Things to Do in Sulfur Baths District (Abanotubani)

Sulfur Baths District (Abanotubani) sits in the heart of Tbilisi's Old Town, where natural hot springs have been drawing visitors for over 1,500 years. The neighborhood gets its name from the distinctive sulfuric smell that wafts through the narrow cobblestone streets, emanating from the thermal waters that bubble up from deep underground. You'll find a collection of traditional brick bathhouses with characteristic domed roofs, some dating back centuries, nestled into the hillside below Narikala Fortress. The area has this wonderfully timeless quality - locals still come here for their weekly soak just as their grandparents did, while the surrounding streets buzz with small cafes, carpet shops, and the kind of authentic Georgian life that feels increasingly rare in modern Tbilisi.

The dining scene around the sulfur baths leans heavily toward traditional Georgian cuisine, which makes sense given the neighborhood's historic character. You'll find family-run restaurants serving generous portions of khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), mtsvadi (grilled meat), and other Georgian staples, often accompanied by excellent local wines. The area has a good mix of tourist-friendly spots with English menus and more authentic local places where pointing and smiling might be your best communication strategy. Prices are generally reasonable, and the traditional Georgian hospitality means you're likely to leave feeling like you've been adopted by the family running the place.

The sulfur baths are actually wonderful year-round since you're soaking in naturally hot water regardless of the weather outside. That said, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the surrounding streets and climbing up to Narikala Fortress. Summer can be quite hot and humid, which actually makes the contrast of the cool morning air and hot sulfur water more dramatic. Winter visits have their own charm - there's something magical about soaking in steaming hot springs while snow might be falling outside, and you'll have the area mostly to yourself.