Say hello to Georgia’s capital city ! I am guessing you are here since you are planning to visit Tbilisi. First things first, great decision😉
I visited Tbilisi during my six day trip to Georgia in June 2025. From cobblestone streets to beautiful cathedrals to delicious wine, this city provides a taste of Europe at half the cost!
In addition to Tbilisi, I also visited Kazbegi and Sighnaghi. This article only covers Tbilisi. For a detailed guide on things to do in Kazbegi, Sighnaghi along with basic info on where to stay in Tbilisi, best way to get around, visa requirements, etc. please click here.
I spent three days in Tbilisi and loved every corner of it. Here is a list of things to do and see in Tbilisi.
Old Town
Tbilisi’s Old Town is full of beauty – it is the perfect mix of old and new. Here, you will find places filled with history, alongside trendy bars, cafes and restaurants.
One of the best ways to explore the Old Town is to ditch the map and just wander around, discovering the hidden gems. Tbilisi’s Old Town is perfect for strolling – plenty of narrow winding streets, buildings covered with ivy and ornate balconies that you can spend hours admiring. Oh, but don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes since there is a lot of uphill climb here.
Take your time checking out the little details in the balconies – aren’t they simply stunning?
Tbilisi’s old town is truly a street photographer’s paradise! And you see all this ivy? Wouldn’t it be a visual treat to see in draped in vibrant autumn hues!
Also, while in old town, don’t forget to walk by the picturesque Jan Shardeni Street. It is a street full of cafes, restaurants, shisha bars and always buzzing with people.
In the old town, you will see a lot of vendors selling boat rides in Kura River. It gives you a chance to admire the views and iconic landmarks from the water. It offers a unique perspective for sure but we didn’t think it was worth it so skipped it.
Clock Tower
The leaning clock tower of Tbilisi is one of the city’s most unusual buildings. It is a fairly new building, built in 2010 and has quickly become one of the most instagrammable spots in the city!
Every hour, an angel comes out of the clock to ring a bell with a small hammer. There is also a small 5-10 minute show everyday at noon and at 7 pm.
After you are done, grab a cup of coffee / meal at Gabriadze Café, located right next door, or Cafe Leila. Or simply wander around the streets and shop for souvenirs, paintings.
 
Take a cable car to Narikala Fortress
Although the fortress is now just ruins, it is worth visiting for the panoramic city views it offers. You can get here either by a steep 20-minute hike or a cable car. The cable car ride starts from Rike Park and barely lasts 5 minutes. A round-trip ticket costs GEL 5 per person. Note that you need to pay additional GEL 2 since these tickets can only be purchased using a MetroMoney card.
Alternatively, you can go up via the cable car and hike on your way down.
The cable car runs daily from 8 am to 8 pm, but it is advisable to check for updates on operating hours. In fact, it was closed one of the days because it was very windy.
Once you are up, you can explore the ruins of Narikala Fortress, enjoy panoramic views of Tbilisi, and visit the Mother Georgia statue. We got here just a few minutes before sunset and it was lovely seeing the city draped in golden hues.
Mother of Georgia
This iconic statue guards over the city and you can actually spot it as you are walking around the city. She holds a sword in one hand (to meet her enemies) and a bowl of wine in the other (to greet her guests).
Erected in 1958, the original monument was designed by Elguja Amashukeli and crafted from wood. A few years later, it was covered with aluminium. In 1997, a new statue was created to replace the old one.
When visiting  Narikala Fortress, don’t forget to make a quick detour to get up close and personal with Mother of Georgia.
Take a cable car Funicular to Mtatsminda Park
Mtatsminda Park, located on top of Mtatsminda Mountain offers a mix of amusement rides, restaurants, and breathtaking views of the city. You can reach the park via a cable car ride. The cable car station is located near Rustaveli Avenue. The ride lasts 8-10 minutes and offers spectacular views along the way. A return journey costs GEL 24.
Since this park is located at a height, you get a better panoramic view of the city compared to the Narikala Fortress cable car. But that being said, Narikala Fortress cable car views are much up-close compared to this one.
During evenings, this park is buzzing with tourists and locals alike and it is the perfect place to soak in golden hour views.
This park is perfect if you are traveling with kids. From a ferris-wheel to roller coasters to dashing cars, it is a fun place for both kids and adults. There is even a restaurant at the top and a few food and snacks stalls here. Oh, and while you are here, don’t forget to stop by the highly instagrammable ‘upside-down’ houses.
Once you come down, take a walk along Rustaveli Avenue. You will spot small vendors, booksellers and flower shops, so perfect if you want to indulge in some retail therapy.
Explore the Sulphur Baths
A unique thing to do in Tbilisi is to relax in sulphur baths, located in the Abanotubani district. These historic bathhouses feature natural geothermal water renowned for its therapeutic benefits.
There are couple of bath houses in this city, but the most famous one is Orbeliani Baths. You can bathe in these ancient volcanic waters in a public or private pool. However, if you opt for public pool, be prepared to bathe naked 😑 Good thing is that there are separate spaces for men and women 😅
In addition to sulphur bath, you can also get a massage here. Click here to read more details.
The exterior of this bathhouse is really beautiful and colorful. So even if you don’t visit inside, you can always stop by for lovely photos like I did😉
Although this is the most famous bathhouse in the city, I have heard mixed reviews about this one.
Bridge of Love
Just like all European towns have a love lock bridge, Tbilisi has its own Bridge of Love located right next to Sulphur Baths.
Curious to know if you have ever put a love lock on any of the bridges over the world 😆
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Constructed between 1995 and 2004, it is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world and one of the largest religious buildings in the world by total area. Even when you are walking around or driving around Tbilisi, you can spot it from far. And once you are up close, you can truly feel the scale of this imposing building!
We visited on a Sunday and there was a Sunday Mass going on, so we couldn’t spend much time inside the cathedral.
Queen Darejan’s balcony
This rounded baby blue balcony here offers a fantastic view of the town. Erected in 1776, this place served as a summer residence for the Queen Consort of Kartli-Kakheti, Queen Darejan. This was recently restored and repainted. There is a beautiful yard in front as well and it is filled with roses, wisteria and lavender depending on the month of your visit.
Queen Darejan Palace balcony is open to visitors from 10 am to 2 pm so time your visit accordingly. Also, the climb to get here is quite steep so ensure you wear comfortable shoes.
Explore the Local Markets
Meidan Bazaar
Meidan Bazaar is an underground market with a network of tunnel shops that is said to have existed as far back as the 4th century. Here, you will find a range of items – right from home decor to jewelry (rings, chains, bracelets, etc.) to quirky souvenirs to local spices and wines.
Since it is located right in the old town, the prices here are on a higher side compared to what you find elsewhere. Also, the prices are fixed and there is no bargaining. But since it is located right in old town, it is an easy addition to your Tbilisi itinerary.
Dry Bridge MarketÂ
This open-air flea market is open all days of the week till 6 pm.
Whether you are hunting for a particular treasure or just interested in browsing, I promise it is worth stopping by. Here, you will find everything from antiques to artwork to old film cameras to other vintage treasures. Don’t forget to bargain 😊 Try to visit on weekends since more vendors set up stalls then.
Also, take a look underneath the bridge where you can find paintings and rugs.
Dezerter Bazaar
This bazaar is renowned for its extensive selection of fresh produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of spices, pickles, dairy products, and meats. It also features handcrafted souvenirs, traditional Georgian clothing, and artisanal crafts, making it an ideal destination for unique mementos.
You can even explore a range of local delicacies, from traditional khachapuri to churchkhela here.
Bridge of Peace
This bow-shaped pedestrian bridge built over the Kura River links Rike Park with Old town. The Bridge of Peace was opened in 2010 and has become one of the most iconic landmarks in this city.
Metekhi Church
It is hard to miss Metekhi Church when you’re in Tbilisi’s Old Town! This beautiful church is perched on the cliff, overlooking the river and the Old Town. There is also a large statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali on a horse outside the church.
Waterfall
Did you know that Tbilisi has a small waterfall in the middle of the city? Right between Rike Park and Metekhi Church, water cascades over a wall to make a small waterfall! It can dry up though, depending on rainfall, so check before visiting.
Freedom Square
Also called the Liberty Square, this is the main area of Tbilisi (not far from the Old Town). It is essentially a giant roundabout, with a large freedom monument in the middle.
Flower Market
This Flower Market is a must visit for all flower lover. It is located near Orbeliani Square and Freedom Square.
Despite its small size, the market offers a wide variety of flowers and plants, making it an ideal place to pick up a vibrant bouquet or simply admire the stunning flower arrangements. There are numerous cafes and restaurants nearby so once you are done browsing, simply relax in one of the cafes.
Fabrika
Fabrika is essentially a hostel. But it is so much more than a hostel ! It is a bar, restaurant/cafe and community complex all in one. It is covered in cool murals, has a hipster vibe and a must add to your Tbilisi itinerary.
The courtyard is full of small shops, bars, cafes and looks perfect in the evening with twinkling lights. This area truly comes alive in the evenings and it is a great place to sit, grab a drink and soak up the vibes.
 
Just another 10 minute walk from Fabrika is Marjanishvili area. Here you will find amazing murals and street art.
Tabor Monastery
Tabor Monastery offers a great view of the entire city specially during sunset. It is still not very well known so if you are looking for a quiet place in the city, certainly add this one to your list.
Chronicles of Georgia
This impressive monument was designed in 1981 by local artist, Zurab Tsereteli. Work on the Chronicles commenced in 1985 and lasted until 2003. But the monument was never completed. Even though incomplete, it is a must visit place !
The Chronicles of Georgia features 16 pillars depicting scenes from Georgian history and religious figures. It is open 7 days a week and is free to visit.
Once you are done admiring the details, go to the other side for panoramic views of the sea. It suddenly got cloudy, windy, rainy and COLD so we couldn’t spend too much time.
Best way to Reach? This place is around 30 minute drive from Tbilisi’s old town. You can get there via Yandex/ BOLT. Even for our ride back to the city, we easily found taxis waiting here. A roundtrip taxi cost us GEL 25.
Cafes and Restaurants to Visit
Café Littera
Ninia’s Garden
Kvarts Coffee
Stamba Café
Frida Café
Café Daphna
Café Leila
Shavi Lomi
Khinkhali Pub
Khninkhali No. 1
For chimney cake, check out Lumier and for gelatos, check out Cone Culture and Luca Polare.
*All prices as of June 2025