what is the best area to stay in tbilisi

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a bustling city of wonderful contrasts that rivals much larger cities in Europe in terms of its architectural beauty and historical significance. Yet, information technology is surprisingly easy to navigate and get around, with most of the major sights located in the Sometime Town within walking altitude of each other.

If you are coming from my Things to do in Georgia, you will observe a style more detailed list of what to visit in the majuscule of Georgia here. If you haven't read it yet, go check information technology out at present!

With its charming courtyards covered by wine leaves, Tbilisi is a very authentic city that I dearly love! Why? Well, because it breathes history, it has one of the about hospitable people in the world and some of the well-nigh delicious nutrient (I am sure you will concord with me when you try it for yourself, mmm!).

Here are some fast facts virtually Tbilisi:

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia (duh) and its largest city too (1,v mln people live there). Official language is Georgian, and most people speak Russian also (Georgia used to be part of the USSR and Stalin was georgian actually).
Geographically it is located in betwixt Europe and Asia then is its culture – information technology has this intricate blend of Europe, Asia and definitely its own twist besides. No wonder why – throughout the ages they were under Mongols, Iranian, Russian and others, what a crazy mix!
Tbilisi became a capital letter in the sixth century (originally the capital was in Mtskheta, a charming town less than an hour abroad that you should definitely visit!)

I have traveled to Tbilisi several times at present (and will definitely come back many more times too!) and these are my top 11 things to exercise in this fantastic urban center:

ane. Get lost in the Old Town

Old Tbilisi is extremely picturesque with many hidden gems tucked in the courtyards and walkways. If you are looking for an authentic taste of Georgia, and then you need to spend a mean solar day wandering around this expanse – don't miss the chance to explore the charming little lanes and subconscious courtyards.

Best way to explore it is past getting lost – wander around and terminate at annihilation that looks interesting! Forget about your GPS and get lost in its cobblestone streets, curved lanes, tiny streets where locals dry their colorful clothes exterior, houses hanging over the road despite the laws of physics and famous colorful balconies (oh, they looove watching the world become by from those balconies!)!

You could potentially discover the whole area in 3-iv hours, it is not and so big. Merely I would highly recommend to also take a tour of this area – the locals will be able to show y'all some absolutely wonderful gems that you would not find otherwise and tell you some fantastic stories about the metropolis's past (and it has quite some).

I remember I took one of the free walking tours (the ones where you lot but pay tips), but if you want a more personalized feel, I tin can highly recommend this one, it is likewise super affordable and definitely less crowded (or the individual one here).

PRO TIP: If you are traveling with kids, or if you desire to make an unusual surprise for your family/loved ones, there is this astonishing bout chosen Farolero. We took it when I organized a bachelorette party for my best friend (nothing crazy, only magical, I assure you) and we loved it!

You volition observe the city wearing a cloak and a mask following an old Lamplighter that can literally create a fairy tale from your experience. NOTE: I took the tour in Russian, only I know they have the tours in English too, but write them to double check that.

When in that location, exercise not forget to stroll effectually the riverside and see the Bridge of Peace.

The Span of Peace is a pedestrian bridge that lights upwardly with over 10 000 little lamps after the dusk!

Besides, be sure to visit one of the oldest churches in Georgia, Sioni Cathedral.

PRO TIP: women need to embrace their hair to enter an orthodox church. They volition unremarkably have something for you to use at the entrance costless of charge, but if you don't desire to use it, bring your own scarf with you.

2. Accept a cable car/funicular up to see the view of the city

No one has ever returned from Tbilisi without a photograph of the view from Narikala Fortress. It is very popular, so you will be able to get some great pics!

The cable car starts from around the Bridge of Peace area, it is actually pretty modern and the cost is only 2.5 Lari (~US$0,seven). When you get to the top yous will exist able to see the amazing view of both the metropolis center and the statue of Mother Georgia.

Yes, y'all saw information technology correct, Mother Georgia has a bottle of wine in her hand, the other one has a sword.

It symbolizes the fact that Georgians are extremely hospitable people, only if someone attacks them, they are set up to fight back. 😉

When there y'all should go up to the remains of an Iv century Narikala fortress (the fable has it that it was i of the stops on the Silk Road). Y'all tin visit the fortress also, the archway is free of charge.

