62 Best Things To Do In Tbilisi, Georgia

The small Caucasian country of Georgia and its capital Tbilisi is gaining popularity as a tourist destination each year, with more than eight million tourists visiting the nation in 2018. And while the majority of those visitors come from Russia and other neighbouring countries, Georgia is fast establishing itself as a tourist destination further afield, as well. And while western tourists are still discovering the capital city, it is quickly becoming a hip European hotspot. There are numerous cool and interesting things to do in Tbilisi that visitors could easily spend days exploring the city and ever get bored.

From family-friendly activities to historical sights, to a killer restaurant scene, Tbilisi has a ton to offer visitors and a seemingly infinite number of things to keep you occupied. Having spent a number of months in Georgia’s capital, we’ve had the opportunity to try out all kinds of things to do in Tbilisi and have compiled this list so you can ensure that you’re never bored when visiting the Georgian capital.

62 Best Things to do in Tbilisi

Activities in Tbilisi

There are so many fun things to do in Tbilisi that there is no way you could get to all of them in just a short stay. However, if you want to try, here are our favourite activities in Tbilisi!

1. Get lost in the Old Town…

Tbilisi’s Old Town is the most touristed area of the city, but it doesn’t feel that way at all! If you venture away from the “I *heart* Tbilisi” sign and wander through the winding streets, you can feel as if you’re in another world.

As it’s on the waiting list to become an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are a lot of renovations going on to preserve the old world charm of this classic neighbourhood. Unlike many old towns in Europe, locals haven’t been priced out of this area and it retains the authenticity it always has, with many Tbilisi residents still calling the neighbourhood home.

Take the time to admire the wide balconies, communal courtyards, and quiet charm of this area where locals are still very much living today.

2. … and pop into one of many art galleries.

So many of the classic homes in the Old Town have been converted into shop fronts and art galleries. One of the most famous of these is Gallery 27, known for its beautiful stained glass windows.

However, there are numerous art galleries in the old town and they are all an excellent place to pick up and unique and locally made souvenir from your time in Georgia.

3. Ride the cable car from Rike Park

If you want to get the best views of the city or want to save some energy when visiting the Narikala Fortress, then you can’t go wrong with a cable car ride from Rike Park.

Though it is one of the most popular things to do in Tbilisi, the cable car is affordable (5 GEL per ride) and commands excellent views over the city. The short ride is excellent at any time of day, but it is particularly beautiful at sunset.

4. Scramble over the Narikala Fortress…

This ancient fortress overlooking the Old Town is one of the top sites in Tbilisi, offering amazing views over the city. The original fortress was established in the 4th century, but has been added to and reconstructed many times over the centuries.

Because of it’s somewhat ruined state, we recommend that you make sure you wear proper shoes when exploring this iconic landmark of Tbilisi.

5. …and visit Mother Georgia.

Located next to the fortress at the exit of the cable car is the imposing Mother Georgia statue. Erected in 1958 to celebrate Tbilisi’s 1500th anniversary, this twenty-metre tall woman is holding a cup of wine in one hand and a sword in another. The former is to welcome guests and the latter is to fend off adversaries.

6. Stroll through the National Botanical Garden…

Also located next to the fortress and Mother Georgia is the expansive National Botanical Garden. Georgian cities are famous for their beautiful botanical gardens, with beautiful green spaces in both Batumi and Kutaisi along with the capital.

Visiting the botanical garden is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi if you want to escape from the chaotic city life. Equipped with numerous paved walking paths and even home to a beautiful waterfall, it is well worth the 3 GEL entry fee to visit here.

7. …or get your adrenaline pumping on the zip line.

If strolling through the lush, green gardens is a bit too tame for you, it is possible to go zip lining over the National Botanical Garden. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this is a great thing to do in Tbilisi. A ride is 40 GEL per person.

8. Meander down Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue is one of the main thoroughfares in Tbilisi and begins at the iconic Liberty Square. Named after one of Georgia’s most famous poets, Shota Rustaveli, this street is packed with restaurants, international shops, and many museums. No trip to Georgia’s capital is complete without a stroll down the city’s main artery.

9. Browse for art and antiques the Dry Bridge Market…

If you want to pick up a unique souvenir or just love a good flea market, then make sure to head to the Dry Bridge Market. A visit to this bustling flea market is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi as it you can get almost everything under the sun.

