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National Museum of Georgia, საქართველო - Things to Do in National Museum of Georgia

Things to Do in National Museum of Georgia

National Museum of Georgia, საქართველო - Complete Travel Guide

Tbilisi, the captivating capital of Georgia, is a city where ancient history meets vibrant modernity along the banks of the Mtkvari River. The National Museum of Georgia stands as the country's premier cultural institution, housing an extraordinary collection that spans millennia of Georgian heritage, from prehistoric artifacts to medieval treasures and contemporary art. Located in the heart of Tbilisi, this museum serves as the perfect introduction to Georgia's rich cultural tapestry and complex history. The museum's crown jewel is its unparalleled collection of Georgian gold artifacts, including pieces from the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia, alongside fascinating archaeological finds that tell the story of this crossroads between Europe and Asia. Beyond the museum walls, Tbilisi enchants visitors with its distinctive architecture blending Georgian, Persian, Byzantine, and Soviet influences, its renowned sulfur baths, and a thriving arts scene that makes it one of the Caucasus region's most dynamic destinations.

Top Things to Do in National Museum of Georgia

Explore the National Museum's Golden Fund Collection

Marvel at Georgia's most precious archaeological treasures, including stunning gold jewelry, ceremonial objects, and artifacts dating back over 4,000 years. The collection showcases the sophisticated craftsmanship of ancient Georgian kingdoms and includes some of the world's finest examples of cloisonné enamel work.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 15 GEL for adults with discounts for students and groups. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and consider hiring a guide (available for 30-50 GEL) to fully appreciate the historical context of the exhibits.

Discover Tbilisi's Old Town and Narikala Fortress

Wander through the atmospheric cobblestone streets of Old Tbilisi, exploring traditional balconied houses, artisan workshops, and historic churches. The ancient Narikala Fortress offers panoramic views over the city and houses the recently restored St. Nicholas Church with its striking modern frescoes.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on foot, though cable car tickets to Narikala cost 2.5 GEL each way. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and temperatures. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the uneven cobblestones.

Experience Traditional Georgian Sulfur Baths

Relax in the historic Abanotubani district's natural sulfur baths, a tradition dating back to the city's founding legends. These therapeutic hot springs are said to have healing properties and offer a uniquely Georgian wellness experience in beautifully tiled bath houses.

Booking Tip: Private baths range from 40-100 GEL per hour depending on the facility, while public baths cost around 3 GEL. Book in advance during peak season and bring flip-flops and a towel, or rent them on-site for a small fee.

Take a Georgian Wine and Food Tasting Tour

Immerse yourself in Georgia's 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition with tastings of unique qvevri wines paired with traditional dishes like khachapuri and khinkali. Learn about ancient fermentation techniques and sample varieties made from indigenous grape varieties found nowhere else in the world.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost 80-150 GEL per person and include 6-8 wine tastings with food pairings. Book with reputable operators who focus on small-batch, natural wines and traditional restaurants. Evening tours often provide the best atmosphere.

Visit Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery Day Trip

Explore Georgia's ancient capital and spiritual heart, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the dramatically positioned Jvari Monastery. These sacred sites represent the birthplace of Georgian Christianity and offer insights into the country's religious and architectural heritage.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 60-120 GEL per person including transportation and guide, or take marshrutka public transport for 2 GEL each way. Spring and autumn offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Modest dress is required for church visits.

Getting There

Tbilisi is accessible via Shota Rustaveli International Airport, located 17km southeast of the city center, with direct flights from major European cities, Istanbul, and regional destinations. The airport bus (Line 37) costs 1 GEL and takes 45 minutes to reach the city center, while taxis cost 25-40 GEL. Overland travelers can reach Tbilisi by bus or marshrutka from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, with the main bus station located at Didube. The city is also connected by overnight trains to Baku and Yerevan, offering scenic routes through the Caucasus mountains.

Getting Around

Tbilisi's compact city center is highly walkable, with most major attractions within easy walking distance of each other. The efficient metro system (1 GEL per ride) connects key areas, while buses and marshrutkas provide comprehensive coverage for 1 GEL per journey. Taxis are affordable and readily available through apps like Bolt or Yandex, with most rides within the city costing 5-15 GEL. The cable car system offers scenic transportation to Narikala Fortress and Mtatsminda Park, while bike-sharing stations are increasingly common in central areas.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)
Rustaveli Avenue
Sololaki District
Vake
Saburtalo
Mtatsminda

Food & Dining

Tbilisi's dining scene brilliantly showcases Georgia's legendary hospitality and diverse culinary traditions, from traditional supra feasts to innovative contemporary Georgian cuisine. The Old Town harbors atmospheric wine bars and family-run restaurants serving authentic khachapuri, khinkali, and grilled meats, while Rustaveli Avenue and Vake offer upscale dining experiences and international options. Don't miss trying churchkhela (Georgian snickers), badrijani (eggplant rolls), and the famous Georgian bread, alongside natural wines from small producers. Many restaurants stay open late and embrace the Georgian tradition of lengthy, convivial meals accompanied by heartfelt toasts.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Tbilisi

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Vera Italiana Restaurant

4.8 /5
(1364 reviews) 2
bar

Ratto Bistró

4.7 /5
(1205 reviews)

ALFREDO

4.7 /5
(1098 reviews)

Tbilisimo

4.8 /5
(760 reviews)

Farina Tbilisi

4.8 /5
(731 reviews)

Ambrosiano

4.6 /5
(749 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Tbilisi is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 20-25°C, and the city enjoys clear skies perfect for sightseeing and photography. Summer can be quite hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, though this is peak season for festivals and outdoor dining. Winter offers a different charm with occasional snow and fewer crowds, making it perfect for museum visits and cozy wine bar experiences, though some attractions may have reduced hours. The grape harvest season in September-October is particularly magical for wine enthusiasts.

Insider Tips

Visit the museum's temporary exhibition halls which often feature fascinating displays of contemporary Georgian art and rotating archaeological collections not always on permanent display.
Download the 'Tbilisi Transport' app for real-time public transport information and consider getting a Metromoney card for convenient payment across all transport systems.
Many Georgian restaurants don't open until 12pm for lunch and 7pm for dinner, but when they do, meals can last for hours - embrace the slow dining culture and don't rush the experience.

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