3 Days in Georgia: Tbilisi & Mtskheta Express
Short on time but hungry for adventure? This 3-day Georgia itinerary packs the very best of Tbilisi and its ancient neighbour Mtskheta into a compact weekend escape. You’ll soak in natural sulfur baths, ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress, wander cobblestone streets, and explore UNESCO-listed monasteries — all without feeling rushed. Georgia’s capital is a city of contrasts where Orthodox cathedrals stand beside modern art galleries, and where a $1 metro ride takes you from Soviet-era stations to hipster wine bars. Let’s go.
Your 3-Day Georgia Itinerary
Day 1: Tbilisi Old Town & Sulfur Baths
Morning: Start your day in Tbilisi’s Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi). Wander the winding streets of the historic district, past colourful wooden-balconied houses and hidden courtyards. Visit the Anchiskhati Basilica (6th century — the oldest church in Tbilisi) and the Sioni Cathedral.
Lunch: Head to a local supra spot near Meidan Square for khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese bread). Budget: 15–25 GEL per person.
Afternoon: Ride the Tbilisi Aerial Tramway (2.50 GEL) up to the Narikala Fortress (4th century). Explore the ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Walk down to the Botanical Garden or take the scenic trail to the Mother of Georgia statue (Kartlis Deda).
Evening: Visit the Abanotubani district for the full sulfur bath experience. Book a private room at Chreli Abano or Gulo’s Bath House (50–100 GEL per hour). Follow it up with dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant — try the badrijani (eggplant walnut rolls) and ojakhuri (pork stew).
Transport: Walking + metro/tram. Metro single ride: 1 GEL.
Accommodation: Guesthouses in Old Town from 80–150 GEL/night; mid-range hotels 200–400 GEL.
Day 2: Mtskheta — Jvari & Svetitskhoveli
Morning: Take a 30-minute marshrutka (minibus) from Tbilisi’s Didube station to Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital. Cost: 2–3 GEL. First stop: Jvari Monastery (6th century) perched on a hilltop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. The views are absolutely spectacular — green valleys stretching to the Caucasus foothills.
Midday: Descend into Mtskheta town and visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century), a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to legend, Christ’s robe is buried here. The cathedral’s frescoes and stone carvings are extraordinary. Wander the charming streets lined with wine sellers offering tastings (free to 5 GEL).
Lunch: Eat at Salobie or a local family-run café. Try mtskheta-style mtsvadi (grilled pork skewers) with fresh tomato and cucumber salad. Budget: 15–20 GEL.
Afternoon: Visit the Samtavro Monastery — a quieter gem where St. Nino is said to have lived. Then either return to Tbilisi for more city exploration or hike up to the Armaztsikhe fortress ruins for more incredible valley views.
Evening: Back in Tbilisi, explore the hip Vera or Chugureti neighbourhoods. Dinner at a modern Georgian restaurant like Barbarestan or Culinarium Khasheria (40–60 GEL per person).
Transport: Marshrutka from Didube (2–3 GEL) or taxi for 30–40 GEL one way.
Cost: Day budget 80–130 GEL per person (excluding accommodation).
Day 3: Rustaveli, Markets & Mtatsminda
Morning: Walk along Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s grand boulevard. Visit the Georgian National Museum (25 GEL, opens 10:00) for the fascinating “Archaeological Treasury” exhibit — gold artefacts dating back to the 4th century BC. Don’t miss the Museum of Soviet Occupation upstairs.
Late Morning: Explore the Dry Bridge Flea Market (best on weekends). Soviet memorabilia, antique jewellery, vintage cameras, and hand-painted enamel. Bargaining is expected — start at half the asking price. Budget 20–50 GEL for souvenirs.
Lunch: Walk to the Dezerter Bazaar near the central railway station. This is Tbilisi’s most vibrant food market — fresh produce, sulguni cheese, churchkhela (grape-nut candy), spices, and dried fruits. Grab a quick lunch at one of the small bakeries for 5–10 GEL.
Afternoon: Take the vintage funicular (3 GEL per ride) up to Mtatsminda Park at the top of the mountain. The park has a massive Ferris wheel with stunning views over all of Tbilisi. Walk the wooded trails, visit the Mtatsminda Pantheon (burial site of Georgia’s greatest writers and artists), and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Evening: Final dinner at a traditional supra restaurant. Head to Shavi Lomi (Dark Lion) in Vera for an unforgettable farewell meal. Budget 50–70 GEL for a full feast with wine. After dinner, catch the cable car up to Narikala one last time for nighttime views of the illuminated city.
Transport: Mostly walking + funicular. Taxi between districts: 8–15 GEL.
Total Trip Budget (3 days): 500–900 GEL per person (≈ $180–330 USD) including accommodation, food, and activities. Flights extra.
Disclaimer: Prices and timings are approximate and may vary by season. Always confirm opening hours and marshrutka schedules locally. This guide is for general reference only.