Anything you might want from a beautiful backgammon board or a crystal decanter to an old Soviet war medal or a collection of plugs, you can find it at the dry bridge market.

Open every day from around 11 AM, it is at its most full and chaotic on Sundays. Head here early to beat the crowds.

10. …or sample local produce at the Dezerter Bazaar.

If you are more of a food person than a “thing” person, then make sure to head to the Dezerter Bazaar, Tbilisi’s main marketplace. Here you can find a vast array of local fruits, vegetables, snacks and other produce.

Though certainly not a tourist attraction, this is a place to get some of the best fruits and vegetables around all while supporting local farmers and vendors instead of multinational supermarket chains.

11. Ride the funicular to Mtatsminda park…

For another great view of the city and a fun activity for the whole family in Tbilisi, make sure to ride the funicular up to Mtatsminda park, the highest point in the city.

The funicular runs every 10 minutes throughout the day and a single ride costs 3 GEL per person. You also need to purchase a travel card for 2 GEL but they do allow each party to ride on just one card.

12. …and go on the Ferris wheel for extraordinary views.

Once you’ve ridden the funicular all the way to the top, you will find that Mtatsminda park has far more than a great view of Tbilisi. In fact, it is home to an entire amusement park where you could easily spend the best part of a day.

One of the top attractions at the park is the Ferris Wheel, which commands incredible views over the city. There is also a roller coaster and numerous other rides and games to keep visitors of all ages occupied.

13. Learn about the Old Town history on a free walking tour

If you’re more interested in the history or just want to get your bearings in the city, head on a free walking tour of the historical centre. There are two companies that run free tours every day at 12 PM, leaving from opposite sides of Liberty Square.

Tbilisi Free Walking Tours hires only Tbilisi locals and generally draws a smaller crowd. Tbilisi Hack is the most popular company and hires mostly expats in the city and draws a significantly larger crowd. Both are good choices depending on what you’re after.

14. …or take an alternative path on the other side of the river.

If you want to see a different side of Tbilisi, then head on an alternative walking tour that takes you around the Marjanishvili neighbourhood on the other side of the river. Tbilisi Hack runs one at noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Tbilisi Free Walking Tours runs one at the same time on Tuesdays and Sundays. Both leave from Fabrika Hostel.

15. Soak in the sulphur baths

Tbilisi is built up a network of geothermal pools and it is possible to soak in these healing waters in the Abanotubani neighbourhood in the historical centre of Tbilisi. There are numerous bathhouses to choose from and rooms vary in price depending on what you are looking for.

Take the time to shop around and figure out what you would like, however, we can personally recommend the Chreli Abano Bathhouse, which also allows you to book online.

16. Wander through an Italian courtyard

Part of the joy of Tbilisi comes from getting away from the tourist areas and stroll through some of the residential areas and see how the people live in the city. One unique aspect of Tbilisi urban life is the “Italian courtyard,” called an “Ezo” (ეზო) in Georgian.

Most traditional Tbilisi apartments are built around communal courtyards where local children play, homeowners hang their washing, and people meet to chat and gossip. The general rule of thumb that if the gate is open, you are free to walk into a courtyard and look around for yourself.

17. Learn to make Georgian delicacies at Chakandrila

If you can’t bear the thought of returning home after your trip to Georgia and not being able to get a steaming plate of khinkali or a gooey khachapuri, then why not take a cooking class and learn to make them for yourself!

There are lots of different cooking schools in Tbilisi, but our personal favourite is Chakandrila, located in the Sololaki neighbourhood in Old Tbilisi. This small, casual cooking school operates out of a converted family home and they offer fully customisable classes depending on what you want to make!

18. Break out of the Apartment 33 Escape Room

Escape rooms are rapidly gaining popularity around the world, and Tbilisi is no different. If you want to experience one of the Georgian capitals best escape rooms with a Soviet-style twist, then make sure to head to ‘Apartment 33‘ run by IQB Games.

Located in a hostel basement in the Vera neighbourhood, the game costs 20 GEL per person and is quite complicated, complex, and a whole lot of fun! So if you want to have a unique thing to do in Tbilisi, this is an excellent option.

19. Source Georgian bread and churchkhela from a small, local business

Take the time to venture away from the main thoroughfares and onto the side streets of Tbilisi, and you will be greeted with a plethora of locally-run businesses selling everything under the sun. These small operations are some of the best places to buy some local produce. One thing you cannot miss is a delicious loaf of Georgian bread — shoti puri — pulled straight from the tone, or stone oven.

