Tbilisi in Winter: How to Enjoy the Cold Like a Local

Tbilisi in winter is cozy, festive, and inviting. It offers cultural experiences, winter traditions, and warm retreats from the cold. During this time, streets are illuminated with twinkling lights, museums and galleries are open, Georgian cuisine has plenty of comfort food, and unwinding in the famous sulfur baths is a must.

Unlike the busy summer, winter has a more relaxed vibe, with holiday lights, seasonal markets, and lively events. It is an ideal destination for a winter getaway, especially around New Year and Orthodox Christmas.

Tbilisi winter weather is relatively mild compared to other European capitals, with temperatures usually between 0C (32F) and 10C (50F). While snow is rare in the city, the surrounding mountains often get covered in a white blanket in January and February – an excellent opportunity to go on short hikes without leaving the city.

Coming to Tbilisi in winter is a perfect moment to enjoy a slow-paced, atmospheric version of the city, where you can participate in local traditions and warm up with delicious food and drinks.

If you’re wondering what to do during your visit, this guide covers the best things to do in Tbilisi in winter, providing more season-specific activities. For more general city attractions, refer to my local guide to Tbilisi.

This Tbilisi winter travel guide offers warm and fun experiences, including indoor attractions, local winter treats, the best time to visit for seasonal events, cultural experiences, what to pack, and cozy spots to escape the cold. 

And if you are keen on taking day trips from Tbilisi further into the mountains, you’ll find my suggestions and recommendations at the end.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps support my blog and lets me share real, first-hand travel tips. Learn more

Is Tbilisi worth visiting in winter?

Winter is my least favorite season in the capital. I honestly think that Tbilisi is much more beautiful in warm spring, during colorful autumn, and even in hot summer. That said, winter in Tbilisi has its own charm and can be a lovely city to visit for seasonal festivals, events, and winter-specific food.

I also get the following questions often: “Does it snow in Tbilisi in winter?.” Nope, it does not. The last time I remember heavy, thick snow in Tbilisi was in my childhood. 

So, if you are looking for a snow-covered city escape, sorry to disappoint you, but it very rarely snows in Tbilisi for the past three decades, and when it does, it melts within a few hours. If the temperatures drop and the snow stays for a few days, it’s more of a dusted white blanket rather than a tick snow cover.

That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun snow day here. Instead of leaving the city for high-altitude areas, you can easily take a city bus for a 30-minute ride to the surrounding hilly towns. I discuss those spots further down the post.

Generally, winter is the off-season for tourism in the capital. Fewer tourists, cheaper accommodation prices, cozy cafes serving hot drinks, and festively decorated streets make the city relaxed and atmospheric. 

However, the season is the prime time to hit the slopes and visit the closest ski resort, Gudauri (other ski spots include Bakuriani and Mestia), or admire the snow-topped scenery at Stepantsminda (Kazbegi).

Mid-December to early January brings Tbilisi to life with sparkling lights, Christmas decorations, Christmas markets, and the traditional New Year’s celebration.

Most eateries with outdoor seating provide heaters and blankets and rarely pack away their outdoor furniture for winter. Thus, you can enjoy your lunch, dessert, or coffee outdoors if the day is warm and sunny. This, by far, is one of my favorite Tbilisi winter activities – not compromising just because it’s a cold season.

Compared to the Czech Republic or Poland, for instance, Tbilisi has longer daylight in winter – it gets dark from 5 pm instead of 4 pm or earlier as it does in other countries.

The weather is generally mild, with occasional fog, rain, and clouds limiting outdoor activities. See a more detailed overview of each month in the next section to know what to expect.

And while most major sights remain open, they have slightly different operating hours, particularly during the New Year and Christmas. More on this below.

When to visit Tbilisi in winter: what to expect each month

Winter here has crisp air, occasional snowfall (not in the lowlands of Tbilisi), and quiet sunny days with blue skies. A few days are gloomy once in a while, but generally speaking, Tbilisi winter is beautiful and sunny, something I really missed when I lived in Prague as a student.

While Georgia is famous for its winter season in the snow-topped Caucasus Mountains, the capital is an excellent alternative to exploring the country without extreme cold. However, the season can still be unpredictable, with some months colder and wetter than others. 

