The temple, a humble brick structure with a plastic roof, is no longer active. As you wander the Old Town, youll see beautiful ceramic signs on some streets. In 1997, a new statue replaced the old one. Erected in 1972 to replace the original 1955 version that was moved to Gori, the TV Tower is another timeless symbol of Tbilisi. So happy to hear this! May I ask can I still use gotrip/google maps in Georgia even without a Georgian sim card? The highlight of any visit to Tbilisi is a stroll through the Old Town. Great museum for kids that includes a diverse set of fun activities to stimulate the learning of STEM! Im planning a solo trip to Georgia this early May and will mostly travel around Tbilisi. Ive lived in Tbilisi for more than 13 years. There are crumbling beauties and stunning public buildings around every corner. Loose leaf teas are available to buy as well. Some people think Fabrika embodies Tbilisi cool. Its amazing to think that some of these buildings are still inhabitable. and would like to say how enormously useful your blog is. When it opened in 1966, Tbilisis underground was the fourth metro system in the Soviet Union. There is a casual bakery on the bottom level of the Restaurant Funicular where you can still buy these sweet treats. Fun Activities & Games in Tbilisi Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nightlife Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Fun & Games The location in an up-and-coming part of Chugureti is ideal for dining and nightlife. In the past, the steep streets of the Old Town were even more difficult to navigate hence why enterprising locals decided to connect the upper and lower parts of the city with a set of stone steps. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. Just about every city block has its own Shotis bakery often located in a basement with a traditional round Tone oven. Personally, Ill always have a soft spot for this venue its simply one of the best places in Tbilisi to drink, eat, shop, work and socialise. Wine or die! Copyright 2015-2023 Emily Margaret Naughton Lush. 'Tour' the regions at the Ethnography Museum, 51. A first-timer's guide to Georgia, gateway to the Caucasus. It is only recently that I have been hearing a lot about it. Have you personally used their services? By the 1990s, there were six lines in Tbilisi, two of which (Turtle Lake and the State University Cable Car) are still running today on their old Soviet-era machinery. Ateshgah was built some time between the 5th-7th centuries when there was a heavy Persian influence in the city. The clandestine hangout was exposed and destroyed in 1906. Tbilisi is the kind of city that draws you in, reveals itself slowly, then gets right under your skin. BUDGET: Pushkin 10 ( 9.4). Educate yourself at the Soviet Occupation Hall, 40. I love it!!! You can smell, taste and hear the diversity but most obviously, you can plainly see it in the citys eclectic architecture. 13. Thanks! On Gudiashvili Square youll see another example of typical Tbilisi stained glass windows. Ill be doing the stuff mentioned here and get back to you on them! And its so cool that you were able to make those dumplings with your Airbnb host!! If youre searching for edible souvenirs, this is a great place to buy artisan food products such as Georgian spices, wine and chacha, dried fruits, local honey, and tea from Guria. The sweet Mingrelian Oda houses and the Mesketian house are my favourites. The sunny kitchen and breakfast room with city views is a highlight. I hope you get to visit soon! The Tbilisi Zoo is a great place to take kids for a fun day out. 2023. Important note! #1 Explore Tbilisi Old Town Sitting at the foot of a steep hill, Tbilisi's historical district also known simply as the Old Town is the most atmospheric part of the city. Im so glad youre finally able to visit Georgia. Tbilisi doesnt have the best track record when it comes to caring for its historic buildings. Later it was used as a gym and a library before eventually housing artists studios. This post was very inspiring. Thank you 1000 times! All Rights Reserved. Georgian national dance is an incredible spectacle. The Betlemi Rise Viewpoint has plenty of bench seating under shady vines. 1. First published in 2017 and freshly updated for 2023, this is my mega Tbilisi Guide. Your blog is AMAZING Oh yes an essential part of any visit. Discover all the best things to do in Georgia! In your opinion, will this be a convenient mode of travel on our first day? Feb 17, 2022 9 min read. I would love to hear your suggestions too! Another one is the Blue House on restored Gudiashvili Square (see #25 below). MID-RANGE: Vagabond B&B ( 9.3). Your blog made me completely change our familys travel plans this summer and we are now heading to Tbilsi and the mountains! The Turtle Lake cable car departs from a bottom station adjacent to Vake Park and goes up to the lake (#48 on this list), and is a convenient way to get to the Open Air Museum of Ethnography (#49 on this list) and Rachis Ubani restaurant. It was around this time that Tbilisians started referring to their outdoor