Tbilisi is the ancient capital of the country of Georgia, which is surrounded on three sides by mountains and spreads out on both banks of the Mtkvari river. The city is as old as the 5th century AD, and since that time it has been a significant cultural and trading centre of the Caucasus region. There are several interesting places to visit in Tbilisi which showcase the rich heritage, diverse culture, and the perfect blend of traditional and modern. One of the things that not only the city of Tbilisi is known for, but the whole country also, is their diverse authentic flavours in wine and their tradition of having a large feast that literally doesn’t end till the next morning, known as Supra.
Places to Visit in Tbilisi: Explore the Bohemian Paradise
Georgia is one of those countries that has thrived in the face of adversity and created a space for its people to uphold age-old traditions and culture. Being the capital city, Tbilisi has been witness to all the downfall and glory of the beautiful region where the Caucasus mountains stand tall. There are numerous amazing places to visit in Tbilisi that portray the past, like some of the flea markets selling Soviet souvenirs and the acceptance of Christianity through various charming churches. The city is a paradise for nature lovers, with a lot of trekking trails and vineyards.
- Narikala Fortress
- Mother of Georgia
- Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
- Tbilisi National Park
- Art Museum of Georgia
- The Cronicle of Georgia
- Kakheti Wine Region
- Stalin's Underground Printing House
1. Narikala Fortress
One of the most interesting places to visit in Tbilisi, this fort boasts some of the most jaw-dropping panoramic vistas. This beautiful brick fortress, which has been a significant witness to many of the interesting events that changed the course of history, dates back to the 4th century. The colossal fortress is home to many beautiful and vibrant frescoes, painted all over the inner walls and ceilings. Sitting on the steep hill between Sulphur baths and the botanical garden, the fortress has earned the name "mother," signifying the deep connection of Georgians to their motherland.
Top Attractions: History, fresco painting, panoramic views
2. Mother of Georgia
In 1958, a statue was erected on the peak of Sololaki hill near the famous Narikala Fortress that became the symbol of Georgian national character. The Mother of Georgia, also known as Kartlis Deda, is a significant Georgian sculpture, showcasing a colossal 20-meter tall aluminium figure of a woman dressed in traditional attire. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tbilisi. She is holding a bowl of wine in her left hand, displaying the traditional Georgian custom to greet guests and friends, and in her right hand she holds a sword, symbolising the fighting spirit of the people of Georgia and the fabulous city of Tbilisi, which has gone through numerous wars and emerged victorious.
Top Attractions: Statue, scenic vistas, history
3. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
It is an orthodox Christian church that has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The beautiful cathedral is one of the significant places to visit in Georgia, that has survived through the Early and High Middle Ages. Talking about its marvellous architecture, it is a long rectangle with a two-storey sanctuary. The cathedral has a dome that sits on four strong poles and 16 windows inside the dome. There are some beautiful but faded fresco paintings visible on some of the walls and ceilings, although many paintings have been whitewashed or destroyed. This tourist spot in Tbilisi is an epitome of beauty, history, and survival.
Top Attractions: Frescoes, architecture, history
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4. Tbilisi National Park
One of the nine lush green national parks of Georgia, it is situated on the slope of the Saguramo Range and east of the Aragvi River. The oldest national park in Georgia is a paradise for nature lovers and avid trekkers who wish to explore the wide range of species of flora and fauna. The forested lands of the park brim with natural beauty with trees and shrubs of oak, hornbeam, and beech. People interested in visiting the park can drive through, bike through the cycle routes, or choose one of the three hiking trails to get closer to the natural wonders. If you are celebrating your honeymoon in Georgia, this place will be the best place to explore and spend quality time together. People exploring the park might encounter protected animals like red deer, lynx, Eurasian brown bear, red fox, and jackal.
Top Attractions: Greenery, diverse species, adventurous routes
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5. The Art Museum of Georgia
The museum, known for its unique Georgian goldsmith pieces that date back from the 8th to the 19th century, was founded in 1945 at the University of Georgia. It is home to a permanent collection of more than 18,000 works of art, including cut-enamel, jewelry, and art textiles from the 8th to 15th centuries. The museum also exhibits numerous medieval architectural fragments, wall paintings, mosaics, sculptures, icons, and woodcuts. The art museum in Tbilisi also hosts many great works of art by female sculptors and artists. The great arts displayed in several exhibitions include American painting, works on paper, southern decorative arts, and self-taught art, as well as works by African American artists and the Samuel H. Kress Study Collection of Renaissance and Baroque art.