That said, each year is slightly different but the overview of winter months below will give you a general idea.

Tbilisi in March still feels like an extension of winter, often dubbed ‘crazy March’ for the first two weeks by the locals. The weather is unpredictable; we even had week-long snow in 2022 while the rest of the winter was snow-free. 

Tbilisi in December: chilly mornings and festive atmosphere

December officially starts winter in Tbilisi, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter days. Daytime temperatures range between 5-10C (41-50F) early in the month, but nights get much colder, often dropping to 0C (32F) or below. The air feels crisp, especially in the mornings and late evenings. In 2024, we had quite a cold December, where daytime temperatures dropped to -2C (28.4F) and even -5C (23F).

Rain is infrequent, and snowfall isn’t guaranteed, but you might see light flurries. We had a few hours of sleet mid-month in 2024. In short, Tbilisi in December is mostly dry but cold, with occasional wind making it feel even chillier.

Despite the weather, the city starts preparing for Christmas and New Year festivities, and by mid-month, streets have colorful decorations and the main Christmas tree is set up in front of the Parliament.  

Further reading: Check out my Tbilisi Christmas guide and how to celebrate it like a local

Tbilisi in January: the coldest month of the season

January is typically the coldest month, with daytime temperatures averaging 2-7C (36-45F), while it often drops to -2C (28°F) or lower at night, making it necessary to dress warmly, especially if you’re planning evening walks.

Surprisingly, January 2025 was quite warm, particularly the first two weeks and a few days at the end.

Snowfall is rare but possible, notably in higher areas of the city, such as Kojori and Kiketi. Rain is more common, with a few wet days scattered throughout the month. The wind is also a standard.

Since Georgia is an Orthodox Christian country and follows the Julian Calendar, the festive atmosphere from December continues until mid-January, with decorations and Christmas markets still open. 

The festive mood slowly dials down from January 7th (Georgian Orthodox Christmas), and the city becomes quieter. Moreover, some businesses and governmental organizations typically take a one or two-week holiday. Museums and galleries remain open outside the public holidays.

Tbilisi in February: slightly warmer but still cold

February sees a slight increase in temperature, but winter is far from over. Expect daytime temperatures between 3-10C (37-50F), while nights remain chilly, averaging -1 to 2C (30-35F). Rain is still common, though there are also sunny days that make exploring the city more enjoyable.

The weather in Tbilisi in February can vary, with some years bringing surprise snowfall (the case of 2025, but it melted within a few hours) and others feeling more like early spring. In 2025, we had a surprisingly cold last week of February with day and night temperatures ranging from -1 to -7C (30.2-19.4F)

Public holidays & special events in winter in Georgia

Unlike autumn or summer, most public holidays fall in spring and winter, and special events and festivities are sprinkled throughout the year. Since we are an Orthodox Christian country, December 24-25th is not a holiday here. Our Christmas is on January 7.

Most businesses, including eateries, malls, and grocery stores, stay open even on public holidays, while some small companies might close from December 31 through the first weeks of January.

• December (mid-month) – January 7 or 14: dates vary each year, but this is a window for Christmas decorations and markets in Tbilisi.
• December 31: New Year’s Eve
• January 1 (public holiday): New Year’s Day
• January 2 (public holiday): Bedoba, a.k.a Day of Fate (see more below)
• January 7 (public holiday): Orthodox Christmas and Alilo Parade (see more below)
• January 14: Orthodox New Year, a.k.a Old New Year
• January 19 (public holiday): Orthodox Epiphany

19 Warm and fun things to do in Tbilisi in winter

If you love the idea of visiting Tbilisi in winter, you’ll be happy to know that the city offers plenty of fun, cozy, and seasonally appropriate activities to keep you entertained. Here’s my curated list of recommendations as a local.

Spend Christmas or New Year in Tbilisi twice!

Yes, you read that right, and no, it doesn’t involve time-traveling (although that would be pretty cool!). Thanks to a mix of traditions and calendars, you can enjoy two Christmases and two New Year’s celebrations just weeks apart.

If you visit Tbilisi in December or January, you’re in for a festive season filled with dazzling lights, lively events, and celebratory treats.

