kisi Boutique Hotels

Apartment / Homes: 19th century, Pomegranate in Old Tbilisi, Millennium Tbilisi

Luxury Hotels: Ambassadori Tbilisi Hotel, Qarvasla, Glarros OldTown

If you are flying to Georgia, Tbilisi will probably be your first stop. In that case, start with the best places to visit in Tbilisi. Visit the old town of the city, which harbours great charm, architectural beauty and great places to eat. You can do this at your own pace and simply enjoy strolling around the town. Make sure you have good walking shoes with you if you are planning to follow this trail on foot.

Start your day by visiting the Mother of Georgia, a beautiful giant 20-m statue perched on top of the hill, visible from all of Tbilisi. The statue of the Mother of Georgia, aka Kartlis Deda, is symbolic in a way. She holds a bowl full of wine in one hand, welcoming friends in warm hospitality, and a sword in the other symbolising the nation’s strength to defend itself. It overlooks the city and the valley with a protective gaze over its citizens.

You can reach the statue of the Mother of Georgia in three different ways. The best way is to take the cable car from Rike Park to Narikala Cable Car and walk from there. The cable car runs every day from 10 am to 10 pm. If you are looking for a challenge, you can also walk all the way here with mostly stairs via Betlam Street from the city. You can also take a short 5-minute cab ride to the statue.

The spot gives a lovely aerial view of the town on a clear day. During the tourist season, you can also find several shops selling snacks and coffee right next to it. The next few stops will be part of the trail that you follow from here.

Narikala Fortress is a massive fortress structure that you will find once you walk east from the Mother of Georgia. But you will probably find it inaccessible due to ongoing restorations. As per locals, due to the size and scope of the fortress, the restoration has been going on for years now and may continue well into the future. So you can simply admire the view without entering. 

The initial fortress was rather small, dating all the way back to the 4th century, built by the Persians. It was expanded by the Arabs in the 7th and 8th centuries, and large sections were added by David, the builder, in the 11th century. The fortress was mainly used as a vantage point for defence by the military in wars. You can still visit St. Nicholas Church in the lower court of the fort. Dress modestly and cover your head if you plan to visit.

If you are ready for a long walk and the weather permits it, definitely put the Botanical Garden on your list. You may have to find your way into the garden on this route since it’s not that easy to find, but once you are here, you can enjoy a lovely, serene walk into a forest-like garden. This protected area is home to a variety of plants and flower species that will make your heart sing. Not to forget, you will come across waterfalls, small bridges and beautiful statues and fountains on your way.

Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes since some parts may be devoid of pavement. The terrain is also uneven, so expect to put in some effort to navigate through. It may not be suitable for strollers or people with limited movement.

There are mini-themed gardens built into the space, like a bamboo forest and a Japanese garden. But you will have to put some effort into navigating through the space. Keep some time in your hands for this. You will need a ticket with a nominal entry price to the garden.

The Sulphur Baths are the essence of Georgia and, more importantly, Tbilisi. The baths date back all the way to the Silk Route, when merchants used to make a stop here to relax and enjoy a warm bath. Sulphur baths are known for their rejuvenating and therapeutic properties. In fact, the city of Tbilisi was founded by King Vakhtang Gorgasali after looking at these sulphur baths and being so impressed. The word ‘Tbilisi’ itself comes from the Georgian word ‘warm’.

You can find several bathhouses here. There are public baths that are affordable but basic, like Bathhouse №5, and then there are private ones like Chreli-Abano or Orbeliani Baths that are pricier but look better and have added facilities. If you have the time, go ahead and book a bath for yourself. Unless you have some understanding of the locals and the language, I suggest you go ahead with the private baths. Otherwise, you can just enjoy the view and soak in a part of the history.

Don’t forget to stop at the Bridge of Love right next to the baths. The bridge is filled with colourful locks, each signifying a wish or commitment. The bridge makes a charming sight for some photos.

