Liberty Square is a bustling and significant location in Tbilisi, featuring a striking gilded statue of St. George atop a granite column. It's recommended to stay nearby for easy access to various attractions by foot, with an amazing vibe and live musicians adding to the atmosphere. The area boasts numerous good restaurants, shops, and the Galleria Tbilisi mall. Public transport options like buses and the metro are readily available.
Anchiskhati Basilica, also known as the Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary, is a venerable Orthodox church located in Tbilisi. Built in the 6th century by King Gorgasalis son Dachi, it is the oldest surviving church in the city. The basilica features a three-nave design with yellow tuff-stone walls and interior frescoes dating back to its original construction.
In the heart of Tbilisi's Old Town, you'll find The Clock Tower, a remarkable structure crafted by local sculptor and playwright Rezo Gabriadze. Adorned with hundreds of unique tiles designed by the artist himself, this architectural gem has become a must-see attraction in the city. At noon and 7pm, visitors can enjoy a charming puppet show depicting the circle of life.
Perched atop Mount Mtatsminda in Tbilisi, the renowned Funicular restaurant offers a stunning and elegant dining experience. With modern decor and a spacious terrace, it provides a perfect setting for enjoying Georgian and oriental cuisine, including vegetarian and meat dishes. The menu features famous dishes like steak, fried lamb, cheese pies, and oysters. This 4-star establishment is equipped with electronic payment options, disabled-friendly facilities, free parking, and internet access.
Shota Rustaveli Ave, a renowned thoroughfare in Tbilisi, stretches for about 1.5 km from Freedom Square and is considered the city's main street due to its concentration of government, cultural, and business buildings.
Located in the heart of Tbilisi, Kashueti St. George Church is a replica of an 11th-century cathedral and was built in 1910 on the site of a damaged 18th-century Orthodox cathedral. The church features magnificent stone carvings on its facade by the renowned Agladze brothers and houses unique frescoes by prominent Georgian painter Lado Gudiashvili. Notable Georgians, including businessman David Sarajishvili, are buried here.
Tbilisi National Park, located on the slope of the Saguramo Range and east of the Aragvi River, is one of Georgia's oldest national parks. Covering 210 square kilometers, it boasts lush greenery with a variety of flora and fauna including oak, hornbeam, and beech trees. The park offers scenic drives and hiking trails suitable for all levels of trekkers. It is known for its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Jvari Monastery, a 6th-century clifftop orthodox monastery, offers stunning views of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers. The monastery features intricate bas-relief carvings on its facade and overlooks the ancient capital. Nearby, visitors can explore the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, known for its beautiful frescoes and exterior carvings. In the old city, tourists can stroll alongside souvenir shops and interact with locals.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, located in Mtskheta, is an iconic 11th-century Eastern Orthodox cathedral that holds significant historical and religious importance. It serves as the burial site for Georgian kings and is believed to be constructed on the burial site of Jesus's robe. The cathedral was built in 337 AD after Georgia declared Christianity as its official religion, following the advice of St. Nino to King Mirian.
Mtskheta, located in the region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally. Situated at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers, it offers a rich historical and cultural experience. The region comprises various administrative municipalities and encompasses diverse geographic provinces with snowy mountains, beautiful gorges, lakes, and alpine valleys.
The Chronicle of Georgia is an unfinished hilltop sculpture featuring vast pillars that depict Georgian history and the life of Christ. Situated a few kilometers outside Tbilisi, this impressive monument overlooks the Tbilisi reservoir and showcases important events in Georgian history on its massive 35-meter-tall pillars. Although started by sculptor Zurab Tsereteli in 1985, it remains incomplete due to political tensions and the fall of the Soviet Union.
Tbilisi Sea, also known as Tbilisi Reservoir, is a large man-made lake located northeast of the city center. Despite its name, it's actually a reservoir rather than a sea. Since the 1950s, it has been a popular site for recreational activities such as swimming and boating. Visitors can enjoy various water attractions and spend an entire day lounging around the reservoir. There are also plenty of bars where you can eat, drink, and sunbathe.
Vake Park is a large and popular park in the Tbilisi area, featuring a fountain, WWII memorial, and play equipment for kids. It's one of the biggest parks in the city, and also features a beautiful classical entrance and broad stairs leading to the World War II Memorial on top of a hill.
Perched atop Sololaki Hill in Tbilisi, the Mother of Georgia, also known as Kartlis Deda, is an iconic 20-meter-tall aluminum statue erected in 1958 to commemorate Georgia's 1500th anniversary. The colossal figure depicts a woman donning traditional Georgian attire, holding a bowl of wine to welcome friends and a sword to warn enemies.
The National Botanical Garden of Georgia, also known as the Tbilisi Botanical Garden, is a historic hilltop garden nestled in a picturesque valley between the Sololaki and Teleti Ridges in Tbilisi. Originally established in the mid-19th century on the grounds of a former royal park, it was designated as the national botanical garden in 2012. The garden boasts manicured grounds with seasonal flowers, a stunning waterfall, and panoramic views of the city.