Unless you have some troubles with mobility, I recommend you walk down by foot – you volition run across some really authentic beautiful houses along the way! Btw, you lot volition get downwardly to my Thing to do #vii – Sulphur bath (read on to learn more).

There is actually another cablevision car in the city – it is called a cable railway (does anyone really know the difference between funiculairs and cable cars/railways, btw? But take me upwards, duh!).

The cable railway goes upward to another mountain, this fourth dimension to Mtatsminda Entertainment Park which I highly recommend visiting even if you are non into the rides – the 360-degree views are fantastic then are the donuts (check out point #6 for details). The ticket is 2 Lari one manner, just this fourth dimension y'all will definitely need a ride back (by either this aeriform tramway or taxi).

3. Admire the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater

I would normally not recommend something like this, but this theater is one of a kind!

Rezo Gabriadze, a famous Georgian moving-picture show director, created the museum and used his personal collection of puppets from effectually the world. Rezo is an creative person that struggled to limited himself or his opinions through his art in Soviet Georgia, and then he found a method to express his political thinking in a seemingly naive fashion, through marionettes.

I don't know why, simply I institute the building and the clock evidence so interesting that I enjoyed every minute of it!

The building itself is an fine art-style masterpiece and well worth a visit!

It is very "instagrammable" – it is a beautiful mix of all kinds of materials that somehow blend together very nicely.

It has a very peculiar clock as well – every hour an affections will come out to a special balustrade and strike the bong with a small-scale hummer, how absurd is that?

Except for the every hour modest angel advent, there is as well a bigger, special performance called "The circle of Life" happening every day at midday and at 7 pm – do non miss it (you will see by a bigger crowd around the belfry that soon is the fourth dimension in any way). You can find updated operation times here.

If you want to really become within to come across 1 of the plays, here is the schedule (the price is anywhere between 10-30 Lari ($US3-nine).

Pssst – if you are looking for another absurd insta-worthy place, hither they are – Gallery 27 and Gardenia Shevardnadze.

iv. Attempt its fantastic nutrient (and vino!)

If y'all had whatsoever diets prior to going to Georgia, forget about it! This is just likewise delicious to resist (and delight don't, but truth to be told – nosotros all need a diet after going to Georgia 🙂 )

I am all serious though, Georgian cuisine is my second-favourite after Italian and I am only happy I became vegetarian AFTER I visited Georgia! But don't worry, if you don't eat meat there will exist plenty for yous to indulge in as well (khachapuri, mmmm), merely I still see their khinkali in my dreams sometimes, haha 🙂

So, what are all those weird food names that yous probably never heard of? Allow me immerse you in the world of Georgian cuisine:

Food

If you hate to go to a eating house, bank check the menu and take no idea what would be all-time to society, the following list volition be your best friend while in Tbilisi. Y'all can thank me later (I starred vegetarian options for your convenience):

Khinkali – dumplings the Georgian manner, can come non just with meat, merely with potatoes, cheese, mushrooms and many more fillings. This is how to eat it
Khachapuri* – Cheese pie in dissimilar styles, soooo practiced! My favourite is Adjaruli (adjarian manner), it is a transport shaped bread with an egg on meridian. This is how to consume information technology
Phkali* – minced vegetables balls
Lobio* – bean dip
Badrijani* – fried eggplant blimp with walnut and garlic paste. (I told y'all they have tons of veggie options, didn't I?)
Kharcho – Yummy tedious cooked meat and tomato stew with polenta
Churchkhela* – it is a candle shaped candy that you volition find in a lot of stalls as street food. I think it is fabricated of dried basics and flour – I am really not sure how to explicate information technology, merely you accept to try information technology!

If you are into food, yous Have TO get to one of their cooking classes past 1 of the Gerogian babushkas! I took one and I learned how to practice the well-nigh famous dishes – khinkali and khachapuri, and we got to eat all of that and potable wine, heaven! This is the one I can highly recommend.

Wine and other alcoholic drinks

If having out-of-this-world food would non exist enough, there is a wide choice of Georgian wines, but the near popular ones are Kakheti white and carmine wines!

