1. Abanotubani – The Sulfur Bath District

The historic sulfur bath district is where Tbilisi was born. Set around a cobblestone square at the foot of Narikala Fortress, the Abanotubani baths are a Tbilisi institution — hundreds of years old, with characteristic brick domes rising from the ground like giant igloos.

Location: Old Town, at the eastern end of Metekhi Bridge.

History: Natural hot springs have been used here since the city’s founding in the 5th century. The oldest surviving bath structure, the Orbeliani Bath, dates from the 17th century. The tradition of public bathing was central to Tbilisi social life — traders, poets, and kings all came here to relax, conduct business, and share stories.

Highlights:

• Private bath rooms with marble pools, hot springs, and massage services
• Intricate mosaic tiles and Persian-inspired interiors
• Leaning outdoor terraces and the distinctive dome-centred architecture
• The “Chreli Abano” (Motley Bath) — the most beautifully decorated
• Al fresco dining at restaurants overlooking the bath dome square

2. Narikala Fortress & Mother of Georgia Statue

Perched high above the Old Town, Narikala Fortress dates back to the 4th century and offers the best panoramic views of Tbilisi. It’s reached by a scenic cable-car ride that glides over the rooftops and the Mtkvari River. At the top, the “Mother of Georgia” (Kartlis Deda) statue stands guard with a sword in one hand (for enemies) and a cup of wine in the other (for friends).

Location: Above Old Town, accessible by cable car from Rike Park or on foot.

History: Originally a Persian citadel, the fortress was expanded by Arabs, Georgians, and Mongols over the centuries. The devastating 1827 earthquake destroyed much of the structure, but the remaining walls and the St. Nicholas Church (rebuilt in 1996) are atmospheric highlights. The 20-metre Kartlis Deda statue was erected in 1958 to celebrate Tbilisi’s 1,500th anniversary.

Highlights:

• Spectacular 360-degree views of Tbilisi’s sprawling cityscape
• Cable-car ride — barely longer than a minute, costing just €0.75 each way
• Sunset photography from the fortress walls
• The botanical gardens directly below the fortress — a peaceful escape from the city
• Walking the fortress ramparts and exploring old towers

3. Old Town (Kala & Meidan Square)

Tbilisi’s Old Town is a mesmerising maze of narrow, winding streets, colourful wooden balconies, vine-covered courtyards, and hidden staircases. Every corner reveals a different architectural layer — Persian brickwork beside ornate Art Nouveau facades and rustic stone churches.

Location: The historic core between Liberty Square and the Mtkvari River.

History: The Old Town developed organically over 1,500 years, shaped by Zoroastrian, Christian, Islamic, and European influences. Much of it was destroyed in the 1795 Persian invasion, then rebuilt in the 19th century with a distinct European-Russian style. The distinctive “Tbilisi balcony” — ornate wooden verandas projecting from upper floors — is the defining architectural feature of the district.

Highlights:

• Sioni Cathedral (5th–7th century) — the spiritual heart of Georgian Orthodoxy
• Anchiskhati Basilica (6th century) — the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi
• Shardeni and Shavteli streets — the nightlife and dining hub with wine bars and art galleries
• Synagogue, Mosque, and Armenian Church all within 500 metres — a testament to Tbilisi’s multicultural history
• Hidden courtyards with grapevines, communal wells, and stray cats

4. Rustaveli Avenue – Tbilisi’s Grand Boulevard

Tbilisi’s main artery runs for 1.5 km from Liberty Square to Rustaveli Metro, lined with 19th-century mansions, museums, theatres, and government buildings. It’s the city’s ceremonial heart — grand, cosmopolitan, and always buzzing with activity.

Location: Centrally from Liberty Square west towards the metro station.

History: Built in the 19th century during Tbilisi’s oil-boom era, Rustaveli became the city’s showcase boulevard. It was named after Georgia’s national poet, Shota Rustaveli, author of the 12th-century epic “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin.” During Soviet times, it was the site of pro-independence demonstrations, most notably the 1989 April 9 tragedy where Soviet troops killed 21 peaceful protesters.

