Tbilisi – The capital city of Georgia, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia offers a unique blend of cultures and attractions that makes it one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Western Asia. In many ways, Tbilisi feels more European than some parts of Europe itself.

Tbilisi is extremely tourist friendly, its remarkably convenient to navigate around (even for not so frequent travelers), with the city center offering lots of places to eat, sight seeing, places of interest, restaurants, money changers at every corner, souvenir shops, taxis & car rental agencies, booking agents for day trips outside the city and much much more that too within a very small area (which you can easily cover on foot).

Sunset view from Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Source: Deepak Azad)

Taxis

There are numerous taxis in Tbilisi, but the most convenient way to travel is by downloading the BOLT taxi app and use with your international number (mind you, Uber doesn't operate). The charges are very reasonable and need to be paid in cash, and there are numerous taxis available making the wait time extremely low (even for morning ride to the airport).

The journey from the airport to the city center should not cost more than 25-30 Lari (the currency of Georgia). Must avoid taking taxi from drivers at the airport without pre-fixing the fare, as they often charge exorbitant fares and try to fleece you — I ended up paying 250 Lari for a 25 Lari ride. [Tip: try & book through the BOLT app].

For longer road trips and in case you are not driving, I strongly recommend using the GOTRIP app. It has reliable & safe drivers and well-maintained cars, with fares pre-determined on their website basis the stops you add to the itinerary (once fixed, there are no extra charges or for any extra waiting time). Payment (in cash as well) can be made upon completing the trip. Simply enter your destination (even for round trips), add all your preferred stops in between, and travel date on their website, and it will give you options for cars, available drivers along with the fixed charges. The service is very convenient, and in case preferred, there is an option to select English-speaking drivers too.

[Tip: In case you like your ride, you can negotiate & arrange future trips with the same driver offline as well].

Tbilisi Sulphur Baths: A Unique Experience

Tbilisi is renowned for its Sulphur baths, a must-try experience distinct from Turkish Hammams. Located in the historic part of the city, these baths are believed to have therapeutic qualities due to the natural Sulphur hot water.

Key Points to Note:

• Public Bath Area: Costs 20-30 lari, while Private Baths range from 70-100 lari. Additional services like Mekise for scrubbing & exfoliating the entire body is available at an extra cost.

• Separate Areas: Public baths have separate shared rooms for males and females, while private ones offer for exclusive use.

• Etiquette: Cameras are prohibited in public areas. It is advisable to bring own swimming gear, while towels and shampoos can also be rented.

• Booking & Arrival: It's advisable to pre-book. Aim to arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure a relaxed experience.

The most famous baths are near the Abanotubani area in old Tbilisi.

Abanotubani, Sulfur Bath District (Source: https://wander-lush.org/tbilisi-georgia-gulos-thermal-spa-abanotubani-sulfur-bath-review/)

Sightseeing within the Tbilisi City

Cathedrals

Tbilisi is a city renowned for its cathedrals (locally termed as 'monastery'). Visitors must adhere to the dress code - women are required to cover their heads and men need to cover their legs in case wearing shorts. For convenience, baskets full of scarves / coverings are usually available at the entrances for visitors to use and return.

One of the most notable cathedrals is the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, the main Orthodox church of Georgia. Being on a hill it offers stunning views of the Tbilisi city. Its architecture is outstanding, and it is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. There is no entrance fee, visitors must adhere to the dress code. I recommend visiting just before the sunset time for enjoying wonderful views of sun setting over the hills.

Also, being on a hillock, there are a lot of stairs to climb (particularly from the main entrance side) and I couldn't find a ramp access or elevators (recommended to crosscheck locally as well for availability). So, visitors need to be mindful of the climb.

Important Tip to keep in mind -

You may need to pay 1 lari for using washrooms / toilets at public places like gas stations / services, even at dine in restaurants etc. so please keep some change handy while traveling in Tbilisi (and outside).

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Source: Aditi Azad)

Narikala Fortress

The ancient fortress is located on a steep hill overlooking Tbilisi, nestled between the sulfur baths and the botanical gardens. Entry to the fortress is free, and there is a small church situated within the fortress grounds. From the top, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the city. It is walking distance from Old Tbilisi, though you can get taxis to get up there, but I enjoyed the steep & short hike uphill.

