Tbilisi Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Things to Do, Costs & Tips

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Tbilisi is one of the most exciting cities in the Caucasus. Georgia's capital lies in a valley along the Mtkvari (Kura) River, framed by hills crowned by an ancient fortress and a giant statue of Mother Georgia. Its Old Town is a maze of wooden balconies, sulphur bathhouses, Orthodox churches, mosques and synagogues, reflecting centuries of trade along the Silk Road. Tbilisi is also famous for its warm hospitality, 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition, supra feasts and a vibrant nightlife and creative scene. It's also the perfect base for exploring the Caucasus Mountains and the wine region of Kakheti.

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Best Time to Visit Tbilisi

Tbilisi has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

Spring (April–June) is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures range from about 15°C to 27°C, and the hills around the city are green.

Summer (July–August) is hot, with temperatures often reaching 32–38°C. Many locals head to the mountains or the Black Sea coast, which makes it a good time for trips to Kazbegi and Svaneti.

Autumn (September–October) is the best season for many travellers. The weather is warm and pleasant, and it's grape harvest season (rtveli) in Kakheti. Tbilisoba, the city's festival, takes place in October.

Winter (November–March) is mild in Tbilisi, with temperatures around 2–10°C, while the mountains offer skiing in Gudauri and Bakuriani.

Top Places to Visit in Tbilisi

1. Old Town (Kala)

The historic heart of Tbilisi is filled with narrow streets, colourful houses with carved wooden balconies, cafés and wine bars. Highlights include the leaning clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre and the Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in the city.

2. Narikala Fortress

Overlooking the Old Town, this ancient fortress dates back to the 4th century. Take the cable car from Rike Park or walk up for panoramic views over the city.

3. Abanotubani (Sulphur Baths)

Tbilisi's name comes from the Georgian word for "warm," a reference to the hot springs. The domed brick sulphur baths in Abanotubani are a must; book a private room and try a traditional scrub (kisi).

4. Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, completed in 2004, Sameba dominates the skyline with its golden dome.

5. Rustaveli Avenue

Tbilisi's main boulevard is lined with theatres, museums, the Opera House and the Parliament building. The Georgian National Museum here displays golden treasures from ancient Colchis.

6. Bridge of Peace and Rike Park

The modern glass-and-steel Bridge of Peace connects the Old Town with Rike Park, home to the cable car station and open-air concerts.

7. Fabrika and the Dry Bridge Market

Fabrika, a former Soviet sewing factory, is now a creative hub with a hostel, cafés, bars and street art. At the Dry Bridge Market, you'll find Soviet memorabilia, antiques and vintage items.

Also worth visiting: Mtatsminda Park and the funicular, the Chronicles of Georgia monument, the Open Air Museum of Ethnography, the Mother of Georgia statue and the Leghvtakhevi waterfall.

Beyond the City

Tbilisi is a great base for day trips. Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 30 minutes away. The Kakheti wine region offers vineyards, monasteries and the hilltop town of Sighnaghi. The Georgian Military Road leads to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) and the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church below Mount Kazbek. Further away, Svaneti and Uplistsikhe cave town are also popular.

Georgian Wine Culture

Georgia is often called the "cradle of wine," with archaeological evidence of winemaking dating back around 8,000 years. Its traditional method of fermenting and ageing wine in large clay vessels called qvevri, buried underground, is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. In Tbilisi, wine bars such as those in the Old Town and Sololaki let you sample amber (skin-contact) wines and indigenous grapes like Saperavi, Rkatsiteli and Kisi. Many bars offer tasting flights with explanations in English.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

• Old Town: Atmospheric and central, with boutique hotels and guesthouses.
• Sololaki: Charming historic neighbourhood with Art Nouveau buildings.
• Vera: Trendy, with cafés, bars and a local feel.
• Vake: Upscale and green, with modern hotels and restaurants.
• Marjanishvili: Lively, near Fabrika and the Dry Bridge, with good-value accommodation.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Tbilisi here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Tbilisi

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) lies about 17 km southeast of the city centre and offers flights from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), in western Georgia, is popular with low-cost airlines and is about 3.5–4 hours from Tbilisi by bus or train. Search and compare cheap flights to Tbilisi to find the best fares.

From the airport, bus 337 runs to the city centre, and taxis and Bolt are inexpensive.

By Train and Bus

Trains connect Tbilisi with Batumi, Kutaisi and Yerevan. Minibuses (marshrutkas) link the capital with towns across Georgia.

Getting Around Tbilisi

• Metro: Two lines, cheap and efficient.
• Buses and minibuses: Extensive network. Use a Metromoney card or contactless bank card.
• Bolt and Yandex Go: Very affordable ride-hailing apps.
• Cable car and funicular: Connect the city with Narikala and Mtatsminda.
• Walking: The Old Town is best explored on foot, though streets are hilly.

Travel Costs in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is affordable. The currency is the Georgian lari (GEL), at around 3 lari per €1.

Money-saving tips: eat khachapuri and khinkali in local restaurants, use Bolt for transport and buy wine directly from local producers.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian and many other citizens can visit Georgia visa-free for up to one year.
• Mandatory insurance: Since 1 January 2026, foreign tourists entering Georgia must have health and accident insurance covering their stay. Border officials may ask for proof, and entry can be refused without it.
• Other nationalities: May need an e-Visa; check the official Georgian e-Visa portal.
• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
• Occupied territories: Entering Abkhazia or South Ossetia from Russia is considered illegal under Georgian law. Most governments advise against travel to these regions.

Always check official Georgian sources and your own government's travel advice before departure.

Local Tips for Tbilisi

• Georgian hospitality: Guests are considered a "gift from God." Expect generous food and toasts.
• Supra etiquette: At a traditional feast, the tamada (toastmaster) leads the toasts; wait for the toast before drinking.
• Try local food: Taste khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (dumplings), badrijani (aubergine with walnut paste), churchkhela and amber qvevri wine.
• Dress code in churches: Women should cover their heads and wear skirts; men should wear long trousers.
• Tipping: Many restaurants add a 10–18% service charge; otherwise, 10% is customary.
• Safety: Tbilisi is generally safe. Avoid political demonstrations and watch for traffic, which can be chaotic.
• Staying connected: Georgia is outside the EU, so roaming fees can be high. Local SIM cards from Magti or Silknet are cheap, or use a travel eSIM. Get your Georgia eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Old Town walking tour: Discover history, churches and sulphur baths.
• Wine tour to Kakheti: Taste qvevri wines and visit Sighnaghi.
• Kazbegi day trip: Travel along the Georgian Military Road to Gergeti Trinity Church.
• Cooking class: Learn to make khinkali and khachapuri.
• Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery tour: Visit Georgia's spiritual heart.

Browse and book the best tours from Tbilisi here.

FAQ

Do I need insurance to visit Georgia?

Yes. Since 1 January 2026, foreign tourists must have health and accident insurance covering their stay in Georgia.

How long can I stay in Georgia without a visa?

Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay visa-free for up to one year.

What is the best time to visit Tbilisi?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best weather.

What currency is used in Georgia?

Georgia uses the lari (GEL).

How many days do you need in Tbilisi?

Three days are enough for the city. Add days for Kakheti, Kazbegi and Mtskheta.

Conclusion

Tbilisi combines ancient history, sulphur baths, dramatic viewpoints and some of the world's most delicious food and wine. Whether you're relaxing in the baths, riding the cable car to Narikala or tasting qvevri wine in Kakheti, it's a city that captures every visitor's heart.

Start planning today: book your walking tours, wine tastings and day trips on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Tbilisi.