I discovered Georgia through travel bloggers, and it has lived in my travel wishes ever since. I was so curious about the food and the culture, and it didn’t disappoint. Georgian people were so more welcoming than I expected, and that was for sure the best part. Besides that, the city visuals are so nice with its Art Nouveau buildings mixed with traditional houses.
Tbilisi has also received more digital nomads and immigrants in the last few years. It offers visa free entry for up to 1 year for many nationalities! With reliable internet and more affordable than most European countries, it is definitely an attractive option! On top of that, it offers great wine, food, and electronic music scene – if any of that are among your interests.
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When to Visit Tbilisi
Georgia has four distinct seasons:
- Spring (April-June) – Pleasant weather (15-25°C), blooming flowers, fewer crowds.
- Summer (July-August) – Hot (up to 35°C) but lively with festivals.
- Autumn (September-October) – Mild temperatures, perfect for exploring.
- Winter (November-March) – Cold (0-10°C) but magical with Christmas markets.
Best overall months: May, June, September, October (pleasant weather, fewer crowds).
Where to Stay in Tbilisi
- Old Town – Historic region, close to major sights. Good for short stays.
- Vera/Rustaveli/Mtatsminda – Trendy, quieter, with cafés and boutique hotels. Lots of museums, parks and theaters nearby.
- Saburtalo – Budget-friendly, local vibe, good metro access. Maybe a little isolate for foreigners, but still friendly. I used to go there for aerial silk classes, and the girls were so welcoming!
- Marjanishvili / Chugureti – Best for coworking and socializing, it is a hipster hub. Combining Art Nouveau buildings and traditional architecture with street art, small local shops, and nightlife, it is personally my favorite.
Itinerary
Day 1: Old Town
Start your exploration at Freedom Square, then wander through the maze-like alleys. Find landmarks like the Narikala Fortress (accessible by cable car or a short hike) and the Sioni Cathedral.
Visit the Anchiskhati Basilica (Tbilisi’s oldest surviving church) and the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater, known for its clock tower show. Cross underground thorugh the Dry Bridge Market, a treasure trove of Soviet-era antiques, vintage jewelry, and Georgian handicrafts.
After much walking, head to the sulfur baths in Abanotubani, where you can soak in natural hot springs under the domed brick structures. Legend says the city was founded here after King Vakhtang Gorgasali’s falcon fell into the waters.
Cross the river to the Rike Park, where you can spot the Bridge of Peace, a modern glass-and-steel structure, contrasting with the ancient background – a perfect photo spot at sunset.
On weekends, look for food stalls and flea markets at the Dedaena Park. Then just chill and watch some local life!
Day 2: Soviet tour
Take a Soviet-Era walking tour to go deeper into the recent history of the country, with a local guide.
(I did all my city tours with Tbilisi Free Walking Tours and recommend it – it’s not an affiliate link!)
Day 3: Marjanishvili / Backstreets of Tbilisi tour
Discover this revitalized neighborhood, starting by strolling down Aghmashenebeli Avenue, lined with restored 19th-century buildings, indie cafés, and vintage shops. Then explore the Marjanishvili Market for spices, fresh produce, and Georgian delicacies.
This area is home to the iconic Fabrika—a Soviet-era factory turned into a hostel/co-working space with street art and live music. Don’t miss the German Quarter’s pastel houses. With influences from Arab and Armenian immigrants, you can also find plenty of restaurants from those cultures here.
One of my favorite spots for breakfast was the Slink Cafe, which is inside the Urban garden. For long termers, there is also an excellent gym there.
There is also a walking tour of the area.
More Walking tours
If you have more time or prefer to craft your itinerary, you can choose from more walking tours in Tbilisi, like a Food or Wine tour, the Hidden Tbilisi tour, a Street Art Tour.
Day 4: Day trip to Uplistsikhe, Gori, and More
Time for some city getaways! Tbilisi has plenty of interesting day trips.
Start with a visit to the cave towns in Uplistsikhe, combined with a historical tour of Gori (the hometown of Stalin – for history, not necessarily support), and more. A guided tour can be very helpful to cover those sites in one day if you are limited in time.
Day 5: Day Trip to Kazbegi
One of the best landscapes of Georgia, with a little of historical background.
Day 6: Day Trip to Rainbow Mountain & David Gareja Monastery
Georgia also has a colored mountain, and this is the perfect trip if you enjoy hiking. This day trip also features cave houses!
Museums in Tbilisi
- Georgian National Museum – The country’s premier museum, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times to Soviet rule, including the famous Gold Treasure of Colchis.
- Location: Rustaveli Ave. 3
- Museum of Soviet Occupation (inside the National Museum) – A look at Georgia’s Soviet-era struggles, with documents, photos, and personal stories of repression.
- Location: Rustaveli Ave. 3
- Open Air Museum of Ethnography – A sprawling hillside exhibit of traditional Georgian houses from every region, offering a glimpse into rural life.
- Location: Kus Tba 1 (near Turtle Lake)
- Sergo Parajanov Museum – A whimsical tribute to the avant-garde filmmaker, filled with collages, sketches, and surreal art from his life in exile.
- Location: Dzveli Tbilisi, 15/16
- MoMA Tbilisi (Museum of Modern Art) – For art lovers, it offers 3 floors of exhibitions featuring modern art movements from Georgia.
- Location: 27 Shota Rustaveli Ave
- The Art Palace of Georgia – An eclectic private collection, that will give you a glimpse into the art history of Georgia
- Location: Ia Kargareteli Street
Cultural Awareness & Safety in Tbilisi
Georgia is a conservative and religious country (predominantly Orthodox Christian), so dressing modestly—especially in churches—is appreciated (cover shoulders and knees). While Tbilisi is modern and liberal compared to rural areas, public displays of affection are uncommon, and locals may stare.
Women travelers generally feel safe, even at night, but it’s wise to avoid poorly lit areas and use common sense. Catcalling is rare, but solo women might encounter occasional unwanted attention—politely ignoring it works best. Georgians are extremely hospitable; if invited to a supra (feast), expect endless toasts and generosity. A few Georgian phrases (“Gamarjoba” for hello, “Madloba” for thank you) go a long way in showing respect!