Wine is everywhere in Georgia – in the restaurants, small local shops, big supermarkets. Kote Abhazi street is full with countless cellars (some offer gratuitous wine tasting as well!). If eating out, you tin try their firm wine, it commonly is really good and much cheaper too!

Find below some of the best wine tasting experiences constitute in Tbilisi:

Vino Underground
1000.Wine Wine Bar
8000 Vintages

For my readers who are Actually into wine, I highly recommend going to Kakhetia region (information technology can be done every bit a day trip from Tbilisi). I did information technology myself and yous tin meet tips about how to organize it in the BONUS section of this post.

Except vino, you can also try Georgian cha-cha and cognac.

PRO TIP: Wine Water ice-foam? Yes, information technology is a thing! But do non give it to your kids because it really does contain lots of vino. 😉

Awesome cafes and restaurants in Tbilisi

Exercise not worry, I would not get out you without some recommendations of the most awesome places where you lot can try all of the above:

Pasanauri – bully khinkali
Hilltop Cafe – nice pancakes and an astonishing view!
Leila – super prissy decor and great vegetarian food, right in front of the boob theatre
In the shadow of Metekhi – nearly "I love Tbilisi" sight for khinkali (might be airtight tho)
Keto & Kote – squeamish terrace
Shavi Lomi – pretty garden and yummy food
Sakhachapure – keen hachapuri
Nikolozi – pocket-sized and upkeep friendly eatery
Barbarestan – mod Georgian nutrient
Zakhar Zakharich If you still haven't had enough khachapuri yet 🙂
Kiwi vegan cafe – great place for all my vegan readers out there (and not only!)

Bassiani – Not certain where to add together this one as I don't have a "nightlife" department, but this club is considered to be the second best nightclub in Europe!

NOTE i: Most of the restaurants charge 10% service fee by default.

Note 2: in that location will be many restaurants attracting tourists from the street and inviting you to go in, they are generally not bad (it is hard to detect bad nutrient in Georgia, bluntly), but don't be shy to move on if you already have a place in heed).

NOTE three: Usually the portions are HUUUGE, so exercise not society half a menu if you are hungry, chances are y'all volition not finish everything.

And, last but non least, I highly recommend to just go with the flow and enjoy it – sit somewhere in a nice cafe (outside if the weather permits) with a nice glass of Georgian wine and merely watch the earth become by – this is the way to enjoy it!

five. Take a boat trip of Kura river

Ok, I seriously need to cutting down on the words here, otherwise I will write a modest book here, let's try to keep information technology shorter 🙂

Kura river is a great mode to take in the sights of Tbilisi from another angle. Several companies offering short river trips and boat cruises.

The tour is unremarkably from 40 mins to ane,5 hour depending on the road and the cost starts from US$ x. Cheque out this and this site for more info.

6. Indulge into donuts in Mtatsminda Amusement Park

Remember I mentioned donuts earlier? That is THE place!

Mtatsminda is a hill located 770 meters above sea level and information technology is the highest point in the urban center. The expanse is huge, it covers over 100 hectares and it offers a fantastic 360-degree view to the city (all-time time – dusk!).

Here is the official website of the park that also briefly explains how to go in that location. In 2 words – you can get at that place by cable car and funicular (shortest way) or you lot tin can become by taxi.

If the meridian is still not enough for you, try their ferris wheel, I am sure the view will be even more than scenic!

And what nearly the donuts you lot ask me? Check out their restaurant on the loma – it looks very fancy (but European standards very affordable) and it offers a bang-up view to the city. All food is super delicious, merely they are most famous for their desserts and, in particular, donuts (besides known as "ponchiki"). It has some cream inside, plus their "chocolate lemonade" which tastes really different, just try it!

7. Go to a sulphur bath

How nearly going to a spa, the Georgian style?

Sulphur baths (sour baths) are very popular in Georgia and they do wonders for the pare and wellness. No wonder it is a tradition for them, Tbilisi actually means "warm waters" because they take and then many streams right in the city.

