Tbilisi in Spring – 23 Fun Spring Activities & Events 2024
As the winter cold softens and the sun starts to peek out from behind the clouds, Tbilisi transforms into a stunning wonderland of color and fragrance. Spring in Tbilisi is a season of renewal and rejuvenation as the city comes alive with blooming trees, fragrant flowers, and bustling activity.
With the warm sun on your skin and the scent of blossoms in the air, it’s impossible not to feel uplifted and energized. From lively events to stunning outdoor parks and gardens, there’s no shortage of experiences to savor in Tbilisi in spring. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the magic of Tbilisi.
My Travel Essentials
Get an eVisa: Check if you need one at iVisa and fill out the form to get your eVisa easily.
Book a flight: Use Skyscanner or WayAway. The latter offers cashback with a Plus membership. More here.
Airport transfers: Avoid the hassles of public transport; book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Reserve a hotel: Reserve your hotel or apartment at Booking.com.
Wine tours: Book premium wine tours with Eat This! Tours. Use code RFD5 to get 5% OFF.
Hiking & culture tours: Check WT Georgia for hiking and culture tours nationwide. Get 10% OFF with code: Red Fedora when you email them.
Find best-suited tours: For all sorts of tours, entrance tickets, and activities, check Viator or Get Your Guide.
Rent a car: With affordable prices, Local Rent is one of the best car rental platforms.
Hire a driver: GoTrip is ideal for long-distance private transfers at very reasonable prices.
Debit card: Wise for withdrawing money in local currency without hidden fees or high exchange rates.
eSIM: To avoid heavy roaming fees, use Airalo or Saily. Compare prices and GB packages. Use BAIA2592 on Airalo and BAIAIR6152 on Saily to get 3 USD on both.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing covers health insurance and has add-ons for adventure sports and electronics theft coverage.
Disclaimer
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Why visit Tbilisi in spring?
Spring in Tbilisi arrives quickly. One day, it can snow heavily (we had snow in March 2022), and the next day, it can be warm and sunny. While the beginning of spring can be chaotic in terms of weather, flowers bloom by mid-season, and green foliage starts to cover recreational parts of the city.
Spring brings blue skies, warm and sunny days, and a chilly evening. It feels as if Tbilisi enlivens after a cold and brisk no-snow winter. Locals start to spend weekends and spare time in parks, while cafes bring out their outdoor seating furniture.
Cherry, lilac, wisteria, and several other flower blossoms in different parts add a unique charm and scent to Tbilisi. Buildings covered in rose and wisteria bushes are magnificent at this time.
Flower sellers come out to sell seasonal flowers at almost every corner of central Tbilisi. It’s lovely to walk by the flower market near Baratashvili Street.
Seasonal food appears in open-air markets, and various festivals and events are organized.
Traveling to Georgia in spring also means low prices and great deals on hotels and accommodation options.
When is the best time to visit Tbilisi in spring?
The spring season starts in March and ends in May. It’s an off-season with fewer tourist crowds, but it is still pleasant for outdoor activities.
Spring is entirely unexpected in terms of weather. You never know how the temperature might change the next or during the day, so being prepared is the key here.
Rains and sometimes unpredictable snowfall are expected. Therefore, depending on the month you plan to visit, I advise including indoor activities on your itinerary.
March in Tbilisi
The first month of spring still feels like Tbilisi in February. Locals call March ‘ crazy’ or ‘mad’ because the weather is very unpredictable, and it can shift from cold to warm, from wind to rain, and sometimes even snow within a day or two. In winter, Tbilisi rarely sees any snow, and in March 2022, we even got sporadic snowfall for a few days!
On the other hand, March sees fewer tourists in the main cities of Georgia, making it a perfect time to explore the country crowd-free. For instance, early spring in the seaside resort of Batumi is my favorite time of the year to hit the Black Sea coast.
If you are in Tbilisi in March, you can explore the Botanical Garden for the blossoming of coniferous trees. Some early spring flowers, such as Daffodils, Tulips, and Hyacinths, bloom by the second half of March. At the same time, several trees like tkemali (plum), apricots, cherries, and almonds also bloom, bringing a special touch to the city.
April in Tbilisi
Another best time to visit is mid-April. According to a local folk legend, the month of March ‘loaned’ three days from April for an act of revenge to a shepherd who scolded March for lasting very long and being grateful that April finally came that would guarantee warmer and sunnier days.
That said, the first few days of April are as unpredictable as the weather in March. The temperatures increase after the first week of the month as the days become longer. The average Tbilisi in spring temperature ranges from 15C (59F) to 19C (67F); however, it can go up to 26C (79F) during the day.
Aim for either April or May if you want to experience Orthodox Easter. Always check my Easter in Georgia guide before buying tickets.
One of the things to do in Tbilisi in April is to admire the Lilac collection at the Botanical Garden and hunt down wisteria-covered buildings from mid-month.
May in Tbilisi
Although May is the wettest month of the season, it’s also one of the best times to visit the capital. Days are much warmer and longer, and the city is much livelier than in other months.
Moreover, Tbilisi in May has many events and festivals already scheduled (see below). And if you plan on traveling around Georgia in spring, note that roads to mountain areas such as Svaneti and Tusheti are still closed, and snow is still present in the highlands.
Public holidays in spring in Georgia
March 3 – Mother’s Day is a public holiday where governmental organizations, including schools, museums, and private companies, have a day off. Shopping malls and small independent shops are open if you’d like to buy some souvenirs or clothes to bring back home. It’s customary to congratulate mothers on this day by giving them small or big gifts. There is no specific gift type; it’s a personal preference.
March 8 – Women’s Day is also a public holiday similar to Mother’s Day. Gift-giving is not mandatory; it’s more of a personal choice, and often men give flowers to their loved ones.
Note: shops and other service providers announce discounts ranging from 30% to 50% for both days.
April 9 – Day of National Unity is also a public holiday to commemorate those who stood against the Soviet Army in front of the Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue in 1989, demanding independence for Georgia.
The April 9, also known as Tbilisi Tragedy or Massacre, resulted in 21 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Many of those who died were women of different ages and students.
Peaceful protesters were poisoned by chemical gas, while Soviet soldiers sent by Colonel-General Radianov were armed with blunt weapons and shovels.
People bring lots of flowers and lit candles in front of the Parliament at the April 9 Memorial to respect those who sacrificed their lives for what they believed.
Easter Holidays – dates vary and fall either in April or May. See my post on how to celebrate Easter like a local.
May 9 – Victory Day refers to the capitulation of The Greater German Reich in 1945. It is a public holiday.
May 12 – St. Andrew’s Day is a religious and official holiday referring to the arrival of Apostle Andrew the First-Called in Georgia. The Georgian Orthodox Church regards him as the first preacher of Christianity and a founder of the Orthodox church in the country.
May 26 – Independence Day is an annual public holiday commemorating the adoption of the Act of Independence in 1918. With this document, Georgia became the Democratic Republic after the Russian Revolution 1917.
What to pack for spring in Tbilisi?
Consider practicality over chic when considering what to wear. Even though Tbilisi in spring weather has warm sunny days, I advise packing clothes you can layer on. Early spring can be cold, so check the weather forecast beforehand and adjust your packing list. Yr.no is the most accurate weather app and the website I use.
Light layers: Weather can be unreliable, so it’s best to pack a number of light layers that you can easily add or remove depending on the temperature. T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, cardigans, and a light coat or jacket are good options.
Comfortable walking shoes: Tbilisi is a city that’s best explored on foot, so be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers or walking shoes with good support are recommended. For late May, you might want to throw in sandals too.
Jeans: It is too early for bare-leg dresses and skirts unless you come mid-May.
Flowy skirts and dresses: Pack a few summer dresses you can layer on if coming in late May. I typically travel with these chiffon skirts for my Instagrammable photos in Tbilisi.
Sun protection: The weather can be sunny and warm, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your skin.
Rain gear: It can also be rainy, so it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight, packable raincoat or umbrella.
Water bottle – Tap water is drinkable in Georgia, and since you’ll be walking a lot, bringing a water bottle with you is a great idea. My Stojo collapsable water bottle saves lots of space in my backpack.
Scarf or shawl: In the evenings, temperatures can drop, so it’s a good idea to pack a scarf or shawl to keep you warm. Besides, it is handy when visiting churches because women should cover their heads when entering religious buildings.
Camera: Tbilisi is a beautiful city, so be sure to pack a camera (I have Sony a6300) or smartphone (Google Pixel 7 Lemongrass color) to capture all the sights.
Tripod: If you are traveling solo, I recommend bringing a tripod. I usually travel with my big K&F tripod or this small Joby one to take my own pictures. I have a Ulanzi phone mount for the tripods.
Daypack: A small daypack or backpack helps carry your essentials, such as water or snacks. During my city explorations, I use a CITYC 2 in 1 Backpack from Driibe. Read my detailed review of why I love that backpack, and once you decide, get 15% off with code: FEDORA15.
Adapter: Remember to pack an adapter if you’re coming from a country with different electrical outlets.
Travel credit card: While many places in Tbilisi accept credit cards, having cash on hand for small purchases and avoiding any potential issues with card machines is a good idea. I personally use Wise during my international travels.
23 top things to do in Tbilisi in Spring
Tbilisi is a city of history and culture with plenty of attractions. However, this post will include a mixture of typical touristy activities, places, and experiences you can have in springtime. I have a separate and detailed post of all the things to do in Tbilisi.
Enjoy Tbilisi views from its best viewpoints
The slightly hilly landscape of Tbilisi enables you to enjoy some of the best vistas of the town from high up.
While Mtatsminda Park offers the best 360 panoramic views of the city, I still love views from Narikala Fortress over Abanotubani, Old Town, and Rike Park. My second favorite is the view from the Upper Betlemi Church, for another view of the red-roofed old town, Rike Park, and Holy Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral in the background.
For a slightly different perspective of the Mtkvari River with a backdrop of Mtatsminda mountain and a TV Tower, King Parnavaz Garden, located between Avlabari and 300 Aragveli metro stops, is another excellent spot.
Even though the Baratashvili Underground Passage is not high, it still gives you a perfect viewpoint of old and new architecture with the Bridge of Peace in the foreground and the Narikala Fortress in the back.
See Sakura, Lilac, and other flower blossoms in the Botanical Garden
Tbilisi Botanical Garden is an excellent place to explore year-round. However, it’s even magical when nature comes to life and plants start to bloom. Therefore, your spring itinerary should include visiting the garden from mid-April to see cherry blossoms in the Japanese corner.
From around April 20, the Botanical Garden’s Lilac collection starts to bloom, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere and scent while overlooking the iconic Tbilisi landscape of the old town. The section has at least ten different types and colors of Lilacs ranging from white to dark purple. The Lilac blossom lasts for approximately two weeks.
You can monitor Botanical Garden’s Facebook page for updates on when the blossoms start.
It might not seem at first, but the Botanical Garden is extensive and has several hiking trails to explore various parts of it, and even treat yourself to fantastic panoramic views of Tbilisi.
Spend a morning (or afternoon) at charming outdoor cafes
The cafe scene is quite diverse in Tbilisi, and over the past few years, a handful of specialty coffee shops and breakfast-focused cafes have been opening in the capital.
One of my favorite activities during spring in Tbilisi is taking advantage of warm sunny days and sipping coffee at one of the outdoor cafes. Coffee LAB in Saburtalo has a charming little courtyard where you can sit down and relax.
The second branch of Shavi Coffee Roasters in Sololaki, near Freedom/Liberty Square, is a charming place to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at its outdoor tables.
For a lovely walk and a break in nature in the city center, Cafe Mziuri is another choice that serves sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, and hot and cold drinks.
Sol, a colorful all-day breakfast cafe, has a small outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a meal, dessert, or cocktail. Kikliko is another excellent option to start your day with a filling breakfast while enjoying warm weather at their outdoor seating area.
Lolita and Cafe Stamba are other great choices for chick and modern cafes in Tbilisi that offer an outdoor seating area, delicious food, and a wide range of drinks.
Attend a cooking class and learn how to make Khinkali and Khachapuri
Cooking classes are one of the great ways to experience local cuisine and learn a bit more about the culture and history of the country.
