Top Things to Do in Tbilisi (2026)

Looking for the top things to do in Tbilisi? Georgia's capital packs an enormous amount of character into a walkable historic core: cobbled lanes lined with carved wooden balconies, ancient churches, futuristic glass bridges and the irresistible smell of fresh khachapuri. This 2026 guide rounds up the experiences worth your time, with approximate prices in lari and tips on getting around. One practical note before you go: as of 2026, visitors should carry travel medical insurance covering at least 30,000 GEL.

The Old Town and Abanotubani

The heart of Tbilisi is the narrow cobbled lanes of the Kala district and the Abanotubani quarter of sulfur baths. According to legend, this is where King Vakhtang Gorgasali discovered the warm springs and founded the city (the name "Tbilisi" comes from the word for "warm").

Don't miss

• The sulfur baths with their domed brick roofs. A private room costs roughly 50–150 GEL per hour, while a public hall is cheaper — about 5–15 GEL.
• The colorful mosque and the Leghvtakhevi waterfall in a small gorge behind the baths.
• The balconies and carved verandas along Betlemi Street as it climbs toward the fortress.

The best time to wander is early morning or evening, when the heat eases and the lighting comes on.

Narikala Fortress and the cable car

Narikala Fortress has watched over the city for more than 1,500 years. The easiest way up is the cable car from Rike Park: a ticket costs about 2.5 GEL and is paid with a Metromoney transport card. From the top you get the best panorama of Tbilisi — the Mtkvari River, tiled rooftops and church domes.

Nearby stands the Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) monument — an aluminum figure of a woman holding a bowl of wine for friends and a sword for enemies. From here you can walk down through the botanical garden.

The Bridge of Peace and modern Tbilisi

The glass Bridge of Peace over the Mtkvari links the Old Town with Rike Park. At night, thousands of LEDs turn it into a glowing ribbon. It is a symbol of contrast: medieval churches sit alongside futuristic architecture.

Stroll through Rike Park, admire the unusual "tubes" of the concert hall and climb up to the domed presidential palace.

Rustaveli Avenue

The city's main street is named after the poet Shota Rustaveli. This is where cultural life is concentrated:

• The Georgian National Museum — an exhibition of gold from ancient burials and a hall on the Soviet occupation (entry around 15 GEL).
• The Opera and Ballet Theatre in Moorish style.
• The Parliament, Freedom Square and the statue of St. George.

From the avenue it's an easy walk to the funicular up Mtatsminda, with its amusement park and panoramic restaurant.

Churches and shrines

Tbilisi is a city of churches. Worth seeing:

Main churches

• Sameba (Tsminda Sameba) — the enormous Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the largest in the Caucasus.
• Metekhi — a church on a cliff above the river with an equestrian statue of the city's founder.
• Sioni and Anchiskhati — the oldest basilicas of the Old Town.

Entry to churches is free; women should cover their head and shoulders.

Where to try the local cuisine

No trip is complete without the food. In the Old Town and along Shavteli Street there are plenty of cafes serving khinkali, the Adjarian boat-shaped khachapuri with an egg, and Georgian qvevri wine. An average lunch runs 25–50 GEL per person. For street food and color, head to the Dry Bridge flea market and to the Fabrika district — a former sewing factory turned trendy hub of cafes and bars.

Conclusion

Tbilisi is a city where the ancient and the modern intertwine at every step: from sulfur baths to the glass Bridge of Peace. Map out a comfortable route, leave time for unhurried walks and be sure to drop into the local cafes. Ready to plan your trip? Explore our other Georgia guides and build your dream itinerary.

Read also:

• Georgian Cuisine: 15 Dishes Worth Trying
• Wine Regions of Georgia: A Guide to Kakheti