Head over to the Old Town area to grab some lunch. The Old Town of Tbilisi is the heart of the city and an absolute favourite of tourists and locals. The vibrant neighbourhoods have numerous cafes, hotels, and shopping galleries, restaurants, and nightbars located in nooks and corners that will make you want to explore this place on foot. You can spend some time in and around Jan Shardeni Street, an area filled with unique cafes and restaurants with a vibrant vibe. These can be comparatively pricier, though. 

If you want a more homely and authentic vibe, you can check out some of the many humble mom-and-pop restaurants, which are usually owned by local families and feature more local flavours and warmth.

Once you’ve finished lunch, take the rest of the day slow and enjoy wandering through the Old Town. The town is full of great cafés, restaurants, retail stores and souvenir shops that you can explore at your own pace. You will find locals and tourists alike enjoying a slow-paced day in the public areas. As you wander, you will come across beautiful churches and several museums that will give you a glimpse of Georgian history, something that isn’t widely known.

Depending upon the time on your hands, you can check out some of the many churches, temples and museums below:

Zion Cathedral of the Dormition of Tbilisi

Great Synagogue

Tbilisi Wine Museum

Tbilisi History Museum

Ateshgah Zoroastrian Temple

Museum of History of Georgian Jews

Make your way to Gudaishvili Square and spend some time there. The square has been named after a popular Georgian artist, Lado Gudaishvili. The historical square is significant because of the several heritage buildings located here, historically important to Tbilisi.

You can find the building housing the publication ‘Literary Georgia’ here, also known as ‘The Blue House’, located on the corner of the square and Lermontov Street. It is one of the oldest in Tbilisi, which was once the headquarters and officers’ hotel of the Crown Prince of Russia and the Russian Army.

Today, you may find people playing music, drawing or creating some art. You can join in on people watching and sit around to relax with a snack or coffee in hand. The fountain in the middle adds a lovely touch to the space.

The old walls of the city are buried under the new city. And this is the spot where you can see them exposed, layer by layer. It seems like some archaeologists dug up the past and did not know what to do, so they left it as it was and built the city around it. It is pretty much part of the landscape; you don’t have boundaries or a gated area. You can simply walk, pass by and take photographs. 

The old walls date back several centuries, but the notable walls were built in the 11th to 13th centuries. Although you can find newer buildings built over the old ones as time passes. As you walk around, you can also find an underpass with old coins and pottery from that time.

You may want to time this one because the clock tower is at its whimsical best when the clock strikes every hour. The tower looks something out of a fairy tale or maybe a cartoon movie. It was designed by the renowned puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze.

Every hour, a small puppet of an angel and a hammer appears from the inside that the visitors can enjoy. The clock tower is located as a part of the city, and you can simply walk to it and enjoy the architecture as well as the puppet show.

After a long day of a lot of art and culture, end your day in Old Town with some dinner and drinks. If you don’t know by now, Georgia is the birthplace of wine, and they make one hell of a wine. So find yourself a wine bar and enjoy some local flavours. The wine hits hard here and is a paradise for wine-lovers. If you are not into wine, dig into some warm, delicious Georgian food.

On the first day, you experienced the historical and cultural side of Tbilisi. Today, you will explore the modern side of Tbilisi with lots of art. One of the most wonderful things about Tbilisi is that art is embedded in its being.

You don’t have to go out of your way to find it or even pay for it. You will encounter it on your way to the supermarket, and it is upto you if you want to take a moment to appreciate it. We still have a lot of walking to do today.

Mtatsminda Park is an iconic amusement park located on an adjacent cliff to Tbilisi, giving a lovely aerial view of the city. However, unlike most amusement parks, you don’t need to pay to enter. You can purchase individual tickets to the rides here if you choose to ride them.

To reach the park, you can use the funicular, which is the most popular way that starts at the base station. Another way is to take the cable car to the top from Cable Car Station. You can also take a bus (take bus routes N90 and N124 from the Rustaveli metro station) taxi ride to the top if that is what you prefer.

The park has great views of the city, is very child-friendly and has a lively atmosphere in general, especially during the weekends. Rides are basic, and some may even seem dated, but they can evoke nostalgia from your childhood. If you are not too keen on the rides, just wander around the place for some good food and quirky views.

