Traveling in Tbilisi: Everything you need to know

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, located between Europe and Asia, the city blends historical charm with modern twist. The old town of Tbilisi that has very atmospheric narrow streets, beautiful buildings and perfect combination of cultures attracts every kind of tourist. So if you are a history or culture lover, are passionate about food, or simply like walking adventures, this is the city for you.

In this guide, we will give you useful recommendations to help you to travel in Tbilisi and have a good time. Whether for the most iconic attractions, traditional values, or practical approaches to traveling around the locations, we’ve listed it all. Whether you are a first time visitor going for a casual walk in the old part of the city or a day tripper exploring the countryside outside of the city this guide is going to be beneficial for you. For those who wish to get more into detail with everything that this amazing city and the surroundings have to offer, we will also consider the option of renting a car in Georgia, which will provide you with the necessary level of flexibility in exploring Tbilisi.

When to Visit Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a city that can be visited all year round but your best time of travel depends on the kind of experience you desire to have. The following is a general guide as to what you’ll find in each season as well as some useful advice to help you get the best from your visit.

Spring

It is so pleasant to travel in Tbilisi in the spring. The parks and gardens in the city are quite beautiful at this time and the climate is so fine that is not extremely cold but not very hot either and the average temperature is 10 to 20 degree centigrade (50 to 68 degree Fahrenheit). The streets are alive, and you will blend in with a vibrant cultural calendar that includes the Tbilisi Jazz Festival.

Practical Tips:

Packing: Addition, pack some casual wear such as t-shirts since some mornings and evenings can be cold while midday is relatively hot.

Accommodation: Especially during festivals you may find many hotels fully booked and this is why you should book early.

Getting Around: Spring is good for walking tours but, do check the forecasts as it is not very uncommon for unexpected rains.

Summer

Like in many countries the summer is very hot in the city with temperatures over 35°C (95°F). However, the night activity is lively in the city and there are many outdoor activities and performances especially during festive seasons. This is also a good time to go up into the mountains and nearby lakes such as the one near the city which is cooler than the lowlands.

Practical Tips:

Staying Cool: Drink water and avoid direct sunlight especially in the middle of the day by going indoor places or using an umbrella. It’s always better to roam about in the early morning and late in the evening.

Where to Go: If the perimeter is too hot, one can opt for Turtle Lake or Lisi Lake, these are favorite hang out among people either for swimming or having a picnic.

Transport: Car rental is advised in case you want to travel to other relatively cooler places such as the Kazbegi mountains or the wine-producing region of Kakheti.

Autumn

Autumn is perhaps the most picturesque time to visit Tbilisi. The weather is usually okay with temperatures ranging between 15°C-25°C (59°F- 77°F) and the tree-lined streets of the city are a pleasant golden color. It is also the time for wine festivals and harvest festivities to go along with Georgia’s well-known friendly environment.

Practical Tips:

Packing: Blouse layers are suitable especially if the weather is good during the day but may catch cold in the evening.

Events: In case you didn’t know, each October there is a city wide festival called Tbilisoba where people celebrate with music, food and other performances.

Wine Tours: That is why wine tours are in a special season now, so you should definitely take a chance!

Winter

For instance, the winter here is moderate, characterized by temperatures of about 0°C to 10°C ( 32°F to 50°F). Now and then there will be snow that will cover the city and transform the landscape for a brief period into a winter wonderland. What is more, the density of people is not so high in winter time and there is always something to watch, for example, holiday lights or Christmas markets.

Practical Tips:

Packing: A warm coat, a hat, and warm gloves must be worn, especially if you are going to the mountains or going to attend an outdoor event.

Holiday Season: To finish the New Year celebrations, you can still go to Rustaveli Avenue and find out more on the New Year’s Market.

Skiing: For those who like winter activities, you can go for a day trip to some of the ski resort centers around Gudauri.

Top Attractions in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a city that doesn’t know the meaning of consequent historic and modern styles of architecture but rather intertwines it and thus presents spectacular adventures for any type of tourist. This might be seen in the historic old town as well as in the modern sites and an individual cannot help but find the laid back spirit of the city in its attractions. Here are three must-see sights that you should not leave out:

Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)

The main focus of current architecture can be found in the old town of Tbilisi, which is called Dzveli Tbilisi. This area consists of small, winding roads made up of cobblestone that has adorable houses, balconies and beautiful old churches. Old town also contains many multicultural and multi-religious buildings such as Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in town, together with active and numerous markets and contemporary coffee shops. Touring round these spiritually-charged alleys gives one idea of the city’s history and the present-day life.

Narikala Fortress

Located on the hill surrounded by Mtkvari River, Narikala Fortress has a beautiful view over the city. It is an ancient fortress that dates back in the 4th century and demonstrates how Tbilisi has come through the many centuries. It is both a historical journey up to the view of the beautiful city of Tbilisi and the wonderful view which can be seen at Narikala. Every history and military strategy lover should visit the fortress to get to know the role of this place in the course of the century.

The Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace is a striking piece of contemporary design by Merrill and helps to divide the Old Town from Rike Park while crossing the Mtkvari River. This beautiful glass and steel structure reflects the idea of the integration of the two parts in the city, which is represented in its sinuous lines. : At night one can see thousands of LED lights on the topside and the bottom of the flaps reflecting on the water. The Bridge of Peace is not only a perching but a symbol of the future and creative development of Tbilisi.

