Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Tbilisi, settle in, and take a gentle introductory stroll through the historic heart of the city.
Morning
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). Take a taxi or airport shuttle to your accommodation in the
Old Town. Settle in, exchange currency, and get your bearings.
2-3 hours
$20-30 (taxi)
Use official airport taxis or Bolt/Yandex app for best rates.
Lunch
Puris Sakhli (Bread House)
Traditional Georgian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Wander the cobbled streets of Old Tbilisi. Pass by the Anchiskhati Basilica, see the
clock tower of the Gabriadze Theater, and admire the colorful, wooden-balconied houses. Get lost in the charming lanes without a strict agenda.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Dinner with a view
Dine at 'Funicular Restaurant Complex' (take the funicular up Mtatsminda) or find a cozy spot in
Old Town like 'Keto and Kote' for a classic meal.
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Tbilisi (Near Freedom Square or Leselidze Street) (Boutique hotel or guesthouse)
You are in central the historic district, within walking distance of major sights for your first days.
Buy a local SIM card (Magti or Geocell) at the airport for easy navigation and ride-hailing.
Day 1 Budget: $80
Ascend to the city's iconic fortress, visit its most sacred church, and enjoy panoramic views from the city's highest peak.
Morning
Narikala Fortress & Mother of Georgia
Take the cable car from Rike Park across the Mtkvari River up to the Narikala Fortress. Explore the ancient walls for impressive city views. Walk to the giant 'Kartlis Deda' (Mother of Georgia) statue. Descend on foot through the botanical garden or by cable car.
3 hours
$2.5 (cable car one-way)
Buy a rechargeable 'Metromoney' card for cable car and metro.
Lunch
Salobie Bia
Georgian (famous for beans and lobio)
Budget
Afternoon
Metekhi Church & Sulfur Bath District
Walk to the historic Metekhi Church, perched on a cliff overlooking the river. Then, explore the Abanotubani (sulfur bath district). Admire the distinctive brick dome architecture and consider booking a bath for later in the week.
2 hours
$0
Evening
Mtatsminda Park & Funicular
Take the historic funicular railway up to Mtatsminda Park. Enjoy the amusement park, walk to the
TV tower, and have dinner with a spectacular night-time city view.
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Tbilisi (Boutique hotel or guesthouse)
Central location makes returning from Mtatsminda easy.
Visit Narikala early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds at the cable car.
Day 2 Budget: $70
Discover Tbilisi's grand main avenue, its museums, and the hipster vibe of the Vera district.
Morning
Stroll down Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's main thoroughfare. See the Opera House, Parliament, and various theaters. Visit the Georgian
National Museum to see the impressive Gold Treasury from ancient Colchis.
3-4 hours
$7 (museum entry)
Check museum opening days (often closed on Mondays).
Lunch
Klike's Khinkali
Georgian (specializing in khinkali)
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Vera District
Wander into the leafy, hilly Vera neighborhood. Explore its charming, crumbling Art Nouveau architecture, boutique shops, and cafes. Visit the 'Chronicle of Georgia' monument (a short taxi ride away) for impressive, monolithic views.
3 hours
$5-10 (taxi to Chronicle)
Evening
Wine Bar Evening in Vera
Enjoy Georgian natural wines at 'Vino Underground' or 'G.Vino' in Vera, followed by dinner at a modern Georgian restaurant like 'Cafe Littera' in the Writers' House.
Where to Stay Tonight
Vera or Old Town (Guesthouse or design hotel)
Staying in Vera has a more residential, trendy feel close to evening venues.
The 'Chronicle of Georgia' is best visited in the late afternoon for golden hour light.
Day 3 Budget: $85
Immerse in local market life, hunt for Soviet antiques, and explore the emerging Marjanishvili district.
Morning
Dezerter Bazaar
Dive into the sensory overload of Tbilisi's largest market. Explore endless stalls of fresh produce, spices, churchkhela (candle-shaped candy), cheese, and more. It's a photographer's great destination and a true local experience.
2-3 hours
$0 (plus any purchases)
Go early for the best atmosphere and produce.
Lunch
Market snacks or nearby 'Racha' for simple, delicious Georgian fare.