There are several food-related activities in Tbilisi, but I decided to try a cooking class that lasts around 1:30 to 2 hours and shows you how to make the iconic Khinkali and Khachapuri.
The person explains and shows you the technique of making these stables of Georgian cuisine and even gives you a recipe at the end of the class. You are asked to participate to get the whole hands-on experience. Once done with the preparations, you enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared yourself.
The price of the cooking class also includes a drink (wine or non-alcoholic), a Georgian tomato and cucumber salad, and a small plate of two Georgian cheeses.
You can book the experience either on Get Your Guide or Viator.
Relax at parks and lakes
Tbilisi has several recreation areas where locals love to relax during weekends or in their spare time. Warm spring means everyone is out and about, having a picnic or enjoying a walk.
My favorite parks to get together with friends or relax and enjoy the atmosphere are Dedaena and Mziuri parks.
However, if you’d like to enjoy long walks in nature, go to Kus Tba (Turtle Lake) or Lisi Lake, where you can circle the lakes, escape the city’s hustle and bustle, and have slightly better fresh air.
Cafes serving food and drinks around these lakes start to open in May (however, some are open year-round, especially at Kus Tba), where you can sit down and catch some warm rays.
Sip wine at wine bars
Among many things, Georgia is also the birthplace of winemaking for at least 8,000 years. Tbilisi has many wine bars offering European-style and traditional, qvevri-made wines by the glass.
And if you are entirely unfamiliar with Georgian wines, consider booking a tasting. I recommend 8000 Vintages, where a professional sommelier will explain everything about wines and let you try four different types.
Join an ancient celebration of spring
At the end of February or mid-March, a few villages in the Kakheti region still mark Berikaoba – an ancient festival celebrating fertility, rebirth, and abundance. It used to be observed all around Georgia but has almost vanished over the years.
Therefore, if you are considering traveling in Georgia in the spring and want to see something unique, include a trip to the village of Didi Chailuri, which is about an hour’s drive from Tbilisi. The residents of the town keep the tradition going.
Sadly, there is no organized tourism event for you to attend. You need to DIY your trip and go to Didi Chailuri around 10-11 am on the day of Berikaoba to follow the parade on the main street. Or contact me; I might organize a transfer or a small tour like I did last year.
The day of Berikaoba moves along the Easter dates and falls 50 days before Orthodox Easter on Sunday. In 2024, it falls on March 17. You can read all the details about the festival and how to get there in my detailed Berikaoba post.
Do a wine tasting in Georgia’s prime wine country
Kakheti is considered to be the country’s primary wine-producing region. Therefore, if you want to familiarize yourself with the country’s 8000-year-old winemaking tradition, there is no better way to do it than by joining a tour.
You can go to Kakheti on your own and visit Telavi or Sighnaghi, but doing it with a well-organized tour company gives you a completely different experience than doing it alone.
Recently, I had the opportunity to go on a Sighnaghi wine tour with Eat This! Tours where we visited three wineries, saw a bit of the city, and had a fantastic dinner with a local family.
At first, we visited one of my beloved Giuaani winery, where we had their winemaker, Giorgi, give us a tour of the cellar and explain the process. Later, he joined us for the wine tasting and brunch, where we tried four different wines and paired them with Georgian food.
Kerovani Winery is a small winery in Sighnaghi town that makes natural wines. Here, we also had the opportunity to tour their cellar and learn the techniques they use to make all-natural wines before sitting at the table to try their four wines and a pet nat.
Lastly, we stopped at Burjanadze wine cellar for a local, authentic Georgian dinner supra and tamada (toastmaster) experience, with more wine, food, toasts, and singing from the family members. It was a truly fascinating evening to end the day.
You can book this same tour Eat This! Tours website, and if you mention RFD5, you’ll get 5% off their tour. Also, a visit to the exact wineries outlined here might be subject to availability, so I advise you to inquire about the wineries when booking the trip.
Seek for various flower blossoms in the city
Tbilisi is famous for its buildings, with diverse creeping plants blooming in spring. Magnolia trees and cherry blossoms are also widespread during spring in Tbilisi, so spending afternoons hunting down this beautiful natural phenomenon is fun.