I have been to the bath (at that place are public ones and private ones, I went for the individual one) and I liked it very much. You have the actual hot both and a cold pool, you can also inquire for a massage the Georgian style (I recall starting time it felt like a torture, merely then information technology felt really skilful, I felt like a newborn!).

Cost: The boilerplate price is xl Lari (~United states of america$12) an hour to hire a small-scale room, 70 for 2 people. A x-xv minute massage was about 20 Lari.

WHICH 1: In that location are many of baths in the Abanotubani area, they all line upwards in the aforementioned street, so yous can cull any of them.

The most fotogenic one is definitely the Blue ane (I think it looks pretty normal within, tho). The 2d choice should exist Gulo'south Spa. I myself have been to a pretty simple ane (didn't not read this post before, haha!). It doesn't even have a website it seems (find the pin to Google maps here) just I liked it. If you decide on going to the sulphur bath, here is a great guide I institute that covers pretty much everything on the topic.

PRO TIP 1: If you are a bit freaked out past the words "onetime baths" or "sulphur", I've got you lot! Don't worry at all, once you get to one of these houses and earlier you pay or decide on unlike treatments you can get them to show you their facilities and even get a private room. Georgians and their kindness strike again!

PRO TIP 2: Do not forget to accept off your jewelry before going inside the bath, sulphur reacts with silver and it can darken up!

At present, fifty-fifty if yous do not desire to go within, be sure to just walk around the expanse, information technology is admittedly stunning! And bonus points for those who will detect a real waterfall effectually there (it is subconscious a fleck, just follow the river and yous will meet it!). Y'all can even freshen up there if the weather is too hot, I saw people doing it!

PRO TIP : Super nice restaurant with the view to the old boondocks located merely around here – Marani Restaurant & Bar.

8. Walk around the Rustaveli Avenue

Ane of the most popular streets in Tbilisi, Shota Rustaveli Avenue forms the master street of the sometime town likewise equally beingness one of the most beautiful places to walk around. It is named subsequently Georgia's national poet and runs from Freedom Square down to Old Town.

Rustaveli is a broad street that is practiced for luxury shopping and also people watching. If you are into shopping, information technology has pretty much everything (the food too!), so it tin be a great idea to stay around there too. By the way, check out my mail service on Where to stay in Tbilisi if you haven't nevertheless.

9. Off-the-beaten path – Sololaki expanse

This area is the hippest part of Tbilisi. Information technology is a pop location for artists, musicians and students, and likewise has some very trendy cafés and bars. It is too one of the nigh photogenic neighborhoods with its balconies, stucco molding and echoes of the former fourth dimension. Laissez passer by as it is role of the Onetime Town, merely tourists usually overlook Sololaki!

At that place are many authentic buildings with twisted marble staircases and carved wooden verandas that can tell stories.

Hither are some special houses I would like you see at if you lot happen to be in the area (links are to Google maps):

House of Anna Madatova
"Italian villa" of Milovs brothers
House of Madame Bozardzhyanz

10. Don't forget the museums!

If you read my other city guides, y'all will encounter that I more often than not recommend A LOT of museums – that is because I similar them and I think they can offer a ton of useful (and interesting!) information.

In this case I might have gotten a bit carried away with my listing, merely seriously, in that location are so many other awesome things to practise, I had to prioritize them!

If y'all are into museums like me, here are the ones that I tin can recommend in Tbilisi

(I had troubles finding some of the official sites of the museum, then sometimes I might link to Wikipedia. Don't worry, the places exist and you tin can simply find them on Google maps and call if you want to double bank check the info):

National Gallery of Georgia ("The Blueish Gallery") – brand sure to cheque Pirosmani's artworks, here is the nigh famous painter in georgia
Tbilisi History Museum – small museum for all the history nerds out there
Museum of Fine Arts – Artworks of over 3000 georgian painters done in the last eighty years
Open Air Museum of Ethnography – interesting to meet the dorsum in the time folk architecture (that's the only one I managed to become to, haha!)
Tbilisi AutoMuseum – if you are a fan of old USSR-style cars

11. Watch them trip the light fantastic and hear them sing

What does a traditional Georgian trip the light fantastic wait like? Well, if you saw the video that I included above, yous volition accept a pretty practiced idea!