spaces as Italian courtyards, apparently a nod to the Mediterranean-inspired lifestyle they evoke. Im so happy to hear that, Emma! Thank you for this post. Yum. Peaceful protesters were poisoned by chemical gas, while Soviet soldiers sent by Colonel-General Radianov were armed with blunt weapons and shovels. Located in an old underground swimming pool in the depths of Dinamo Stadium, this club is a Tbilisi institution. Im so glad to hear youre enjoying the Caucasus and that youve found my posts useful. See tickets See tours. You can immediately feel the difference as this area is more organised with a gridded layout. Im currently travelling in Georgia and it completely changed how I see the country now. Check out my transport guide for getting to Kakheti from Tbilisi and my detailed guide to visiting Kakheti, the cradle of viticulture. If you want to use Google Maps, you will need to download the map for offline use. Entrance to the museum costs 12 GEL (card preferred). Shop & dine at the new Bazari Orbeliani, 33. Grab a Ponchiki at Restaurant Funicular, 36. Try the Adjika ice cream at The Cone Culture, 37. Set inside a magnificent house designed by Paul Stern in 1895, the Art Palace of Georgia is a twofer: Not only are the objects on display inspiring, but the building itself is a work of art. The opulent interior is all marble and gold I find the outside equally spectacular, especially the view of the towering facade on approach. Learn more. The door to the Kaleidoscope House might be shut for safety reasons. Its a perfectly imperfect example of a Soviet-era monolith, and quite something when youre standing inside peering up through the columns. The food also sounds incredible. The range is a lot smaller than it was once most of the lower level has been cleared out to make way for a big cocktail bar. This is an old Latin phrase meaning take care or good health a sweet sentiment that captures the spirit of Tbilisi so well. #ideservethis. Take a cooking class with Georgian Flavors, 30. Just outside one of the most-visited Tbilisi tourist attractions, Theatre Square with its leaning clock tower, tiny Anchiskhati Basilica is hidden away and quite conspicuous. Outdoor Activities in Tbilisi Enter dates Filters Outdoor Activities Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Outdoor Activities Nature & Wildlife Tours Adrenaline & Extreme Tours Hiking & Camping Tours Is the metro station within Tbilisi accessible? Just wanted to say that your blog is amazing! Thanks for your comment, Darrah! Designed in 1850 by architect Timote Beloi and financed by the citys craftsmen guilds or Amkaris, the Betlemi Street Stairs run from Sololaki to Upper Betlemi Church, then on towards the Mother of Georgia. The church was then repurposed as a bakery, but apparently the dough mysteriously refused to rise. Learn more about me here. The Tbilisi Aviation Factory was the USSRs only manufacturer of cable cars, so its little wonder why. After an exhilarating day on the snow fields, warm up with a HOT traditional meal hosted by a local family for an authentic Georgian experience. Or you can hire a bike and cycle on the tracks or quiet roads. I hope to visit Poland soonmaybe you can give me some pointers. Beyond the wooden doors is a treasure trove of hand-pressed floor tiles, hand-painted frescoes, wrought iron staircases, and stained glass windows. Since there is lots of broken glass and metal around the place, I recommend avoiding the area until work is complete. There are multiple routes you can take (including a 3-hour hike from Turtle Lake), but I prefer to either climb the stairs via Mtatsminda Pantheon or to take the marked path that starts from behind the Church Of Mikhail of Tver off Rustaveli Avenue. Fun Activities & Games in Tbilisi Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveller favourites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveller Resources Types of Attractions Nightlife Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Sights & Landmarks 4. Here are my favourite activities and experiences that revolve around food and drink. Here are my favourite Soviet throwbacks. I already love the food. You have a very good taste and you are very detail oriented. Nestled in the yard at Mamadaviti church, halfway up Mount Mtatsminda Holy Mountain (the one with the TV Tower on top), this is the final resting place of some of Georgias most important artists, poets, writers, historians, and political dissidents. You can climb into the belly of the church from the adjacent car park. When the weather gets warm, locals flock to the lake. All these neighbourhoods are safe with a great local vibe, beautiful architecture, and plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars nearby. Shop for Lurji Supra & other handicrafts, 14. Zurab also cultivates seedlings that you can buy for your own garden for 5 GEL a piece. Old Tbilisi or Dzveli Tbilisi is a vast area that stretches from Abanotubani (the sulfur bath district) up to Sololaki and across the river to Old Avlabari and Chugureti on the Left Bank. There are always people around