Top Attractions: Art work, exhibitions, mosaics
6. The Chronicle of Georgia
This magnificent monument, located on the outskirts of Tbilisi, depicts significant scenes from Georgia's thousand-year history. One of the essential things to do in Georgia is visit the Chronicle of Georgia, which is a striking piece of sculpture, prominent in the middle of a small wooded area that allows visitors to see it from a distance. The piece of art contains 16 columns that are about 35 metres tall. The lower parts of these columns showcase the life of Jesus along with other significant people in the history of Christianity. On the higher spaces in the columns, they display the royalty and notable figures in the history of Georgia. Visit this amazing place to learn about the past and for Instagram-worthy pictures.
Top Attractions: History, sculpture, scenic views
Suggested Read: Things to Do in Georgia: Explore Historic Sites and Natural Wonders
7. Kakheti Wine Region
One of the main attractions in Tbilisi is this wine region, where the age-old tradition of making wine is still followed in exactly the same way. Lovers of wine and dining must visit Kakheti to try different flavours of wine and the delicious food served in a variety of beautiful restaurants. Other than being the prime land of vineries, Kakheti is also popular for medieval monasteries and breathtaking hilltop churches that go way back to the 5th or 6th century. It is recommended to not only taste the wine but also explore the beautiful vineries and monasteries where you get the chance to witness the process of making flavorful wines. There is a wide range of opulent restaurants in Georgia that serve the best wines and most flavoursome food.
Top Attractions: Vineries, churches, restaurants
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8. Stalin's Underground Printing House
If you are a history buff, then one of the prime places to go in Tbilisi is this enigmatic underground printing house. It was built under a house, but the entrance was to climb down a well. A network of Bolshevik supporters used this press to print magazines, pamphlets, and newspapers and inform the general public about the Tzars. These days, it is turned into a museum for people to feel the sense of nationality of those days. It is one of the significant parts of Russian history and a must-visit place for people who are aware of the Georgian past.
Top Attractions: Entrance, history, museum
There are numerous exciting places to visit in Tbilisi and endless adventures for intrepid trekkers. The museums, the vineries, the UNESCO heritage sites and the gastronomic delights are some of the many. A true globetrotter definitely puts Tbilisi as one of the prime places to explore during their excursion. So, if you like learning about the culture of a place, exploring the lush green mountains, and trying different traditional dishes; then plan a visit to the beautiful capital of Georgia. Take advantage of the amazing Georgia holiday packages and enjoy some of the best days in the beautiful country.
Places to visit in Tbilisi FAQs
Yes, Tbilisi is one of the best places to explore in Europe. The capital city of Georgia offers beautiful trekking opportunities through the Caucasus mountains, wide vineries to explore, several heritage sites to witness, and a wide range of mouthwatering.
The main airport is Tbilisi International Airport, which is connected with all kinds of transport; buses, taxis, and trains. There are international and domestic flights available from the airport.
The Kakheti region is known to be the prime location for most of the vineries in Tbilisi and Georgia. People use the age-old method to extract flavorful wines. Other than that, Kakheti is also known as the home of old churches and monasteries.
There are many exciting activities to pursue in Tbilisi that leave the tourists happy and content.
- Enjoying the panoramic views at Gonio Beach
- Feasting on the traditional supra
- Stargazing for a night
- Skiing in the snowy mountains
3 to 4 days are more than enough to visit all the significant landmarks and indulge in every thrilling and exciting activity in Tbilisi. If one wishes to understand the culture more deeply, then there is no limit on the number of days to stay.
The best times to visit Tbilisi are the months of May, June, and September. During these months, the weather is pleasant for tourists to wander around and learn more about the place. They are comfortable to travel in with ease.
It is the oldest national park in Georgia and is a paradise for nature lovers and avid trekkers who wish to explore the wide range of species of flora and fauna. The forested lands of the park brim with natural beauty with trees and shrubs of oak, hornbeam, and beech.
Here are some important tips you should keep in mind while enjoying your holiday in Georgia.
- Always keep your passport with you
- Get a local SIM card for easy access to the internet
- Always carry some cash
- Respect the culture
