Chill at Fabrika . Theres no misidentifying Tbilisis skyline its instantly recognisable landmarks make it one-of-a-kind. You can walk this route through the park and along the river to see them all up close. The tall, cylindrical building with a curving internal staircase and beautiful ironwork on the windows is a majestic piece of architecture thats in desperate need of some TLC. There are even some local goodies sold behind the curtain (asking for chacha strong local homemade vodka) has always led me to some weird situations but I always managed to buy excellent-quality things. Your blog is AMAZING The food also sounds incredible. Hi Julie traffic jams at the border are already easing. A gallery featuring Tbilisis amazing 20th-century architecture. Im so glad to hear youre enjoying the Caucasus and that youve found my posts useful. By imArtist. Im currently travelling in Georgia and it completely changed how I see the country now. Posted on Last updated: June 9, 2022 Categories Asia Travel Guide, Home Travel Asia Travel Guide 32 Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia: Highlights and Hidden Gems. The most famous abandoned station belonged to the ill-fated Mtatsminda Cable Car, which ceased operating after a tragic accident in 1990. You can get around the centre by foot but I would recommend having a driver (or a tour guide) to take you to the hilltop monasteries those are the highlight for me. The massive monument was created by Zurab Tseretelito commemorate 3000 years of Georgian sovereignty and 2000 years of Christianity in Georgia. There are a few reservoirs and natural lakes within the city that Tbilisians love to escape to as well. If youre feeling like a dip in the water after a long day of touring the city, you can head to the swimming area of the local water reservoir, aptly coined the Tbilisi Sea. Im so happy to hear that, Emma! This is a wildly popular Instagram spot, but theres more to the nursery than meets the eye: A big part of Gardenias mission is to cultivate and preserve rare and endangered flora from the region. That would mean so much to me! This amazing city has enough to keep anybody busy for several weeks. And with so many incredible things to do in Tbilisi, you could even spend your entire Georgian vacation in this awesome city. The monument is huge and on the 16 pillars you can see the history of Georgia and its rulers. You can also find carpets and various handmade items. Since its a bit far from the city center, many tourists do not visit this area, so theres a pretty good chance you will have the monument all to yourself! As a friend once told me, going up to Mtatsminda and eating Ponchiki (puffed, hollow donuts filled with cream) was a big treat during Soviet times and conjures happy childhood memories for many Tbilisians. Be sure to stop by the monument, it will make you smile for sure! Exploring the market was one of our favorite things to do in Tbilisi. With this list of things to do in Tbilisi, you will really get to know the city, both major attractions and some random places that make it so special. Hidden below the newer buildings of Tbilisis Old City, near the Sioni Church, is the oldest bakery in Tbilisi. As you can see Tbilisi offers many more attractions than it seems at first. The best places to find street art in Tbilisi are passages under Heroes Square, Fabrika and the backstreets all over the city. The National Library of Georgia is one of the best-hidden gems of Tbilisi, although it is located right in the center near Liberty Square. Like, too many things to do. An infinite number of stallholders converge on this indoor-outdoor market and the surrounding streets, selling everything from Sulguni cheese to pickles, local honey, spices, herbs, fresh fruit and veg. There are many reasons to visit this surprising country; here are six of them. Dont forget to grab a Ponchiki donut or two while youre up there and maybe ride the Ferris Wheel in Mtatsminda Park if youre game! you can browse through the Tbilisi accommodation here. Irma runs private and small-group masterclasses at her gorgeous home kitchen in central Vera district plus special workshops in Kakheti and Imereti. Old Tbilisi (Dzveli Tbilisi) is a large historic neighbourhood that is famous for its old, winding streets and lanes, its beautiful and colourful traditional houses as well as restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. You could spend a good hour inside Holy Trinity exploring the various chapels, cloisters and crypts. Stand in the belly of an abandoned Armenian cathedral, 25. The funicular operates daily from 9 in the morning to midnight so you can enjoy the place but during the day and in the evening. You will see how many great things to do in Tbilisi you can enjoy! I took my French. Popular flavours include tarragon (neon green in colour), quince, cherry, and my personal favourite, chocolate! Its a pre-paid service that offers very good exchange rates and no fees