You are also sure not to miss the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetable stands that are set up along the streets. Not only is the best place to buy your fresh produce, but they often sell homemade churchkhela and sometimes even wine and traditional sauces, as well!

20. Escape the city centre at Lisi Lake

If you’re spending more than a few days in Tbilisi, then you should make sure to take the time to venture outside of the city centre and explore some more far-flung neighbourhoods and areas. One such place that is great for that is Lisi Lake. Located in the northern part of Tbilisi, this is a green refuge from the urban centre of the Georgian capital.

If you’re an animal lover, you can even opt to volunteer to walk the dogs at DOG — Dog Organisation of Georgia. This is a local animal rescue that helps to care for and find homes for the many homeless dogs in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Arts & Culture

Tbilisi is an incredibly cultured city with a developed arts scene. Whether it’s seeing a world-class ballet production or admiring the astonishing architecture of the city, here are the best arts and culture things to do in Tbilisi:

21. Go to the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre…

This puppet theatre is perhaps the most quirky building in the entire city. The tilted clock tower is an attraction in itself, however, every hour when the clock dings there are a few figures that come out to ring the bell.

Every day at 12 PM and 5 PM, there is also a longer show with the clock tower puppets, however, we think that it is fairly underwhelming and not worth fighting the inevitable crowds to see. Come any other hour for fewer crowds and just as much charm.

22. …and try to get tickets to a show!

You can also try to get tickets for the puppet shows put on at the theatre! While this may seem like a great activity for the whole family, the shows are actually quite scary and adult in nature so they don’t allow children under age 12 into showings.

Because there is only a 50-seat capacity, tickets can be hard to come by. You can either try your hand and buying tickets at the box office or see if there are any available online in advance.

23. Sip wine in a local cellar or wine bar

There are few things more Georgian drinking homemade wine and, despite the modernity of Tbilisi, you will find many traditional wine cellars throughout the city willing to fill you full of homemade reds and whites.

If you don’t get the chance to head to the Kakheti region (or even if you do) make sure that you head to a wine cellar in Tbilisi. One great option is a family-run operation at Mazniashvili Street (keep an eye out for the ‘Wine’ markings on the ground) where you can sample traditionally-made reds and whites along with their homemade chacha (grappa).

If you would rather head to a wine bar, you are really spoilt for choice in Tbilisi. One of my personal favourites in Sitio Wine Bar in Vera, which only has a handful of tables in a very cosy setting. Make sure to pick up one of their cheese boards!

Another more popular option that is great if you want to learn more about traditional Georgian wine is to head to Vino Underground in Sololaki. This was started by some of Georgia’s top winemakers and has one of the most impressive natural wine collections in the city. 8000 Vintages is also a fantastic option for sourcing and tasting Georgian wines, and this vast shop has locations in Saburtalo and Vake.

24. Walk across the ultra-modern Bridge of Peace

Tbilisi is known for its mishmash of architectural styles and in just a few city blocks you can see traditional Georgia buildings right next to an ultra-modern wonder. One of the most famous of these new architectural wonders is the Bridge of Peace, a pedestrian bridge over the Mtvari River.

Opened in 2010, the Bridge of Peace is a landmark of Tbilisi and an iconic part of the Georgian capital’s modern cityscape.

25. Explore Tbilisi’s hipster scene at Fabrika

Tbilisi is one of Eastern Europe’s hipster capitals and at the centre of this is Fabrika. This former Soviet sewing factory turned hostel and creative space is the place where ultra-hip locals, expats, and tourists alike come to hang out. The lobby is a great place to do some online work and grab a coffee and there are numerous great restaurants in the courtyard around the back. There is also a co-working space, a few concept shops, and even a board game cafe!

It is also where you will find Tbilisi’s best street art. The street art scene isn’t well-developed in Tbilisi, but Fabrika has given local artists a great platform to define their craft and, hopefully, more businesses will catch on and feed this creativity further in the future.

26. Catch a show at the Opera Theatre

The Tbilisi Opera Theatre is an iconic building on Rustaveli Avenue and is the home of both the Tbilisi Ballet and the Tbilisi Opera. If you can, we encourage you to try and get tickets to a show here and not only is the setting incredibly beautiful, but you can catch a world-class performance at extremely low prices.

