11 Things To Do in Tbilisi: What Not To Miss in Georgia's Capital

With boundless energy and a vibe of its own, Tbilisi is an explosion of colours and contrasts at a crossroads of cultures. Georgia’s capital, dubbed the Pearl of the Caucasus, was once a reputed Silk Road stopover. Today, history goes hand in hand with the city’s fresh, modern outlook. Read on to discover the 11 best things to do in Tbilisi.

From medieval ramparts to the Haussmann-style buildings that line Davit Agmashenebeli Avenue, Tbilisi's architecture is a mixed bag of influences and eras. Start by meandering down the cobbled pathways of the Kala and Abanotubani districts, which form the historic centre. Lose yourself in the narrow lanes by Kote Afkhazi Street, where faded pastel-hued houses with wooden balconies jostle in a cheerful array of shapes and colours. Continue on towards the Gabriadze puppet theatre, and you’ll find Tbilisi’s famous leaning landmark – the higgledy-piggledy clock tower. Every hour, a little angel pops out of the dial to strike the bell.

A visit to Tbilisi wouldn't be complete without experiencing the town's thermal baths. They’re mostly located underground, topped by imposing brick domes that emerge into the townscape like natural chimneys. Head down Abano Street until you reach the stunning mosaic façade of the Orbeliani Baths. Don't be put off by the eggy smell of sulfur – it dissipates once you’re ensconced in the soothing warmth inside. Unlike the thermal baths in Budapest, here you can enjoy the privacy of your own room. Treat yourself to a traditional kisi scrub, a steam bath and a massage and leave with an outer glow and an inner sense of calm. The baths are among the most popular things to do in Tbilisi for locals and visitors alike. They get busy from May to September, so make sure you book in advance. For a more peaceful experience, try the nearby Gulo Baths instead. They're smaller but just as splendid, with a brick, marble and mosaic décor.

Orbeliani Baths

• 31 Abano St, Tbilisi
• Open daily 9am-11pm
• From 150 GEL (about €47) for a private cabin for 1 or 2 people
• Easy to get to on foot from the Old Town. From other areas, take the metro to Avlabari station, then walk 15 minutes

Having acquainted yourself with the Old Town, make your way to the lower station of the Tbilisi funicular to embark on the short journey up Mount Mtatsminda to one of the most impressive things to do in Tbilisi. At the top, stop to enjoy the panoramic view, and have a look around the historic Pantheon building, the resting place of Georgian writers and dignitaries. Then return to the Old Town, cross the modern Bridge of Peace and head up another hill to Narikala Fortress – this time taking the cable car from Rike Park. Inside this enclosed medieval fortress is Saint Nicholas's Orthodox Church – an exact replica of the original one constructed in the 12th century – and a monumental statue of Kartlis Deda, the mother of Georgia. Portrayed in traditional Georgian dress, a bowl of wine in one hand and her sword in the other, she appears poised to protect the city. As the day draws to a close, the last rays of sun glint off the rooftops below to create a fleeting moment of magic.

Tbilisi funicular

• Lower station at 22 Daniel Chonkadze Street
• Open daily 9:45am-10:30pm. Five-minute ride to the top, departures every 10 minutes
• Price 2 GEL (around €0.60)

Just below Narikala Fortress lies an unexpected haven of greenery in the heart of Tbilisi, a former royal garden that became a botanical research centre in the 19th century. Stroll beneath the remarkable trees, cross the picturesque bridges that span the river and seek out the secret waterfalls at twists and turns throughout the forest. Highlights include the French Orangerie, tropical greenhouses and an impressive collection of native Caucasian trees – some over two centuries old.

• Botanikuri St, Tbilisi
• Open daily 9am-6:30pm
• Price 4 GEL (around €1.30)
• Take the cable car from Rike Park or walk there from the Old Town – it takes about 15 minutes

Dig into Georgia’s history and traditions with a city-centre culture fix in Rustaveli, a lively district with cultural events happening regularly throughout the year. Get the metro to Rustaveli, then set off along Shota Rustaveli Avenue. The streets in this area are lined with luxurious buildings that nod to Tbilisi's cultural and economic boom in the 19th century – keep an eye out for the superb Georgian Parliament building.

