Discover Tbilisi
Tbilisi (in Georgian Tbilisi, from "tbili" = warm, named after the hot sulfur springs) is a city that defies categorization. 1.2 million inhabitants live in a metropolis that stretches along the Kura (Mtkvari) through a narrow valley — surrounded by hills crowned with fortresses and monasteries.
The special thing about Tbilisi is the simultaneity: Next to a church from the 6th century stands a Soviet-era apartment block, next to it an Art Deco palace with Art Nouveau balconies, and on the ground floor, an artist collective has opened a wine bar. Tbilisi is simultaneously ancient and hypermodern, oriental and European, decaying and flourishing.
Plan at least 3–4 days for Tbilisi. The old town, the baths, the museums, the food scene, the nightlife — each day feels like an exploration.
Orientation
Tbilisi is clearly structured along the Kura:
- Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi): The heart of the city, east of the Kura. Winding alleys, crooked wooden balconies, the Narikala Fortress on the hill above, and the bath district Abanotubani at the base. This is where you spend most of your time.
- Rustaveli District: The magnificent Rustaveli Avenue is Tbilisi's grand boulevard — opera, national museum, parliament, boutiques, and cafes in 19th-century style.
- Fabrika / Marjanishvili: The former Soviet sewing machine factory is now Tbilisi's creative epicenter: hostel, coworking, cafes, bars, and galleries in one building.
- Vera & Vake: Upscale residential areas west of the center with excellent restaurants, Vake Park, and the Ethnographic Museum.
- Mtatsminda: The holy mountain above Tbilisi with an amusement park, TV tower, and the best panoramic view of the city. Accessible by funicular.
- Avlabari: The Armenian district east of the Old Town with the massive Sameba Cathedral — the largest Orthodox church in the Caucasus.
💡 Tipp
The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. For longer distances: install the Bolt app! A ride across the city costs 3–5 GEL (1–1.50€). The metro has only two lines but is very useful for the Didube–Rustaveli–Station Square route.