Narikala is a picturesque ancient fortress in Tbilisi, with origins dating back to the 4th century. The name Narikala is believed to have Persian or Mongolian roots, signifying its historical significance. Originally built by Persians and later expanded by Arabs, the fortress suffered damage from an earthquake in 1827 but was restored in 1996.
Metekhi church of the Nativity of the Mother of God
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River in Tbilisi's old district, the Metekhi Virgin Mary Assumption Church is an ancient Georgian-style church with a bell tower offering stunning panoramic views. The church is also known as the Metekhani or Metekhta, named after its resting icon of the Mother of God of Metekhi.
The Bridge of Peace is a modern pedestrian bridge in Tbilisi, Georgia, designed by Italian architects and French lighting designers. This steel and glass structure spans the Mtkvari River, connecting the city's old and new districts with its unique 150-meter-long design. The bridge features an interactive LED light display system with 30,000 lights and 240 sensors that create mesmerizing patterns symbolizing human chemistry and peace.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, also known as Sameba, is a significant religious complex in the heart of Tbilisi. This landmark Georgian Orthodox cathedral, along with its bell tower, monastery, and seminary, was designed by architect Archil Mindiashvili and constructed between 1995 and 2004. Situated on Mount Ilia overlooking the Kura River, it stands at an impressive height of nearly 105.
The Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi is a vibrant al fresco flea market that offers a diverse array of goods, from art and housewares to Soviet memorabilia. Located near Rustaveli Avenue, this daily market (with more vendors on weekends) is a cultural hub where you can find 19th century European porcelain, modern Dagestani jewelry, Georgian enameling, antique musical instruments, and contemporary artworks.
Dzveli Tbilisi, also known as Old Tbilisi, is a sprawling area characterized by its winding streets, traditional houses, and the bustling Jan Shardeni Street lined with eateries. Overlooking the National Botanical Garden and the iconic Sulfur Baths are the hilltop Narikala Fortress and the imposing Mother of Georgia statue. The Georgian National Museum nearby offers insights into the country's rich history while Mtatsminda Park provides amusement accessible by funicular.
Freedom Square in Tbilisi is a captivating sight with its delightful flower pots and significant historic structures, making it a must-see for visitors. Situated at the heart of Tbilisi, this square is a renowned tourist hotspot due to its rich history and cultural significance, drawing millions of tourists annually.
Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave is a charming street located in the Chugureti neighborhood of Tbilisi. It holds historical significance as the site of the first German settlement in the city, giving it a European feel. The government restored the entire avenue in 2017, transforming a section into a pedestrian street and making it a haven for architecture enthusiasts. The area is always bustling with new life, offering world-class classical concerts and live performances by local and international artists.
Abanotubani is a historic district in Tbilisi known for its famous sulfur baths. The area has a long history dating back to the 5th century, and it is said that the name 'Abanotubani' comes from the Georgian word for 'bath.' The unique architecture of the district, with its colorful buildings and dome-shaped roofs, adds to its charm. Visitors can experience traditional bathhouses and enjoy relaxing treatments in the soothing sulfur waters.
Rike Park, located in central Tbilisi, is home to the iconic Bridge of Peace. This bow-shaped pedestrian bridge, illuminated with LEDs, spans the Kura River and connects the park to the Old Town. Designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, it has become a significant tourist attraction and a well-recognized landmark of the capital since its opening in 2010. The park itself offers sculptures, biking trails, cafes, and a kids' play area.
Tbilisi's Old Town, also known as the "Altstadt," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. The area showcases diverse architectural influences, including Persian, Byzantine, and Russian. It's like stepping into a fairy-tale book with colorful architecture and narrow alleyways that captivate visitors of all ages. A walking tour offers an opportunity to learn about the city's history through local guides' stories.
Nestled at the base of a hill near the Botanic Gardens, Leghvtakhevi Waterfall is a hidden gem that feels more like a serene national park than part of a bustling capital city. This picturesque spot offers not only stunning views but also serves as an ideal backdrop for people-watching, with local couples often enjoying its romantic ambiance. While reaching this enchanting waterfall involves some challenging hikes, the journey is filled with breathtaking scenery and rewarding vistas.
The Tbilisi Cable Car offers a unique and enchanting experience, providing breathtaking views of the city and its iconic landmarks like the Mother of Georgia statue and Narikala Fortress. Connecting Rike Park with the fortress, this affordable and convenient mode of transportation allows visitors to easily access the historic site while enjoying panoramic vistas of old Tbilisi. While some may experience a brief wait for the cable car, the swift descent provides an opportunity to soak in the beauty from above.
Leghvtakhevi Waterfall is a picturesque natural wonder located in the heart of Tbilisi. It is formed by the Tsavkisistskali River as it flows from the Mtatsminda Range through the Botanical Garden, creating a mesmerizing cascade that eventually merges with the Mtkvari River. The journey to the waterfall offers stunning views of towering cliffs and tranquil landscapes, with a quaint bridge and benches providing moments of relaxation along the way.