The minute I landed in Tbilisi, in the Eastern European country of Georgia, I knew that it was a special place. From the Old Town district with its whimsical balconies and narrow winding streets to the world-class museums, exceptional hiking, and great food, there’s so much to love about this city.
If Tbilisi isn’t on your bucket list, it certainly should be, and while you’re there, make time for these must-do experiences.
Enjoy a Therapeutic Soak
One of Tbilisi’s key claims to fame is its street of sulfur baths, each full of restorative, hot sulfur waters, cold plunge pools, and saunas perfect for a relaxing and therapeutic experience. The bath district, known as Abanotubani, is about twenty minutes from Liberty Square and surrounded by cute coffeehouses and places to get a bite to eat after the baths.
You’ll have your choice of public or private rooms, depending on which bath you choose, and can opt for a kisi scrub, a Georgian specialty that will leave your skin feeling silky and is a great wintertime treat. Bathhouse No. 5 is my favorite and offers both a public area and private rooms with intricate murals and plenty of amenities inside.
Generally, you can pay for the rooms with cards or cash, but you’ll need cash for kisi scrubs. Typically, you pay the attendants directly.
Hike Around Tbilisi
There are tons of fantastic hiking trails around Tbilisi, all of which offer magnificent views of the city. My favorite is the trek between Mtatsminda and Narikala Fortress because it’s mostly paved and the scenery is next level. If you’re in the mood for a more low-key and easier adventure, start at Mtatsminda and work your way downhill to Narikala Fortress. The reverse direction takes you uphill and is quite the workout.
You can get to Mtatsminda by bus or funicular and Narikala via the cable cars near Europe Square. Be advised that these cable cars are a huge tourist attraction, and they will be busy on the weekends.
There are other routes too, like the hike from Mtatsminda to neighboring Kojori, which takes you past Udzo Monastery, or the hike from Mtatsminda to Turtle Lake. What’s really interesting about all of these outdoor adventures is that you’ll fully feel like you’re completely surrounded by nature, even though you’re just a short distance from Georgia’s capital city.
See Fantastic Street Art and Explore Old Town
Tbilisi is nothing if not an artistic city, and there’s plenty of delightful street art just about everywhere you look. You’ll find most of it near Fabrika, the old Soviet sewing machine factory turned mega-hostel, and Old Town, but there’s also plenty in the outer neighborhoods of Vake and Saburtalo. These districts have massive murals on the sides of old Soviet apartment complexes, and the juxtaposition between the new and old is truly special.
Combine your self-guided street art tour with a leisurely stroll around Old Town. This cobblestone district is full of personality and fun surprises around every corner, including boutique museums and wine bars. Don’t miss the Leaning Clock Tower, where the puppets emerge and dance twice a day, and the Dry Bridge Market for fun souvenirs.
Visit Some Fruit and Vegetable Markets
No matter what time of year you visit, Tbilisi’s markets are full of delectable fruits, vegetables, and homemade items. Check out the Dezerter Bazaar, right by the Station Square Metro, for incredible fresh food, spices, pickles, and wines. You can also duck into virtually any alley in Old Town and stumble across a vast array of seasonal produce and fruits that you know are locally sourced.
See Tbilisi’s Churches
The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, also known as Sameba Cathedral, towers over the skyline and is one of the most impressive churches in the country. It’s full of gold detailing and icons and surrounded by meticulously cared-for gardens, perfect for enjoying a meditative moment before or after visiting. Get there from the Avalabari Metro Station. You’ll need to walk just under 700 meters up a hill to reach the cathedral, but it’s certainly worth it.
My favorite church in Tbilisi is also the oldest: the Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary, close to the Leaning Clock Tower in Old Town. This church dates back to the 6th century and has a humble exterior with a few preserved frescoes. I like that it’s set back a bit from the street, and you can completely miss it if you’re not looking.
Have you been to Tbilisi, Georgia? What do you think the top things to do and see are?
