A Guide To Tbilisi: Things To Do, What To Eat And Places To Stay
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia has emerged as a sought-after destination for Indian travellers. Located in the Caucasus region, its capital Tbilisi is a fascinating blend of East and West, old and new. With cobblestone streets, eclectic architecture, street art, and a rich culinary scene, Tbilisi is a city that effortlessly merges tradition with modernity. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip.
Top Things To Do In Tbilisi
Take A Stroll Through The Old Town (Altstadt)
Wander through narrow, winding alleys lined with colourful wooden balconies, cafes, and small art galleries. The Old Town is the beating heart of Tbilisi and offers a glimpse into its multicultural past, with churches, synagogues, and mosques nestled side by side.
Ride The Aerial Cable Car To Narikala Fortress
Take the cable car from Rike Park across the Mtkvari River for a scenic ride up to Narikala Fortress. The 4th-century structure offers panoramic city views and a great spot for sunset photography.
Soak In The Sulphur Baths
Tbilisi gets its name from the Georgian word "tbili," meaning warm, thanks to its natural hot springs. Head to the Abanotubani district to enjoy a sulphur bath experience, with exfoliating scrubs and massages in traditional domed bathhouses.
Local Cuisine
Georgian cuisine is a highlight of any visit. Explore Tbilisi's popular eateries like See360 or Restaurant Hide and try the following dishes, must-haves in the Georgian capital:
Khinkali: Juicy dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
Khachapuri: A cheesy bread with variations like Adjarian Khachapuri, topped with egg and butter.
Lobio: A hearty bean stew. Pair these with Georgian wines, as the country is the cradle of winemaking. Indian travellers should note that vegetarian options are widely available, and the local hospitality often includes sharing meals with guests.
Places To Visit In & Around Tbilisi
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, Sameba is a blend of traditional Georgian and Byzantine architectural styles. Its golden dome dominates the city skyline.
Tbilisi Opera And Ballet Theatre
Catch a performance or admire the striking Moorish Revival architecture of this 19th-century landmark on Rustaveli Avenue.
Mtatsminda Park And Funicular
Take the funicular railway up Mtatsminda Mountain to enjoy an amusement park, cafes, and sweeping views of the city below.
Chronicle Of Georgia
This massive monument on the city's outskirts, often dubbed "Georgia’s Stonehenge," depicts key events from Georgian history and offers views of the Tbilisi Sea.
Dry Bridge Market
A paradise for antique lovers and collectors, this flea market is perfect for browsing Soviet memorabilia, vintage books, coins, art, and quirky trinkets.
Fabrika Tbilisi
Once a Soviet sewing factory, Fabrika Tbilisi is a trendy multipurpose space that houses a hostel, restaurants, bars, co-working spaces, and local designer boutiques.
Where To Stay In Tbilisi
Luxury
Stamba Hotel: A design-forward, boutique hotel in a former Soviet publishing house with a retro-chic aesthetic and an in-house chocolate factory.
Address: 14, 0108 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Rooms Hotel Tbilisi: Trendy and modern with industrial interiors, a top-rated restaurant, and excellent service, located near Vera Park.
Address: 14 Merab Kostava Street T'bilisi, 14 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
Mid-Range
Folk Boutique Hotel : Offers beautifully designed rooms with a local touch and great service in a quiet neighbourhood.
Address: 56 Ioseb Grishashvili St, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia
Hotel Khokhobi Old Tbilisi – Set in the heart of Old Town with views of the fortress and walking distance to major attractions.
Address: 7 Abano Turn, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia
Budget & Hostels
Fabrika Hostel: A favourite among digital nomads and young travellers, with shared and private rooms, an energetic vibe, and lots of communal spaces.
Address: 8 Egnate Ninoshvili St, Tbilisi 0102, Georgia
Pushkin 10 Hostel: Clean, centrally located, and affordable — perfect for solo travellers and backpackers.
Address: 3rd floor, 10 Aleksandr Pushkin St, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia
Tips For Travellers
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Language: Georgian is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Transport: Use taxis (Bolt is a popular app), metro, or minibuses . The city is also walkable.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Safety: Tbilisi is generally safe, but always be cautious with personal belongings in busy areas.
Cultural Etiquette
Georgians value hospitality. Accepting an invitation for a meal or toast is a sign of respect. Learn a few Georgian phrases, like “Gamarjoba” (Hello), “Madloba” (Thank you), "shemomechama" (when one is uncomfortably full after a meal and still eating because the food is so tasty), to connect with locals.
The Information | Tbilisi, Georgia
Visa Requirements
Indian nationals must apply for a tourist visa to visit Georgia, which allows a stay of up to 90 days. Don’t forget to buy travel insurance.
Best Time To Visit
While Tbilisi is a year-round destination, autumn is ideal.
How To Reach Tbilisi
After a direct flight from Delhi to Tbilisi, which takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes, you will reach the Georgian capital. Please note that connecting flights take nearly 10 hours to arrive in Tbilisi.
After reaching Tbilisi International Airport, take a local cab to the city centre, about 30 minutes away. To get to other places, please contact the airport authorities or seek help from locals for better guidance.