Narikala Fortress (Source: https://wander-lush.org/narikala-fortress-tbilisi-georgia/)

Mother of Georgia

The Mother of Georgia, or Kartlis Deda, symbolizes the Georgian nation. This monument is located on a hilltop and can be best reached by cable car. You can visit both Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia using the same cable car, as they are situated on the same hill. A one-way ticket costs 2.5 lari.

Mother of Georgia (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kartlis_Deda)

Peace Bridge

A must visit. Walking distance from Freedom Square / Old Tbilisi. This pedestrian bow-shaped bridge, made of steel and glass, spans the Kura River and stands as a stunning piece of modern architecture. The bridge is bustling with both tourists and locals selling boat rides on the river below - prices are negotiable. On one side of the bridge is Rike Park, which also serves as the cable car station [mind you that there are a lot stairs to get up and down the bridge].

Peace Bridge (Source: https://www.orexca.com/georgia/tbilisi/bridge-of-peace.htm)

Chronicles of Georgia

It is around 15 km outside city center and one can use BOLT taxi to get around. The monument has structural similarity to the Stonehenge consisting of 16 pillars standing 30-35 meters tall. The top half of the monument depicts the history of Georgia, while the lower half illustrates Christianity. Admission is free of charge.

Since it is situated on a hilltop, one has to climb lot of stairs, so plan accordingly (though there is a road leading right up from backside, but not sure if they allow access to public vehicles).

Chronicles of Georgia (Source: Aditi Azad)

Tbilisi Sea

Best visible from the top of the Chronicles of Georgia monument. It is a vast reservoir or inland waterbody and looks like a sea - thus the name 'Sea of Tbilisi'. It also features a beach where visitors can enjoy swimming and various water sports & recreational activities. Since Tbilisi doesn't have any coastline, this reservoir best serves as a popular spot for aquatic fun.

Tbilisi Sea (Source: Aditi Azad)

Old Tbilisi

There are guided tours available for exploring the old Tbilisi area, particularly around the famous sulfur baths. This area is known for its charming cobbled narrow streets lined with historic houses. These streets are also dotted with numerous eateries & restaurants, offering a delightful & culinary experience - though all appear to offer similar menu, so I chose to decide by their ambience instead.

Old Tbilisi (Source: Aditi Azad)

Sightseeing outside the City

Kazbegi

A must do and highly recommended day trip. Kazbegi is a famous small valley town nestled in the Caucasus Mountains around 230 km from Tbilisi. The road trip is all about journey to Kazbegi town being extremely scenic, landscape changing with every turn and amazing meadow views all around. The rivers flowing alongside the mountains, and lot of rain fed waterfalls all around. The road to Kazbegi town - known as the Military Highway, serves as a crucial trade route (the famous Silk Route) and is the only highway connecting Russia to Western Asia (and countries like Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan). And also the reason for numerous trucks traveling along with you, it remains functional during winter as well (passing through key tunnels) ensuring their uninterrupted movement despite snow all around.

There are many stops on route to Kazbegi offering wonderful opportunities to stop and admire beauty of Georgia all around -

• Jvari Monastery: The first stop is Jvari Monastery, situated on a hilltop. Visitors to follow dress codes for the Church entry. It offers you the best panoramic views of the confluence of two rivers ______Aragvi and _____Mtkvari flowing below.

• Zhinvali Reservoir: The next stop is the Zhinvali Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs supplying water to Tbilisi. A dam is built on it to monitor the water flow to the capital.

• Ananuri Fortress: Further down is Ananuri Fortress, a 13th-century castle. The fortress contains two churches that, despite not being well-maintained, offer picturesque views of the Aragvi River. It is a unique place and a must-see.

Ananuri Fortress Complex (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananuri)

• Pasanauri: About an hour's drive from Ananuri is Pasanauri, a small town famous for its natural beauty. Here, you can see the confluence of the Black Aragvi and White Aragvi rivers. It is also a popular spot for river rafting.

Pasanauri, where the Aragvi rivers converge (Source: https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us/)

• Gudauri: The next stop is Gudauri, the highest point on the way to Kazbegi and a renowned ski resort. There are numerous hotels here, and the place is bustling during winter for skiing. The snow-covered mountains add to its charm and beauty. Just outside Gudauri is the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument.
  

• Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument: This monument, also known as the Panorama, is a circular wall painted with mosaics of Georgian and Russian heroes, fairy tales, farmers, and communist symbols. It is situated on a small hilltop, offering amazing views of the Caucasus Mountains. Many tourists enjoy paragliding from this point. The total paragliding time is 1.5 hours, and it costs 300 lari. An instructor accompanies you, and you can choose to return early if you wish.