Rike Park is one of the spots to see sprouting trees. The Botanical Garden of Georgia mentioned above is another excellent place to admire blossoms like Sakura and Lilac.
Roses in Georgia start to blossom from mid-May, and many houses in the Old Town have them in their yards. The most stunning is a house covered in red rose bushes on Vertskhli Street.
Wisteria draping or creeping up on a handful of buildings is quite common here, making them stunning Instagramable photo spots. Entrance to the Botanical Garden, Dzmebi Zdanevicheni Street, right at Gorgasali Square in the Old Town, and Betlemi Church are a few of the places.
The Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography near the Kus Tba (Turtle Lake) is another excellent option for admiring almond tree blossoms while learning more about Georgia, its culture, and everyday rural life.
Many other spots are scattered in the city, so sharpen your eyes as you might accidentally stumble upon them.
Shop for seasonal fruits and veggies at a bazaar
Spring in Georgia brings fresh veggies and fruits to the open-air bazaar stalls. First to come to season are tkemali (sour plum-like fruit), sweet and sour cherry, and my all-time favorite alucha (round green fruit from a plum family native to the Caucasus), followed by strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and other berries.
To have a local shopping experience and get a lot for your buck, go to Navtlughi or Dezerter Bazaars. Navtlughi can be cheaper compared to the touristy and famous Dezerter. Also, check out my plant-based restaurant guide.
Celebrate Easter in Georgia
Georgia is an Orthodox Christian country where Easter is celebrated on different dates than in Catholic countries. It’s one of the most significant religious celebrations in the country, so if you happen to be here during the Holy Week, there are several ways to experience Orthodox Easter.
You can read about it in my Easter guide, where I talk about traditions and things to do before Easter. Alternatively, you can also attend Georgia’s oldest ball game – Lelo Burti – in the Guria region, which is only played on Easter Sunday.
Try Chakapuli – a seasonal Georgian stew
Chakapuli is an Easter meal in Georgia, but during the season, you can find them on the menus of several Georgian restaurants.
Traditionally, Chakapuli calls for lamb, tkemali (sour green plum), and tarragon. However, in most cases, veal or beef substitutes for lamb as many Georgians outgrew eating it. A vegetarian version made from mushrooms is also available. It’s as delicious as the meat stew.
Attend wine festivals in Tbilisi
May is a busy month with events and festivals around wine; therefore, if you are a wine lover or an enthusiast, one of the things to do in Tbilisi in May is to attend as many wine festivals as you can.
The New Wine Festival, held every year on the second Sunday in May, aims to introduce wines made from the latest harvest in the fall. Spring here also means to unseal qvevri, the gigantic clay jars where Georgians make wine.
This festival enables winemakers to bring these new wines to the public, where you are among the first to try fresh wines of the year. Expect wineries of all sizes, from big factories to small family-run cellars, to bring their latest creation.
And if it’s your first time in Georgia, it’s an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to Georgian wine and its making technology.
The Natural Wine Association organizes the Zero Compromise event in the first week, but dates have yet to be announced. It brings natural winemakers to showcase their products.
Sherekilebi is a relatively new event organized outside Tbilisi at Chardakhi at Iago’s Winery. Keep an eye on this post for exact dates once they are announced.
Deep clean your body at Sulfur Baths
Having a sulfur bath experience is one of the must-dos in Tbilisi. Since spring is the time to do ‘spring cleaning’ chores at home or elsewhere, why not do it for your body and scrub off that winter’s dead skin?
Although sulfur baths are much more pleasant in winter as you soak in the naturally hot water, doing it in spring rejuvenates your body and helps with blood circulation.
Book a qisa scrub – a brisk clearance with a slightly rough loofah to remove that dead skin. I advise you to bring your own luffa or buy a new one at the sulfur baths for hygiene purposes.
Go on a spring hike in Tbilisi and beyond
Tbilisi offers a few hiking opportunities within its hilly landscape and city limits. One of the most obvious and famous is the hike to Mtatsminda, passing by Mtatsminda Pantheon, a resting place of famous Georgian poets and writers.
