Tourism in Tbilisi is rapidly growing, so do hotels, apartments, and hostels; they pop-up like mushrooms after a rainy day. With so many accommodation types, it might be challenging which to choose. Therefore, I compiled an ultimate guide to the best Tbilisi neighborhoods and lodgings to help you out with your decision on where to stay in Tbilisi.
Disclaimer: I haven’t stayed in all of those lodgings, but the post is based on thorough research and reviews of those accommodations. The hotels, hostels, and apartments mentioned here are not sponsored, I have selected them based on my preference, budget, design, and reviews.
Tbilisi Neighborhoods
Before we get into the list of Tbilisi hotels, Airbnb, or hostels, let’s talk about its neighborhoods and which one is the best place to stay in Tbilisi. Currently, Tbilisi has more than 25 districts, out of which only several are considered as a center or close to the center.
Abanotubani
Abanotubani or the Old Town is part of the Krtsanisi neighborhood, located on the right bank of the Mtkvari River. Therefore, it’s one of the best area to stay in Tbilisi for tourists. The district is famous for its brick, domed-shaped sulfur bathhouses. The name of the district also comes from those bathhouses, as ‘abano’ in Georgia is a bathhouse.
From here, you can easily visit Narikala Fortress, Botanical Garden, Metekhi Church, Rike Park, And stroll down the riverside to name a few. Moreover, you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets of Gomi and Betlemi to admire the postcard-perfect Tbilisian balconies, and visit the only remaining fire temple Ateshga.
The neighborhood is the heart of Tbilisi attractions. It is also close to Freedom Square, taking around 15 minutes on foot. And if you need to use the metro, the nearest ones are Freedom Square and Avlabari.
Avlabari
Located on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, Avlabari is another centrally located area to stay in Tbilisi. Being opposite of Abanotubani, the main sites of Tbilisi are within walking distance. And similar to Sololaki, you’ll be staying in the old and historical part of the town.
From here, you can easily visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the tallest religious buildings of the country and Metekhi Church. Make sure you walk down Gvinis Aghmarti (Wine Rise), a small street that used to have wine and vodka bars and cellars back in the day.
Sololaki
This is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Tbilisi, starting from Freedom Square and continuing towards Mtatsminda. Back in the day, Sololaki covered utterly different territory, somewhere where today is the Botanical Garden. The name derives from the Arabic word “Sulu-lah” meaning the irrigation system.
When Georgia became part of the Russian Empire, the city started to expand from its walls, and Sololaki used to be a neighborhood of wealthy merchants and businessmen. That’s why it’s one of the best areas to see Art Nouveau style houses of the 19th and 20th centuries, which used to be mansions of those successful businessmen.
Territory-wise, Sololaki is close to Abanotubani and Tbilisi’s main avenue – Rustaveli, making it a great area to stay. Moreover, it’s well connected with public transport and features various cafes, bars, restaurants, wine bars, and shops.
Mtatsminda
Mtatsminda is a mountain dominating the landscape of Tbilisi. It’s the one with a TV tower and funicular. Consequently, the neighborhood lays on the foot of the hill adjacent to Sololaki and Vera neighborhoods. Apart from the TV tower and funicular, Mtatsminda is home to themed-park of the same name and Mamadaviti, a burial place of famous Georgian poets, writers, and historical figures.
It is the best place to stay in Tbilisi if you are looking for an authentic experience, quiet neighborhood and at the same time being close to the city center. Rustaveli Avenue with Parliament Building and various museums are within 5-10 minutes’ walk. The nearest metro is either Freedom Square or Rustaveli, while there are plenty of bus stops along the main avenue.
Vera
Another quiet and peaceful neighborhood to stay in Tbilisi between Mtatsminda and Vake districts. Similar to Mtatsminda, Vera is very raw and authentic. Here, you can experience the everyday lives of locals and still be close to the center. While there are no historical sights to explore in the neighborhood, it offers plenty of eateries and grocery shops.
The closest metro station is Rustaveli, while the avenue is around 5-10 minutes walk depending on the location you are staying at. And getting to Freedom Square is not a big deal either, it’s just a few bus stops away.
Marjanishvili
Marjanishvili is another popular neighborhood to stay in Tbilisi. The area is within walking distance towards Rustaveli Ave. and Freedom Square, so you can easily reach the center on foot.
There’s a newly renovated pedestrian part of the Aghmashenebeli called ‘New Tiflis’ where you can see what the neighborhood looked like decades ago, sit at some its cafes, or at the branch and admire the atmosphere.
