Tbilisi, Georgia 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Tbilisi Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on exploring the historical and cultural heart of Tbilisi, with a few options for those who prefer more outdoorsy activities.

Day 1: Historical Tbilisi & Old Town Charm

  • Morning: Arrive in Tbilisi and check into your accommodation.
    • Where to stay: For a charming and traditional experience, consider staying in a guesthouse within the Old Town (“Altstadt”). This will immerse you in the local culture. Some popular choices are:
      • Hotel Stamba: A stylish hotel in a former Soviet film studio with unique design elements.
      • Boutique Hotel Rustaveli: Located on the main street, this hotel offers modern comforts with a historic touch.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) - a maze of cobblestone streets, winding alleys, and colorful buildings.
    • Things to do: Stroll along the cobbled streets, visit historical landmarks like Narikala Fortress, the Sulphur Baths, and the Georgian National Museum.
      • Lunch: Try a traditional Khachapuri at Shavi Lomi, known for its authentic recipes and cozy atmosphere.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and drinks in the Altstadt.

Day 2: Sulfur Baths & Culinary Delights

  • Morning: Experience the famous Sulphur Baths of Tbilisi (choose from Abano, Orbeliani or Chreli Abi). Relax and soak in the healing waters while enjoying the traditional ambiance.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Abanotubani district, wander through the narrow streets, and visit the historic bathhouses.

  • Things to do:

    • Visit a Sulphur Bath: Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Sulphur Baths in Tbilisi. Choose from traditional Georgian baths or modern spas in the city for a relaxing experience.
    • Enjoy the Abanotubani district: This area is filled with charming restaurants and bars.

  • Evening: Indulge in a delicious dinner at Cafe Littera, a literary-themed restaurant with excellent Georgian cuisine.

Things to know:

  • Sulphur Baths:
    • Abano (Old Sulfur Baths): Located near the Sulphur Baths, these are traditional bathhouses, offering a unique and historical experience.

Day 3: Beyond the Old Town

  • Morning: Visit the Dry Bridge Market, a treasure trove for antiques, handmade crafts, and Soviet-era memorabilia.

  • Afternoon: Take a cable car up to Narikala Fortress for breathtaking views of the city and a glimpse into Tbilisi’s past.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Old Town, followed by a stroll through the cobblestone streets after dark. The atmosphere changes at night, with more locals enjoying the sulphur baths, and the evening lights make it even more magical.

  • Day 4:

  • Morning: Explore the modern side of Tbilisi. Visit the Museum of Modern Art, the Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, or the Tbilisi History Museum for a deeper understanding of Georgia’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Georgian meal at a restaurant like Khinkali House, where you can savor the delicious flavors of khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (meat dumplings).

  • Evening: Experience the nightlife in Tbilisi. The city has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and restaurants offering live music and entertainment.

Day 5: Departure & Farewell to Tbilisi

  • Morning: Enjoy a relaxing morning at the baths, perhaps indulging in a traditional massage before leaving.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the National Botanical Garden of Georgia or visit the Tbilisi Zoo, taking in the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

Things to do:

  • Day 4: Enjoy a relaxing day out at a cafe with a view.
  • Activity: Visit the Tbilisi National Opera and Ballet Theatre for a breathtaking performance.

Things to know:

  • Where to stay: For a luxurious experience, consider staying in a hotel with a view of the city, such as Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, Fabrika Hostel, or the Fabrika Hostel’s rooftop bar.
  • Activities: Enjoy the traditional Georgian hospitality and explore the rich history of the city.

Enjoy your stay at the Tbilisi National Opera and Ballet Theatre and enjoy a delicious meal while you’re at it, but remember to be aware of the weather conditions and pack accordingly.

Transportation:

  • Tbilisi has a good public transportation system with buses, minibuses (marshrutkas), and the metro.
  • Marshrutkas: These are the most common form of transport in Tbilisi. They are cheap and frequent, but they can be crowded.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available and affordable in Tbilisi.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the Views: Take a walk up to Mtatsminda Park for stunning views of Tbilisi and its surroundings. The park offers various attractions like a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and restaurants with panoramic views.

  • Explore the City:

  • Old Town:

    • Visit historic sites:
      • Narikala Fortress: This ancient fortress overlooks the city and is accessible by a scenic hike or cable car. You can explore its ancient walls and towers, enjoy the views, and learn about its history.

  • Take a Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in the city’s past with a guided tour of the Old Town.

Things to do:

  • Visit historical sites: Explore the historic streets and discover hidden alleys while learning about the rich culture and history of Georgia.

  • Day 3: You can choose from numerous museums, churches, and historical museums in Tbilisi.

For a change of pace, spend the day exploring the modern side of Tbilisi.

Enjoy your stay:

  • Where to stay:

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the city’s parks and gardens:
      • Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Mtatsminda Park.

  • Visit the National Sulphur Baths:

Day 4:

  • Mtatsminda Fortress: Take the cable car up to Mtatsminda Park for stunning views of Tbilisi while enjoying the traditional ambiance.

  • Enjoy a relaxing walk through the historic Mtatsminda district and discover its unique charm. * Explore the National Botanical Garden, a tranquil oasis with diverse plant collections.

Day 4:

Visit the National Botanical Garden of Georgia:

  • Enjoy the views: The garden offers breathtaking scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.

  • Experience the history: Take a walk through the botanical gardens and explore its numerous historical sites.

  • Explore the historic architecture: You’ll find beautiful examples of ancient churches and modern architecture in Tbilisi.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Sulphur Baths: The National Botanical Garden of Georgia is home to a variety of rare plants and flowers.

  • Enjoy the peace and quiet

Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature.

  • Enjoy the views from the top of the hill, or explore the historical buildings and gardens within the city.

Things to remember:

  • Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL) is the local currency.
  • Language: Georgian is the official language.

Learn about the history of the Mtatsminda district and its beautiful views.

  • Safety: Tbilisi is a generally safe city, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft (especially in crowded areas).

  • Transportation:

  • Day trip:

Take a day trip to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, for a dose of history and culture.

  • Explore the historical city center.

  • Food and Drink:

  • Enjoy the flavors of Georgian cuisine at its finest.

  • Restaurants:

  • Explore the Food Scene:

Tbilisi has a vibrant food scene, so be sure to try some local delicacies.

Enjoy your time in Tbilisi!