27. Take in the Chronicle of Georgia monument

Referred to as Tbilisi’s Stonehenge, this massive monument to Georgian history is located a bit outside of the city centre, close to the Tbilisi Sea. This massive, unfinished monument began construction in 1985 by one of Georgia’s most famous artists, Zurab Tsereteli.

Constructed to commemorate 3,000 years of Georgia as a sovereign nation and 2,000 years as a Christian nation, the Chronicle of Georgia can be hard to reach, however, it is worth a visit if you’re interested in both history and impressive architecture.

Museums & Religious Sites

Georgia is an incredibly old and very Christian nation, meaning that there are numerous museums and religious sites in the capital city. If you are interested in learning more about religion and history in Georgia, then these things to do in Tbilisi are for you:

28. Visit the Grand Synagogue…

Though Georgia is a very Christian nation, it is actually home to one of the oldest Jewish populations in all of Europe. While the majority of Georgian Jews emigrated to Israel after the fall of the Soviet Union, there is still a small population in Georgia today. A visit to the Grand Synagogue is a great way to see where they have worshipped for many years. All genders must cover their heads upon entering, kippahs are provided.

29. … or learn about Jewish history in Georgia at the David Bazoov Museum.

If you’re interested in the history of Georgia-Jewish relations, then the David Baazov Museum is a great place to visit. Contrary to many Eastern European nations, there has been a strong relationship with Georgians and their Jewish population throughout history and this museum celebrates that fact.

30. See the Sioni Cathedral…

This 13th century Georgian Orthodox Cathedral is an iconic part of the Old Town and a great place to visit if you want to see how important Christianity is to Georgian’s. The frescos are beautiful and it has an interesting history. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed for both sexes and women must cover their heads upon entering.

31. …and find the hidden bakery next door.

If you find yourself a bit peckish after visiting the Sioni Cathedral, follow your nose to the bakery right next door. This small storefront churns out delicious, fresh made Georgian bread, khachapuri, and lobiani.

32. Get some hands-on Georgian history at the Open-Air Museum of Ethnography

If you want to get outside and see what life in Georgia was like in the centuries past, then head to the Open-Air Museum of Ethnography a little bit outside of the city centre by Turtle Lake. An offshoot of the Georgian National Museum, this is a great place for families and history buffs alike.

33. Marvel at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

There are countless churches in the Georgian capital, however, the newest addition and by far the most impressive would have to the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi. Known simply as the Sameba Cathedral by locals, this massive building was opened in 2004 to commemorate 2,000 years since the birth of Jesus Christ.

It acts as the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church and is known to be one of the biggest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world. Like in all Orthodox churches in Georgia, shorts and sleeveless tops are forbidden for all sexes and women must cover their heads before entering.

34. Learn about Georgia through the centuries at the Georgian National Museum…

If you want to get a grasp on Georgian history, then a visit to the Georgian National Museum is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi. Spanning a number of floors and covering many centuries of Georgian history, this is a great place to learn all about Georgia. The museum costs 8 GEL per person and is closed on Mondays.

35. …or get a different perspective of history at the Joseph Stalin Underground Printing House.

If you are interested in Georgia’s Soviet Past and want to hear about it from a tried and true communist, then head to the Joseph Stalin Underground Printing House. Here you can learn about a different view of communism that you probably were taught about all from a high-ranking member of the current Georgian Communist Party.

If you agree that it is important to hear all sides of a story and are comfortable with the 15 GEL “donation” going to the Communist Party, then this is a great place to visit in Tbilisi.

36. Visit the Metekhi Church of the Assumption and the Statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali

Though this church is small, it is in a picturesque location across the bridge from the Abanotubani neighbourhood. Here you can get some beautiful photos not only of the picturesque church and statue itself, but you will also get very nice views of the Old Town and Narikala fortress.

37. Visit the St Peter and Paul Catholic Church

While Georgia is a predominately Orthodox nation, there is a very small Catholic population in Tbilisi and you can see the contrast in churches at the St Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Located close to Fabrika in the Marjanishvili neighbourhood of Tbilisi, this church is notable in its ample natural lights, stained glass, and pew seating; all factors that are not found in Georgian Orthodox churches.

Day Trips from Tbilisi

Many people staying in the Georgian capital plan to go on a day trip or two along with exploring the city itself. If you’re wondering about the best day trips from Tbilisi, check out these suggestions:

38. Explore Georgia’s old capital of Mtskheta

The town of Mtskheta is only about a 15-minute marshrutka ride from central Tbilisi, making it one of the most popular and easiest day trips from the capital city.

Known to be the birthplace of Christianity in Georgia (which was the second country in the world to adopt it as a state religion, after Armenia) Mtskheta’s is a lovely town that is great to visit for half a day.

Take the time to stroll through the historic centre and then hop in a taxi to visit the Jvari Monastery that sits on the hilltop above.

39. Visit Stalin’s birthplace of Gori

Another of one of the most popular day trips from Tbilisi is to the town of Gori, known to be the birthplace of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Located about 1.5 hours from central Tbilisi, there are frequent minibuses that leave for this town, making it an easy day trip from the Georgian capital.

It is popular to go to the Joseph Stalin Museum, where you will get a revisionist history of one of the world’s most infamous dictators. It is easy to loop a day trip to Gori with a visit to the nearby cave city of Uplistsikhe, especially if you don’t have enough time in your Georgia itinerary for a trip to Vardzia.

40. Take in the cave monasteries David Gareja

Visiting the cave monasteries of David Gareja is also one of the most popular Tbilisi day trips, however, it is also one that will take all day. Located about 2.5 hours from Tbilisi and straddling the border with Azerbaijan, David Gareja can be a spectacular day trip.

Still in use today, these monasteries were founded in the 6th century. Unfortunately, as of July 2019, there have been some recent disputes with the Azerbaijan border guards and there are times when some of the monasteries are not open.

No one ever knows what the situation is on any given day, so you might just need to risk it if you want to visit these cave monasteries on your trip to Tbilisi.

41. Hike to the Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

Another super popular Tbilisi day trip is to the town of Stepantsminda, more commonly known as Kazbegi. Though if you have time, we recommend spending one or two days in Kazbegi, you can visit this mountain village as a day trip.

The most popular thing to do in this beautiful town is to hike to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church. Though the church is not functioning today, it perched upon a gorgeous mountain top and commands incredible views of Mount Kazbek (Georgia’s third-tallest peak) and the surrounding Greater Caucasus mountains.

42. Catch some rays with locals at the Tbilisi Sea

Located on the outskirts of Tbilisi, the Tbilisi Sea is a favourite place for locals to cool off on warm summer days. A visit to this man-made reservoir can easily be combined with an excursion to see the Chronicle of Georgia monument and it is unlikely that you will see many other tourists there.

There is a place for swimming and watersports at the Tbilisi Sea Club, and there are also other events put on in the summer months.

43. Learn about Georgian wine in Sighnaghi

Georgia is famous for its wine and there is probably no better place to sample this 8,000-year-old tradition than in the lovely hill town of Sighnaghi.

Located only 1.5 hours away from Tbilisi in the heart of the Kakheti region, Sighnaghi is one of Georgia’s most beautiful towns and a perfect place to sample both traditionally made and modern Georgian wines.

Again, Sighnaghi and the surrounding region is best visited over a couple of days, however, it is possible to see the village and go wine tasting in just a day trip from Tbilisi, as well.

44. Hit the slopes in Gudauri or Bakuriani

If you’re visiting Tbilisi in the wintertime, one of the best day trips you can do is to one of the ski resorts. The closest one to Tbilisi is Gudauri, which is up the Georgian Military Highway on the way to Kazbegi.

The town of Bakuriani is another popular option but is located a bit further away close to the city of Borjomi. You could visit Bakuriani as a day trip from Tbilisi, but if you want to do more than just play in the snow, you may need to opt to spend a night here to be able to properly hit the slopes.

Lift passes and gear rental are quite affordable compared to western prices, so this is the perfect place to go skiing on a budget, as well!

Georgian Restaurants in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has an amazing food scene where you can not only get some amazing traditional Georgian cuisine, but also take in some fine dining establishments, or get some international favourites as well. If you want to know where to eat and drink the best local fare in Tbilisi, this is where we recommend:

45. Eat local at Mapshalia

Located on Agmashenbeli Avenue, this hole-in-the-wall local joint is the place to eat if you want delicious, authentic local cuisine with no pretentions and equally low prices. Try their kharcho, which is the best we’ve tasted in Georgia (we ate a lot of kharcho).

46. Get traditional at Racha

Located in an unassuming subterranean storefront in Sololaki, if you are looking for a true “local” haunt in the heart of Old Tbilisi, then make sure to head to Racha. This place is a bit dingy, a bit divey and absolutely fantasticfor a great, homely Georgian meal.