Georgia follows both the Gregorian and Julian calendars. While most of the world celebrates Christmas on December 25th, the Georgian Orthodox Church observes it on January 7th. The same goes for New Year, with December 31st being the most celebratory New Year’s Eve, but “Old New Year” is also marked on January 14th, but not as grand as on December 31st.

Although the country doesn’t celebrate Christmas on December 25th, some locals do, and several restaurants also offer Christmas dinners to cater to the expat community. 

To further understand the Georgian Christmas season, read my detailed post on celebrating it like a local in Tbilisi.

Admire cute Christmas decorations across the city

Tbilisi embraces the holiday spirit from the first weeks of December to mid-January. Even before the Christmas markets open (more on this below), the city’s main streets and squares feature various lights and decorations.

Besides, independent businesses and offices join the holiday spirit by putting up their own decorations at the entrances, windows, and inside cafes and malls.

Wandering the streets of Tbilisi and finding these decorations is a fun activity I genuinely enjoy each year. However, due to the current political situation, this year’s decorations were not as glorious as they used to be.

Tbilisi’s holiday decor blends Western-style ornaments with Georgian traditions, including the iconic Chichilaki, a natural Christmas tree made from dried hazelnut branches.

The lights are turned on as soon as it gets dark and stay on until sunrise, so you have plenty of time to admire them whether you prefer a peaceful, very early-morning walk or a late-night stroll.

Treat yourself to sulfur baths

One of my favorite winter activities is unwinding in the city’s famous sulfur baths, followed by a refreshing body scrub. It’s the perfect way to warm up and recharge.

Lodged under the brick domes of the Abanotubani area in the Old Town, Sulfur baths are an integral part of Tbilisi’s history and culture and an experience that should not be missed any season you come to Tbilisi (although summers are not the ideal time because of hot weather outside and warm water inside, but if you can handle the heat, by all means).

The baths are open throughout the day, but I find early mornings or evenings the best times to visit. In the morning, the streets of Abanotubani are quieter, and even a short soak in naturally hot water temperatures of 38-40C (100-104F) actually keeps you warm for hours. I love the contrasting feeling of chili air and the warm body in the evening once I come outside.

My go-to spot is Chreli Abano, also known as Orbeliani Bath. Its striking blue-tiled facade makes it one of Tbilisi’s most picturesque bathhouses that many mistake for a mosque. Another favorite is Gulo’s Bath, a more intimate and locally loved spot.

For the whole experience, I always opt for a kisa scrub—a vigorous exfoliation that leaves your skin feeling incredibly smooth. If you’ve never tried it before, be prepared for an intense but deeply satisfying treatment!

Around a dozen other bathhouses in the area offer private (which I usually book with friends, but can be pricey for a solo traveler) and public rooms at various prices.

Escape the cold at Tbilisi’s various museums and galleries

If you need a break from the winter chill or rainy day, the city’s museums and galleries are the perfect escape. Besides the well-known Georgian National Museum with Archeological Treasury and Soviet Occupation halls (my favorites), the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, National Gallery, and Art Museum of Georgia, Tbilisi is home to a variety of alternative museums and independent galleries that are well worth a visit.

Some of my personal favorites and less visited ones are the Georgian Art Palace because of its Art-Nouveau and castle-like exterior, the love story behind it, and more than 300,000 gorgeous items on display; Academy of Arts Mirror halls for its spectacular mirror-mosaic halls, and State Silk Museum for fascinating insights into Georgia’s silk production history.

Tiny Tea Museum and Shop near Freedom Square is another offbeat spot that sells artisanal Georgian tea but also displays some vintage tea packaging.

And for those who’d love to know more about the city’s history, the Tbilisi History Museum is a must, and so is the Wine Museum for an engaging introduction to Georgia’s 8000 years of winemaking traditions. Both museums are located in the former Caravanserai, evidence of the city’s participation in great trade routes.

Independent galleries are mainly free to visit and showcase international and contemporary Georgian artists. Refer to my complete Tbilisi museums and galleries post for more information and venues not to miss.

Indulge in hearty Georgian cuisine

Georgian cuisine is complex yet very simple and exceptionally delicious, showcasing rich flavors and creative use of fresh ingredients. If you’ve never had anything from Georgian cuisine, be prepared for a gourmet experience. And I genuinely mean it, not because I am a local, but because my claims can be backed up after your visit.

Seasonality is a very important aspect of our cuisine, and Georgian foods are perfected to suit colder months – rich in protein, dairy, and carbs, they are the ultimate comfort food.

Khinkali dumplings and Khachapuri, in particular, are considered the country’s national dishes, while flavorful stews like Kharcho or spicy Ostri are ideal to warm up the soul. Soups are also abundant – my all-time favorite (no matter the season) is the Matsvnis Supi, or Yogurt Soup, while many locals adore chicken soup called Chikhirtma.

Around New Year and Christmas festivities, we also have specific meals that every family makes, including Satsivi – a chicken/turkey walnut stew and a Gozinaki, one of the beloved Georgian desserts.

Don’t worry if you are a vegetarian or vegan, as we have plenty of plant-based traditional dishes, too. To know what to order and try, refer to my vegetarian Georgian food guide. 

Roll your sleeves up and participate in a cooking class

No matter when you come to Tbilisi, taking a cooking class is a great way to dive deep into Georgia’s rich culinary heritage and gain insight into its culture and history. Winter’s gloomy days are just perfect for mastering the ins and outs of Khinkali making, seasoning walnut paste for Pkhali, or baking gooey Khachapuri.

There are several options to choose from depending on your plans and schedule – from in-depth experience that spans several hours, allowing you to cook various Georgian dishes and have dinner with the family, to a short and basic introduction to Georgia’s culinary scene.  

This two-hour class teaches you how to prepare Khinkali and Khachapuri with included salad, Georgian cheese, and drinks. Afterward, you have time to have a hearty lunch from your creations.

Join a Georgian wine-tasting session

Apart from food, Georgia is also renowned for its wine, with its 8000-year-old tradition that gave it the nickname of the ‘Birthplace of Wine’ and enlisted it as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

If you want to try Georgia’s famous vintages, Tbilisi is a haven from traditional Qvevri wines made in gigantic clay vessels buried underground to European-style varieties. There’s something for every palate, whether you try them on your own by the glass or sit on tasting with a professional wine expert or a sommelier.

If you haven’t heard anything about Georgian wine, I highly recommend you book a tasting to understand the history of wine here better and sample a good selection of local varieties. My top recommendations are any branch of 8000 Vintages and the newly opened Sadzvele in a historic Wine Factory N1 complex.

Otherwise, choose one of the atmospheric wine bars in Tbilisi and enjoy a glass at your own pace.

Scout for gorgeous Art-Noveau houses and painted hallways

The city’s charm isn’t just in its famous landmarks—it’s also hidden in the backstreets, where stunning Art Nouveau buildings, hand-painted entryways, spiral staircases, and crumbling yet elegant facades tell stories of the city’s past.

Beyond the well-known Tbilisi courtyards and Soviet brutalist structures, these architectural gems often go unnoticed by passersby, so make sure you add this to your Tbilisi winter activities.

Some of the best places to admire them are Sololaki, Chughureti, and parts of Mtatsminda. While Aghmashenebeli Avenue has been recently restored under the New Tiflis project, giving it a polished, fresh look, Sololaki and Mtatsminda remain in a state of beautiful decay.

Many of these once-grand buildings desperately need renovation, but their intricate details and faded elegance still shine through if you know where to look.

Walking through these areas feels like stepping back in time. You can admire the buildings from the outside, and if you spot an open door and decide to peek inside, be mindful that these are private residences—respecting residents’ privacy is essential.

If you’re curious to dive deeper into this side of Tbilisi, learn why the city has so many European-style mansions, and step inside a few lavish entryways, I host Tbilisi architectural walking tours as a passion project. These tours offer stories and insights you won’t find in any guidebook.

Check out the tours here, choose the one that interests you, and use code RFD20 at checkout for 20% off!

Relax in warm and inviting cafes

There’s nothing better than escaping a gloomy winter day in Tbilisi by settling into a cozy cafe or specialty coffee shop.

The city is brimming with charming venues offering something for every mood—whether you’re looking for a quiet corner with vintage decor to unwind with a book, a buzzing coffee spot, a place serving all-day breakfast, or simply need a place to take a break from exploring.