for ATMs use. Some museums worth visiting are the Georgian National Museum, Art Museum of Georgia or Georgian Museum of Fine Arts. Its easy to get lost in the backstreets but thats part of the fun when visiting Old Tbilisi. Bassiani is probably the most epic nightlife venue in Tbilisi. Inside, the bite-sized candies are super-soft balls of walnut. The famous clock tower was constructed in 2011 by renowned puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze, who also built the attached Puppet Theatre in Tbilisi's Old Town. Inside you can see how the Georgian bread is made in the special stoves and you can some delicious goodies bread, khachapuri (typical Georgian pastry filled with cheese) or lobio (pastry with beans). Follow my adventures through the Caucasus, the Balkans, Southeast Asia and beyond as I inspire you to fill your own travels with colour, culture and creativity. Straight to your inbox. Until 1951 Jumah Mosque was dedicated to Sunni Muslims but after the destruction of Blue Mosque (that used to belong to Shia Muslims), those two groups pray alongside. Thanks! For more helpful tips, here are 23 things to know before you visit Georgia. Inside, the ground floor resembles an oversized, light-filled lounge room complete with a cafe/restaurant, mismatched sofas, and dozens of brightly coloured Caucasian rugs. Personally, Ill always have a soft spot for this venue its simply one of the best places in Tbilisi to drink, eat, shop, work and socialise. There is so much to do in Tbilisi this has really helped me prioritise a bit, but I still want to do it all! Listen to polyphonic chanting at Tbilisi's oldest Orthodox church, 10. Whether you like classic black coffee or some alternatives, Im sure you will be satisfied with what Tbilisi cafes have to offer. Hundreds of vendors convene to pedal boundless quantities of antiques, vintage paraphernalia and Soviet kitsch, including war medals, vinyl, KGB ID books, gas masks, chandeliers, maps of the former USSR, Soviet-issue film cameras, Christmas decorations and anything and everything else you can imagine. Thank you, I will definitely look for this book! Even the house wine is superior to what I usually encounter. Martvili is great, be sure to check out Balda Canyon nearby too. The Peace Bridge is Tbilisi's newest bridge and opened in 2010. Aivani Old Tbilisi: In my opinion, Aivani Old Tbilisi is the cutest hotel in Tbilisi. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories. This table staple couldnt be more simple or more delectable. And you might be surprised how many wonders you will find there beautiful old houses, hidden cafes or bakeries, street art and more Im not going to spoil the fun, you will have to find them yourself. There is also the Little Synagogue, located in the yard between Kote Afkhazi and Tkavi I streets, next to the popular bar, Moulin Electrique. You should definitely book a few days in advance. Fans of concrete, Brutalism and Soviet-style architecture will find a lot to love, from decorative friezes and mosaics to utilitarian Commieblocks. Top Attractions: Airconditioned with big and tinted windows, amazing views. There are hundreds of endemic grapes and literally thousands of varieties of wine be sure to try at least a couple of ambers and of course the legendary Saperavi. Just on the embankments of the Mtkvari River, nearly a two minutes' walk from the Bridge of Peace is the Shangri La Casino of Tbilisi. True to form, many of its stations were embellished with mosaics, friezes and other decorations, many of which have lasted until today. Walking and eating2 things I love to do! I really hope it will! No one knows, but well leave it to your imagination. Check out this post for more club recommendations in Tbilisi. All rights reserved. After lying abandoned for some years, it reopened in 2017 as a dining and entertainment precinct. Set in Georgia and following the many generations of a Georgian family. You can also walk on top of the bathhouses with the peculiar domes around you. The only difficult thing is that youll need to be connected to WiFi or data in order to use it. 52 awesome things to do in Tbilisi: The ultimate list, 1. The fortified complex overlooking the river was built in the 1770s for Queen Darejan, wife of King Erekle II. This is one of the craziest monuments you will ever see! Prospero's Books & Caliban's Coffeehouse How to Get to Tbilisi To the right of the falls, youll see a large set of iron chains hanging from the cliff. Theres a pretty large one near the train station, as well as others located in street underpasses and in Meidani Square. Rustaveli is always busy so to cross the street you need to use the underground passages which are often annoying but at least you can often find some fine street art there. I love your blog and this post is giving me serious wanderlust! Have a great trip to Tbilisi! However, many recent reviews have said that theres a good bit of trash in the lake, so I would