In terms of the sightseeing, the highlight of the district is the so-called Dry Bridge flea market. Here, you can find all sorts of second-hand junk, Soviet memorabilia, vinyl, cassettes, medals, antiques, paintings of local artists, you name it! It’s a fantastic place to find a unique souvenir.
Vake
Vake is considered the posh and expensive neighborhood. Honestly, I don’t know why. There’s nothing special happening here, except for dozens of cafes, restaurants, universities, parks, and shops. Moreover, it’s a bit far away from the city center. It’s walkable towards Rustaveli but will take you around 30-40 minutes. The best way is to hop on the bus to get to the touristic areas.
Vake Park is excellent for relaxation and leisurely walks in the evening. So is the Kus Tba (Turtle Lake), a popular getaway destination for many locals during hot summer days and evenings. You can take a cable car near the entrance of Vake Park or a taxi. There’s no public transport going to the lake.
Metro doesn’t go to Vake either, so your number one means of transportation is the bus or minibusses, marshrutkas.
Tbilisi Hotels
Tbilisi is home to many international and local hotel brands. You can find Radisson Blu, ibis, Biltmore Hotel, Mercury, and Marriott, to name a few. Additionally, the local hotel Rooms Hotel Tbilisi is trendy among many holiday-makers coming to the capital. However, it should be noted that the prices per night in those hotels are quite expensive. Therefore, if you are looking for cheap hotels in Tbilisi, look at the list I came up with.
Where to stay in Tbilisi on a budget – some of the best hotels in Tbilisi
Mini Hotel on Aghmashenebeli Ave
Mini Hotel on Agmashenebeli Avenue is a quiet and charming lodging offering a flat-screen TV, a kettle, fridge, and a hot tub in its rooms. With a modern and stylish design, you’ll feel welcomed the moment you step inside.
Aghmashenebeli is a recently renovated Avenue near Marjanishvili metro station and is full of cafes, restaurants, beautiful buildings, and clothing shops to name just a few. You can easily walk to Rustaveli Avenue or Freedoms Square from here. Additionally, Dry Bridge Flea Market is also within walking distance, as well as the hippest place Fabrika.
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Hotel Loft
Located in Sololaki, the rooms of the hotel have a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. With a simple design, mostly in black and white, creates a cozy atmosphere. Hotel Loft is only 600 meters from Freedom Square, 1.6 km away from Rustaveli and a couple of minutes walk to Abanotubani. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a central location quiet streets.
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Hotello
Hotello, situated in Mtatsminda only 70 m from Rustaveli Theater, offers bright and colorful rooms with stylish design. One of the walls of the rooms is painted in blue, making it feel spacious and welcoming. The rooms have all you need for a pleasant and comfortable stay, including wardrobe, chairs, towels, and a kettle, to name a few. Some rooms even have balconies to enjoy the view or a cup of coffee outside.
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Vorontsoff Inn Boutique Hotel – one of the best boutique hotels in Tbilisi
This boutique hotel is another cool place to stay in Tbilisi. Located on the parallel street of Agmashenebeli Avenue, Vorontsoff Inn Boutique Hotel offers a unique design full of antique and vintage items. Rooms here have a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, a kettle, and toiletries to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Additionally, the price per night includes continental breakfast, while the in-house restaurant offers various European meals with dairy-free and gluten-free options. The nearest metro station is Marjanishvili, while the rest of the sightseeing areas is reachable either by foot or by metro.
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Accent Hotel
This boutique hostel offers a peaceful environment in a vibrant city center. Tucked behind Aghmashenebeli Ave, not even 3 minutes walk from Marjanishvili metro, the hotel is ideal for couples and families who would love to be centrally located yet escape the noise coming from the street.
This 3-star hotel features rooms with diverse, pastel-color design and decor items. Every room has all the necessary items to make your stay here as comfortable as it can be, such as flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, wardrobe, etc. And if you are looking for apartment-style rooms, Accent Hotel has them too.
One more thing that distinguishes the hotel from others is its big courtyard with outdoor seating areas and a summer cafe, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or breakfast at an additional cost.
Additionally, it offers a massage service if you’d like to unwind and relax.
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Best Hotels in Tbilisi Old Town
Doors Meidan Design Hotel
With a fresh design and central location, Door Meidan Design Hotel is another excellent choice for those who are looking for lodging in the Old Town. Rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a kettle, a fridge, and a wardrobe. Some rooms even have a balcony, while each one has a comfortable seating area for evening relaxation. Moreover, you can enjoy a continental breakfast for an additional 25₾.
