Top 10 Things to Do in Tbilisi

The sulfurous hot spring bathhouses of the Abanotubani district, identifiable by their distinctive domed rooftops emerging from the hillside, have been the heart of Tbilisi life for over 1,500 years — the city's very name derives from the Georgian word for "warm." Bathing in a private cabina in one of the historic bathhouses is an experience that perfectly encapsulates Tbilisi's ancient, sensory character.

This ancient fortress looming over Old Tbilisi from a rocky promontory has guarded the city since the 4th century, and though much of it was destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1827, its dramatic walls and towers remain one of the most evocative sights in all of Georgia. The adjacent statue of Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) raises a sword to enemies and a cup of wine to friends — the perfect symbol of Georgian identity.

This legendary outdoor flea market stretching along the embankment by the Dry Bridge is one of the great treasure-hunting experiences in the Caucasus — a sprawling display of Soviet-era artifacts, antique jewelry, oil paintings, samovars, and Georgian folk art. Arriving early and haggling with the vendors over an unusual Soviet badge or antique khachapuri pan is a quintessential Tbilisi morning.

Georgia is the cradle of wine civilization, with 8,000 years of continuous winemaking tradition and the unique qvevri clay vessel fermentation method that has earned UNESCO heritage status. Tbilisi's burgeoning natural wine bar scene — particularly in the Fabrika and Vera districts — offers an unparalleled journey through the country's 500+ indigenous grape varieties.

Tbilisi's grandest boulevard sweeps through the heart of the city past the Opera House, National Gallery, Parliament, and the magnificent Rustaveli Theatre in a procession of 19th-century neoclassical architecture that reflects the city's belle epoque golden age. The avenue is at its most beautiful on Sunday mornings when families promenade past the outdoor cafes.

Just 20 kilometers from Tbilisi, the ancient royal capital of Mtskheta is a UNESCO World Heritage town of extraordinary historical and spiritual significance — the site where Christianity was declared Georgia's state religion in 327 AD. The Jvari Church overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral below, are among the most beautiful medieval monuments in the Caucasus.

This reimagined Soviet-era sewing factory in the Chugureti district has become Tbilisi's hippest creative hub — a courtyard of shipping container bars, independent boutiques, hostels, yoga studios, and live music venues that buzzes from morning until the small hours. It perfectly captures the youthful, creative energy that has made Tbilisi one of Europe's most exciting emerging cities.

The Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia houses one of the finest collections of Caucasian gold and Silver Age artifacts in the world, including the extraordinary treasury of Colchian gold that rivals the Scythian collections of any European museum. The prehistoric, medieval, and ethnographic galleries provide an essential framework for understanding Georgia's extraordinarily deep cultural heritage.

This 13th-century cliff-top church on a rocky outcrop above the Kura River — with a mounted statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali in front — is one of the most romantic and historically resonant views in Tbilisi. The church interior, austere and dark, houses the tomb of St. Shushanik, Georgia's first Christian martyr.

The sulfurous hot spring bathhouses of the Abanotubani district, identifiable by their distinctive domed rooftops emerging from the hillside, have been the heart of Tbilisi life for over 1,500 years — the city's very name derives from the Georgian word for "warm." Bathing in a private cabina in one of the historic bathhouses is an experience that perfectly encapsulates Tbilisi's ancient, sensory character.

This ancient fortress looming over Old Tbilisi from a rocky promontory has guarded the city since the 4th century, and though much of it was destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1827, its dramatic walls and towers remain one of the most evocative sights in all of Georgia. The adjacent statue of Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) raises a sword to enemies and a cup of wine to friends — the perfect symbol of Georgian identity.

This legendary outdoor flea market stretching along the embankment by the Dry Bridge is one of the great treasure-hunting experiences in the Caucasus — a sprawling display of Soviet-era artifacts, antique jewelry, oil paintings, samovars, and Georgian folk art. Arriving early and haggling with the vendors over an unusual Soviet badge or antique khachapuri pan is a quintessential Tbilisi morning.

Georgia is the cradle of wine civilization, with 8,000 years of continuous winemaking tradition and the unique qvevri clay vessel fermentation method that has earned UNESCO heritage status. Tbilisi's burgeoning natural wine bar scene — particularly in the Fabrika and Vera districts — offers an unparalleled journey through the country's 500+ indigenous grape varieties.

Tbilisi's grandest boulevard sweeps through the heart of the city past the Opera House, National Gallery, Parliament, and the magnificent Rustaveli Theatre in a procession of 19th-century neoclassical architecture that reflects the city's belle epoque golden age. The avenue is at its most beautiful on Sunday mornings when families promenade past the outdoor cafes.

Just 20 kilometers from Tbilisi, the ancient royal capital of Mtskheta is a UNESCO World Heritage town of extraordinary historical and spiritual significance — the site where Christianity was declared Georgia's state religion in 327 AD. The Jvari Church overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral below, are among the most beautiful medieval monuments in the Caucasus.

This reimagined Soviet-era sewing factory in the Chugureti district has become Tbilisi's hippest creative hub — a courtyard of shipping container bars, independent boutiques, hostels, yoga studios, and live music venues that buzzes from morning until the small hours. It perfectly captures the youthful, creative energy that has made Tbilisi one of Europe's most exciting emerging cities.

The Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia houses one of the finest collections of Caucasian gold and Silver Age artifacts in the world, including the extraordinary treasury of Colchian gold that rivals the Scythian collections of any European museum. The prehistoric, medieval, and ethnographic galleries provide an essential framework for understanding Georgia's extraordinarily deep cultural heritage.

This 13th-century cliff-top church on a rocky outcrop above the Kura River — with a mounted statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali in front — is one of the most romantic and historically resonant views in Tbilisi. The church interior, austere and dark, houses the tomb of St. Shushanik, Georgia's first Christian martyr.