Home › Destinations › Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)
Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi), საქართველო - Things to Do in Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)

Things to Do in Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)

Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi), საქართველო - Complete Travel Guide

Old Town Tbilisi (Dzveli Tbilisi) is the historic heart of Georgia's capital, a captivating maze of narrow cobblestone streets, colorful balconied houses, and ancient churches that tell the story of this 1,500-year-old city. Perched along the banks of the Mtkvari River and dominated by the imposing Narikala Fortress, this UNESCO World Heritage area seamlessly blends Georgian, Persian, Byzantine, and Soviet architectural influences, creating a unique urban landscape that feels like stepping back in time. The district is home to some of Tbilisi's most iconic landmarks, including the famous sulfur baths that gave the city its name, the leaning clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater, and the stunning Sioni Cathedral. With its atmospheric wine cellars, traditional restaurants serving khachapuri and khinkali, and vibrant arts scene, Old Town serves as both a living museum and the cultural pulse of modern Georgia, where locals and visitors alike gather to experience the legendary Georgian hospitality.

Top Things to Do in Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)

Explore Narikala Fortress and take the cable car

This 4th-century fortress offers panoramic views over Tbilisi and the Mtkvari River. The scenic cable car ride from Rike Park provides stunning aerial views of the Old Town's terracotta rooftops and winding streets. Inside the fortress, visit the restored St. Nicholas Church and walk along the ancient walls.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost around 2.5 GEL each way and operate daily 11am-11pm. Buy tickets at the station - no advance booking needed. Visit during golden hour (1 hour before sunset) for the best photography light.

Experience the traditional sulfur baths

Soak in the natural hot springs that gave Tbilisi its name at the historic Abanotubani district. These domed brick bathhouses have been welcoming visitors for centuries, offering therapeutic sulfur water baths and traditional massage services. Choose between public pools or private rooms for a more intimate experience.

Booking Tip: Private bath sessions cost 40-80 GEL per hour depending on the bathhouse. Orbeliani Baths are the most ornate but pricier. Visit weekday mornings for better availability and bring flip-flops and towels.

Wander through the charming streets and courtyards

Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of Shardeni, Erekle II, and Leselidze, discovering hidden courtyards with carved wooden balconies and vine-covered terraces. Each turn reveals art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafes tucked into centuries-old buildings. The area comes alive in the evening with street musicians and outdoor dining.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but consider joining a 3-4 hour walking tour (25-40 GEL) for historical context. Early morning or late afternoon offer the best lighting for photos and fewer crowds.

Visit the puppet theater and see the clock tower show

Watch the enchanting puppet show at the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater, housed in a whimsical building topped by a leaning clock tower. Every hour, an angel emerges from the clock to strike a bell, and at noon and 7pm, a more elaborate show depicts the cycle of life and death.

Booking Tip: Theater tickets range from 15-25 GEL and should be booked in advance online or at the box office. The hourly clock show is free to watch from the street - arrive 5 minutes early for the best viewing spot.

Discover Georgian cuisine and wine culture

Embark on a culinary journey through traditional restaurants and wine bars, sampling khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (soup dumplings), and Georgia's famous qvevri wines. Many establishments offer wine tastings featuring varieties from different Georgian regions, accompanied by local cheeses and churchkhela sweets.

Booking Tip: Restaurant meals cost 20-50 GEL per person. Wine tastings range from 15-35 GEL for 3-5 wines. Book dinner reservations, especially on weekends. Look for restaurants displaying the 'Slow Food' certification for authentic Georgian cuisine.

Getting There

Tbilisi's Shota Rustaveli International Airport is 20km from Old Town, connected by bus #37 (1 GEL, 45 minutes) or taxi (25-30 GEL, 30 minutes). From other Georgian cities, marshrutkas (minibuses) and trains arrive at central stations within walking distance or a short metro ride to Old Town. The area is easily accessible on foot from Avlabari metro station or by taking buses #31, #44, or #50 to various stops around the historic district.

Getting Around

Old Town Tbilisi is best explored on foot due to its narrow, cobblestone streets and pedestrian-only zones. The compact area can be covered entirely in a day of walking, though comfortable shoes are essential for the uneven surfaces and occasional steep inclines. For longer distances, use the efficient metro system (1 GEL per ride), city buses (1 GEL), or ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Yandex Taxi, which are widely available and affordable throughout the city.

Where to Stay

Sololaki District
Shardeni Street Area
Abanotubani
Metekhi Plateau
Avlabari
Mtatsminda Slope

Food & Dining

Old Town's dining scene ranges from cozy family-run taverns serving traditional Georgian fare to upscale restaurants with modern interpretations of local cuisine. Shardeni Street buzzes with outdoor terraces perfect for people-watching while enjoying khachapuri and local wines, while hidden courtyards house intimate wine bars specializing in natural Georgian wines. Don't miss trying khinkali at Machakhela, sampling various khachapuri styles at local bakeries, or experiencing a traditional supra (Georgian feast) at restaurants like Barbarestan or Culinarium Khasheria, where meals become cultural experiences complete with toasts and Georgian hospitality.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Tbilisi

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

View all food guides →

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
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Old Town Tbilisi is during late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable for walking and outdoor dining, ranging from 15-25°C. Summer can be quite hot and humid, but the long daylight hours and vibrant street life make it popular despite temperatures reaching 35°C. Winter offers a different charm with fewer crowds and cozy indoor wine bars, though some outdoor attractions may have limited hours and occasional snow can make cobblestone streets slippery.

Insider Tips

Visit the Chronicle of Georgia monument (20 minutes by taxi) early morning for dramatic photos without crowds
Many restaurants offer complimentary chacha (Georgian brandy) - it's customary to accept the hospitality
Download the Tbilisi Transport app for real-time bus schedules and the TBC Pay app for easy metro payments

Explore Activities in Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)