Friendship Monument (Source: https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us/)

Visiting Gergeti Cathedral: Located atop a hill overlooking Kazbegi, the Gergetti Cathedral offers another spectacular viewpoint. Important note: Most local taxi drivers do not drive up to Gergeti Cathedral. Instead, they drop you in Kazbegi town, where you can hire a local driver for around 80 lari to take you up the hill. There is an arrangement among local drivers that they are the ones authorized to take visitors up to the cathedral. If you have already arranged with your driver to take you up to Gergeti Cathedral before your trip, there's no need to hire a new car. However, the view from the top of the cathedral is mesmerizing and offers one of the best vistas of the entire journey.

Kazbegi offers a remarkable journey filled with historical, natural, and cultural wonders, making it a must-visit destination in Georgia.

Gergeti Cathedral and the scenic views from top (Source: https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us/ & https://www.atlasandboots.com/travel-blog/things-to-do-in-kazbegi-georgia/)

Important Tip for Kazbegi Visit

When visiting Kazbegi, make sure to spend ample time at the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument, which offers the most breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains. Situated at the highest point, this location provides panoramic vistas that are truly unforgettable.

Rather than spending extended time in Kazbegi town itself, prioritize your visit to this viewpoint for picturesque sights. From here, Kazbegi town is just an hour away and is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains.

Borjomi Town

Another stunning destination in Georgia worth visiting is Borjomi. This small town is renowned for its natural mineral water, known for its healing properties. The water from the natural springs here is sold throughout Georgia and can be enjoyed for drinking directly within the park. Visitors often collect and take some with them as well. Borjomi is approximately 200 km from Tbilisi.

While there isn't much to do within the town itself, the route to Borjomi offers breathtaking scenery, making the journey itself a memorable experience.

Borjomi Town and scenery (Source: Aditi Azad)

Diamond Bridge and Dashbashi Canyon

The Diamond Bridge is a spectacular glass bridge spanning the Dashbashi Canyon, located about 1.5 hours from Tbilisi. This architectural marvel offers an amazing walking experience with panoramic views of the valley below. You can see a stunning waterfall cascading beneath the bridge, and for those interested, a 2.5 km hike allows you to walk down to the waterfall itself.

In addition to walking on the bridge, there are adventure activities available such as cycling across the valley on a rope and experiencing a thrilling big swing, all for a fee. The highlight of this location is undoubtedly the breathtaking views from every angle, enhanced by the glass structure.

The journey to the Diamond Bridge is equally scenic, with beautiful landscapes along the way. On the return trip to Tbilisi, you can pass through Asureti, a small German village with a fascinating history.

In the 1940s, Asureti was a thriving German town with a population of about 20,000. However, Stalin's deportation policies led to their expulsion. Today, the village still retains its German-style housing, a wine factory, and an old church in the main square, offering a glimpse into its storied past. While some houses lie abandoned, many are still inhabited, preserving the legacy of this historic community.

Diamond bridge overlooking the Dashbashi Canyon (Source:  https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us)

Best Time to Visit:

Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Georgia, avoiding the peak summer crowds while enjoying pleasant weather. Note, however, that some mountain areas may be inaccessible during winter due to snow.

Food and Wine

Navigating Tbilisi is a breeze—English is widely spoken, and money changers and restaurants are plentiful. At every turn, you'll find eateries offering Khachapuri, a traditional Georgian bread filled with cheese, resembling Italian pizza but with cheese inside instead. Varieties include meat or spinach-filled options.

Another Georgian staple is Khinkali, dumplings filled with cheese, mushrooms, beef, pork, and more, steamed to perfection.

Don't miss Georgian chimney ice cream served in freshly baked cinnamon cones, filled with strawberries, bananas, and topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce—a unique treat I saw only in Georgia.

Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, and winemaking has become a national identity. The country is a harbor of natural wines, with white wine being a particular specialty. Georgians use a traditional method of producing wine by fermenting grapes in clay amphorae buried underground for months. This ancient technique not only preserves the natural qualities of the wine but also imparts a unique flavor that is celebrated globally.

Chimney Cake Ice-Cream (Source: Aditi Azad)

With its rich culinary traditions and affordable prices, Georgia offers a must-visit experience that rivals Europe in every aspect.