Tbilisi Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Tbilisi

Tbilisi's hilly Old Town is best explored slowly on foot, with plenty of cafés and wine bars to rest in along the way.

• Old Town — Winding lanes lined with houses with ornate wooden balconies, small churches, a synagogue and a mosque, reflecting the city's long, diverse history.
• Abanotubani sulphur baths — A cluster of brick-domed bathhouses fed by natural hot springs, the source of the city's name, where you can book a traditional soak.
• Narikala Fortress — An ancient hilltop fortress reached on foot or by cable car, offering sweeping views over the rooftops and river.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral — One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the region, with gilded domes visible from across the city.
• Rustaveli Avenue — The grand main boulevard, lined with theatres, museums, the opera house and the former parliament building.
• Bridge of Peace and Rike Park — A modern glass-and-steel footbridge across the river linking the Old Town with a riverside park.
• Mtskheta — Georgia's ancient capital, a short drive away, with UNESCO-listed churches at the meeting of two rivers.

Best time to visit Tbilisi

The best times to visit Tbilisi are spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). Spring brings mild temperatures, blossom on the hillsides and green countryside, while autumn offers warm, settled days that are perfect for walking the Old Town and making day trips.

Autumn is also the season of rtveli, the grape harvest, when wine regions such as Kakheti celebrate with harvest gatherings and fresh wine. Tbilisoba, the city's own festival, usually takes place in October, with music, food and crafts in the streets. Summer (July and August) can be very hot in the city, so many locals head to the mountains or the coast.

Winter (December to February) is cool, with occasional snow, and is a quieter time to visit, though it is a good base for ski resorts in the Caucasus. Orthodox Christmas on 7 January and New Year are festive times, with family celebrations and illuminated streets throughout the centre.

Getting from the airport

Tbilisi International Airport is about 17 km south-east of the city centre, and the transfer is short and simple.

• Taxis and app-based rides — Ride-hailing apps are widely used and offer fixed fares; official taxis are also available outside arrivals. The drive to the Old Town or Rustaveli Avenue usually takes 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• City bus — A public bus runs from the airport to the city centre and major metro stations, taking around 40 minutes to an hour. It is the most economical option and runs during the day and evening.
• Hotel transfers — Many hotels and guesthouses can arrange a pick-up, which is helpful for the many flights that arrive late at night or in the early morning.

If you take a taxi that has not been booked through an app, agree the fare before setting off and avoid unofficial drivers who approach you in the terminal. Carrying a small amount of local currency for your first journey is also useful.

Where to stay

Tbilisi is compact, and most visitors stay within walking distance of the Old Town or near a metro station on either side of the river.

• Old Tbilisi — The historic heart around the sulphur baths and fortress, full of character and ideal for first-time visitors who want to explore on foot.
• Sololaki — A charming area of 19th-century townhouses and wine bars just above the Old Town, suiting couples and culture lovers.
• Rustaveli and Vera — Central, leafy districts near the main boulevard, museums and theatres, with good metro links and plenty of cafés.
• Vake — An upmarket residential district with parks, restaurants and boutiques, perfect for travellers who prefer a quieter, polished base.
• Marjanishvili and Chugureti — Lively areas across the river with restored streets, creative spaces and nightlife, popular with younger travellers.

Travel tips

• Getting around — The metro and buses are inexpensive and cover the main areas, and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Wear comfortable shoes, as the Old Town is hilly and many streets are cobbled.
• Church etiquette — Dress modestly when visiting churches, covering shoulders and knees; women are often expected to cover their heads, and scarves are sometimes provided at the entrance.
• Food and wine — Georgian hospitality is famous; try khachapuri, khinkali dumplings and wine made in traditional clay vessels, and expect generous toasts at a supra, or feast.
• Tipping — Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill; where they do not, a tip of around 10 percent is appreciated.
• Cash and cards — Cards are widely accepted in the city, but carry some cash for markets, small shops and trips into the countryside.
• Entry requirements — Requirements vary by nationality, so check official sources before you travel.