Things to Do in Tbilisi

About Tbilisi

Tbilisi sits between Europe and Asia, and locals still pour wine from clay vessels buried underground the way merchants did centuries ago. The Georgian capital mixes Orthodox churches, crumbling Soviet apartment blocks with iron balconies, and new glass towers that look nothing like the rest of the city. Walk the Old Town and you'll find wine cellars, bakeries selling khachapuri, and galleries hidden in old courtyards. Georgians don't wait for introductions. They'll invite you to a supra feast, pour you more wine than you can drink, and treat you like family before they know your name. Street musicians sing polyphony harmonies that sound ancient. The hospitality isn't exaggerated. Take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress at sunset—the Mtkvari River turns gold and the city spreads out below in layers of different eras. Time moves slower here. Every evening offers something new to stumble across.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Metro rides cost 1 GEL ($.37) with rechargeable cards. Bolt and Yandex operate with rides across center costing 8-15 GEL (-5.55). Marshrutka minibuses run 1 GEL ($.37) for most routes. Cable car to Narikala costs 2.5 GEL ($.92).

Money: Georgian Lari (GEL) used everywhere. ATM fees typically 2-3 GEL ($.74-1.11). Credit cards accepted widely in Tbilisi. Tipping 10% is standard at restaurants. Exchange USD or EUR at banks for better rates than hotels.

Cultural Respect: Georgians are very hospitable; accept offered food and drink graciously. Remove shoes when entering homes. Orthodox churches require modest dress and covered heads for women. Toasting at dinner tables follows specific traditions.

Food Safety: Traditional restaurants charge 20-50 GEL (.40-18.50) per meal. Must-try khachapuri costs 8-15 GEL (-5.55) and khinkali dumplings 1-2 GEL ($.37-0.74) each. Tap water is safe. Georgian wine (15-40 GEL/.55-14.80) is exceptional value.

When to Visit

Tbilisi shines brightest during late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures hover between 20-25°C with minimal rainfall (30-40mm monthly). These shoulder seasons offer 20-30% lower accommodation prices than peak summer while delivering perfect weather for walking tours and outdoor dining. Summer (June-August) brings sweltering heat (28-32°C) and occasional thunderstorms, but rewards visitors with lively street life, outdoor festivals, and extended daylight until 9 PM. Expect peak pricing with hotels charging 40-50% premiums. Winter (December-February) transforms the city into a cozy wonderland with temperatures around 5-10°C and occasional snow, offering the lowest prices (50% off peak rates) and authentic local experiences minus crowds. The Tbilisi Jazz Festival electrifies October, while the Christmas Market illuminates December. Spring brings the anticipated Tbilisi Open Air festival in June and the internationally acclaimed Art Gene Festival in May. Budget travelers should target January-March for maximum savings, while festival ensoiasts should book early for May and October events. Wine lovers will find September-October ideal for harvest season celebrations in nearby Kakheti region, easily accessible via day trips from the capital.