20 Best Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia

20 top things to do in Tbilisi

1. See The Clock Tower

One of the top things to do in Tbilisi is to stop by the famous leaning Clock Tower, a quirky structure that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale.

Though it appears centuries old, it was actually built in 2010 by puppet master Rezo Gabriadze and has quickly become a symbol of Tbilisi.

The tower is part of the Gabriadze Marionette Theater and features both the biggest and smallest clocks in the city. See if you can spot the tiny one! Every day at 12 pm and 7 pm, there’s a short puppet show which is a must-see in Tbilisi.

Even if you’re not staying for the show, the design, slanted shape, and artistic details make it well worth the visit. It’s a piece of modern Georgian art that adds personality and creativity to the heart of Old Tbilisi.

2. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

No Tbilisi travel guide would be complete without mentioning the Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known as Sameba. It’s one of the most important religious landmarks in Georgia and ranks among the tallest Orthodox churches in the world. 

Built between 1995 and 2004, the cathedral combines traditional Georgian design with modern touches. Its interior is modest and spacious. Outside, the well-kept gardens and panoramic views make it a calm and reflective spot to take a break from the busy city streets.

Even if you are not religious, visiting Sameba is one of the top things to see in Tbilisi. It offers insight into Georgia’s deep-rooted Orthodox Christian culture and stands as a powerful symbol of national identity. 

There is no entrance fee. It is open every day from 7 am until 9 pm, and it can get pretty crowded as it is one of the main attractions of Tbilisi. If you want to avoid crowds, come around opening time.

👆🏻A modest dress code is required, so no tank tops, short skirts, or shorts! There are scarves at the entrance in case needed. Also, it is built on top of the mountain, so it is almost always windy. A flowy dress won’t be the right choice for visiting this church.

3. Shop at Meidan Bazar

For one of the best experiences in Tbilisi, head to Meidan Bazar, an underground market tucked beneath the Old Town near the sulfur baths. It’s a cozy and atmospheric spot where you can browse a wide selection of Georgian souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products.

The arched brick tunnels are lined with everything from traditional wine and spices to handmade jewelry, textiles, and ceramics. You’ll also find vintage posters, enamel pins, and quirky items. 

Many of the items are made by Georgian artists and small producers, however, the prices are above average. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, Meidan Bazar is worth visiting for its unique setting and welcoming vibe.

4. Walk across the Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace is one of the most popular modern landmarks in the city and easily ranks among the must-see places in Tbilisi. Opened in 2010, this sleek glass-and-steel structure stretches across the Kura River, linking the Old Town with Rike Park.

Its wavy, futuristic design stands out against the historic Tbilisi and offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding architecture. At night, the bridge lights up and offers a completely different experience. I personally prefer the night view of the bridge.

A simple walk across the Bridge of Peace lets you experience a different side of Tbilisi – modern, creative, and full of energy. It is one of the Tbilisi attractions that you don’t want to miss.

5. Explore the Dry Bridge Market

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Tbilisi for first-time visitors, don’t miss the Dry Bridge Market. This open-air flea market is one of the quirkiest spots in the city, offering a mix of antiques, Soviet-era relics, vintage cameras, coins, stamps, handmade crafts, and more.

You don’t need to buy anything to enjoy it, just walking through the market gives you a unique access to Georgian history. Coming from Latvia, it felt like stepping into my grandma’s storage room, full of forgotten stories. It’s like a true open-air museum!

Located near the Saarbrücken bridge, just a short walk from Rustaveli Avenue, the market is active daily (weather permitting), but weekends are the busiest and most vibrant. If you plan to do some shopping, don’t forget to bring cash.

Getting hungry when visiting the market? Head to Cafe Daphna Tbilisi, which offers a modern take on Georgian classics.

6. Admire the Opera and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi

One of the best cultural experiences in Tbilisi is visiting the iconic Opera and Ballet Theater on Rustaveli Avenue. With its Moorish Revival architecture, colorful details, and elegant touches, it’s one of the most eye-catching buildings in the city.

