Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and its main tourist gateway: a city on the banks of the Kura (Mtkvari), where medieval quarters with carved wooden balconies stand alongside the glass Bridge of Peace, and, according to legend, the city's very history began with the sulphur springs. More than 1.3 million people live here — roughly a third of the country's population — and the architecture blends medieval, neoclassical, Stalinist and modern styles. A holiday in Tbilisi means walks through ancient streets, Georgian cuisine and wine with an 8,000-year history.

Tbilisi attractions: what to see

The historic core of the city is Old Tbilisi (Abanotubani): an area of about two square kilometres with a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, colourful facades, carved wooden balconies, medieval churches, a mosque and synagogues. Nearby are the famous sulphur baths: 17th-century domed bathhouses fed by natural hot sulphur water. According to legend, it was these springs that persuaded King Vakhtang Gorgasali to found a city here, and the name Tbilisi itself means "warm place".

• Narikala Fortress — a medieval fortress on the ridge above the old town, dating back to the 4th century and one of the best viewing points; you can go up by cable car from Rike Park.
• Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda) — a 20-metre aluminium statue on the Sololaki ridge with a bowl of wine for friends and a sword for enemies, one of the symbols of Georgian identity.
• Sameba Cathedral (Holy Trinity) — the tallest church in Georgia and one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, completed in 2004 for the 2,000th anniversary of Christianity.
• Rustaveli Avenue — the main 1.5-kilometre thoroughfare: parliament, the Opera House, the National Gallery, the Rustaveli Theatre, the National Museum, shops and cafes.
• Metekhi Church — a 13th-century church on a cliff above the old town with one of Tbilisi's most striking views.
• Anchiskhati Basilica — a 6th-century basilica, the oldest surviving church in the city, with notable frescoes.
• Sioni Cathedral — a cathedral in the old town dating back to the 5th century and rebuilt several times.
• Bridge of Peace — a modern pedestrian bridge across the Mtkvari, opened in 2010.
• Mtatsminda Park and funicular — an amusement park, restaurants and viewing platforms at the city's highest point; go up by the historic funicular or the cable car from Rustaveli Avenue.
• Georgian National Museum — a large museum complex with Colchian gold and the Museum of Soviet Occupation; admission 20 lari.
• Dry Bridge Flea Market — a daily market by the river with Soviet souvenirs, family heirlooms and handmade items.

What to see in Tbilisi in 2 days

If you are short on time, it is convenient to divide the city into two days:

• Day one — the old town: Abanotubani and the sulphur baths, cable car up to Narikala, the statue of Mother of Georgia, Metekhi Church, a walk to the Bridge of Peace.
• Day two — the centre and views: Rustaveli Avenue, the Georgian National Museum, the funicular up to Mtatsminda, Sameba Cathedral and the Dry Bridge flea market.

When is the best time to go to Tbilisi

The climate here is moderately continental: summers are hot and sunny, winters are quite cold. Guidebooks usually recommend the shoulder seasons — spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October): daytime temperatures are around 18 °C, making it most comfortable to walk and sightsee. In summer it can be too hot, and in winter it is cold.

What is the weather in Tbilisi by month?

• August — the hottest month: on average about 26 °C, with highs close to 32 °C.
• January — the coldest: on average about 3.4 °C, with frequent snowfall.
• April–June — the rainiest period of the year.
• Winter — the driest season.

How to get to Tbilisi from Tashkent

Most tourists fly into Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) — the country's busiest airport, located 17 km southeast of the centre. In 2024 it served 4.75 million passengers, with flights operated by more than 45 airlines from over 25 countries. George W. Bush Avenue (Kakheti Highway) leads from the airport to the centre. Check specific flights and connections from Tashkent when booking. Tbilisi is also Georgia's railway hub: trains connect the city with Batumi, Zugdidi, Poti, Kutaisi and other cities.

Holidays in Tbilisi: how much it costs and how much money you need

All prices are in Georgian lari (GEL, ₾). An approximate daily budget for Georgia: about 70 lari on a budget, 185 lari for mid-range, 360 lari for high-end. Price examples: a hostel bed 15–20 lari per night, a budget hotel 40–67 lari, lunch in a traditional restaurant about 20 lari, beer 4–5 lari, a glass of wine 5–7 lari, admission to the National Museum 20 lari, sulphur baths — from 20 lari in the common section to about 200 lari for a private room.

Transport within the city

• Metro: 2 lines, 23 stations, 28.6 km, opened in 1966; one ride costs about 0.5 lari.
• A Metromoney card (2 lari) gives discounts on public transport.
• Taxi: from 3 lari plus about 0.60 lari per kilometre; an app ride in the centre usually costs no more than 5 lari.
• Cable cars link Rike Park with Narikala, and Rustaveli Avenue with Mtatsminda.

Tbilisi with children

For a family trip, the same routes work, just at a more relaxed pace: Mtatsminda amusement park, a ride on the funicular and cable car, walks along the cobbled streets of the old town and the panorama from Narikala. Bear in mind that the city is hot in summer, and the altitude above sea level in different districts varies from 380 to 770 metres — there are quite a few climbs in the centre.

Cuisine, wine and atmosphere

Tbilisi is known for Georgian cuisine, an 8,000-year winemaking tradition and a vibrant contemporary scene — art, food and nightlife. Historically, the city was home to various ethnic and religious communities: there are Georgian Orthodox, Armenian and Catholic churches, a mosque and synagogues. Thanks to its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia near the Silk Road, the city was for centuries contested by Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Mongols, Timur's armies, Ottomans, Russians and the Soviet Union — and all of this is reflected in its appearance.

Tour to Tbilisi from Tashkent with Onyx Tour

Onyx Tour will help you find a great-value tour to Tbilisi — with flights and hotel arranged as a package, and will suggest hot deals and options for family and budget-friendly holidays. Book your trip with Onyx Tour.