so if in doubt, ask a local to point you the right way. The combination of Georgian, Jewish, Armenian and German heritage makes it a fascinating area to explore. Take a selfie at the Kaleidoscope House, 23. You can also use this code for the Former Palace of Rituals Tour Friendly.ge is the only company currently offering English-language tours of this iconic building in Avlabari. The shape, decorations, and structure are spectacular and definitely worth a visit, as it is free to visit and open 24/7. THE 10 BEST Tbilisi Things to Do with Kids Things to Do in Tbilisi with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Nature & Parks This looks so cool! One quirk of the citys anatomy that youll see all over Tbilisi (especially in Sololaki and Chugureti) are the so-called Italian courtyards. At just 1-1.20 GEL a piece, Puri is the perfect on-the-go snack when youre pounding the pavement in Tbilisi. Once you buy a sim, download the Magti app and you can get unlimited 4G for 5 GEL/week. Learn more. The Fabrika Courtyard houses half a dozen cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques including Flying Painter Store, which sells a small collection of retro garments made in the factory. On the opposite side of the avenue to the ceramic stairs, youll find another intriguing art installation. Its position at the frontier of Europe and Asia and location on the old Silk Road has gifted the city with a huge mix of architectural styles and traditions. Once youve ticked off the top two delicacies, seek out Tbilisis best restaurants and sink your teeth into regional Georgian cooking. You dont need a sim, GoTrip is a web platform rather than an app. Your blog is gorgeous and photos are amazing! I can totally sympathise: Georgian cuisine is surely one of the most underrated on earth. Thanks for sharing all the beauty and hidden gems. But you wont find many of the typical big ticket attractions on this list. Turtle Lake is another popular choice with several hiking trails. Ive been reading lots of negative reviews about Get Your Guide so wanted to verify it from you as you promote them in your blogs. In April 1989, the church almost completely collapsed in the days following an earthquake. Two museums the new Museum of Repressed Writers (below right) and the David Sarajishvili Museum, which describes the owners life are located inside. 63 Comments Planning a trip to Georgia and wondering what to do in Tbilisi? I particularly love the gallery devoted to Nave artists Z. Sekhniashvili and S. Tatishvili on the lower level, and most of all the sketches by Kutaisi legend Petre Otskheli upstairs. Then you notice the small doorway. Thanks for the great tips and insights into Tbilisi (and for making my bucket list longer). The sculpture consists of 16 pillars that tower 35 metres tall, each wrapped in metal bas reliefs. Fabrika. Sip Georgian tea at the Bitadze Tea Shop, 34. I recommend all visitors take the time to learn how this harrowing period impacted the nation, and theres really no better place to do that than at the Soviet Occupation Hall. Its impossible to visit Georgia without brushing up against Soviet history. If youre not familiar with Georgian polyphony, this is a unique vocal style that involves singing multiple melody lines in unison. Offers a variety of activities such as billiard, table tennis and . Thanks Rasch! Oh, I will be exploring the Caucasus Mountains, also. Thanks for the kind words, Dee! Glad to hear it. If there were one landmark to symbolise Tbilisi, it wouldnt be the Peace Bridge or even Narikala it would be Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia). Drive to the Ski resort of Gudauri, where you'll have 5 hours to enjoy snow fun! Thank you so much Caroline, thats really kind of you to say. From there, you can continue up the metal stairs behind the church to reach the top of the hill, or take the path down the opposite side to get back into the heart of Old Tbilisi. 5. Rooms are stunning, the buffet breakfast is one of the best in the city, and there are several onsite bars. BOUTIQUE: Communal Hotel Plekhanovi ( 9.4). The food is divine, and the setting unmatched in its tranquility. Another question is from Tbilisi airport since you recommend not to buy the sim card there, will it be possible to only buy the data/internet like for google maps/gotrip without the sim card yet? Shamkoretsots Astvatsatsin (AKA Karmir Avetaran Church) was the tallest Armenian Apostolic church in Tbilisi when it was completed in 1809. Its very inspiring. I first heard about Georgia a few years ago Now Tbilisi is without a doubt my favourite city. Any thoughts from your perspective as a person on the ground there would be appreciated. Tips for using public transport in Tbilisi, Quick guide to visiting Narikala Fortress & Sololaki hill, A look inside some of Tbilisis most beautiful houses, my tips for making the most of your visit to the Dezerter Bazaar, My experience cooking with Georgian Flavors, Everything you need to know about visiting Stalins Printing Press, Secret tips for visiting the Chronicles of Georgia, Soviet Brutal