Getting Around Tbilisi

The means of transport in Tbilisi is well developed and they include cars, buses, trolley buses, taxis and metro. When it comes to getting a means of transport you can either use public transport, taxis, or even a rental car.

Public Transportation

There are available means of public transport as follows; metro, bus, and marshrutka which is a minibus. The metro is fast and efficient especially with two lines that can take you almost all round the requisite areas. Buses themselves are also very new and are very widespread, thus it is not difficult to get to most parts of the city. Marshrutkas are more informal and suited for the routes that do not have much access to the metro or bus system.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are not very cheap but can be easily found in all the major towns/ cities, though it is easier to use bolt or Yandex apps, where price is clear. These apps are commonly used to travel in Tbilisi which means that they do not require having cash at hand since payments are made easier using these apps.

Renting a Car

Using car rental services is the best option when a traveler wants to go further afield from Tbilisi for example, a day trip to Mtskheta or wine region of Kakheti. This gives the ability to move around at will and to the places that are hard to reach with public transport.

Walking

Most of the best things to do including those in the Old Town are within walking distance. Well, walking enables a person to enjoy the feel of the city, explore areas that he or she would not have done while driving and also get to appreciate the design of buildings in the city.

Biking

Bicycle facilities in Tbilisi are still in progress, but there exist emergent systems. Some parts of the city can be best covered on a bicycle like Vake park.

Why Renting a Car in Tbilisi is a Great Option

Renting a car in Tbilisi gives individuals who are interested in discovering the rest of Georgia’s beauty and places of interest a better way of moving inside the country. Here follows why this might be the best reason for you to rent a car during your journey.

Flexibility and Freedom

When renting a car you have the freedom to move at your own pace and are not restrained by transportation schedules. This can be especially big pro if you enjoy traveling late at night or very early in the morning. Rental cars also allow luxury to pull to stops and take pictures of beautiful views.

Easy Access to Day Trips

Gorgeous places to visit are very close to Tbilisi and a few hours’ drive away.With a car at your disposal, it is very convenient to start daily trips to different places, for instance, ancient capital of Georgia – Mtskheta, wine region of Kakheti, or Kazbegi in the Caucasus Mountains. These sites are best toured by a car where one can rent and visit the sites in the course of the day before returning to back.

Cost-Effective for Groups

When traveling in groups, going around in a car is cheaper than hiring several taxis or using tour companies. One of the advantages of this kind of traveling is that you do not travel alone but in the company of your friends.

Recommended Day Trips from Tbilisi

Exploring Tbilisi is undoubtedly recommended to get to know the city closer, but it is rather its central location that makes it perfect for organizing a trip across some of Georgia’s most interesting sights. If it is in a rental car, the following are memorable day tours, which as a result, give a glimpse of history and natural sightseeing of the country.

Mtskheta

Mtskheta which is one of the most important sightseeing facilities of Georgia is only a half an hour drive away from Tbilisi. It was the ancient capital of Georgia and is a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Site with such attractions as the Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, both very historical and beautiful with great views.

Kakheti Wine Region

It is possible to get to Kakheti, Georgia that is known to have the best wine in two hours’ drive from the capital. You can visit vineyards here, taste well-established wines from the various wine boutiques and you also get an opportunity to visit the beautiful town of Sighnaghi famously referred to as the ‘City of Love.’ These regions perhaps due to their unique climatic conditions and suitable nature for vine growing have rolling vineyards, adorable countryside and attractive villages for tourism.

Kazbegi and the Caucasus Mountains

For everyone who is eager to have some mountainous feelings the drive to the Kazbegi region is a must. The road trip takes approximately 3 hrs on a boring and dusty road but the rewards include stunning mountain views of Caucasus. The Gergeti Trinity Church located on a hill with Mount Kazbek in the background is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia.

Tips to travel in Tbilisi

As you plan to travel in Tbilisi, keep these small recommendations in mind to make the most of your trip:

Pack for the Weather: Some recommendations, weather in Tbilisi depends on the season, in that regard, make sure you are dressed accordingly.

Currency and Payments: The official currency in Georgia is Georgian Lari and it is abbreviated as GEL. However, it is good to have cash to use in small shops, markets and districts and especially for traveling in remote parts of Georgia.

Learn a Few Phrases: It is relatively easy to get by in Tbilisi because most of the people in the city speak English, but it is always impressive to greet the locals in their native language.

Try the Local Cuisine: In particular, do not give up an opportunity to taste the geographic header – Tbilisi – native meals. From khachapuri to khinkali there are so many kinds of traditional dishes offered by the city that you will hardly stay indifferent.

Tbilisi is a city that has the right combination of both the old and new, and comes with a natural scenery bonus. From wandering past the buildings of the old town in colorful evening light to visiting churches and other monuments of Georgian architecture, or just going on to discover more about the country in day trips around Tbilisi, this city holds something for every tourist. I have also learnt that it can be useful to hire a car since it allows you to move around the city as well as other areas independently, without any time constraints.

When traveling in Tbilisi Georgia, take the following tips in order to maximize your experience of Georgia’s enigmatic capital city. Safe travels!