14 Things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia (First-Time Visitor)

The moment I stepped off the bus after a 4-hour bus ride to Tbilisi, my first day in this new city was off to a chaotic start. My phone had decided to give up on me when I set foot off the bus – talk to the bad luck! 

So there I was, completely clueless, in a foreign land without access to my hostel address. But luckily, I was saved! A kind local person noticed my distress, offered help, and pointed me in the right direction without being asked. Amidst all the chaos, something amazing happened – Georgia immediately stole my heart!  From the warm hospitality to its picturesque beauty, it felt like I had found a home away from home. In short, Tbilisi was love at first sight. 

Why you should visit Tbilisi

Before I share the list of things to do in Tbilisi, let me tell you why you should visit this beautiful city. 

Tbilisi, Georgia, is a destination that deserves to be on everyone’s travel list. It could be described as where East meets West and has a plethora of culture and history. From stunning architecture and centuries-old churches to strolls through the Old Town and beautiful landscape, there are plenty of things to do for everyone. 

While there are so many things to see in Tbilisi, this blog will highlight what to do if you visit the country for the first time.

Things to prepare before your visit

• Before traveling to Tbilisi, Georgia, you must have a valid visa. While most nationalities can enter the country visa-free, it is best to check through the official website portal if you need to apply for a visa. The e-Visa is valid for 90 days and allows you to stay in Georgia for up to 30 days. If you travel to Georgia from UAE with a valid UAE residence, you can enter Georgia without a visa. The requirement includes six months of valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and proof of booked accommodation (in case the immigration officer will randomly check).
• If you live in the UAE, there are several direct flights to Tbilisi or Kutaisi Airport. I recommend you browse through Skyscanner for budget-friendly flight options to Georgia. You’re sure to find a great deal that perfectly fits your itinerary.
• When you are traveling, things could go wrong. That is why it is important to buy travel insurance! Allianz Travel offers competitive rate and different levels of protection to match the variety of traveler.
• Georgia uses the Georgian Lari (GEL) and 1 UAE dirhams is almost equal to 1 GEL. Do not exchange Lari in the airport or your country of origin.

How to Get Around from the Airport 

From Tbilisi Airport to City Center

By Bus  – The cheapest way to reach City Center is by bus number 337, which runs between Tbilisi Airport and Station Square via Freedom Square (within walking distance from Old Town). A single trip will cost you 1 GEL, but you must buy a rechargeable MetroMoney Card before you board the bus. You can purchase the card inside the airport from the Bank of Georgia service counter for 2 GEL. The bus departs every 30 minutes from the front of the airport departure hall, and it takes around 50 minutes to reach the city center. 

Private Transfer – If you want a stress-free and comfortable transfer from the airport to the city center, I recommend Gotrip.ge, which offers airport transfers starting from USD 17 per car. This is an excellent option for families and groups or if you have bulky luggage. 

It is recommended to book online in advance – it guarantees that you’ll get a great price and have one thing less to worry about when packing for travel. Plus, all payments are made directly with cash once you’re on-site, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs or haggling.

By Taxi – Book your taxi through Bolt or Yandex from the airport to save time and energy on your first day. Download the app and register to use it with airport wifi before you travel. However, the Bolt app might not work with airport WIFI, but it should be fine if you purchase a local SIM card. 

From Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi

The most convenient and cheapest option for transportation from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi is to take a coach bus from the airport. The journey is comfortable and takes 4 hours to arrive in Tbilisi city center, including a rest stop. Some bus companies service this route, like the highly recommended Georgian Bus or Omnibus. 

To ensure a hassle-free trip, purchasing the bus ticket in advance, either online or at the on-site counter for 20 GEL, is recommended. There are ATMs available inside the airport if you need to withdraw GEL. 

After exiting the airport, you will immediately see the bus right in front. Typically departs approximately one hour after the scheduled arrival time of your flight. 