The trip the light fantastic elements are combined with acrobatic movements and rhythmic steps that have not inverse over the centuries. Dancing is part of georgian culture, something that is engraved in their blood and something that is forever part of their civilisation.

If you lot desire to witness it live (it will probably not be equally polished equally on the video, but you volition definitely encounter the existent deal!).

Singing – Georgian polyphonic singing is really a UNESCO world heritage, did you know? It is one of the near ancient and exclusive types of music in the world. The origins of Georgian polyphonic singing are buried in antiquity. The singing is usually done past groups of male singers (usually 10 to 12 in the group) called "chorus". Those who sing together are ordinarily from the aforementioned hamlet and they sing a cappella, without any musical instruments.

The shows are beautiful, mesmerizing, I can highly recommend attending one of those. Especially every bit y'all can actually combine it with a dinner in a traditional restaurant, why non?

Here is the list I made subsequently researching in the cyberspace and asking effectually (again, I repent for the sites in advance, not all of them are working properly, you might need to do some extra spider web-surfing to detect them on Facebook or Instagram to come across if they are active):

Konguri
Ethno Tsiskvili
Tabla Saloon
Barakoni
Azarpesha
Georgian House

UPDATE: if you lot desire a full organized-for-you service, I institute this great bout.

Where to stay in Tbilisi

Equally usual make sure that yous volume a bit ahead of time and so yous have a wide multifariousness of choices. If yous haven't, don't worry as Tbilisi has an ever-growing number of hotels/hostels due to the Georgian government investing heavily on tourism!

Here is a list of different type of adaptation that I have carefully curated for yous, depending on your budget:

Luxury (US$230 and above)

On one hand, Veranova Hotel is the perfect place to stay if you're looking for stunning rooftop bars with outstanding views! On the other hand, with its impeccable décor, Nana's flat Sololaki is the place to be if you're looking to encounter what contemporary Tbilisi is all almost.

Eye-Priced (US$110 – Usa$230 per nighttime)

Choose Fabrika Hostel if you'd similar to stay in the center of the biggest creative hub in the country, merely one con, you will never want to go out! For a quieter and more than relaxing stay, head up to Diplomat Flat, a clean and modern apartment located in the eye of the metropolis.

Upkeep (up to US$110 per nighttime)

Guest House Rafael, cozy and minimalistic spot, located correct in the historic Old Town. Perfect for those that don't want to miss a thing! Another recommendation would be Solo Room Apartment, a mannerly quondam Georgian apartment, super clean and with fantastic reviews!

PRO TIP: if you did not find annihilation in the city center, my 2nd favorite district is called Vera, it has this bohemian vibe and very very pretty buildings around. Since recently information technology has become a very trendy place to stay so you will take non but some really nice hotels to choose from just also some amazing restaurants effectually. My two favourites are:

Rooms Hotel (you lot will likewise find its brother Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, if y'all will go to the mountain area)
Stamba Hotel (just cheque the pictures, it has an amazing design!)

P.Due south. I accept an commodity about Where to stay in Tbilisi which offers more than hotels and apartments in more than areas of the city (as usual, sorted past budget), check information technology out!

BONUS 1: 4 Awesome day trips from Tbilisi

If you look at the map of Georgia, you will run into that Tbilisi is very well located between the mountains, vino region and other places of interest. That makes the capital of Georgia a great base of operations for some epic twenty-four hour period trips, concur?

There are plenty to choose from, merely here are four of my favorites that are sure to keep yous busy. (The second i is just obligatory, it is literally twenty minutes away from the city!)

1. Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

Stepantsminda (or the old name of the city, Kazbegi) is the highest town of the Caucasus mountain range at an altitude of 2493 meters and the region is truly one of the most cute places in Georgia. I hateful, accept a look at the pic above, seriously!

In guild to become there y'all volition need to take the Georgian Military Highway – it connects Georgia and Russia and it is pretty famous as information technology is very breathtaking.

