The Georgian capital holds so many treasures that they would be enough for several ordinary cities. We are talking about the most interesting places in Tbilisi, which are worth visiting during an independent trip to Georgia.
Translated from the Georgian language "Tbilisi" means "warm spring". A settlement in the Kura Valley has existed since the days of ancient Roman rule. In the capital of Georgia and its immediate suburbs, there are several ancient temples and monasteries, fortresses and picturesque medieval buildings, museums and green parks. They can be examined on their own in 1-5 days.
Attractions on the map of Tbilisi
What to see in Tbilisi in 1 day
If you have not decided for yourself what sights of Tbilisi to see first of all, feel free to go to the historical part of the city. The old town consists of Zamokala and Kvemokala, that is, the Upper and Lower parts. It's atmospheric: the cobbled streets are home to vine-covered houses, and the aromas of barbecues and the haze of braziers can be heard.
Narikala city fortress
The ancient citadel of Narikala rises on the spur of Mount Sololaki since the 4th century. The stone fortifications have been largely destroyed by wars and earthquakes, but they still leave a strong impression. On the territory of the fortress there is a completely restored Church of St. Nicholas of the 12th century.
There are no paved paths along the citadel, so don't forget about comfortable sports shoes. Get to the walls of the old fort, if only for the best observation deck in Tbilisi.
Opening hours and tickets... You can climb to the fortress on foot. But faster, more convenient and more spectacular - by cable car, laid from the Rike Park on the left bank of the Kura. Narikala is available around the clock and is free to visit. The cable car runs daily from 11:00 to 23:00. The ascent lasts 2 minutes and costs 2.5 GEL one way. Travel is paid with a Metromoney card - a universal travel card for the Georgian capital.
Botanical Garden
Behind the fortress there is a picturesque green area with an area of 128 hectares. The Botanical Garden in Tbilisi appeared at the end of the 19th century, and today more than 3.5 thousand plants grow in it. Come to the garden to stroll along the shady paths, admire the flowering trees and beautiful landscapes.
Opening hours and tickets... The Botanical Garden opens at 9:00 and, depending on the season, is open until 17: 00-20: 00. The day off is Monday. The entrance to the territory costs 2 GEL, and for visiting the Greenhouse with tropical plants you pay 1 GEL.
Sulfur baths
You can see hot sulphurous springs in Tbilisi in 1 day. They are located in the historical region of Abanotubani, on the right bank of the Kura. Persian architecture of buildings, especially the Motley Bath with minarets, attracts lovers of oriental architecture.
It is known that the health baths of Tbilisi were visited by A.S. Pushkin and Alexander Dumas the father. Today, as before, people come here for relaxation and pleasant health procedures.
Opening hours and tickets... The sulfur baths are open daily from 8:00 to 12:00. The most expensive VIP bath costs 150 GEL per hour. Prices for tickets to other bath complexes start at 30 GEL.
Anchiskhati Church
The oldest church in Tbilisi, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, is located in the northern part of the Old City. It was built in the middle of the 6th century and is now a functioning Orthodox church. The best views of it open from the east - from the parking lot and from the north - from the Gabriadze theater. Inside, in the twilight, you can see rows of round columns and 19th century frescoes.
Opening hours and tickets... The temple is open at any time and admission is free.
Sioni Cathedral
There are many ancient temples in the Old City, but Zion Cathedral stands out from the others. Any pilgrim, thinking about what to see in Tbilisi in 1 day, plans a visit to this ancient temple. Sioni is a beautiful one-domed church of the 12th century, inside there are frescoes by the 19th century isographer Grigory Gagarin.
Until 2006, the temple had the status of the cathedral of Georgia. It is consecrated in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and keeps the main Christian relic of the country - the cross of St. Nina.
Opening hours and tickets... The church is open any day from 9:00 to 17:00. You can get into it for free.
What to see in Tbilisi in 2 days
What else can you see in Tbilisi on your own? On the second day of your trip to the Georgian capital, we advise you to explore the surroundings of the Old City and visit museums that tell about the history of Georgia and Tbilisi.
The bridge of peace
The pedestrian crossing over the Kura has become one of the hallmarks of modern Tbilisi. The bridge is 156 m long and serves as a link between the Old and New Towns. An unusual glass dome closes those walking along the bridge from the heat. In the evenings, spectacular installations take place here - the lights are lit and the bridge shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow.
Metekhi district
The oldest settlement in ancient Tbilisi - Metekhi district - is located on a steep cliff on the left bank of the river. It was founded by the Georgian king Vakhtang Gorgasali. In the center of the settlement there was a royal residence, and the word "metekhi" meant ordinary buildings around the palace.
The pride of the region is the 12th century Metekhi temple towering on a cliff. In the 19th century, the church suffered a sad fate - it was given over to the soldiers' barracks. In the Soviet period, she also got it. During the rebuilding in 1974, all internal partitions were demolished, and the Experimental Theater began to work in the building. In 1988, the temple dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God was restored and handed over to the faithful. In front of the church there is a bronze monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali.