Rustaveli Avenue is an important boulevard located on the other side of the Liberty Square. The 1.5 km street is named after the famous medieval Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli and has significant landmarks. You can find 19th and 20th century buildings of political importance, government offices, museums, galleries and many open art installations that are architecturally diverse. 

It also has some lovely restaurants and cafes if you would like to stop here for lunch. You can check out Odjaleche House Restaurant, Salobie Bia and Restaurant Margalita for some authentic Georgian cuisine.

For some cafe experience, check out Tsereteli Modern Art Gallery (cafe with art sculptures), The Museum – a healthy & artsy cafe and SPOT by CHITI.

Here are some architecturally notable places to visit on Rustaveli Avenue:

1. Parliament of Georgia Building

2. Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theatre

3. Kashveti Church

4. The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi

5. The Gabashvili House

6. Giorgi Leonidze Park

Rustaveli Avenue is a cultural hub and artistic magnet for people in Georgia and beyond. And I have never seen so much celebration and appreciation of contemporary art in a city yet. You will find art in parks, on squares, on streets and on buildings. It is inspiring. So if you have the time and interest in art, consider visiting some of the many museums and exhibitions here. Some focus on art, others on history and culture.

Most museums and galleries have an entrance fee (sometimes priced heavily). So check online on their website before visiting, so you know if it’s worth it. Here are some museums to check out:

1. MoMA Tbilisi

2. Tbilisi Digital Space

3. Georgian Museum of Fine Arts

4. Lado Gudiashvili Exhibition Hall

5. Fotografia Gallery

If you are walking around the area, don’t forget to stop at some unique art installations in this area. You can put The Giant Bicycle Monument and Apple of Love on your map to visit.

End your day at Liberty Square at the end of Rustaveli Street. The square is significant in Georgian history. It was initially named Erivansky Square after a Ukrainian general who conquered present-day Yerevan for the Russian Imperial Empire. It was later renamed Beria Square and Lenin Square under the Soviet Union. The square is an important gathering space for Georgians for public protests and public assembly alike.

e=”font-weight: 400;”>You can find a bust statue of Alexander Pushkin, a russian poet, next to the square inside Pushkin Park. The statue of Lenin was initially installed on the square, which was eventually torn down. As of now, a large statue of St. George stands there slaying a dragon.

From here, you can either cross over towards the Old Town and spend the evening at the hot spots or go back to Rustaveli Avenue and enjoy the evening there. Some of the popular wine bars and restaurants at Rustaveli Avenue are 8000 Vintages, Wine Point Tbilisi and Champagneria.

On the third and last day of your travel in Tbilisi, you can cover the eastern side of the town across the Mtkvari River. Start your day in the quirky side of Tbilisi with some shopping in the old markets, enjoy the afternoon around the banks of the River Mtkvari and enjoy the evening taking in the views of the biggest and one of the most beautiful churches of Tbilisi.

Here is yet another awe-inspiring space in Tbilisi that makes this city so culturally diverse and vibrant, especially for the young-at-heart. Fabrika is a multi-utility community space and a cultural hub that has been renovated from a Soviet-era sewing factory. The space hosts hostels, urban-style cafes, co-working spaces, artist studios, multi-cuisine restaurants and a large open space courtyard, which is their community space where they host events.

If you are interested in staying here (this is not a paid post), you can check out their rooms and accommodations on Fabrika hostel official website. Otherwise, you can simply enjoy some time exploring unique studios, cafes, and maybe you will be able to find an exciting event going on to participate in and enjoy.

You can take another slightly long walk to the next stop of the Bridge of Peace or hop on a bus. The Bridge of Peace is a pedestrian bridge of modern architecture symbolising Georgia’s aspirations gravitating towards a European-centric identity. It was designed by an Italian architect, Michelle De Lucchi, with modern features built primarily with glass and steel, creating a strong contrast with Tbilisi’s old town. 

The Bridge of Peace is one of the highlights of Tbilisi city and is visible as a central point when viewing the city from above at any of the photo spots. So it’s hard to miss. But do try to visit the bridge once in the evening as well. The bridge orchestrates a light show at approximately 9 pm, featuring over 10,000 LED lights, creating a lovely display.