How to get around Tbilisi

Getting around in Tbilisi is easy and convenient. Public transportation options abound, from the metro system to buses, taxis, and shared rides.

Taxi – I recommend using Bolt or Yandex apps when moving around Tbilisi to avoid bargaining with taxi drivers and allow you to get around more quickly than public transportation. 

Public Transportation – If you wish to use the metro or bus in Tbilisi, you can purchase Travel Card (blue card) for unlimited rides, which will cost you 2 GEL for the card. Once you have the card, go to the Bank of Georgia Express paybox inside the metro station and purchase your subscriptions (English option is available). You can choose from either one day (3 GEL), one week (20 GEL), or monthly up to yearly validity. 

By Foot  – This is the best way to explore the city. The distances between the main attractions in Tbilisi are relatively short.

Top Things to do in Tbilisi

Explore Old Town Tbilisi

To get the most out of your first visit to the city, start by exploring the Old Town Tbilisi. As one of the city’s oldest parts, it is brimming with culture and history; you feel transported back to the old days.

There is so much to see while exploring the Old Town, from winding alleys lined with tumbledown houses to pastel-hued balconies, soviet remnants building that provides an interesting glimpse into the past.  

You can easily spend a day walking around here, exploring the winding alleys, visiting churches, or tasting Georgian wine and food. 

The best way to explore Old Town if you are visiting Georgia for the first time is to join the Tbilisi Free Walking Tours. It overviews Tbilisi and covers most of the city’s significant landmarks. 

Walk Across The Bridge of Peace

When exploring the historic Old Town, it’s hard not to notice the grandeur of The Bridge of Peace. This cable-stayed bridge is open exclusively for pedestrians crossing the Mtkvari River, connecting the Old Town and Rike Park. You can enjoy strolling down the bridge and admiring the metal sculpture while catching a glimpse of the cobblestone streets and ancient buildings from the Old Town. 

You can take the cable car from Rike Park to the Historic Narikala Fortress.  

Explore the Historic Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress is an ancient citadel in Tbilisi, located on the right bank of the Mtkvari River. It is an iconic landmark of the city that every first-time visitor must visit. 

From here, you will glimpse Georgia’s rich historical past. At the top, you can admire the panoramic views of the whole city. Once you enter the tower gate, you’ll find various ruins, rebuilt walls, and the recently restored St. Nicolas Church. 

Be sure to climb atop Narikala via the marked path that leads to the rocky hill where you see the old watchtower (the best spot for a sunset view). 

To reach Narikala Fortress, you can go either by foot or take the cable car from Rike Park. The cable car is open from 9 am to 11 pm in summer and from 10 am to 11 pm in winter, which costs 2.5 GEL one-way. I recommend taking the cable car up and then walking back down.  

The fortress is open 24/7, and entry is free. 

Pay Respect to The Mother Georgia Statue

The Mother Georgia Statue (Kartlis Deda) is another iconic and beloved monument just 500 meters west of Narikala Fortress. She is standing at an impressive 20 meters tall with her left hand holding a bowl of wine (to greet those who come as friends) and a sword in her right hand (for those who come as enemies). It symbolizes hospitality and protection to all who enter the city.  

Beneath the statue, a small viewing platform is attached to her feet, where you can see the city’s panoramic view. 

It is open 24/7, and entry is free. 

Relax at The Botanical Garden of Georgia

The National Botanical Garden of Georgia is located behind the Narikala Fortress. Once inside the Garden’s grounds, you can explore its extensive collection of flowers, the Japanese garden, and the waterfall bridges.

There are two entrances to visit the Botanical Garden, either from Nakirala Fortress’s exit or the near Mother of Georgia statue. If you want more adventure, entering the Botanical Garden by zipline from Nakirala Fortress is possible, which will cost 50 GEL.  

The Botanical Garden is open daily from 9 am to 05:30 pm, and entry costs 4 GEL. 

Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

One of the top sights in Tbilisi is the iconic golden dome church that glows across the city. Located in Elia Hill, this church can be seen almost everywhere. It adds an impressive touch to the Tbilisi skyline from atop hills to down alleyways. 

From a distance, it may seem standard-sized, but its accurate scale will hit you when seen up close. Nine chapels are on the cathedral grounds, and five are in a large underground compartment. You can spend a good hour exploring the church or may consider attending mass to make your visit more memorable. 

You will need a 30-minute uphill walk or a taxi to get here. 

The church is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.

Learn About The Historic Landmark of Liberty Square

Liberty Square Tbilisi, also known as Freedom Square, is located in the city center and is an important site of both historical and architectural significance. It has witnessed several significant events, including protests and demonstrations during the Soviet and post-Soviet eras. 

Today, it is considered one of Europe’s central and modern squares, featuring essential landmarks such as the Georgian National Museum and the iconic St. George’s Monument. 

There are ample opportunities to buy souvenirs from one of the vendors along the square or sit in one of many outdoor cafes and restaurants scattered around the area.

If you want to explore history further, several museums are nearby. 

See The Leaning Clock Tower

When strolling down the Old Town Tbilisi, it is impossible to miss this whimsical and lopsided shape clock tower. This leaning clock tower was built in 2010 by renowned Georgian sculptor Rezo Gabriadze. An angel comes out with a small hammer to ring the bell every hour, while a small puppet theater is inside the tower. 

The area surrounding the Leaning Clock Tower has plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and, of course, Georgian wine. 

Take Photos of Pastel Hue Houses

Around Old Town Tbilisi, you will notice many pastel hues old houses with ornate lace verandas. These lined pastel hue houses are important to Tbilisi’s cultural heritage. It symbolizes the city’s history and traditions that serve as a reminder of the past while embracing its present. 

From cheerful peach tones to dreamy lavender palettes creating vibrant backdrops, it is perfect for taking Instagram photos.

Feel Small in Chronicles of Georgia Monument

Standing atop a hill facing the Tbilisi Sea, this gigantic monument represents Georgian imperial history, literary works, and the role of Christianity in the country. It was built in 1985 by the famous Georgian sculptor and architect Zurab Tsereteli to commemorate 2,000 year anniversary of Christianity in the country. Most people called it the “Georgian Stonehenge” because it resembles Stonehenge in England. 

Getting here will take a 30-minute taxi ride from Freedom Square, costing you 10 GEL for one way (I used the Yandex app). Alternatively, you can take the metro to Guramishvili Station and then bus #360 outside the metro station. 

The monument is open 24/7, and entry is free.

Soak in Tbilisi Sulfur Baths

Tbilisi Sulfur Baths are an important part of Tbilisi’s cultural heritage and are beloved both by locals and tourists. It is located in one of the recognizable neighborhoods in Tbilisi named Abanotubani, just 7 minute’s walk from Narikala Fortress. 

According to the legend, it is said that the King of Georgia, Vakhtang Gorgasali, discovered the healing water by watching falcons fly toward it after being wounded in battle. As a great hunter, he was curious to know where these falcons ventured, which led him to uncover the hot spring and decide to build a city. During the 13th century, there were 65 bathhouses in the area, but today, only a few. 

The bathhouses have public (communal) and private bath rooms, depending on your budget and what kind of experience you want.  Prices are typically per hour per person; the public bath price starts from 20 GEL, while the private cost starts from 200 GEL (usually for private/luxuries).

Enjoy the Rich Flavor of Georgian Cuisine

Georgian cuisine is incredibly diverse and can include anything from tasty soups to hearty meat dishes. What’s most remarkable about it, though, is its use of spices which add a unique flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Not only does this make for an enjoyable gastronomic experience, but it also allows traditional Georgian dishes to remain unchanged for generations. 

When it is your first time visiting Tbilisi, you should try some of the local specialties such as khinkali (dumplings), lobio (beans cooked in a clay pot), Badrijani nigvzit (eggplant with walnut), and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread).  