advise checking your surroundings before taking a swim. But no matter how assertive you think you are, you will still end up buying much more than you planned. Officially the Georgian State Museum of Theatre, Music, Cinema and Choreography, this museum houses a private collection of manuscripts, sculptures, sheet music, theatre costumes, paintings and sketches. This is such a relaxing place to visit! The twin metallic buildingswere intended as a concert hall and exhibition space, but have been closed since the government changed in 2012. Traditional versions are screen-printed on cotton, but you can also find contemporary takes in an array of colours and fabrics, including polyester. Sadly, I hadnt heard of it, but now I cant wait to visit. Exhibits are set amongst exquisite halls, each with hand-painted frescoes, elaborate fireplaces and antique furniture. Its my favourite panorama by far. Watch a Kartuli dance or folk music performance, 52. While exploring Tbilisis more touristed areas, keep an eye out for signs that say wine ice cream. You wont want to miss out on this one. Unfortunately, when I visited the building it was a national holiday so I couldnt see the museum but at least I could peek inside the building and it really was stunning! Wear your most comfortable sneakers and off to the old town! Just outside one of the most-visited Tbilisi tourist attractions, Theatre Square with its leaning clock tower, tiny Anchiskhati Basilica is hidden away and quite conspicuous. Pin it for later! This post was very inspiring. Tbilisi Street Market. Located in an old underground swimming pool in the depths of Dinamo Stadium, this club is a Tbilisi institution. At just 1-1.20 GEL a piece, Puri is the perfect on-the-go snack when youre pounding the pavement in Tbilisi. No matter what we think of Lech Kaczyski and his presidency, supporting Georgia in those tough times was one of the best things he has ever done. As of May 2022, this house is undergoing restoration work. Georgians also make a deliciousgouda, which is a popular smoky-flavored cheese around the world. But its only when you get up close that you feel the true scale of this majestic building, one of the tallest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world. Safe travels and dont hesitate to reach out directly if theres anything at all I can help with. In late 2021, work finally started to restore the station and the cable line. You can read more about using public transport as well as other travel tips in Tbilisi here. Dry Bridge is the most popular flea market in Tbilisi (or even the whole Caucasus region). Its wonderful, isnt it! One of the most iconic things to do in Tbilisi is take a dip in the sulfur baths of Abanotubani. Top of the list are the Tbilisi History Museum (which is housed within an old caravanserai), the David Baazov Museum of Jewish History in Georgia, the Museum of Illusions and the Tbilisi Antique Archaeological Museum. Instead of walking on the busy Rustaveli Avenue take the street up and wander the backstreets. Things to do in Tbilisi Meet Mother Georgia at Narkikala Fortress Soak in the Sulphur Hot Springs of Tbilisi Chereli Abona Bath House Feast on Georgian Cuisine Breakfast & Brunch in Tbilisi Lunch in Tbilisi Dinner in Tbilisi Drink Georgian Wine Shop for Soviet Souvenirs at the Dry Bridge Market Vera is a cute and calm neighborhood located near Rustaveli Avenue. What an amazing post! Located across the river from the old city is Fabrika, a hip, converted textile factory thats now a bar, hostel, and coworking space. Shamkoretsots Astvatsatsin (AKA Karmir Avetaran Church) was the tallest Armenian Apostolic church in Tbilisi when it was completed in 1809. I hope this answers your questions. One of the most famous landmarks of Tbilisi is the Bridge of Peace. I hope youre having a wonderful time in Tbilisi! Traditional Georgian wine makers ferment their wine in a type of cask called a qvevri, which is a large clay vessel buried underneath the ground. Even after renovations, Old Tbilisi managed to keep its undeniable charm. If you feel like partying during your trip to Tbilisi then Bassiani is the place to go! Take a ride on the Tbilisi metro for a meager .5 lari per trip. This huge green space isnt as well known as the Botanical Gardens in Batumi, but its an equally nice place to go for a stroll and get some fresh air. But Great Synagogue isnt the only one you can find in Old Tbilisi. This makes me so happy, Amit! 07 March 2022. I stayed atMargo Hostel House in Vera and LOVED it. Hi Emily, Fly over the city on a Soviet-era ropeway, 42. Rustaveli is known for its museums and galleries. Grab a Ponchiki at Restaurant Funicular, 36. A lot of young people, both locals and travelers, come here to hang out and meet others over a drink. Drinking wine is one of my favourite things to do in Tbilisi. We walked away with an old film camera, a few antique maps, and a painting of the city that currently . However, if I could