Georgian
Budget
Afternoon
Dry Bridge Market & Marjanishvili
Browse the famous flea market at Dry Bridge for Soviet memorabilia, antiques, paintings, and jewelry. Then, walk into the Marjanishvili neighborhood, known for its eclectic architecture, hip cafes, and the Great Synagogue.
3 hours
$0 (plus any purchases)
Haggling is expected at Dry Bridge.
Evening
Dinner in a Caravanserai
Have dinner at 'Caravanserai' restaurant, located in a historic merchant's inn, offering traditional food and live folk music.
Where to Stay Tonight
Marjanishvili or Old Town (Boutique hotel or apartment)
Marjanishvili is a energetic, up-and-coming area with great dining options.
At Dezerter Bazaar, try 'ponchiki' (fresh Russian doughnuts) from the vendors near the entrance.
Day 4 Budget: $65
Indulge in a famous sulfur bath experience and look closer into the city's history.
Morning
Tbilisi Sulfur Bath Experience
Book a session at one of the iconic bathhouses in Abanotubani. Options range from public sections to private rooms with scrub and massage. The warm, sulfuric water is a classic Tbilisi ritual for relaxation.
1.5-2 hours
$20-50 (for a private room)
Book a private room in advance at places like 'Gulo's Bath' or 'Royal Bath'.
Lunch
Old City Wall
Georgian with a modern twist
Mid-range
Afternoon
Sioni Cathedral & Tbilisi History Museum
Visit the Sioni Cathedral, home to the sacred St. Nino's vine cross. Then, explore the excellent Tbilisi History Museum (in the Caravanserai building) to understand the city's development from ancient times through the Soviet era.
2-3 hours
$5 (museum entry)
Evening
Leisvre Dinner in Chugureti
Head to the Chugureti district for dinner at 'Azarphesha', a cozy restaurant in a traditional house with a lovely courtyard.
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Tbilisi (Boutique hotel or guesthouse)
Perfect for returning relaxed from the baths and being central for evening plans.
Bring a dark-colored swimsuit to the sulfur baths, as the minerals can discolor light fabric.
Day 5 Budget: $90
Contrast Tbilisi's ultra-modern structures with a peaceful escape to a green city lake.
Morning
Rike Park & Peace Bridge
Walk across the futuristic, glass-and-steel Peace Bridge to Rike Park. See the whimsical, tubular Concert Hall and the Exhibition Hall. Take the aerial tramway back up to Narikala if you missed it earlier.
2 hours
$0
Great for photos early in the morning when it's less crowded.
Lunch
Vake Park area - 'Cafe Canape' or 'Rico' for European/Georgian fusion.
European/Georgian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Turtle Lake (Kus Tba)
Take a taxi or a funicular from Vake Park up to Turtle Lake, a recreational area popular with locals. Walk the shaded paths around the lake, rent a paddle boat, or simply enjoy a coffee at a lakeside cafe.
3-4 hours
$5-10 (transport & activities)
The funicular operates seasonally; taxis are a reliable alternative.
Evening
Dinner in Vake
Stay in the upscale Vake district for dinner at 'Keto and Kote' or 'Shemomechama' for sophisticated Georgian cuisine.
Where to Stay Tonight
Vake (Hotel or apartment)
Vake is greener and more residential, offering a different side of Tbilisi and proximity to Turtle Lake.
Combine your visit to Turtle Lake with a walk in the vast Vake Park beforehand.
Day 6 Budget: $75
A short trip to Georgia's spiritual heart, visiting its most significant UNESCO-listed churches.
Morning
Jvari Monastery
Take a marshrutka (minibus) or taxi to Mtskheta. First, visit the 6th-century Jvari Monastery, perched on a hill with a impressive panoramic view of the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
3 hours (including travel)
$10-15 (round-trip marshrutka/taxi)
Marshrutkas leave from Didube station. Taxis for a half-day are ~$30.
Lunch
Salobie in Mtskheta
Traditional Georgian
Budget
Afternoon
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Explore the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the spiritual center of Georgia and a UNESCO site. See its beautiful frescoes and the legendary burial site of Christ's robe. Also stroll through the charming old streets of Mtskheta town.
2-3 hours
$0
Dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees) for entering churches.
Evening
Return to Tbilisi & Casual Dinner
Return to Tbilisi. For a low-key evening, enjoy street food-style khinkali at a place like 'Khinkali House' on Rustaveli.