Explore Soviet architecture and memorabilia

If you’re fascinated by Soviet architecture, mosaics and other bygone-era memorabilia, winter is an excellent time to explore Tbilisi’s urban landscape as dramatic winter skies add a different charisma to the city’s concrete structures.

The Chronicles of Georgia, a towering sculptural complex with panoramic views of the city’s outskirt districts and the Tbilisi Sea, is a popular destination and an Instagrammable spot.

Nutsubidze Skybridge is an architectural experiment of the 1960s where a high-rise bridge connects apartment blocks, making it one of the city’s most unique residential structures.

Ministry of Highways and Wedding Palace (a.k.a Palace of Rituals) are other magnificent Soviet Brutalist sites that defined innovation and creativity back then. You can likely DIY your trip, but if you have limited time, join this tour covering highlights and less-known places.

If you are into bunkers, you can also visit the only Soviet bunker in Tbilisi open to the public. Book the tour via GetYourGuide, join WT Georgia (mention Red Fedora to get 10% off), or message Tornike, also known as Wise Guy, on Facebook.

Eat Gozinaki

Gozinaki is a Georgian dessert and the most beloved sweet among locals after Churchkhela. Only prepared and eaten once a year, during New Year and Christmas festivities, winter in Tbilisi is your only chance of trying it.

Made by caramelizing walnuts in honey, Gozinaki is sweet, crunchy, and packed with proteins. Every family makes Gozinaki at home, but you can also find them at various grocery stores and supermarkets, bakeries, and Christmas markets during this time of the year.

Outside of the festive season, you might spot versions made with peanuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds, but these aren’t traditional—walnuts are the classic choice.

Buy unique Georgian souvenirs to take home

Tbilisi has plenty of small boutique shops, pop-up markets, and specialty stores showcasing the works of local artists and designers. Therefore, if you are looking for authentic, handmade, or one-of-a-kind souvenirs to bring home, you’ll find no shortage of options.

Some must-have souvenirs include traditional tablecloths, clay pottery, Georgia-themed socks (Khinkali and Khachapuri ones are particularly popular), spices, cloisonné enamel jewelry, and handknitted accessories, to name a few.

Refer to this guide for a more detailed overview of what souvenirs to buy in Georgia and my curated list of Tbilisi souvenir shops.

Escape to the hills surrounding Tbilisi

Although hiking in Tbilisi is best in warm weather, you can still enjoy a lovely day in nature and the hills around Tbilisi. When the temperatures drop, and the snow is forecasted in the ridges, the nearby villages within the city’s border offer a great escape into a winter wonderland.

Choose a day with a clear sky and sun and head to one of the trails – Mtatsminda Park and Kojori village are great bases for various hikes.

For a quick city hike, you can walk down from Mtatsminda Park to Mtatsminda neighborhood via Mamadaviti Church and the Pantheon of Georgian writers and public figures or choose the trail leading to Narikala Fortress. For nature, you can embark on the trail through the forest to Kus Tba (Turtle Lake).

For the more nature-focused hike, take a city bus to Kojori from Baratashvili Street, walk to Kojori Fortress (also called Azeula), and then return to Tbilisi via Mtatsminda Ridge. 

Another short hike that offers a beautiful snow-covered trail is from Kojori to Tskneti town or Vake neighborhood’s Bagebi district. However, if you are looking for a trail that occasionally provides city views, this is not the one (instead, try the Kojori-Tbilisi via Mtatsminda Ridge mentioned above). This trail only goes through a dense forest right after Udzo Monastery but is ideal for a day escaping the city noise.

Browse Christmas markets

From mid-December through the first week of January (sometimes it is prolonged for another week, so check my Christmas-specific guide for exact dates close to December), Christmas markets and villages spring up across the city. 

The official Tbilisi City Hall Christmas village occurs in Orbeliani Square and Dedaena Park, offering a mix of seasonal treats and festive cheer. Fabrika Tbilisi hosts its annual weekend Christmas Fair on December 23-25 (date varies), while the STALL Market places its stalls in front of the National Youth Palace next to Liberty/Freedom Square metro stop on Rustaveli Ave.

