Things to Do in Freedom Square
Freedom Square, საქართველო - Complete Travel Guide
Freedom Square (Tavisuplebis Moedani) stands as the beating heart of Tbilisi, Georgia's vibrant capital city. This iconic plaza serves as both a gathering place for locals and a starting point for visitors exploring the rich tapestry of Georgian culture, history, and hospitality. Surrounded by impressive architecture including the Tbilisi City Hall and overlooking the ancient Metekhi Church across the Mtkvari River, the square perfectly embodies Georgia's blend of Soviet legacy and European aspirations.
Tbilisi itself is a captivating city where East meets West, offering visitors a unique experience through its cobblestone Old Town, sulfur baths, wine culture, and legendary Georgian cuisine. The city's strategic location along the ancient Silk Road has created a fascinating cultural fusion visible in everything from its diverse architecture to its welcoming people who maintain strong traditions while embracing modernity.
Top Things to Do in Freedom Square
Old Town Walking Tour
Explore Tbilisi's historic Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and ancient churches. Walk from Freedom Square through the atmospheric Shardeni Street to discover hidden courtyards, traditional architecture, and the famous sulfur bath district.
Booking Tip: Free walking tours run daily from Freedom Square (tip-based, 10-15 GEL suggested). Private guides cost 80-120 GEL for 3-4 hours. Book morning tours to avoid crowds and afternoon heat during summer.
Georgian Wine Tasting
Experience Georgia's 8,000-year winemaking tradition through tastings of unique qvevri wines and traditional varieties like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. Many wine bars and cellars near Freedom Square offer guided tastings paired with Georgian snacks.
Booking Tip: Wine tastings range from 25-60 GEL per person for 4-6 wines. Book evening sessions for best atmosphere. Look for experiences including traditional Georgian bread (shotis puri) and cheese pairings.
Narikala Fortress and Cable Car
Take the aerial tramway from Rike Park (near Freedom Square) to the ancient Narikala Fortress for panoramic views over Tbilisi. The 4th-century fortress offers stunning photo opportunities and insights into the city's defensive history.
Booking Tip: Cable car costs 2.5 GEL each way, operates 11 AM-11 PM daily. Buy a Tbilisi transport card for discounts. Visit during golden hour (1 hour before sunset) for best photography light.
Traditional Sulfur Bath Experience
Relax in Tbilisi's famous sulfur baths in the Abanotubani district, just steps from Freedom Square. These natural hot springs have been used for centuries and offer both public and private bathing options with traditional scrub treatments.
Booking Tip: Private baths cost 50-100 GEL per hour for 2-4 people. Public baths are 5-10 GEL per person. Book private baths in advance, especially weekends. Include traditional kisi (scrub) treatment for authentic experience.
Georgian Cooking Class
Learn to make iconic Georgian dishes like khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), and churchkhela (walnut candy) in hands-on cooking classes. Many classes include market visits and wine pairings with your prepared meal.
Booking Tip: Classes cost 60-120 GEL per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Book classes that include market tours for ingredient selection. Evening classes often include more wine and have a social atmosphere.
Getting There
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is located 17km southeast of the city center and Freedom Square. Airport buses (Bus 37) run every 30 minutes to Rustaveli Avenue near Freedom Square for 1 GEL, taking about 45 minutes. Taxis cost 25-35 GEL and take 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. For overland travel, Tbilisi is well-connected by marshrutka (minibus) and train to other Georgian cities, with the central train station just 2km from Freedom Square accessible by metro or taxi.
Getting Around
Tbilisi's compact city center around Freedom Square is highly walkable, with most major attractions within 15-20 minutes on foot. The metro system has two lines intersecting at key points, with Rustaveli station being closest to Freedom Square (5-minute walk). Buses and marshrutkas cost 1 GEL with a transport card (0.5 GEL). Taxis are abundant and affordable through Bolt app (3-8 GEL for city center trips), while traditional yellow taxis should be negotiated in advance. The city also offers bike rentals and e-scooters for exploring the flatter areas along the river.
Where to Stay
Old Town (Dzveli Kalaki)
Rustaveli Avenue
Sololaki District
Vera District
Mtatsminda
Marjanishvili
Food & Dining
Georgian cuisine around Freedom Square ranges from traditional supra (feast) restaurants to modern interpretations of classic dishes. Must-try items include khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (soup dumplings), and mtsvadi (grilled meat), paired with local wines or chacha (grape brandy). Rustaveli Avenue and nearby streets offer everything from family-run establishments serving authentic recipes passed down through generations to upscale restaurants reimagining Georgian flavors. The area also features international cuisine, cozy wine bars, and bustling food markets where you can sample fresh Georgian produce, spices, and traditional sweets like churchkhela.
When to Visit
The ideal time to visit Freedom Square and Tbilisi is during late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable (15-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. Summer months (June-August) can be quite hot and humid (25-35°C) but offer long daylight hours and vibrant street life. Winter (December-February) is mild but can be rainy and occasionally snowy, though this creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying warm Georgian hospitality indoors. Spring brings beautiful blooming trees throughout the city, while autumn offers pleasant weather for walking and outdoor dining.
Insider Tips
Learn the Georgian toast tradition - when someone makes a tamada (toastmaster) speech at dinner, wait for everyone to drink before taking a sip, and never refuse a toast as it's considered rude
Download the TBC Pay app for easy payment at most restaurants and shops around Freedom Square, as many places are still cash-only but this digital wallet is widely accepted
Visit the sulfur baths early morning (9-11 AM) or late evening after 8 PM to avoid crowds and get better service, plus the atmospheric lighting makes for better photos in the evening