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Tbilisi or Vera (Hotel or guesthouse)
Returning to a central base after a day of exploration is convenient.
For the best photos of Jvari and the river confluence, bring a zoom lens.
Day 7 Budget: $60
Focus on Tbilisi's creative side, from fine arts to street art and designer boutiques.
Morning
Museum of Fine Arts & Art Palace
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts for its superb collection of Georgian medieval cloisonné enamel, icons, and paintings. Alternatively, explore the impressively ornate Georgian
National Museum - Art Palace of Georgia, housed in a former seminary.
2-3 hours
$5-7 (museum entry)
The Art Palace is a bit off-center but worth it for the building alone.
Lunch
Fabrika courtyard - multiple options like 'Kala' or 'Dublin'.
International/Georgian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Fabrika & Street Art Tour
Spend time at Fabrika, a former sewing factory transformed into a multi-functional urban space with hostels, cafes, shops, and galleries. Then, take a self-guided walk around the Marjanishvili area to find impressive street art murals.
3 hours
$0 (plus coffee/shopping)
Pick up a street art map from Fabrika or a tourist info center.
Evening
Live Music & Dinner
Enjoy live jazz or Georgian folk music at 'Bassiani' (check events) or 'Cafe Gallery'. Have dinner at 'Shavi Lomi' for creative Georgian dishes in a hidden garden.
Where to Stay Tonight
Marjanishvili or near Fabrika (Design hostel or hotel)
Perfect for experiencing Tbilisi's hipster and creative scene.
Fabrika's courtyard is a great place to people-watch and connect with fellow travelers.
Day 8 Budget: $70
Dedicate a day to understanding and tasting Georgian cuisine and wine through a hands-on experience.
Morning
Georgian Cooking Class
Join a cooking class to learn the secrets of khinkali, khachapuri, and other Georgian staples. Classes often include a visit to a local market to select ingredients.
4-5 hours
$50-70
Book in advance through platforms like Airbnb Experiences or local companies like 'Culinary Studio'.
Lunch
The feast you cooked yourself!
Georgian
Included
Afternoon
Wine Tasting at a City Wine Bar
Visit a specialized wine bar for a guided tasting of Georgian wines, focusing on the unique qvevri (clay vessel) method. Learn about different regions like Kakheti and local grape varieties such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli.
2 hours
$20-30
Book a tasting at 'Vino Underground', 'G.Vino', or '8000 Vintages'.
Evening
Supra (Feast) Experience
Attend a traditional supra (feast) with a local family or at a restaurant like 'In the Shadow of Metekhi' for a long, multi-course meal with a tamada (toastmaster).
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Tbilisi or Vera (Hotel or guesthouse)
Central location to return to after a filling day of food and wine.
Pace yourself during the supra; toasts are frequent and the wine flows freely!
Day 9 Budget: $120
Explore the elegant, decaying Sololaki district and areas associated with famous Georgian writers.
Morning
Sololaki District Walk
Take a guided or self-guided walking tour of Sololaki, the 19th-century aristocratic district. Discover hidden courtyards, grand staircases, and ornate but faded Art Nouveau buildings. Look for the 'Tbilisi Courtyards' project signs.
2-3 hours
$0 (or ~$20 for a guided tour)
Find a walking tour map online or at the tourist information center.
Lunch
Ezo
Homestyle Georgian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Kashveti Church & Galleries
Visit the Kashveti Church on Rustaveli. Then, explore some of the small art galleries in the area, like the Gallery 27 or the Tbilisi Photography & Multimedia Museum.
2 hours
$0-5 (donation)
Evening
Dinner at a Literary Cafe
Dine at the historic 'Cafe Littera' in the Writers' House of Georgia, or at the more casual 'Lolita' in Vera.
Where to Stay Tonight
Sololaki or Vera (Boutique hotel in a historic building)
To fully immerse in the atmosphere of the old aristocratic neighborhood.
In Sololaki, don't be shy to peek into open courtyard gates—you'll discover beautiful, quiet worlds.
Day 10 Budget: $80
A slower day enjoying Tbilisi's green spaces, with an option for an ethnographic look at.
