Tbilisi

With its dramatic valley setting, picturesque Old Town, eclectic architecture and superb eating and drinking opportunities, Tbilisi is the vibrant, beating heart of Georgia and home to more than one in three of its citizens. Add to that the pull of the city's hipster culture, its techno scene and general air of cool, and Tbilisi is confidently sealing its reputation as the South Caucasus' most cosmopolitan city.

While at first glance Tbilisi can seem both crowded and chaotic, many neighbourhoods retain a village-like feel with their narrow streets and small shops, while the Old Town is still redolent of an ancient Eurasian crossroads, with its winding lanes, balconied houses and leafy squares, all overlooked by the 17-century-old Narikala Fortress. Whichever side of the city you're looking for, you'll discover both on any exploration of Georgia's capital.

Explore Tbilisi

Narikala Fortress
Dominating the Old Town skyline, Narikala dates right back to the 4th century, when it was a Persian citadel. Most of the walls were built in the 8th…
National Gallery
For most visitors the highlight here is the hall of wonderful canvases by Georgia’s best-known painter Pirosmani (Niko Pirosmanashvili, 1862–1918),…
Cable Car
Tbilisi's most exhilarating ride is its massively popular cable car, which swings from the south end of Rike Park high over the Mtkvari River and the Old…
G
Georgian National Museum
The major highlight of the impressive national museum is the basement Archaeological Treasury, displaying a wealth of pre-Christian gold, silver and…
M
Metekhi Church
The landmark Metekhi Church, and the 1960s equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali beside it, occupy the strategic rocky outcrop above the Metekhi…
F
Funicular
The ride up Mt Mtatsminda on the city's funicular is spectacular, as are the views from the top – and there are a couple of great places to eat or drink,…
A
Anchiskhati Basilica
Tbilisi’s oldest surviving church is perhaps its loveliest. Built by King Gorgasali’s son Dachi in the 6th century, it's a three-nave basilica whose…
K
Kartlis Deda
This 20m-tall aluminium symbol of Tbilisi holds a sword in one hand and a cup of wine in the other – a classic metaphor for the Georgian character, warmly…
Tsminda Sameba Cathedral
The biggest symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church's post-Soviet revival towers on Elia Hill above Avlabari. Tsminda Sameba, unmissable by night and day,…

Narikala Fortress
Dominating the Old Town skyline, Narikala dates right back to the 4th century, when it was a Persian citadel. Most of the walls were built in the 8th…
National Gallery
For most visitors the highlight here is the hall of wonderful canvases by Georgia’s best-known painter Pirosmani (Niko Pirosmanashvili, 1862–1918),…
Cable Car
Tbilisi's most exhilarating ride is its massively popular cable car, which swings from the south end of Rike Park high over the Mtkvari River and the Old…
G
Georgian National Museum
The major highlight of the impressive national museum is the basement Archaeological Treasury, displaying a wealth of pre-Christian gold, silver and…
M
Metekhi Church
The landmark Metekhi Church, and the 1960s equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali beside it, occupy the strategic rocky outcrop above the Metekhi…
F
Funicular
The ride up Mt Mtatsminda on the city's funicular is spectacular, as are the views from the top – and there are a couple of great places to eat or drink,…
A
Anchiskhati Basilica
Tbilisi’s oldest surviving church is perhaps its loveliest. Built by King Gorgasali’s son Dachi in the 6th century, it's a three-nave basilica whose…
K
Kartlis Deda
This 20m-tall aluminium symbol of Tbilisi holds a sword in one hand and a cup of wine in the other – a classic metaphor for the Georgian character, warmly…
Tsminda Sameba Cathedral
The biggest symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church's post-Soviet revival towers on Elia Hill above Avlabari. Tsminda Sameba, unmissable by night and day,…

Latest Stories from Tbilisi

Architecture See Tbilisi’s stunning 20th-century architecture
Dec 16, 2020 • 0 min read
A gallery featuring Tbilisi’s amazing 20th-century architecture.
History Discover the beauty of Tbilisi’s 20th-century architecture with this stunning map
Dec 4, 2020 • 2 min read
It's now easier than ever to discover the amazing 20th-century architecture of Tbilisi, thanks to a stylish new map put together by experts.
History Tbilisi's top 10 experiences
Feb 3, 2020 • 5 min read
Here are the best things to do while you're in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
Food A guide to food in Georgia, the original fusion cuisine
Jan 20, 2020 • 4 min read
Located between Europe and Asia, Georgia might just have the world's first fusion cuisine. Here's a guide to the best dishes to try in Georgia.
History Caucasus calling: 6 reasons to visit Georgia
Dec 24, 2019 • 7 min read
The rich culture and diverse landscapes of Georgia belie its modest size. There are many reasons to visit this surprising country; here are six of them.
History A local’s guide to Tbilisi, Georgia
Nov 27, 2019 • 4 min read
Writer Baia Dzagnidze was born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia. Here's her guide to the things she loves about the Georgian capital city.
Cocktails The Georgian capital by night: the best bars and clubs in Tbilisi
Oct 30, 2019 • 4 min read
A night out in Georgia's capital offers everything from quiet pubs to techno raves. Here's our guide to the best clubs, bars and nightlife in Tbilisi.
Food Caucasus for all seasons: Georgia round the year
May 31, 2018 • 5 min read
The greatest numbers of visitors to Georgia arrive in July and August, the ideal months for hiking in the spectacular mountains along its northern fringe…
Food 48 hours in Tbilisi: a tour of old and new
May 31, 2018 • 6 min read
An age-old Eurasian crossroads famous for its traditional hospitality and old winding streets, or a stylish hub of bold architecture, buzzing bars and a…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tbilisi.

See
Narikala Fortress
Dominating the Old Town skyline, Narikala dates right back to the 4th century, when it was a Persian citadel. Most of the walls were built in the 8th…
See
National Gallery
For most visitors the highlight here is the hall of wonderful canvases by Georgia’s best-known painter Pirosmani (Niko Pirosmanashvili, 1862–1918),…
See
Cable Car
Tbilisi's most exhilarating ride is its massively popular cable car, which swings from the south end of Rike Park high over the Mtkvari River and the Old…
See
Georgian National Museum
The major highlight of the impressive national museum is the basement Archaeological Treasury, displaying a wealth of pre-Christian gold, silver and…
See
Metekhi Church
The landmark Metekhi Church, and the 1960s equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali beside it, occupy the strategic rocky outcrop above the Metekhi…
See
Funicular
The ride up Mt Mtatsminda on the city's funicular is spectacular, as are the views from the top – and there are a couple of great places to eat or drink,…
See
Anchiskhati Basilica
Tbilisi’s oldest surviving church is perhaps its loveliest. Built by King Gorgasali’s son Dachi in the 6th century, it's a three-nave basilica whose…
See
Kartlis Deda
This 20m-tall aluminium symbol of Tbilisi holds a sword in one hand and a cup of wine in the other – a classic metaphor for the Georgian character, warmly…
See
Tsminda Sameba Cathedral
The biggest symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church's post-Soviet revival towers on Elia Hill above Avlabari. Tsminda Sameba, unmissable by night and day,…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Tbilisi with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.