Where to Stay in Tbilisi • Best Hotels & Neighborhoods Guide

Tourism is rapidly growing in Tbilisi, and so are hotels, apartments, and hostels; they pop up like mushrooms after a rainy day. With so many accommodation types, it might be challenging to choose. Therefore, I compiled an ultimate guide to the best Tbilisi neighborhoods and lodgings to help you decide where to stay in Tbilisi.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi – Best Neighborhoods in Tbilisi

Before we get into the Tbilisi hotels, Airbnb, or hostels list, let’s talk about its neighborhoods and which is the best place to stay in Tbilisi. Currently, Tbilisi has more than 25 districts, out of which only several are considered a center or close to the center.

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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 tourist places to stay in Tbilisi. The district is famous for its brick, domed-shaped sulfur bathhouses. The district’s name also comes from those bathhouses, as ‘Abano’ in Georgia is a bathhouse.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi - Best Hotels and Neighborhoods Guide 1

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 the 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.

Top accommodation in Abanotubani

Avlabari

Located on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, Avlabari is another centrally located area to stay in Tbilisi. Being opposite 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.

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From here, you can easily visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the tallest religious buildings in 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.

Top accommodation in Avlabari

Sololaki

This is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Tbilisi, starting from Freedom Square and continuing towards Mtatsminda. In my opinion, it’s one of the best areas when considering where to stay in Tbilisi.

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.

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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.

Top accommodation in Sololaki

Mtatsminda

Mtatsminda is a mountain dominating the landscape of Tbilisi. It’s the one with a TV tower and a funicular. Consequently, the neighborhood lies on the foot of the hill adjacent to the Sololaki and Vera neighborhoods. Apart from the TV tower and funicular, Mtatsminda is home to a theme park of the same name and Mamadaviti, a burial place of famous Georgian poets, writers, and historical figures.

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It is the best place to stay in Tbilisi if you are looking for an authentic experience, a quiet neighborhood and at the same time being close to the city center. Rustaveli Avenue with Parliament Building and various museums are within a 5-10 minutes walk. The nearest metro is either Freedom Square or Rustaveli, while there are plenty of bus stops along the main avenue.

Top accommodation in Mtatmisnda

Vera

Vera is another quiet and peaceful neighborhood to stay in 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, grocery shops, and great street art pieces.

The closest metro station is Rustaveli, while the avenue is around a 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 buses stops away.

Top accommodation in Vera

Marjanishvili

Marjanishvili is another popular neighborhood to stay in in Tbilisi. The area is within walking distance of 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 of its cafes or the benches, and admire the atmosphere.

In terms of 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.

Top accommodation in Marjanishvili

Vake

Vake is considered a 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 tourist 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.

Top accommodation in Vake

Where to Stay in Tbilisi – Co-living space

Lokal Tbilisi Co-living and Co-working Space

If you love being part of a great community, get the local vibe, and at the same time understand what’s Tbilisi is all about without staying at hotels or apartments, Lokal Tbilisi Co-living and Co-working space might be the right fit for you.

Nestled in the Vera neighborhood, away from the touristy and busy part of Tbilisi, yet very close to the center and its main attractions, Lokal Tbilisi offers several private rooms with private bathrooms in a massive house featuring a garden. Each room here comes with a desk and fast WiFi so that you can create your workspace and be productive.

As a co-live resident, you get full access to its indoor and outdoor coworking spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and a charming garden.

Moreover, Lokal Tbilisi organizes various skillshare, language learning, boardgame, and other fun nights for you to attend.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi – The Best Hotels in Tbilisi

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. However, I should note that the prices per night in those hotels are pretty expensive. Therefore, if you are looking for alternative hotels in Tbilisi, look at the list I came up with.

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.

Mini Hotel on Aghmashenebeli Ave

Marjanishvili area | Closest metro: Marjanishvili

Mini Hotel on Agmashenebeli Avenue is a quiet and charming lodging offering a flat-screen TV, a kettle, a 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 and the hippest place – Fabrika.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi - Best Hotels and Neighborhoods Guide 6 — Doors Meidan Design Hotel. Photo Credit: Property Facebook Page

Hotel Loft

Sololaki district | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square

The rooms of the hotel have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. 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 with quiet streets.

Hotello

Mtatsminda neighborhood | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square

Hotello, situated only 70 m from Rustaveli Theater, offers bright and colorful rooms with stylish designs. One of the walls of the room is painted blue, making it feel spacious and welcoming. The rooms have all you need for a pleasant and comfortable stay, including a 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.

Vorontsoff Inn Boutique Hotel

Marjanishvili area | Closest metro: Marjanishvili

This boutique hotel is another fantastic 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 are reachable either by foot or by metro.