But to truly appreciate its beauty, you need to go inside, and the only way to do that is by attending a performance. You can check the upcoming schedule here. While guided tours were previously available, they have been canceled until further notice.

The good news is that tickets are very affordable (starting from 10 GEL), though they sell out quickly, so be sure to plan your visit in advance. During the intermission, you’ll have time to wander around the opera house and take some photos.

It’s truly a must for anyone looking to discover the most beautiful places in Tbilisi. I still remember it as one of the highlights of my time in Georgia.

7. Relax at the Sulfur Baths

One of the top recommendations for what to do in Tbilisi is to visit the famous Sulfur Baths in the historic Abanotubani district. These natural hot springs offer a soothing and therapeutic experience that’s hard to match.

The sulfur-rich waters are known for their healing properties, making them a great way to relax and unwind. Many of the bathhouses offer private rooms for a more intimate experience, while others have communal baths for a more social setting.

We chose to try Chreli-Abano, which is marked as Orbeliani Baths on Google Maps. You can book one of their private rooms starting from 150 GEL. We picked room number 3, but you can learn more about different rooms and book your experience here.

💡 You can easily look up Thermal Spa on the maps and see other top-rated sulfur baths near your location.

8. Eat your way through Georgian food

A trip to Tbilisi wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the rich, flavorful world of Georgian cuisine. Known for its unique blend of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients, Georgian food is one of the most underrated in the world.

Start with some must-try dishes like khachapuri, a cheesy, doughy bread with the most famous being the Adjaruli khachapuri. Another essential is khinkali, Georgian dumplings stuffed with meat, herbs, and sometimes mushrooms or cheese.

Don’t miss mtsvadi, skewered and grilled pork or beef, served with fresh vegetables. For something light, try pkhali, a dish made of finely chopped vegetables like spinach, eggplant, or beetroot, mixed with ground walnuts, garlic, and herbs.

Other things that you will want to try: Sulguni Cheese, Satsivi, Shkmeruli, Chakhokhbili, Badrijani, Lobio, Mchadi, Kuchmachi, Tkemali. Churchkhela is a beloved local sweet and an ideal souvenir to bring back from your trip to Georgia.

If you want to dive deeper, consider joining a cooking class to learn how to make iconic dishes like khachapuri and khinkali. For an authentic experience, book a supra, a traditional Georgian feast where food, wine, and toasts are shared in a communal setting.

9. Explore the wine scene

Exploring the wine scene is one of the most authentic local experiences in Tbilisi. Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine, and Tbilisi, with its charming wine bars and cellars, offers a perfect opportunity to dive into the winemaking tradition.

Start by visiting one of the many wine shops or bars that specialize in Georgian wines, where you can taste local varieties like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. My go-to white wine was always Kisi.

If you want to learn more about local wine, I recommend you join a wine tasting experience. Karalashvili Wine Cellar was one of my favorite discoveries in Tbilisi. It’s a family-run wine cellar hidden in the heart of the Old Town, and it truly offers the best wine tasting in Tbilisi.

The tasting included five different wines, all made using traditional Georgian methods, plus a glass of chacha (which is strong but worth trying). We also got a cheese board to go with the wine, which made the whole experience even better.

The host shared stories about their family’s winemaking history, and I really appreciated how personal and authentic it all felt. If you want to learn about Georgian wine and taste something truly special, this is the place to go.

10. Discover hidden gems in Tbilisi

Beyond the popular landmarks and busy streets, Tbilisi hides many quiet corners and unexpected finds. Exploring these hidden gems is one of the most rewarding experiences in Tbilisi, especially if you like discovering off-the-beaten-path attractions in Tbilisi.

Wander into the backstreets of Old Tbilisi, and you’ll find wooden balconies with colorful details, hidden courtyards, and vintage doors that feel frozen in time. Stop by small neighborhood bakeries or wine bars tucked away from the main roads.

My personal highlights include the staircases and entrance halls of old palaces that feel like part of an old museum. These are some of the places that you shouldn’t miss: 18 Galaktion Tabidze St, 17 Ivane Machabeli St, Writers’ House of Georgia.