The average price for one person per meal starts at 20 GEL or less, depending on your order. 

Try The Georgian Candies

Georgian delicacies don’t come much more interesting than churchkhela. It is a traditional snack sometimes called the “Georgian Snickers” – yes, the snickers chocolate. Multiple strands of nut-stuffed fruits – typically walnuts and hazelnuts –  strung to a rope, dipped in thickened grape juice. 

Churchkhela comes from the Georgian word “chur-chkheli” which means sausage in English. So if you see a sausage-like hanging in markets in Tbilisi or Georgia in general, that is the Churchkhela, and be sure to try it!

Do Georgian Wine Tasting

Georgia isn’t just known as the birthplace of wine — it’s also a hub for some delicious wines. You haven’t truly experienced Georgia until you’ve sipped on its finest vintages. 

As one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, Georgia’s winemaking traditions are a centuries-old treasure. From Saperavi and Rkatsiteli to Kisi – along with their ancient technique for fermenting wines known as qvevri – Georgians have cultivated some truly unique grapes found nowhere else. 

If you’re a wine novice unsure what to order, try Saperavi, Kindzmarauli (my favorite), or Rkatsiteli for a good introduction to Georgian wine culture.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Pushkin 10 Hostel – I stayed here while visiting Tbilisi and loved it! The location is within walking distance of Freedom Square and Old Town Tbilisi. They offer mixed or female dormitories and double rooms with shared bathrooms with free WIFI and a kitchen for guests. If you carry heavy luggage, just be aware that the hostel is on the 3rd floor and has no elevator.  

Other Recommendations: 

• Fabrika Hostel & Suites (8.7/10)
• Graphica Tbilisi Hotel (9.1/10) 
• Stamba Hotel (9.2/10)

How safe is Tbilisi

Tbilisi is generally a safe and welcoming city to visit. During my stay and as a solo female traveler, I never experienced catcalling or harassment when moving around the city. even when taking public transportation. Local people are very friendly and always willing to help tourists. You can feel safe walking alone, even at night, or even taking day trips outside Tbilisi without any worries about your security. As with any destination, being aware of your surroundings is always important. 

How many days to spend in Tbilisi 

To fully experience the sights and attractions of Tbilisi, I recommend spending a minimum of 2-3 days in the city. Five days will be ideal if you prefer slow travel and exploring leisurely.

Best time to visit Tbilisi 

Tbilisi is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to find something in this vibrant city. It just depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. 

Summer (June – August) I recommend avoiding visiting the city during the peak of the summer months as the city is hot and difficult to stay outside for a long time. Instead, head to the mountain (Greater Caucasus) or coastal region. 

Winter (November-February), you can still explore many of the city’s attractions but pack lots of warm clothing as the temperature may drop as low as -4°C. 

Springtime (March to April) brings a beautiful mix of blooming flowers and stunning views.

Autumn (September to October) sees the leaves turning golden, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors in Tbilisi

• Buy a transport card (MetroMoneyCard) when you first arrive at Tbilisi airport. You can purchase the card inside the airport from the Bank of Georgia service counter for 2 GEL. 
• Do not take a taxi at the airport, as it’ll give you an unfavorable first impression of the country. Take a bus or arrange a private transfer from your accommodation.  
• Always use an app for taxis when moving around the city. I recommend using the Bolt, the most reliable local app in all major cities in Georgia. 
• Buy a local SIM but not from the airport. Recommended SIM is MAGTI; it is affordable and has good network coverage.
• Do not exchange currency from your country of origin or at the airport. Bring US dollars (I brought UAE Dirhams) and exchange them from outside the airport. 
• You can easily withdraw cash from a bank using an international debit or credit card at an ATM. I have no problem withdrawing cash from ATMs at the airport or anywhere in the city.
• Everywhere in the city does not open until 10 am or mid-morning. If you are an early riser, take breakfast at your accommodation; cafes in Tbilisi rarely open before 10 am.