Highlights:

• Georgian National Museum — treasures including the Gold of Colchis and ancient hominid skulls
• Opera and Ballet Theatre — a stunning neo-Moorish building from 1896
• Parliament building — the site of Georgia’s Rose Revolution in 2003
• Rustaveli underground passage — an unexpected art gallery and shopping arcade
• Café culture — terrace cafes all along the avenue perfect for people-watching

5. Dry Bridge Flea Market

The Dry Bridge Market is one of the most extraordinary flea markets in Europe. Running under the bridge on the Mtkvari River, this sprawling bazaar sells everything from Soviet-era memorabilia and antique jewellery to samovars, vintage cameras, Persian carpets, and hand-painted enamel pins.

Location: Under the Dry Bridge on Saarbrucken Square, a 10-minute walk from Rustaveli.

History: The market emerged organically after the Soviet collapse in the 1990s, when Georgians sold family heirlooms to survive the economic crisis. It has since become a permanent institution — part museum, part treasure hunt, part social ritual. Many of the vendors are artists and collectors who love to talk about their objects.

Highlights:

• Authentic Soviet porcelain, medals, badges, and propaganda posters
• Georgian traditional crafts — felt slippers, handwoven textiles, and filigree jewellery
• Vinyl records, vintage books, and Soviet-era cameras
• Vintage silver jewellery and antique Georgian belts
• Oil paintings by local artists — often excellent quality at bargain prices

6. Tbilisi’s Food Scene – A Culinary Capital

Tbilisi has one of the most exciting food scenes in Eastern Europe, combining ancient culinary traditions with modern creativity. From hole-in-the-wall khachapuri bakeries to sophisticated wine bars and contemporary Georgian restaurants, the city is a paradise for food lovers.

Where to eat: Spread across the Old Town, Vera district, and Sololaki neighbourhood.

Highlights:

• Khachapuri Adjarian: The boat-shaped cheese, butter, and egg bread — a must-try in its original form
• Khinkali: Georgian dumplings — eat them by hand, sip the broth first, then enjoy the meat
• Lobio: Rich bean stew served in a clay pot with pickles and fresh bread
• Badrijani: Fried aubergine rolls stuffed with walnut paste and pomegranate seeds
• Wine bars: 8000 Vintages, Vino Underground, Alaverdi, and G.Vino for the best natural wines
• Street food: Churchkhela (walnut and grape roll), fresh lavash, and corn on the cob from street vendors

7. Tbilisi Nightlife – From Wine Bars to Rooftops

Tbilisi’s nightlife has exploded in recent years. The city now offers everything from underground techno clubs and alternative art spaces to elegant wine bars and rooftop terraces with mountain views. The energy is creative, inclusive, and very much of-the-moment.

Where to go: Shardeni Street (tourist-friendly), Fabrika (hipster/alternative), Sololaki (wine bars).

Highlights:

• Fabrika: A converted Soviet sewing factory turned into a multi-space hostel, bar, and event venue with a huge courtyard — the heart of Tbilisi’s alternative scene
• Bassiani: World-famous techno club (and former swimming pool) known for its incredible sound system and LGBTQ+ friendly vibe
• Stamba Hotel Rooftop: Chic rooftop bar with views over the city
• Wine bars: Natural wine bars like 8000 Vintages and G.Vino are popular for laid-back evenings
• Drama Bar: A dark, bohemian speakeasy in the Old Town with live jazz

8. Mtatsminda Park & the Funicular

Mtatsminda Park is Tbilisi’s answer to a city-mountain escape — a huge amusement park on the summit of Mtatsminda Mountain, 770 metres above the city. Reachable by a historic funicular, it offers the best views of the city, a retro-Soviet fairground atmosphere, and excellent dining at the top.

Location: Mtatsminda Mountain, accessed via the funicular from Rustaveli Avenue.

History: The funicular opened in 1905, one of the first in the Russian Empire. The park was a popular Soviet-era recreation spot and was extensively renovated in the 2010s. The old fairground rides — some dating from the 1960s — add a delightful retro charm.

Highlights:

• Panoramic observation deck with Tbilisi’s best cityscape views
• Retro amusement rides including a giant Ferris wheel and bumper cars
• Funicular railway — a historic ride with great views on the way up
• Funicular Restaurant — one of the city’s most atmospheric dining spots (reservations recommended)
• Walking trails along the ridge with views of the Tbilisi Sea reservoir