These Christmas markets usually feature artisanal crafters, unique handcrafted souvenirs and items, and seasonal food specials.

Celebrate the Day of Fate

In Georgia, we are firm believers of fate and even have a day dedicated to celebrating it—January 2nd, called Bedoba. This is my personal favorite among Georgian Christmas traditions. On this day, people try to make the most of it by doing activities that bring them joy. We believe that however you spend it, influences the year ahead.

Therefore, most of us spend it with family, friends, and loved ones or do activities we enjoy the most, such as wandering around the city, attending a workshop, shopping, etc.

So, if your trip coincides with the day, why not take the opportunity to plan something special for yourself? Whether it’s a relaxing spa treatment, a visit to the sulfur baths, a shopping spree, or a lovely dinner at one of the city’s charming restaurants.

Walk along the Alilo Parade

While Orthodox Christmas on January 7 for Georgians is a day for family and relative gatherings, the streets of Tbilisi are filled with a vibrant parade called Alilo.

Locals, dressed in elaborate and religious costumes, gather at the First Republic Square around 12-1 pm and march via Rustaveli Avenue to Holy Trinity Cathedral in Avlabari. Before the start of the parade, people bring donations (clothes and food) for families in need, but these donations are also collected along the way.

Georgian Christmas carols and songs are played through speakers rather than being sung by the participants as they walk. However, it is still a fascinating event to experience, creating an atmosphere full of community spirit. You are welcome to walk along for as long as you’d like or observe from the sidewalks.

Watch a movie in a cinema

Tbilisi’s main cinema, Cavea, is in shopping malls like Galeria Tbilisi, City Mall Saburtalo, Tbilisi Mall, East Point, and a stand-alone Amirani below the Tbilisi Concert Hall.

Movies in English are shown in the first two weeks after the premiere. Afterwards, they are dubbed in Georgian. You can check out what’s on at Kinoafisha.ge and buy tickets online or in person. Another website we use to buy movie tickets is Tkt.ge. Both websites indicate which language the movie is shown in.

Alternatively, for indie and classic releases, check out some of the small and independent mini-cinemas that opened in Tbilisi in the past few years. Cinematic Cafe, operated by Dae Concept Store near Marjanishvili metro, doubles as a cafe and has movie nights from Tuesday to Saturday at 8 pm. Check the schedule on their Instagram page.

Another one in Chughureti is the FOMO Cinema – a wine bar and a venue space that’s open from Wednesday through Sunday. They usually have two movies scheduled for each evening at 8 pm and 10 pm. Their Instagram page has the schedule.

For a very unique experience where you can have dinner inspired by the meals shown in the movie you watch, try Tbilisi Movie Nights. They add new movies occasionally but circulate Alice in Wonderland, Pretty Women, Pulp Fiction, Ratatouille, Harry Potter, and Spirited Away. Check their Instagram page.

Go ice skating in a newly opened arena

While we don’t have an outdoor ice skating ring during winter (except for a small one incorporated for children at Tbilisi City Hall’s Christmas village), you can still have a fun day ice skating at the newly opened arena in Saburtalo district.

Located inside the Arena Sports Complex, Ice Arena Tbilisi is a 60-by-30-meter ice rink equipped with a state-of-the-art cooling system and the latest technology of international standards that can accommodate up to 700 spectators.

The area also has training and choreography rooms, rest areas, medical facilities, locker rooms, and a café with a panoramic rink view. A two-hour visit costs 20 GEL.

Attend ballet and theatre performances

Autumn and winter are great seasons to catch a ballet or theatrical performance during chilly evenings or enjoy a live concert at one of its jazz clubs. There’s always something going on in Tbilisi, but when it comes to the theater with English subtitles, that’s a rare find.

Rezo Gabriadze Theater’s puppet shows are designed for adults rather than children as they tackle complex stories. Ramona and Autumn of My Springtime are my favorites.

The gorgeous Rustaveli Theater has a few plays with English subtitles, such as Maria Callas. Master Class, Hedda Gabler, The Exception and the Rule, Endgame, and Prometheus Bound.