Mtatsminda is home to an amusement park, a restaurant complex, and a TV Tower dominating the city skyline. Coming here is a favorite activity for many to enjoy stunning 360-degree panoramic city views as it is one of the city’s best viewpoints.
Once you walk around the park and want a break, sit down at the ground-floor cafe of the Funicular restaurant complex, grab a ponchiki, a Georgian doughnut, and pair it with a local Laghidze lemonade.
However, if you are not into a hike, a funicular takes you to the top of the mountain, and bus number 364 departs from Rustaveli Avenue near the Rustaveli Metro.
From Mtatsminda, you can continue hiking to Kus Tba or Narikala Fortress in the Old Town. For safety reasons, I advise you not to hike alone. There are expat groups on Facebook where you can ask for a hiking buddy if traveling solo, such as Geo Hikers Tbilisi (Geo-Trip) or Weekend Travelers Georgia.
If you are up for exploring something outside of Tbilisi, you can either self-hike through Birtvisi Canyon or join WTGeorgia on their tour.
Alternatively, they have other organized tours, such as Kojori to Vashlovani, Samshvilde Fortress Day Hike, Samepo Kedi Day Hike, or the Krtsanisi Park Birdwatching expedition. You can get 10% off on your spot on their tours by emailing them a code: Red Fedora.
Celebrate Georgia’s Independence Day
During our turbulent history, we declared Independence twice. As mentioned above, we first adopted the Act of Independence on May 26, 1917. However, our Independence lasted only four years before the Red Army stormed the capital in 1921. We became the Soviet Socialist Republic until being annexed into the Soviet Union the following year.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, we readopted the Act of Independence on April 9, 1991. Thus, for the official and national holiday, we mark May 26.
From 1991 until today, we have celebrated Independence Day in different forms depending on who the ruling party is. During Saakashvili’s rule (2003-2012), we had massive military parades on Rustaveli Avenue.
Since the Georgian Dream came into power in 2012, Independence Day has an oath-taking ceremony of Georgian soldiers and no military parade.
However, governmental exhibition booths, music, food, and market stalls exist on Rustaveli Avenue. Usually, the weather is perfect on this day, warm and sunny.
Let me be your guide in Tbilisi
I have been doing Tbilisi architectural tours for quite some time now. It’s a passion project of mine to show you some of the most beautiful architectural landmarks of the city’s two neighborhoods and point you to the fascinating details of the buildings you might miss while walking down the same street.
I also tell you fascinating urban legends of the house owners that you can’t read in any guidebook. If you are interested, see my tours page and choose which one you’d like. Then, inquire and email me a code: RFDTOUR to get 15% off on any tour.
Hunt down Tbilisi’s fascinating street art
If you follow me on Instagram and read my posts, you might have noticed that I am a huge street art lover. Fortunately, Tbilisi has been getting quite stunning murals across the city over the past few years.
While there are only a few places where you can see several different murals under one roof (Fabrika, Maghlivi, and Varketili neighborhood, for instance), most of these beautiful paintings are scattered in districts. Some are in the center; others are in the outskirts.
And from one street art lover to another, I have dedicated a whole post on these murals with a map so you can easily find them.
Wander through a vintage flea market
Spring also means shopping at open-air markets. The most famous one is the Dry Bridge Market, and even though it’s open year-round, more vendors come out from warmer spring days to sell vintage and second-hand shops.
Walking through the lines of different stuff lying straight on the pavement is one of my favorite weekend activities.
Shop for local handcrafts and souvenirs at open-air markets
Warmer temperatures and sunny days bring out lots of markets in Tbilisi. The Stall market in front of the Youth Palace, near the Freedom/Liberty Square metro station, is another excellent place to shop for handmade items over the weekend. The Caravan at a newly renovated Orbeliani Square resembles the Stall Market.
Watch a movie at Cafe Mziuri’s open-air ‘cinema’
Cafe Mziuri, located in Mziuri Park in the Vake neighborhood, often organizes movie nights throughout the year. However, when the temperatures rise and evenings are much warmer, they move their cinema outdoors.
The cafe announces the movie nights a few weeks early on its Facebook page. Their selection caters mainly to lesser-known and indie movies rather than Hollywood and mass-produced ones.