have stayed anywhere else in the city, I would have gone to Fabrika Hostel, which is housed in an old textile factory and is also home to a coworking space. And while there are plenty of restaurants where you can eat traditional Georgian food there is one place that has a special place in my heart and thats Racha. Reached on a funicular railway that trundles up a vertigo-inducing cliff face, Tbilisi's best views are from atop Mt Mtatsminda. While popular Shardeni Street and the Cotton Rows are nice, I prefer Sololaki, the old merchant district, which lies west of Liberty Square. There are crumbling beauties and stunning public buildings around every corner. Wine or die! Abkhazian fare is unlike anything else youll eat in Georgia. The world of Khachapuri, Georgias famous cheese bread, extends far beyond the boat-shaped Adjaruli Khachapuri that dominates social media. You can splurge a bit here and you will get excellent quality for a very good price. There are also plenty of beautiful houses, street art and some surprising finds like the beautiful building of the Supreme Court, charming Erti Kava coffee room or the interesting modernist architecture (that you cant find much of in Tbilisi). So glad to hear that. I first visited Racha in 2011 and if it wasnt for a local friend I would never step inside until recently it didnt look like the kind of place that invites tourists and for years the menu was only in Georgian, written on the board behind the counter. Turtle Lake is another popular choice with several hiking trails. Some of them date back to the Soviet times so dont be surprised if you see old remnants with Lenin or Stalin. The river flows through the city's heart and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. So yes, it goes way back. Just wanted to say that your blog is amazing! Go for a scrub at the Abanotubani Sulfur Baths 3. A fun way to get to Mtatsminda is to hike via the TV Tower trail. There are even more interesting and beautiful churches beyond Old Tbilisi! Best things to do in Kutaisi, Georgia, 10 Amazing Places You Can Visit As Day Trips From Kutaisi, Georgia, Buying a SIM card in Georgia all you need to know, How to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Yerevan to Tbilisi) a complete guide. In your opinion, will this be a convenient mode of travel on our first day? Georgia is part of the Caucasus Hotspot, known for having 6,400-plus endemic plant varieties including Rhododendron caucasicum (snow roses), and youll find many of them growing here and no where else. Youve made my morning. This is an old Latin phrase meaning take care or good health a sweet sentiment that captures the spirit of Tbilisi so well. Their tiny shop-museum in Sololaki doubles as a tasting room, where you can sample local black, green and fruit blends. You can be sure to try this strong brandy, made from grapes as it is a strong part of Georgian culture. Caravan. The houses with the balconies, some of them carved with details, are just the prettiest! Thanks so much for this well-written and comprehensive guide. Some of my favorite coffee spots in central Tbilisi include Linville, The Museum, Erti Kava or Fabrika. If you want to see the inside of the church, theres a strict dress code to follow. There are two entrances to the Botanic Garden: One upper entrance near Narikala Fortress and a main gate off Botanikuri Street in the city centre. To experience the real Tbilisi, you have to get out and explore on foot, taking as many deliberate-yet-aimless walks as your feet can handle. This is another area worth wandering aimlessly. Ateshgah was built some time between the 5th-7th centuries when there was a heavy Persian influence in the city. It consists of 16 pillars where the top parts feature kings, queens and heroes and the bottom depicts stories from the life of Christ. Visit the Clock Tower. Located in the center of Tbilisi, at Saarbrucken Bridge, this is a heaven for all fans of antiques and random vintage stuff. In its heyday, mosaic stained glass was a common architectural feature of Tbilisi. Youll notice LAMBs comical and often subversive work all over Tbilisi and as far afield as Batumi and Yerevan. Within a complex topped by elegant brick domes, the experience ranges from shared, public baths to private options including a sauna and body scrub. They figured out a long time ago that the mineral water is good for drinking as well as bathing in. Altogether I must have spent a few months in Tbilisi and sometimes I feel I know the city better than Warsaw, where I live. No, this is not a dream. Location of Tbilisi within GeorgiaAlthough the city has been destroyed and rebuilt some 29 times, the layout of the Old. Here, you can wander through a more residential area of Tbilisi that boasts cute coffee shops, historic homes, charming streets, and small boutiques. Today you can visit the secret place and see how the works used to look there.
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