The nigh user-friendly mode to go there is by machine (it is 156 km or ~97 mi). The quality of the roads are pretty proficient, so y'all tin can totally do it yourself if yous rent a car (pssst, I accept a peachy mail service virtually renting a machine in Georgia here) or yous can become every bit part of the bout (I guess that is the best, if you get in a solar day trip). There is likewise a "marshrutka" – a minibus (cheap, but demand to figure out directions) and taxis (more expensive, only comfortable).

The driving time would be something like 3.5 hours buuuuuut I would schedule some actress time as there are many stops on the way you will want to take, trust me. 🙂

Here are the ways to get at that place (with prices):

By car – this is the all-time example scenario in my opinion! And I would too stay for a night or even ii if you lot accept a chance. Endeavor this site to go the all-time local deals on a car rental (it is a totally legit site, exercise non worry) or this 1 if yous prefer something more international. I checked the first site and it seems like the price is about Usa$25 per 24-hour interval, not bad, huh!
With a tour – seems like information technology is simply US$35 if you take this tour (meals not included), or a private i for 70 per person.
Marshrutka (minibus) – catch it from the Okriba bus station near the Didube metro station, the price is 25 GEL (US$eight).
Taxi – I recommend taking an Uber or Yandex Taxi, information technology is much cheaper than bargaining with drivers. In that location is also this service where you can book a taxi from a local, information technology will be about US$45 1 manner to get to Kazbegi.

2. Mtskheta

Located at the confluence of 2 rivers – Mtkvari and Aragvi in the picturesque setting of the Mtianeti region, Mtskheta is considered to be the oldest town in Georgia. Due to its historical and religious significance, Mtskheta was nominated as a Earth Heritage Site past UNESCO in 1994. The get-go e'er capital of the land, Information technology is a sacred place for Georgians.

Mtskheta is a charming town with rich history, beautiful churches and monasteries, old fortresses and an ancient botanical garden. It is the best place to run into the traditional civilisation of Georgia.

Mtskheta is located just 20 km away from the city which makes information technology a perfect twenty-four hour period (half-a-day) trip from Tbilisi.

Where at that place, please pay a visit to Jvari Monastery – information technology is an ancient orthodox church with an amazing panoramic view.

How to get to Mtskheta from Tbilisi:

"Marshrutka" (minivan) – take hold of a minivan from Didube metro station, it comes every 20 minutes, the ride will take ~25 min and the price is one,v Lari (~US$0,v) (ask if it goes to Mtskheta first to make sure y'all are taking the right route). Note: it goes to the city center, if you want to get to the monastery, y'all volition need to accept a taxi from in that location (otherwise information technology is a 2 hour walk because the monastery is surrounded past the river).
Rental car – (that is what nosotros did) the easiest way to get there in my opinion, it is easy to become, to discover a parking spot and become around betwixt the city and the monastery (there is a highway, not walkable) (~US$25 per day).
Taxi – the price should exist about 50-lx Lari (~US$twenty) round trip (waiting time included in the rate).
Organized bout – I plant this affordable organized tour (~US$35 per person). It is a iv hour bout and they will option y'all up and drib you back off to your hotel!

3. Kakheti

Kakheti is a beautiful region of rolling hills and valleys, of forests of ancient copse and wildflowers, of medieval churches and ancient castles. Information technology is a place of incredible natural dazzler, a place where you can experience the rich history, food and wine of Georgia.

Kakheti is the most southern region of Georgia, and its many vineyards produce some of the most unique wines in the globe!

NOTE: possible side-effect: irresistible urge to visit Georgia for the residuum of your life!

I recommend going with a tour (or a private bout guide) then that y'all stop in some minor vineyards and villages, this bout would be a good example.

If you are going yourself by machine, make sure to stop by Sighnaghi, the almost romantic city in the country!

iv. Davit Gareji Monastery

Located in the remote Caucasus mountains in the beautiful Georgian countryside, Davit Gareja is a cute rock-hewn monastery that fully functioned back in the 11th century!

I personally haven't been (yet), only I really wanted to go, just await at those pictures!

The monastery is located very close to Azerbaijan (S-East of Georgia), it is about a two hr drive from Tbilisi (a fleck less) – 75 km (~45 ml) to be exact.

The all-time way to get in that location is to hire a automobile, yous could get there by public transportation too, but I do non recommend this way as it would take you the whole day and many changes. The taxi would exist about US$fifty.