You order your meal at the counter and all of the traditional favourites of Georgian cuisine are on offer. Do be aware that English isn’t widely spoken here as it is very much a local establishment but that makes this place all the better, if you ask me.

47. Have delicious food and wine at Sulico Wine Bar

Sulico Wine Bar is a trendy Georgian eatery with a wonderful outdoor seating area and an incredible wine list. This is an excellent place to sample traditional Georgian wines (with the help of a friendly and knowledgeable sommelier) along with some world-class food.

48. Enjoy modern Georgian cuisine at Salobie Bia

Salobie Bia is an underrated gem and I’m not quite sure I want the secret out there, yet. They only have a handful of tables, however, they serve an excellent tomato salad with jonjoli (amazing pickled wildflowers that will blow your mind) and a delicious lobio with an assortment of their own homemade pickles. You can’t go wrong with anything here, however.

49. Experience cool Georgian fusion at Zala

Situated in the Vera neighbourhood in Central Tbilisi, Zala is an excellent restaurant to visit if you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket and experimental that still holds strong to traditional Georgian flavours.

They have a broad unique menu that includes things like their famous burger with saperavi sauce or duck chakhokhbili, a great wine list with unique local vintages and a lovely setting to enjoy it all in.

50. Tuck into Georgian and international favourites at Sofia Melnikova’s

This restaurant may be hard to find (look for the yellow door directly behind the Tbilisi Drama Theatre!), but its good food and relaxing courtyard is worth the search.

You can get traditional Georgian cuisine at Sofia Melnikova’s including khinkali (Georgian dumplings) and ajapsandali while also indulging on things like pad thai and other Asian-inspired items.

51. Enjoy unique fine dining with a view at Bina 37…

At first glance, an urban apartment block in the heart of Saburtalo is not the first place anyone would think of for a sophisticated and unique dining experience. But for this, you would be wrong. Bina 37 subverts anything you might think of when picturing both a wonderful restaurant and a wine cellar and is the perfect place to have a memorable and romantic Georgian meal.

Bina 37 literally translates to “Apartment 37” and that’s because this unique restaurant is located in the 37th apartment of a block in Saburtalo. With an incredible rooftop terrace commanding beautiful views of the urban sprawl of Tbilisi and a fantastic menu serving up delicious Georgian fare, this restaurant also doubles as a wine cellar.

You see, Bina 37 also makes its own wine in qvevri (clay amphora used to ferment wine in Georgia) buried in an above-ground swimming pool. The results are a great dining experience that cannot be missed in Tbilisi and it’s incredibly worth the journey away from the Old Town to get here.

52. …or some al fresco cuisine at Keto & Kote.

Tucked into an unassuming courtyard in a residential neighbourhood in central Tbilisi, Keto & Kote is another excellent stop for modern Georgian cuisine. Their traditional Georgian salad is to die for and their other dishes are also all of a very high quality. The wine list is great, as well.

53. Dig into khachapuri adjaruli at Lagidze Waters

If you want to head somewhere super traditional and super local, then get a traditional Georgian soda and an indulgent khachapuri adjaruli (cheesy bread with butter and egg) at Lagidze Waters. With two locations, one of Rustaveli Avenue and one next to the Sameba Cathedral, you can also sample a cordial-like Georgian soda here.

International Cuisine in Tbilisi

While you could eat for years only on traditional Georgian cuisine in Tbilisi, there are also a number of international restaurants that are worth trying out as well. These are our favourites:

54. Grab a quick and delicious falafel wrap at Muhudo

Located in an unassuming shack about fifty metres behind Rustaveli Metro station, Muhudo may well have the best falafel in the city. If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, vegetarian and incredibly meal while wandering around the city centre, then this is the place for you!

They have a small menu (it’s basically just falafel wraps, but what’s wrong with that?) and they are so packed full with delicious falafel, salad and sauce that I often struggle to finish one! All in all, this is an excellent stop for a quick bite to eat that will leave you satisfied all day long.

55. Transport yourself to Southeast Asia at Yummy Thai

Located on an unassuming street in Sololaki, Yummy Thai is a very small restaurant run by an incredibly friendly Thai couple that serves some of the best Thai food in the city. If you’ve been travelling around this area of the world for a while and are craving something with a bit of heat and zest, then you really cannot go wrong with this hidden gem.

