Things to Do in Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, საქართველო

Tbilisi, the enchanting capital of Georgia, is a city where ancient history seamlessly blends with modern charm. Nestled along the banks of the Mtkvari River and surrounded by hills, this 1,500-year-old city captivates visitors with its distinctive architecture, featuring traditional wooden balconies, Soviet-era structures, and contemporary glass buildings. The city's name derives from the Georgian word 'tbili,' meaning warm, referring to the natural sulfur hot springs that have attracted settlers for centuries. At the heart of Tbilisi's cultural scene stands the magnificent Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, a neoclassical masterpiece that has been the city's premier venue for performing arts since 1851. The theatre, with its ornate interior and exceptional acoustics, hosts world-class opera and ballet performances, making it an essential cultural destination. Beyond the theatre, Tbilisi offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from wandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Town to sampling the renowned Georgian cuisine and wine, all while enjoying the legendary Georgian hospitality that makes every visitor feel like family.

Top Things to Do in Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre

Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Tbilisi's historic heart with its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and traditional architecture. The area features the iconic Narikala Fortress, sulfur baths district, and charming wooden balconies that define the city's character. Don't miss the stunning views from the fortress and the relaxing experience at the historic Abanotubani sulfur baths.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours are available daily (tip-based, budget 10-15 GEL). Private guided tours cost 80-120 GEL for 3-4 hours. Book morning tours to avoid crowds and heat, especially in summer. Look for guides certified by the Georgian National Tourism Agency.

Georgian Wine Tasting Experience

Discover Georgia's 8,000-year wine-making tradition through tastings of unique qvevri wines and traditional varieties like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. Many venues offer paired tastings with Georgian cheese, churchkhela, and other local delicacies. Learn about the ancient qvevri method, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Booking Tip: Wine tastings range from 25-60 GEL per person at local wine bars. Full-day Kakheti region tours cost 150-200 GEL including transport and multiple tastings. Book through reputable operators and specify your preference for traditional qvevri wines. Avoid tours during harvest season (September-October) unless specifically interested in that experience.

Cable Car and Narikala Fortress Visit

Take the modern cable car from Rike Park to reach the ancient Narikala Fortress, offering panoramic views over Tbilisi and the Mtkvari River. The 4th-century fortress provides excellent photo opportunities and houses the St. Nicholas Church. The cable car ride itself is a scenic experience, especially beautiful at sunset.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost 2.50 GEL each way, operating 11 AM-11 PM daily. Buy tickets with cash at the station or use a Metromoney card. Visit during golden hour (1 hour before sunset) for best photography. The fortress itself is free to explore once you reach the top.

Georgian Cooking Class

Learn to prepare iconic Georgian dishes like khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), and mtsvadi (grilled meat) in hands-on cooking workshops. Classes typically include market visits to select fresh ingredients and conclude with enjoying your prepared meal paired with Georgian wine. Many classes also teach the art of making traditional Georgian sauces and spices.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes cost 80-150 GEL per person for 4-5 hours including meal and wine. Book classes that include market tours for a more authentic experience. Look for small group classes (6-8 people maximum) for better personal attention. Many operators offer pickup from central locations.

Mtatsminda Park and Funicular Railway

Ride the historic funicular railway up Mount Mtatsminda to reach the amusement park and enjoy spectacular city views. The journey includes stops at the Pantheon of Georgian writers and the TV tower. At the top, Mtatsminda Park offers rides, restaurants, and some of the best panoramic views of Tbilisi, especially magical at night when the city lights up below.

Booking Tip: Funicular tickets cost 2 GEL each way, operating 10 AM-midnight. Park entry is free but individual rides cost 3-5 GEL each. Purchase a day pass for 25 GEL if planning multiple rides. Visit in evening for cooler temperatures and beautiful city lights. The restaurant at the top offers fine dining with views but book ahead on weekends.

Getting There

Tbilisi is easily accessible via Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, located 17 kilometers southeast of the city center. The airport serves numerous international destinations with direct flights from major European cities, Istanbul, and regional capitals. From the airport, take Bus 37 to the city center (1 GEL, 45 minutes), use official airport taxis (25-30 GEL), or book airport transfers through your hotel. Tbilisi is also well-connected by land, with regular bus services from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, plus the overnight train from Yerevan offering a scenic journey through the Caucasus mountains.

Getting Around

Tbilisi offers excellent public transportation including metro, buses, and minibuses (marshrutkas) that cover the entire city efficiently and affordably. Purchase a Metromoney card (2 GEL) and load credit for seamless travel on all public transport (1 GEL per ride). The metro system has two lines connecting major districts and attractions. Taxis are abundant and inexpensive - use Bolt or Yandex apps for reliable service, with most city rides costing 5-15 GEL. The historic Old Town is best explored on foot, while cable cars and the funicular railway provide scenic access to elevated attractions. Walking is pleasant in the city center, though be prepared for some steep streets and stairs.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Dzveli Kalaki)

Rustaveli Avenue

Vera District

Vake

Saburtalo

Sololaki

Food & Dining

Tbilisi's culinary scene perfectly balances traditional Georgian cuisine with modern interpretations and international options. The city is famous for its hearty dishes like khinkali (soup dumplings), various types of khachapuri (cheese bread), and grilled meats paired with Georgian wine. Traditional restaurants called 'sakhli' offer authentic experiences with live music and folk dancing, while modern establishments in Vera and Vake districts serve contemporary Georgian fusion cuisine. Don't miss trying churchkhela (Georgian snickers), badrijani (eggplant rolls), and the famous Georgian feast tradition called 'supra.' Street food is excellent and safe, with khachapuri vendors throughout the city offering quick, delicious meals for under 5 GEL. Wine bars and craft beer pubs have flourished in recent years, particularly around Agmashenebeli Avenue and the Old Town area.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tbilisi is during late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild, ranging from 15-25°C, and rainfall is minimal. These seasons offer perfect weather for walking tours, outdoor dining, and sightseeing without the intense summer heat or winter cold. Summer (June-August) can be quite hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C, though this is ideal for enjoying the sulfur baths and evening activities. Winter (December-February) is generally mild compared to other regions, with occasional snow and temperatures around 0-10°C, making it a cozy time to enjoy indoor cultural activities like opera performances and traditional Georgian feasts in warm restaurants.

Insider Tips

Learn the Georgian toast tradition - at formal dinners, wait for the tamada (toastmaster) to make toasts and try to drain your glass completely as a sign of respect

Many museums and attractions are closed on Mondays, so plan your cultural visits for Tuesday through Sunday

Georgian people are incredibly hospitable - don't be surprised if locals invite you for tea or dinner, and small gifts from your home country are always appreciated as gestures of friendship

Things to Do in Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre