by Supanut Arunoprayote (cropped) / CC BY-SA 4.0

From Medieval Churches to Glass Bridges

A. About Tbilisi

Nickname:Paris of the East

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia, known for its diverse architecture, blending medieval, classical, and modern styles.

Due to the geographical location of Georgia, Tbilisi is neither Asian nor European; it’s a combination of both.

The city's name derives from the Georgian word for "warm," a reference to the natural hot springs found in the Abanotubani district.

Old Tbilisi is famous for its winding cobblestone streets, traditional wooden houses with balconies, and rich cultural heritage.

The Narikala Fortress, perched above the city, offers panoramic views and reflects Tbilisi’s long history of fortifications and strategic importance.


The Good:

Perched on the banks of the Kura and the Mtkvari River against a striking mountainous backdrop, Tbilisi benefits from its scenic location

Tbilisi is generally considered a safe city for tourists, with moderate crime levels.

Furthermore, Tbilisi enjoys a pleasant climate for most of the year, with mild winters and warm summers. However, it can become quite hot in summer months, and the weather in winter, while not extreme, can be unpredictable.

The Not-So-Good:

Fortunately, Tbilisi has no category with a rating lower than 4/10. 

Political instability in the region occasionally raises safety concerns, but tourists usually experience a calm and welcoming environment.


B. Best Things to Do in Tbilisi in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than forty sights in Tbilisi. The following sights contribute to a score of 5.30/10 in this most important category:

# Old Town 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

This historic district features narrow, cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and traditional Georgian architecture, showcasing a mix of Persian, Ottoman, and Russian influences.

Landmarks like sulfur baths and Orthodox churches add to its rich cultural fabric.

🏰 City District

by Vyacheslav Argenberg / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Narikala Fortress 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

This ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi, Narikala dates back to the 4th century and offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The fortress has withstood numerous invasions and remains a symbol of the city’s resilience.

🏰 Fortress  

by Alexxx1979 / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Tsaminda Sameba Cathedral (Holy Trinity Cathedral) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This monumental Orthodox cathedral, completed in 2004, is one of the largest religious buildings in the world, symbolizing Georgia’s spiritual revival post-Soviet era.

Its towering golden dome is a focal point of Tbilisi’s skyline.

⛪️ Cathedral Opened: 2004

by ModriDirkac / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Tbilisi Funicular and Mtatsminda Park 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The funicular railway transports visitors to Mtatsminda Park, a hilltop amusement area offering breathtaking views of Tbilisi and various family-friendly attractions. It has been in operation since 1905, connecting the city to leisure areas.

🚠 Funicular

by Jonathan Cardy / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Sioni Cathedral 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Built in the 6th century, this Georgian Orthodox cathedral is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin and is home to ancient religious artifacts, including a revered cross of Saint Nino. It has survived multiple reconstructions over the centuries.

⛪️ Cathedral

by Supanut Arunoprayote / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Mother Georgia Statue (Kartlis Deda) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

A towering aluminum statue overlooking Tbilisi, it symbolizes the spirit of Georgia, with a sword in one hand for enemies and wine in the other for friends. Created in 1958, it’s a popular symbol of Georgian hospitality and strength.

🗽 Statue

by Unrecognizablepineapple / Public domain

# National Botanical Garden of Georgia 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Spanning over 128 hectares, this expansive garden is home to over 4,500 species of plants and provides a peaceful retreat within the city.

It also features scenic waterfalls and historic monuments, adding to its charm.

🌿 Botanical Garden

by Sb2s3 / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Bridge of Peace 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Bridge of Peace is a modern, bow-shaped pedestrian bridge over the Kura River in Tbilisi, connecting the old town with newer parts of the city. Its glass and steel structure, illuminated by thousands of LED lights at night, makes it a significant landmark of the capital.

🌉 Bridge

by ako-aleko / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art in Tbilisi houses works by Georgian and international artists, focusing on contemporary art, and is named after the renowned Georgian sculptor and painter Zurab Tsereteli.

The museum plays a key role in promoting modern art in Georgia.

🏛 Modern Art Museum

by Gobrona / CC BY-SA Public domain 

Gobrona, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

# Thermal Baths in Abanotubani 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Thermal Baths in Abanotubani have been a central part of Tbilisi’s culture for centuries, fed by natural hot sulfur springs and offering therapeutic bathing experiences. The area, historically significant, reflects the ancient city's connection to healing and relaxation.

⛲️ Thermal Baths

by Marcin Konsek / CC BY-SA 2.5

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

= World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Tbilisi

#11 | Georgian National Opera Theater (Paliashvili Opera House) 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Paliashvili Opera House, opened in 1851, is an architectural masterpiece with Moorish Revival and Baroque styles, hosting ballet and opera performances. It is one of the oldest opera houses in the Caucasus and remains a cultural cornerstone in Tbilisi.

🎼 Opera House 

by Francisco Anzola / CC BY-SA 2.0

 
    • Rustaveli Avenue 4
    • Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia 4
    • The Holy Trinity Cathedral 4
    • Georgian National Museum 4
    • National Gallery 4
    • Mount Mtatsminda 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Tbilisi

MTSKHETA 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to important religious landmarks, including the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery, which are central to Georgian Orthodox Christianity.

🌇 City 🌍 World Heritage Site since: 1994 | Distance from Tbilisi: 23,5 km

by Ochokochi1 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Diamond Bridge and Dashbashi Canyon 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Diamond Bridge is a unique glass structure in the Dashbashi Canyon, offering scenic views and an adventurous experience with a suspended café. Dashbashi Canyon is a natural wonder with striking landscapes and waterfalls, ideal for hiking and nature exploration near Tbilisi.

🌉 Bridge and Canyon  Distance from Tbilisi: 91 km

by Paata vardanashvili / CC BY-SA 4.0

David Gareja Monastery (69,5 km from Tbilisi) 5


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Tbilisi (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Tbilisi for at least two entire days. If you plan to do some of the excursions, you will need more time.

Old Town 6

Narikala Fortress 6

🌍 MTSKHETA (13.4 km away) 6

Tsaminda Sameba Cathedral (Holy Trinity Cathedral) 5

Tbilisi Funicular and Mtatsminda Park 5

Sioni Cathedral 5

Mother Georgia Statue (Kartlis Deda) 5

National Botanical Garden of Georgia 5

Bridge of Peace 4

Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art 4