Opening hours and tickets... The temple is open any day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The entrance is free.
Rustaveli Avenue
On the 2nd day in Tbilisi, we advise you to look at Rutaveli Avenue - this way you will get acquainted with many architectural monuments and enjoy the ancient flavor.
The 1.5 km long street is planted with old plane trees. Monuments to Pushkin and Shota Rustaveli are installed on it. Here you can also see Vorontsov Palace... The imperial building housed the tsar's viceroy, and lived Stalin's mother - Ekaterina Dzhugashvili.
One of the architectural sights of the avenue - tenement house Melik-Azaryants, which was erected at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. Before the revolution, the huge building housed entertainment establishments and coffee houses. Today the old house with bas-reliefs is slowly falling into disrepair.
The southern part of the street faces Freedom Square... There is a tourist information center where you can get a map of the city.
In the house number 3 works National Museum of Georgia... Everyone who is interested in the historical past of the country and wants to look at the archaeological finds made on the territory of Georgia comes here.
Opening hours and tickets... The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Depending on the chosen exposition, the entrance costs 3-7 GEL.
Atsruni caravanserai
The inhabitants of old Tbilisi were mainly engaged in trade and crafts. The city's three-storey shopping center was built in 1818. It contained two and a half dozen shops, living quarters and warehouses where goods were stored. Today the building of the caravanserai at 8 Sioni Street has been restored. It houses souvenir shops, exhibition halls and a small museum of the history of Tbilisi.
Opening hours and tickets... The museum accepts visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. The entrance costs 3 GEL.
What to see for a tourist on day 3
On the third day of an independent trip around Tbilisi, you can see ancient temples and look into the local ethnographic museum.
Tsminda Sameba Cathedral
The tallest Georgian temple was built in 2004.It rises to 101 m and is clearly visible from different parts of the city. The cathedral is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and stands on the site where Armenians lived for centuries, as well as an ancient Armenian cemetery. The facades of the building are decorated with graceful arches and unique carvings. The unusual building, in addition to the above-ground part, has two underground floors.
Today the temple has the status of the cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Inside you can see a handwritten Bible, beautiful wall paintings and icons painted by Patriarch Elijah II.
Opening hours and tickets. The cathedral is open any day from 9:00 to 20:00. The entrance is free. They get here by buses No. 91 and 122 from the Avlabari metro station.
Juma Mosque
The Muslim temple, which is atypical for an Orthodox country, is very beautiful, so it is usually included in the list of attractions worth seeing in Tbilisi. An old red brick building with a minaret is located at 22 Botanikuri Street.
The mosque has an expressive domed roof and is decorated with colorful tiles. Today its parishioners are Azerbaijanis living in Tbilisi - Sunnis and Shiites.
Opening hours and tickets... The religious building is open to everyone on any day from morning to evening, except for the time of prayer. The entrance is free.
Vake Park and Ethnographic Museum
The territory of a large city park begins from Chavchavadze Avenue. In Georgian, "vake" means plain. A green area for recreation of residents of Tbilisi was founded in 1946 on the site of a former wasteland.
There is an unusual ethnographic museum near Turtle Lake in Vake. The open-air exposition occupies 52 hectares. There tourists find themselves among traditional Georgian buildings - openwork wooden houses, stone watchtowers, wineries and water mills. The museum contains samples of national clothes and household items, old spinning wheels, potters' products, carved furniture and carpets.
Opening hours and tickets... The doors of the museum are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00. Entrance ticket price - 3 GEL, excursions - 10 GEL.
What to see on days 4 and 5
After three days, when they managed to see the main sights of Tbilisi, they usually plan routes to historical and natural monuments in the vicinity of the capital of Georgia.
Bethany
The ancient monastery was founded in the 11th century during the reign of Queen Tamara. Today the temple complex in the gorge of the Vere River is a functioning monastery. Several monks constantly live in the well-groomed area. Unique icons, carved decorations and frescoes are kept here. Although Betania is only 16 km from the city, there is no public transport to reach it, so the best way to get to the monastery is by taxi.
Opening hours and tickets. The monastery is open to tourists and pilgrims during daylight hours. The entrance is free.
Lake Lisi
To relax in nature, go to a beautiful reservoir - to the west of Tbilisi. Lake Lisi is a popular resort area for residents of the city, and minibuses go to it from the railway station.
The natural reservoir has dimensions of 800 by 550 m. There is a large green area nearby, a boat rental has been created, and tennis courts are open. People come to Lisi to walk along the embankment, swim, feed the ducks and play paintball.
Opening hours and tickets... You can relax by the lake at any convenient time. The amusement park is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00. Renting a sun lounger on the beach costs 4 GEL.