Graphica Tbilisi Hotel

Avlabari district | Closest metro: Avlabari

When considering where to stay in Tbilisi, check out Graphica Tbilisi Hotel because of its convenient location to the old town as well as an interesting concept. Each room of the hotel has an architectural plan of some of the most historic places in Tbilisi. There’s a QR code for you to scan and read about the building and its significance.

The rooms are well lit by the direct light, and are comfortable and cozy equipped with necessary items, including a kettle, fridge, minibar, and a desk if you need to do a bit of work while staying in Tbilisi.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi - Best Hotels and Neighborhoods Guide 7 — Hotello. Photo Credit: Property Facebook page

Doors Meidan Design Hotel

Abanotubani | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square or Avlabari

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 GEL.

The hotel is just a minute walk from Freedom Square and the Old Town sites, including Sioni Cathedral, Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, and Peace Bridge, to name a few.

Hotel Flower

Sololaki neighborhood | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square

Hotel Flower is another ideal lodging with an excellent location. The stylish, modern, and bright hotel offers a patio in every room, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a 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.

None of these suites your taste? → Check out more hotels in Tbilisi

Where to Stay in Tbilisi – Best Hostels in Tbilisi

Fabrika Hostel Tbilisi

Marjanishvili area | Closest metro: Marjanishvili

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.

Pushkin 10 Hostel

City Center | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square

Pushkin 10 Hostel, situated on Pushkin street, 300 meters from 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 rentals are available at the hostel if you need to cycle around the town or drive outside the capital.

Namaste Hostel

Abanotubani | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square or Avlabari

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 dorm and private rooms. However, all the rooms use a shared bathroom with complimentary toiletries provided.

Alcatraz Jail-Hostel

Abanotubani | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square or Avlabari

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 precisely what the name suggests – Alcatraz Jail. Dorm rooms are designed as prison cells adorned with various posters, warnings in Russian and English language, or posters. Private rooms have orange jumpsuits hanging on a hanger and one black and white portrait of someone hung on top of the bed. It looks creepy to me, but if that’s your cup of tea, go for it!

None of these suites your taste? → Check out more hostels in Tbilisi

Where to Stay in Tbilisi – Best Apartments in Tbilisi

Luxury Inn

Sololaki area | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square

Luxury Inn offers stylish studio apartments that can fit up to 4 people. Located in the city center, not far from Freedom Square, the apartments have all the necessary amenities for your comfortable stay.

Each apartment has comfy furniture, modern decor items, and dining areas along with a TV, equipped kitchen, a microwave, and a safety box to store your valuables.
And if you don’t feel like cooking, you can order breakfast at the aparthotel.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi - Best Hotels and Neighborhoods Guide 8 — Pushkin 10 hostel. Photo Credit: Property Facebook page

Millenium Apartment

Abanotubani district | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square or Avlabari

Spanning 150 sq.m in size, the Millenium Apartment is ideal for those who love spacious apartments or for a group of friends or family. Fitting six people in its two bedrooms and a sofa bed, the apartment has everything a person can require while staying in Tbilisi. Apart from the kitchen and the living room, this apartment in Tbilisi has a patio to enjoy views of the old Tbilisi.

With its central location in Abanotubani, you can quickly get to the main historical sights of Tbilisi on foot.

Boutique Apart Upe

Abanotubani district | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square or Avlabari

Even though it’s more of an aparthotel renting out the rooms, it does have a fully equipped penthouse and studio apartments with a balcony. With modern furniture, minimalistic yet stylish design, and a touch of color, the apartment is ideal for those who’d love to experience staying in one of the old Tbilisi houses.

Ninoshvili Apartments by Picnic

Marjanishvili area | Closest metro: Marjanishvili

Ninoshvili Apartments by Picnic, located close to Fabrika, is an excellent choice for those who love some peace while being close to the main touristy things Tbilisi offers.

This stylish, minimalistic, and modern apartment has a balcony to enjoy your morning coffee or evening wine.

Rustaveli N26 Hotel Apartments

City Center | Closest metro: Rustaveli or Freedom/Liberty Square

Situated right on Rustaveli Ave in one of the historic houses with grand hallways, the venue has several apartments fitting various budgets and several people.

Each apartment within the complex has a fully equipped kitchen, stylish furniture, a balcony, and all the necessary items you might need.

Sofia Apartment in old Tbilisi

Sololaki | Closest metro: Freedom/Liberty Square

This cute apartment with artsy details is very close to the city center and a couple of cafes. The fully-equipped 40 sq.m one-bedroom apartment is ideal for solo travelers or couples.

None of these suites your taste? → Check out more apartments in Tbilisi

My Favorite Travel Resources

To ease your travel planning, check out all the posts about Georgia travel. Additionally, here are some of the websites and services I use when preparing for my next adventure anywhere in the world.

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☀ Book in advance some of the best city walks, cultural experiences, and day tours to maximize your stay and experience here.