Exploration Tour of Tbilisi, venues in Tbilisi that host regular Georgian folk dance and music performances, https://wander-lush.org/best-views-in-tbilisi-photography/, How to Travel by Overnight Sleeper Train from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Vice Versa), 30 Awesome Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia, 12 Things to Do in Gyumri, Armenias Historic Second City, 16 Best Cities in Poland for Travellers: Classic Destinations & Underrated Alternatives, 17 Ivane Machabeli Street (painted entryway), 18 Tabidze Street (Brothers Seilanovs house), 9 Geronti Kikodze Street (wrought iron stairs, pictured above), Wedding House building frieze (Uznadze Street), Former House of Political Education frieze (61 Aghmashenebeli Avenue), Trade Union Cultural Center mosaic (43 Vazha Pshavela Avenue), Ortachala Fire Station mosaic (34 Gorgasali Street), The Former Archaeology Museum & St. Nino Monument. Bettie. Photographs, journal entries and personal ephemera humanise the history. Weve loved reading your posts not just for the great tips but a pleasure to read. Mtatsminda Park is without a doubt the best sunset spot in Tbilisi. Most people dont get a chance to visit the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia on Western Georgias Black Sea coast, but that doesnt mean you have to miss out on the regions incredible cuisine. Various paths take you through a Japanese Garden and to the Botanic Garden Waterfall, located on the northern edge. Admire the gravestones at Mtatsminda Pantheon, 19. Dont forget to grab a Ponchiki donut or two while youre up there and maybe ride the Ferris Wheel in Mtatsminda Park if youre game! By ilzandrade. Day Trips from Tbilisi Tbilisi to Tbilisi Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises Regarding restrictions: Masks are mandatory at all times (indoors and outside). True to form, many of its stations were embellished with mosaics, friezes and other decorations, many of which have lasted until today. View the collection at the mesmerising Art Palace of Georgia, 17. Inside, the bite-sized candies are super-soft balls of walnut. Popular flavours include tarragon (neon green in colour), quince, cherry, and my personal favourite, chocolate! Updated May 11, 2023 // By Margherita There are so many things to do in Tbilisi - from exploring interesting architecture to Soviet time sights, without forgetting delicious Georgian cuisine! I am busy plotting our long-awaited trip to Georgia (somewhere myself and my husband have wanted to visit for the last 20 years literally!) through the entire service the liturgical singing usually happens towards the end. I just wanted to say thank you so much for your amazing detailed blogs! However, if you want to try, here are our favourite activities in Tbilisi! 6. Your email address will not be published. Old Tbilisi is a huge area that includes Abanotubani, Betlemi Street, and the area around the Old Meidani Square plus the Avlabari and Chugureti districts across the river. After a robbery and a failed restoration attempt, it shut its doors to parishioners in 1937. Top Tbilisi Fun Activities & Games: See reviews and photos of fun activities & games in Tbilisi, Georgia on Tripadvisor. Youll find it on Meskhia Street, sandwiched between the Biltmore Hotel and the courtyard at MOMA Tbilisi (the Museum of Modern Art), founded by the artist in 2012. I love a good local market and lucky for me, Tbilisi has plenty to browse through. Travel Tbilisi: the world's most bohemian city Tbilisi has a thriving new bohemian scene, from nightclubs to speakeasy cafes. Im sure you will have a marvellous time the mountains will be refreshing and beautiful Im sure. Made from wheat flour and shaped like a tiny, delicious little canoe, Shotis Puri bread is another example of Georgian food par excellence. Im treating myself to a few days in Tbilisi this weekend to get a break from humanitarian work in Iraq. 513. Just be sure you choose a tour with a good rating! Three of the most striking structures, the Public Services Hall (AKA mushroom building), Rike Park Concert Hall and the Bridge of Peace, are all located around Rike Park on the Left Bank of the Kura river. Thank you so much for your reply. Read on for the best things to do in Tbilisi, accurate and up to date for whats open now and current restrictions. Arrived in Tbilisi December 2019 and received a little bottle of red wine at passport control, what a welcome! For more helpful tips, here are 23 things to know before you visit Georgia. If ur from an european country which means gel is cheap for u then try buying clothes or stuff but dont buy anything on the main street! Yes I read that recently in the news! I wonder if you can share some spots for panoramic landscape observance? On the western side of Rustaveli there is a long flight of stairs that leads up to the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts on Griboedov Street. Its my fourth day and I just want to thank you your blog helps us a lot. From the outside, the sculpture is more than a bit mysterious. Order at least two Ponchiki per