There is no guaranteed way to visit them, however, you can hang around and hope that one of the locals will let you in and offer a small tour. You can also try to ring one of the flats and try to explain that you would like to visit the palace. Sometimes, they are even left open.

Gallery 27 can’t be considered a hidden gem anymore, but it has a unique staircase that should be on your Tbilisi bucket list as well. Update! Gallery 27 is not accessible as of 2025.

11. Hang out at Fabrika

Fabrika is a multifunctional cultural center located just a few minutes from central Tbilisi. Housed in a former Soviet sewing factory, it stands as a great example of sustainable tourism in the city.

It started as a hostel and as a gathering place for locals and foreigners visiting Tbilisi. Today, the space includes artist studios, shops, and boutiques. You’ll also find modern cafés and bars offering both local and international flavors, along with a large coworking area.

Anyone can visit Fabrika to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. It’s one of the best free things to do in Tbilisi, especially if you have a bohemian soul. The center hosts a wide variety of events catering to all interests, and they’re regularly updated on their website.

If that sounds appealing, you might even choose Fabrika as your base while visiting Tbilisi. The hostel offers both shared dorms and private rooms, perfect for your comfort.

12. Tour the Queen Darejan Palace

Queen Darejan Palace is one of the most fascinating palaces in the Georgian capital and best photo spots in Tbilisi. The palace stands in Tbilisi’s Historic District, at the foot of Metekhi Rock, overlooking the city.

Its construction dates back to 1776, when Erekle II, the king of the Kartli-Kakheti Kingdom, ordered the palace to be built for his wife, Queen Consort Darejani.

After a long period of abandonment and decay, the palace regained its former beauty through restoration. In 2019, Tbilisi City Hall announced a major rehabilitation project for the site, aimed at safeguarding the entire complex.

Today, you can visit the garden and the palace and enjoy the breathtaking view over Tbilisi. This is hands down one of the best places to visit in Tbilisi for both history lovers and those drawn to beautiful architecture.

The entrance is located next to the Periszwaleba Monastery, and admission is completely free. The palace is open daily from 10 am to 2 pm, but I recommend visiting on a Sunday during prayer time, that’s when we found the balcony open.

13. Get lost in the charm of Old Tbilisi

Old Tbilisi is one of the top historical sites in Tbilisi, and one of the most rewarding ways to connect with the city’s character. This area is a maze of winding alleyways, leaning wooden houses, pastel-colored balconies, and weathered courtyards.

Among the highlights of Old Tbilisi are its historic churches. The Anchiskhati Basilica is the oldest surviving church in the city and a quiet reminder of Georgia’s long Christian heritage. The Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition and the Kari Church of St. George are a must visit as well.

But Old Tbilisi is not about collection of landmarks. Don’t follow a map. Just let your curiosity guide you. You might stumble across a crumbling 19th-century house leaning at an impossible angle, a peaceful courtyard filled with vines and laundry lines.

14. Stroll down Rustaveli Avenue

One of the essential things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia, is to take a walk along Rustaveli Avenue, which is the city’s most iconic boulevard. 

Named after the medieval Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli, this street stretches from Freedom Square and runs past some of the most important cultural, political, and historical landmarks in the capital.

As you stroll down the avenue, you’ll pass the Georgian National Museum, the Parliament building, the Rustaveli Theatre, and the beautiful Opera and Ballet Theater. The street is lined with shops, cafés, bookshops, and old-fashioned cinemas.

15. Spot the Mother of Georgia

One of the most iconic landmarks in the city is the Mother of Georgia, or Kartlis Deda, proudly watching over Tbilisi from the top of Sololaki Hill. This aluminum statue stands 20 meters tall and can be seen from many points across the city. 

In one hand, she holds a bowl of wine to welcome friends; in the other, a sword to defend against enemies. Perfectly capturing the Georgian spirit of hospitality and strength.

