Tbilisi City Guide — Attractions, Food & Tips

Tbilisi City GuideA captivating capital carved into the Mtkvari River gorge, where sulfur baths, medieval churches, and avant-garde architecture coexist beneath the watchful gaze of the Narikala Fortress.Key Facts

Country: Georgia

Currency: GEL (Georgian Lari)

Language: Georgian

Time Zone: UTC+4

Best Time to Visit: May–June & September–October

Top Places to Visit

Narikala Fortress — A 4th-century fortress looming above the Old Town, accessible by cable car or a steep walk. The panoramic views of the city and river are unforgettable, especially at sunset.

Abanotubani Sulfur Baths — The brick-domed bathhouses that gave Tbilisi its name ('warm place'). Private rooms with natural hot sulfur water are a must — book the Orbeliani or Chreli Abano for the best experience.

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) — A monumental gold-domed cathedral completed in 2004, standing 87 meters tall. The interior features stunning frescoes and icons. The hilltop setting offers sweeping city views.

Rustaveli Avenue — The main artery of the city lined with 19th-century buildings, the Opera House, National Museum, Parliament, and leafy plane trees. Perfect for an evening paseo.

Bridge of Peace — A striking bow-shaped glass and steel pedestrian bridge connecting Old Tbilisi to Rike Park. Designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, it glows with LED lights at night.

Local Food

Khachapuri — Georgia's beloved cheese-filled bread comes in many regional styles. In Tbilisi, try the Imeretian (round) and Adjarian (boat-shaped with egg and butter) varieties.

Khinkali — Juicy soup dumplings filled with spiced meat, mushrooms, or cheese. Eat them by hand — grab the knob, bite, sip the broth, then devour. Don't eat the knob!

Chakapuli — A fragrant spring stew of lamb or veal simmered with tarragon, tkemali (plum sauce), white wine, and green plums. A quintessential seasonal Georgian dish.

Badrijani Nigvzit — Thinly sliced fried eggplant rolled around a paste of ground walnuts, garlic, and spices. A classic Georgian appetizer found on every restaurant table.

Back to PlanTrip