As you cross over the Bridge of Peace to the other side, you will enter Rike Park. You may have already visited the park to take the cable car up to Mother of Georgia. But if you haven’t, you can enjoy a little time in this lovely park before heading onwards. The park has several modern art sculptures and installations to browse through, so just enjoy some outdoor time. It is especially beautiful during the evening after sunset when it’s lit with LED lights. 

There is also a hot air balloon ride at the park that goes upto 150m every 20 minutes and gives a sweet aerial view of the surrounding areas. You can buy the ticket online or at the ticket counter at the park itself.

If you haven’t had your lunch yet, you can stop at one of the many family restaurants in the area. Right behind Rike Park is a cluster of family-owned restaurants that look simple but are cosy and affordable. You can check out Home Kitchen, Kinkhali House in Avlabari and Kachapuri House. There are also several wine shops and bars nearby if you want to enjoy some.

The next stops are Queen Darejani Palace and Fort of Isani. Unfortunately, you cannot enter them, and they are mostly significant as historic landmarks. Queen Darejan Palace, or Sachino Palace, is an old royal summer residence. The palace is a unique blend of Persian, Georgian and European styles and was built with river stones and Georgian bricks.

The most unique feature is a blue circular balcony that still runs on top of the tower, visible from outside. Today, the palace has been converted into a Women’s monastery and a House of Mercy, also running a hospice.

Right next to the palace stands the ruins of the Fort of Isani or ‘Hisni’, which itself means a fortress. The fortress, located at an extremely strategic position next to the river, was also a palace during the 12th-13th century, housing the royal palace and court church. The Metekhi church, next to it, was also a part of the fortress complex. You can check out the fortress ruins today as you pass by.

Metekhi Church is a significant landmark in Tbilisi, not just in terms of history but also its location. You may be able to spot the church as you sightsee around the town. The church was built between 1278 and 1289, though some traces date it even back to the 5th century. The church was part of the fortress complex and overlooks the Old Town in its strategic location.

You can not just enjoy the church and its architecture, but the views of the Mktvari river are charming. On the outer side stands the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi city. Since the church holds active prayer ceremonies, make sure to dress modestly. Women must carry a scarf to cover their heads.

Although you have been to the Old Town but today is more about shopping and souvenirs. As you cross the Metekhi Bridge right after Metekhi Church, you can find several local shops selling souvenirs and memorabilia.

I found Georgia’s souvenir offerings quite wild. From alcoholic beverages like wine, chacha, churchkhela to carpets, pottery, horn glasses, minakari, to honey, spices and more, you can find a wide variety of products both in terms of souvenirs and prices. I found the prices fair at these places, but you can check if you can get some added discounts.

Right across the ‘I love Tbilisi’ sign is Meidan Bazaar, which is a lovely underground market for artisanal crafts. You will find similar stuff here as well, but curated with better finesse, along with handicrafts that are even more unique.

It is time to visit one of the best places in Tbilisi, reserved to end your travel with something memorable. The Holy Trinity Cathedral is a recent landmark that has been added to the city’s landscape, with construction taking place between 1995 and 2004 as a symbol of Georgian national and spiritual revival. It is massive in size and is visible from most viewpoints in Tbilisi. Also known as Sameba, it is the tallest church in Georgia and was built in traditional Georgian and Byzantine style.

The reason I have added this visit in the evening is that the church truly looks splendid after dark, lit in yellow lights. Take your time to go in and visit the beautiful interiors of the church with frescoes and orthodox rituals. Make sure you are dressed appropriately, and women should carry a scarf or a hat to cover their heads. There are lovely gardens nearby, so you can take a stroll and spend some time there. 

I hope you have a great time in Tbilisi. There is so much to do, but do this at your own pace. Tbilisi can be a bit difficult for people with limited movement and strollers since some terrain is hilly. So you can either take it slow or get a cab, which is quite affordable. Don’t forget to enjoy some wine since they make excellent ones.