Iconic Opera and Ballet Theater on Rustaveli Avenue is beautiful inside-out, but its fascinating Oriental-style reception halls are simply spectacular. Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, they offered tours to visitors, but never reinstated afterwards. So attending a performance is the only way to see this beauty from the inside.

This yellow Moorish building is actually Tbilisi’s second opera. The first one was built in 1947 on the present-day Freedom Square as part of the Caravanserai. Designed by an Italian architect, it was one of the most beautiful establishments in the Caucasus, hosting troupes from Paris and Italy. 

Unfortunately, it burned down in 1874, and the new one on Rustaveli was constructed in 1896. The original sketch and blueprint of the original opera house are on display at the Art Palace Museum in Cughureti.

Top day trips from Tbilisi in winter

If you’re looking for the best winter day trips from Tbilisi, nothing beats escaping the city to experience snow-covered landscapes. One of the top choices is Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), a breathtaking mountain region three hours north of Tbilisi, where you’ll find snow-topped peaks and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church framed by winter scenery.

For a different kind of winter retreat, head southwest to Borjomi, a charming town famous for its mineral waters. Warm up in the Tsar’s sulfur baths, surrounded by snow-dusted forests, then continue to Bakuriani, Georgia’s beloved winter resort.

And if you love a magical winter forest closer to the capital, don’t miss Sabaduri Forest, where frost-covered trees create a real-life winter wonderland.

What to pack for winter in Tbilisi

Packing for the Tbilisi winter holidays is about staying warm and comfortable while preparing for unpredictable weather. Winters here can be chilly, but you’ll also get crisp, sunny days perfect for exploring the city. Here are my recommendations on what to wear in Tbilisi in winter and a few other items to bring. 

Layer up for changing temperatures: Warm base layers, including thermal shirts, long-sleeved tops, or leggings to wear under the jeans. Fleece pullovers, warm sweaters, and winter jacket go without saying.

Comfortable and weather-appropriate footwear: Tbilisi is best explored on foot, with its charming cobblestone streets and hilly terrain. Your shoes should be both comfortable and warm. A good pair of insulated boots is a must. I usually wear my Timberland boots in the city with wool socks and an added warm insoles.

Other accessories: Tbilisi’s winters can be unpredictable, with rainy days throughout the season. So pack an umbrella. I rarely go out without a warm hat and a scarf.

Power Adapter: Georgia uses European-style plugs (Type C & F), so bring a universal adapter if needed.

Reusable water bottle: Tap water is drinkable, and you’ll find public water fountains across the city. I always travel with my Stojo collapsible water bottle to save space in my bag. I also have Stojo’s collapsible cup for my hot drinks and beverages. I ask baristas to pour coffee into my cup rather than paper one.

Daypack or a bag: A small, lightweight backpack is perfect for carrying water, snacks, and a camera while exploring. I personally use the CITYC 2-in-1 Backpack from Driibe—read my review and grab 15% off with code FEDORA15.

If you realize you didn’t pack enough warm clothes, Tbilisi has plenty of thrift, second-hand, and vintage shops to find sweaters, scarves, and jackets for affordable prices.

If you’re heading to the mountains for skiing or snowboarding, you can rent all the necessary gear directly at resorts such as Gudauri and Bakuriani. Some vintage and second-hand shops also have ski outfits for reasonable prices.

Top hotels for Tbilisi winter trip

Tbilisi offers a great mix of cozy hostels, beautiful apartments, and stylish boutique hotels to suit every traveler. In winter, staying in the central districts helps minimize time spent outdoors while keeping you close to the city’s main attractions. 

If you’re unsure where to stay, check out my detailed Tbilisi neighborhood guide for insider tips. In the meantime, here are my top hotel recommendations:

Boutique hotels in Tbilisi: Glarros Old Town – This 5-star hotel, whose design reflects the city’s rich history, offers elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace with stunning views, and a spa.

Mid-range Hotels: The Ibis Budget Tbilisi Center is a 3-star hotel near Freedom/Liberty Square. It has clean and comfortable rooms and a breakfast buffet.

Budget-friendly Hotels: Fabrika Hostel & Suites is located in the old historic part. It 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: The Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers in he Vake district offers stunning city views from its modern rooms. It also features a variety of restaurants and bars, a spa, and a fitness center.