Morning
National Botanical Garden
Explore the lush National Botanical Garden of Georgia at the base of Narikala Fortress. Walk through forests, see waterfalls, and visit the historic garden areas. It's a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
2-3 hours
$3
Enter from the bottom near the baths, or from the top near Narikala.
Lunch
Picnic in the garden or lunch at a cafe in nearby Legvtakhevi gorge.
Cafe/Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Option A: Tbilisi Open Air Museum
Take a taxi to this vast museum on a hillside. It has authentic, relocated historical buildings from all over Georgia, offering a fascinating glimpse into regional architecture and life.
3-4 hours (including travel)
$7 (entry) + $10 taxi
Wear comfortable shoes; the museum site is large and hilly.
Evening
Leisurely Dinner
Choose a restaurant with a garden or terrace, such as 'Barbarestan' (requires advance booking) or 'Vegan Cafe' for a plant-based Georgian experience.
Where to Stay Tonight
Vake or Saburtalo (Hotel or apartment)
Saburtalo is closer to the Open Air Museum and has a more local, modern neighborhood feel.
For a simpler afternoon, skip the museum and just relax at a park-side cafe in Vake.
Day 11 Budget: $70
Seek out monumental art, visit a unique puppet theater, and enjoy an evening performance.
Morning
Chronicle of Georgia & Holy Trinity Church
If you haven't already, visit the monumental 'Chronicle of Georgia' (also called the Georgian Stonehenge). Then, see the impressively large Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral, the main cathedral of Georgia.
3 hours
$10-15 (taxi)
Combine these two sights as they are in the same general direction from the center.
Lunch
Near Sameba - 'Maspindzelo' offers traditional food.
Georgian
Budget
Afternoon
Rezo Gabriadze Theater & Betlemi Street
Admire the leaning
clock tower of the Gabriadze Theater, which puts on a short puppet show on the hour. Explore the artisan shops and wine bars on historic Betlemi Street.
2 hours
$0 (exterior viewing)
Book tickets in advance if you wish to see a puppet show.
Evening
Theater or Opera Performance
Catch a show at the impressive Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Gabriadze Theater, or the Marjanishvili Theater. Check schedules in advance.
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Tbilisi (Boutique hotel or guesthouse)
Close to the theaters and evening cultural venues.
The best view of Sameba Cathedral is from the park across the river.
Day 12 Budget: $85
A flexible day to revisit favorite spots, shop for souvenirs, or discover hidden corners you missed.
Morning
Optional Activity 1: Shopping for Souvenirs
Visit the Meidan Bazaar underground shops for traditional crafts, wine horns, and jewelry. Or explore modern design stores like 'Data' or 'Tbilisi Project' for contemporary Georgian products.
2-3 hours
Variable
Lunch
Your choice! Revisit a favorite or try a highly-rated spot you missed.
Any
Variable
Afternoon
Optional Activity 2: Relax or Explore
Choose to relax in a cafe with a book, take a final stroll through the
Old Town, visit a museum you skipped, or take a taxi to the Tbilisi Sea reservoir for a different perspective.
Flexible
Variable
Evening
Farewell Feast
Splurge on a memorable final dinner at a top restaurant like 'Barbarestan' (book well ahead), 'Poliphonia', or 'Shavi Lomi'.
Where to Stay Tonight
Your chosen base (Hotel or guesthouse)
Stay where you feel most comfortable for your last night.
Use this day to buy any wine you want to take home; shops can help with packing.
Day 13 Budget: $100
Enjoy a final Georgian coffee, pick up last souvenirs, and depart for the airport.
Morning
Last-Minute Souvenirs & Coffee
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely morning. Have a final Georgian coffee at a favorite cafe like 'Linville' or 'Coffee LAB'. Pick up some churchkhela or spices from the Dry Bridge market or a local shop.
2 hours
$10-20
Confirm airport transfer time with your hotel.
Lunch
A quick last plate of khinkali near your hotel.
Georgian
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to Airport
Check out of your accommodation and take a pre-arranged taxi, Bolt/Yandex, or airport shuttle to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) for your departure flight.
1 hour (travel)
$20-30
Allow plenty of time for traffic, during rush hour.
Evening
Departure
Flight departure from TBS.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Leave some extra space in your luggage for souvenirs and wine!
Day 14 Budget: $50