To get a closer look, you can hike up through the Old Town or take the cable car from Rike Park. The statue itself is impressive, but the real reward is the panoramic view over Tbilisi’s rooftops, churches, and winding streets.

16. See the Nutsubidze Skybridge & Soviet architecture

If you’re wondering what to do in Tbilisi that goes beyond the usual, dive into the city’s Soviet-era architecture. It is a fascinating and often overlooked part of the capital’s story. 

One of the most iconic examples is the Nutsubidze Skybridge, tucked into the Saburtalo district. This massive concrete structure connects two towering Soviet-era apartment blocks high above the ground. It doesn’t get more brutalist than this.

Another important site is the Bank of Georgia headquarters, one of the boldest pieces of Soviet modernist architecture in the country. The structure looks like a stack of giant blocks hovering over a green hill. Impossible to miss and unlike anything else in Tbilisi.

For more hidden gems, make time for the Underground Printing House Museum, Former Palace of Rituals, Former Archaeology Museum, and Telatgori Water Reservoirs. However, if you are truly passionate about this subject, you will love this Soviet Tour.

17. Ride to Mtatsminda Park

One of the most fun things to do in Tbilisi is to take the ride up to Mtatsminda Park, a beloved hilltop amusement park overlooking the city. The best way to reach the top is by riding the funicular, which departs from Chonkadze Street.

Once you reach the top, you’ll find a mix of classic amusement rides, cafés, and walking paths. Topped with the Best views of Tbilisi city. The Ferris wheel, located right on the edge of the hill, is a must if you’re not afraid of heights.

While it’s popular with families and couples, Mtatsminda Park is also a peaceful place to escape the busy streets of the city. If you have an extra day, head to Mtatsminda Park for a fun afternoon. Also, you can book a local guide to help you discover the best of Mtatsminda Park.

18. Climb up to Narikala Fortress

One of the top things to do in Tbilisi is to climb up to Narikala Fortress, the city’s most iconic historical landmark. The fortress dates back to the 4th century and offers some of the best views over the Old Town, the Mtkvari River, and the surrounding hills.

You can reach Narikala by hiking up through the charming streets of Old Tbilisi or by taking the cable car from Rike Park. Once at the top, you’re free to wander around the ruins, climb the towers, and soak in the atmosphere of ancient Tbilisi.

2025 update! Narikala Fortress is currently under reconstruction.

19. Plan a trip to the Chronicle of Georgia

Located on a hill near the Tbilisi Sea, the Chronicle of Georgia tells the story of Georgia’s kings, heroes, and Christian heritage through towering stone pillars carved with dramatic reliefs. Without a doubt, this is one of the best places to visit in Georgia.

Built in the 1980s by Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, the site is often called Georgia’s “Stonehenge” because of its scale and mysterious feel. The columns stand up to 35 meters tall, and walking among them is a surreal experience.

Although it’s a bit outside the city center, you can easily reach the Chronicle of Georgia by taxi or Bolt. I recommend you negotiate the waiting time with your driver, because it could be hard getting a ride back. You should plan one hour for visiting the Chronicle of Georgia.

There is no entrance fee, and it is accessible 24/7. If you are worried about transportation or you want to learn more about the Chronicle of Georgia, you will love this private tour.

20. Take a day trip from Tbilisi

If you have more than a couple of days in the capital, taking a day trip from Tbilisi is a great way to explore Georgia’s diverse landscapes and rich history. From ancient monasteries to scenic mountain views, there’s no shortage of day trips just outside the capital.

One of the most popular options is Kazbegi (Stepantsminda), where you can see the stunning Gergeti Trinity Church with Mount Kazbek towering behind it. It’s a long day trip, but the views make it unforgettable.

Closer to the city, you will find Mtskheta, which is Georgia’s ancient capital. It is home to several UNESCO-listed churches, including the famous Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both of which are significant to Georgian Orthodox Christianity.

If you’re interested in wine, Kakheti is the place to go. Towns like Sighnaghi and Telavi offer local wineries, hilltop views, and great food. The region is known for its unique wine-making tradition, like fermenting wine in clay vessels called qvevris.