The hotel is just a minute walk from Freedom Square and sites of the Old Town, including Sioni Cathedral, Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, and Peace Bridge, to name a few.
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Hotel Flower
Hotel Flower is another ideal lodging with an excellent location. Stylish, modern, and the bright hotel offers patio in every room, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and private bathroom. Some rooms even have a balcony.
Freedom Square is only 600 meters away, so you can quickly get to the central avenue and a shopping center.
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Best Hostels in Tbilisi
Pushkin 10 Hostel
Pushkin 10 Hostel, situated on Pushkin street, 300 meters from the Freedom Square features a lounge area, a terrace, and air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom. The great benefit of this hostel is that it includes breakfast in the price so that you can enjoy pancakes with different toppings, coffee, tea, and milk every morning.
Also, bike and car rental are available at the hostel if you need to cycle around the town or drive outside the capital.
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City Dorm
Located near Vake Park in Vake district, City Dorm is a small, cute hostel 350 meters from Turtle Lake (Kus Tba) cable car. The rooms have shared bathrooms with free toiletries. Each bunk bed has a reading lamp and a locker, so you can leave your stuff while exploring the city. The common area features a refrigerator, kettle, washing machine, and a flat-screen TV. Solo female travelers can stay at their female-only dorm room.
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Hostel Mountain 13
Situated in Vera district, Hostel Mountain 13 is an excellent choice for those who want to stay in a bit quiet neighborhood but still be close to the center. All rooms here have a shared bathroom and offer free toiletries. Some rooms even have a balcony or terrace. The common area features a coffee machine, a kettle, and a TV to enjoy your spare time. The hostel is also ideal for solo female travelers.
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Namaste Hostel
If you’d like to be in the heart of Old Town, then Namaste Hostel should be your choice. Located near Narikala Fortress, on Betlemi Street, the hostel offers artsy design, comfortable furniture in the common area, a terrace, ironing facilities for free, and both dorm and private rooms. However, all the rooms use a shared bathroom with complimentary toiletries provided.
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Alcatraz Jail-Hostel
If you like staying in themed hostels, then this is an ideal option for you. Alcatraz Jail-Hostel, situated in the Old Town, on Betlemi Street, is exactly what the name suggests – Alcatraz Jail. Dorm rooms are designed as prison cells adorned with various posters, warnings in Russian and English, or posters. Private rooms have orange jumpsuit hanging on a hanger, and one black and white portrait of someone hung on top of the bed. It definitely looks creepy for me, but if that’s your cup of tea, go for it!
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Fabrika Hostel Tbilisi
Fabrika Tbilisi is one of the most popular hostels in town due to its concept. A former Soviet sewing factory turned into a multipurpose venue including a hostel, suites, cafes, and shops that hardly stay unnoticed among travelers. I have a full review of the hostel and a site, so check it out here.
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Best Airbnbs’ in Tbilisi Under $30 per night
There are plenty of apartments in Tbilisi under $30 per night. And they are not shared rooms, but entire flats. The choice is vast, but those are some of the best looking with great reviews.
Tiny Apartment Better Than Hostel
Located in a historic building built in 1911 near Freedom Square, this tiny apartment is almost always booked. The house used to be a mansion of tobacco merchants, brothers Seilanovs and features painted halls and staircases. The apartment is ideal for two or a single person who doesn’t want to stay in a hostel yet is on a budget.
The owner-managed to incorporate all the necessary equipment in just 12 sq. meters. There’s an iron, refrigerator, microwave, and a stove to cook your meals to name only a few.
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Cozy Apartment Near Freedom Square
This is another apartment in the same building as the upper one and is suitable for up to four people. This cozy flat has more space and is equipped with everything you need for your comfortable stay in Tbilisi. Plus it has a great location, just two minutes’ walk from Freedom Square. Modern decor items adorn the place, while the bathroom door is a replica of London’s telephone booth.
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Architect’s Studio In Old Tbilisi
Located in old Tbilisi, the studio offers excellent views of the city and Holy Trinity Cathedral. It’s within walking distance from Abanotubani sulfur baths, cafes, parks, and a metro station to ease your transportation within Tbilisi.
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401 Cozy Apartment in Central Tbilisi with Terrace
Great for up to four people, this flat is bright and features a terrace with neighborhood views. Located in one of the old but partly renovated districts of Tbilisi, the apartment is close to the “New Tiflis” part of Agmashenebeli avenue full of cafes and restaurants and Dry Bridge flea market. It also has access to metro and bus stops.
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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!