Annotation: Plan about 2-3 hours for a visit, plus ~4 hours for the route.

BONUS 2: Transportation in the urban center

While the Old Town is easily walkable (and I advise y'all to do so, that's the fashion to become to know any city!), at that place'due south a chance that yous are staying outside of it or you lot desire to get to the random allure in the suburbs.

I know what information technology is like to navigate a metropolis whose language you don't speak, so don't worry we've got you covered on how to utilise public transport in Tbilisi!

Buses

The yellow buses in Tbilisi are pretty straightforward to employ and super affordable, you can either purchase the public transport bill of fare at a metro station and elevation it up, or you tin can pay directly in the bus. However, if you cull to practise the latter make sure you have the verbal corporeality needed as the driver won't accept any change.

PRICE: 2 GEL (US$0.7) to buy the card and fifty Tetri (0.five GEL or U.s.a.$0.2) each trip.

Metro

Another efficient class of transportation in Tbilisi is the metro. A lilliputian bit rusty and one-time (though still almost the same beautiful like the metro in Moscow), this is one of the favourite modes of transportation for the locals! You would need to buy the Metronami travel carte du jour in one of the metro stations in order to get in.

Cost: 2 GEL (Usa$0.seven) to buy the carte and 0.5 GEL (US$0.2) each trip.

Marshrutka (minibus)

These xanthous minivans volition have you to the terminate of the world and back, if you know how to. They're a bit more expensive than the charabanc or the metro only they go to manner more places. It is the audacious way to get if you're looking to explore a bit outside boondocks, but beware, they don't follow a articulate schedule! You can as well use the public send carte in this case (how cool is that?).

Cost: 2 GEL (Usa$0.7) to buy the card and 0.8 to 1 GEL (U.s.a.$0.25 – 0.35) each trip.

Taxi

If you can't exist bothered to navigate Tbilisi's public transport system you tin always get a taxi. However, bear in mind that taxi drivers are a bit cheeky and they will try to overcharge y'all. That is why I recommend using an app – there will be no mode to play tricks you in this style! The most popular ones are Taxi Maxim, Yandex Taxi and Bolt.

Cost: Information technology is normally about 1 Lari (another way they call the currency GEL) for 1 km.

Applied info about Tbilisi/Georgia

How to become from the airport

Taxi

A taxi from the airport to the city center ranges from 35 to 45 GEL (U.s.a.$10-15) if you get it at the place. Information technology should be well-nigh twice cheaper if you book it though one of the apps- I recommend using the Yandex Taxi app – it has the best prices.

You can also get an organized private transfer – it is just a bit more expensive, but someone will meet you at the airdrome with a sign and you won't need to worry about the sim card/paying with cash etc. Here is a smashing transfer pick.

Bus

If you'd like a more upkeep friendly pick, yous tin can accept buses 37 or 137, that exit right exterior Arrivals every fifteen to xxx minutes and drop you off right in the city center. The cost is simply 0.5 GEL (~fifteen cents!) – make certain you've got the exact amount as the driver is not likely to have whatever modify.

Prices in Tbilisi/Georgia

Find below a list with the typical prices in the city:

A repast in an inexpensive restaurant for i person – twenty GEL (U.s.a.$6)
Dinner for two in a eating house – 65 GEL (Usa$twenty)
A dark in a hotel (very guess, this varies enormously) – 130 GEL (U.s.$xl)
Taxi – 1 GEL per km + three GEL initial charge (~United states$0.ii + US$1)
A canteen of water – 0.85 GEL (Us$0.three)
Local beer – 3 GEL (US$1)
Omnibus ticket – 0.5 GEL (US$0.fifteen)
1 50 of gas (1/four gallon) – 2.5 GEL (U.s.a.$0.eight)

Shopping, buying souvenirs

Looking to buy some stuff for your family/friends back at home or perhaps something for yourself to remember the trip?

Dry out Span has a really cool flea market that has all kinds of absurd things like daggers and wine horns, paintings by local craftsmen and hats from Svanetia. Other things to buy are dirt vino and spices. The market is open from 9 to v everyday, but if yous have a choice, come in the weekend, there are much more sellers and then.