Alternatively, Fabrika Tbilisi used to do rooftop movie screenings from late spring to October. Check their Facebook page for more details or ask the receptionist whenever you’ll be there.
Get yourself familiar with Tbilisi’s Soviet architecture
One of the fascinating aspects of Tbilisi is its Soviet-era architecture, which tells the story of the city’s past. The Soviet period here lasted from 1921 to 1991, and during this time, Tbilisi underwent significant changes in architecture, urban planning, and social structures.
Brutalism is a style of architecture that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s and is characterized by its use of raw concrete and geometric shapes. Soviet brutalist architecture, in particular, was heavily influenced by the ideology of communism and aimed to create functional and affordable housing for the masses.
While you can DIY the tour yourself, I recommend joining the Brutal Tour to save time on transportation since some of the most iconic buildings are far from the city center.
This Brutal Tbilisi tour by Friendly.ge takes visitors through some of the city’s most iconic and controversial buildings. One of the first stops is The Chronicles of Georgia, a monumental sculpture that makes another Insta-worthy spot in Tbilisi.
Another notable stop is the former Ministry of Highway Construction Building that today houses the Bank of Georgia headquarters, designed in the 1970s. This prime example of Soviet brutalist architecture has a unique shape and is considered a horizontal skyscraper.
You’ll also visit the now abandoned Archeology Museum with its underground water tanks, the residential complex with a sky-bridge in Nutsubidze Plato, and even ride an old cable car, to name a few. I don’t want to get into all the details and ruin the ‘surprise’ moment.
If you love Soviet things, you might also be interested in visiting the very first Legal Soviet Bunker in Tbilisi.
Go on a day trip to the Rainbow Mountains
One of the great activities in Tbilisi in spring is to get away from the city on a short day trip to the Mravaltskaro Rainbow Mountains in Kakheti’s Udabno area. Even though they are much smaller than the famous similar mountains in Peru and China, it is still quite an impressive sight.
And since these mountains are in the semi-dessert, spring/autumn are the best times to visit for safety reasons and a more visible color palette. The colors of the mountains come from a combination of mineral deposits and erosion over millions of years, making a genuinely unforgettable scenery and experience you may have in Georgia.
What to do in Tbilisi in spring if it rains
If you are not that fortunate with blue skies and sun rays during your time in Tbilisi, there are still several things to do that won’t ruin your trip here.
One of my favorite things to do in Tbilisi if it rains is to visit some museums I haven’t been to before.
Since it could be your first time visiting Tbilisi, I suggest going to the Georgian National Museum to learn more about the history and culture of Georgia. Its Soviet Occupation Hall and Archeological Treasury room are the most interesting ones, in my opinion.
Those who’d love to know more about the foundation of Tbilisi go to the Tbilisi History Museum. Art lovers can see paintings of prominent 20th-century local artists at the National Gallery and a massive fine arts collection at the Museum of Fine Arts.
Doing that spring body clean in the sulfur baths, I mentioned earlier is also an option when it rains in Tbilisi. So is checking different cute coffee shops, tasting wine at one of the bars, or trying as much Georgian food in the restaurants as possible.
Where to stay in Tbilisi
Choosing the right place might take much work with so many accommodation options. While I have a dedicated post of where to stay in Tbilisi with an overview of neighborhoods and hotels, I decided to give you a short list here:
Boutique hotels in Tbilisi: Glarros Old Town – This 5-star hotel with a design reflecting the city’s rich history offers elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace with stunning views, and a spa.
Mid-range Hotels: ibis budget Tbilisi Center is a 3-star hotel near Freedom/Liberty Square with clean, comfortable rooms and a breakfast buffet.
Budget-friendly Hotels: Fabrika Hostel & Suites located in the old historic part, is housed in a former Soviet sewing factory and features a unique design and architecture with aged concrete walls enhanced with industrial elements. It is a multifunctional space you can read all about in my separate post of Fabrika Tbilisi.
Luxurious Hotels: Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers in Vake district offers stunning views of the city from its modern rooms and also features a variety of restaurants and bars, a spa, and a fitness center.
→ Can’t decide on any of those? Check out more hotels in Tbilisi.