person to avoid disappointment (theyre very moreish). But my favourite spot of all, the location where I took this photo, can be reached on foot. One thing I love about Tbilisi is that its totally acceptable to ring the buzzer on an apartment building and hope that someone will let you into the foyer. Best Group Activities in Tbilisi Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Boat Tours & Water Sports Nightlife Nature & Parks These are the only restrictions currently, but things could change at any time. Wow, this post was very complete! If youre serious about wine, youll want to head out of Tbilisi to explore Kakheti, Georgias premier wine region. It is perfect for photographers and urbexers alike. Rustaveli is known for its museums and galleries. We are planning to come to Georgia in October but in the last few days have read so much about Russians flooding over the border in response to the draft. The repainted and remoulded facades are glorious, and many of the interior frescoes have been refreshed too. On my first visit to Tbilisi, I met lots of travellers who had come to Georgia just for the food. If its your first time visiting Tbilisi, I recommend staying somewhere in the city centre. Yes youve come at the perfect time for hiking, nice temperatures and beautiful fall colours. If youre not prepared for the steep uphill walk, you can alternatively reach the Pantheon by riding the Tbilisi Funicular to the first station. 9. As the name implies, the museum is a great place to go to for mind-boggling optical illusions and visual tricks. It is home to over 200 species of animals, including tigers, lions, bears, monkeys, and more. You can see the name of the company on the tour page I also recommend Googling them to check reviews on other platforms such as TripAdvisor. First published in 2017 and freshly updated for 2023, this is my mega Tbilisi Guide. More than that, though, the metro is a part of Tbilisis identity. Something like that. Walking Tours Private and Luxury Car Tours Night Tours Cultural Tours Food Tours Overnight Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Full-day Tours Half-day Tours Culinary Tours Historical Tours Wine Tours Wine Tastings Spring Break Layover Tours Shore Excursions When are you traveling? Listening to a well-rehearsed ensemble is almost an otherworldly experience, especially in a church with tailored-made acoustics. Good tip! Where else in the world would you happily hand your wallet or handbag over to a complete stranger? I spent years searching for a good hands-on cooking class in Tbilisi and finally found one in Georgian Flavors, a boutique company run by my friend and food guru, Irma Laghadze. Thanks, Sarah! I really hope you enjoyed your time here and will be back again soon! Perhaps the countrys most prolific street artist, LAMB has a style that is instantly recognisable and uniquely Georgian (Khinkali feature heavily in his graff). Each headstone in the necropolis is completely unique and inspired by the figure it commemorates. Needless to say its best when piping hot. Their tiny shop-museum in Sololaki doubles as a tasting room, where you can sample local black, green and fruit blends. Many mansions have the word Salve imprinted in terrazzo at the front door. Top 14 attractions in Tbilisi #1 Tbilisi Aerial Tramway 481 Opened in 2012, Tbilisi's aerial tramway connects Rike Park on the left bank of the Mtkvari river to the Narikala Fortress. To get there, I recommend you follow the well-lit road from Sololaki (Mama Daviti Rise). Thanks for everything! Abkhazian fare is unlike anything else youll eat in Georgia. I hope you have a wonderful trip! The lookout here is like a giant balcony with panoramic 360-degree views of the entire city, and it takes on a special atmosphere at dusk when the sky is painted rose and violet. An easy way to see Georgian folk dance year-round (usually paired with folk singing and polyphony) is with a dinner and a show. Standing 30-meter tall, this massive 16-pilar monument overlooks the Tbilisi sea. There is also a sign indicating that a construction project will soon take place on this site. Smell the snow roses at Gardenia Shevardnadze, 50. When the afternoon sun hits at just the right angle, it paints a colourful pattern onto the stairs and wooden balustrades. 3.By using gotrip, is there any estimated time for the drivers to come pick us up from our current location. If youve been missing spicy food, this is your Hail Mary. While popular Shardeni Street and the Cotton Rows are nice, I prefer Sololaki, the old merchant district, which lies west of Freedom Square. See Tripadvisor's 185,933 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Tbilisi attractions . Feel small at Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), 11. Each one of Tbilisis famous domed bathhouses (there are about a dozen) taps into the precious warm waters to offer a range of health and beauty treatments. Important update (June 2023): A proper walking path up to the monastery from Firdousi Street is now being constructed.
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