24 Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia + Travel Guide (January 2026 Update)
Tbilisi blends ancient history, Soviet echoes, quirky modern architecture, and world-class food/wine. Georgia’s capital remains vibrant and welcoming in 2026, with ongoing developments like metro expansions and restored sites. This 3-day itinerary covers the top 24 attractions, plus updated tips on staying, eating, and getting around.
Day 1: Old Town & Abanotubani (Historic Heart)
Focus on the charming, walkable Old Town.
- Meidan Bazaar — Underground Silk Road market for souvenirs (spices, churchkhela, wine accessories).
- Abanotubani Sulfur Baths — Soak in natural hot springs; try Orbeliani (mosque-like dome) or Chreli-Abano. Private rooms ~50-150 GEL/hour.
- Lagvtakhevi Waterfall — Hidden 22m cascade in a narrow gorge.
- Tbilisi Wine Museum — Explore 8,000+ years of Georgian winemaking (qvevri vessels); guided tours ~15 GEL.
- Tbilisi History Museum (Karvasla) — 50,000+ artifacts in a 17th-century caravanserai.
- Kaleidoscope House & Gallery 27 — Iconic stained-glass home; shop handmade art.
- Betlemi Street Quarter — Colorful balconies, street art, hidden churches.
- Tabor Monastery — Best panoramic sunset views over Old Town & Narikala.
Day 2: Icons & Modern Vibes
Cross the river and explore contrasts.
- Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) — Georgia’s largest church; golden dome dominates skyline.
- Leaning Clock Tower — Angel emerges hourly; attached to quirky Puppet Theatre.
- Old Tbilisi Walls — Remnants along Pushkin/Baratashvili Streets.
- Dry Bridge Flea Market — Soviet memorabilia, antiques, art.
- Rike Park & Bridge of Peace — Futuristic glass pedestrian bridge; lights up beautifully at night.
- Queen Darejan’s Palace — Turquoise balcony overhang.
- Fabrika — Repurposed Soviet factory: street art, cafes, bars, hostel.
- Lower Mtatsminda Cable Car Station — Abandoned/graffiti-filled relic (restoration ongoing).
- Narikala Fortress & St. Nicholas Church — 4th-century ruins; cable car from Rike Park (~10 GEL round-trip).
- Bassiani — World-famous techno club in old pool (check events; sticker over phone cameras).
Day 3: Outskirts & Culture
Venture farther for unique perspectives.
- Chronicles of Georgia — Massive unfinished Soviet monument overlooking Tbilisi Sea.
- Stalin’s Underground Printing Press — Secret 1900s revolutionary hideout; donation entry.
- Liberty Square — Historic hub with monuments.
- National Museum of Georgia — Ancient artifacts to Soviet era (~30 GEL combined ticket).
- Soviet Occupation Hall — Insight into USSR period.
- Mtatsminda Park — Amusement park atop hill; funicular ride (~10 GEL round-trip).
Where to Stay (2026)
- Budget: Envoy Hostel or Namaste (~20-40 GEL dorm/private).
- Midrange: Fabrika Hostel & Suites or Check Point Hotel (~100-200 GEL).
- Splurge: Stamba Hotel (brutalist-chic; ~400+ GEL).
Best Eats & Drinks
Georgian cuisine shines—khinkali (soup dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), adjika-spiced meats, endless wines.
- Amra → Abkhazian twists (try chicken in adjika-garlic).
- Sabatono → Classic lobio, badrijani nigvzit.
- Khinkali Factory → Dumpling heaven.
- In the Shadow of Metekhi → Riverside views.
- Cafe Leila → Vegetarian Georgian.
- Chashnagiri → Cheap & cheerful chain.
- Desserts: Cone Culture (adjika ice cream).
- Coffee: Kvarts Coffee (portrait lattes).
Getting Around
- Metro: Efficient, artistic stations; ~1 GEL/ride (buy rechargeable card).
- Bolt App: Cheap taxis (~5-15 GEL city rides).
- Walking: Old Town is compact.
Tbilisi captivates with its layers—come hungry, stay curious! 🍷🏰