I bought myself some earrings and could not take been happier with them!

PRO TIP: Exercise not forget to deal – this is not Sri Lanka where y'all are supposed to bargain, merely y'all can definitely expect a 10-twenty% discount if you just ask.

At that place are some great local designers in bazaar stores on Rustaveli Avenue and in the Quondam Town, you will definitely similar something if you are into shopping!

Expats in Tbilisi

I think a lot of people who can afford to work online beginning come up visit the land as tourists and then decide to really relocate. Why? Well, Georgia has low taxes, amazing food and weather and that means digital nomads and long-term travellers are starting to move to Tbilisi in numbers, there is a pretty big expat community over in that location!

If you are thinking about relocating to this sunny country I recommend doing a search on Facebook, there are some actually agile groups where you can inquire all the questions you might have and make up your mind if you would go ahead to do it.

If you do, please drop me a line in the comments, I would love to hear your feel (as well as many of Miss Tourist readers, I am sure!).

✈️ Toll of traveling:	Cheap
📅 How many days:	2-3
📍 Best neighborhood:	Former Town
🍽️ Dinner for two:	$18
👶 Family friendly score:	Great
🚕 Boilerplate taxi price:	$4
🏨 Avg hotel toll:	$l

FAQs about Tbilisi

📅 How many days to spend in Tbilisi?

1-three days is great, if you desire to see absolutely everything with no blitz – 5 days.
I invite you to check my other post in 2 weeks in Georgia where I talk most other amazing places to visit around Tbilisi and some practical info such as sim cards, prices etc.

☀️ When to visit Tbilisi/ Georgia?

Luckily for us, Tbilisi is not a city with extreme weather such as tropical storms then you tin actually visit it whatsoever fourth dimension of the year! As every European urban center the most popular fourth dimension to visit is from April to July. August is OK too, but information technology can get REALLY hot. September/early October should exist very nice too! If you are going in the winter it is nice likewise, information technology is not so cold in the metropolis, just hey, you lot tin can become to the beautiful Kazbegi mountains to ski!

👋 Is Tbilisi safe?

Yes, no worries, Tbilisi is a very rubber metropolis where you tin can walk effectually at night without worrying near your life. The contempo changes in the country's politics actually played a really important role in this – the level of criminality in Tbilisi is very depression. Having said this, I evidently recommend using mutual sense and not leaving your expensive camera lone when you lot get to the greenbacks register etc., but I definitely felt and so much safer in Georgia than in, say, Colombia or Republic of bolivia.

📱 Which sim card to get in Georgia?

After lots of research, I found the best sim card to utilize while on your trip to Georgia. Beeline has numerous offices in the urban center or you can purchase it at your arrival at the airport so you can starting time using it direct abroad! Another good one is definitely Geocell, just compare the current prices on their websites. It should be about Usa$5-6 for ~8GB of data.

👅 How to pronounce Tbilisi correctly?

Google is actually wrong on this one! Yous actually exercise Not pronounce it "Tiblisi" as referred in this video. Ask any local – you pronounce it exactly the way it is writer -"tbi-lee-run across".
Hither are some proofs from locals if y'all don't believe me:

Conclusion

If you have read this far, I congratulate y'all, you are now a certified Tbilisi expert! 🙂

Now you can rest assured that you will visit all the landmarks and subconscious gems in Tbilisi and you won't miss a thing, and even experience some activities that non even the locals know. Navigating Tbilisi is at present a slice of cake for you lot and after all these tips the but thing left for yous to do is to sit back, relax and bask your trip!

I love Georgia dearly, and if yous have been to all the most popular destinations like Italy, Espana, Bali etc. and craving for more special experiences that no-one had yet, get to Tbilisi and Georgia overall, and I guarantee y'all volition talk about your trip for years to come!

If you found this article useful or you have whatsoever other doubts, delight let me know in the comments below, I'll be happy to help you. And of course, if you liked this article, don't forget to click "Like" and share it with your travel mates.

Yulia

mcmanusforyanceir.blogspot.com

Source: https://misstourist.com/things-to-do-in-tbilisi-georgia/