As you walk down towards Liberty Square, you’ll spot the minimalist architecture of the Museum of Modern Art from a distance. Head inside to admire modern Georgian and international paintings and sculptures displayed in vast, light-filled galleries. Next, make your way to 16 Shota Rustaveli Avenue, where the Tbilisi Digital Space offers an unusual immersive experience with digital works projected from floor to ceiling. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors for an impressive show of AI-generated illusions using LED technology. For a final insight into the country’s culture, continue down to the end of the avenue to the Georgian National Museum for a trip back in time. The museum counts over 100,000 artefacts from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, unarguably offering one of the more profound things to do in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Museum of Modern Art

• 27 Shota Rustaveli Avenue
• Open daily 11 am-6pm
• Price 20 GEL (around €6.30)
• Take metro 1 to Rustaveli station

Dry Bridge Market, on the banks of the Kura River, is one of the most authentic things to do in Tbilisi. Scour the stalls laid out on the ground for the perfect find. The flea market alone is worth the detour, spilling with an Ali Baba-worthy collection of antique jewellery, crockery and retro objects. Head to the handicrafts section for multicoloured oriental carpets, pottery and handmade musical instruments, and pick up a souvenir to slip into your suitcase while you’re there. Antique buffs will find their happy place in the section for vintage objects from the Soviet period. Bring cash (Georgian lari) as most vendors don't take card payments.

• Open daily 10am-5pm
• The market is a 10-minute walk from Liberty Square metro station

With its neo-Moorish red-and-yellow brick façade, the Opera and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi is a local landmark. It’s one of the oldest theatres in Europe and puts on a rich and varied programme of concerts and ballets all year round. Settle into your seat in the great hall, surrounded by five tiers of majestic balconies, to enjoy a unique performance of Carmen, Don Quixote or Gisèle. Glittering chandeliers, sculpted banisters and red-and-gold velvet curtains create a swish backdrop for an evening to remember.

Cross Dry Bridge to Tbilisi's right bank and head up to the area around the Marjanishvili metro station. Here, the Old Town’s picturesque lanes give way to wide boulevards lined with magnificent Art Nouveau buildings.

If you want to get a true taste of the best local food, Tbilisi's largest open-air market is a great place to start. Amid stalls of nuts, meats and spices, the air fills with the irresistible aroma of simmering Georgian dishes. For a quick lunch, try a hearty khachapuri, which is pizza dough topped with melting cheese and an egg. If you’re craving something sweet, some churchkhela should do the trick; they’re Georgian sweets made from nuts and jellied grape juice that pair perfectly with coffee, or chacha, the local vodka – to be enjoyed in moderation, of course!

• 5 Abastumani St, Tbilisi
• Open 7am-6 pm Tue-Fri and until 7 pm Sat-Mon
• Take metro 1 or 2 to Station Square

Considered Georgia's answer to the Champs-Élysées, David Agmashenebeli Avenue is lined with boutiques, cafés and restaurants where you can sample tasty local dishes. Stroll the parallel streets and venture into one of Tbilisi's welcoming wine bars. Stop off at the Art Palace, an impressive Gothic-Oriental building. Inside, a fascinating collection traces the evolution of Georgian theatre, music and cinema.

Art Palace

• Open 10:30am-6pm Tue-Sun
• Price 5 GEL (around €1.60)
• Take metro 1 to Marjanishvili station, then walk 10 minutes or take bus 528 or 532

One of the coolest things to do in Tbilisi is to drop into Fabrika, a former Soviet textile factory that has been converted into an alternative living space. You’ll find designer boutiques, a vinyl store and a food court with specialties from all over the world. Go for some Georgian cuisine – try the khinkali, meat-filled ravioli that you eat with your fingers. By day, travellers and digital nomads sit in the sun working to the beat of chilled background music. By night, the garlands light up and the atmosphere comes alive. Don’t want the evening to end? Carry on to Bassiani, an iconic nightclub in the Dinamo Arena stadium with a quirky feature: the dance floor is in fact a disused swimming pool!

Ready to venture out of the city centre? There's plenty of nature to discover on the outskirts, and it's all very accessible too.

Poised on a mountain overlooking the city, the Chronicles of Georgia memorial is one of the most impressive things to do in Tbilisi. Built by architect Zurab Tsereteli in 1985 and never completed, this gargantuan ensemble of 16 30-metre-high columns pays tribute to the kings, queens and heroes of Georgian history and depicts scenes from the daily lives of the local people. It’s a unique place where art and history meet in a beautiful natural setting, with a breathtaking view over the reservoir.

• Open 24/7
• Free
• Take the metro from the town centre to Sarajishvili station, then the number 360 bus

The artificial lake that provides the town’s water supply is a 20-minute drive from the historic centre and known as Tbilisi Sea due to its size. It's the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a walk in nature. As one of the more surprising things to do in Tbilisi, it's just the ticket for cooling off on hot summer days. It's a popular spot at weekends, with locals coming to swim and play water sports. Hike around the lake, rent a stand-up paddleboard, take a boat trip or spend an afternoon with the family at the Gino Paradise water park – there's something for everyone.

Wondering how many days you need to visit Tbilisi? You can explore the Old Town in a weekend, but three to four days will give you time to soak up the atmosphere of the capital and explore the surrounding area. And if you enjoyed discovering an underrated destination like Tbilisi, why not plan your next city break in Montenegro?