56. Enjoy international vegetarian fare at Mama Terra

Located in the Sololaki neighbourhood in central Tbilisi, Mama Terra Veggie Corner is an excellent place to eat for those herbivores among us. They have a range of international-inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes available, all-day breakfast served, and they even sell fresh smoothies and their own homemade kombucha!

If you want a healthy meal in an environmentally sustainable atmosphere, then make sure to head to Mama Terra!

Cafes & Bars in Tbilisi

57. Sit down with a coffee and a good read at Prospero’s Books

A popular place amongst Tbilisi’s digital nomads (including the ones behind this website!), Prospero’s Books is a chilled-out coffee and English-language bookshop just off of Rustaveli Avenue. It is the perfect place to grab a good cup of coffee or tea or spend an hour or two reading.

58. Indulge in artisan coffee over brunch at Coffee Lab

If you’re missing western-style brunch places and single-origin coffee, then make sure to head to Coffee Lab. Located in the Saburtalo neighbourhood of Tbilisi, this place is a bit of a journey out if you’re staying in the city centre, however, it is a must-visit for any coffee fans.

Coffee Lab is one of the only places that roast their own beans and offered artisan, single-origin coffee in the city. Prices are also fairly affordable, as well, and the food is great!

59. Sip classic cocktails with a local twist at Chacha Time

If you make it through a visit to Georgia and you haven’t been force-fed sampled chacha (Georgia’s version of grappa), then you haven’t fully experienced the culture. However, if you don’t want to go through the torture of taking a massive shot of this Caucasian rocket fuel (it can have upwards of 70% alcohol!), the sip in some cocktails at Chacha Time!

This trendy bar has an extensive menu of chacha cocktails and you can also to a degustation of different chachas as well. They also have food and sell beer and wine if you don’t think you can stomach the intoxicating local liquor.

60. Check out Tbilisi’s burgeoning craft beer scene

Georgia doesn’t have a super developed craft beer scene (they’re more into wine here), but if you want to throw back a couple of local IPA’s or pilsners, there are a few options in Tbilisi. For instance, in the city centre not far from Liberty Square, bars like Tsota Tsota (run by Megobrebi brewery), 9 Mta, Sma, and NaturAle have a number of local craft beers on tap.

If you want to visit a brewery, we recommend heading to Megobrebi, which is a way outside of the city centre and a little hard to find, but has some of our favourite beers in Georgia. You could also visit 2 Tons brewery, which has numerous beers on tap across their two locations (and some pretty good khinkali if you’re hungry!).

61. Grab a cocktail and test your trivia knowledge at Woland’s Speakeasy

If you’re keen to grab a cocktail in a cool, subterranean setting, then make sure to head to Woland’s Speakeasy. Located in the Sololaki neighbourhood not far from Liberty Square, this bar is not hard to spot because, despite its name, it’s quite well-signposted.

The bar is located in the basement of an American-style diner and leans into a Master and Margarita theme. They have a wide cocktail menu, local craft beers available, and even do English-language pub quizzes each week.

62. Party with locals at Dogtown Bar

On Alexander Griboedov Street just behind Rustaveli Avenue lies Dogtown Bar, an unassuming drinking hole that gets very popular with young locals in the evenings. If you’re not into the club scene but fancy putting back a few in a lively, local atmosphere, then this bar is the place to visit!

Where to Stay in Tbilisi

Now that you’ve figured out all of the great things to do in Tbilisi, you need to find a great place to stay. No matter if you’re looking for a boutique hotel, backpacker hostel, or family-run guesthouse, Tbilisi has got it! Here are our recommendations:

Marco Polo Hostel — A backpacker hostel in the city centre, this is a great place for budget and solo travellers. With both dorm and private rooms available and good common areas, this is a great place to meet other travellers, as well. Click here to see their latest prices

Guest House Rampa — This family-run guesthouse is a great alternative for budget travellers who aren’t feeling the hostel scene. They have a range of private rooms available and a full kitchen for guest’s use. Click here to check their latest prices

Hotel Flower — This boutique hotel is a great option if you have a bit of a higher budget. Located in the Sololaki neighbourhood near Liberty Square within easy walking distance of all of these cool things to do in Tbilisi, they have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available. Click here to see their latest prices

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Tbilisi hotels

There are so many great things to do in Tbilisi that it is impossible to get bored when visiting Georgia’s dynamic and lively capital city!

Are you wondering what to do in Tbilisi? Have you been recently and have anything to add? Let us know in the comments!

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