Top 23 Things to Do in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is my hometown, where I spent most of my life and currently reside in. Georgia’s capital is getting more attention both from the media and travelers, who seek a wild nature, unique culture, ancient architecture mixed with modern buildings and distinctive cuisine. And even though it is a relatively small city, there are plenty of things to do in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi’s narrow lanes mirror its complicated history of a Persian or Russian rule. The impact of each invasion is still present today, and you can see it while wandering around the old neighborhoods like Sololaki or Plekhanov.

However, I always say that to feel Georgian spirit and understand its heritage you should at least go to other regions of the country.

Top 23 Things to Do in Tbilisi

Walk Down the Rustaveli Avenue

The center of the city, Rustaveli Avenue houses Parliament building, national museums, National Opera Theater, cinema, and shopping malls. The Avenue, named after Shota Rustaveli, a medieval poet and one of the significant contributors to Georgian literature, utterly tells the splendor of capital.

Visit the Epicenter of Georgian History

In its 200-year history, the square has undergone several name changes. Neoclassical style square was called Pashkevich-Erivanskaya, Beria and Lenin Square.  In the past two decades, the Square has been the epicenter of various demonstrations and celebrations.

Today, St. George’s partly golden statue adorns the center dedicated to the freedom and independence of the Georgian nation.

Travels of a Bookpacker gives you many reasons why you should fall in love with Tbilisi

Go to National Museums

I won’t spoil your experience. Just trust me. You need to go to the museums here, even if you are not a big museum fan like me.

Peak into the Writer’s House

The former mansion of David Sarajishvili, a founder of Georgian brandy, philanthropist and a Doctor of philosophy and chemistry, was built in 1905.

Constructed by a German architect Carl Zaar, the palace is a good example of Art Nouveau architecture and flawlessly combines local and European styles. The terrace has ceramic tiles of Villeroy & Boch Company specifically custom-made for Sarajishvili.

Have a Look at a Hogwarts-like building

One of the oldest school buildings in Tbilisi used to be a German boarding school for girls. Today it is a Public School N6.

The neo-gothic Style building had a chapel on the second floor and served the traditions of the Lutheran Church. The door of the chapel is preserved and still, portrays crosses. Since its existence, the school has changed its name and function many times. For example, during both World Wars, it served as a hospital.

Stroll Down the Lanes of Old Town

Betlemi, Gomi or Botanikuri streets utterly show the city’s former beauty. Walk-in small lanes and have a glimpse of Tbilisi’s house architecture.

Climb Narikala Fortress

For panoramic views, walk the steep cobblestone street towards Narikala fortress, a 4th-century landmark. You can climb the walls but be careful; there are no fences.

Rejuvenate at Sulfur bath

Right at the bottom of Narikala, you will find Abanotubani – a public bathhouse district of sulfurous waters. It is the area where according to the legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali discovered the hot springs while hunting and decided to establish a city.

Head towards the Waterfall

Passed Abanotubani, there is a ravine called Lagvtakhevi leading to a small waterfall. With the unique scenery, it’s a great place to sit on a bunch and explore the remains of old Tbilisi.

Put a Lock on Love Bridge

Like any other city, Tbilisi has its love lock bridge. If you are traveling here with a loved one, leave a lock and make some memories.

Relax at Rike Park

After a long walk in the Old Town, you can unwind at Rike Park on the left bank of Mtkvari River. The park is relatively new to Tbilisi’s recreational scenery and features singing and dancing fountains, large white grand piano, artificial climbing wall playground, and a mega chessboard.

Cross the Peace Bridge

Often cold as ‘Always Ultra’ by locals, due to its resemblance to a maxi pad, the glass bridge is an excellent example of capital’s modern architectural marvels. From Rike Park, you can connect to the pedestrian streets of Erekle II, Shardeni, Bambis, and Rkinis to enjoy a lunch or cup of a beverage.

Take a picture with Tamada

Tamada is a toast maker and a significant person in the Georgian feast. The statue at the very start of Bambis Street is a replica of the statue found in archeological excavations in western Georgia and dates from 7th century BC. He is holding a wine vessel – Kantsi.

Look at the Puppet Show at Tower Clock

A relatively new edition to Tbilisi’s landmarks, the Tower Clock is a masterpiece of Rezo Gabriadze, famous Georgian theater, filmmaker, playwright, painter, and sculptor.

Every hour an angel comes out with a small hammer to ring the bell. At noon and 7 pm, you can watch a puppet show – “The Circle of Life.” You will notice beautiful tiles adorning the tower. Rezo himself designed hundreds of them.

Visit Georgian “Stonehenge.”

Because of its location far away from the city center, tourists or locals rarely visit the Chronicles of Georgia. A monument with panoramic views over Tbilisi has a 30-meter tall pillar depicting kings, heroes, and queens of Georgia. The bottom part portrays biblical scenes and the life of Christ.

Swim in the Tbilisi Sea

No, Tbilisi does not have a sea. It has a reservoir so big that locals call it ‘sea.’ And to escape the summer heat, which might go up to 40-45C, locals tend to swim, relax, sunbathe and ride boats.

Spend a Weekend at Turtle or Lisi Lakes

I must say Tbilisi lacks an excellent recreational area. Yes, there are small or medium-sized parks, you can relax at, but it’s not enough for us. And when summer heat exhausts us, we flee to Turtle or Lisi lakes for evening breeze and escaping the city’s hustle.

Explore the Painted Hallways

Tbilisi hides some impressive architectural gem – painted hallways in its old districts of Sololaki and Plekhanov. Head to my separate post to see what I mean.

Wander Through ‘New Tiflis’

‘New Tiflis’ is the name of recently renovated D. Aghmashenebeli Avenue to its former face. The beginning of the Avenue is now a pedestrian street full of galleries, shops, cafes and wine bars.

Shop for Memorabilia at Dry Bridge

Dry Bridge is a flea market full of vintage junk. Here you will find old Soviet medals, second-hand cameras, porcelain china, old vinyl, paintings and even Stallone movies on VHS cassettes. It’s a heaven for vintage lovers. You can find anything here!

Visit Stalin’s Secret Publishing House

Yes, Stalin was Georgian, and I am not proud of it. In his youngster age, when he was part of a revolutionary group he and his team members built an underground publishing house in a well, 17 meters below the ground. You can visit it see everything with your own eyes.

Eat Lots of Local Food

Well, it’s obvious! But with the wide variety on the menu, you might be puzzled about what to order. So here are the staples of Georgian cuisine: Khinkali (meat dumplings), Phali (spinach with walnuts), Mtsvadi (BBQ meat) and Khachapuri (pizza-like cheese pie). However, there is much more!

Here’s my guide to best restaurants in Tbilisi for Georgian Cuisine

Try Georgian Wine

And last but not least, everyone should try some Georgian wine. The country is considered to be one of the oldest wine regions in the world. UNESCO added the traditional winemaking method in clay jars (Qvevri) to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments down below, or connect with me on my social media channels. I will be happy to assist you as much as possible.

Happy Travels!