Tbilisi pocket guide.
Following the 2003 Rose Revolution which seen oppressive outside influences ousted from Georgia, a pivotal chapter in the country’s history began to unfold. In the decade and a half that has followed, Georgia has gracefully transitioned to one of the most in demand destinations in Europe.
Harbouring exquisitely beautiful landscapes, the capital of Tbilisi initially served as a jumping-off point for adventurous backpackers exploring the natural beauty of the country.
Now, the city is invigorated and innovative like never before. An electrifying cultural hub, Tbilisi boasts vibrant and diverse nightlife, re-constructed relics from its rich history, and a forward-thinking locale that will elevate your experience in this great city.
🏰 Sights, Culture + Experiences.
Perched atop a steep hill overlooking the city, the ancient fort of Narikala looms over the Old Town of Tbilisi, offering staggering views for miles in every direction. The charming St Nicholas Church that is found within the fortress walls is a replica re-construction of the same church which was destroyed here in 1827. On pleasant afternoons, you may wish to forsake the convenience of the cable car in exchange for a leisurely hike to the summit.
Straddling the banks of the River Kura, the Bridge of Peace (📷) is one of the newest additions to the burgeoning city. Unveiled in 2010, the sleek modern design of this bridge becomes even more impressive when the sun goes down, initiating thousands of LED lights to glisten over the water.
Towering above the surrounding neighbourhood on the fringes of the tourist centre, the staggering Holy Trinity Cathedral (📷) is a little out the way, but well worth the venture. The church is one of the largest religious buildings on Earth, yielding a capacity for 10,000 people.
Nestled at the southern foothills of the Sololaki Mountain Range upon which Narikala sits, the National Botanical Gardens (📷) offer respite in the heart of the city. Boasting immense natural beauty, the extensive gardens are lovingly maintained throughout the year.
It is easy to fritter away an afternoon picnicking or relaxing here, taking in the lush vistas on display — with special attention given to the gorgeous Leghvtakhevi Waterfall. In the north-east of the city limits, those who are seeking tranquillity should ensure a visit to Gardenia Shevardnadze is on the itinerary. This quaint flower garden houses a cute little café where guests mingle and relax.
In the centre of town close to Narikala Fort and the botanical gardens, you will find one of Tbilisi’s defining sights. A cluster of dome-shaped brick huts are compacted close together on the site of a geothermal hot spring. The thermal baths here in Tbilisi are incredibly rich in sulphur — hence the name the Sulphur Baths (📷) — and accompanying eggy smell.
Don’t be put off by the scent however, as each of the independent bathhouses have perfected their treatments over centuries. The sulphur baths offer two main options for bathing: private and public. Private baths and geared towards tourists who are seeking a bit more luxury, whilst public baths are segregated by gender and it is customary to bathe naked; Georgians are no prudes! .
🍸 Bars + Nightlife.
In the wake of the 2003 Rose Revolution which seen Soviet rule ousted from Georgia, the locals have relished in their newfound freedom in an unprecedented fashion. Young Georgians have gravitated towards the funky, alternative approach when it comes to nightlife, with numerous trendy bars cropping up across Tbilisi.
Occupying a lavish re-purposed townhouse, Mtkvarze has quickly become a favourite amongst those in-the-know to gather and dance the night away. Frequently featuring local and international DJs spinning tracks from a variety of electronic music genres — with an emphasis on techno — to some of the coolest clientele in town.
Self-proclaimed “pre-club bar” Boogie Woogie opens at 8pm every day for a crowd of friendly locals. With a spacious lounge on the first floor hosting live DJs or bands and a wonderful terrace occupying the 2nd floor offering sweeping views across the Old Town, this is the perfect place to kick-start a night worth remembering.
A hotspot for the exciting bar scene emerging from Tbilisi, some of the coolest bars in the city have sprung up around the Georgian National Opera Theater in the north of town. The vibrant environment of Meoba Bar (📷) entices a crowd of friendly regulars, who mingle alongside tourists.
Newly established Movement Theatre oozes eccentricity. From a cluttered interior of rinky-dink memorabilia to its schedule of pantomime, theatre and live jazz on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
🥟 Food + Drink.
Georgian cuisine has been enjoying a renaissance, with avid foodies flocking to restaurants across Europe in particular. Whether you are accustomed to the delights of Georgian food or are uninitiated, you should have no issues finding fulfilling, tasty meals in Tbilisi.
Enjoy authentic local food in a stunning setting at Tsiskvili — located 15 minutes to the north of central Tbilisi. Centred on a gorgeous mossy garden with frequent live performances from local folk musicians and dancers, it is difficult to not be enchanted by a candle-lit dinner at this astounding venue.
Located along the same highway, family-run gem Kakhelebi specialises in food typical of the Kakheti region. With a strong emphasis on fresh produce, you will be able to taste the insatiable dedication to quality from the first bite of a succulent shashlik off their grill.
Settle down to a relaxed meal in the sweet little café Amo Rame. Consisting of a few wooden tables and chairs laid out across a cosy living room, a visit to this café is an authentic and humble experience.
Another popular spot for quick bites that flaunts an amazing rooftop is Art Café Home in the centre of town. This place is open well into the early hours of the morning, and even features live music.
💤 Accommodation.
💰 Dorms from £7.90 per night.
💰 Rooms from £149.00 per night.
💰 Dorms from £8.03 per night.
